Thomas Perry and his children (see "The Man Who Loved God And Rocks") were all prolific letter writers, especially when they became quite scattered over England, and then emigrated to SA. The originals of these letters finished up in many hands, but have been collected and placed with the SA State Library Archives.
They are included here in two parts - TRANSCRIPTS (as MS Word files), and IMAGES (as .JPG files) of transcripts.
These are the transcript files. The filenames are as YYYY_MM_DD. Some parts are missing or unclear due to the condition of the originals.
NOTE - Anything that looks odd in the formatting of the text is mostly due to this crap software that Google uses, which hates anyone copy and pasting in from MS Word !!
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Birmingham June
24 1841
Dear Son Alfred
Dear Son Alfred
It is now a very long time since I last wrote thee
& cannot but feel myself very blame able at having deferred it so long,
altho' many things have occurred from time to time to put it off, yet cant
truly say I have for months past been very uneasy and angry with myself for not
breaking through all hindering things - sometimes I have thought thou would
conclude I had forgotten or had forsaken thee, but no, I can assure thee none
of these things is the fact with any of us.
I have often deeply regretted thou should be so far
separated from us, the length of time letters are on their passage & other
uncertainties makes it difficult to know how to act, on the other hand I cannot
well blame thee for wishing to see other parts of the globe than thy native
land.
South Australia of Australia was highly spoken of
& praised but I think it has not turned out to be that good land it was
represented to be, altho' it may in future years be a desirable place to
emigrate to.
Since I wrote last I think we have rec'd two letters
from thee, one by the Stewart Forbes and one since dated August 20th 1840, also
several Newspapers, the last dated January 2nd of this year, directed to Kennet
Side (?), by which I judge thou would receive my letter written from thence.
Thou mentions having wiritten to John & Edward, but I don't think they have
rec'd any, at least I have not heard of it - John has I believe written twice
& Margaret once, whether Lucy or Edward have I don't know.
Ted is all bustle & drive as he used to be &
does not give himself time to attend much to letter writing to perhaps any one,
But I can assure thee he is anxious for thy welfare, & never omits enquiry
at every opportunity "have you heard further from Alfred, I very much want
to know how he is getting on".
If thou has rec'd John's or Margarets letters they
would of course inform that Edward united in wedlock to Louisa Bartlett on the
8th of last Sept, thy Birthday, I went up to the Bartletts cottage & dined
with them & we all assembled in the evening & spent it comfortably.
Since then I have been told they are very happy
& comfortable in each other altho' Edward has been shifted about in his
employ a good deal,. I was always sorry he left the Great Western Line to work
under Simpson at Andover & other parts, I am very sorry to say they managed
to cheat him or something like it, I have heard there is some 20£ due to him
which he cannot get; he left that work last Xmas & was soon sent down by Mr
Owen to near Chippenham to superintend laying the permanent rails, Louisa is
with him.
The Western Line is now open to Chippenham and
branch to Cirincester, of this I believe to be continued through Cheltenham to
Gloucester, there is now Railroad open from Birmingham through Worcester to
Gloucester so that soon Bristol will be connected with Birmingham to Liverpool,
Manchester & up to Carlisle thence to Glasgow to Edinburgh.
I had a letter from Edward yesterday to inform me he
has just been removed to Corsham a village one end of the Box Tunnel - he is
superintending the laying of permanent rails under Mr Owen. The Company are
very desirous to open the line all the way to Bristol in a week or two, it has
been open from Bath to Bristol sometime.
I must say the Western Line of Railway exceeds all
others that I have seen, and I lately saw in a newspaper that above two million
of passengers had travelled on it without an accident to any of them.
Edward says where shall I go when this is done; I
would have him stick to Mr Owen he will be safe for some time to come - the
Bristol & Exeter Line is progressing. It is open to Bridgewater...
...house at 110£ per year but that would not do to
engage one at that rate else it was a good situation above Barn. We then took
Packet to the Island & seaside over Cowes and Newport, but nothing suitable
to be met with, that we returned somewhat disappointed.
Our old neighbour Wilkinson seems to have got a nice
trade a little below bar (?). Southampton is an improving place, larger docks
are being formed near the mouth of the Stoken (?) River, & Government have
appointed the Mediterranean Steam Packets to Alexandria & other parts sail
to and from there.
Afterwards Birmingham was proposed & talked of
& James had money owing him at Leamington, it was agreed I should take a
journey down, call at Islington (?) & go on & confer with William
Langley and Henry Renway who had applied to James & me to be supplied
wholesale, I accordingly did, Mr Langley thought there was quite a chance of
succeeding & Renway said said he could take as many as we could make.
I was at Williams a weekening arose (?) part of the
time very poorly with a cold & cough going down.
On the whole I was well satisfied that a good
business might be cut out & wrote to GE White who came down after consulting
further and looking about, he engaged a house near the Five Ways Gates, that
part being recommended in preference to the great business streets of the town.
We have a good shop, sitting room behind, spacious
cellars, 4 good rooms upstairs & 2 attics, the Landlaord to put a roof over
the yard for a bakehouse for 31£ a year, we to build the oven and move the
privy.
That much being arranged I returned to Reading with
GEW to prepare and pack up for removal. The cold weather had set in & I did
not recover from the cold. I took in Warwickshire 'till end of Nov', when I
took a final leave of Reading, leaving Charles & Margaret to put our goods
on Bloxham's Boat, they staid near two weeks after me, went through the wedding
ceremony & reached Birmingham on the 7th December.
The landlord had not begun the roof over the yard,
but waited for the oven being built first & before that could be finished
the weather set in most severe frost & snow, which delayed our work that we
did not get ready to bake 'till beginning of February, nor open shop until
20th.
The shop taking a long time to fit up, paint &
etc - for some weeks after we opened our retail trade was very dull and
discouraging me at first a good deal & had I foreseen it, should have been
afraid of commencing at all, our prospect of wholesale trade was quite cut off
owing to Renway wanting them on the lower figure than Charles & Margaret
thought they could be delivered at, therefore it was altogether declined.
Then again Birmingham had been supplied for some
time with Carr's biscuits detailed by the grocer in canisters (?) of 2nd &
4th each - they had a consideration.
However notwithstanding all these obstacles after a
while our shop relocated the notice of the Gentry living near us, we began by
degrees to get known and encouraged, that we found business gradually to
increase & I have no doubt whatever but in time a very pretty trade will be
got together & will afford a comfortable living & we find on the
increase every week.
Beside biscuits Charles bakes a small quantity of
bread & rolls hithertoo (?) they may have been able to pay money for sugar,
butter & after & only owe their miller here for 3 bags of flour about
6/- They tried 8 (?) of H Simons from
Reading, ...
Whites, which W'm GEW is to stand in the gap for as
well as Carpenters & Painters bills and some other fittings from another
person besides these, all other matters have been met & discharged, all the
Iron Work for the oven also the bricks & building the same all paid, that
it is clear if they are be not doing a large stroke of business, they are doing
it safely and without risk.
They have to let off two rooms to a lady with her
servant, she comes from Walsall to be under the care of a doctor for recovery
of her sight.
We keep no female servants, but do the work of the
house amongst us, that I don't see how things can be better managed. I mention
these particulars that thou may have a full understanding how we are getting
along.
About 3 months ago Mrs White came to see her son
& the situation, accompanied by thy sister Lucy & faithful dog Dash who
was most delighted so unexpectedly to meet with Charles, Margaret and myself
& very happily tallied (?) up his abode with us, he runs in & out at
his pleasure but seldom wanders far from home.
When Duke Street house became deserted by our family
he was the last to leave it & then seemed to wander about Reading not
knowing where to go, that when Mrs White & Lucy came they both took pity on
him & paid for his carriage down.
They had some trouble with him as he would not let
any one manage him but Lucy, he was tied on the top of their carriage &
came safely & when he saw us at the station let the porter untie him &
help him down.
I am sorry to say Mrs Whites health has for some
time been indifferent, we have been afraid her general constitution is giving
way- her doctor says it is more on her mind than anything else, whether she
frets because Charles is far from her I cannot tell but oftentimes has severe
attacks.
I mentioned Carr's Biscuits sold here; he is a large
manufacturer living at Carlisle, and I am told he employs as many as 50 hands,
and makes an enormous quantity by machinery he supplies most all the larger
towns in the North of England & Midland Counties, they are packed in tin cannisters
& sold by grocers & others.
I have been told his Liverpool agent takes several
thousand pounds worth a year - are retailed at 1/2p ea (?), they are most like
our Jamaica, of different shape, not so good. I think he uses almond at least
they have that appearance.
Now regards myself, having now lived at Birmingham
about 7months, I must say I like the place much better than Reading, indeed
latterley I get quite to dislike Reading. I had lived there more 20 years &
tried earnestly to get a comfortable livelihood & to pay everyone, but that
to me seemed not attainable.
Here the case is different, I came without having
any anxiety about myself except that I possessed no property, and since the
warm Spring weather set in I have my health exceeding well, don't think I have
been so well for some years, except I take cold I feel to have no complaint,
and where we live is quite an elevated part, free from the smoke & dirt of
the poorer parts of the town.
We ca (?) 1/14 miles from the Bull Ring & same
distance from Friends Meeting, more to Mr Langley's & Railway Station;
Charles and I walked over to Dudley which we much enjoyed, and once since I
have walked over to the Sickey Hills to see the Quartz Rocks which have been
thrown up by Volcanic action.
They are connected with the same event that has
thrown up the Limestone of Dudley & Walsal & the Soap Rocks of Rowley,
and also the Malverns & many others in this part of England are believed to
have been formed about period of time, I was much gratified & intend visiting
them again, they are about 8 miles off.
By accident I got introduced to the curator of the
Philosophical Institution here which is conducted with great spirit &
interest. I was invited to see their Geological Collection which is exceeding
large & the best arranged of any I had ever seen, especially of the older
Rocks. I was pleased to find this part of science so earnestly taken up, that I
concluded to make them a present of the best specimens of mine out of the
London & Plastic (?) Clay, the Chalk of Green Sand, which has highly
pleased some of the Managers that they have presented me with a card of thanks,
with a Liberty to attend all lectures & go to the rooms to read.
This I esteem quite a privilege. I have had several
long conversations with the Curator and others respecting the Gravel beds of
the Valley of the Thames, those of Bagshot Heath and also of the Sarson Stones
of the Chalk Downs, & I was urged to write a paper on the subject &
read it before one of their meetings.
This I have done accompanying it with such specimens
as I had by me. It excited considerable interest being about Strata move (?) of
a distance from them.
Their meetings take place once a month, a paper is
read one evening and discussed next meeting where the thing is thoroughly
canvassed. I read my paper at the May meeting, it was discussed at the June
meeting but could not be got through with & was adjourned till the July
meeting. One gentleman maintains the Sarsons & Bagshot Sands to be part of
the Green Sand formation lying under the chalk, that by some convulsion
positions of it was thrown on the Chalk or afterwards & the chalk to be
uplifted by volcanic action.
I could not agree to this as there is no evidence to
prove the chalk to have been moved, especially for so long an extend as from
Cambridge into Dorsetshire. I enjoyed the debate.
I was treated very respectfully by all & was
elated a corresponding member without experience. All this quite teaches (?) me
& it is a pleasing recreation of spending an hour - and sometimes at home I
get an hour to attend stone polishing. I have my machine fixed up in my
bedroom.
Now I must tell thee about thy old friend W Langley,
when I first arrived in Birmingham he was truly glad to see me & full of
enquiry about thee, he said he did fully depend on thy paying him a visit
before thy departure. There was many things he wanted to say, and he certainly
should not have parted with thee with a strong mark of friendship.
I showed him all thy letters, and in conversation he
told me he had serious thoughts about emigrating to Canada, by his drug
business at Dale End he had able to do much for all the family, but he told me
they being so numerous, of all (?) in degree bearing on it he had found it too
much, and it had been at length concluded to separate for a time, that George
& himself with James should go first leaving Alfred at Dale End under the
firm of William Langley, & if they succeeded then the rest should follow,
that is, their Mother, two sisters with Alfred, Charles & Edward.
Henry has left the army & is in Birmingham but
Thomas I believe has not been heard of for some years. Thus arranged a
relation, a first cousin of Mrs Langley at (?) Scotia was wrote to stating
their intention, who returned an answer very encouragingly & strongly
pressed them to take up abode with him until they could fix to their mind,
& advised they should go over prepared to enter into the drug trade &
also a store for Birmingham Manufacturers generally and afterwards they might
if they wished engage in land or otherwise.
They sailed from Liverpool on the 26th March, and
had a comfortable& pleasant but rough voyage of 41 days when they landed
safely with all their goods, which were no little, and had a most kind
reception from their relations. They mention the country as being very pleasant
& delightful, provisions plentiful & cheap & house rent very
reasonable they of course wrote soon after arrival, but as far as can be seen
their prospects were very bright.
Mr Cornforth was here yesterday for biscuits &
told me they met with further encouragement as by letter from George Fardon -
suppose the rest may follow in course of next year.
Mrs Langley told me some time ago it was a great and
mountainous undertaking & seemed at times more than she could bear, she with
Ann (who has some employ) & also Edward who has just school lives with
Alfred at Dales End.
I often call upon them but I very much miss William,
I have not heard what the Dale End business is to be done with when they leave.
Thou will be sorry to hear that our old & kind friend Mary Whiting has
lately had a fit of apoplexy & and that lies in a very poor state with
little probability of her regaining her former health.
When she drops off I expect her two daughters Ann
& Hannah may leave Reading - also John Tutty was suddenly carried off with
something of every ........ (?) isn't a few weeks since many other deaths in
and about Reading. Johnheble (?) Edgar, Ed Vines the elder his son Edward has removed to Caversham next the
Church, B Simonds gone into Hampshire, the Post Office is removed to Vines
house Bessie Street and C Gray Jun'r
appointed Post Master in room of Miss Whaite who is married to J Willatts,
Thom's Morris's son William appointed clerk at the post office, thus many
changes take place.
Now as to the political state of England I will say
a few words, the general trade of both the Manufacturing & Agricultural
districts, has been for the last 2 years gradually getting worse which has
occasioned great distress both to Masters & among the Workmen, as to the
latter it has been greater than ever and the Revenue to Government has so far
fell off as to occasion (?) very great alarm among the great folks, that
Ministers have at length discovered that something must now be done in earnest
to relieve the whole.
To lay fresh taxes
on was useless, they could not be collected, to tax the property of the
great ones they could not carry it through Lords, and they have concluded to
take off taxes on sugar, timber and corn and also to approach to something like
a free ....... (?) ; when this was announced the Tories up & opposing them
in every way, that they determined to dissolve parliament & see if they can get a stronger house
if they can, we shall certainly have a little relief.
Elections begin next week , the country is all
aroused from one end to the other & seem determined to return Liberal
members an as ...... (?) if possible; I now hope something will be done.
The Chartists remain a strong body in most places,
& have quietly been uniting their body together & seem determined not
to go on in this way as have been the case.
Serge' Talford & Fr Palmer don't stand again in
Reading, two strangers I don't know who, have offered on the liberal interest.
Ch'les Russell& another of the Tory - Lord J Russell is invited to the City
of London, Lord Palmerston to Liverpool. John Hume ....... (?) G Muntz
& Scholz (?)
I expect will come up in Birm'ghm & many more great alterations - if they don't get a
house strong enough, what then.
S & Rob'n Peek cannot carry on Government
without money & a falling revenue- they are nearly 8 millions behind - now
many think if Trade with other nations be not thrown open, the Nation cannot go
on in the state it has been for some time past - the Loan Masters are in great
distress, prices are so low & they have reduced the workmen of Colliess
down to a very low price ...
Since I last wrote thee our family has been much
broken up and scattered perhaps never more to be much together.
I will describe our different movements, lest thou
should not get all the letters that have been sent to thee, I hope thou would
get those from John, if so he would be able to tell more of his future
prospects than I can. I have often been very glad that he is with our mutual
friend S (Samuel?) Basher (?) they seem to suit each other, and altho' John has
plenty of hard work to get through yet they seem to live very live very happy
and comfortable together.
They both told me they quite enjoyed their home; I
have been much concerned that to observe that Samuels' health was much giving
way at one time, it was feared that he would soon follow his Brother Alfred
into the Grace, but the last account I heard was more favourable - he had been
to the seaside for a week or two by which he was recovered. Jacob is (?) me
greater hopes Samuel would regain his health. Jacob came to Birmingham to meet
John Cadbury about putting up some machinery for him. He came down Whitsunday
& returned the next day so we had a good bit of his company, he is still in
Red Lion Street, looking well.
We were all glad to meet once more. John gets over
to see Henry Deane sometimes, and took thy last letter for him to see. Indeed
he sees (?) all, Henry always felt great interest in thy welfare &
comfortably getting along, & I am informed he is building up a very nice
businees at Camberwell Green.
I much wished to go to see him as I passed through
London; but being Winter time and not very well I was afraid to go about
London, also I wished to see S Reynolds at Peckham.
I must say a little with respect to thy sister Lucy
& James, & as connected with our old business in Duke Street; thou very
well knows it was at one time a pretty little concern, I am fully persuaded
James might have increased it & have made a nice concern of it after he got
it into his own hands, if he had paid proper and tradesman-like attention.
His friends assured him he should not want for
capital & John Smith would have given him credit for any reasonable amount
& I know Lucy strove after their marriage to bring the thing about, and as
long as Charles was in the Bakehouse the shop was pretty well supplied, but at
length he was hastily dismissed & James so grievously mismanaged &
neglected that customers could not get supplied, & one after another left them,
that the trade dwindled down to a low ebb.
The prospect of their state and future destiny,
affected Lucy's health & spirits very much & she was a good deal at our
house for change; & the day before Edward's marriage James had a fall at a
cricket match & broke the small bone of his leg, he called it a bad strain
& did not apply to the Doctor for some days.
This confined him up stairs near 6 weeks. At length
things got about so bad he was obliged to write his father & desire he
would come and inspect into his affairs and the latter end of November father
and mother arrived, I was that afternoon taking tea in Duke Street with Lucy
before I started for London.
James was from home, Lucy was broken hearted at
loosing me and of the prospect of Margaret in a week or two this and the
prospect of things quite upset her. I did not then know his case was so bad as
it turned out to be, but the next day Daniel Puplett consulted Thomas Morris
and it was concluded to give an assignment over to Thomas Terry & Henry
Simmonds, this was done, the business was closed, Joseph & Mary appointed
as Solicitor and John Ford as Auctioneer & everything was sold off as soon
as they could be.
Things at the Bakehouse sold very low - our large
long trough about 10/-, stirring (?) trough 7/6 Beaker & (?) Cased about
7/- each & all other things almost given away. The brickwork of the ovens
in one lot & Iron Work another ...
I don't know what for the things in the house sold
better. I never heard what James' debts were, but believe the matter remains in
an unsettled state.
I have not heard of any dividends being paid. T T
Terry would not let D Puplett claim for money advanced, so how it will be
settled I cannot tell. After they left Drake Street James took lodgings in Horn
Street & went to work for Harry Hobbs for several weeks, and then was
engaged to take an inventory of the Stock and Effects of Mrs Botham at the
Pelican Inn, Newbury who was a Bankrupt. And he has been continued there 'till
this time & will remain until after the sale sometime next month.
Soon after James went to Newbury, Lucy gave up the
lodgings & came down to Birmingham to see us, which we were all very glad
of & was a general comfort to her. She was here 6 weeks & was very
useful to thy sister Margaret in many ways. I was most pleased to have her as
not knowing when we may again meet; she left & went by Coach to Steventon
Station where James met her and took her to Newbury.
Since then she was invited to take up abode at the
Pelican, and when they leave there, they intend going directly down into Essex.
I believe not to Chelmsford but to Whitehead at Felstead Commons, and I further
hear with good satisfaction that James' friends intend putting him into a
little country shop at Felstead Village which will be at liberty about Michaelmas.
It is a little catering & other trade about a
mile from his Brother Wm Whitehead. I think the Rental is only 10 or 12£ a year
with comfortable house & good garden, if this can be done, I do sincerely
hope that James will turn over a new leaf and attend closely to business, with
every care & exertion to bring in a living; he will be more under the
notice & care of his own family who I trust will be a check against
unprofitable things.
Lucy's health now has been very 'ailing' at times
for many months which has at length ended in her being in the family way and is
looking to be confined in 3 months. I do hope they do well, I think his friends
will be kind to her, they have always shown a great partiality for her.
Now as regards thy sister Margaret and her marriage
with the old friend and acquaintance Charles Wickens, an account of which I
hope those will have been told from her own pen before this reaches, after
Charles left J Pupletts employ he of course was his Partner in said's G E
Whites', who have previously left his house in Castle Street, and moved into
the house & trade of his own Fathers' in Minster Street, where he now
carries on a very considerable trade, Mr White older having removed into a
small house in East Street and as regressed (?).
Charles hence arose a difficulty, he not inclining
to the Tailoring business and probably his mother might not like his leaving Reading to go as a servant,
therefore after a while it was proposed he should be put into business, and as
his & Margarets minds were made up if a suitable situation could be found,
they should marry & make (?) , as I
myself was asked if I would go & live with them, to which I consented.
Especially as Cox's situation was by no means, there
seemed a disposition in him rather than to impose on me as to time & hours
of business, requiring me to be on his premises often till nearly (?) at night,
& I did not like it unless I was better paid - therefore in looking out for
a suitable place.
Southhampton was thought of and George, Edward,
Charles & myself walked over to Baising (?) & then took the train but
could not meet with any thing suitable altho' we took great pains, we (?) ...
The day before Good Friday we unexpectedly had a
visit from thy Joshua and Louisa Appleby. They came by the train from
Manchester & departed next morning for Beskhampstead to see his Aunt, they
said thy Aunt was much better than she had been.
I let them see thy last letters, Joshua has a great
inclination to go out to Australia but he thinks more of Sydney than Adelaide
& to follow the Chandlery business which he was apprenticed to. He is now a
Traveller for Binmission (?) Co Manchester.
If they go thy Aunt intends to go also - I told them
it would be a great undertaking for her. I am engaged to pay them a visit in
the course of the Summer which will be a great pleasure to me.
We expect Mr E White down soon to see us it would be
after that. We have sent off Newspapers .......continue to do so as we get hold
of them ...
We were truly glad to receive the last letter &
to .......... health
...........improved from the account in the former one we much feared
knowing (?) and could not act - have it, and for thee to be taken off in a
foreign land away from all of us, was a thing hard to bear also were truly glad
thou had got into pretty comfortable employ, and judging from the Newspaper in
January we hoped thou would better bear the Summer heat, and yet often all we
do is hope to see thee again, and should thou arrive in London seek after John,
if at Liverpool come here.
Reading is now quite deserted by all our family. I
do most sincerely hope thy health continues to be good & that thou will be
apprised (?) to see old England again & perhaps to find her in a better
condition than she is now or has been.
Some time ago..............(?) failed & was
obliged ... to ...... Whitchurch (?) since then he has lost his wife, poor
Nancy died at the Mothers in London Street, and I hear that Rebecca Grimes at
Wallingford is dead about two months ago.
Dear Mrs Grimes had something of a brain fever last
Summer, he sadly gave to drink and died. Daniel & their trade dwindled -
her path in life was one of sorrow but she is gone. I hope to a happier (?).
Our old acquaintance Anthony Williams wrote me a
kind some weeks ago, ordering a cake for his wedding - his mother is still
alive. We have v (?) it offer . I told (?) it kind his remembering us.
We have just got a letter from Lucy, they leave
Newbury next week for Essex, she is but poorly at times. I shall be glad when they
get safe down and settled.
Edward has been very poorly obliged to be bled and
have leaches on his side, but he does not mention his complaints, I must now
conclude having exhausted my stock of news, with very dear Love and earnest
desire for thy welfare in every way in which I am fully united by Margaret
& Charles,
Thy affectionate father
Thos Perry
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham
11-9-1841 (Thomas to Alfred in SA)
Dear
Son Alfred,
It is
now about 3 months ago since I put a letter into our PO for the which I hope
could reach in course, that was the first I sent from hence altho' I had been
here more than ¼ a year which long silence I exceedingly blame myself for &
have taken a firm resolution not to he so negligent towards thee again. I then
gave a particular account of our removal from Reading, settling here, also of
James & Lucy giving up the biscuit trade there and of Edward and John.
Since then no letter has come to hand from thee, but Newspapers twice, the
first dated Jan 1st & one lately March 6th both 1841, these we have all
esteemed quite as treasures, as we take for granted thou was alive & well
at the time of sending off, & we further conclude, probably in thy old
employ & situation, thy last letter reced was dated 20th Aug 1840 ……[?]……
I must
now proceed to give thee a general account of us all, since my last, our
general health has been good, mine particularly so all the summer, now &
then I take cold, my lungs soon feel the effect, warmth suits, & I cant
help feeling a little anxiety at the coming winter, but hope I shall get
through it tolerably, I endeavour to be as simple as possible in my diet, so as
not to excite my complaint by that means; I continue to reside with thy Sister
Margaret & Charles, who are persuing the biscuit trade here with all the
earnestness they can, and I am very glad to say their business gradually altho’
slowly continues to increase, they are getting into good connection among the
wealthy families in a about Edgbaston, still we should like to have double to
do; The general Trade of Birmingham is now & has for a long time been
excessive bad & discouraging, which tends to preclude the Gentry from
spending more than they can help & just now many of the families are out at
watering places.
We have
lately had a visit from G. White who slipped down just to see the thing as it
is, he was here but little more than a day, but expressed himself pleased and
satisfied with the fittings up & whole appearance of the shop &
bakehouse etc. entertains great hope that it will ultimately be a good thing,
but requires perseverance until it has time to grow. He sells a considerable
quantity of biscuits at Reading for us, many of our old customers quite regret
the thing being given up there. I am very glad to say G.E. White has fully
stood in the gap for the whole of the outfit, as building the Oven, Carpenter,
Painter etc, and hitherto they have been able to pay for sugars butter etc as
they come in, they have had 3 or 4 fa[?] of flour of a friend here which with
20/- for coals is all they owe as trade debts, they do without a female servant
& keep all expenses down to the lowest figure that I cannot see what should
prevent their doing well after a while. I write this plainly that thou may see
& judge correctly. Mrs White’s health has been but very indifferent for a
long time, within these few weeks better, and we expect her down here soon for
a change of air etc. Thy Sister Lucy’s health has been very poorly for a long
time, thou would learn by my last letter that she was here some time and left
us to go to James at Newbury where they staid until after the sale of Mrs
Bothams effects near the end of July, and while there I am sorry to say she
miscarried with a still born infant and was in a very poor weak state. By
degrees she got to London and staid with thy Brother John & S. Barter a
week and then went down to Chelmsford and to Felstead to W. Whiteheads, we have
one letter from her from Essex, she was very poorly and low spirited at James
being out of employ altho’ I hope it may not be for long. I am often grieved
James acted so unwisely at Reading, he sees now where he missed it.
........[?]......
I must say I have lived very comfortable & happy here with Charles &
Margaret they are very kind to me, and I render what little assistance I can
for my board, giving them as little trouble as possible, I mend & wash my
own clothes except shirts, Margaret has enough to do with that, I mind shop,
write all their letters for them etc etc. Charles desires me to say how highly
it would gratify him if he could but see thee walk in and take pot luck with us
for a while. I need not add it would be a most gratifying thing to thy father –
I hope we may both live to meet again. I think to write again before the end of
the present year after I return from manchester& then send all the news I
can rake together, but now I must bid thee farewell with all our united Dear
Love which we assure we feel and often make thee the theme of our conversation
– remaining thy affectionate father
Thos Perry
[To] Afred Perry
Late of Reading
To be left at the Post Office
City of Adelaide
South Australia
Birmingham 15-10-1841 (Thomas to Lucy at Rayne)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham 15-10-1841 (Thomas to Lucy at Rayne)
Thy
very acceptable letter of 10th date came duly to hand and gave us all great
pleasure to learn thee and James are likely to be so comfortably settled again
and in a concern very likely to do exceeding well for you, at least I think so.
I have long esteemed those little country situations as affording more real
happiness and enjoyment of life, than I may say thousands of larger concerns in
populous towns, with less risk and if properly looked after, making every
advantage of a country spot tell, they generally lead to independent
circumstances though perhaps not to great riches.
We are
obliged by thy sending a drawing of the place which gave me a clear idea of the
situation, and the rose conveyed to us its fragrance, altogether I was quite
delighted with thy account and the prospect of your again rising in the world
over your late difficulties and discouragements, and permit me to express my
earnest hope that nothing may be permitted to arise and frustrate the
opportunity. I do feel very grateful for the great kindness of James Parents
and friends thus affording you another chance and deeply regret my own
inability to assist also. Should I be favoured with life and health next spring
I can assure thee it will be one of greatest pleasures I can enjoy to pay you a
visit and shall very earnestly count on it. I have been through Rayne several
times many years ago but don't now remember the place.
I
received a letter from thy Brother Edward this week, among other things
complains thou has not written to him lately, and says he is anxious to know
where you are and how you are getting along - I hope thou will write him soon.
He is still employed on the Great Western Line at Swindon and is living at Mrs
Vorvers, Tanants Cottage, Wroughton near Swindon, Wiltshire, although he is
likely to move from thence in about 2 weeks, his landlady is going to move. He
wants to see the Australian Paper that came from Alfred; if thou could send it,
to him I should be glad.
Margaret
desires me to say if thou can send before Xmas the bottle covered with leather,
they will be glad of it as it is probable they may see Reading at that time.
Mrs
White has been down to pay us a short visit of a few days and very much enjoyed
herself. and left us I believe perfectly satisfied that the business here is
progressing and will in time be a very pretty one and pay well. We were slack
for some weeks, but lately many of our wealthy families have returned from the
watering places and again visit us, which makes things brisker. I think to
leave here for Manchester some time next week to stay a little while with thy
Aunt and Cousins, and intend sending thee particulars of my visit, probably may
write thee while there.
Margaret
went to see Elizabeth Langley yesterday, she is somewhat better but still very
weak, she was very glad to hear of your being again settled. I sometimes fear
she will not be able to follow her Sons to America but hope she may.
I wrote
to Henry Perry about their business, his mother thinks him too young and
declines it, it is a nice concern. Last week we had B Cowderoy from Reading
call on us and I walked over to Dudley with him to visit some Iron Works and
the Limestone Caverns, we both much enjoyed it but were caught in the rain in
Dudley park which gave me a cold.
We hear
Hannah Whiting is to Wed next month and that her prospect is quite a bright
one. We have been exceeding glad to hear that her mother is much recovered from
her late attack and has been able to get to Meeting, should she live till the
Spring she is to come to Dudley to visit her daughter. Margaret called upon Mrs
White in Minster Street about a week ago and it was remarked she looked much as
formerly notwithstanding her severe attack. Owing to heavy rain I could not
post this in time for our daily mail which will make it a day later. Thou
enquired of old faithful Dash, he lives very happy and comfortable, quite a
gentlemans life, runs out and in as he pleases, then plays with the Cat
for amusement, he never was so well off even at Reading.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I noticed thou mentions thy health as
good, which am very glad of, hope thou has quite recovered the attack at
Newbury, was sorry to hear James had a cold on his lungs, thou must take care
of that least it grow in time to something like mine.
Then
thou next writes should like thee to mention what you bake per week etc. I
should think biscuits will sell in those parts, among friends and the gentry
around you when it gets known. Also think some wholesale customers might be got
in the towns round about, among the Grocers and perhaps in small canisters; you
will give this a thought. I intend very soon to write out recipes of all I have
been in the habit of making and send by post, they may ……[?]…… uld James not be
quite perfect of any kinds.
I am
……[?]…… say we are all favoured with health, altho the weather h ……[?]…… wet
and trying for a long time, now and then a fine d ……[?]…… rain more or less
every day.
We dont
like the Birmingham flour and have had more from Henry Simons (Whites) and
think we may soon have some seconds from him. Price of 2nd here this week is
50/. I should judge that you are in a good County for good flour. I greatly
hope you will get along comfortably; please present my kind regards to D.
Puplett and wife and also Mr Whitehead and wife and accept my dear love
yourselves in both Margaret and Charles unite me.
From thy affectionate Father
Thos. Perry
PS Dear
Sister, When thou next write let me
know particularly how your health is. The rose dropped to pieces directly the
letter was opened. I have sent yrs to John this evening as he complains he has
not heard of you lately. Charlie wishes to know whether you are going to have
any fires in yr house for you forgot to make any chimneys, he found it out directly
he saw your sketch of the premises.
In haste. Yrs affectionately
Marg. T. Wickens
I hope
Jas is better.
(The
……[?]…… bits are where the stamp has been cut out, taking a square of text on
the back with it]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Birmingham
14-12-1842 (Thomas to Alfred in SA)
[This
letter is addressed to “Alfred Perry, Mr T Stacy’s Baker & Confectioner,
Hindley St Ad” and is marked “recd June 1843”. It has small bits missing where
folds have broken through and the part lost. These are marked …[?]… ]
Dear
Son Alfred,
Altho
many months have passed away since I last wrote thee, yet be assured it is not
because I am unmindful of thee, by no means, thou art very often the companion
of my thoughts & hopes, & earnest desires for a continuance of thy
health and prosperity every way; thou art also often the theme of our remarks
& conversation, for truly, we cannot help often feeling agreeably surprised
at thy getting along so successfully – thy Brother john I believe writes
oftener than any of us, I think Edward has written once & I hope will again
soon – as for lucy I am not pleased with her, because she now has got settled
in a snug litle concern, she aught to set aside every difficulty and do it, I
shall again urge the next time I write to her – I think my last was dated 30th
of 3rd Month last – shortly after which John paid a short visit to
Lucy & James at their new habitation at Rayne near Braintree, and while
there Lucy & he formed a plan for me to go in the course of the summer and
stop a few weeks with them; John informed me of this and kindly sent me down
wherewith to take a seat by our Railway to London.
I left
home the 9th of 7th Mo and was kindly received in London
by John & Saml Barter, here I staid a week which afforded opportunity to
see several & spend one day with Henry Deane & his Mother & Sister
who were glad to see me – I showed him thy last letter to me which he read with
great pleasure & feeling of interest at thy proceedings – I wanted also to
talk to him about coloured flints, similar to what thee & I often used to
talk[?] & think they were not flint from the chalk. I took him several
specimens polished, but he at once pronounced them to be flints out of the
chalk beds, same [some?] as those of light colour or black, but said they had
imbibed this red & brown colours while lying in the gravel beds & being
their [there?] acted on by oxide of iron & perhaps other chemical causes,
and in proof shewed me by his excellent Microscope that all contained the same fossil
infusorid[?] – this seemed to mee to be conclusive – Doctor Mantle the great
Geologist lives near him, and they sometimes meet and exchange sentiments
scientifically - Henry seems to be making good progress in his trade & has
an excellent run of business he has lately fitted up a Laboratory for preparing
certain medicines which he finds difficult to get genuine.
Another
day our Cousin Charlotte [Walker?] [walked?] with me down to Peckham[?] to see
Lucy Reynolds, we had not met since she was at Reading to attend the funeral of
thy Mother and also to sympathise with the family under the loss – I staid with
her [for?] dinner and tea much to our mutual satisfaction, her father who now
gets very infirm and his facilties fail him lives there constantly, but just
then was at his Son William’s who lives in a handsome country residence near
Totterham[?], that I did not see him – I then little thought that would be the
last time we should ever meet, I was prevented paying them a second visit on my
return out of Essex but soon after I got home we had a letter to say she was
suddenly removed by death, she was prematurely put to bed with a still born
infant [but?] only perservered the event about two hours; Charles was sent for
to London but on reaching home found himself a sorrowfull widower – this is
truly a sorrowful event for the poor children and indeed the whole family we
have not heard further particulars.
During
my stay I also visited thy Cousin Anne Rosling, my Cousin John Perry &
Jacob Barter & wife and on 7th day morning the 16th
left London by the Eastern Counties Railway for Brentwood, 18 miles it being
only so far – thou may probably remember many years ago walking with me from
Stratford to Chelmsford and going to Brentwood [hill?] we talked with an old
Soldier who had been encamped on Wharley[?] Common there. The cuting is through
the lower part of that on the right of the Turnpike Road, and wishing to see
what the strata was, I walked along the line to Chelmsford 12 miles which I
reached [to?] tea & was kindly received by Dan Puplett & his wife, the
next day James & Lucy came to dinner & took me with them to Rayne in
the evening, glad once more to get among the corn fields & other rural
scenes, which we see little or almost nothing of about Birmingham – Rayne is a
nice & pleasantly situated village 1½ miles from Braintree, and of
considerable size, contains a number of very good houses of wealthy farmers
& Gentry and James lives in a good house having Shop, Parlour-Kitchen &
Bakehouse & Washhouse with 4 good rooms upstairs, a good yard, a large
tumbledown sort of Barn, a stable, 2 pig styes, good pump of excellent water
but no garden except a small strip in front – they have a pretty trade as
Country Grocers, and bake 40 or more 4 lb loaves 3 or 4 times a week altogether
if they mind & pay good attention every way it will bring them in a
comfortable living, they might also do considerable in biscuits if that part
were pushed hard among farmers & the people at Braintree – I don’t want to
send thee a list of faults of James, but thou well know, as we all do, he was
sadly deficient & neglectful at Reading -
however he is very much mended, but not quite so much alive &
striving, [and?] should like to see him, he does not go about his work in a
business like manner yet he has many good points and I thought was in good
repute with his Millers & his Grocer – Lucy is very industrious, keeps no
female servant, helpd James with the bread, sets in for him & neighbours
that bring their dough to be baked, they live very close and frugal, and seem
very happy & comfortable in each other – I have been thus particular
knowing thou will like to know all about them & have therefore sent thee a
full & fair account.
I lived
about 5 weeks all through a beautiful and a very abundant harvest which was got
in, in most excellent order the weather being altogether favourable during
which was …[?]… at Mr Whiteheads about 3 miles, thou may remember he married
…[?]… mary, the two families are on good terms & often assist each other
…[?]… feeling an inclination to go to Sudbury 16 miles to see Mary? …[?]… &
also to walk on to Ipswich 2 further to see my cousin Stephen? …[?]… & Lucy
drove me on first day to Sudbury where we were kindly …[?]… by Wm Bass with
whom Margaret lives, I staid the next day & …[?]… set off & walked to
Ipswich very conmfortably, meeting my? Cousin? …[?]… at Ransome’s Ironworks, he
received me very kindly & offerred …[?]… horse to ride up to his cottage at
Rushmere 2 miles, but preferred …[?]… being afraid to ride, on raching being a
fine & warm evening …[?]… the tea table set out on his Lawn under the
weeping willows very …[?]… had his joint of meat brought & a bottle of
Cider, here we sat …[?]… chatted & enjoyed ourselves till dusk - I must say
Stephen …[?]… every attention and kindness that I could desire during a …[?]…
than two weeks, twice he drove me in his Chaise down …[?]… on the Suffolk Coast
taking our provisions with us & getting …[?]… late tea, I picked up many
curious pebbles, cornelians & c…[?]… he assisted – I usually rode down with
him to Ipswich …[?]… several of my old friends, went over the Ransomes Works
which are very extensive altogether employing upwards of 400 hands, in making
ploughs, plough shares & a variety of Agricultural implements, also at
their lower works, cast [iron in an ?] immense amount for the Dover Railway, I
never saw work turned better out of hand, the Reading Works sink inti
insignificance to them. I was most highly gratified & I must also say both
James & Robert Ransome showed me very great kindness & attention, I
visited them several times.
Having
an inclination also to see Woodbridge 5 miles from Stephen’s I walked over
& was very kindly received by my old friend & acquaintance Ann Knight
& her sister Hannah Washe[?] with their aged mother, here I met with
Bernard Barton who was glad to see me again, also some others – I was at
Meeting there one first day, visited my father and mother’s grave – walked
round the beautiful old church, a building I always very much admired &
visited many other parts of the town I used to frequent formerly, all with
great pleasure – and feeling a great inclination to visit the Sea Coast at
Aldborough 18 miles I walked there one afternoon [but?] next morning was wet,
hazy thick fog all day forced to keep in doors & exercise patience, next
day fine after breakfast walked 8 miles on the beach to Orford Lighthouse, a
pleasant ramble …[?]… ied many good pebbles principally flints which appeared
to me …[?]… tered in colours by rolling on the beach, the chalky part usually
on …[?]… flints seemed completely changed stalized[?] by the salt water, sun
& …[?]… properties contained in the sea water, think some of them will
polish …[?]… it was now 4 o’clk & I had 14 miles to Woodbridge, did not
reach till after …[?]… ception at my good friend A Knight’s – next morning
walked to Stephens …[?]… enjoyed myself in Suffolk, I had a great desire to see
it one …[?]… it is possible I may never more.
In
leaving my Cousin …[?]… in 5 miles from Ipswich on my way back to Sudbury from
…[?]… I walked in time for tea, and again was wlecomed by my kind …[?]… Wm Bass
who invited me to stay a few days with him, Sudbury …[?]… clean & pleasing
town pleasantly situated on the banks of the River …[?]… thin the County of
Suffolk, here much enjoyed my Sister Margt R …[?]… while there a letter was
received from Charlotte to say her Aunt Mag[?]…[?]… taken ill & removed in
a few houses[?] illness[?] she had been de …[?]… time, this called Mr Pace to
London to be with Charlotte & the nex …[?]… little property suppose about
₤500 to be divided among them …[?]… feels a trial to them as their Aunts[?] was
always at home for them …[?]… believe[?] now with Lucy & join with[?]
Sudbury for a while. Harriet is in situation in Birmingham we often see her –
the others are in good situations.
From
Sudbury I walked back to Rayne & took tea with [only?] [my?] Lucy glad to
get back to them – I remained with them about a month longer taking my walks
& examining their gravel beds, collecting a nice flint when I met with one
till the middle of 19th Month when I took my leave not wishing to be
out till the cold weather set in, having much improved in my health from being
so much in the country area[?] [air?] & the exercise of walking – I lodged
one night at Chelmsford, walked to Brentwood Station & reached John’s for
tea 7th day evening next day John & I went to see Charlotte at
her Aunt’s house where she was staying till the sale of furniture etc & on
2nd day again went to see the Deanes but on getting back to Finsbury
found a letter from Margaret to say Charles was very ill with inflammation of
his bowels, & wishing me to hasten home – next morning made some calls, and
left London by the 5 o’clk train, and at 10 at night arrived at Broad Street
safe & well, glad to see them all again & also to find Charles much
relieved and in a fair way to recovery. Mrs Whitehead arrived from Reading
before I got there – I am very glad to say in two weeks Charles recovered
nicely, regaining his strength gradually & at length got again into the bakehouse
again to work.
Soon
after this the weather changed to severe cold with snow driving which I took
cold which brought on Influenza & attacked my lungs with a violent
Asthmatic Cough & loss of appetite, which reduced me very weak & low
& confined me to my chamber near a week. I had medical advice and by
degrees my complaints left me & I am now thankful to say I have nearly
recovered my usual strength but have not ventured out of doors as yet. I felt
so well whilst in Essex & Suffolk that I seemed to have lost my shortness
of breath & often thought of my remarks that you knoe nothing of Asthma in
Australia. I can conceive from what I felt while out that it must be so with
you – however even now my breath is not so oppressive as some winters back.
Thy
Brother Edward’s work on the Bristol & Gloucester Line being suddenly
stopped he considered to come & pay us a visit here bringing Louisa along
with him, we were all very glad to see them, they staid with us near 3 weeks
& being while I was ill Edward was very useful to margaret in minding shop
for her & Louisa many ways she seemed to be ..[?].. health but Edward has
his health well – They are gone to reading intending to stay till after Xmas if
nothing turned up as further work[?] he gets almost tired of Railway work &
wishes to get into a fixed place. I wrote for him to the Ransomes to enquire if
they had room for such a young man – James Ransome sent me a handsome leter in
reply they could not exactly make room but could bear it in mind & if any
thing turned up would write me – I was pleased with the style of James’ letter.
The day
I got to London thy Brother John received thy letter requesting him to provide
& send by first vessel two plough etc etc. John & I consulted together
and concluded to write Ipswich, knowing they could supply better than the
Reading foundry can now do – moreover John thought it best to order one first
fearing least he should not be prepared to pay for two, particularly as the
freight must be paid in England – I wrote to Robt Ransome who in reply said
they felt quite obliged by the favour of the order being given to them &
would forward to London soon as a vessel was ready to take them, along with
another order to a Mr [left blank] of or near Adelaide – the Shares will
be in a cask & the Plough packed in the closest manner for the voyage &
further as I had once been in the Trade would only charge the wholesale price
which I thought kind. Enclosed thou will find a few violet seeds which Lucy
collected out of her little garden, if it gets to thee safe & good thou
will have the pleasure of some sweet scented violets.
We
don’t often hear much about Reading, the old people are going to their [Long?]
homes – John Adams of Minster St – T Ford[?], Druggist & his Father Jem
Stokes, and some others are all gone – Altho’ Hannah Whiting is married and
lives at Dudley, we seldom see anything of them, she seems to me to be lifted
up by hermarriage quite above us – I am very sorry to inform that we are afraid
the Langleys experienced difficulties in Canada, his news[?] near 8 months
since the[?] mother & five children left England yet nothing satisfactory
has been heard from them, it is a large number, 9 to be provided for in a new
country.
Margaret wishes me to say that Louisa Perry shines
brighter than L Bartlet[?]. We all think she will make Edward a good wife
perhaps she could not have done much better – Wm Shillitoe has been obliged to
give up his business here in Birmingham & is gone to London – Cousin Louisa
was highly pleased with the letters &
sent it for us to see, she has but poor health 7 she informs us that thy
Aunt is come back to reside at Gainsborough with her son John, she could not
bear the noise of the trade in Victoria Street whose[?] I think I told thee
John[?] ..?.. opened a nice concern – John wrote thee lately, he enjoys good
health. Respecting his trade, it certainly is not so brisk as could be desired,
yet considering the greatly depressed state of Trade in this town & part of
the Country I hope they are by no means getting behind & quite think they
are paying their way and should things go more brisk after Xmas which is hoped
for, I am quite of the opinion Charles business will mend also – this has been
a most trying year for Trade all through the manufacturing districts as ever was
known every where & in every place the prospect is most disheartening &
discouraging – the Agricultural Counties have not felt [……… then it’s just a
batch of local politics in here ………].
My
paper is nearly filled, in my last I did intend to have wrote again soon, and
thought I would do it while out, but found no opportunity – now I look to being
at home for a long time to come if my Life be spared and intend at no distant
day again to write.
I
therefore now conclude with very dear Love in which I am fully united by
Margaret & Charles, remaining thy affectionate father
Thos Perry
Please
remember us all to Johnathon Bates[?] Adams, hope they are doing better.
Possibly 1843 ??? (prob Thomas to Alfred)
[This is a transcript of
two bits from the PRG 471/2 folder, which seem to be together, but is clearly
from Thomas, probably written to Alfred in SA, and must be about the time of
another letter covering Thomas winding up an Aunt’s estate in London …]
…[?]… not that I feel my
heatlh generally and constitution breaking up, during the warm weather of this
last summer some past of which has been more than commonly beautiful &
fine. I have nothing to complain of except if I take a slight cold it goes
direct to my lungs, but soon wears off again, that I have been able to get
through any light work well as ever – this present month has set in very cold
& winterly that I often feel quite nipped but yet have escaped cold, and I
hope with care I may rub through the coming winter reasonably well – yet it
must be observed that life is an uncertain tenure after the age of 66 …[?]…
…[?]… this I did & was
kindly assisted by him as to the forms of application, my Edward also accompanying
for his own information, & in a few days I received a Letter of
Administration from the Perogative Court of William Archbishop of Canterbury to
his trusty & well beloved Thos Perry authorizing him to take possession,
& to divide amongst the surviving grandchildren of Stephen Perry being
nearest kin to the deceased – I then took possession of all that I found at her
lodgings, & in the first I made out
an inventory of her furniture, apparel etc after being assisted by Edward – All
the household furniture & linen we set a value on it as we went on, of what
we supposed a Booker would give - & the wearing apparel by my Cous. D
Sterry’s [?] advise I selected some of the best for each of my sisters &
sent them, the rest I divided among Margaret Lucy & Edward’s Louisa
reserving a few useful articles for my own use, together with a good old
fashioned watch (not having one of my own) there were extra for my trouble
besides my expenses being paid out of the bulk.
It so happened that our
friend Samuel [Barter? Basher?], having a prospect of marrying in the course of
the Spring & hearing I had some furniture to dispose of, he came over to
inspect it, & made me a bidding for certain parts, which being some what
more than the value I had set upon it, we agreed, and he soon cleared all off
& paid me for it; there were some good articles amongst them which will be
very useful & cheap to him since I find thy brother John took some of the
articles to furnish his room as he had to remove on Samuel’s marriage – Among
the rest of things were ½ doz silver tea spoons, this I offerred to my Cousin
Stephen, they being marked SP but he declined having them on which my cousin D
Sterry said never mind, be content to keep them thyself for thy trouble,
remember thou have all the trouble of the mater & none of the others, any,
indeed most of my movements in this business has been under this approbation,
that in acting for others I might not be blamed. I should haved liked to have
sent the spoons over to thee, if I had known how to get them safely there, but
I did not, therefore I gave them to John with a small tea caddy as his share of
the spoil this have I divided as well as I could.
While in London in the 2nd
month I sold part of the money out of the funds, which with the [amount?] of
the furniture & what was in her house enabled me to pay funeral & all
other expenses, & to divide ₤5 to each legatee Stephen & John Perry of
Ipswich & to my two sisters – Still there was some other property in the
National Debt office which I could not receive until after midsummer, this
occasioned me to go up a 2nd time to receive it, and present my
accounts at the tax office to get them approved & signed …[?]…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham
30-10-1843 (extracts from Thomas to Alfred in SA)
Dear
Son Alfred,
Many
months have now passed away since I last addressed thee at the beginning of
this year, which I hope would be received in due course, probably by the same
vessel that took over thy plough, the Elizabeth Buckham, it was my full
intention to have wrote thee again long before now, but somehow or other it has
been put off from time to time, by events which have since happened, then quite
unlooked for, which have claimed my attention in priority above all other
matters, nevertheless thou must not conclude for all this that I am but little
mindful of thee, I can assure thee that is not the case, but few days ever pass
withoug thy being the companion of my thoughts, and feeling anxious that thou
may be long favoured with a continuance of good health so to pursue and manage
thy new occupation of farming, as to make it successful and be a com,fortable
maintainance for thyself and probably a family; indeed I aften feel keenly for
thy interest and welfare every way and looking at the distance we are separated
from each other and my advancing years I durst not now entertain a hope that we
shall ever meet again in this Life – this of course must be left, but I see no
prospect of it.
About the time I last wrote a rather singular circumstance
occurred as regards our family, in the death of a friend named Sarah Perry who
was the daughter of my great Uncle William Perry formerly of Mile End Road
London – she lived the greater part of her life in Southwick, near 40 years of
it as a servant in Anthony Horne’s family, but for the last 12 years lived in a
room at Kennington [Kensington?], on the little property she had saved from
time to time during servitude – she was well known to friends in that quarter
and very highly esteemed – she possessed a little about ₤23 per ann invested in
the Funds on which she lived, but not knowing who were her nearest relations
did not make a Will and strange to say neither myself, or my two Sisters or
either of my Cousins at Ipswich ever knew that we had any relation of the Perry
family left, nor ever remember to have heard any of our Parents speak of her,
altho’ they must have lnown her in early life. I remember my Uncle William (her
father) very well also his wife Sarah, and have often been at their house,
before I went to Gildersome school in the year 1785, but I do not remember the
daughter.
Friends
of Southward [Southwark?] buried her in their ground in Long Lane, and then did
not know where to find out her relations – she had a very intimate friend in
Esther Letchworth (a relation of the Letchworths of Reading) who lived near
her, and they had both lived in strict and firm friendship from very early life
to the time of her death, each being 82 years of age – Esther knew my
Grandfather Stephen Perry, but did not know their children – at length Joseph
Sterry who married my cousin Deborah Heming (John’s sister) heard of me living
here and after some difficulty got my address from thy brother Edward, he being
then in London, I was written to, and being able particularly to describe the
older branches of the Perry family from personal knowledge of where they lived
and their occupations and my account agreeing with what Esther Letchworth knew,
I was summoned up to London the beginning of the 2nd Month last to
administer to her effects, being kindly invited by my Cousins Joseph and
Deborah Sterry to take up my abode at their house at Kennington.
The
whole of the money which came to my hands was about ₤73 – out of which when Law
and funeral and other expenses were paid I had ₤36-5-0 left to divide among
five of us ₤7-5-0 to each – to me it was a very convenient windfall, as by it I
could supply myself with some matters of claothing and other things I stood in
need of. it is now finally settled I hope to the satisfaction of all parties.
After
my return home in the winter time, they Sister Margaret was looking forward to
being confined in the fifth month……. She was put to bed with a still born boy,
in which she suffered very much and for a long while after was exceedingly weak
and poorly…… GE White came from Reading for a few days and took Margaret back
with him for about 5 wks in which her health improved greatly, she saw a great
number of our old friends and acquaintances who were much pleased again to meet
with her. ……Thy sister staid till after the Cheese fair, and ahd the pleasure
of waiting on some of our old customers for Gingerbread, several of whom much
wish they would go back and open shop there. There seeemed regret that my old
business should be quite lost to the Town, as no other has kept up anything
like the quality of goodness of articles such as we made. Huntley & Palmer
are doing a large business but it is wholesale, they sell but little retail. Mr
& Mrs White urge their going back under there circumstances also our old
frd H Simonds and I should not be surprised if they do next year……
From
Reading thy Sister went to London dined with john and went forward by the
Eastern Railway to Chelmsford, where she found Lucy waiting for her at the
station to convey her to Rayne in her pony & cart, thou may suppose there
was no little joy between the two sisters meeeting after more than two years absence.
James also was very glad to receive her at their hosue. Margaret staid about a
week with them and quite enjoyed being again in an agricultural country so
different from our land of smoke and dust etc altho’ where we live in
Birmingham we must not complain as to that. Thy sister thinks with me that they
have a nice little snug concern at Rayne and are doing very comfortably that
is, quite making headway, they bake a large quantity of bread besides doing
considerable in the grocery, Lucy bustles about, sets in the bread and is quite
Missis, tis a very great pleasure to me they seem doing so nicely and are quite
respected in the village……
I hope
thou wilt succeed in thy new allotment and often wish I could be with thee for
a while, if I could be at all helpful – again I often regret being bereft as
not to be able to send out to thee a lot of articles for thy ease and comfort.
I must now conclude with very dear love in which thy Sister margaret and
Charles very fully unite me remaining thy affectionate father
Thos Perry
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Prob
1844 (Thomas to Alfred)
[This
is an undated part of a letter, it’s in the SAAs “1844” folder but doesn’t seem
to be part of any other letter in the folder.
These are extracts only, not yet fully transcribed]
- he
starts “Thy letter dated Aug 13th last year written soon after safe
arrival of the Plough came duly to hand by the Eliz Buckham …”, (TP is pleased
etc etc that Alfred is) “…progressing along in thy new occupation as farmer in
the Wilderness…”, (talks about his) “…engagement with John Adams…”, (says Henry
Deane is sending seeds and fruit trees
- TP
says he also wrote to “…thy Uncle and Aunt at Dover a long account…” (of
Alfreds proceedings and that they are all collecting seeds for him
- TP received some “…Numbers of Mainzers[?]
Musical Times, given to me by Br Cowderoy late of Reading in turn for some
Geological service I rendered him …” (and that Mainzer was a German who had
done some “…instructing the working classes in Singing, reading and
understanding music…”
- TP
also sent to Alfred a book of Eliza Cooks poems
-
writes “…Last year when in London to receive the last of S Perry’s effects of
which I think I informed thee in my last [the 30-10-1843 letter??] – bought 6
blue pocket kerchiefs, one each for each of my sons and sons-in-law and one for
myself – I now send thine – it has been washed once – and a box of steel pens
with some holders also some polished winkle shells …”
-
writes “… have been writing out some of Eliza Cooks poems – for Lucy and also
some for my intended daughter, John Harvey’s friend…”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham
4-6-1844 (Thomas to Lucy at Rayne)
My Dear
Lucy,
Thine,
in answer to my last informing of a box going to thy Brother Alfred came duly
to hand authorizing us to procure a something and enclose in it as a present
from James and thyself. Your prompt compliance with our wishes has given me
very great pleasure for which I feel greatly obliged to you both, and, if the
vessel has a prosperous voyage, I doubt not but Alfred will receive it and your
letter, with a feeling of great pleasure and delight, as also from what we
added, to find that he was still held in affectionate regard by his near
connections in England. I wrote particularly to Edward, to which he answered,
it was his wish and intention to write and send, but nothing came in time.
On
receipt of thine we all consulted together, what shall we send to come within
your limit, and at last fixed on Knives and Forks as articles of every days use
and never go out. 1 therefore went to enquire and found 1 could have ½ doz.
large size table knives for 5/6 and ½ doz. desert size 3/ then to make up the
sum I had a pair of strong house scissors for "all work and all hours''
and a strong pocket knife, altogether came to 10/2 to which sundry expense in
package 4d. that the whole will be 10/6. I bought some brown paper of two kinds
and some olive oil and wrapped them all up singly in oiled paper, then in
strong brown then in old news papers hoping they may not rust in their long
voyage.
Charles
and Margaret gent him out Scythe blades, a large strong hoe and hammer for
grubbing up any strong rough work and a fork for him to dig his pottatoes etc.
These though rough sort of things are ever useful in a place like his. My
presents were of a different kind, sundry books and pamphlets out of my stock
that will serve to amuse at evenings, a blue silk kerchief from S. Perry’s
stock a box of best steel pens, 6 doz. with holders and two boxes of polished
Winkle shells, one large size one small nicely packed in paper box and cotton,
a present for my intended daughter in law. Also some of Eliza Cook's poems
nicely put together in a pamphlet, I think Alfred will read some of them with a
pleasing countenance, she has such a happy knack at description. We took every
care in packing to protect from damage by salt water etc. that nothing might
suffer and sent off the box last 6th day evening the 31st ult. directed to E.
J. Wheller, Shipping Agent for the John Hayes, and wrote to John same post to
tell all about it. I also wrote a very long letter to Alfred which went by post
same evening in which I gave a full account of every thing I could recollect
about our own family, thy deceased Aunt, and thy Cousins gone to America, and
the plants and seed to be sent out to him in the Autumn, and now we have only
to hope the Vessel may have a quick and safe voyage and that Alfred may get
them in good order and long live in health and peace to use and enjoy them.
Margaret
desires me to say what they sent came by accident to just the same amount as
yours. We should all very much have liked if James could have come to see us
but myself I could not expect it possible he could see John and us too in one
journey, yet hope some future time he may be able to stretch as far. I must
soon begin again to look over my stock of Eliza Cook not sent to you, I have
had so many other points to attend to, that I have neglected both you and John
in this project.
Charlotte
Pace wants her sister Harriet to be in london by the 24th inst. but Mrs King
has had near 3 months notice and should have prepared herself, but the fact is
they dont want to part with Harriet at all, she suits them.
I had
nearly forgot, Edward in his to me, complains that Lucy does not write to him
and talks about sending his direction.
The
large leafed plant thou gave Margaret grows nicely and has a fine large bold
leaf. Charles shewed it to a florist here who thinks it is a Geranium and if
so, he esteems it quite a rarity - those thou sent ……[?]……Margaret thinks will
grow - the Ca ……[?]…… her grows, but will not blossom this ……[?]…… others died
before she could proper ……[?]…… it was almost too late in the year ……[?]…… rned
and winter set in so soon. ……[?]…… from Reading before while these are doing
well most of them fine plants.
I seem
as though I could not stretch my letter out to reach the bottom but incidents
seem rather scarce so must conclude with dear Love in which Charles and
Margaret unite me to you both.
Thy affectionate father
Thos Perry
We were
surprised that Edwin applied to you for work, but I think it is well you could
not employ him, he would have been a burden upon you. Please not be long before
thou writes we shall be glad to hear you approve of what we have done.
Dr. to
James Puplett
Rayne
near Braintree
ESSEX
[The
……[?]…… bits are where the stamp has been cut out, taking a square of text on
the back with it]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham 18-6-1845
(Thomas to daughter Lucy in Rayne)
My Dear Lucy,
Thy letter to Margaret of
the 2nd inst. was duly read and would have been answered a week ago but by the
same post with thine comes a letter from Harvey enclosing a letter from Alfred to
thy Sister Margaret. John says in his to us “I have received a letter from
Alfred enclosing one to you which I now send, but in mine, I am sorry to say he
gives but a poor account of himself, talks of returning home, in short he
appears to be down in spirits.” John did not explain further which made us very
anxious to learn the worst, that I wrote same evening to John, sent him
Margarets letter to read, requesting him to send his letter for us to peruse.
This we received on 7th day the 7th inst. and I returned it to him by first day
evening post from hence, and by this mornings delivery Margarets letter came
back from John.
I have been thus
particular to shew why I did not sooner write to thee and James, and also to
send you a copy of our letter from Alfred. I suppose you may have received
Johns letter ere this, by which you will see for yourselves; but I may say we
are all exceedingly sorry to find Alfred under so much discouragement, arrising
perhaps from shortness in his second harvest, and the very low price which the
bushel of wheat fetches in Australia; I readily allow this is exceedingly
discouraging, after he has no laboured with untiring industry and lived hard
and with many privations to make all ends meet as should be; yet still I cannot
bring myself to think that he will hastily set his face towards England without
trying it a little longer. His letter to us is dated 12th of Ist Month 1845 and
I am of opinion that very shortly after that date he would get a letter from H.
Deane who wrote soon after midsummer of last year to inform that a lot of fruit
trees with seeds should be sent out to him in the Autumn.
I have referred to a
letter from Henry dated 7th Month 22nd 1844, he says “I have just posted a long
letter to Alfred, and mentioned my intention of sending out a few dozen fruit
trees etc. about November and advised him to have his ground for their
reception ready." Now I hope he would receive this letter soon after he
sent ours off and that the prospect of the trees arriving say about the 4th or
5th month would put him in spirits and he would stop to receive them, and
probably it might lead to another years trial. We must remember the land was
his own, he has no heavy rental to meet, he had hope of being married, but that
hope had fled, at least for a time, this would discourage him but after looking
at his case in most or every way I can, I still think he will not act hastily
but try longer. Charles and Margaret rather differ in their opinion from me,
they are prepared to see him back again, at least after a time. I will now send
a copy of Alfreds letter to Margaret, dated Willunga Jan. 12th 1845.
[then, as copied in by Thomas]
My Dear Peggy &
Charlie,
I ought to be ashamed of
myself for not answering your letters before, one thing or other has put it off
from time to time, and as Harvey says “If you once put it off there is no
knowing where to begin”. Well then I
received a long letter from you dated Feb. 19th 1844, also one from Father dated
May 30th, also several in the case which I received Oct. 16th all safe and in
excellent condition. I am much obliged for your kind presents and return my
best thanks by paper, but should like to do it personally: I am very glad to
hear of all your continued good health, and that you are getting on tolerably,
also that Fathers health continues much the same, and the business at Rayne is
tolerable also. With this I have wrote to Harvey, which letter you will most
likely see. I am sorry to say I am still single the reasons I have explained to
Harvey, I intend writing to Lucy and James shortly. You wish to know where to
direct to me, it had better be to the Post Office Adelaide, for inland postage
here has not been subject to the wholesale reform that it has in England.
The biscuits in the case, came
very good, only tasted rather of the pitch, they were not at all rank and not
soft.
Was very glad to hear of
the welfare of G. E. White, remember me kindly to them when you write. I would
write to him, did I not know that he sees most of my letters. I should much
enjoy a glass of his home brewed beer with him this afternoon (the therm.
standing at 980 in the shade not far from me. I am quite a teatotaller by
necessity having only had two glasses of beer for some months. I am very much
obliged to Father for his presents, the Political Pamphlets were well worth
reading, that by Dr Wade is a clever work and contains many things that are
very curious, I should much like to see Mainzer's other work “Singing for the
Million", and for the polished Winkle shells I am especially obliged, they
have been greatly admired.
I hope by this time John
Bartlett has been more lucky than myself, remember me kindly to him when
opportunity offers. I sse by the Berkshire Almanac, Emma Pollard has taken to
the old shop in London Street, I have often wondered who had it. I am sorry H.
Williams is so tight, I thought better of her. I see by the advertizements a
great many changes and alterations have taken place in Reading since I left it.
I should much like to see it again, also you all, I often wish I was nearer to
you, so that such a long time did not elapse between the sending and receipt of
letters etc. I have not forgot the Kangaroo skins, but have only had the luck
to get one, and that only a small one; I hope to get more soon.
The
baking business is a very bad one here, people like large mostly common goods.
Bread is sold at 2d. and 2½d. the 2 lb loaf. Flour 16/- to 20/- for 200 lb.
(say 16d. a Pk) but so many bake their own that even that is a poor trade. I
was very much surprised to
bear that Joshua and Louisa had emigrated to America. I do not think her at all
suitable for the hardshirps of a settlers life in a new country with all its
privations; as far as I can from a judgement, she will wish herself in England
again, unless emigration to America is a different thing than it is to
Australia. However I wish them every success and shall be very glad to hear how
they are getting along. I was not at all surprised at the death deathj of my
Aunt margaret, indeed I have often wondered she lingered so long.
George Deane (of Dover) is
going to return to England, I believe this season he has done very badly, I
have not seen him for a long time but shall try before he leaves Was very sorry
to hear of the illness of Uncle James Poulter. When Father writes remember me
kindly to them.
I duly received the
illustrated London News, also the despatches containing O'Connels Trial for
which I am much obliged. Father wishes to know if I have a pond or stream of
water on my land here, I am sorry to say NO; all land that had anything of the
kind was eagerly caught up long before I came here. For I can assure you that
water, that is, a stream or ponds, are a great curiosity and are like Angels
Visits. I get water at about 9 feet deep, which then rises 4 feet, so that it
is only 5 feet from the surface which is better than most; many of the wells
are 80, 90 to 180 feet deep. Father also wishes to know how we get our flour
ground, in reply we have to take it to Noarlunga about 6 miles off, these is a
steam mill. Nearer Adelaide is another steam mill, and in the neighbourhood
there are other steam mills and 4 windmills one of which has a handsome brick
tower mill 80 feet high. Soon after it was erected a whirlwind took one of her
sails completely off. We have now a comet visible with us. It seems to be
travelling from south to north, if so you will most likely see it before this
reaches you. I seem to have exhausted my stock of news, so must conclude with
dear love to you all and subscribe
your truly affectionate brother
Alfred
NB I am in excellent
health.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham
early Dec 1845 ? (Thomas to Alfred)
[This
is the start of another double page letter in the PRG 471 folder, presumably
from Thomas to Alfred. It is before
John’s wedding, and maybe it relates to some of the other loose bits in the
same group of papers?? Thomas’s Wickens granddaughter Charlotte’s was born
29/4/1845, and he says here that “Baby is now 7 months old, so presume this
letter is around early Dec 1845. My own added note on the rough transcript
suggests “3-12-1845?” but I can’t see where that came from].
The
beginning of last 4th Month thy Sister Margaret was expecting to be
confined & on the 22nd Mrs White came to be with her during the
time, when early on the morning of the 30th she was taken ill, all
things being prepared she was safely put to bed about at forenoon with a
daughter, both seemed likely to do well, and soon after Baby was first dressed
I was invited upstairs to see my little Granddaughter, and we were all well
pleased to behold so sweet & lovely a little creature – Mrs White stopped
with us near 6 weeks, during which time Baby improved in health & strength,
but I am sorry to say thy sister did not rejoin her health & strength, and
we became very anxious about her, fearing she might go into a decline, change
of air was recommended, and early in the 7th Month George Edward
came to see us, & after staying a few days took Margaret & Baby back
with him to Reading where she stopped 6 weeks and reaped great benefit from
their kind and careful nursing, and the change of air returning home to us much
improved in health & stronger in constitution to our great comfort – it had
been arranged for her to return by the Western Railway ans stop 2 days with
Edward & Louisa, this she did to mutual comfort & Mrs White left home purposely,
to take her up at the station and assist in the care of Baby, by way of
Gloucester & up that Line, home she stopped a few days with us &
returned to Reading – from before Margaret’s confinement and during her absence
from home, I had closely attended to the care od the Shop and the accounts, and
it had been agreed upon that when she returned home I should leave and pay a
visit to Edward & Louisa for a time as I had never been to see them since
their Marriage – I was also to have paid a visit to Hannah Williams at Dudley
& was strongly invited again to pay a visit to Ilmington [?] Hill; but I
clearly saw Margaret was not in a state of health to be left to care for Baby
& shop too. I therefore gave up all idea of going out until next summer;
and I am now very glad to say she is much beter and stronger in constitution,
which hope will continue; Baby is now 7 months old and hitherto she has lived
almost entirely upon her mother, and I expect before the winter is over, she
will be weaned, when Grandmother talks of running away with her to Reading –
but I must not forget to say a few words about her dear little Granddaughter;
from the very first she has been a very healthy child, this has continued to
the present time, and I must say no Mother could pay more attention in washing,
dressing & caring for her Baby than thy Sister has done, that she is one of
the healthiest & strong & lovely little Lassie, as any Parents need
wish to have – some two weeks after her birth, as Mrs White, Charles & I
sat at Tea, the suggestion was started what is the name to be – I said Father
& Mother have the greatest and the sole right to give; the talk about it
went on – Nurse happened to be preparing toast for margaret’s tea, went in and
told her – presently …[?]… came a card “the name is Charlotte Elizabeth” after
her two Grandmothers, which was agreed upon & registered accordingly – I
must also say, that Charles has proved himself a most excellent nurse, always
ready to take her & amuse opn every occation he can spare from business,
every mealtime she looks for a romp with father, and delights to be with him
much as possible thus I have been particular about my little dear Grandchild,
the first I have seen altho’ Edward’s son John Edward now more than a year old,
& I hear a high account of him from several – yet I have been constantly
& daily with my little Charlotte, and observed her litle engaging ways,
that I have seemed to live my time over again, & many many incidents have
been brought to my recollection that took place when thy Mother had the care of
her infant charge, but which had been obliterated from my memory by time and
many troubles, but now has returned again after many days with peculiar
sweetness and delight.
This
present Month set in very sharp & cold winds from the north-east with fogs,
these seemed to fix on me & pierce me through & quickly brought on a
violent attack of Asthma, I fell so ill as to think it necessary to apply to a
Doctor who ordered me to bed & confine nyself to my chamber, and he had
told Margaret he was afraid of the consequences & advised my two Sons &
Lucy might be apprised of it – they had all been talking of coming to pay us a
visit at Christmas time, but on my account as I had not seen them for more than
two years, they concluded to come without delay, and they all reached us on the
15th Inst – by this time my complaint had given way and I was much
beter, altho’ very weak, yet I exceedingly enjoyed all their company, thy
brothers stopped 3 days with one, during which we had much talk at times, Lucy
is still with me having left home with a determination to stay two weeks, and
now I can thankfully say I am much better in health & my constitution more
relieved & I feel as though younger again, but now the case is not to take
cold again, and must for the present live up stairs pretty much in one air. My
principle medicine, besides opening has been a preparation of Tar, which has
reduced the load of Phlegm in my chest & lungs, I have little or no cough,
and could almost suppose, were I in a milder atmosphere, I might live many
years – I have been thus particular that thou may understand my case.
Now for
Edward, for more than 12 months he has been employed by Brotherhood on the
Great Western Line overseeing the workmen doin repairs, his ground is from
Swindon Station to Didcott near Wantage about 20 miles, he is furnished with a
pass ticket so that he is up & down on any train as required – Charles
Trimmer is on the same ground for the Company. Edward lives at Shrivenham a
village on the edge of Berks & Wilts, nearly opposite the White Horse of
Ancient day, he has part of a house, where he and Louisa live very comfortably
& happy, and my little Grandson I am told gets a fine strong & nice
boy, full of mischief as can be, I hope to see him next summer if Life & health
be permitted.
With
this I send a Birmingham Journal of this week, …[?]… if it reach thou will find
much to interest, and new projected lines of Railway, more than I have patience
to read, the country seems Railway Mad – however those for which Acts of
Parliament can be got, will furnish abundance of work for years to come &
for persons of various descriptions – one great thing is accomplished, people
can travel quick, cheap & in covered carriages 2nd Class from
here to London in 5 hours 17/- & by the Luggage Train in 6 or 7 hours for a
penny a mile in covered carriages – Edward looks well & healthy, he rather
expects to be reoved into South Wales near Swansea but he does not wish it.
Thy
Brother John I am very sorry to say is very far from comfortable where he is,
and indeed has been so ever since Saml Barter left the Millhouse to live more
in the country, John has been ordered to live at the yard & confine himself
there very much to see to what passes after working hours without being paid
for it, it seems to one Sam has the pay & John the work – it is now come to
a crisis & some alteration must soon take place – John is now very earnest
to marry & would directly if things could be rendered comfortable on all
hands. I suppose John may have told thee that his Friend’s name is Priscilla
Browett, daughter of Thos Browett who was for many years Ironmonger of
Northampton, but events obliged him to give up & removed to Stoke Newington
where he now carries on the same kind of trade on a small scale – Pris is the
second of four daughters, whom I thought when there two years ago to be nice
girls, but John did not introduce me to the family exactly in good style, I was
at first left to conjecture what was in the wind, and even now don’t think I
should know one from the other, but suppose he does, and I most sincerely hope
they may long be happy in each other.
And now
for thy Sister Lucy, her visit to us has been pecularly pleasant to one &
us all, but I am sorry to say her health and constitution seems to me broken in
upon. She has evidently had a greater proportion of hard work & care at
Rayne than aught to have fallen to her lot, her spirits have carried her beyond
her strength. Margaret spoke to …[?]… Doctor for her & he has administered
to her relief, I hope or I should like if it were possible James could get some
employ for his pen & Lucy would bring in her part by her ingenuity – Danl
Puplett is quite blind & has been for some time, he seems never to have got
the better of that sad illness he had about the time thou left England.
About
thy Uncle and Aunt in Dover ...
[here
this transcript ends- done many years ago - but there’s possibly more as my
added note says “not finished’- need to check the Archives]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Birmingham
8-6-1846 (Thomas to Alfred in SA)
My Dear
Son Alfred,
My last
letter to thee was dated 12th mo 3 1845 and was written while I was
recovering from a sharp attack of Asthma, brought on by the early cold winter –
in that I think I gave thee a pretty general account of us all if I remember
right – since then two letters have been recd from thee, and one newspaper by
myself – both thy letter to margaret and also that to John Harvey conveyed to
us a pretty good account of thy movements in the Bush, at least so it felt to
me, believing thou was making a sure although perhaps slow progress, towards a
final and comfortable setlement on thy plot of land, and then thy bringing here
thy partner for Life – certainly we all earnestly desired and hoped, that thy
progress might have been much more expiditious than has turned out, yet under
the circumstances that has fallen to thy lot, as described in some of thy last
leters, I don’t see how thou could have done beter than has been done; for it
remains to be certain and positive fact, that Emigration to a distant and
uncultivated country, is no light matter, be it to the Eastward or the
Westward, so many unforeseen obstacles occur to frustrate the most ernest
endeavours and untiring industry, to say nothing about the privation of our
English comforts and conveniences.
Before
I close this I shall have something to say respecting thy Cousins Joshua &
Louisa Appleby, a letter having been lately recd from them.
Thy
account of thy continued good health while out in the Bush attending on thy
herd of cattle etc, gave us a great pleasure, I felt a fear least thou might
not be so well, or suffer from perhaps a privation of comforts thou had at
Willunga but I hope not; thy engagement for 3 years will now soon be half over
– when I anticipate thou will be able again to setle on thy own plot of 40
acres, with renewed comforts – I rejoiced also to observe thy fruit trees took
root, and seemed likely to succeed well, as also the garden seeds – it is much
to be regretted, so many trees should have been lost for want of proper
packing, still what have lived will I hope turn out to great advantage – thy
Brother John showed thy letter to H Deane, but I cannot tell thee what remarks
he made, John may say when he writes to thee, but he seldom explains much to
us, that is, he does not enter into particulars.
Since I
last wrote to thee I am sorry to say I have again been confined to my room
upstairs with another attack – One fine sunshining day about 3 months ago I
thought I would go out for a walk but soon found the North wind pierce me that
I soon returned, and that evening I had a pain come in my right shoulder, but
it was connected with my chest, the next day it was thought to be Rheumatic,
and for a week or more was treated as such, but it got worse that I was again
obliged to consult a Doctor, who pronounced it to be infalmmation of the Mucus
Membrane of the Lungs; it got so bad I could not lie in bed at all, but sat by
the fire near two weeks – the Doctor gave me my old medicine, a preparation of
Tar, which certainly has worked wonders for me, I did not expect to recover,
but gradually my breathing improved, and after some weeks, my cough subsided,
and the pain in my shoulder was greatly releived, but did not leave me for a
long time – our spring weather has been very fine & warm this year,
unusually so, which has been a great benefit to me, and I think it probable I
may now rub through the summer, but further than that I cannot see, for I find
as age increases I am less able to bear these attacks – if I reach to next
winter, I think my only safety will be by keeping close in doors, and not
exposing myself to cold winds – I intend to continue taking the Tar, and hope
to make it myself, as I cannot pay a Doctor constantly.
I think
thou has been informed of Charles & Margarets dislike to Birmingham, and
their wish to return to Reading, it being also the desire of GE White & Mrs
White – the early part of this year they both went to Reading fully to consult
on the subject, and to look for premises, which was rather difficult to meet
with where a Bakehouse could be made on the same – after their return home this
business was advertised to be disposed of & the Ovens & fixtures in
Shop and bakehouse to be taken by the person taking it, there were several
applications after it, most seemed pleased with the place, but did not like the
paying part – the Birmingham Bakers seem not to know what a real good biscuit
is, and have no idea that a trade in that line can be all made here; but thy
well knows we did find a sale for a large quantity in the compaitively little
town of Reading – how the case will be as to going or stopping here a while
longer I cannot at present say – I am glad to observe they are both in the
enjoyment of good health – with the exception Margaret feels at times something
of the weakness which attended her after her last confinement – but I must not
forget to notice my dear little Grand daughter, who is now turned a year old,
and grows a bonnie little lovely Lassie, full of life and activity, scarcely
anything that passes escapes her notice, just such a one that Uncle Alfred
would well like often to have a game of play with, were he but near enough, and
I must not omit to add, her Mother pays all due attention to keeping her so nice
and clean – thou would quite smile to [see?] her go into a large pan of tepid
warm water morning and evening, which from practice she much enjoys – she is
very healthy and strong, and at our Mealtimes is always ready to go to her
father for a romp, & must say Charles is an excellent nurse.
I have
not as yet seen my little Grandson John Edward, but hope soon to do, when I go
to pay thy Brother Edward a visit of perhaps a month this summer, after
something is settled about these premises, Edward continues in his employ on
the Great Western Railway under Brotherhood and I think is likely to continue
there for a long time yet – they continue to live at Shrivenham with a Mr
Haynes a Carpenter from that part of the Line they are in sight of the famous
White Horse of Berkshire Vale, about 3 miles distant, Edward wrote me lately
that he had paid a visit to the spot and very much enjoyed it, after climbing
the chalk hill, the prospect is exceedingly extensive and beautiful, I hope to
see it if possible when at Edwards, both he and Louisa with their Son enjoy
health.
Of Lucy
& James I am very sorry to say I cannot give so pleasing an account, as I
should much like to do, for I feel obliged to give the grievous truth, that
they have been obliged to leave Rayne, where I fully think James might have
done very well & made a comfortable living; but for the last year of being
there, he got into the sad practice of going of an evening to Braintree, 1½
miles off, and perhaps not returning home till 12 or 1 o’clk, leaving Lucy
alone, when next morning he was not fit for work leaving thy poor sister to
struggle on as she could; under this treatment, her health & strength gave
way, else I am sure she was willing and did exert herself to the uttermost
under all her troubles and discouragements; nor would she say a word of it to
us when she was with us during my first illness, or by letter, but we have
since been informed of it, by a young woman, who was living near and was
intimate with Lucy, but is now come to live in B’ham and sometimes calls on us
– another matter is very trying to us all, many of the Puplett family seem
willing to excuse James and heap the blame on Lucy which is unfair – it is
exceedingly trying for me to have thus to speak of a Son in Law – but must
either describe their present case, or say nothing about them, this latter thou
would not have liked – they left Rayne about the middle of last First Month;
and it so happened that John Harvey was in want of a little help in the
arrangement of his household affairs, Lucy directly went up to him, and was
there near 6 weeks, afterwards she went down to Edward & Louisa to pay a
long promised visit, and from thence and spending 2 days with Mrs White at
Reading, returned toLondon – where she soon engaged to be housekeeper to Jacob
Barter & take care of his children for a few months, and from letters recd
from her she seems to be very comfortable, as perhaps can be in like case –
Jacob has for some time been working for Alfred Rosling in his Saw Mill, and I
believe is again looking towards taking another wife after a while – as to
James, on his leaving Rayne, he went to supply his Brother Charles’ place in a
Lawyers Office at Epping, Charles being ill at the time, and went to Chelmsford
to his father’s – his complaint proved to be a rapid consumption, he soon was
much worse and died rather suddenly – he was very clever in the office at
Epping and much esteemed as a Law Writer, but James not being capable to fill
his Brother’s place, left in a few weeks, and came up to London, from thence
went to Edward to try for a situation on the Line, after two or three weeks he
returned to London, but where he now is we don’t know, we are in daily hope to
hear from Lucy and John.
Now as
regards thy Brother John Harvey, strange things have taken place since last I
wrote which suppose he may have wrote full particulars about before me, but
least his letter does not reach will repeat it. I’ll suppose thou may have long
known of his paying respects to his friend Priscilla Browett, and also perhaps
of his having made application some years ago, to Reading Friends, to be again
reinstated into membership, as Priscilla’s family had objection to their being
married anywhere but at a Friends Meeting – about the close of last year he was
reunited and soon after he had been to see me on my first illness, he wrote to
request I would send him up a certificate of my consent & unity, to be
presented to the Meeting in London, this I promptly attended to, and the 12th
of last 2nd Mo 1846 was fixed upon to be the important day of their
Marriage; preparation for the event was what John wanted his Sister Lucy for,
and she filled it to satisfaction for him – they were very desirous thy Brother
and Sister here with myself should be at the party, it so happened they could
not well attend, and I was afraid to venture, on account of the cold waether
etc that it was concluded, after the ceremony and Dinner, they should set off
by Rail, and pay us a visit of a few days, particularly sa as many of
Priscilla’s relations live at Coventry and somewhere here.
Soon as
William and Margaret [Sonce ?] heard of what was going on, he wrote a very kind
letter to thy Brother inviting the Wedding party to dine at their house after
the Ceremony, and not to make it a small party as he had plenty of room to
accomodate all – john waited on him to return obligations for his kindness and
when John wrote to me, I felt it to be a mark of kind respect and rememberence
of thy dparted Mother, as well as to us who survive her – the Wedding day at length
arrived and the Marriage took place at Stoke Newington, after which the party
repaired to Woodbury about a mile from the Meeting house where they were kindly
received by W & M [Sence ?] as also by some friends of distant relationship
both of thy Mothers and my family, they made enquiry after one and would have
been pleased to have met one there – thy brother Edward attended, as also Lucy,
also thy cousin Henry and Martha Perry and Anna Rosling – they sat down to a
plentiful dinner and enjoyed the afternoon till about 6 o’clk when the Bride
& Bridegroom left the company & repaired to Euston Square for the 7
o’clk Train, and reached Broad Street about 12 at night, glad to get to their
journey’s end – they staid with us 3 days, enjoying their visit and we all
enjoying their company; the next morning they left us by Rail for Coventry
where after stopping a few hours with their relatives they went on to London,
and returning home found Lucy and one of Priscilla’s Sisters waiting for them –
after this followed the Bride’s Visits, among the rest thy two female Cousins
from Dover, who were passing through London for Ipswich – since then they have
paid visits to Henry Deane, to Camberwell to see Charlotte Margaret &
Harriett Pace and also to Rochester to see Uncle & Aunt Greenwood by
special invitation – so cheap is the means of travelling become that John says
they go from London by Gravesend to Rochester for 1/- each - the Yearly Meeting
at London is just over and both thy Aunts from Kent were up, and I expect would
pay them a visit, but have not had a letter since.
In my
last I think I informed all I know of thy Cousins Joshua & Louisa Appleby,
since then I have been wondering in my mind what could have become of them when
about 2 weeks ago I recd the following from thy Cousin Fredk Maw[?] who is
still at the Railway Office Norwich, and is I think doing comfortably it was
addressed to Alfred Palian[?] then to be circulated round among their relations
–
[ then
a transcribed letter follows, from Exeter, Winsconsin Territory, dated May 14th
1846]
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