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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 1 of 161
PRG 101/2/1-50 Letters of Arthur Hardy and family correspondence
Transcribed by Barbara Wall, Volunteer at the State Library of South Australia, 2012
PRG 101/2/1
Letter from Edward Hardy (1811-1869) to his younger brother Arthur Hardy (1817-1909).
[One folio and one single sheet. On one side of the single sheet is the address]
Arthur Hardy Esquire
Adelaide
South Australia
[Written crosswise alongside the address in another hand]
Recd Feby 1839 Ansd Feby 1829
[When this letter was written Arthur was at sea on the ‘Platina’ on his way from England to South
Australia. He arrived on 9 February 1839. Edward came to Adelaide on 26 August 1839 and
departed for England on 23rd December.]
[page 1]
Peniston1 Paterson N.S.W.
28 Oct 1838
My dear Arthur
I received your letter of the 10 June three days ago with the greatest pleasure. I am convinced
that there are no friends so good as brothers, when they do suit each other, and it is therefore a
very fortunate thing for Alfred & you & myself that we are likely to be more than brothers to each
other, that is sincere friends, more especially as it is our fate to be so distant from all other
friends – I sympathyse with you in the regret that you must have felt in leaving home under such
melancholy circumstances. but when you find yourself in this beautiful climate, I feel no doubt
that you will recover your health & spirits. – As to your success I do not feel the slightest doubt of
it – perseverance & economy is all that is requisite and I believe you to be possessed of both
qualities. – What a melancholy picture you give of the Montgomerys and poor Withecombe. – I
am glad to find that all my friends remember me – You give me a gentle reproach for not having
written to you, but you should remember this is the first letter I have received from you by post
and I made a point of answering none others, But as you say, now we are closer together we
must write much oftener Alfred2 is a very bad correspondent, he does not seem to like writing. I
have not heard from him for a very long time; and I much wish to hear what he is doing I heard
a rumour that he had resigned his appointment as Surveyor – I think that it would have been a
much wiser plan if you had come direct to this Colony and made your purchases & taken them
with you to South Australia, and I now think it
1 Peniston (now Penistone) was a small town in South Yorkshire near where the Hardy family lived in England. 2 Alfred Hardy (1813-1870) was the brother in between Edward and Arthur.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 2 of 161
[page 2]
would be your most advisable plan to come up here – I believe the passage up is very trifling
compared with the advantages of judging for yourself and making your own purchases – While
you were here you need not be at much expense. – If Alfred has resigned his situation, why not
both of you come up, you would not lose much time by it and I think you would save a great deal
in the long run – I confess that I am rather selfish in this wish as I have the strongest desire to
see you both once more If you should come immediately you arrive in Sydney write me a letter
informing me what day you will leave town, and I will meet you at the Steamer and bring you
home, you ought at once to buy a horse (at Jones’ livery Stables) a good saddle & bridle – you
will get a good horse for £35 or £50 & be able to sell it when you are leaving with very little loss
I shall try to make you both as comfortable as I possibly can, & I can give you much more
information than I can in a letter besides introducing you to people who have the means of
affording you more information than I can give you I think in every respect it would be better for
you to come here to make your purchases, than to trust to an Agent, or to buy at Adelaide –
Thank you for your offer of quarters, if I am ever compelled to accept it be sure I would do so in
the same spirit in which it is made. – For myself I am struggling my hardest, and I am in hopes
that I shall clear myself with my ensuing crop I have written to my Father asking him to
purchase my farm & rent it to me & telling him if he should not that it was my intention
immediately to return to England – But I am not sure but that should I find I can do no good for
myself here, I might try my chance in South
[page 3]
Australia I do not know how it may be, but I fancy my experience in this Colony would enable
me to do well there, however this fancy only crossed my mind since I sat down to write this
letter.
I quite agree in your opinion respecting William3 & in fact I have long since ceased writing to
him.– With respect to the information you require about Tobacco &c &c – I will always answer
every question you ask, and shall be very glad if I am able to tell you anything which will be
useful to you – but I cannot manage to give it you in the form of a narration – Tobacco – The
seed is not sold but given – if you cannot get it there I will send you some. The most profitable
sort is the large broad-leafed – the leaf from 2 ft 6 in to 3 ft long & 18 or 21 in: wide – Books will
tell you only to leave 8. 9. or 10. leaves on the plant, I leave from 15 to 25 according to the
health of the plant & I find it answers – The best quality of land for it, is the rich black alluvial flats
on the river banks in nooks not containing more than 15 or 20 acres at the outside & well
sheltered – but not overhung by trees it should always be new land, which should be thoroughly
worked & cleared until the soil is like that in a garden – The seed should be sowed in beds of the
following description choose a piece of rich land on a gentle slope towards the morning sun
make your beds any length you please but not more than 3 ft wide they should be thoroughly
dug & cleared, until the soil is fine, then sow the seed as you would Cabbage, only being very
3 William Hardy (1809-1840) was Edward’s older brother. He had been a surgeon in the Royal Navy and died in Italy
in 1840.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 3 of 161
particular not to sow too much or to let it fall in patches, the seed being so fine this is a most
difficult job, after scattering the seed do not rake or cover in any way, but tread the bed after the
manner in which Carrot beds are trod The beds should never be watered
[page 4 written crosswise over page 1]
unless you are so late with your Crop as to make it a dernier resort – In which case you might
cover the beds with fine boughs to keep the sun from them & water them every night until the
plants shew, when immediately uncover & cease watering. – These plants however cannot be
depended upon. – The beds usually take from 6 weeks to 2 months to come up in the ordinary
way, and about a fortnight when forced – The proper time to put in the seed is just as the frosts
are over, so that the plants when they come up should not be cut off by the frosts; If the beds all
come up fairly it will take about 5 beds to the acre, of the following dimensions 24 feet long by 3
wide. – The best time for planting out is when any one leaf of the plant is the length of your little
finger but you may plant them at any size. – Having your land properly worked cleared &
sweetened – you should open drills four feet apart from centre to centre by drawing the plough
up the furrow & then back again, thus throwing the earth out on either side – & then with a hoe
draw the earth in again to a level with the top of the drill at every three feet – this hole being
about 9 or 12 inches in diameter, as soon as your plants are ready to put out you should
commence whether it is wet weather or not. In dry weather you should have a wide shingle
about 6 inches square for each hole – At one o’clock P.M. let your men commence watering by
putting a quart of water into each hole & covering it with the shingle thus watering as many holes
as you think you will be able to plant, about an hour & a half before sundown draw what plants
you require with a small knife so
[page 5 written crosswise over page 2]
as not to disturb the earth from the plants you leave as should you do so they will probably die. –
then plant them one in each hole with a dibber as you would cabbage plants only taking especial
care that the roots are quite straight down, cover them as close as you can with the shingle to
keep out the sun or hot winds, in two or three days if they do not look fresh you might put a pint
of water into each hole without removing the Shingle, The very first continuous rain you have
uncover them & leave them open. – Where any have died fill up their places. – When it is raining
plant away as hard as you can without watering – and do not cover any plants that have had two
days rain. – From the time the plant shews above ground until it is cut & housed you must be
constantly looking for grubs grasshoppers and other insects. – When the plant is about half way
to your knee, take off the three or four bottom leaves that look badly and are trailing on the
ground & hill the plant up when the soil is not heated. – these leaves will be useless – The plant
will now grow very rapidly & in three weeks or a month you will yourself perceive that there
should be more leaves taken from the bottom – these leaves will now be 15 or 18 in: long
perhaps longer, take off what are necessary & again hill the plant – These leaves after having
about half an hours sun should be tied in hands4 about 12 in a hand by the stem ends to \two/
4 ‘hands’ were a bundle or bunch of tobacco leaves tied together.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 4 of 161
hands tied together & then hung over wattles cut for the purpose & placed in the roofs of your
buildings, you will probably
[page 6 written crosswise over page 3]
have two underleavings before your crop is ripe – The stalks will now commence shooting
upwards & throwing out blossom, immediately top the plant by breaking off the top of the stalk
with your finger & thumbnail close above the highest large leaf, the plant will now throw out
suckers from every joint these suckers you must take off as fast as they appear. This process
throws all the sap of the plant into the leaves you want which other wise the seed or the suckers
would take. The plant will now get ripe, which you will judge yourself by the leaf getting a
yellowish colour & becoming hard & firm, do not allow a plant to remain in the field when the leaf
begins to get thinner, When your plants are ripe, cut them with a knife or a sickle about 2 inches
from the ground, & let them lie in the sun for ½ an hour or an hour, to stiffen but do not allow
them to be burnt & shrivelled – Then carry them to your Barn or Shed using great care not to
break the leaves.– This is all I can at present think of respecting the field except that the stumps
will throw out fresh suckers when you remove all but one & hill it up, Keep constantly removing
suckers & topping as before until ripe, you may have a 2d & a 3d crop, but each will be inferior to
the former – the stumps will be of no use for the next year, you will have to begin de novo. I
forgot to mention that the beds must not be put in all at once but one at a time with intervals of
two or three days a week or a fortnight according to the quantity of plants you require, the
quantity of seed sufficient for a bed of the dimensions I have mentioned, is about as much as a
large tea spoon
[page 7 written crosswise under page 8]
will contain – There ought to be one, or two late beds put in, for fear of the plants dying after
having been planted out. – I think I have now mentioned all the field work except that the ground
should be kept as clean as a garden throughout. Any place that is secure from the weather will
do for housing the crop, but it takes up an immense deal of room – whatever place you choose
should be previously fitted up with crop bearers on which you should lay stout wattles you
should also be provided with stout wooden pegs about 8 in long & pointed, as fast as the stalks
are brought in drive these pegs through the stalk about 4 or 5 in from the cut end, the peg
having a slanting direction downwards, then hang the stalk on the wattle by means of the peg, of
course the leaves hanging downwards. the wattles as also the pegs should be just sufficiently
far apart for the Tobacco to hang clear of the surrounding stalks, when the leaves have become
limp & hang straight down. you may have as many rows one above the other as your building
will hold, but the upper rows war \must/ swing clear of the tops of the under ones; the more
draught of air you can have, without having an absolute wind the better – You will yourself be
able to judge when the leaves are quite dry, the first wet weather after they are so, when they
get limp again with the damp so that you can handle them without breaking, take down as much
as you can manage, strip the leaves off the stalk & pack them carefully into a square heap, sized
in proportion to the quantity you wish to sweat, this heap should be on a bag or rug & should be
entirely covered around & above with the same Article, so as to keep the Air out, the time it
should remain in sweat so entirely depends on circumstances, that it is impossible to fix it – the
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 5 of 161
state of the Tobacco, the state of the weather, & the quantity all influencing it – a large quantity
will generally be quite sufficiently sweated in 10 or 12 hours or less – of this which is the most
ticklish part of Tobacco growing, you will have to judge for yourself, you must never let it get to a
wet heat, you must thrust in your hand to the middle
[page 8 written upside down over page 7]
of the stack and judge for your self of its state, it should have a tough damp heat, with a dark
brown colour, you must then take it ought very carefully every leaf separate, and tie them
together in hands of about 12 or 15 leaves, by the stem ends, they are always tied by one of the
leaves, they being sufficiently damp & tough – These hands are then hung separately on the
wattles to dry again, you open the hand in the middle & place it a straddle on the wattle, where it
will ride quite safely; as soon as these hands are thoroughly dry again, take advantage of the
first damp weather to take them down, & stack them as they are but perfectly straight, in stacks
of from 5 to 80 lbs in a stack, & in a perfectly dry place above & below. I forgot to mention that
about Lbs 500 is the very largest quantity you should sweat in one stack – when you have got it
into the dry stack it is then fit for manufacturing or for Sale. With respect to the manufacturing I
do not feel disposed to go into that subject in this letter, as it would be a very difficult one to
explain, if you write to me, however regarding information on that branch I will immediately write
you all I can on the subject – I cannot very well give you an exact answer to your queries as to
the total average expence & clear returns pr acre these depending so much upon various
circumstances; as to the return you must judge for yourself, it is a good crop that produces 1000
lbs of leaf to the Acre – the average price of leaf in Sydney is \or has been/ now [. . .] being £50
to the Acre. – It is however more profitable to manufacture it when you can, as to the expense
the only way in which I can possibly give you an idea of it, is by telling you what I did last year, &
what labour I think was requisite for it – I built a shingled slab cottage on sleepers, 36 f t long by
12 deep with an 8 ft Verandah, a kitchen 21 feet long by 12 with 2 skilleen5 rooms 7 by 12.
\slabbed/ barked in a stable 20 ft by 12 with a skilleen fowl house 9 x 12 slabbed & barked
[page 9]
and two large Govt men’s huts slabbed & barked. also a Tobacco Shed of very durable
workmanship, 60 ft long by 39 ft wide & 30 ft from the ridge pole to the floor, this is entirely
covered in with bark; – besides putting up about 800 rods of fencing. I grew about 4 acres of
wheat, about 6 acres of maize, ½ Potatoes and about 10 or 11 acres of Tobacco, the whole of
which I housed & cured – to do this I calculate required 5 men & a team of bullocks – you must
now calculate what the expence of that number of men & bullocks would be & the worth of the
work done by them – I got about 5 Tons of Tobacco, clear, The Wheat indifferent about 50
Bushels – Maize about 350 Bushels in Cob, Potatoes an indifferent crop, I don’t know how much
– Should you grow tobacco, you will find children of all ages useful in it, if you can only make
them careful the value of the Tobacco greatly depending upon the leaves being unbroken –
Children are good for weeding, looking for Caterpillars, grubs, grasshoppers &c & for taking off
suckers – They are also good for pegging, hanging up, stripping the leaves from the Stalk &
tyeing up the leaves, strong boys & girls from 10 years upwards could manufacture Tobacco
5 More usually spelt ‘skillion’.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 6 of 161
very well if they took to it. – I know very little of Sheep – Pure Ewes however of any breed are
extremely dear from £3.3 0 to £6.6.0 For good maiden Ewes in lamb that is 2yr old – with their
wool on, you would give from £1.15 to £2.10 P head, the price of course depends on the age &
quality of the Sheep & as there is a good deal of cheating I strongly recommend your choosing
for yourself. Good Draught Oxen, are at an Average from £8 to £10 P head sometimes £12 to
£14. Cows taking a number from £4 to 5 P head – perhaps less – especially for Cash – Bulls
are at any price you like there being many of them of all descriptions I should think you could
buy as many pigs (sows) as you like at from 10/- to 15/- P head, at the proper season, perhaps
cheaper – A good dray complete from £12 to £16 – Plough & Harrow about £3 each. – A good
gelding for riding or driving from £35 to £45. a good mare from £40 to £70. I hope you will be
induced to come up here in which case you will probably see my Tobacco growing & also see all
the other process including manufacturing. – We are now & have been suffering most terribly
from Drought, so that the Tobacco crop at present is an entire failure throughout the Colony. I
am however pretty fortunate as I have as yet plenty of plants, altho’ they die off very fast – I shall
endeavour to get in 12 acres but I am very doubtful. – I have between 8 & 9 acres of wheat,
which is acknowledged by all who see it to be the best looking wheat in the Colony! I have
about 8 acres of Maize – which is looking very bad being quite burnt up, I shall put in about
[page 10 written crosswise over page 9]
4 acres more of Stubble Maize – This year will either set me altogether on my legs, or I shall
give up all hopes of doing any good in this Colony, which way it will be I can scarcely give a
guess, if things go on as they are at present, There will be scarcely any Tobacco this year and
consequently the price will rise tremendously, this will of course be a great benefit to me, as I
have sold none of my last crop, besides which I have a better chance of getting a crop this year
than any one I know – but if the weather were to take a sudden change so as to enable the
Tobacco growers to reap [?] large crops this year it would do for me, as I cannot afford to grow
Tobacco at the price it is now fetching in the Sydney Market – As I have to get every thing on
Credit I am obliged to pay far higher than other people for my supplies besides having an
enormous amount of Interest. – I am paying 12/½ and 15£ P Cent on all I owe. – I have not
written so long a letter as this I don’t know when, so that I hope you will write me a full account of
your movements & intentions in return, and do not delay in doing so, but do as I do, answer
every letter the day after you receive it – I try and flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of
joining you and Alfred in a Christmas dinner – how delightful it would be to me If it can be
managed at all pray do both of you come, but if Alfred cannot, still you ought for your own sake –
I can write no more now my dear Arthur, and must therefore conclude by wishing you all health
success and happiness until I have the pleasure to see you God bless you my dear fellow
prays your
Affectionate Brother Edward Hardy
[This letter has the stamp Public Library of South Australia Archives followed by
Presented by Miss M. P. Hardy
The manuscript letter is accompanied by Miss Mabel Hardy’s typewritten transcript.]
A copy of the transcript can be found as PRG101/2/99 ]
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PRG 101/2/2
Letter from S K Kingston to Arthur Hardy re proposed sale of South Australian Sections,
12th August 1845
[one folio; 4 pages]
S K Kingston [written across the corner in pencil]
Wykeham Lodge
Hersham, Esher, Surrey
August 12. 1845
My dear Arthur/
We received your long expected letter bearing date 10th Feby about 3 weeks ago – We are truly
happy to hear such satisfactory accounts of the excellent understanding subsisting between you
and dame fortune, & sincerely hope you may, on a final settlement of accounts with her, take
leave with entire satisfaction – You surprise us with the intimation of your intended visit to
England, not but that we shall be truly happy to see you again – but we should have supposed
you would have found it difficult to leave your important and growing interests, where a few
years more might have enabled you to have made your bow to them all, & thanked them for past
favors – You seem to have been amazingly fortunate,– not the less so that you have lately been
solicited to accept the ripening favors of the earth’s treasures – How long might you have been
in this variable climate anxious
to
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
exercise to their full extent, the energies you have put forth in the land of your adoption, without
meeting with a tithe of the success wh has been awaiting you in Australia –
You are not to suppose from my thus adverting to your good fortune, as intimated in y r last &
former letters that we have received the many letters we hope you have written us – Two only
have reached us – & in the last you kindly advert to our valuable sections, respecting wh you are
puzzled how to act for the best – Should you not have come to a determination on that head ‘ere
this reaches you, we should be glad if you would sell them outright, as you best can, for at this
distance, & without the hope, expectation, or wish, of a seeing the prolific soil in wh our bank
notes have been sunk, it will be more congenial to the “bird in the hand” axiom to reconvert the
said soil back into Sovereigns at the earliest possible period – and now I am on the subject, I
must beg you to enquire & send me word, in whose name Section {--60 Dist B
{ 80 ac”– Country Section – signed by G.Gawler
[page 3]
a mile or two from Adelaide, are \is/ register’d – Our good old Uncle, whom you must rember, (&
whose decease in March last at my house you will probably have seen in the papers) was
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persuaded to take it by George K– I have told you how unaccountably he has neglected, up to
this moment even, giving any advice or information respecting it, & in a letter of six or seven
lines received some two months ago, he merely states his intention of writing shortly – I sent him
out power of attorney in April 1843 to let or sell it, the latter if he could \was to have been/ to a
Mr Aston who had agreed to purchase it at £160 – He has never acknowledged receipt of the
power of attorney or my letters – You will see that without the least desire to put any other than
the most favorable construction on his conduct, I cannot but feel he has behaved very
incorrectly, nor can I continue to place any confidence in one who could have behaved so very
[. . .] towards the good old Colonel – It is of no use, now, my telling him so, but he was
exceedingly
[page 4]
& naturally, displeased at his neglect, & often spoke of it – I wish therefore you would be so kind
as get all the information you can about it, & forward it to me – I do not know that I can epitomize
better as respects our own Section than by repeating our desire to sell them – I should have
requested, as respects the Colonel’s section, that you would ascertain if sold to whom, when, &
for what price,– if unsold, its value – Be so good as say also whether the Col’s executors can
send you out any legal instrument whereby the power of attorney (should they on consideration
feel it necessary) formerly given to G.K. can be superseded? –
Of home news there is very little – I have not seen yr Father for many months – the Hope being
broken up, & I discharged as part of its cargo – The Griffin’s at present on a visit to Devon –
having left Canterbury, & being undecided as to future plans – Mrs Kingston desires me to thank
you for your last kind letter, & to express her satisfaction at the prospect of seeing you again – &
hearing you extemporize on the piano – Miss Mounsey too will be anxious to hear the
combination produced by Australian influences – Our united regards & best wishes attend you –
Believe me
Yours very sincerely
Arthur Hardy Esq &c &cS K Kingston
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PRG 101/2/3
Letter from Joseph Hardy to his nephew Arthur Hardy. Arthur was in England in 1849.]
[This letter has been written on a small folio.]
Manchester
March 17, 1849
My Dear Nephew,
I have a favor to beg of you – it is a Letter of Introduction to your Brother Alfred at Adelaide for
the son of a very particular Friend of Mine – with whom I do Business & who are a highly
respectable Rich House – as Calico Printers – of near 50 years Standing – At Hollingworth near
Mottram – the Diem is Thos & Mr Dalton – the young GentleMan going out is a Son of Mr Dalton
– he is a very fine genteel Young
[page 2 written on verso of page 1]
Man – his Name is Henry Dalton – he sales on the 25th Inst from Lpool –I would not ask for such
a thing from you if I did not feel perfectly confident in the high respectability of the Family & of
the good character of the Young Gentleman – I hope to have your reply in time –
[page 3]
I am very thankful to hear that your dear Father is better – May he continue to improve – Tell my
brother that he shall hear from me in a few days – Robt Wm has been here – asked me about the
Property of the £100/ – I have told him all about it – More when I write
My Love to you all
Yours very truly
Jos. Hardy
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PRG 101/2/4
Letter to Arthur Hardy from his sister Caroline Ley.
[This letter has been written on a small black-bordered folio.]
Birksgate
June 26th [1849]
My dear Arthur
I was much glad to receive your letter today and to hear that Mr Taylor still continues better. I
sincerely hope that this change for the better may be permanent. I am glad too to find that you
are in Yorkshire Poor Mama has had such a long solitary time of it & I long to be with her too. I
only wish I could get so far as Birksgate – I have the greatest wish to
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
see the place once more but it is quite useless for me to think of it for I feel that I could not take
the journey alone & a servant I should not like to take so far, besides this it would be I suppose
of necessity but for a very short time I look forward with great pleasure to meeting dear Mama in
Exeter before very long. Pray let me hear as frequently as you can how you go on – I shall be
so
[page 3]
anxious to hear what you are doing – I wrote to you yesterday but I hardly know if you would
received my letter before you left. Tell Mama she will be glad to hear I am getting so much
better. Today I have managed to limp across the room twice almost without assistance – It was
excessively painful but then it is such a great thing to be able to move at all – I have received a
large packet of newspapers
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
from Edward directed to different people and evidently sent to me by mistake, so I have put them
in the post again One was directed to Mr Thos Firth & one to Mr Fooks. With best love both to
you and Mama believe me dearest Arthur
Yours ever affectly –
Caroline Ley
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PRG 101/2/5
Letter from Arthur Hardy to his Uncle.
[This letter has been written on small note paper in tiny handwriting with many abbreviations.]
Adel
2nd June 1855
My dear Uncle.
I am in rect of yr tre6 of 6 Dec & lose no time in replying to it. I hear In the first place I must
inform you that I did not bring any origl documents from England but I have looked thro’ sundry
memoranda &c \taken from my fathers dictation/ \& wch I/ made whilst in England & the result of
my investigation is as follows “£280 part of Uncle Josephs share of Uncle Johns Estate is on [. . .
] by note of hand from Trees7 of Methodist Chapel at Manchester to my father & Mr Booth at 5
pc an Inst paid to Uncle Joseph” – I have also \made \shortly after my fathers death/ and have by
me/ a complete list of all deeds documents &c wch were left amongst my fathers papers. The
Promy8 note in question is not mentnd in that list & I am therefore confident I have not seen the
instrument – I have also by me in my fathers handwriting instions9 to his Exs10 \dated May 1846/
in which he says the
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
“3 Exs of my brother John hold in trust certs11 mos12for my brother Joseph & also for Harriet Jubb
the Legacy to the last mentd named pson13 is secured by Dutch Bonds deposited with Mr Darrent
[?] The most – he goes on to state that “£280 is lent to a Methodist Chapel in Manchester” but
he does not say where the Security is I therefore infer that has to my father had not it or he
\having/ wod have sd where it was he being so very parlar14 in stating where all Secys15 wl were
where pos. I find on refering to the accts the balce due to my Uncle Johns Exs £112.17.1 was fd16
on 13 Oct. 1849 I therefore \On the whole I/ conclude Mr Booth or Mr Richardson will have the
Secty – you can however if you please ask my nephew Herbert to go thro’ the documents in the
box belongg to my fathers Exs. altho’ I feel confident it is not there shod it however be there he
should hand it over to Mr Booth or Mr Richardson – regards to
Aunts Mr Booth Mr Richardson &c in wch Alfred joins all well – Mr Berks doing pretty well I
believe
6 ‘Tre’ is a Hardy abbreviation for ‘letter. 7 Trustees 8 promissory
9 instructions
10 Executors 11
certificates 12
memos 13
person 14
particular 15 Securities 16 forwarded
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PRG 101/2/5A
Letter to Arthur Hardy from Joseph Barrow Montefiore.17
[The letter has been badly damaged and is illegible in places. Guesses are in square brackets.
‘J B Montefiore about Brussells’ has been written at the top of the letter in Miss Mabel Hardy’s
handwriting.]
Brussels
23rd November 1856
My dear Sir,
Ere this I had hoped to have informed you of the Petition to the Court of Chancery with reference
to our lands in S.a. having been presented all the necessary documents are at present in the
hands of Holdsworth Hunt for his opinion as to whether it will be necessary to apply to the Court
for permission to appoint new Trustees (Mr Major’s having resigned) or whether the change can
be effected without such application [The] moment this can be ascertained the matter will
[pro]gress more rapidly. It will have been satisfactory [for] you to have perused the opinions of
Sir R Bethell18 (now H. M. Attorney Gen) which are decided with those of Mr Hunt that the
learned gentlemen Messs Gerymer, [?] Flower [?] & ns [?] have not shewn much knowledge of
their profession as lawyers in placing the misconstruction upon the Deed as they had done. I
direct my Mr Howard to forward you the opinions in question which I hope you duly received.
You will have heard of the
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
bad treatment and annoyances we experienced on board the “Lovestein”, unfortunately Some of
our passengers were of the lowest grade and the Captain (if such he could be called) was quite
accustomed to such society, irrespective of such conduct our table could not have been of a
worse description. I often pitied those who had cargo on board arising from many circumstances
connected with the command as well as of the general management of the vessel; boarding
every dutch vessel he met, taking a Cargo at Sea for Sale [?] at the Cape, indeed I very much
question if Miss Elder was entitled to pay a Shilling of the Charter. I calculated we lost at least a
month at Sea
I shall be glad to hear from you with some accounts of South Australia, the rental you Set upon
the lands in King Wm St. I am as you will perceive [?] by the address of this letter residing in
Brussells, [it is] a most beautiful City & we find a great change after [the] monotony of Adelaide
with its dull society, here we could visit considerably more schools than would be convenient
amusements of the first order [?] are obtainable at a low rate and I am educating my children by
17
Joseph Barrow Montefiore (1803-1893), merchant and financier, emigrated to New South Wales in 1829. His
nephew Jacob Levi Montefiore joined him in 1837. After financial problems and time spent in London in 1856 they
came to South Australia where they became successful citizens. Joseph returned to England permanently after his
retirement in 1860.
18 Sir Richard Bethell, 1st Baron Westbury, (1800-1873) was nominated Attorney in the UK in 1856.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 13 of 161
means of the very first Professors at a cost of about one third less than I should have to pay in
London; the necessaries of life are much about the Same as in England, house [. . .] is very low
[page 3]
£60 or £100 for a first rate house, servants [. . .] £6 or £7 according to the services they have to
fulfil.
With best regards
I am My dear Sir
Yours very truly,
Joseph Montefiore
ps. [half a dozen illegible words]
26th I have just received a letter from Messrs Galty [?]& Howard stating that the new Trustees
may be appointed by “Deed”. I leave for London on Sunday returning the next week I hope we
shall make the first move. I have retained both Sir R Bethell and Holdsworth Hunt.
[page 4 – envelope page]
First Government Mail Europe
Arthur Hardy Esq
Solicitor
King Wm St
Adelaide
S A
Brussels
26th Nov 1856
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 14 of 161
PRG 101/2/6
Letter to Arthur Hardy from his sister Harriet Taylor Mill19. This letter is a photocopy,
stamped ‘British Library Political and Economic Science’.
Blackheath Sep 7. 1856.
My dear Arthur,
We returned only last Saturday from a two months excursion to Switzerland and I found your
long letter of April 10th awaiting me here as well as one from Alfred. For the kind & brotherly
interest you show in my affairs accept my sincere thanks and believe that I should act in the
same manner if ever I could be of any service to you or yours. The account of your house &
residence on Mount Lofty is delightful, the name is a poem and the place must be charming.
How you contrive to get through such an immense quantity of books is to me a wonder & so far
from being surprised at your not writing oftener I attribute to my own
[page 2]
deficiences in the corresponding departmt the occasional long gaps in yours. Do not pray think it
necessary to write long letters for me, short ones are always welcome & pleasant when there is
not subject for a long one. I am glad to hear that you still keep up your Institute, tho it has not
answered all your hopes it is sure to sow a good deed. we will send copies of the Political
Ecoy20 as soon as we can get them bound. The dedication was not inserted in the 3d edition, as
it was published in 1853 when it would have been no longer appropriate. Mr Mill is writing a new
Philosophical book which is sure to make an immense sensation – & this is to contain something
of the same kind. The fourth edition of the Logic is just published – it has been translated into
French Italian German & Spanish without either Mr Mill or his publishers hearing of it till it was
done & published
[page 3]
in the respective countries. This is a tribute to its utility \and celebrity/ probably unparelled in a
[crossed out] the case of a grave work. It is also adopted at the Universities. The sale of it is
most surprising being so very dry a book. I have forwarded your letter to Caroline21 and thank
you for it. I have suffered more than you would perhaps imagine from the rupture with her & its
cause. She has never answered my last letter nor has there been any further communication
either with her or Ar Ley. Indeed Ar Ley’s has long been a mere name, as he acts in all matters
of business only under Caroline’s direction and it was plain from her letter that she thought she
should gain some advantage by refusing to resign the trust, & when once she thought that
19 This letter and the next were given to the Library by Mabel Hardy. They are photocopies and bear the stamp of
The British Library of Political and Economic Science. They are similar to letters written by John Stuart Mill to Arthur
Hardy dated 21st
January 1856 and September 29th
1856. They concern especially the problems with the
trusteeship of the marriage settlement of Harriet Taylor Mill’s first marriage and their effect on Harriet’s children.
For further information see the Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, Volume XV pp. 679, 680. 20 John Stuart Mill’s Principles of Political Economy was first published in 1848. 21 Arthur Hardy’s sister Caroline. Her husband was Arthur Ley, who caused problems as a trustee.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 15 of 161
nothing would move her. If anything would I imagine it would be your opinion. She has adopted
with the utmost literalness
[page 4]
our mother’s incessantly repeated maxim that self interest is the only rule of life and that all who
do not make it so are either hypocrites or fools. My mother’s toleration extends to allowing one to
take ones choice of those two denominations. They, like many inexperienced people, fancy this
opinion proves great “knowledge of the world” a thing which those who haven’t it always greatly
desire. It concerns me to think that I have caused you more labour in writing than I need have
done, by not explaining with sufficient clearness the state of the case but I am much obliged to
you for all your suggestions. The original Trustees were our brother Thomas22 and Joseph
Travers – Thomas was replaced by \A. L. and Jos. Travers by/ his brother John Ingram Travers
– He later proved a very careless & inefficient Trustee as I thought, and when we married we
requested him to resign & a Mr Wm Thornton
[page 5]
a colleague of Mr Mill’s at the India House took his place and has been the acting Trustee ever
since, and the deed of Settlement is in his care. He is now I am sorry to say staying at
Bournemouth for his health & I think and hope for his own sake that he will recover. In the event
of his death, A. Ley would be the only Trustee, & I should then have power to insist on another
Trustee being appointed. Any mischief A L could do would be in the interim, which
circumstances (such as absence from England &c) might make of some duration. He himself
might, & I have no doubt would, throw difficulties in the way of a new appointment. As to
appointing a third Trustee now, our Solicitors, Messrs Gregson, (Angel Court Throgmorton
Street) are of opinion that we have not the power according to the terms of the deed to have
more than two Trustees.
[page 6]
I see by the papers Mr Duffy23 is speechifying at Melbourne as I suppose he would do wherever
he might be. I do not know if Political agitation is as desirable there as it used to be in Ireland,
but I think colonial Governors must have a very troublesome & difficult post. If we hear Sir Hy
Young’s24 administration spoken of we shall certainly report that we hear both his measures &
his motives very highly spoken of.
We have just returned from a beautiful tour in Switzerland with Haji & Lily25 & have benefited
much in health from it. Haji has been passing the winter at Rome, he has I believe given up his
notion of farming, very wisely I am sure. Lily also is still in very poor health which is a great
22 Thomas Hardy, brother of Harriet and Arthur, had died in 1829. 23
Gavan C. Duffy, later Sir Gavan (1816-1903), Irish nationalist emigrated to Melbourne in 1855. He became a
statesman and an influential member of parliament. 24
Sir Henry Fox Young (1803-1870) was Governor of South Australia from 1847 till 1855 when he was appointed
Governor of Tasmania. 25 Haji (Algernon) and Lily (Helen) were the two younger children of Harriet Taylor, née Hardy, later Harriet Mill.
Herbert, the oldest child, is mentioned in the next letter.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 16 of 161
anxiety to me. They both send best love to their little cousins to each of whom pray give a Kiss
from me & with kind love & regards to yourself & Martha in which Mr Mill begs to join
I am Your ever Affecly H Mill –
[There is a pencil addition written upside down at the top of the letter.]
Can you tell me if I ought not to receive something from my father’s estate? I receive each half
year the !4.19.11 joh from your part of the Estate but for some years past nothing else.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 17 of 161
PRG 101/2/7
Letter to Arthur Hardy from his sister Harriet Taylor Mill. This letter is a photocopy,
stamped ‘British Library Political and Economic Science’.
Blackheath
June 8. 1857.
My dear Arthur,
I have just received yours date March 30th containing copies of letters from you to Herbert &
Caroline about the Trusteeship. They are not likely to have had any effect. Caroline’s refusal to
let Ar. Ley resign was grounded on the knowledge that it would place Herbert in opposition to
me on the subject. Herbert showed throughout that he cared nothing about the matter itself but
would not lose the opportunity offered by Caroline of opposing
[page 2]
me & his brother & sister.
You say he tells you he “has requested A.L not to resign unless he has the consent in writing of
all interested” – This can only mean his own consent, as the only persons interested being
myself Haji Lily and himself, and Haji & Lily desiring it as much as I do, it is only Herbert’s
consent that is in question – the sentance therefore is mere nonsense & can only have been
intended to mystify. I confess that I am dissapointed, since you wrote at all that you did not say
that Ar. Ley ought to resign: whoever might be appointed
[page 3]
in his place I think it must be plain to everybody that he is not a fit person to hold it. However I
have no wish to drag you into my affairs. We must trust to the Distringas26 as our lawyer thinks
the issue of a suit in Chancery would be doubtful unless we would bring proof of A L’s unfitness,
which I should hardly like to do if we could, as I am convinced he wishes to do \resign/ do & is
only withheld by Caroline.
I hope you have quite got over the accident to your foot? I received your letter of
[page 4]
introduction from Mr & Mrs Cooper & we were as polite & attentive as it was possible to be. I
heard a most tempting account of your house on Mount Lofty from Mrs Cooper tho’ from your
own account it would seem to be ‘Bleak House’ –I have no doubt it is a delightful place. The
irregularity of the mails must be very disagreable for you, I hope they will soon be put on a better
footing. Your account of the election proves how highly you are esteemed where you are best
known & it must be very gratifying for you. We are strongly apposed to the Ballot. Please to give
my love to Alfred & to Martha and kisses to the children from Yr Affecty H Mill
26 In English law: a writ commanding the sheriff to distrain a person by his goods or chattels, to compel a
compliance with something required of him.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 18 of 161
PRG 101/2/8
Letter Book of Arthur Hardy, 6th November 1848 to 12th September 1849
[on paper cover of folio size booklet] 6 Nov/48 to 12 Septr 1849 England
[Index of recipients of letters]
[on verso of front cover]
Folio Date Name and Address Folio Date Name & Address
1 1848 Novr 6 P Whitington 33.4 1849 Jany 20 J.B. Montefiore
2 “ “ 16 G.W. Whitington 35 “ Feby 3 G.W.Whitington
3 “ “ 21 Hy Price Esq. 36 “ Feby 21 H Ellman.
4 “ “ “ Thos Wickstead 37 “ “ “ E.W.James
5.6 “ “ “ Thos Weeding 38 “ “ “ G.W.Whitington
7 “ “ “ Lionel Kell 39 “ “ “ Wm Gorton
8 “ “ 27 E.W.James 40 “ “ 28 Neales, Wick
-stead & Hughes
9 “ “ 30 Thos Wickstead 41 “ “ “ J.B.Neales
10 “ “ “ Thos Weeding 42 “ “ “ Chas Cooper
11 “ Decr 4 R.N.Holloway 43.6 “ March 11 Jno Baker
12.13 “ “ 6 Mrs Johns 47 “ “ 12 Price Hawkers
& Campbell
14 “ “ “ B. May 48 “ April 14 G.W.Whitington
15 “ “ 8 E.J.Wheeler & Co. 49 “ “ 30 Robt Buck
16 “ “ 13 Mrs Johns 50 “ “ “ E.J. Wheeler &
Co
17 “ “ 14 Chas Wilde rep Settled 51 “ May 3 E.W. James
18 1849 Jany 13 G.A.Anstey 52.3 “ June 14 Bony Price
19 “ “ “ Alfd Hardy 54 “ “ “ Neales Wick-
stead & Hughes
20 “ “ “ Wm James 55 “ “ 18 R.E.Burroughes
21 “ “ “ C.J.F.Campbell 56 “ “ 20 – Marsden Esq
22 “ “ “ M. MacDermott 57.8 “ “ “ Mrs Hardy
23 “ “ “ Geo Stevenson 59 “ “ “ Bony Price
24 “ “ “ Jno Baker 60 “ “ 21 R.E.Burroughes
25 “ “ “ McArthur 61 “ “ 28 Geo Simpson
26 “ “ “ Josh Holloway 62 “ “ “ E.W. James
27 “ “ “ Coll Gawler 63 “ “ 29 “
28 “ “ “ Dickson & Overbury 64 “ “ “ Hodgson Esq.
29 “ “ “ Josh Holloway 65 “ “ “ Geo Charteris
Junr Esq
30 “ “ 19 Rawson & Co 66 “ “ 30 E.W. James
Esq
31 “ “ “ Wm James 67 “ July 1 “
(vide 6 copy Book) (pencil)
32 “ “ 20 Dickson & Overbury 68 “ “ 4 “
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 19 of 161
[page1]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
London
6 Novr 1848
Sir
Enclosed I beg to hand you a letter from your son Mr W S Whitington27 of Adelaide –
Mr Whitington informs me that he is not aware of the address of his brother George who he
says, can afford some information relative to some claims Mr Whitington has upon persons in
London, but who he tells me will meet me and give me the necessary information Will you have
the kindness to request Mr Geo Whitington to address me a note to the above address telling
me when he can meet me and giving me three or four days notice in order that I may let him
know if the appointment will suit me.
I am Sir
Yours Obediently
Arthur Hardy
P Whitington Senr Esq
Whitmore House
near Guildford
Surrey
[page 2]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
16th Novr 1848
Sir
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterday’s date. I shall be glad to see you
upon the subject of my letter of the 6th instant as soon as possible & therefore will be at the
above address at one o’clock on next Tuesday afternoon where I shall hope to meet you.
I am Sir
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
G Whitington Esq
care of J Maitland Esq
12 Copshall Court City
27
William Smallpiece Whitington (1811-1903)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 20 of 161
[page 3]
Mr Packenham28
105 Pall Mall London
21 Novr 1848
My dear Price
I have only time now to write you a few lines to say that I forwarded your letter to your brother at
Rugby (having been hitherto unable to get so far myself) & have received a most pressing
invitation to go down there as your brother cannot leave – this I will do shortly but at present I
have so many relatives to visit that I have found it impossible to spare the time – So soon as I
have seen your brother I will write you fully – I have received letters from my brother Alfred from
which I see that the acceptance for £82.16.9 or any part of it had not been taken up on 12 th July
– this has annoyed me because relying upn its being paid from your promise to that effect I
received the money for it from Bakers & the funds that Alfred should have had to remit to me
have been absorbed to that extent, it has severely inconvenienced me that & other
disappointments – I hope that it has long since been provided for – Mrs Prices Commission shall
receive attention immediately & you shall hear from me again shortly – Hoping that you & Mrs
Price & all your family circle are well & that a good arrangement has been made for me as
regards her & with kindest regards Believe to be
Yours very truly in haste
Arthur Hardy
[page 4]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
London
21 Novr 1848
Sir
At the request of Mr P Wickstead of Adelaide I enclose you a letter which I am unable at present
to deliver personally –
I am Sir
Your Obedt Sevt
Arthur Hardy
Thos Wickstead Esqr
East London Waterworks Old Ford
0. Middlesex
28
In his diary Hardy recorded that he was sending this letter to Henry Price by Packenham.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 21 of 161
[page 5]
105 Pall Mall
21 Novr 1848
My dear Sir
Not having seen you in town I enclose you a statement of monies received by me on your
account for Lands in South Australia as follows
1847 Septr 28 Lester rent£6: – ; –
1848 Feby 3 Metcalfe do 2: 10: –
April 3 Lester do 6: – ; –
14:10; –
from which I have paid as follows
Postages 8:8
to Hardy & James for unrolling [?]your power of Attorney &c ––– 8:19:2
for Surveying amount of Fencing done by Lester & report thereon 1:7:–
10:8:10
Showing balance due of £`4:1:2
for which I enclose you a cheque –
The balance shewn above is however not quite correct inasmuch as I have omitted to charge
you Commissions &c either on this or former transactions but which as the particulars have not
arrived I will charge you in future accounts
[page 6]
Lester has not fulfilled his covenant for fencing only having fenced a portion of one side of his
Section and before leaving Adelaide I gave instructions for an action to be brought against him
to compel his fulfillment of it –
A person has applied for an offer of one of your sections on the Light either to rent or purchase
his object being to cut the Timber I should not however advise you to let the land for such a
purpose – I wrote you a letter about a fortnight since & addressed it to Malcolm Essex [?] – Your
acknowledgement of the enclosed will oblige Dear Sir
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
Thos Weeding Esq
Great Winchester Street
City–
[page 7]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
London
21st Novr 1848
Sir
Herewith I beg to forward you a small parcel from Mr T Wickstead of Adelaide it has been
opened as you will perceive by the Custom House officers & some letters which were enclosed
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 22 of 161
were forwarded about the 1st Octr last – and I have not hitherto had an opportunity of forwarding
the parcel.
I am Sir
Your Obedient Servt
Arthur Hardy
Lionel Kell Esq MD
Great George Street
Westminster
[page 8]
No 105 Pall Mall
27th Novr 1848
My dear Sir
On my return to town last night I found your note of 22d inst & hasten to answer it. I am sorry to
say that I am suffering under a severe cold & sore throat & am advised not to go out after dark &
shall therefore not be able to have the pleasure of dining with you this week – I shall however be
very glad to see you if you can make it convenient to call tomorrow morning about twelve oclock
– I know both the Mr Reynells personally & I saw them both shortly before I left Adelaide & shall
be happy to afford Mr Grainger any information in my power – the David Malcolm is in at last &
altho’ I have my files of newspapers I have not a single letter. Some deeds were to have been
sent by this vessel for me to your care should they have arrived I shall be glad to receive them
as my letters very possibly be enclosed – I am leaving town again in a few days if my cold gets
better & should tomorrow morning not suit you I will endeavour to make another appointment to
talk over matters I am glad to hear the fire at Lesled [?] was extinguished without damage
Believe to be Yours very truly
E W James Esq Ely Place
Arthur Hardy
[page 9]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
30th Novr 1848
Dear Sir
On my return to town last Monday I found your note of 22d inst since then I have been laid up
with a very severe cold or I would have written to you earlier – The mine in which your Brother is
interested is not the Burra Burra but the Victoria situated a very short distance to the North of the
Montacute Mine. The specimens may be seen at the above address & if you will let me know
your most usual day for being in town I will endeavour to make an appointment to meet you &
show them to you. I do not know from what paper the slip is cut, but that could be ascertained by
searching a file of Adelaide papers which may be done I am told at Densons [?] Coffee House in
Walbrook – I do not know who Coll Helmerson [?] is & I do not think he was ever in Australia –
Any information you may require I shall be happy to give you from the documents in my
possession when you call to see the specimens.
I remain
Yours faithfully
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 23 of 161
P.S. In enclose your Arthur Hardy brothers lettter & its enclosure –
Thos Wickstead Esq
East London Waterworks
Old Ford
[page 10]
No 105 Pall Mall
30th Novr 1848
My dear Sir
On my return to town at the beginning of this week I found your note under date 20 th inst & at the
same time I received back through the dead letter office my letter to you of 8th Novr which had
been sent according to Mr Taylors direction addressed to Maldon Essex this accounts for your
not having received it – since my return to town I have been completely laid up by a very severe
cold & sore throat but I am glad to say that I am quite getting rid of both and I shall feel great
pleasure in coming down to Maldon for a few days and giving you any information you may
require. If the middle or latter part of next week will suit you and Mrs Weeding & you will let me
know I will do myself the pleasure of paying you a visit – I suppose the Railway is the South
Western? With kindest regards to Mrs Weeding & yourself I am My dear Sir
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
[page 11]
105 Pall Mall
4th Decr 1848
Sir
Some few months since I met your brother (I believe) Mr Joseph Holloway at Melbourne and at
his request I called on Mr J.W.Wright of Old Broad Street to enquire if he had remitted some
money due to Mr Josh Holloway I found that Mr Wright could give me no information on the
subject but referred me to Mr Holloway of 33 Nicholas Lane or yourself & I accordingly called on
Nicholas Lane but was told that Mr Holloway had left & his address was not known I therefore
write to you on the subject. It appears that Mr Josh Holloway considered himself entitled to a
sum of money and drew for £400. This bill was refused acceptance & he has been obliged to
take it up in Melbourne with 20 pr ct & the exchange besides Notorial charges &c. He is very
anxious that whatever may be coming to him should be remitted without delay & as I propose
writing to him shortly I shall feel obliged by your letting me know what has been done in the
matter – Mr Holloway begged me to say that if it was considered necessary that any particular
form of power of Attorney or Release should be executed he will be obliged by the requisite form
being sent out & the money sent out to be handed over on his executing the documents or on an
authority to draw for the amount
I am Sir Yours Obediently
Arthur Hardy
R W Holloway Esq
Leigh House Lower Heath Hampstead –
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 24 of 161
[page 12]
No 105 Pall Mall London
6th Decr 1848
Madam
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant – I saw both Mr John & Mr Alfred
Reynell very shortly before I left Adelaide in April. Mr Alfred Reynell has been for some years
chief clerk in the Colonial Treasurers Office & I see by later papers has an increase of his Salary
which was well deserved Mr & Mrs John Reynell live a few miles from town & I do not see so
much of them, they are all well. I shall be most happy to afford you any information in my power.
As far as you are personally interested I think that altho’ the necessaries of life are cheaper in
England South Australia than in England, yet there are many discomforts inseparable from a
Colonial life, but a Colony affords better prospects to young people than an old country – at the
same time the facilities for completing a good education are greater in England than in the
Colony, on this point you are I should think more competent to form an opinion than myself as
you alone can judge of your own inclination to take the trouble of
[page 13]
educating your children – there are several ladies schools in Adelaide but I should imagine that
there is still an opening for one of a superior class – Should you determine on proceeding to
Adelaide I think you would much regret it did you not take out with you your books Piano forte
plate linen & china heavy & bulky articles of furniture I would not recommend being taken in any
large quantity Rents in Adelaide are high I should think you would not obtain a house under
£30 to £50 a year – female servants get from £16 to £20 a year & it is difficult to get them good
servants at these rates – There is a Collegiate School established under the Auspices of the
Bishop which we hope will afford the means of a good solid education. I cannot say whether
your son would find employment with his uncle, but having resident friends would be
advantageous to him – Should you require any more definite information in my power I shall be
happy to afford it I remain
Your Obedt Sevt
Mrs Johns Arthur Hardy
rospect Street
Plymouth
[page 14]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
London
6th Decr 1848
Sir
I am requested by Mr J B Neales of Adelaide South Australia to inform you of my arrival in
England – Mr Neales says in his letter that you have important documents in your hands relating
to the Victoria Gold Mine which it is necessary should be in London at an early date – I shall
therefore be glad to hear from you at the above address at your early convenience.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 25 of 161
I remain Sir
your Obedt Sevt
Arthur Hardy
B. May Esq
Bedford Street
Plymouth
[page 15]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
8th Decr 1848
Gentn
In the letter I had the pleasure of handing to you yesterday from Mr J.B Neales you are
requested to supply me with funds on that Gentlemans account to the extent of £50 fifty pounds
– the question I wished answered is whether you are prepared to make such an advance on Mr
Neales account should I require the same – Your early reply on this point will obligeYours
Obedtly
Arthur Hardy
Messrs E. J. Wheeler & Co
Manchester House
Old Broad Street
[page 16]
105 Pall Mall London
13th Decr 1848
Madam
On my return to town I found your letter of 8th instt enclosing a note from Mr Noel Byron which I
enclose as requested – I would suggest to you the prudence of awaiting an answer to your
letters to Adelaide – I do not think that your son would derive any adequate advantage from a
residence with a farmer & I am inclined to think the delay in waiting for a reply would be most
beneficially occupied in completing your sons education. Will you kindly forward me Mr Walters
address & can you give me the address of a Mrs Taylor who is a native of & resides in Plymouth
whose husband died in Adelaide a few months before I left. Mrs Walters will be able to give you
detailed information as to expense of living houses &c. Altho’ Mrs Walters may not give a very
favorable opinion of Adelaide to you yet I would suggest that the giving more attention to
unfavorable than to favorable accounts is likely to lead to less disappointment than the reverse
I remain Madam
Yours faithfully
Mrs Johns Arthur Hardy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 26 of 161
[page 17]
No 105 Pall Mall
14 Decr 1848
My dear Sir
I received a letter from my mother this morning saying that my father felt himself so unwell that
he is anxious I should go down there on Saturday which I propose doing by the Morning Express
Train – will you therefore have the kindness to let me have the Ingrossment29 and draft of my
brother Alfred’s settlement by tomorrow evening (Friday) in order that I may take them down with
me.
Believe me to be Dear Sir
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
Chas Wilde Esqr.
[page 18]
I am told there are great alterations in the docks at Hull since I was here last
Reform Club London
13th Jany 1849
My dear Anstey
Allow me to introduce to you my friend Mr F Sinnett30 who is about proceeding to Adelaide – Mr
Sinnett is undecided whether he remains in South Australia or proceeds to Port Phillip, but as
we cannot afford to lose [. . .] additions to our society I depend upon your kind exertions to
induce him to stay amongst us – Any Attentions you can show Mr Sinnett will much oblige me – I
have not heard from you since my arrival but intend shortly writing you a long letter & fulfilling Mrs
Ansteys commissions With kindest regards to Mrs Anstey
Believe me to be
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
[page 19]
London
13th Jany 1849
My dear Alfred
Mr F Sinnett who will deliver this is a friend of Herberts & proceeds in a few days to Adelaide, he
is uncertain whether he stays there or proceeds to Port Phillip any civility you can show Mr
Sinnett by introducing him to our limited Society will oblige me – We are all pretty well my father
was exceedingly unwell about a month since but is now much better
29
Meant for Engrossment? 30
Frederick Sinnett (1830-1866) emigrated fearful of consumption, came to Adelaide, helped lay out the town of
Truro, came to Adelaide, helped lay out the town of Truro, then moved to Melbourne and became an influential
journalist.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 27 of 161
Yours affectionately
Arthur Hardy
P.S. Mr Sinnett is kind enough to take charge of a parcel of books &c for you –
[page 20]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear James
This will be handed to you by my friend Mr Sinnett who is proceeding to
Adelaide in connection with the Railway company from Adelaide to the Port Mr Sinnetts views
are also literary, any assistance or civility you can shew him will much oblige me I have written
you once or twice but am as yet without any letters from you. I saw your brother yesterday & all
your family are well with Kindest regards to Mrs James & Wally
Believe to be yours truly
Arthur Hardy
Mr James Esq.
[page 21]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear Charley
Allow me to introduce my friend Mr F Sinnett who is proceeding to Adelaide Any information and
attentions you can shew him will much oblige me, but I need say no more than that he is a friend
of mine – Remember me kindly to all friends & Believe me
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
C.J.F. Campbell Esqr
[page 22]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear Sir
Allow me to introduce to you Mr F. Sinnett a gentleman who is proceeding to Adelaide in
connection with the Railway Company to the Port. Any information or assistance in his views
you can afford Mr Sinnett will much oblige.
Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
M MacDermott Esq
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 28 of 161
[page 23]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
Dear Sir
This will be handed to you by my friend Mr F. Sinnett who is proceeding to Adelaide Mr Sinnetts
primary views are in connection with the Railway from Adelaide to the Port, he has been on the
Globe Newspaper & would be glad to turn his literary talent to account should he see an opening
& I am certain there is no one can give him better information or forward his views in that line so
well as yourself Any information or attention you can afford Mr Sinnett will much oblige me.
Hoping that yourself Mrs Stevenson & family are all well Believe me to be Yours truly
Arthur Hardy
Geo Stevenson Esq.
[page 24]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear Baker
Allow me to introduce to you my friend Mr F Sinnett who is proceeding to Adelaide in connection
with the Railway from the Port. Any information you can afford him in his views will much oblige
me. I am as yet without any letters from you but shall be writing to you again shortly, having
nothing definite to say at present. Hoping that yourself & all your family are quite well & wishing
you many happy new years.
Believe to be yours sincerely
Arthur Hardy
John Baker Esq.
[page 25]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear Sir
The bearer of this letter my friend Mr Fredk Sinnett is about proceeding to the Australian
Colonies – he proposes touching at Adelaide and should he not find sufficient inducement to
stay there will proceed to Melbourne, any information you can afford him will much oblige me
with my best respects to Mrs McArthur Believe to be
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
McArthur Esq –
Melbourne
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 29 of 161
[page 26]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear Holloway
Allow me to introduce to you my friend Mr Fredk Sinnett who is about proceeding to Australia –
he touches at Adelaide & should he not find sufficient inducement to stay there proceed to Port
Phillip I have given him this letter to you assured that it will be sufficient to introduce him to the
best people in your district – you will probably hear from me by post before this reaches you
Believe to be –
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
Josh Holloway Esq
Port Phillip
[page 27]
London
13th Jany 1849
My dear Sir
I will forward the letter you enclosed me under cover to Messs Ken Rawson & Co of Singapore
begging them to forward it by first opportunity to our mutual correspondent in Adelaide Messs
Younghusband & Co. who will deliver it on arrival, these vessels often do not take any mail
besides the Agents bag – the next Overland Mail from Southampton is on the 20th & via
Marseilles on the 24th
With my respects to Miss Cox Mrs Gawler & your family Believe to be
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
Coll Gawler
[page 28]
No 105 Pall Mall
13th Jany 1849
Gentn
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterdays date, I shall have much pleasure in
giving any information in my power and beg to appoint Thursday next at two oclock if convenient
to yourselves and the other gentlemen at your Offices. I am not aware that I cannot give any
further information that I have already afforded in my letters, but as I have not copies of them
with me I propose calling upon you a quarter of an hour before the meeting for the purpose of
looking through them.
I am Gentn Your Obedt Svt
Messs Dickson & OverburyArthur Hardy
Solis
4 Fredericks Place Old Jewry
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 30 of 161
[page 29]
Reform Club London
13 Jany 1849
My dear Holloway
I arrived safely in Old England after a pleasant but long trip on the 1st Octr last & as I had to stay
in town for a day or two for Clothes &c before going to my fathers I went into the City on the 2d &
3d & called on Mr JW. Wright but did not find him in either day, I then left town & on my return
saw him – when he said he knew but little about the matter & referred me to your brother who
lives at Hampstead. I accordingly wrote to him & he called upon me & says that the matter is
concluded as far as the decision of the Court is concerned but that those troublesome fellows
the lawyers will not get the details arranged – he however was in daily expectation of it being
concluded & promised so soon as it should be possible to send you out an Accountant Generals
Power of Attorney with authority to draw on signature of the Power – this appears to be all I can
do in the matter. I have enjoyed myself very much since I have been at home & have had many
enquiries after Mr Goldsmid of Port Fairy who is a member of this Club – I came home with Geo
Rodger whom you know I believe & found him a very agreable companion& we have continued
our intimacy since we have landed – The Overland route is all very well for once but it is
comfortless & very expensive. Rodger on his return will give you details We passed nearly a
month in Ceylon – I gave a letter of introduction to a Mr Fredk Sinnett to you in case he went to
Port Phillip, he is of a very respectable family & clever
Josh Holloway Esq Believe me in haste yours very truly
The Club Port PhillipArthur Hardy
[page 30]
105 Pall Mall London
19th Jany 1849
Gentn
Being anxious to forward the enclosed letter overland to Adelaide I have taken the liberty of
enclosing it to you and shall feel greatly obliged by your sending it on by the first direct
opportunity, our mutual friends Messs Younghusband & Coy of Adelaide will repay you any
postage you may incur in the matter and I have requested my partner Mr James to repay them.
Apologizing for the trouble I am giving you
I remain gentmn
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
Messs Rawson & Coy
Singapore
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 31 of 161
[page 31]
Reform Club London
19 Jany 1849
My dear James
I spent a day last week with Coll Gawler at Derby and received a request from Lady Wilmot
(Mundy’s Sister) to forward the enclosed letters overland to Mundy informing him that his eldest
brother is in such a state of health that his dissolution is almost inevitable – I have therefore
enclosed this in a letter to Messs Rawson & Co of Singapore & begged them to forward it & told
them you would pay Messs Younghusband & Co any postage they may pay there – We have
had four ships from Adelaide since I have been home but I have not received a letter from
Adelaide except from Alfred via India – We have no great news here – the Railway Companys
head quarters start the day after tomorrow on the William Hyde& I fancy are connected with the
South Australian Bank but I cannot ascertain for certain – I saw your brothers the other day who
are well I have been taking a months run in the North & found it very cold, this is an execrable
climate for those who have lived long or light
With kindest regards to Mrs James & all friends
Wm James Esq
Believe me yours very truly
care of Messs Younghusband & CoArthur Hardy
Adelaide So Aus –
[page 32]
105 Pall Mall
20 Jany 1849
Gentn
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterdays date – I regret that the appointment
you make will not suit my engagements but shall be happy to attend at either one or two oclock
on Wednesday or Thursday next. I shall be glad to know at your early convenience which time
will suit you
I remain Your Obedt Sert
Arthur Hardy
Messs Dickson & Overbury
4 Fredericks Place
Old Jewry
[page 33]
for William Hyde105 Pall Mall London
20th Jany 1849
My dear Sir
Your favor of 16th Octr came to hand this morning & as there is a vessel at Plymouth to sail
tomorrow morning I send this down in hopes is may catch her – I have no letters from Adelaide
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 32 of 161
of a later date than 12th July but possibly there may be letters by this mail via Southampton
which will not be due here for five or six days – As your letter to hand does not mention what you
wish I must wait until I hear – I called at your brothers counting house in October last & saw him
once or twice, he was quite well – Wool is rather firmer but at the November sales nearly 10,000
bales were bought in Trade generally is looking better & should no fresh disturbances take
place in France we may look for better times – Will you kindly tell Mr Mundy that I at the request
of Lady Wilmot forwarded two letters to him yesterday to the care of Rawson & Co of Singapore.
they announce the almost certain dissolution of his oldest
[page 34]
brother who had gone to Barbadoes for change of air & the family fear that the next West Indian
Mail will bring accounts of his demise I am enjoying myself much & travel about a great deal –
but make my headquarters at the Club where I have Chambers – I shall be anxious to hear what
is doing at Glen Osmond in mining the people here who have rented from me appear sanguine
– Smelting on the spot will greatly increase the value of the property – nobody here will look at
our mining properties, I meet a good many Cornish people & they all say that the Burra is a [. . .]
of ore & will soon work out – I am glad Peachey [?] has made such good terms as it shows that
mine are reasonable
With kindest regards to all friends & your family circle Believe to be yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
J B Montefiore
Adelaide So Aus
[page 35]
105 Pall Mall
3 Feby 1849
Sir
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterdays date – I received a letter yesterday
from Mr Baker, but it did not contain any allusion to an advance to you on his account and I have
no instructions either from that gentleman or your brother on the subject –
I have been surprised at not hearing from you as promised so long ago as 14 th December.
I am Sir
Yours Obediently
Arthur Hardy
J W Whitington Esq
care of Mr J Maitland
12 Copthall Court London –
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 33 of 161
[page 36]
105 Pall Mall
21 Feby 1849
My dear Sir
I arrived in town yesterday Afternoon & take the earliest opportunity of enclosing you the seeds
from South Australia – I hope they will grow, those from Sturts desert are a species of vetch with
a very beautiful bloom – the Banksia is more of a shrub with a handsome flower Hoping that
you are all well at Landport and with kindest regards
Believe me to be
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
Harry Ellman Esq
[page 37]
105 Pall Mall
21 Feby 1849
My dear Sir
I only returned to town yesterday afternoon after a fortnights trip thro’ the South Downs or your
note of 13th should have received earlier attention Your old servant & her husband will I have no
doubt do exceedingly well in South Australia if sober & that is the great point to be attended to –
Any information they may wish for on matters of detail I shall be happy to afford them – The
overland mail is now due & after its arrival I will give you a call altho’ I think it unlikely we shall
have any news this month – no doubt the Gratitude & Himalaya will have letters for us but I do
not expect either of them for nearly a month yet –
Believe me in haste
Yours truly
Arthur Hardy
E W James Esq.
[page 38]
46 Cross Street Finsbury Place
21 Feby 1849
Sir
I only returned to town yesterday after a fortnights absence or your letter of 10 th inst would have
received an earlier reply – I can only repeat that I have no instructions to make the advance
requested in your letter – I am entirely unaware of what the “two other matters” referred to by
you are –
I am Sir
Yours Obediently
Arthur Hardy
G. W. Whitington Esq
30 Bloomsbury Square
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 34 of 161
[page 39]
105 Pall Mall
21 Feby 1849
My dear Sir
I am proposing to leave town in about a weeks time & should therefore be glad to hear from
you whether there is any likelihood of your friend making further enquiries about an interest in
the Paringa Mine – if not too much trouble would you kindly write me a line, I shall be in your
neighbourhood tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) at about three oclock
Yours very faithfully
Arthur Hardy
Wm Gorton Esq
18 Wharf Road City Road
[page 40]
105 Pall Mall London
28 Feby 1849
Gentn
I have made it my business since I have been in England to use every exertion for the purpose
of disposing of the Victoria Mine as requested by you but I regret to say hitherto without having
effected the object – I found in the first place on my arrival that money was somewhat scarce
owing to the great depression which Railway shares in common with all other property had been
suffering under, so much so that I was informed shares could be purchased to pay £ 6 pr cr pr.
an. This caused people at that time to be rather shy of entering into new speculations I am glad
to say that money is now so much more plentiful that people are once again looking out for
investments but the wonderful discoveries of gold in California as reported disincline speculators
from entering into anything new with gold until they ascertain the probable effect on the price
from the Californian discoveries – I find that all mining properties in South Australia are looked
upon by monied men with suspicion altho’ the feeling is undoubtedly wearing off – I shall keep
myself in communication with parties in the City and can assure you that nothing shall be
neglected towards effecting a disposal of the property –I remain Gentmn
Yours most obediently
Arthur Hardy
Messs Neales Wickstead & Hughes
Victoria Mine Adelaide
[page 41]
pr Posthumous105 Pall Mall London
28 Feby 1849
My dear Sir
I enclose you a letter to the committee of the Victoria Mine I fear I shall not be able to effect a
sale but will do the best I can – shares will not sell at any price. Will you tell Mr Wickstead that I
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 35 of 161
was in Sussex a fortnight since and saw Mr Kell who has been ill but is getting better I met Miss
Kell at Mr Blackmans in Lewes & saw Mr & Mrs Geo Ellman at Bedingham who were all well &
desired to be remembered to Mrs Wickstead & her family – you will perceive that wool has
advanced fully 3d at the last sales large quantities having been taken I am told for the continent
these I believe were principally Cape wools but still relieved the market the impression on
change is that present price will be fully maintained with a probability of a rise rather than a fall,
at all events for the wools which arrive early, Emigration is attracting much attention here – The
general impression with regard to wheat is that British will average under 35fr rather than over &
the general average be under 45 frs per quarter these prices will not of course justify shipments
from Adelaide I am glad to hear such continued good accounts of mining matters generally &
hoping that you are all well in AdelaideBelieve to be
Yours very faithfully
J.B.Neales EsqArthur Hardy
Adelaide South Australia
[page 42]
105 Pall Mall London
28 Feby 1849
My dear Sir
On arrival in town I made enquiries for a book containing the Exchequer Crown writs for you but
could find nothing of the sort – I often meet Mr Nelsby [?] who is engaged with the Attorney Gen l
in most of the crown cases & he suggested that I should call at the Queens Remebrancers office
this I did & they kindly furnished me with a set of the writs they use Mr Brown told me there was
no work containing them & that they had constantly to vary the forms – I have enclosed them in
a parcel I am sending to Mrs Anstey & she will no doubt kindly forward them to you I have much
enjoyed my trip I saw a good deal of Ceylon having been detained there nearly a month & the
trip thro’ Egypt was very interesting – I have not seen Captn Sturt since Novr & he then talked of
returning in January but I have been much out of town myself, altho’ my head quarters are here
having fortunately obtained a set of chambers on my arrival – I saw Coll & Mrs Gawler & their
family the last time I was at Derby they were quite well. I forwarded some letters for Mundy via
Singapore informing him of the alarming illness of his eldest brother the last accounts were I
believe rather more favorable but the loss of the Forth31 on the Anacranes has disarranged this
months mails Hoping that yourself & Mrs Cooper are all well & with Kindest regards to all
friends Believe me to be
yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
31
The steamer forth was wrecked on the Anacranes Rocks on January 31st
1849.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 36 of 161
[page 43]
Birksgate near Huddersfield Yorkshire
11 March 1849
Dear Baker
I received yours of 20th July on 2d Feby & have delayed writing as I was in hopes of having
something more definite to say – The same evening I received a letter from Mr GW Whitington in
which he says “I have letters from Adelaide in which I am directed to purchase & send out for Mr
Baker & my brother certain Books & acts of Parliament &c & also to go into Yorkshire about
some business for them & that I am to apply to you if I require funds which I do & must has
therefore beg of you to send me such money” to this I replied on 3d Feby that I had received a
letter from you but that it did not contain any allusion to an advance to him on your account &
that I had no instructions from you or his brother on the subject & I intimated my surprise at not
having heard from him as promised so long since as the 14 th Decr – He wrote me a long letter on
10th Feby saying “I have repeatedly been informed that my expenses should be paid but they are
of the Colonial character professions & promises only” & requesting me to cash his draft on his
brother & you for £25 & winds up his letter as follows “if these combined circumstances &
interests coupled with my position & services required to make money for them will not induce
you to meet the necessities as proposed I can only say it is folly for them or for you to occupy my
time or your own in further desultory & consequently fruitless pursuits” to this letter I simply
replied that I had no instructions to make the advance requested by him & was totally unaware
what the “two other matters” referred to by him where. I have heard nothing further from him – I
fear there will be nothing realised from these claims without incurring considerable expense &
risk & this I should hardly have been inclined to do even if your instructions did not preclude me
– I have had several nibbles for Paringa’s & shall be glad if they come to anything – I will not
forget your wishes to effect sales – I am much annoyed at Shepherds not forwarding the trees –
You will be glad to hear of the advances in wool there seems every probability of its being
maintained – Any commission you may have
[page 44]
have in London I need hardly assure you shall receive my best attention – I am rather in the dark
as to what my brother has paid up you upon the £150 acceptance you lent me. I only see the
£26:10:7 he paid you in his acceptance in July & George Morphetts acceptance for £65:12:6 due
7 August I presume you had also Geo Morphetts acceptance for £66:8:7 due 7 Nov r. these
together would pay you & release Price’s acceptance to Campbell for Collection on my own
account – I was vexed when I heard that Campbell had got cash for the £26:10:7 as the memo
was expressly that he was to be allowed that sum off Price’s acceptance to him – this I
mentioned to you but suppose you must have forgotten it – the nonpayment of Price &
Campbells bill has inconvenienced me much & appears to have disarranged all my brother
Alfreds plans – I do not see the benefit of discounting Browns acceptance of course there could
be no objection to taking it as collateral security which is a very different thing from discounting it
& paying cash the balance thus doubling the amount to be recovered instead of lessening it I
suppose Browns bill has been paid as it was due on 4th Octr & Alfred’s letter of 16 Oct does not
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 37 of 161
mention it – I was surprised to hear from my brother that Campbells acceptance for £170:14:4
due 19th June had not been paid as I handed to Hagen with that Bill the undertaking of yourself
& Anstey to pay it out of the proceeds of the Butchers shop & I am sure you would not have
allowed any other payment to have taken precedence of it. If I were on the spot no one would
be more happy to accomodate Charley, Campbell but as it is I am dependent on what I receive
from Adelaide I am now nearly twelve months away & have not received a sixpence & hence I
have of course been inconvenienced as you will guess when I tell you that I spent £270 between
Adelaide and Southampton & had to pay a Bill for £50 I endorsed for Mendell.
[page 45]
I find myself in very comfortable quarters having Chambers at the Reform Club I pay £53 p r an
rent unfurnished besides subscription of course – I called on Cappers & delivered the letter I had
shortly after I arrived they were not I, but left a card for me about a month afterwards & I have
seen or heard nothing of them since – I meet a great many people at the Club who take interest
in the Colonies & have a great many enquiries about Adelaide in particular – I have not yet been
able to see Lord Greys bill of giving us an assembly but I hear that it is proposed that a large
permanent civil list is to be a sine qua non independently of the Assembly, if this is so it is a
mere mockery & I have talked the matter over with a great many M P’s who view it in the same
light & promise to endeavour to prevent our being imposed upon – great attention is being
turned to Emigration I object as strongly as I can against our funds being applied to the relief
\Emigration/ of paupers who are not ablebodied or Irish children let the Parishes which wish to
be relieved pay the passages, we find quite sufficient good emigrants offering who are ready to
pay the £6 towards their passage – I saw Sturt about three months since & Coll Gawler a month
ago, both professed themselves of opinion that Borrow & Goodiar32 had something due to them
& I have no doubt it would long since have been settled had Coll Gawler remained with us. I had
a very pleasant trip from Sydney staying nearly a month in Ceylon. I travelled thro’ a good deal
of the Country which is exceedingly luxuriant but the air was very oppressive altho’ it was the S.
West Monsoon the coolest season No families should go overland & single men only once. the
inconveniences are worth putting up with for once – Aden is a very remarkable place, not a
blade of vegitation, it is as strong
[page 46]
as Gibraltar & being as strongly fortified, it is the key to the communication between Europe &
the East – the trip up the Red Sea past Mocha & Mount Sinai is interesting as is the journey thro’
the Desert from Suez & Cairo & Alexandria – I am now writing surrounded by snow & frost, three
weeks ago in the South Downs Almond trees were in full bloom – Copper you will see is
advancing in price. I have obtained a good deal of information about smelters profits & am
promised details which will be of much use to us – I believe that the Swansea people instead of
being entitled to the 21 cwt make more 22½ per cent \in the boring/ of pure copper from the 20
cwt more than they shew by the present mode of arriving at the Standard – I shall make further
32 There are mentions in Australian newspapers of cases concerning Borrow & Goodiar, Colonel Gawler and Captain
Sturt.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 38 of 161
enquiries about this in a trip I am to take with one of the largest Cornish Mine owners in April
next throughout the mining districts, he is one of those who discovered the excess the smelters
are making – Matters on the Continent are still unsettled & should material disturbances occur
they may affect the price of wool & ore, but on the whole they are not anticipated. Present my
kindest regards to Mrs Baker & all your family and hoping that you are well & that I shall shortly
hear from you I remain yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
PS. A letter arrived from Nagem [?] to James’ brother by the \overland/ Mail a month since but
the documents referred to had not arrived when I left town –
[page 47]
Birksgate near Huddersfield Yorkshire
12 March 1849
Messs Price Hawkers & Campbell
Messs Price Hawkers & Campbell
Gentn
Dear Sirs
I have received a return relating to my sheep in your care up to 21 June 1848 and it appears to
me so unsatisfactory that I should not be doing justice to myself or you did I not call your
particular attention to it and former returns – The return I received before I left Adelaide started
with a total of 3659 on 1 June 1847 On this return Mr Price made a memo that the increase
shewn by it does not give more than 50 pr Cent and that the increase was greater by at least 20
per cent, the increase was I believe in fact greater than that as Mr Price told me & promised to
send up a better return – Now had the increase been only 20 per cent greater the total number
on 1 Decr 1847 after deducting outgoings as shewn by the return should have been 4413
instead of 4057 as shewn by that return but your last return starts with a total for 1 Dec r 1847 of
4129
The losses shewn in the last return appear to me excessive those amongst the Ewes & rams
appear heavy considering the number of deaths from old age allowed in previous returns but
there ought not to have been such a loss as shewn amongst the Hoggetts – You start in the
return from 1 Decr 1847 with 2934 Ewes whilst your return up to 1 Decr 1847 shews 2587 Ewes
199 four tooth Ewes and 286 Two tooth Ewes together 3072
Apart from details the returns shew that on 1 June 1847 you had of my sheep total 3659 and on
1 June 1848 a total of 3778 shewing an increase for me in twelve months of 119 sheep in
addition to 72 wethers sold in 1847 – This result calls for Inquiry and I am sure I need only draw
your attention to it and it will be rectified
yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 39 of 161
[page 48]
Guernsey
14th April 1849
Sir
Your letter of 9th instant is to hand here – I shall have an opportunity in about a week or ten days
time of forwarding on the packet of papers you wish to send to Mr Baker if you will send them
addressed to Mr Baker to my care at 46 Cross Street Finsbury – the books you say Mr Baker
wishes for shall be forwarded. There is nothing in my letters to warrant an inference that I am
not inclined to proceed in matters the claims on Johnston I merely intended to intimate that I
had no instructions to make the advance you applied for.
I am Sir
Your Obedit Sert
Arthur Hardy
G W Whitington Esq
Whitmore House
near Guilford Surrey England
[page 49]
Birksgate near Huddersfield Yorkshire
30 April 1849
Dear Sir
Your favor of 2nd instant only came to hand this morning having followed me into Devonshire and
thence followed me here where I am detained by what I fear will be a fatal attack of illness to my
father – If I can be of any Service to Mr Baker or yourself and you will address me here I shall be
happy to do anything in my power – I fear it will be some time before I shall be in London, but I
will call upon you when I do go to town –
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
Robt Buck Esq
60 Mark Lane – London –
[page 50]
Birksgate near Huddersfield Yorkshire
30 April 1849
Dear Sirs
I received this morning a letter from my brother in Adelaide dated 10th Decr in which he says
nothing about Wheal Hardy beyond his hopes that the weather was likely to clear & that Mr
Morphett spoke in good spirits of his intentions of prosecuting the works with vigour into the Hills.
I see that there are arrivals to the 24th Jany (I think) for Overland Mails but I have nothing by that
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opportunity – I am detained here by the very severe illness of my father which I much fear will
prove fatal. So that I have no immediate prospect of being able to call upon you Will you kindly
send me a line to the above address saying whether you have any news & Specimens for
Competitor or otherwise & any extracts that may be of interest? Apologising for the trouble I am
asking you to take I remain
Yours very faithfully
Mess E J Wheeler & CoArthur Hardy
Broad Street
London
[page 51]
Birksgate near Huddersfield
3d May 1849
My dear Sir
I perceive by the papers that there are five or six vessels arrived from Adelaide. I have letters in
November December & to the 6th of January but not one from Walters since I left Adelaide now
more than twelve months ago – Have you any news from him? if you have will you kindly write
me a line addressed here? I have no letters from Hagen [?] – or in fact from anyone but my
brother – I was summoned home by the alarming illness of my father and I am grieved to say
We have not the slightest hopes of his recovering
I remain Dear Sir
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
E W James Esq Ely Place Holborn
London
[page 52]
105 Pall Mall
14th June 1849
My dear Bonamy
I am glad to hear that there is a prospect of obtaining another pupil for Nancy [?] I have been as
I suppose you are aware confined to the house since last Saturday fortnight by an accident I met
with on that day dislocating one of the small bones of the left foot & I cannot yet get about to
make calls but if you will write to Mr Simpson to call upon me here I will give him any information
he may require & trust that a not overflattering account will not frighten him I am very anxious to
get into Yorkshire as soon as possible but could see Mr Simpson on Monday or Tuesday
between twelve & one oclock I am quite in the dark as to the \time of the/ conclusion of matters
in Guernsey, but my letters from Adelaide make it of consequence that I should lose no time in
returning there. My fathers affairs render my presence in Yorkshire of importance & I hope to go
down on Wednesday next but I could very well get as far as Rugby on Tuesday evening if you
would like to talk about Mrs Dowdney’s
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 41 of 161
[page 53]
proposal – What do you think of the proposed Australian Bill? I think it very liberal & with some
few modifications it would I think work well. The federal scheme would not work, it would cause
a great deal of trouble expense & quarrelling without any corresponding advantage, the only
matters in which it could be of advantage are Customs Post Office & a Court of Appeal – the two
former can easily be settled without the proposed measure and the latter is not required as far
as South Australia is concerned because we have a Court of Appeal already, it is true that this
Court might be improved & we should be the better for a Second Judge & the other Colonies
would find it advantageous to have their appeals in their own Country – The Cholera is very bad
in Paris & it is more than likely they will have disturbances there – With kindest regards to Lydia
& the children
Believe to be Yours sincerely
Arthur Hardy
[page 54]
Messs Neales Wickstead & Hughes105 Pall Mall London
14th June 1849
Victoria Mine Adelaide South Australia
Gentn
Since my last I have tried in very likely Quarter to effect a sale of your mine, but hitherto I regret
to say without effect –Every person who has seen the specimens and documents express their
opinions of the exceeding value of the property, if, it is really as good as described but then they
say if it so valuable, no-one would think of parting with it.– The fact appears to be that the people
in London can as little believe that we possess so valuable a gold mine, as they have hitherto
believed that the Burra was not all moonshine or at least greatly exagerated: they are now
convinced of the value of the Burra in spite of themselves but I doubt being able to overcome
their suspicions of the value of Aust your property – I am satisfied a sale will not be effected
except by asking a large price. As the time within which I am authorized to conclude
arrangements so soon expires I shall if I can get any persons to terms make the agreement
conditional on its being approved in Adelaide – Assuring you that my best exertions have been
used and shall be continued for meeting your views I remain Gentn Yours Obedy
Arthur Hardy
[page 55]
105 Pall Mall
18th June 1849
My dear Sir
I this morning received your note of Saturday I did not call on Mr McCulloch when in Guernsey
as I was requested [. . .] doing so, If you will let me know what amount & how I shall send it to
you I will do so by return of post & shall feel greatly obliged by your remitting it – I am sorry to
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 42 of 161
hear that you think it will take a long time to wind up matters in Guernsey – I am quite in the dark
upon the subject waiting until I hear something definite, as however it is of importance to me to
return to Adelaide with as little delay as possible I shall be obliged if you will give me your ideas
on the subject as to what must be done.
Believe to be Yours very truly
R. E. BurroughesArthur Hardy
Bank Street
Norwich
[page 56]
Reform Club London
20th June 1849
Dear Sir
I have been detained in London for this month past by an accident which happened to my foot &
I am therefore obliged to send down to Mr Jno Noble receipts for some rents accruing due. I
have instructed him to pay what he may receive for me into your Bank to my Credit – I shall feel
obliged by your opening an account for me Arthur Hardy my signature not being very legible &
advise me of any payments to my credit.
Yours very faithfully
Marsden EsqArthur Hardy
Huddersfield Banking Coy
Huddersfield
[page 57]
105 Pall Mall
20th June 1849
My dearest Mother
It is so long since I have heard from you that I am anxious as to your being well. I heard from
John Noble this morning & enclose you the receipt for the rents. I also enclose a letter to Mr
Marsden asking him to place any sums Noble may pay in to my credit. let Jno Noble pay in all he
receives to the Bank unless you are in want of money when of course you would take what you
require – there will be some monies due to you in a day or two – had I not better open an
account for you at John Taylors Bank & pay the money to your Credit? I require a certificate of
my birth, is this not at Dr Williams Library – where did your own marriage take place? by the
custom of Lambeth Manor the best “Beast” belongs to the Lord of the Manor, however, they will
take a sum as its value. I should like to know the worth at lowest price of the carriage horses ?
in will you ask George what they would sell for?
[page 58]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 43 of 161
what he thinks at least, he need not know what the object of the inquiry is & may suppose you
think of keeping them yourself. John Taylor was much the same last night, he is easy but
continually under the influence of Morphia I am just going up there – Will you tell Noble that he
must not take the last half years rent from Thos Moorhouse & give him the receipt No 2 until he
has received the former rent & given receipt No 1 – the following is
a```````````````````````````````````````````` list of the receipts I enclose –
No 1 dated 21 June 1849Thos Moorhouse £8 : :
2 “ “ “ 8 : :
“ “Geo Britcliffe 8 : 5:
“ “Josh Mellor 8 : 5:
“ “Saml Brown13 : :
“ “Ralph Seddon11 :19:
“ “Nmn Wrigley21 : :
“ “John Ralph 10 : :
I think S Brown should be somewhat more for advance for drainage but I am not certain.Hoping
to hear that you are pretty well by tomorrows post believe to be
Your best Son
Arthur Hardy
[page 59]
105 Pall Mall
20th June 1849
My dear Bonamy
I waited in yesterday & the day before but have neither seen nor heard of your friend Mr
Simpson. I had fully intended coming down yesterday afternoon but I regret to say the alarming
illness of my brother in law Mr Taylor prevents my leaving town for the present – I will however
call on my way into Yorkshire. With kindest regards to Lydia & the children
Believe to be Yours very Sincerely
Arthur Hardy
Bonay Price Rugby
[page 60]
105 Pall Mall
21st June 1849
My dear Sir
I endeavoured to procure a Post Office order for you yesterday afternoon but was too late as I
find they do not issue them after four oclock – I therefore enclose a cheque in favor of your firm
for £2 :17 :6d & which as I have crossed I believe to be perfectly safe, but shall be glad to hear
that it is safe to hand – I am sorry to say the accounts of the health of the family in Guernsey are
not satisfactory Miss Henrietta Price having but just recovered from an attack of low fever & Miss
Annie having just been seized in a similar way Believe to be
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 44 of 161
in haste yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
R. E. Burroughes Esq.
[page 61]
105 Pall Mall
28th June 1849
Sir
It is unfortunate that neither of the times I have named will suit you as I believe I shall be leaving
town on Tuesday I will however endeavour to be within at Six oclock on Monday evening if I
hear from you that that time will be more convenient to you
Yours Obedly
Arthur Hardy
Geo Simpson Esqr
19 Old Square
Lincolns Inn
[page 62]
Birksgate near Huddersfield
28th June 1849
My dear Sir
I received your favor of yesterday & hasten to reply to it – It appears to me precisely a similar
case to a lessee for a term of years who grants an underlease and then purchases the fee[?], in
which case if the original term did merge, surely it could not affect the covenants to him in the
underlease & there are the legal covenants to him his heirs &c and terms & there could be no
Equity in the tenant to free him from paying his rent or performing his covenants – I am much
obliged by your having lost no time in taking an opinion, but I am very unwilling that the sale
should be postponed (irrespective of the expense) & any difficulty (if advised) might possibly be
got over by an additional Condition of Sale do you not think? I find I have but little time to spare
before the post goes & therefore must conclude the expense of buying in will not be more than
of with drawing.
Yours very truly in haste
Arthur Hardy
E W James Esq
23 Ely Place
Holborn –
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 45 of 161
[page 63]
Birksgate
29 June 1849
My dear Sir
I hope when you have received the opinion you will not find it necessary to avoid selling but this I
leave entirely to your discretion – should it be unfortunately necessary a high reserve as you
suggest will be the best plan, but then Mr Collier should be informed of this – I will send you up a
note to Mr Hodgson about the Heriot33 & remit you the money tomorrow for him, as I shall have
to go over to the Bank at Huddersfield & shall be too late for todays post. Thanking you for the
trouble you are taking Believe to be
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
E W James Esq
23 Ely Place
Holborn
London
[page 64]
Birksgate near Huddersfield
29 June 1849
Sir
According to promise I have made enquiries about the cost of the horses the property of my late
father – They are a pair of heavy \quiet/ Mares fit for old people. the last purchased and which I
am inclined to think the best cost I am told Twenty pounds and I think about Fifteen pounds a
fair price to offer in satisfaction and have requested Mr James to settle the matter with you and
get the admission altered accordingly. Will you write me whether the amount payable is due from
the new tenant or the estate of the last tenant.
I am Sir
– Ley Esqre Yours Obediently
– Hodgson EsqArthur Hardy
Deans Yard Westminster –
[page 65]
Birksgate near Huddersfield
29th June 1849
Sir
33
An ancient death duty.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 46 of 161
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 26th instant addressed to me at the Reform
Club, but having left town for a short time it has been forwarded to me here – I fully agree with
you in the importance of a reduction in Maritime and Colonial Postage and shall be most happy
to concur in any measures having this desirable object in view – A considerable residence in
South Australia & acquaintance with the other Australian Colonies has given me some
information on the subject and which I shall be happy to make of use –
I am Sir
Geo Charteris Junr Esq Your Obedt Sert
22 India Street Arthur Hardy
Edinburgh
[page 66]
Birksgate
30th June 1849
My dear Sir
I hope tomorrow will bring a more favorable account from Mr Greening but if otherwise it cannot
be helped. I enclose you a letter open to Mr Ley at Mr Hodgsons & have requested the Manager
of our local Bank to forward you £20 by this post with which you will probably be kind enough to
make the best terms with the Archbishop of Canterbury you will see I propose £15 but the £20
must be paid if necessary altho’ it would be better worth their while to take £10 than send down
here for a horse. I am very busy looking thro’ papers records &c We have had it tolerably cold
since I have been down here – I think it best to get the admission [?] just right whether we sell
or not
Yours very truly
E W James EsqArthur Hardy
[page 67]
Birksgate
1 July 1849
My dear Sir
Thank you for your letter with Mr Greenings opinion. It does appear desirable to postpone the
sale at all events, until we see what can be done. Are you aware that Mr Bright has paid me a
quarters rent on the 25 Ult? and do you think that makes any difference as an Attornment34 or in
that nature? I have no proof of his having paid me, but he would no doubt produce his receipt to
you & state the fact if you asked him when he last paid rent – If you can get him to assent to a
Surrender & new lease – I shall be much obliged by your doing it at once & so the sale need not
be postponed for a very long time – Of course I could not ask him to be at any expense in the
matter – he might possibly like a new lease direct if we could shew any good reason for asking
him to accept it. A license to demise would I suppose be necessary. As I am not on the spot I
34
An acknowledgement of a transfer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 47 of 161
must ask you to take the trouble of this for me and feel much obliged by the attention you have
paid to my interest in the matter
Believe me to be
Yours very truly
E W James Esq Arthur Hardy
[page 68]
Birksgate
4 July 1849 –
My dear Sir
I think under the circumstances the £15 a fair thing and shall be glad to hear that you have got
the admission completed. Mr Lee promised to write me that the Heriot is payable from my
fathers estate as a voucher for my payment & I shall feel obliged by your asking him to do so – I
should greatly prefer selling to Bright, but from the value he named to me I think he would give
£650 or at least £600 at which latter sum my father valued the property to me if he would give
the £650 I would not mind giving him twelve months or so for a £100 on his acceptance and
deposit of title – but if he will do no better I will let him have it for the £550 if he takes it right out
of hand without trouble – If not the last thing will be for him to Surrender his & take the new
lease for similar terms. at £32 paying the £50 in which case he would pay for the new lease
Surrender because I have to receive some rents on the 10th instant. Would it be troubling you
too much if I sent the receipts to your office & ordered the tenants to call there with the money?
I have determined to sell the freeholds down here & as the letters have all been in Mr Floyds
hands I have requested him to attend to the sale which
[continued crosswise near left margin]
he agrees to do an Agency from your house – I thought \Jon/ would not object to this
arrangement which will lessen the sum payable down here one half I suppose
Believe me to be
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
EW James Esq
23 Ely Place
Holborn London
[page 69]
Birksgate
9 July 1849
My dear Sir
I received a note from Mr Lee in reply to my query and have to thank you for getting that matter
completed – I fear that I am inconveniencing you now you are so much engaged – I leave the
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 48 of 161
question of the Sir Street property entirely in your discretion satisfied that you will do the best
under the circumstances. I hope Bright will buy & it would probably be better to let him have it at
the £550 if he will not raise his Price. I avail myself of your kindness to enclose six receipts for
rent as under –
Mr Phillips £6 : 5: –Mrs Grattwick £6 : – : –
Mr Roberts 5 : 5 :–Mr Forbes––– 6 : 5 : –
Mr Birmingham 6 : – :–Mr Panolt––– 8 :15 : –
There are others due but I cannot make out the exact amounts just now – In most instances they
will claim deductions for taxes which of course must be allowed them on their delg up their
receipts – I expect to have one or two payments to make in London & when I hear that you are
in sufficient funds will ask the people to call should they not have already received the money at
my brother in laws Counting House. I had a letter from my brother Alfred by the Sibella but no
other –Believe to be
Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
E.W. James Esq
[page 70]
Birksgate near Huddersfield
13th July 1849
Madam
I beg to acknowledge the favor of your letter of 6th instant and much regret the loss you have
sustained. I expect to be in London in about a month when I will do myself the pleasure of calling
in Mark Lane before my return to Adelaide and shall be happy to inspect the probate and letters
of administration. Any information or assistance in my power as to adjustments of accounts is at
your Service
I remain Madam
Your Most Obedit Sert
Mrs M N Buck Arthur Hardy
60 Mark Lane
London
[page 71]
105 Pall Mall
27 July 1849
My dear Sir
I arrived in town later on Tuesday evening than I had expected in consequence of the time of the
trains at Peniston having been altered & I was detained at the station until ten minutes to twelve
oclock but I did not return on account of the rain – I performed the melancholy duty of attending
the remains of my best & most esteemed friend to their resting place on Wednesday I found my
sister bearing up very strongly, but shortly after I left her she was attacked with extreem feverish
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 49 of 161
symptoms which have confined her to bed. This reaction was not surprising but I trust she is a
little better – I have packed up the books & addressed them to you Peniston near Sheffield pr
goods train – I was in the City yesterday & paid your premium at the Imperial Office & enclose
you the receipt & also a memorandum. the proof requested is a certificate of Baptism – they
have also marked upon it the names of Agents who will receive the premium in future or you can
send it through your banker to the office in London & they will send you down a receipt – I have
not yet seen Mr Dunant but will write you again. Mr Floyd writes me that not one lot was sold on
Wedy. hoping that Mary continues better & with best love to her & yourself
Believe to be
Yours very sincerely
Arthur Hardy
[from Name and Address list
John Booth Esq]
[page 72]
105 Pall Mall
27 July 1849
My dear Sir
I have but just received your letter of 21st instant – the Release referred to was to Miss Price
alone – I not having incurred any liability and was intended to be signed by those who can at
present give a release as far as their own claims if any may extend [?] – Of course the Executors
could not be expected to release alone. It is clear that only those of the cestui que trusts35 who
could now release can at present compel the Executors to enforce their claims if any & those it is
who should be requested to sign as I understand they are willing to do I thank you for your
Assurance on the subject and believe me to be
Yours very sincerely
Arthur Hardy
R E Burroughes Esq
[page 73]`
105 Pall Mall
27 July 1849
My dear Bonamy
I have this morning received the letter from Mr Burroughes redirected by yourself, he says when
the estates are wound up the executors will have to call upon their cestui que trusts to join them
in releasing all parties who may then be liable in anyway to make up any deficiency but he
cannot with propriety ask them to do so now this answer we foresaw would be not unlikely You
of course are quite clear that all will be settled as arranged & therefore as the formal release to
Martha cannot be obtained in time for the marriage I am quite content to accept your guarantee
35
‘cestui que trusts’ are the persons who are entitled to the benefit of any trust arrangments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 50 of 161
against claims upon me as proposed the last time I was in Rugby in the event of Mr Burroughes
declining to sign until all was settled. – There is no difficulty I understand in obtaining a release
to Martha from everyone else and I need scarcely say that your giving the guarantee will be
entirely between ourselves & need not be known to anyone else. I shall be glad to hear from you
by Monday as I propose going over that evening or Wednesday – We have had very wet
weather here. Mrs Taylor I am sorry to say was served with a severe feverish attack on
Wednesday afternoon but is I hope a little better. Hoping that you continue to enjoy the beautiful
country you are in & with best love to Lydia & the children
Believe to be
Yours very sincerely in haste
Arthur Hardy
Bony Price Esq
[page 74]
105 Pall Mall
30th July 1849
My dear Bonamy
I received your letter of yesterday this morning & at the same time received three letters from my
brother Alfred from Adelaide but none from Harry36 Alfred says Harry was at Port Lincoln & was
well but mentions that Isabella was a good deal cut up by the death of her sister he does not
however mention which sister or the cause or date of her death – Nothing can be more
satisfactory than Edward Price’s letter as far as he is concerned & I suppose there can be no
difficulty in your getting the release to Martha signed by all interested under yr uncles will who
are of age as to infants there is little note of their dissenting from what their parents think correct
– I certainly understand that you would give me a guarantee against being called upon for claims
against your father or mother or their descendants & do not see why it should be limited to the
claims of those who are to be paid in full because on such payment being made there could be
no occasion for a guarantee – I understood that there was no likelihood of my being called upon
& therefore there would be less difficulty in your guaranteeing that I should not, if you decline
doing this the inference is that I may expect to be called upon, what the amount of the one third
or the probability may be I do not know but you will agree with me that I ought not to be placed in
a position to run any risk especially such as you say would be more than you could in Justice to
your own children do – understanding as I did from you that Martha had no liabilities direct or
indirect, it is only fair to you at the
[page 75]
same time to allow that at the time you told me this you fully believed the statement to be correct
– I think it would be very advisable that no time should be lost in getting the release from such
as are willing to sign it, yourself Edwd & Louisa & those in Guernsey matters will then be much
simplified I am exceedingly pressed for time – Mrs Taylor having been confined to her bed ever
36
Henry Price, Bonamy’s brother in South Australia.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 51 of 161
since the day of the funeral with an attack which we feared would prove to be Cholera – but she
is I am thankful to say better & all my spare time has been passed with her – I am still detained
by these vexatious lawyers at York not sending the papers on and I fear I shall not be able to
leave until Friday before when I hope I shall hear from you – I put up the Freehold properties in
Yorkshire for Sale having had them valued previously by two people and could not get an offer
for them – money appears to be scarce in those parts – the weather is finer here now & I hope it
has improved with you so as to enable you all to enjoy yourselves with best love to Lydia the
children
Believe to be
Yours very sincerely
Arthur Hardy
B Price Esq
Grassmere
Ambleside
Westmorland
[page 76]
105 Pall Mall
30 July 1849
My dear Sir
I duly received your favor of 26 inst & have delayed replying hoping to hear that you had
received some reasonable offer by private contract – I fear that the delay in posting the bills was
very disadvantageous as they were not seen in the neighbourhood of Peniston before the day of
the Sale or the preceeding day – I do not know whether Jno Noble obtained Moorhouse or
Wangleys’ [?] rent – If no reasonable offer is likely to be made I should wish to obtain as much
as possible on Mortgage of the whole estate and at as low a rate of interest as possible. I
suppose not more than £3,000 and interest at not more than four to four and a quarter per cent
for a lengthened term with liberty to pay off on a reasonable notice if Sales affected or to
continue the mortgage for a further term. will you kindly write me at your early convenience what
you can do in this matter. I shall not leave town before Thursday
I remain
Yours faithfully
C S Floyd Esq Solr Arthur Hardy
Huddersfield
[page 77]
105 Pall Mall
2 August 1849
My dear Bonamy
It is precisely until the arrangement you have made is completed that the guarantee is required,
after that, & a release then executed to all there being nothing further to guarantee against of
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 52 of 161
what use would it be? The fact of Mr Bonsay being a needy man as you say makes it more
important that I should run no risk with him. It is desirable that the release should be prepared at
once from all able & willing to sign, it must be properly prepared under seal and stamped: it is
not as against those now willing to sign that a release is required at all but they may die & their
representations might not feel bound by an understanding – will you therefore get one prepared
from all willing to sign? yourself, Edwd & Louisa & the others? I cannot myself ask them, it is
most proper for you to do this – It is perfectly easy to get this now; if one died at a future time it
might be very difficult Altho’ you give the guarantee I still think it desirable to have the release
from all who can & will sign as altho’ I shall be clear of ultimate loss yet I have such an aversion
to law that it will be as much my interest to bar claims as it will to forgo. I am far from well being
overworked & anxious. love to all yours ever in haste
Arthur Hardy
B Price Esq
Grasmere Ambleside
Westmorland
[page 78]
105 Pall Mall
3d August 1849
My dear Sir
Thank you for your kind attention. I do not know Mr Bonsay and therefore should not like to call
upon him, and I should hardly have felt justified in writing to you were it not for your very kind
and friendly reception which I met with in London. I of course could not expect or indeed wish
that you as Executor should run any risk and I shall be perfectly satisfied with the release of your
cestui que trusts, of course when the proceeds are paid over a general discharge will be given –
The release from all parties in England should be under seal & stamped and should be executed
by Bonamy as well as his cousins – that in Guernsey had probably better be performed there
Believe me to be
Yours very truly in haste
R E Burroughes EsqArthur Hardy
Solr
Norwich
[page 79]
105 Pall Mall
5th August 1849
My dearest Mother.
I fear my letters will contain little but business as I have been in truth so much overworked & out
of spirits that I could write on no other subject. I now seem – anyway pretty clearly. & hope this
will be the last devoted to business – The following is the statement of account to the third
August – £
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 53 of 161
Paid Smiths Bill for you£1:7:4By Legacy-–––––– 100
“ Packing ––––––––––––– :4:– “ Claytons rent less
“ Cartage –––––––––––--- 1:5:– property tax ----- 19:18:4
“ Cash to you in Yorkshire 20:–:– “ Townleys rent less
“ “ to your credit at property tax 20:12:7
Commercial Bank of London 117:4:7
£140:–:11d £140:–:11
This is exclusive of the sum I remitted you for the Piano and the Chelsea rent \& Brighton
dividends/ not yet received – I enclose a receipt to me as Executor which please sign and return
to me – I paid in the £117:4:7 to your credit on Friday & you can draw it out as you require it. I
enclose you the form of a letter which you must write and send to Mr Cutbill at once. He will
send you a statement of his your account once in two or 3 months I also enclose you a cheque
book – you will observe on the counter part of the first cheque I have written the amount paid in.
I always subtract the amount of the cheque I draw and carry the balance over the counterpart of
the next cheque so that it always shows how much you have at your credit. The Bideford Bank
will I believe give you cash for your cheques.
[page 80]
when I first oppened your letter at Fullwood I was exceedingly hurt at the reception you had met
with in London your visit there having been suggested by myself, but immediately on opening
Herbert’s letter announcing his fathers death I laid aside all feeling on the subject, making
allowances for the state of over fatigue & anxiety which they all suffered at the time and I much
regret that Cary did not write to Harriet. she has been indeed very ill & I had great fears of her
illness taking a serious form, she is now weak & exhausted and much requires kindly & friendly
feelings to restore the tone of her mind to cheerfulness. I am sure both you & Cary feel with me
that we have need in this world to cultivate all the kindly feelings we can. And if there has been
neglect in a formal announcement you will not allow that to remain on your mind and if I might
suggest what I would myself feel inclined to do, it would be to forget the past \feeling of irritation/
& write one of your own kind letters without alluding in any way to what has gone bye I propose
going over to Guernsey tomorrow & `shall much enjoy the quiet, so please direct Post Office
Guernsey I propose returning in about a fortnight via Torquay but will write to you first – I will
write to Cary in a day or two & shall hope to hear that you are both in good spirits what do you
think of moving to Sidmouth when I come over? let me know with my best love to Cary &
yourself Believe me my dearest mother ever affect Son Arthur Hardy
[page 81]
105 Pall Mall
6th August 1849
My dear Sir
Will you get a draft prepared of a Settlement as proposed by Mr Coote giving the Trustees the
discretion as to the payment of the rents & profits during my life & after my decease as I may
appoint by deed or will with power of revocation & new appointment from time to time – In
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 54 of 161
default of sufficient appointment & wife surviving half rents & profits to her for life –
independently of any future husband. remaining half (or wife not surviving the whole) to children
(if any) –On wife’s death realise & divide amongst children if any equally daughters share to be
continued in trust independently of husbands &c. No children – equally amongst my brothers &
sisters & children if either dead to take parents share – Throughout the settlement where
property would come to females I wish it to be in trusts independently of husbands – I wish the
following provisions if practicable or others as near as possible that Power for myself to lease \or
license for Minerals/ all or any portions for any terms & to accept fines as well as rents &
Royalties – Power to Sell – Purchase monies & fines to be reinvested in similar trusts –
Purchaser or Lessee not bound to See to application or affected by notice of non application.
Power to myself to remove trees & afft fresh trees from time to time. Please to have form of
removal & reappmt added to draft – I have no form of Settlemt by me the usual clauses must be
in addition – I shall feel obliged by your sending a copy drt addressed Poste Restante Guernsey
at your early convenience.
Believe to be Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
E I Wilde Esqq
Mess Wilde Reese & Co
College Hill
City
[page 82]
105 Pall Mall
6 August 1849
My dear Sir
The copy of the will arrived on Thursday Morning & I have proved the will in Canterbury – I shall
be glad to hear from you on the subject of the advance. I have offers to lend me what I may
require upon the property in London but if I take a loan I would prefer taking it from one of your
clients as you know all the titles & I shall be saved the expense of abstract. Will you have the
kindness to send me a copy of the particulars you made of the state of the title and of the
conditions of Sale – I am still anxious to sell if I can obtain the value of the properties but not
otherwise for Lot 2 I will accept 250 Guineas or as much more as you can obtain Lot 3 £250
Lots 4 & 5 £500 each & Lot 6 £275 – but I shall be glad to hear from you the best offers you
can obtain – please address me “Poste restante Guernsey” – letters leaving by Tuesdays post
are delivered there on Thursday after Tuesday & up to Thursday are not delivered until
Saturday I am just leaving town & shall hope to hear from you on Thursday. You do not
mention whether Moohousea & Wrigley paid their rentsYours very truly in haste
C.S. FloydEsq Arthur Hardy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 55 of 161
[page 83]
Guernsey
9 Aug 1849
My dear Bonamy
I hoped to have heard from you last Saturday or Monday & was rather disappointed at not
receiving a letter yesterday but I suppose you are getting Martha’s release prepared & are
waiting to write about it when it is done. I wrote to Mr Burroughes this morning to ask him if it is
being proceeded with for unless it is signed at once it will be impossible to be ready in time for
the wedding Not having heard from you on the subject of the indemnity I presume you are
getting it proposed, will you let me know by return of post whether this is so? In that event send
me a copy of the draft or whether I shall instruct Wilde Rees & Co (who I have consulted on
Settlements) to prepare it & forward you a copy draft, if as I presume you will give it according to
promise or definitively that you decline giving one. All well here Love to Lydia & the children
yours very sincerely
Arthur Hardy
Bony Price
[page 84]
Guernsey
9th Aug 1849
My dear Sir
I have been expecting to hear from Bony that he had given instructions for the release to Martha,
but not having heard I write to request that you will prepare one at once from Bony – Edwd &
Louisa Price & Mr & Mrs Bonsay it should be a general release, under Seal & Stamped, if the
latter do not sign it need not invalidate the other signatures. The release here is being
proceeded with. will you send me a draft by return of post. I feel that I ought not to have been
forced to take this step, but as it is wished that the wedding should take place this month there is
no time to be lost – we are all well here – The ladies desire to be kindly remembered to you, I
have but just time for the post
Believe to be Yours very sincerely
Arthur Hardy
R E Burroughes Esq
Solr
Norwich
[page 85
Guernsey
13th Aug 1849
My dear Aunt
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 56 of 161
I thank you for your kind letter & shall be most happy to take charge of your present for Alfred – I
must have expressed myself without sufficient clearness, what I intended to have obtained your
opinion \and approval/ upon was the time of my marriage not on the choice – The time fixed is
earlier than I should have named had I been intending to remain in England but as I feel it
necessary to lose no time before returning I expect to get away in the course of the two following
months & as I wish to spend some time with my mother & my wife together before I go the 30 th
of this month is named – I thank you sincerely for your affectionate consideration about the
Salver; believe me dear Aunt that whether you give it to me now or not I shall as deeply value
the affection I have always experienced from you and, should you ever determine upon giving it
to me that it will be treasured not only as a gift from you but as a family memento
[page 86]
I expect to be in London at the end of this week or the beginning of next and to see Anne
Perkins there when I will unless I hear from you to the contrary give her the two sovereigns from
you. I think I shall have nothing to call me into the North again except to say goodbye to my
friends & present my wife to them, but should I do this I shall take care that the stay is but very
short & that no fatigue shall be sustained in consequence. I am very thankful to say that Harriet
is better, she was alarmingly ill for a few days after poor Johns funeral, and Caroline appears
from the accounts to be better. My mother is pretty well – I have talked of you my dear Aunt to
my intended Martha who altho’ she has not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance
desires to do so & hopes that you will accept her love. Believe me to be Your very affectionate
Nephew
Arthur Hardy
Will you remember me very kindly to Mr Richardson37
[Mary Alder, formerly Mary Hardy, Arthur’s aunt.]
[page 87]
Guernsey
13th Aug 1849
My Dear Uncle
I fear you will think I am sadly neglectful in not having answered your letters before but in truth
whilst I was at Birksgate I was so exceedingly occupied that I had not time to write & I fully
intended to have written to you when I went to the Lakes & to have paid you a visit on my return
to Huddersfield; I was again disappointed in my plans having missed my letters & I saw the
announcement of Mr Taylor’s death first in the papers. I immediately hurried across from Preston
made some few arrangements & went up to town – I must apologise for not attending to the
interest & balance &c before but I have been so pressed for time, will you write me your ideas &
wishes on this subject. I shall be in town the end of this week I hope for a few days , the
marriage being proposed for the end of the month. You are aware that I individually take no part
37
Mr Richarson was the husband of Mary Alder’s sister Ann(e), and was Arthur Hardy’s uncle.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 57 of 161
or share of my fathers personal property, but I begged my mother to select something she
thought acceptable to you & in the hurry of packing it was put up with the other things, but I
doubt not so soon as she unpacks it will be forwarded to you. With best love Believe to be
Your affecte nephew
Arthur Hardy
[Joseph Hardy, Arthur’s uncle.]
[page without number]
Guernsey
15 Aug 1849
My dear Sir
I was in hopes I should have heard from you ere this with copy draft settlement, if however it has
not been despatched before you receive this will you kindly send it to 105 Pall Mall, as I intend
coming over on Friday. I mentioned to you that my intended wife was supposed with her sisters
& brothers to be liable to other members of their family for debts due from their parents. Those
resident in England have consented to release, & as there is at present no claim by them upon
me, I apprehend the release should be to her alone, unless you think it advisable to recite [?] the
intended marriage & release claims that they may have against me in right of my intended wife –
If however you think a single general release from them to her will suffice & I think that
preferable – will you kindly prepare a draft & let me have it at 105 Pall Mall by Friday Evening & I
will call on you on Saturday
[page 88]]
the release should of course be stamped & under Seal – the names of those giving the release
\to my intended wife Martha Price/ are \her brother/ Bonamy Price of Rugby Warwickshire Eng
Edwd Price \curate/ of Lutterworth & Louisa Price two of her cousins and ––– Bonsay of Slough
Solr & ––– his wife, the latter sister of Edwd Price & consequently cousin to Martha Price.
Hoping to receive the draft settlement at the same time
I remain Yours very truly
Arthur Hardy
Chas Wilde Esq
[The two pages of this letter are not listed on the ‘Index of recipients of letters’ found on the
verso of the back cover of the letterbook. The first page has no number. The second page is
numbered 88 which in the letter book is attributed to a non existent letter to Joseph Hardy.]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 58 of 161
[page 89]
Guernsey
15 Aug 1849
My dear Sir
I received yours of 10th itn yesterday the amount offered is not very material but I would prefer
making it the £2000 for the sake of being even money & perhaps when you mention that some
of the amounts will be paid by myself in Adelaide your client may be inclined to make that
advance if he is unwilling the £1750 will do, as the difference in cost in investigating the title in
London would far counterbalance the advantage of the extra £250. I should like farmer [?] to
buy sell \portions/ when opportunity offered paying the purchase money off the advance ac t
having six months notice of payment interest which is equivalent [?] I come over to England on
Friday, & I shall be glad to hear from you on Saturday that this is completed. I am short of paper
so please excuse this ?[. . .] and these [. . .] I think if £1750 only is advanced [. . .]
some interest and I hesitate over the some other [illegible] 4¼
Yours very faithfully
Arthur Hardy
[C.S.Floyd]
[page 90]
105 Pall Mall
22 Aug 1849 -
My dear Sir
I am content to take the £1750 at 4½ per cent & shall be glad to receive the draft from you. I
return you the [. . .] of the title. I leave town again on Monday & if I receive the draft on Saturday
will return it before I leave – I think Mr Roberts had better consent to sales at anything above our
reserve at the Auction, what do you think of this? I should like the option of continuing the loan
for three or Seven years longer should Mr Roberts not give notice that he requires the money
eighteen months before the expiration of the first seven years so as to give me time to remit or
make other arrangements – to this suppose there will be no objection the interest being regularly
paid. I enclose you Mr Sidney Moorhouses bond on what is due £210:16:10 and interest from the
first of August at 5 per cent. On his processing a Bank Bill or paying in that amount at one of the
Branches to my credit at the Commercial Bank of London you can give him the Bond, he
promises to pay it on the 29th or 30th instant
[written crosswise over page 89, scarcely legible ]
Will you let me know if he does so? I have directed Mr Noble to pay you what he collects for me
if Moorhouse does not pay this week I should wish you to apply for the amount from Noble [. . .]
the receipt
Yours faithfully
Arthur Hardy
C.S. Floyd Esq
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 59 of 161
[page 91]
Mr Hardy approves of the payment of the Property Tax Income Tax & requests that the balance
and whatever may be received may be paid over to Mr Floyd. Should mr Mr Moorhouse not pay
this week you will hand the receipt for his rent to Mr Floyd. £1 of Wrigleys [?] was the balance of
arrears & the other £4 is on account of the last half years rent due – & it is hoped that the
balance will be paid shortly.
105 Pall Mall
22 Aug 1849
Mr John Noble
Marshalls
Thurstonland
Huddersfield
Yorkshire
[page 92, written 192]
105 Pall Mall
23d Aug 1849
My dearest Mother
I have delayed writing to you yesterday & the day before because I was in doubt whether I
should not have been able to come down to Bideford, but I find that this unpleasant visitation
continues in spite of Dr Powers remedies of which I have taken a good deal – I feel today
decidedly better but not right & Power who has just left says he would strongly recommend me
to be perfectly quiet for a few days & thinks that travelling would be sure to produce a return of it,
this I believe to be correct & must therefore deny myself the pleasure of going to Devonshire on
my way to Guernsey I trust however to see you in about three weeks time. I suppose the
matters on which you wished to consult me are not immediately pressing or you would have
referred to them more particularly& you know I am sure that if they were so, nothing in which I
am interested should prevent my attending to what you want. I shall not leave town until Monday
when I hope to hear that you are pretty well & Cary better. I have received Twidales rent £21
odd & paid it into your account & am to receive the Brighton Railway dividend £42 odd today &
will pay that in also – It is necessary for me to state the place of my birth, it was Saint Mary
Newington was it not? I told you I had Alfreds Portrait, let me know if I shall have it framed?
[page 93]
it is an excellent likeness – My uncle Joseph was in last week & I gave him a dinner at the club,
he wrote me the enclosed letter & I merely told him I should forward it to you – I also enclose a
letter from Mr Owen. I know nothing about it. do you? it seems a large amount please return it
to me. I have nearly completed the heaviest part of my business & shall remain quiet – Wm Ley
talks of going over to Guernsey with me which will be pleasant. Thank Arthur for his letter
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 60 of 161
yesterday – I saw William in the evening & will talk to Harriet – with my best love to yourself Cary
& the children Believe me to be my dearest Mother
Yours Ever affectly
Arthur Hardy
[page 94]
Guernsey
29th August 1849
My dear Sir
I have but time to write to you a few lines before the post goes out I called on Mr Heather & paid
him the ground rent. I also called on Bright & told him we could not hear from Church he
offered me £180 to reduce his rent to £20 pr An. I offered to take £200 & do so or take £50 &
reduce it to £32. he will call on you before this day week & say which he would like to do.
Heather promises to send an offer If Bright comes to terms would you sketch out the form of
letter I had better write to him (sending it through Gov [?], so that it with his answer may from a
contract
Yours faithfully
E W James EsqArthur Hardy
[page 95]
Guernsey
31st August 1849
Dear Madam
I should have acknowledged the receipt of your note of 13 th instant sooner but that as I was
proceeding to London I determined to endeavour to see Mr Simpson – I was in town but a few
days & wrote to that gentleman making Ran appointment for the only vacant time I had; but did
not see him & he has since I have returned written to say he did not receive the appointment in
sufficient time. I was also unfortunately detained at home by two or three appointments I made
with Mr Simpson for the purpose at the end of June last – I do not expect to be in England again
for some time & even then I shall be much occupied before I sail – but I shall be happy to write
you the best information in my power on any subject Connected with Australia – I do not myself
reside at Port Lincoln but at Port Adelaide
Mrs DowdneyI remain Dr Madam Yr Obet SertArthur Hardy
10 Montpelier Street
Cheltenham
[page 96]
Guernsey
12th Sept 1849
My dear Sir
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 61 of 161
Thank you for your letter of 20th Ult. I do not write the letter to Bright until I know whether he
wishes the £50 or the £200 purchase. Has Mrs Burton yet sent the rent £18 odd? it should be
paid at once. I wish to trouble you with a correspondence the particulars & objects of which I
can best give in a Narrative form. Early in 1847 I at the request of Mr John Pratt Winter of Agher
Summerhill Coy Meath \& acting under his power of attorney/ administered to the estate of his
late Son Benjmn Pratt Winter and wrote to him that there was personal property of about £400 –
shortly after writing this letter I observed in an English paper the death of Mr John Pratt the father
& I waited an explanation of hearing from his representatives – I heard nothing from them – have
wound up the estate & have paid what demands there were upon the estate. The accounts are
all in Adelaide & I dont know what the balance due is exactly , but believe it is something over
£300 – the money is lying in the Bank at Melo Adelaide – I received the other day a copy of a
letter sent by Mr Saml Winter who says he is the personal representative & sole Executor of his
late father – so much for the facts of the case. I have no accounts here & therefore can render
none until my return, but I wish
[page 97]
to pay over to the person entitled so much as I am satisfied is due say £200 or a little more –
now what steps should I take to ascertain that this Mr Saml Winter is the person to give a
discharge and do you think it would be prudent for me to communicate with him direct or through
you? Had they sent me a copy of the account with the copy of the letter I should have had no
difficulty but have sent the balance – I propose leaving this for England next Tuesday so that
letters up to Monday will find me here – & I hope to be in London at the end of this month or
early in October
Believe to be
Yours very Obeintly
Arthur Hardy
EW James Esq
[a few lines of illegible writing at the bottom of the page]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 62 of 161
[Index of recipients of letters]
[on recto of back cover]
Folio Date Name and Address Folio Date Name and
Address
69 1849 July 9 E. W. James Esq
70 “ “ 13 Mrs Buck
71 “ “ 27 John Booth Esq
72 “ “ “ R. E. Burroughes Esq
73 “ “ “ Bony Price
74.5 “ “ 30 “
76 “ “ “ C.S.Floyd
77 “ Aug 2d Bony Price
78 “ “ 3 R. E. Burroughes
79.80 “ “ 5 Mrs Hardy
81 “ “ 6 E.A.Wilde
82 “ “ “ C.S.Floyd
83 “ “ 9 Bony Price
84 “ “ “ R. E. Burroughes
85.6 “ “ 13 Mrs Alder
87.8 “ “ “ Josh Hardy
89 “ “ 15 C.S.Floyd
90 “ “ 22 “
91 “ “ “ John Noble
92.3 “ “ 23 Mrs Hardy
94 “ “ 29 E. W. James Esq
95 “ “ 31 Mrs Dowdney
96.7 “ Sept 12 E. W. James Esq
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 63 of 161
PRG 101/2/9
Letter Book of Arthur Hardy, 1st May 1850 to 30th March 1857
[Handwritten on front cover of Letter book]
Herbert Taylor
& S. K. Kingston
& W. D. Cooper
[This letter book is very fragile. The carbon papers are tissue thin, in some cases loose and
impossible to read, or to place in their original position.]
[page 1. This is a letter to Herbert Taylor, the oldest child of Harriet Taylor Mill, Hardy’s older
sister.]]
No 1. ‘Mary Ann’
Off Cape of Good Hope.
1 May 1850
My dear Herbert
We have been off here within a few miles of Port this three days & it is now nearly calm with no
present prospect of our getting a favorable breeze to take us in I therefore commence a letter to
you & will add a postscript when we get in – We got out of Torbay on the afternoon of 23 Feby
with a very light breeze & were in sight of Berry Head the whole of the next day so that I had the
mortification of missing Alfreds letters by overland if there were any or of receiving your letter
saying there were none – We got light winds from the Southward for several days but made a
tolerable passage to Madeira which we were close to on 8 th March but did not touch the Captn
having suddenly changed his mind alledging that he had no copy of his policy & was in doubt
whether the risk would be covered, but as he had talked for some days of stopping it must have
been on account of the time we had lost. We (the passengers) offered to subscribe the expense
the ship would have incurred, but the matter ended by our having a good view of the Island
which appears to be Volcanic & is very steep & bold We got on from there very well & with only
a few days calm crossed the line on Good Friday 29th March from which time until 10th April in
Lat 25.19 S Long 21.32 W we had a remarkably fine S.E. Trade & expected after all to make a
very good passage but we were again doomed to be disappointed for we got very heavy
weather from S.S.E. which lasted four days the ship rolling & pitching tremendously, the Cow
which had quite recovered our first bad weather & had not suffered much from the heat received
I am sorry to say much injury from bruising & rolling about that she died altho’ every thing was
done for her that was possible We made a post mortem
[page 2]
examination & found the viscera all healthy, she died solely from the bad weather. She had a
fine Bullcalf so that her loss to me is far greater than Arch Prelate would have been as the calf
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 64 of 161
would have been as valuable as he is. The Doctor kept the calf in spirits – she was insured for
£40 I think but I have not a copy of the particulars of the policies – I fear there will be some
damage to the cargo as we have had very bad weather. I shall as soon as we get in send the
necessary certificate or protest as I may be advised is necessary & forward for you to recover
from the underwriters The Calf is quite strong & wonderfully grown – On 27 March we
exchanged colours with the French barque Jean Jaques homeward bound & asked her to report
us – I will write from time to time for what I may require which I shall be obliged by your sending
in order as written for, always bearing in mind that I wish no order executed until you are in funds
or have bills of lading and also so as not to diminish the balance which I wish you always to
retain in hand sufficient to pay half a years interest to Mr Roberts & half a years rent charge to
your mother & Caroline – In addition to the Diary [?] I wish sent annually as soon as published a
pocket diary containing an almanac – I wish also for the following Carlyle’s latter day
pamphlets38 with the exception of the first which I have Dickens39 new work to be published in
March in Weekly numbers at 2d – Macaulys40 history as many vols’ as are published & the
remainder as they come out & his Lays of Ancient Rome – Bohn’s Illustrated Library – J Weales
Rudimentary Dictionary of terms 1849 50 from 59 High Holborn a work on the Bankrupt Law
consolidation of 1849 by Brown & Ogbourne reviewed in Westminster for Jany p 419 Comic
Blackstone & History of England
[page 3]
History of England both Illustrated Chambers information for the poeple last edition. Slaters
shilling series from 252 Strand & his shilling edition of Miss Bremers works41 – I wish also you
would ascertain & let me know the price of the Brass Orrery, illustrating the planetary system
they are I should think about two feet in diameter & I should like when I can afford it to present
one to our Mechanic’s Institute – I want also two tins of lemon biscuits (plain) and two tins of
rusks – four quarter cwts of freezing mixture & one £10.10 freezing machine (the discot they
allow is 20 pr ct) Also 24 2lb tins of preserved Salmon – I doz bottles of Anchovies not Anchovy
sauce) 1 doz pot Anchovy paste 2 doz pints Oysters & 6 tins Red Herrings containing each 24
– I reckon by the time you receive this letter you will have in round numbers – £50 left by me
£24 arrears of rent Wrigley & Moorhouse about £80 rents due in June & £40 Insurance on Cow
to get about £194 besides proceeds of last years wool against which from what I see of Alfreds
accounts he ought not to have drawn – & you will have had to pay interest £39.7.6 rent charge
£30 in May Barton £35:18: & Carberry [?] £71.15.6 & Guernsey Wardrobe &c £34.18:– about
£211:19: – So that whether Alfred is drawn or not you should have a balance, do not however
should such be the case remit until you hear from me from Adelaide – I think it unlikely Alfred will
have remitted money as I wrote to him last June to discontinue I enclose you a 1/6d Bill stamp
which I did not use my servant having left me at Torbay. I have not with me copy of acc t currt
38
Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Scottish philosopher, historian and essayist. The Latter-Day Pamphlets, published in
1850, denounced what he saw as the imbecilities and injustices of the period. 39
Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English writer, social critic and novelist. Hardy may refer to David Copperfield. 40
Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859), English Whig politician, essayist, poet and historian, best known for his
History of England, 5 vols., (1849-1861) and his Lays of Ancient Rome. 41 Fredrika Bremer (1801-1865), Swedish writer and feminist activist.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 65 of 161
with your firm from Octr 1848 to March 1849 containing proceeds of Wool & Mendell [?] Bill &
charges will you send me this?
[Here follow a number of pages where the writing is so faint as to be indecipherable. There are
no page numbers. The pages are loose and some are missing so that it is impossible to be sure
that they are in the right order. Visible dates suggest that they come later in the series..The next
numbered pages begin at page 19.]
[page 19]
No 10 pr Hydaspes –
Adelaide
17 Janry 1851
dep pr Calder to Calcutta via Marseilles.
My dear Herbert
My last No 9 was per Benjn Elkin & as I am short of time I have asked Martha to make extracts
from it on the other side – I have only time to acknowledge receipt yesterday
of yours of 2nd Septr pr Raleigh with its welcome enclosures We had also same day letters to
16th Octr pr Duke of Wellington announcing the death of poor Marmaduke, the [. . .] \from
Caroline/ last brought no particulars – you will be in funds I hope per Hydaspes which takes this
on my account but for fear of the contrary I enclose you a \Bill of [. . .]/ Bill for £50 at 30 days
We are in the midst of moving to Birksgate poor Marmaduke his death has much shocked us
altho’ I was prepared to hear of it at any time he was the best of his family Martha desires her
love to all in which I join She will be wanting some finery in a month or twos time I will write to
her sister Louisa who will [. . .] for £10 probably – You will see by the enclosed the Bank insure
£440 for the future please insure at £17 pr bale [?] – If Moorhouse remembers [?] the [. . .] [. . .]
will give £300 for the [. . .] for coal [?] Floyd knows about this Jno Noble – via India is not a good
opportunity for letters from
[written diagonally across the page]
England – a vessel from here is sure to catch a Steamer at the furthest at a months [remainder
unreadable]
[page 20]
No 11 pr Prince Regent to Callao via [. . .] and [. . .]
Adelaide [. . .]
April 1851
My dear Herbert
My last to you was No 10 pr Hydaspes & shipped via Marseilles of 17th Janry since when I have
not heard from you & I write now principally to try whether the present is a good opportunity –
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 66 of 161
Miss Price42 was married the week before last to Mr White & they sail pr Royal Shepherdess the
end of this month – yesterday we had the Osceola from London 26th Dec but no letters from you
I observe however that the [. . .] Mails of 22d [?] Septr by which I wrote you are arrived. I hope
the Hydaspes will be to hand when you receive this with the wool which I expect will arrive to a
good market & will with the £50 bill also the [. . .] draft on Ravenshaws place you in funds for me
to say nothing of Yorkshire Bankers which I hope have not been affected – I will give you a
further list of commissions to be executed when you are in funds the first without delay viz 12
dozen pints good Stout – Guiness – Grants [?] if any – Anything Cooper can recommend on
Chancery [. . . . . .] it is a subject I wish to take up here – Can you provide [?] for me the present
code of New York by which [. . .] any abolished altogether with a book of practice [?] if the [. . .]
[page 21]
Court there under the present system. I should like to do some good in my day & this appears
the most feasible direction for me to make the attempt – Will you send me the Exhibition
Catalogue & any papers containing some illustrations of it – I have had the last two months
papers from the Club but not yours – those sent by agents bags are opened on the journey &
must be [. . .] they come so irregularly – there is nothing like the post altho’ it is rather cleaner [?]
will you send me a repetition [?] of Lemans Crescents [?] & also two boxes of “tops & bottoms”
tell them to pack them in tin boxes with common Locks which are very useful for keeping thins in
afterwards from [. . .] Martha want from Pollards 4 dozen oblong glass dishes such as they
charged us 9/- for & two one quart Jelly moulds for which they charged us 1/9d – I shall also be
glad of another ton of Bass pale ale will you get me 1 doz labels for Bins in Wine cellars earthen
ware – with Port Sherry & Madeira as on the [. . .] I shall be writing shortly for some Marsala,
that which I brought out has turned out very well as has the Port not so the Sherry or Madeira
the latter was too tart I have got into my new house at last & am much more comfortable – Mr
Wilde was to hand you a small [. . .] from Mr Sale & I sent you a draft on Ravenshaw of which I
will enclose a copy – I have not yet [. . .] what you [. . .] on the [. . .] on the wool [. . .]
[page 22]
Alfred [the remainder of this line is indecipherable] from which we are glad to [the remainder of
this line is indecipherable] am at work from six oclock in the morning looking after the men at
work about the place & at the office in town all day so that I rarely feel much inclination to write
of an evening – I hope you will see the Whites when they arrive & they will give you a better
description of Birksgate43 that I can from here I [. . .] if this harvest from [. . .] Martha unites in
love to yours [the remainder of this line is indecipherable] in Devonshire with yours
affectionately
Arthur Hardy
42 Martha Hardy’s sister, Henrietta.
43 The house Hardy had built at Glen Osmond in Adelaide.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 67 of 161
[page 23]
No 12 pr Osceola to Bombay via Marseilles
Birksgate Nr Adelaide
4 May 1851
My dear Herbert
My last No 11 was on 7 April pr Prince Regent to Callao since when I received yours pr Florentia
& desp overland of 20 Novr on 28th April – with regard to Fox’s claim for 12/- I believe you have
his bill – I was not aware that I had the glasses from him I thought they had been from Deane’s
but if he supplied them & they are not charged please pay him – I much regret that you should
have been in advance for the rent charges & interest but trust this will not occur again & that
there will be less arrears of rents if the property has not sold but which I should greatly prefer – I
am glad to see the general objection on the Popery question, the legitimate point to take a stand
on appears to be such intervention as the Pope or his clergy made on the Irish Colleges
question I would sanction no sort of intollerance, but I would equally not stand any interference
by a foreign state or its emissaries to the spread of education & thereby enlightenment – We
have no news here but look anxiously for steam Communication – We have papers but no
letters via Bombay thence to Calcutta & Galle to 4th Feby which contain advertisements of a new
Company – We had when I arrived an immense number of bubble Mining companies these
have all
[page 24 missing]
[page 25]
No 13 pr Rebecca Jane to Singapore
Adelaide
26 May 1851
My dear Herbert
I wrote you last on 4th inst pr Osceola via Bombay She has however been detained& has not yet
sailed – I enclose dup rect for Alfreds rent charge – The Whites sailed on the 14th & after getting
halfway to Cape Lewin with a fair wind she sprang a leak made 3 feet water an hour & put back
they landed the day before yesterday – she must delay & will probably be detained two months
– it is not improbable that they will turn over their luggage to the Vessel which takes this &
proceed via Singapore & Overland – will you drop a line to Mrs Grenfell to say they are all well –
Will you tell Fox that the furniture I brought out with me was admirably packed while that sent by
the Raleigh & the Florentia was most carelessly and improperly packed – the battens across the
inside of the cases to prevent the goods from shifting were in the first packages carefully
secured with screws from the outside whilst those by the Raleigh & the last case were supposed
to be secured by nails I say supposed for in the Florentias case the nails were not driven into the
cross piece at all this was gross carelessness of the packer & the consequence was that the
back of
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 68 of 161
[page 26]
is broken across & will cost at least three pounds here to put it in order as it will require a new
back – this makes it come as a very expensive chair costing as it did when landed with freight
&c upwards of £12 – the case containing the armchairs pr Raleigh was similarly ill packed & one
of the Chairs Broken costing upwards of £1 to repair & others scratched &c – Will you tell him
what I say & that I think he ought to make some compensation & that it is impossible I can order
other goods from him with confidence if more care is not taken in packing I have some persons
in lately for the purchase of my station runs and sheep if I can get my price I shall sell but it is
uncertain whether I shall deliver until after shearing – I will however advise you in good time if
insurance is required – I wrote very fully to Mr Irvine of the Great Britain Office (the one in which
Dr Power is interested) soon after my arrival – the – the letters are home but I have heard
nothing from them – I shall feel obliged if you will ascertain from Power whether they have
actually sent powers to me & if not, I would rather have no further connection with them – In that
case I think that the Church of England Office to whom Mr Cutbill
[page 27]
introduced me (wishing to change their agent as I believe) might be worth enquiring about – if
therefore nothing has been done with Powers office would you ask Mr Cutbill whether he would
oblige me by ascertaining whether the Church of England is making any changes? I have my
club papers regularly whilst I have none from you of December or January nor the Reviews I
hope ere this you have had them posted as issued or if not that you will do so – We know that in
many of the Uniform rates ships the agents bag is opened every Sunday morning & the
newspapers read by the passengers & some of these are collected & put back on the Sunday
evenings – My last from you was of the 23d Inst We have direct ships to 24th Janry & letters pr
Steamer from Cape from 17 Feby but it is quite a Chance if a vessel may be coming on from the
Cape here All well Yours very affectionately
Arthur Hardy
I sent eight shell parrotts (Budgerry Gars) by the Whites in hopes a pair at least would reach
alive for your mother – if however they proceed by the Royal Sheperdess I fear there is little
chance of their living as she will now go round Cape Horn –
[next is an unnumbered blank page]
[page 28]
No 14 pr Royal Shepherdess
Adelaide
27 July 1851
My dear Herbert Arrived [written across in ink]
My last No 13 of 26th May pr Rebecca Jane to Singapore since when I have received yours of 7 th
& 24 Jany on 21 June & I am much obliged for the accounts enclosed – My letters of 3d Jany, &
4th May requested you to procure from Ar Ley or Floyd the necessary legacy receipts for Alfred &
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 69 of 161
myself or information if a power of Attorney is required & I expect shortly to hear from you on
that subject – I expect also to hear that you you are in funds for some of my commissions from
the Bank of Australasias draft I remitted & the Bill on Ravenshaw & proceeds of Woolmer draft
In executing the commissions in letter of 1 May 1850 you did not send Dickens 2d which is I
presume Household Words I should like to have them not Fashions Illustrated I find great labor
in wading thro’ the Times as they come to hand a month at a time – there is a condensed edition
of the leading articles of the Times, I forget the name would you ask Poulter at the club whether
he could send me that instead of the Times? I find all the gossip in the Observer & Illustrated –
The other orders not yet executed are in my letters of 15 July, 50 – 24 Septr 7 Nov – 7 April & 4th
May – When will Macauly publish 3 & 4 Vols? I hope you will lose no time in sending them to
me
[page 29]
I enclose you another small draft on Raveshaw with letter of advice Hy Prices draft on Mr Sale
for £33:6:8 with letter of advice which please collect & place the proceeds of both when received
to my credit – I had a letter from Caroline of 23 Feby on 17th inst in which she gives a very
satisfactory acct of my mothers recovery – by the bye did my letters from Torquay the Cape &
here to your mother arrive I have not heard from her or what she is doing since I left – All the
ships at this time of the year are making long passages out – Caroline appears to be very
unfortunate having broken the small bone of her leg last November – her accounts of Edwards
wife are very distressing – We have nothing very new here our Elections are just over & are
unsatisfactory as the \opposition to the/ Grant in aid of Religion has brought in many men who
are otherwise very unfit – I was asked by one or two constituencies to stand but declined
offering myself altho’ I said I would serve if elected but that I would not ask for a Vote – the
negotiation for the fr Sale of the sheep has gone off I will however advise you in good time as to
their worth [. . .] to all
Yours [. . .] affectly
Arthur Hardy
[page 30]
[added in pencil] Arrived
Netta Whites Letters
13/16/2/52
No 15 pr Ballengeich to Calcutta via Marseilles
Adelaide
13 Octr 1851
My dear Herbert
My last to you was on 27th July since when I received yours of 6 May on 1 Septr 21st May on 6
Septr & 19th April Overland on 6 October your letter to be despatched in Feby showing what
was coming to Alfred is not yet to hand – The day before yesterday Martha presented me with a
son – Please put the following notice in the Times Observer Spectator & Examiner – On 11th
October at Birksgate “near Adelaide South Australia the wife of Arthur Hardy Esq of a Son” –
Please open a policy on 70 bales Port Lincoln to Adelaide \by ship or ships/ at £17 pr bale I will
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 70 of 161
write you as soon as I know the name of the vessels & also as to Insurance to London – I hope
you will have succeeded in effecting sales in Yorkshire & have sent out information of what
documents are required for the Birksgate legacies in May next – I have never received a line
from your mother but presume the letters I sent from Torbay the Cape & this place have arrived
– I shall write to her soon but at present have a great many letters to write for Martha & the Mail
closes today Martha unites with me in best wishes for her health & happiness & with the same
to yourself [. . .] [. . .] [. . .] yours Ever affectly
PS Please post the enclosed –
Arthur Hardy
[page 31]
No 16 Pr Reliance to Bombay via Marseilles
Adelaide 7 Dec 1851
My dear Herbert
My last No 15 was on 13 Oct since when I have received yours 7 July on 3d Novr 19July on 31
Octr & 5 Aug on 27 Novr – the goods pr Lady Flora have arrived but you appear to have forgotten
the order of 24th Septr /30 its receipt was acknowledged in yours of 7 Jany Yours of 5 Augt
enclosed statement shewing £18:13:7 due to Alfred This I have paid him & enclose receipt &
also receipt for rent charge paid 3 Novr –In your letter of 7 Jany you say a distribution will be
made in Feby no account has come to hand please let me know if there was any division then
that I may pay Alfred his share – I am anxious to hear if you have heard anything about the
Great Britain Office from Mr Irving or Dr Power – I cannot help thinking there has been some
underhand work thro’ Morphetts who are known to some of the Great Britain people – they are
losing a good business & at all events as a matter of business & courtesy ought to have
answered my letters – Will you enquire of Power? – I have written to Delmar & Wynne they
wanted a power signed by Fooks brother in law but whenever he came he was quite unfit to sign
anything – generally wandering sometimes half drunk I have now seen him cool & collected &
he refused to sign – The wool is beginning to come up & it will be shipped in the Benjamin Elkin
for London it is in very good condition 11 bales are up & the rest is expected by the “Bandicoot”
and “Emu” both good vessels – I expect 60 bales I shall draw £12 pr bale so the Bank will
ensure £12:12:- please make up Insurance to £17 pr bale from Adelaide you will have ensured
at £17 Port Lincoln to Adelaide in pursuance of my last letter – this wool will I think
[page 32]
come to a very good market as the wonderful discoveries of gold in Port Phillip have absorbed
an immense quantity of labour & they will not be able to wash & their shearing will be late in
addition to which the ships I am told have lost all their crews – so that if we are in time for the
May sales we shall do well this year – I ought to have received the necessary documents or
information by this for the Birksgate legacies due next May it is of more consequence to Alfred
than myself – Mr & Mrs Saml White went from here to Callao & intended staying in New York until
Novr it will be curious if you should have returned with them. I should like you to see them &
give him & his father a dinner at the Reform & let me pay the cost will you do this? Please send
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 71 of 161
10 lbs Tartc Acid in Christals & 10lbs cream of Tartar each in 1lb bottles – Also one of Barlows
Syphon taps – I will write for some more Rhine Wine from our friend Corneilly’s – from a rough
calculation of what I have remitted since first of Jany you ought after charging goods pr Lady
Flora to have about £180 to my credit I shall be glad of the Massalla & Bass ale as also the
Stout &c ordered in my letter of 7 April via Callao & which is now very much wanted – All well
here. Martha unites in best love to all & Believe to be
Yours Ever affectly
Arthur Hardy
[page 33]
P.S. per Reliance 15th Decr 1851 –
We have up & in course of Shipping 36 Bales pr Benjn Elkin & I only hear of 12 more bales
coming forward. it is much less than I expected but have received no advice of the reason – We
have the goods pr Lady Flora all in good condition except the Olives which were badly packed &
most of them had the corks out & are utterly spoilt – there were two bottles short in the assorted
fruits not broken but short as I saw the case opened myself – we also found only 11 instead of
12 bott Chili Vinegar 4 instead of 6 bott Mustard & 7 instead of 14 packages gelatine we have
not however opened the tin case of Maccaroni & some may be in that – Please send 2 doz
quarts Salad oil 14 lbs White Coral Soap 24 cakes Honey soap 2 lbs Brown Windsor Soap – 1
doz ½ lb bott best Mustard 3 small bott Cayenne repetition of gelatine 2 doz small bottles
Anchovies & ½ doz Anchovy paste 4 bott essence of Anchovies 2 doz Sardines & Knife – 108
lbs candles as last – 12 lbs better candles White transparent long fours ½ doz Capers 1 doz
Olives French & good 12 tins herrings 24 \3 doz/ tins 2lb Salmon – 6 lbs Parmesan Cheese 1
small bott Essence of Vanilla 1 stick Vanilla 2 doz fruits as follows 6 BC Currants 4 Damson 6
Gooseberries 2 Rhubarb 2 Cherries & Currants – and from Lemans 2 tins each of rusks
Biscuits & tops & Bottoms – 10 Quires Queens Note paper & sufficient envelopes for same
paper & envelopes to have the Crest on – All well
[page 34]
Engl pr Benjamin Elkin [. . .] pr Pacific & Calentha
Adelaide 12 Jany 1852
My dear Herbert
I on New years day received your firms letter of 9th Septr with its enclosures – I wrote you last on
15 Decr per Reliance – I now enclose you dup receipts from Alfred for my fathers estate & rent
charge due in Novr last – I also enclose a letter to your mother whose address I do not know
which please forward – I have already shipped 34 Bales wool pr Benjamin Elkin & on 2d instt
drew on you at 60 days against Bill of Lading for £425 I have since shipped 15 bales more by
same vessel against which I shall draw at the same rate £187:10: – being at the rate the last
settled but I fully expect this will come to a better market as the wool from Port Phillip will be
short in quantity & inferior in quality & mine is far cleaner than last year or there would have
been at least 12 bales more of it – The Bank have insured £468 against the first parcel & will
insure a similar advance on the second please make up the Insurance to £17 a bale I took your
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 72 of 161
account dates [?] pr Hydaspes to them & complained that the Bank charged insurance at 45s
whilst your charge was only 40s they say the Bank has always returned 5 pr ct on the 45s & 10
pr Ct on the balance making the net 38/6 pr c how is this? if their statement is correct there
should have been a considerable sum from time to time for this rebate carried to my credit – if
this is so should not your underwrting do the same? I have sold the greater part of my sheep
one parcel to a man named Hopkinson who had recd a letter from the Revd Hy Ward of Nhill
stating that he held about £500 for him & asking how it should be remitted & accompanied his
letter with a remittance of £50 on account – letters were
[page 35]
written to Mr Ward last October 12 months & last February requesting him to remit thro’ the
Union Bank of Australia but no advice of it has yet appeared. I have an order to receive it
should it be remitted but for fear of any mistake Hopkinson has drawn in my favor for £450
accompanying the draft by a letter from Mr Price in whose employ he has been & I enclose you
first of draft & letter for collection – if Mr Ward has remitted he will of course refuse to accept or
pay in which case do not incure the expense of protests – if the Bill is wholly or partially paid
remit to me thro’ the Bank of Australasia – If you are in funds from the Birksgate £100 rents or
enclosed bill send a quarter cask each of Sherry & Madeira & two of Port the same quality as the
lowest price I brought out & which has turned out the best – Will you order from Mr Conneilly of [.
. .] 20 doz Marslain [?] same price & quality as I had in 1849 I think 14/ or 16/- pr dozen – Please
order from Carberry one green mixed tweed shooting coat charged in his bill £2:16:6 & one
waistcoat of the same charge £1:- & let him repeat the order in Decr next I want the same Style
of coat for the Winter here but with a [. . .] pocket The competitors goods are up with the
exception of the beer Pellales [?] packed the glass dishes very carelessly one was broken &
the set is spoilt – We are in a state of great depression here caused by the wonderful gold
discoveries in Melbourne – Steam communication will be one result – I anticipate great distress
for about twelve months when I hope we shall get right again – all well Love to all yours ever
[?]Arthur Hardy
[page 36]
pr Glen Huntley to Java & Overland
Adelaide 11th August 1852
My dear Herbert
I recd on 14th July yours of yours of 25th Feby enclosing sundry accounts – There is an item in
the F Ward [?] papers pr I Hewitt [?] £1:11:3 & another in y next 6 Sept charges re
Richardson £1:11:3 both at my debit neither of which I can trace. In your letter of 6 th Sept/51
you say you have debited me £3:13:8 re Richardson but this amount does not appear to my
debit in the next Nor does the amount of £15:3:9 for Marsalla pr Sophia Moffatt on 18th Octr
appear to my debit please look into these claims & if errors or omissions correct them – I had
given an order on you for the specimens of gold ore from the Victoria Mine but it appears to
have been lost & I have accordingly [?] issued another order in [. . .] which will no doubt be
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 73 of 161
presented to you That letter did not state whether you have made any further division out of the
balance of £201:3:2 in my fathers estate & I was therefore unable to pay
Alfred his proportion in future please make a point of advising on this subject Jons [?] account
with me shows two receipts from Firth but does not contain copy of his acct showing particulars
of rects payments & arrears please forward these from time to time as my accounts are kept
unbalanced until I have them From the rects pr Chusan Steamer via Melbourne I expect my
last years wool will realise considerably over the drafts against it & as the unrecorded [?] orders
will probably amount to £60 or £70 I have upwards of £100 to my credit in London to which
extent or part of which I shall probably send orders on you having some small amounts to remit
– I recd yours of 15th March pr Hy Tanner on 17 Ulto & yours of 23d April pr Coromandel in
[page 37]
Melbourne yesterday – in pursuance of your letter of 15th March I had prepared powers of
Attorney from Alfred to you for the Birksgate Legacy but to our astonishment the day before
yesterday arrived Legacy duty rects & remittances for both Alfred & myself pr Chusan Steamer
thro’ the Bank of Australasia but no letter; we signed the rects & obtained the money & I
supposed until your letter received yesterday that you had forwarded these amounts & that I
should hear from you pr Australian now overdue You state there are Januay dates in London I
am surprised that neither of mine of 7th or 15th Dec or 2d Jany all overland had not arrived – I
however expect that they & the arrival of the Benjamin Elkin will be acknowledged p r Australian
as also the result of Hopkinsons [. . .] on Ward for £500 – I will forward pr first Steamer origl rec
rent charge to 3 May 1852 & rects for £21:18:1 £19:19:1 to 10 th Feby /51 & 27 April respectively
from Alfred – We have been tolerably easy for labor these last three months but in another
month there will not a man to be hired in the place – I am however of the opinion that this
Season will be the last for the Diggers but from all accounts the gold will be produced in as large
if not larger quantities for a series of years but this must be by combination of Capital &
Machinery & then will be the time to obtain a fair Royalty for further improvements as Railways
&c & Emigration under present circumstances it would be impossible to collect a Royalty – I do
not doubt that the extraordinary accounts from these colonies will produce an enormous
emigration & that we shall have labor very
[page 38]
very low within eighteen months time & then for twelve months flour & other necessaries will be
high after which will be the time for me to work my silver mine – I am trying to buy a little gold to
ship to you for a spec & shall probably ship a few hundred to a thousand ounces which I shall
insure thro’ the Banks open policy & discount at £3:15: I finding the extra cost & discount here
the charges however on your note must be very moderate to leave a profit Please send me the
following [. . .] Pickering 2/6 Brays [. . .] 21/ [. . .] less disct – One [. . .] cleaning machine 6
holes one for Carver 12 whalebone long handled Brushes such as they sweep the crossings
with or one home for Stable use four moderate strand [?] open rope mats one chest really
good black tea one bag Mocha Coffee 12 doz pints Guiness Stout a small Keg of [. . .] 6 Mop
heads & (two sweeping \called Hair Brooms/ brushes) but without strips to either 2 hand
sweeping Brushes 2 carpet Brooms 2 black lead brushes 4 Scrubbing Brushes 2 plate Brushes
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 74 of 161
4 boxes rouge plate powder 1 skin wash leather for plate 3 chamois skins for carriage 2 sets
horse nets against flies including Neck & ear pieces these are for saddle & one set for gig – &
one set shoe brushes All well Martha unites in best love to all with your [. . .] Arthur
Hardy
[page 39]
Pr Chusan Steamer via Marseilles
Adelaide
6 Septr 1852
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you on 11th Augt pr Glen Huntley to Java Since then I have received yours of 2d
June pr Australian on 30th she having met with detention from her crew mutinying at every Port
she stopped at & from her supplies of coal having been deficient at her first stopping place – The
Chusan \P & O Steamer/ was expected to call for a mail to Singapore & I write you a few lines I
will send you a line by each steamer if only to say all well & shall be glad to receive the same
from you – I will make a copy of mine of 11th Augt on this as there are some things I require sent
out – Please also send 10 or 12 lbs of really genuine Arrow Root in small packages for our boy –
he was very ill a week ago caused by teething but is now better he is just a week of eleven
months old & has not yet a single tooth is he not lazy? Will you also procure & send me covers
to bind up the Illustrated News in? & also some back numbers – I will insert a list of the Nos of
the Volumes I have & also of the missing numbers. If the Punch Office issues covers for the
Volumes I will be glad to have them also & will send the numbers – I wish now that we have
Steamers to stop the Times If I can get the evening paper which gives the contents of the
Morning papers will you ask at the Club By the Australian I recd a letter from Bolton Merriman
& [. . .] of Austin [. . .] acknowledging their receipt – I will send you Alfreds receipts by the
Australian St expected here on 25th inst The prospects of wool season good indeed – I shall be
glad to receive Marthas [?] money but your last has made me easy on that subject – I do not
know when the Great Britain Office may have written I have never received even an
acknowledgment of my letters Gold has been discovered [remainder indecipherable]
[page 40 no handwritten page number]
pr Australian
Adelaide 28th Septr 1852
My dear Herbert
This vessel was due here on 25th but we heard she would not be here until 1 Octr & as I am
without clerks & worked off my legs I postponed writing but just as I got home this evening Alfred
saw the Steamer coming in & I suppose she will be off tomorrow & as I shall be in Court all day I
write a line to say all well I draw upon you at 60 days favor A H Dendy for £53:5:3 & Martha has
told her sister to apply to you for £23 for some things required –this will not absorb my balance
but is all I should draw – I have no news from you since 2d June unless the Australian may have
letters by the P & O Formosa to Melbourne direct I enclose a letter for your mother as I am not
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 75 of 161
sure the address is right – I enclose rects from Alfred for rent charge to 3 May 1852 & to my
fathers Excrs £21:18:1 to 10 Feby 1851 & £19:19:1 to 27 April 1852 I sent some orders pr Glen
Huntley & pr Chusan Steamer which you will execute when in funds. I have not yet succeeded in
purchasing gold but still intend doing so – Should you be short of funds for me by any
miscalculation of mine or failure of payments to you, postpone the payment of the £23 to Miss
Price until you are in funds When you are -will copy my order pr Chusan but I doubt being able
to do so all well – believe to be yours ever
Arthur Hardy
[page 41 no handwritten page number]
2d Octr I have just purchased Ozs of gold which I send you by this steamer & draw on you
66/- pr oz at 30 ds agst it I wanted to send £200 to £300 to you to pay away [?] for me & thought
it better to buy to the extent the Bank will advance so as to insure the shipment & commission
to you I have paid 71s/6 for it & this with the discount on the draft 7 pr ct will leave but a shade of
profit on the transaction for me – You will be able to ascertain the usual commission charged in
London – In the accnt sales the Bank have recd here it is ⅛th per cent & much more would entail
a loss Let me know whether it answers your purpose & receive gold on Commission Enclosed
in the package is a bag of small parcels containing Nuggetts for your Mother my mother Mrs
Grenfell & my Aunt Alder which please forward except that to my Aunt which do not forward
unless I am able to enclose a letter to her in this if I have not time I will send by next merchant –
I have not time to
[page 42 no handwritten page number]
advise you what I wish done with the proceeds but will do so by next opportunity I have ensured
at £4 pr oz thro’ the Banks open policy & they will no doubt allow you a rebate on the prem if the
gold arrives safely – Please ensure 17 bales wool Port Lincoln to Adelaide \at £17 pr bale/ ship
or ships but not from Adelaide without further advice I shall forward my Aunt Alders letter to you
to send her with the nuggett parcel all well no news since 2d June
Yr Evr
Arthur Hardy
[on verso of page crosswise in pencil]
Not sent replaced by letter of 4th October
[page 43 handwritten page no. 40, previous letter not having been sent]
Pr Australian Steamer
Adelaide 4th Octr 1852
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you pr Chusan Steamer via Marseilles on 6th Sepr since when I have not heard
from you – I have purchased a small lot of gold dust which I send to you by this Steamer – there
is 563 oz 2d by the buying [?] weight but it will probably weigh a trifle heavier when weighed in
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 76 of 161
one lot by the Captn for Bill of Lading it is marked A11 & will be delivered into the Bullion office
in the Bank of England. There is also in the package a parcel containing small parcels of
Nuggetts for your mother for my mother (2) Mrs Grenfell & Aunt Alder please forward these as
directed with the enclosed letters – the weight of these is estimated at 8 or 10 oz The gold is
shipped by the Bank of Australasia thro’ whom I draw on 19:19:1you at 30 ds for £1850 & I have
found the odd £3 to £400 here – it has cost 71s/6 an oz with 7 pr ct disct on the Bills & will
therefore leave but a shade of profit on the Bills transaction especially as I could buy Bank drafts
here at 4½ disct but I have done it to see if it answered your purposes. The freight will be 6s½ I
believe & the Insurance & other charges at your side about 2 pr ct on £4 an oz or 1/7½. this is
judging from the account sales the Bank has received where the Commission is charged 1/8 [. .
.] pr ct & I which I believe is the usual commission on gold dust – Let me know whether this
transaction answers your purpose The Bank have insured £4 an oz on 570 oz thro’ their open
policy & they will no doubt allow a rebate on the premm if the gold arrives safely – Please insure
17 bales of wool at £17 a bale Port Lincoln to Adelaide by ship or ships but not on without further
advice [?]
[page 44 handwritten page no. 41
I have drawn on you at 60 ds on 25 Ulto favor N A Dendy for £53:5:3 – Also this day at 7 ds favor
J B White for £16:8:9 & Miss Price will apply to you for £23 for some things for Martha I shall not
draw on you for the balance pf the gold until I receive rect sales of last years wool when I shall
draw £200 or £300 according as my balance appears likely to be – I expect the gold to net betn
£350 to £400 I enclose letter for your mother as I am not quite sure of her address which
please forward to her. I have also enclosed letters to my mother & aunt to accompany their
nuggetts – I also enclose rects from Alfred for rent charge to 3d May 1852 & to my fathers Exors
£21:18:1 to 10 Feby /51 & £19:19:1 to 27 April /52 – with the first order you send me please
send a couple of reams of foreign post paper some Indian Sealing wax 2 or 3 lb & about 30
gross of best wine corks – none of the trash my uncle Joseph [?] sent out here – Get them from
someeone you can depend upon – All pretty well here – but I am without clerk or servants &
therfore much pressed in my correspondence but this state of things will soon rectify itselfYours
ever affectly
Arthur Hardy
[page 45 no handwritten number]
Pr Formosa via Marseilles
Adelaide 8th Novr 1852
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you pr Australian S direct on 4th Octr & take advantage of a few minutes leisure to
write for the Formosa expected to call here this week. Since my last I have yours of 26 th June pr
Bank of Australasia on 15 Octr & yours of 31 July pr Sydney on 4th inst. the Steamer having
made the magnificent passage of 90 days – I have received by her the usual files of papers but
not the Quarterly or Westminster I hope these have been despatched as I wish to see our
Australia referred to in a letter from your mother The China has not yet arrived. I observe
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 77 of 161
however by the Invoice of her shipment that you have sent one cask of Port and two of Marsalla
instead of two of Port & one of Madeira as ordered, you must think my consumption of Marsalla
great having sent me a pipe not twelve months before – I did not order any sparkling Hock but it
will do for a sample – you have also omitted to send the repetition of Gelatine from Ballys & 12lb
long fours White transparent candles – the former is the only article Martha cannot obtain here
please send 2 dozen Cox’s Gelatine 1/6d packages – Please also send from Cottam & Hallens,
2 wire dish covers, wire round the side but closed at top don’t forget this direction the wire over
the top are useless – two 1 ft 9 x 1 ft 4 and two 1 ft 6 x 1 ft 1 = Please also send 1 ton Bass ale
but in 6 barrells not in 4 hogsheads as I cannot get these latter into my cellar – I am now working
my Quarries extensively & I want you to forward to me without delay the following plant
[page 45 no handwritten number]
for a tramway 12 tons of rails at 40 lbs to the yard which will give 336 running yards of way & will
I anticipate cost £6 to £7 free on board possibly Lpool may be cheapest Port to ship from but of
this you will judge. it is for a horse draught only & I am told that of if laid on wooden sleepers
three feet apart no chains will be required – this I leave to the person who executes the order &
they must be sent if considered advisable. Send sufficient spikes to secure the rails twice over
as I shall shift it a good deal – Also send two stone wagons complete to tip up at the end & with
wheels &c fillets [. . .] for the rails the waggons must have coupling hooks \I think they are called/
to drag them with – at each end The waggons may be taken to pieces if freight will be saved –
they must be calculated to carry four tons weight at least; also 100 yards of chain sufficiently
strong to take the waggons up an incline one going up & the other descending – Send also 2
pairs of extra wheels for loam waggons – also 100 extra linch pins – also 2 sets of points to
shunt. I will send a sketch of the line on the other side so that it will be seen by the maker what is
required – and one turn tableto suit the waggon – Also for Com Do not forget that the waggons
are to tip up & have the ratchet for the purpose – Also one Iron pulley for the chain to run thro’
something like this [small drawing]. I reckon the rails at abt £80 Waggons abt £15 each chain
£15 turn table £10 extras £20 together about £150 but I am told I am fully above the mark – I
however wish them shipped without delay
[page 46 no handwritten number]
[small sketch of railway]
The shunting points you will perceive are required at A & B & the turntable at “C” in the Quarry.
The latter if my limit is exceeded I can best do without – The curves will be much sharper than
on the diagram please enquire & let me know how much wider than the wheels the rails should
be laid at the curves –
[written crosswise in brown ink on verso of page 46] Not sent
[page 47 handwritten page no. 42]
[at top of page in brown ink] acknowledged in letter of 9 Feby
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 78 of 161
Pr Formosa via Marseilles
Adelaide
16th Novr 1852
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you pr Australian Str direct on 4th Octr & write this expecting the Formosa hourly to
leave with a Mail for Singapore. Since my last I have yours of 26 th June pr Bank of Australasia
on 15th Octr & yours of 31 July pr Sydney Str on 4th instant the Steamer having made the
magnificent passage of 90 days – The “China” arrived on 11 instant I observe by the Invoice
you have sent one cask of Port & two of Marsala instead of two of Port & one of Madeira as
ordered. You must think my consumption of Marsala great having sent me a pipe this time
twelve months – I did not order any sparkling hock but it will do for a sample. You also omitted
the repetition of Gelatine & 12 lb long fours White transparent candles The former is the only
article Martha cannot obtain here. Please send the Candles & 2 dozen 1/6d packages Coxs
gelatine – Also from Cottam & Hallens 2 wire dish covers wire round the sides but closed at top
do not forget this direction, those with wire over the top are useless One [?] 1 ft 9 Inc by I ft 4 &
two others 1 ft 6 x 1 ft 1 Inc Also one tone Bass ale but in 6 barrels not in four hogsheads as I
cannot get the latter into my cellar – I am now working my quarries extensively & I wish you to
forward to me without delay the plant mentioned on the first side for a tramway The rails will I
anticipate cost about £6 a ton free on board possibly Lpool may be the cheapest Port to ship
from – of this you will judge it is for horse draught only & to be laid on Angular [?] line [?] wooden
sleepers The Waggons may be taken to pieces if freight will be saved
[page 48 handwritten page no 43]
They are to be of wood & I wish them to be complete to serve as patterns for the remainder to
be made here – you will observe I say guage 3 ft 6 to 4 ft I would prefer the smaller but I give a
margin to allow the order to be speedily executed I should not mind a trifle under 3 ft 6 – I
estimate the rails at about £80 Waggons under £10 each as I see second hand waggons
advertisedd in the Morning Journal in good condition at £4 10 each. Switches & crossings about
£9 pr set screws about £7 (or £30 a ton) I take the prices from those paid by this Government
for the goolwa Railway plant but do not limit you to them. I expect the plant will cost aboout
£150 – I wish them shipped without the slightest delay as it will make a great difference if they
arrive before the wet season say the end of May or the beginning of June – as in that case I load
stone to the Port which pays for the goods up [?] & labor is at its cheapest at that time –
According to my calculations I shall have at my credit when you receive this about £380 to £400
including Gold pr Australian but exclusive of amounts received from Alfred & my Yorkshire
property & I suppose the orders in this letter will not amount to more than £180 – I am
endeavouring to buy more gold but it is scarce & dear I have by me about 120 oz. I hope to
obtain sufficient to be worth making a shipment before the Sydney arrives I am glad I noticed
the question of the rebate on premiums it is always more satisfactory to have these things
distinctly understood & explained at once [?] Nothing new – all well – Yours very affectly Arthur
Hardy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 79 of 161
[page 49 handwritten page no 44]
pr Sydney Steamer
Adelaide
10 Decr 1852
My dear Herbert
I have but little to add to my letter pr Formosa ship above since when I have not heard from you
– I estimate my credit with you at over £200 after executing the Commissions enclosed in it I
send by this vessel to you 120 oz gold agst which I have drawn £100 for the sake of insuring & it
will I hope net £360 – I enclose a letter to Mr Winter which please post when you have the
proceeds of the gold & pay him the amount mentioned in accompanying letter taking receipt &c
I enclose dup Alfreds rects for £21:18:1 & £19:19:1 for amt received from my fathers Executors
dated respectively 2d & 10th Augt We hear the “Formosa” was detained at King Georges Sound
& would miss the Dec Mail. No news all well Martha unites in best love to your mother & all at
home wish yours
Arthur Hardy
[written in ink on verso of page 49] Quarts [. . .] & bottled [. . .] white soap
[page 50 handwritten page no 45]
Pr “Melbourne” Steamer
Adelaide 23 Feby 1853
[in brown ink] dup pr geelong
My dear Herbert
I wrote to you last pr Chusan Str via Marseilles on 10 Jany since when I have no letters from you
I have shipped to you pr Geelong 12 bales wool A11 1 to 12 [added in brown ink] \weighs
gross 4219 lbs/ freight P & S pr [some unreadable words] to insure £20 a bale I have not drawn
against this through thro’ the Bank but shall draw several small amounts against it – I draw by
this opportunity favor J B White £36:17 at 30 days Martha writes by this post to Miss Price to
purchase some [. . .] Will you send her £22 – I shall draw by the Geelong £56:19 favor A H
Dendy & in favor of Mr Wooding about £30 – & as I expect the wool to sell very well I expect
there will be a surplus of about £70 I enclose a letter to Cottam & Hallen Spithead please retain
a copy & forward to them I have told them to let you know the coast of the Iron Trellise before
making it there will be about one ton [. . .] one ton or iron wire & the cost should not be more
than £7 to £10 a ton but I would not care for a pound or two & if galvanized will [. . .] more than
£2 a ton extra plain will do. – I send a list of Sundries on the other side which will absorb the
balance all well Martha sends her love to all Yours [. . .]Arthur Hardy
[page 51 handwritten page no 46]
Pr Shanghaie & Overland via Marseilles
Adelaide
14th May 1853
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 80 of 161
[pencil note written crosswise at right]
Caught mail at Singapore for end of
July in London
Answered 10 August
My dear Herbert
I wrote to you last on 23 Feby since when I have received yours of 9th Feby on 4th inst I send a
note enclose of goods I wish shipped the iron goods without any delay. I suppose from all
accounts Rails will not be much less than £10 to £12 a ton you must however do the best you
can for me especially in regard to freight for which an agreement may possibly be made
including the waggons as dead weight – have the waggons taken to pieces if freight will be
saved thereby – I require the quantity I now send for at once so I hope you will advise me by
Steamer of 3rd August that they are agreed for shipment –Rails screw & wagons or links of a
similar description to those I wrote for in November except the guage to be 5 ft 4 Inc they are for
moving rubbish & stone in a Quarry & knowing what they are for you must use your own
discretion if the instructions are sufficiently ample or if you think you can do better in regard to
sending wagons – I hope you insured our box Pr “Australian” which has not yet arrived always
send a pro forma Invoice with [. . .] boxes Miss Price sends for us eg “One case wearing apparel
£23” – the so doing obviates trouble & delay at our Custom House in opening &c – Will you call
on Carberr [?] & select the dress waistcoat pattern [. . .] [. . .] if still fashionable the Tweed
trousers very warm & of a dark shade & the “Summer” trousers you know my shade – tell him
the last shooting coat is ⅜ of an inch too long in the sleeves All well love to all in which Martha
joins Yours ever affect in haste
Arthur Hardy
[page 52 handwritten page no 47]
Pr Shanghaie via Marseilles
Adelaide
4 June 1853
[Pencil note written crosswise at right] Answered
My dear Herbert
10 Aug
I have already written to you by this Mail but the Shangaie has not yet come in altho’ due here
on 26th May – we have no letters since I last wrote – I enclose you Alfreds receipt for rent charge
to 3rd May & also for division under my fathers estate to 2nd Feby last \13 Septr 1852/ for
£12:15:2 I also send on for a small order to Cottam & Hallens which please tear off & forward to
them All well Yours ever
Arthur Hardy
Messs Cottam & Hallen
Adelaide
4 June 1853
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 81 of 161
Please send me to care of Messs D Taylor Sons 76 Mark Lane \who will pay for same/ Twelve
(12) pairs of Cottage casements [?] cast iron size about 3 ft 6 x 1 ft 7 – panes diamond shape
hinges formed by prolongation of one side working into iron [?] socket top & bottom – also half
as much more glass as will be sufficient to glaze them & one glazing [?] diamond – they had
better be packed in tough wood casing
& oblige Yours ever
Arthur Hardy
[pencil sketch of cross hatched double window frame] NB the sketch is not supposed to be
drawn to scale
[page 53 handwritten page no 48]
Pr Chusan via Marseilles
Adelaide
8th August 1853
My dear Herbert
I wrote to you via Marseilles on 4th June since when I have received yours pr Argo of 3 May on
1s. instant via Marseilles \or Trieste/is a better opportunity for Adelaide – In the first place Martha
& myself sincerely congratulate you & Mrs Herbert (for you have not enlightened us as to her
Christian name) on your marriage & wish you every happiness & prosperity –I also have a little
news to communicate, on the 20th of last month Martha presented me with a daughter both of
them I am happy to say are doing well; we propose calling the little one Mabel – I will thank you
have the following inserted at once in the Times Observer Spectator Examiner & Home News
“On the 20th.July at Birksgate near Adelaide South Australia “the wife of Arthur Hardy Esq of a
daughter” – I have sold the last spring sheep & shall not therefore require insurance on wool this
year –I am glad to find the price of rails is falling & hope before you receive this you will have
shipped some to me – should you not have shipped any “points & crossings” please to send me
three pairs Guage 5 ft 3 instead of 5 ft 4 and Radius one chain – I enclose an order for Carberry
[?] which please forward to him I hope Cottam & Hallen have forwarded the iron casements – as
I am building the cottages & shall be waiting their arrival –
[page 54 handwritten page no 49]
No Reviews have come to hand since those for last October will you enquire how this is ? We
have no news of the Box from Miss Price shipped pr Australian Steamer nor have I received the
Bill of Lading from you – I draw upon you by this Mail \via Southampton/ favor Thos Weeding at
30 ds for £46:6:6
Yours ever affectly
Arthur Hardy
Adelaide
8th. August 1853
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 82 of 161
Mr. Hardy will feel obliged by Mr Carberry forwarding for him to the care of Mr Taylor a drab
double milled cloth great coat very warm he had in 1849 – Breast pockets inside on both sides –
ticket [?] pocket & two outside pockets in skirts Also one pair thick warm tweed trowsers Mixture
[?] & darkish – & one waistcoat to match – Trowsers with pockets – If despatched in December
will be in time -
[paper inset in brown ink] [filed in Hardy Papers PRG 101/2/100d]
3 Mops
2 sweeping brushes.
–––––––––
These & the mops without sticks .
2 Hand sweeping brush.
2 Carpet brooms.
2 black lead brushes.
4 scrubbing do.
2 Plate brushes .
×
a thin[?] wash leather
× a set shoe brushes
[on the reverse – arithmetical notations]
[page 55 no handwritten page no]
Pr Madrass
Adelaide
28 Janry 1854
My dear Herbert
I received pr Lady Nugent your Invoice & BL of […] by that vessel – The
Overland Mail of 8 Novr. arrived on 14th inst & I fully expected to hear from you as to the
Rails &c – I have fortunately supplied myself here with a lot of rails waggons &c which
came out for one of the Mining Companies at lower than cost I am anxious to know if
you have shipped those ordered as I would now sell them to the Government If from
any cause the order should not be executed before you receive this do not purchase them If
they should arrive I shall be able to sell or use them – I also hoped to have to heard accounts of
the work by the Overland Mail –All well Martha sends her love to all with Yours ever
affectlyArthur Hardy
[page 56 handwritten page no 50]
Pr Australian Steamer
Adelaide
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 83 of 161
14 Feby 1854
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you on 28 Ulto pr Overland Mail since when I have not heard from you I enclose
dup of Alfreds rect 2 Febry 53 to my fathers Exors for £12:15:2 & of 3d May/53 for rent charges to
3 Novr 53 – Roberts Mortgage becomes due in Novr 1856 please write to Floyd & ascertain
definitively if they will be willing to extend the loan & if so for what term & at what interest &
please send me the result in duplicate – if advantageous terms are not offered I shall place you
in funds in due time – We have but little news here – The reported discovery near Callao
[?]where men are said to obtain 14 lbs a days weight each has already taken some thousand
from Melbourne The effect upon us has to be seen All well Martha unites in best love to Mrs
Herbert yourself & all at home with yours ever affectionately
Arthur Hardy
[page 57 handwritten page no 51]
pr Chusan via Southampton
Adelaide
28th March 1854
My dear Herbert
I wrote you on Jany Jany pr Madrass telling you if the rails &c were not concluded for to stop the
order as I have supplied myself here – I also wrote to you pr Australian on 14th Ulto since when I
have received yours of 19th Novr on 14th instant pr Mariner & from that letter I am glad to see that
you have not purchased the rails &c – The Overland Mail is the best opportunity for letters from
England the Steamer waiting at Singapore for the outward mails – I received letters of 8 Jany on
10th instant – I received a letter from my mother two days since dated in Dec in which she gives
an account of your mothers serious illness at [. . .] but says she was better I hope soon to hear
better accounts of her – I send \with/ this [. . .] of deeds & a draft of a proposed deed which I
wish settled by Mr Cooke [?] or some other permanent [?] conveyancer [?] – I wrote fully on the
subject to Mr Chas Wilde & beg him to return [?] you the documents to be forwarded to me by
return P & O Mail & I request him to forward his charges which I will thank you to pay –I look for
a statement of our account [?] shortly – The Reviews came by the Mariner but the P & O Coy will
bring parcels as cheaply – My object in getting the Lotts [?] to carry in dup was to be sure of
getting one of them not both in one parcel & I also
[page 58 handwritten page no 52]
2)
wished them shipped as soon as published so as to get them before the end of the year I find
they have now an Agent here & will therefore not trouble you to forward the [. . .] again – I have
been most unfortunate in my packages of Clothes &c lately. White sent us out a case by the
Australian containing pocket handkerchiefs and other clothes socks &c but on arrival it was
discovered that it had been broken open & the whole of the contents abstracted I however
succeeded in obtaining the cost from the Captain of the Steamer Since then the Lady Nugent”
brought out the box from Carberry but it had also been opened, the whole of the contents
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 84 of 161
extracted & nothing in it but a box with E.& W. I.D.C. stamped on it was inside – your invoice did
not state the contents fortunately & so the Customs opened it & discovered what had taken
place before it was landed. I of course refused to receive it but the Captn relies on the stamp on
his B of L “weight & contents unknown” this I fear throws the burden of proof of the contents on
us & I have therefore protested against him & the Dock people &c & send you a copy of the
protest enclosed to see what you can do in the Matter – the Captn also denies that delivery to
the Docks is delivery to the Ship – There was a case by the same vessel for Mr Fisher of
Adelaide served in the same way – both cases were “addressed” & it seems safer to mark &
number them in future perhaps put “glass with care” or something of that sort on the box
[page 59 handwritten page no 53]
3
Please direct Carberry to repeat the order & send you the box not addressed – On enquiring I
am told that the Lady Nugent succeeded the Australian at the same berth for loading it is
therefore probable that the same persons committed both the larcenies – the Dock people
should put the Detectives on the alert – I am much annoyed with Cottam & Hallen the standards
& uprights are sent as ordered but the wire to connect them instead of being in coils so as to
extend from one end of the Trellise to the other are in short lengths & entirely useless for any
other purpose here I also asked them to send me by post design & estimate for a pair of
Carriage gates which they have not done please communicate with them & let me know whether
they intend forwarding what I want or not – the iron casements also appear of a very inferior
description for the price & have very slight hinges swetted to them instead of burning [?] on a
prolongation of the one end as is desired [?] under my order – We are all pretty well Martha
unites with me in love to all our family [. . .]
Yours ever affectly
Arthur Hardy
[page 59 no handwritten page no]
Pr Madrass via Marseilles
Adelaide
30th May 1854
My dear Kingston
I received your letter of the 25th Feby from Paris on the 13th instant & congratulate you on the
happy idea of the different coloured inks but even with their assistance I think the thin paper
makes your letter more illegible than mine – With regard to Cox it is entirely at his option when
he purchases & I shall probably hear nothing further of his intentions until next October – Mrs
Kingston & yourself must have greatly enjoyed your stay in Paris; your account of it makes us
long for something more rational than gold or even [. . .] quarries & tramways; when we shall be
able to revisit Europe & hear some music is most uncertain one never knows ones movements
long beforehand or what a few months may bring forth – If the next mail brings news of a
declaration of war our Legislative Council will be called together for a Militia Act & I shall apply
for an act for making a Railway from this place to town & as the government are favourable to
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 85 of 161
the plan as are also the non official M L C’s I shall probably obtain it – the distance is four miles
– I do not contemplate making it for locomotive power but to be worked by animal power or
gravity, the fall is about 370 feet in the whole distance – I believe it will be a very profitable
operation – I supply the bulk of the stone used in Adelaide one of my Quarries burrowing [?] out
building stone very superior to any other Quarry yet discovered and I am at the nearest point to
town from which any stone can be supplied I am only limited now by the want of [. . .] – the
governor
[page 60 no handwritten page no]
Is prepared to guarantee a minimum dividend on the Capital required probably Six per cent &
possibly may advance half the Capital but this latter is uncertain –I am offered all I want by one
of the Banks on Security of the Act when obtained – I do not anticipate the total cost including
rolling stock at more than £14,000 to £15,000 but I intend to take powers for £20,000 and also
power to extend the line to join the Port Railway if that should be found profitable – the line as at
present projected will carry all the fuel & timber for Building now carted from the hills into
Adelaide as well as the whole of the farming produce from the Mount Barker district I have one
near horse stable [?] supply of stone which can be carried whenever the line is not more
profitably engaged – I shall possibly after obtaining the Act form a Company for making &
working the line either in London or here & lease them the Quarry at a small Royalty probably of
a ton binding them to raise a certain quantity annually – you can now form your own opinion as
to whether you would like to embark on it, but whether you do or do not let me know your
determination without the loss of a Mail as I shall probably have obtained my act before I can
hear from you & should you be inclined to join state to what extent as I intend to retain an
interest of one fourth at least In the speculation If I get my act on satisfactory terms I shall go
to London by the next mail afterwards to purchase the plant
[page 61 no handwritten page no]
plant – & could arrange personally with you for any interest you may wish to take in it – & I might
form a company there if favorable terms were offered – at all events write your views without
delay in case of anything occurring to prevent my going – I have entered this fully into the
question because you refer to the spec in your letter which is very flattering as to your
willingness to enter into a joint spec with me & this makes me more cautious in advising you
than I would otherwise be – I have said nothing as to the rate of profit to be expected, time
alone will prove I think it will be very good, but the government guarantee of a minimum dividend
makes it quite safe to my mind If on consideration you decide that you would like to embark in it
let your letter be precise as to the amount and as to when & where the money would be
forthcoming do not however sell out or remit money here without further advice I am quite in
the dark as to the amount you would like to invest – With regards to the rates of interest here on
loans on Mortgage when I last wrote I could not find good securities as 6 pr ct since then the
rates here have risen slightly & I am told that £8 & even higher has been obtained on undoubted
security – I have money to lay out for persons & have not succeeded in obtaining such an
investment & I think with the present high price of land it is difficult to say what is a good real
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 86 of 161
security – I have many letters to write & must conclude Mrs Hardy unites with me in kindest
regards to Mrs Kingston & yourself and Yours ever sincerely
Arthur Hardy
[page 62 no handwritten page no]
pr Madrass via Marseilles
Adelaide
30th May 1854
My dear Herbert
My last from you of 19th Novr. pr sailing ship only came to hand on 10 inst the same day as I recd
tres44 of 8th March I have only time to write a few lines to execute an order for Sundries for
Martha which please to have executed & forwarded without delay – Also please send –
One quarter cask Madeira
One do Port
Two do Marsalla (good quality)
Since I last wrote I have received the goods pr. Jacoba Helena – the Case No 26 which was to
have contained samples of Lobsters Jugged Hare &c had nothing but half pounds of Mustard of
which there were four dozen & of which article we had an ample supply –
In my letter of 8th Augt (acknowledged in yr last I enclosed an order to Carberry for a great Coat
but I have not heard of it from him & it leaves me in great doubt as to ordering one here where
they will charge about £8:8 for it & possibly the other may arrive
Martha unites in fond regards to Annie & yourself
With Yours ever
Arthur Hardy
P S. All well here
[page 63 no handwritten page no]
Pr P & O. Mona via Marseilles
Adelaide
25. July 1854
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you on 30th May since when I have no letter from you I am anxious to receive
statement of accounts both with yourself & the firm – The December Quarterly parcel only
arrived last week the vessel by which it came sailing in March – the March quarters are not yet
to hand will you get them despatched with more promptness – the P & O Coy take small parcels
from Aus [?] to Southampton for 5 fr will they not bring reviews out ? Alfred heard from Caroline
that you have a Son we congratulate you sincerely on the event – Our little boy is now quite a
companion riding the horses every morning &c & has taught himself his letters which is tolerably
early for three months under three years – Mabel who was twelve months old on 20 inst. is
44
‘ Tre’ or’ tres’ was a Hardy abbreviation for ‘letter’.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 87 of 161
nearly walking – all well with kindest regards to Annie & your little one in which Martha joins
Believe to be
Yours ever affectly
Pr. P & O Steamer “Mona” via Marseilles
Adelaide
25 July 1854
[page 64 no handwritten page no]
Pr P & O steamer “Mona” via Marseilles
Adelaide
25 July 1854
My dear Kingston
I wrote you a long letter on 30 May pr Overland Mail since when I have not received any letters
from you I wrote to you very fully in that letter What I thought of doing about making a tramway
from Glen Osmond to Adelaide four miles – since then Our Legislative Council has been
summoned for the 20 Proximo & I have accordingly given my notice & prepared a Bill for a letter
from the Colonial Secretary that “The Govt will “support the present undertaking if the Legislature
should “be of opinion that it will be of public advantage” – of this I entertain no doubt & have
nothing now to fear except the jealousy with which everything is looked upon in a small
community – If I get all I go for in my act I shall probably come to England by the Novr. Mail &
shall have no doubt heard from you in reply to my last by the Mail which leaves in Septr. I have
nothing now to tell you but thought it right to keep you advised of what is doing in the matter I am
as usual over head in work & letters . Martha unites in kindest regards to Mrs. Kingston &
yourself
With yours ever sincerely
Arthur Hardy
[page 65 no handwritten page no]
Pr. P. & O. Steamer “Madrass”via Marseilles
Adelaide
20th November 1854
Mr. Arthur Hardy’s Compls to Mr Carberry & will feel obliged by his making without delay the
undermentioned articles – which must be sent to Mr Herbert Taylor in time to be despatched by
the Steamer which leaves Southampton on the 4th Feby
One black Cashmere frock coat with silk skirtings
One Supfine [?] dark blue frock coat silk skirtings
One green mixed Tweed \grey mixed Angold [?]/ shooting coat not so loose
in the sleeve at the wrist as the last – Breast pockets on both sides – & […] pocket –
One waistcoat & trowsers of similar material the trowsers with pockets.
Two pairs light summer trowsers shades drabs or fawns good wearing colours –
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 88 of 161
Four fancy Quilting waistcoats silk collars. –
One White dress waistcoat silk or satin according to fashion –
Please be particular in having them packed
in tin and the case marked [Star of D avid symbol with AH in the centre] and not addressed
Mr. Carberry will please write by Overland Mail advising the despatch of the box –
[page 66 no handwritten page no]
Pr Madrass via Marseilles
Adelaide South Australia
20th November 1854
My dear Sir
One day when talking with you in the Smoking room at the Reform Club you were kind enough
to say that when I required any of your excellent bitter beer you would if I wrote to you take care
to despatch what I required in good order & I take advantage of your offer because the last ton I
had out arrived in casks full of old spike holes & the whole six barrels were sour – I do not know
whether it was shipped in casks that had been previously used or whether it had been broached
on the voyage, but I am inclined to think the former as the casks were fairly full – I enclose this in
a letter to Mr Herbert Taylor who will pay for what I require viz [?] One ton in Six barrels not
hogsheads as the latter will not go down into my cellar conveniently & the barrels hold out good
better than larger quantities. There is a good deal of irritation here at the appointment of Mr
Lawley – as Governor – we have heard that the appointment is cancelled but do not know who
[page 67 no handwritten page no]
we are to have in place of him – the Colony of South Australia much regret the loss of Sir Hy
Young I forgot to say that the beer I have been in the habit of having is the pale light & very bitter
beer I must apologise for troubling you with so small a commission but at so great a distance it is
very uncertain whether I would suit myself & therefore I think it best to go ahead[?] regardless [?]
at once – I can assure you that many a tankard of the ale has met with the most respectful
consideration from a good field [?] before throwing [?] off with the hounds after a Kangaroo or
Native dog. Hoping to be in the land where it is brewed in a year or two
Believe me to be
Yours very faithfully
Arthur Hardy
M. Bass Esq
Reform Club Pall Mall
[page 68 no handwritten page no]
Pr. Madrass via Marseilles
Adelaide
20th November 1854
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 89 of 161
My dear Herbert
I last wrote to you on 6th Septr. by which post I returned the Conveyce of the Marshall [?] Passage
property, since then I have nothing from you – I write by this post to Carberry for some clothes &
have directed him to forward the box to you in time for the Steamer of 4 th Feby via Melbourne – I
enclose a letter to Mr Bass which please give or send to him – my reason is that the last ton on
arrival was found to be sour – the barrels were full of spike holes apparently old casks –
Roberts Mortgage Please obtain from Mr. Floyd a formal extension or renewal of the last seven
years & forward me a copy of it
Please send sundries as per enclosed list at early convenience –
All well – Martha unites in kindest regards to Mrs Herbert & Master Herbert John [?] Our children
are I am thankful to say quite well – We have taken a house at the sea side for a twelve month &
so shall go there occasionally for change – My Railway Bill is withdrawn for the present session`
Yours ever sincerely
Arthur Hardy
12 doz Guiness Stout in Pints
10 doz Rhine wine Messlem [?] } Corneilly
6 “ sparkling hock }
2 half chests best Souchong tea.
[page 69 no handwritten page no]
2d 30/3/57 –
I wrote to you on 10th. instt from here & was fearful I should not be able to get a remittance off to
you by that Port but the Manager of The Bank who forwarded my letters tells me he forwarded
you first of drt for £100 dated 11th March & I now enclose you second of that drt to meet the
small matters we want shipped In the last I enclosed a list of things Martha required cost
estimated about £50 but she has retained no copy & for [. . .] non-arrival she mentions as
particularly required A Chest of good congon tea abour 2/– pr lb and 112 lb Candles Belmont
Sperm similar quality to previous order I enclose an order for Carberry which will I suppose cost
about £25 and also will you forward without delay one ton in six (6) Barrels not in hogsheads
cost about £20:– Can you procure for me a some of the Nursery Tales set to music \ Pianoforte/
some as Solos & some in parts – I have heard some very nice ones here & think them good to
encourage a musical taste in our little ones – I have one more commission 2 (two) Rolls
parchment Printed “Indentures”& ruled If around [?] \in Triple lines [?]/ will supply what I want
one 28 × 23 the other 29 × 26 =
We have had very cold weather up here these few days past thermometer at noon today 43o it is
of course much warmer on the Plains –
Our oldest boy reads well & Mabel begins to read, both count well Arthur has a great Interest
that way I think – Our youngest is a lively good […] little fellow & cut two teeth the day \week/he
was five months old – Martha & the Children unite in love & kind regards to Anne & your little
boy with yours [?]
Ever to be
Arthur Hardy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 90 of 161
[page 70 no handwritten page no]
pr European
Adelaide
8th June 1857
My dear Herbert
I expect my letters of Janry & 10th March will have come to hand together thanks to the […] of
the Steamers – I hope the remittance of £100 arrive safely to hand with the list of articles
required – I now want you to send the following 2 Two Quarter Casks Marsalla best quality as
before at about £18 to £20 pr pipe – 20 \Twenty/ gallons Pale Brandy from […] & Brooks in the
Colonade same quality as I brought out & as is used in the Smoking room at the Club – to be
shipped in bond –1 One Quarter Cask genuine Madeira All the Casks to be cased in […] Casks
– I will enclose a draft for £25 – The Madeira I want shipped at once the Brandy & Madeira also
if in funds if not they may wait a while –
We shall have the Telegraph open to Melbourne Sydney & England [?] this year – We have
built & lighted two lighthouses for Kangaroo Island & are building a third at the West end
of the Mail to […] there it would only make the Melbourne letters 12 hours later but all the
Colonies would get Telegraph news two days sooner, urge [?] this view on a [… …] the Mail
some what have place. I send this letter because there ought to be a Mail on the 13th but I do
not expect there will be
[page 71 This has no page number and is blank. It is the last remaining page in the letter book.]
[on verso of back cover]
1854
54 May 30 S. K Kingston 54
[following are some loose pages dated 1855]
[page 1A]
Pr Bosphorus S*teamer via Marseilles
Adelaide
25th June 1855
My dear Kingston
I received yours of the 24th Feby on 21st Ulto . We were very glad to hear that you were so much
better South Australia is just now suffering, in addition to the irregularity of the postal services
caused by the War (the present being only a chance opportunity of writing) from the effects of
last years dry season. I am indeed glad that you & Mrs Kingston were not hear it was fearfully
hot. So tho’ our crops were less than one half of an average
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 91 of 161
we raised nearly twice as much corn as sufficed for our consumption but the hungry diggers in
Victoria have taken so much of our flour that we shall have I expect to import before next
Harvest This has sent flour up to between £40 & £50 a ton equal to about 140º/ a quarter & of
course with such prices no one can commence expensive improvements. I have quite given up
the idea of making the tramway single handed altho’ I am satisfied it would pay well. There is an
immense breadth of wheat sown & so far the prospect of a firstrate crop & but for the demand
which will continue from Victoria it would I think be down by 20/- to 24º/- per quarter. I do not
however expect to see it below 50/- to 60/- per quarter this next Season a couple of good
seasons however would bring it down & then will be the time to expend on large works. The
Banks are drawing in their horns
[page 2A]
they should give me for my interest in the business a blank for them to fill up, however on
consideration they refused to give anything I was therefore forced to go to work again & with
was never better – We had a visit from Mr S. F. White ( who married M rs Hardys sister) during
the summer & I took a trip to Melbourne with him; if you are in London you will find him at his
office Dangleish [?] White & Hankey Great S. Helens Bishopsgate & he will give you more
detailed accounts of the Children Mount Lofty & all my plans – I think of writing to Mr Charles
Wilde that I would be open to take a working partner who could command a few thousand
pounds for a share in the business & I to undertake to retire in his favor at the end of a few
years. you will hear from me in September with the interest of your investment & I could make it
worth my while to pay 6 per cent net of all charges in London for a reasonable amount say a few
thousand pounds, of course I see my way to put it out at a better rate than that or it would not
answer my purpose to give it – I expect Mr Hankey will send some money for investments – he
accompanied White out here in the summer & he introduced to their correspondents he is a son
of the Banker –- Mrs Hardy unites in the kindest regards to Mrs Kingston & yourself with [. . .]
Yours sincerely
Arthur Hardy
[page 3A]
pr Bosshorns Steamer via Marseilles
Adelaide
25th June 1855
My dear Herbert
I have your letters of 30 Jany & 1 Feby the former enclosing an Invoice of sundries pr Magdalena
but no Bill of Lading came by the vessel or otherwise & the ship had already sailed from this
some weeks before I had any intimation of the goods having been shipped. I however found
them in the Bonded Stores but had some difficulty in obtaining them for want of Bill of Lading –
you do not state what arrears there are in the Yorkshire rents will you write to Firth to send a list
of the rents with the dates to which they were paid & showing what the arrears are & send me a
copy – I enclose a draft on the Bank of Australasia for £200 favor of D Taylor & Sons due receipt
of which please acknowledge & this will leave you in funds in in your account about £60
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 92 of 161
irrespective of what you may receive from Firth & for Alfred is this not so? – I had no idea
Caroline was against me or I would have placed you in funds earlier – I did not look particularly
into your accounts I observe however – on referring that the wool for Geelong netted about
£100 less than I had calculated & the goods for Lady Bruce & Lady Nugent cost nearly £100
more than I had expected.
Do not deliver to Colton & Bass or execute the orders in my letter of 20 th Nov until you hear
further and the season is past for [. . .] I wrote in March to Mr Hammond Law stationer [. . .]
Lane for Stationary Parchment &c I require those things very much and & shall be obliged by
your getting them forwarded without delay. If not despatched ask him to find out the last Smiths
Compendium of Mercantile Law \32º/ & Davidsons Precedents in Conveyancing 9º/ 10/6 all
three latest editions & bound in Law calf. –I do not know whether Carberry executed my order
which arrived on 27 Jany if he did please pay him when in Funds – I enclose Alfreds recipts [?]
for rent charge for 3 May £55 & for £38:12:10 from my fathers Exrs to 5 th August 1854 to
[page 4A]
& have to send specie for flour, this will only last for six months I think. A new gold field has
been discovered near my property at [?] Mount Lofty. it is called “Stony Creek” & gold has been
found diffused near the surface of my land – do not however run away with the idea that I have
only to take up drays & load them with root of all evil – I am not sanguine of their proving
productive – if they do whether on my land or not will not much signify it seems reasonable
however to anticipate where \we/ find small quantities of gold so generally diffused through the
vallies that some day or another the source may be discovered in the hills – I do not anticipate it
but should not be surprised any day to find it in remunerative quantities if so I would sell off &
retire to the old country – We have much envied [?] you & Mrs Kingston your delightful tour
through Europe. I do not entirely forego the hope of joining you in another some of these fine
days – at all events we purpose going to England as soon as the children are old enough for
School they are both thank God strong healthy intelligent & sweet tempered children – I am
again hard at work at law business having dissolved my partnership with the intention of retiring
– I left the amount
[These are followed by three indecipherable loose pages, page nos 1B, 2B 3B. Obviously some
of the tissue pages are missing. These loose pages, 1A to 3B, have been placed inside the back
cover of the letter book.]
[Letters and lists of things to be ordered, which have been transcribed in PRG-101/2/100, may
have been included originally in this letter book.]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 93 of 161
PRG 101/2/10
Letter from Henry Fox Young to Arthur Hardy. September 23rd 1857. Photocopy
[envelope]
Arthur Hardy Esq
Adelaide
H E F Young45
[postmark] Hobart Town
[Two indecipherable words have been written in pencil crosswise below the postmark.]
[lpage 1]
Govt He Hobart Town
Sep 23/57
Dear Mr Hardy
Enclosed is a letter from Mr Pitcairn, Lady Franklins solicitor, enclosing all the information he
possesses upon the subject of your enquiry.
I have taken a great interest in the travails of the “responsibles” in Adelaide & am surprised to
find that there has been no greater stability there than here; yet I feel confident that the exercise
of the franchise will be used with better appreciation of its value & with more discrimination than
in the other .
[page 2]
Australian colonies; but in all, the new system, has such an inherent efficiency for the remedy of
follies & abuses, that after a time it will prove itself more efficient for good government, And
certainly more popular than it was possible for the old Constitution to be made.
I think however that there bids fair before long to be a surfeit of “Kissing the blarney stone”– a
taste which is never long in the ascendant with unpoetic John Bull & canny Scot.
Lady Young & the little ones are all, thank God, quite well. We have a fancy ball on the 1st &
soon after begin to move into a part of the new Govt House; but even in it we do not count on
being housed with the children until December & propose leaving them at the Gov t Cottage at
New Norfolk & making excursions ourselves to the North until our new quarters are ready for us
in Hobart Town. The new House & Grounds, when finished & furnished, will be really quite
charming & even in their present incomplete state are much admired. Lady Young unites with
me in Kind regards to Mrs Hardy & I am Very truly Yours
H E F Young
45 Sir Henry Edward Fox Young KCMG (1803-1870) was the fifth Governor of South Australia 1848 to 1854. He then
became the first Governor of Tasmania, from 1855 to 1861.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 94 of 161
PRG 101/2/11
Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy. 14th December 1857, followed by a
scribbled draft of a reply by Arthur Hardy. The letter is torn in places.
Hull
14th December 1857
My dear Sir/.
My Grandson Edward S Richardson [has l]eft Home entirely on account of being threatened with
consumption. Dr Sandwith thought a Voyage, and residence in a South Climate was the most
likely means of sparing his Life, therefore his Father, determined to send him to South Australia,
he has been upwards of three years with Mr I. T. Tenney, a respectable Conveyancer, to whom
he gave perfect satisfaction. I am happy to add that he is a pious and intellegent young Man.
should it be in your power, to render him any service, provided he survives the Voyage, I I shall
consider it a great favour. He was named after your Uncle Edward.
It affords me pleasure to inform you, that your Aunt Alder, although still very weak, is as well as
she was twelve Months ago. With Kind regards, to yourself and Family, and please present the
same to your Brother. I remain
My dear Sir/
Yours very truly
John Richardson
To Arthur Hardy Esqr
[Scribbled across the bottom of this page over Hardy’s name, and on the verso, is a draft of a
letter from Hardy to Mr Richardson ]
My dear Sir
Adel
11 March 1858
Yr Grandson Ed arrived in Adel & called on me abt a fortnight before I recd yr tre of 14th Decr –
After a little Conversation I fod he desired to qualify himself for practising his profession here &
before yr tre arrived I had offered to take him into my office for a sufft time to enable him to
obtain admission to practice in the Supert here & he had gladly accepted the offer: at the same
time from the progress he had made in England I feel justified in offering him an allowce wch will
support him well & as he seemed leave him a surplus – I am happy to say that since he has
been with me he has given perfect satisfaction & provided he does not work too hard & his
health continues as good as at present I think he has fair prospects. I am glad to hear such
satisfactory accounts of my Aunt Alders health as well as yr own. give her my best love & say
that the Salver she gave me has been much admired
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 95 of 161
[page 2]
& tends from the inscription on it to enhance the consideration for her surname it bears; a
consideration which will be always maintained I trust as favorably as it has hitherto been in
South Australia – \Ed had no news of my Aunt Booth & I am happy to consider no news as good
news/ I am glad to hear from Ed that my Uncle Joseph & his family are well – he will be shocked
to hear of the death by a fall from horse of Mr Birks to whom he gave introduction to me – poor
man he was much respected – My wife desires me her kind regards to my Aunts \Mr Booth/ my
uncle & yourself. \is not [. . .]. I am happy to say Alfred & his family are well as you are well/
believe to be yours very truly
AH
John Richardson Esq
Mrs Alder
[. . .] Street Hull.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 96 of 161
PRG 101/2/12
Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 13th May 1858. A four page folio.
[page 1]
Hull
15th May 1858
My dear Sir/.
I consider it would be the basest ingratitude, were I to let a post \pass/ without thanking you for
the great kindness and generosity you have shewn towards my Grandson. I feel at a loss for
language to express my obligation, however I trust I may indulge the hope, that Edward will lay
himself out as much as possible, to promote your welfare, I hope you will not only find him
attentive to business but a youn Man of good natural ability.
I am sorry that I omitted, in my last Letter to mention Mrs. Booth, I believe she and Mr Booth are
as well as usual, for some time past Mrs. B has been very rhe\u/matic, and some years ago Mr. B
had a stroke which particulally laid him aside, but you will be surprised to hear at his age, that he
lately attended Mrs. Topham in her confinement of a third Son. I am sorry to inform you, that
Mrs Coulson has been bereaved of her only Daughter, a lovely Girl, and her Mama, does not
appear as if she could rise above it, they have only one Son left.
Mrs. Alder although in a very weak state still survives, lately she has suffered much from a sore
[page 2]
throat , she purposes going to Ferriby shortly for the Summer, please present my kind regards to
your Family, and also to Mr & Mrs Alfred an Family.
Should you favour me with any more letters, if you direct Corn Merchant Hull England, will be
sufficient, as I am well known at the Post Office, allow me to remain.
My dear Sir./.
Yours very truly
John Richardson
[page 3 blank]
[page 4]
[written crosswise in centre of page]
Arthur Hardy Esqr
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 97 of 161
PRG 101/2/13
Letter from John Richardson to Alfred Hardy, Arthur Hardy’s brother, 15th May 1858. A
four page folio.
[page 1]
Hull
15th May 1858
My dear Sir,
Your kind Letter of the 10th March has given Mrs R & myself the liveliest gratification
such conduct towards a Comparative Stranger exceeding even our hopes
When my Son left England the state of his health was such as to occasion his friends serious
apprehensions We were afraid he might not survive the Voyage so melancholy a result a
merciful Providence has averted
Edwards own source of anxiety was as to his future prospects He feared that he
should find himself precluded from following up a profession to which he was devoted and
in which he hoped eventually to distinguish himself. His misgivings on this score thanks to the
Kindness of yourself & Mrs. Arthur have not been realized & moreover from the liberal salary he
is to receive tho’ he must to some extent feel the loss of domestic comfort & home –associations
yet he will not suffer those privations & sorrows so frequently experienced
by the youthful imigrant
I congratulate myself on his having already become acquainted with your Son
[page 2]
your wish that their friendship may be mutually beneficial I heartily reciprocate & doubt not
that in all their intercourse Edward will prove himself in a religious as well as business
sense a friend to be esteemed and loved
I am sorry to say that Mrs Alder is only poorly having had the Influenza a few Weeks ago the
Wind has been Easterly which on this Coast is very tying to invalids as soon as she is able to be
removed Mrs A with Miss Dyson are going to Ferriby which is a sheltered situation 7 miles to the
West of this place for a few Weeks –
Referring again to your Kindness to my Son I am sure he deeply feels & will constantly strive to
requite to the utmost of his power the consideration you have manifested for him & as far as in
him lies give practical expressions to his gratitude
Mrs R unites with me in Kind regards to yourself & Family
I remain
My Dear Sir
I forwarded your } Yours very respectfully
Letter to Mr Hardy} John. S. Richardson
Manchester }
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 98 of 161
To Alfred Hardy Esqr
Adelaide
[page 3 blank]
[page 4]
[written crosswise in centre of page]
Alfred Hardy Esqr
Adelaide
South Australia
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 99 of 161
PRG 101/2/14
Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 15th May 1858. A four page folio.
[page 1]
Hull 15 May 1858
My Dear Sir,
By this Post I have written to Mr. Alfred Hardy thanking him for the
interest he takes in the Welfare of my Son Edward. I cannot however abstain from
expressing my obligations to you also for – the very Cordial reception you have given
him Your Letter to my father was the first to announce that under your care he would
be able to complete his Articles & from Edwards Letter received about a Week subsequently
informed us of the extremely liberal terms on which he had engaged to serve you,
faithfully. I am sure; he felt it was his duty to his former employer Mr. Tunny [?] that prompted his
exertions he will now have an additional stimulas in his gratitude for your well timed kindness
That his health has been mercifully restored is a matter to us of devout thanksgiving for we
feared he might not be spared to reach Australia
As he will now be enabled to continue his Profession for the sucessful successful practice of
which his Mental powers are peculiarly fitted is a matter of grateful pleasure especially as we
know that your kindness has relieved our Sons mind of the gravest
foreboding by which he was oppressed in leaving England
The hospitality of yourself –
[page 2]
and Brother & your endeavours to dispel the feeling of loneliness he must to some extent
necessarily experience commends itself to our parental feelings
I doubt not Edward will constantly endeavour to give practical expression to his gratitude in a
diligent attention to your interests & should a continued health be Vouchsafed will be able I trust
to satisfy your highest expectations
I am sorry to say that Mrs Alder for some weeks has been suffering from an attack of influenza
the Weather has been very cold & piercing with an Easterly Wind but she intends going into the
Country to a more sheltered situation as soon as she is able to be removed
Mrs R Unites with me in kind regards to yourself & Family
I remain
My Dear Sir
Yours very respectfully
John. S. Richardson
To Arthur Hardy Esqr
Adelaide
[page 3 blank]
[page 4]
[written crosswise in centre of page]
Arthur Hardy Esqr
Adelaide South Australia
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 100 of 161
PRG 101/2/15
[This appears to be a draft of a letter Arthur Hardy wished to send to John Richardson
regarding Edward’s state of health.]
[page 1]
My dear Sir
Adel,
16 Febry 1860
I hardly know whether I ought to write \ I feel that I ought not to abstain informing you of \writing
to you on/ the state of your son Edwards health: towards the end of last winter he was as you
have doubtless been acquainted \informed/ laid up with a severe attack of Rheumatic fever wch
reduced him very greatly; he however seemed to pick up after he had recovered from the attack
but \during/ the last few weeks he has become exceedingly \very/ thin; so much so as to attract
the attention of Dr Woodforde our Medical man who chanced to meet him a few days since &
asked him to call upon him that he might examine him more closely: the result of that
examination Dr Woodforde tells me he considers very unfavourable & advises his removing to
the sea side & taking Cod liver oil : Edward dislikes the removal to the sea side because hes \he
is now/ in very comfortable Lodgings & it wd be impossible for him to get anything approaching
to comfort at the Sea \Bay/ & I a he dislikes the place & would get low spirits, for want of
congeni \in this I agree with him/ but I have advised him to take a trip in one of the Coasting
Steamers to Port Lincoln & Port Augusta, wch Dr Woodforde thinks will \likely to/ be of even
more service than Lodgings at the Bay
[page 2 written upside down]
This idea of mine fortunately agrees with his own wish to see these places , I he proposes
leaving on Saturday I & \& he/ will be away for 10 days to I a fortnight = I hope & believe the trip
will do him good but Dr Woodforde thinks \fears/the improvement will only be temporary&
strongly advises his returning a voyage back to Europe : I have not mentd. this to Edwd yet & will
await the result of the trip to Port Augusta \before doing so/; for I feel it will \would/ be a great
disappointment to him , as his articles will expire in a few months & I have told him of my
intention of giving him a share of my business: he himself when I made him the offer\ as to the
ptrship/ a short time back sd he should like a trip somewhere when his \after his/ \admission/ to
the Sup Cr. to set him up Arb & I am quite of opinion that \I fear/ his only chance of recovering is
taking \a long voyage/ the trip& that it is right to prepare you for the possibility of his taking the
\trip/ home at once: I feel great pain in being compelled to write such sad \sadening/ news to you
for he has endeared himself to us by his straightforward & kindly feelings & intelligence\ I assure
you/ We will do whatever the best advice may recommend for him & having done that can only
leave the case [?] in His Hands with whom are the […] of Life & death with resignation \who
orders/all things for the best with resignation to his will Mrs Hardy unites in kind regards to
yourself & your family with kind remembrances to uncle Joseph & Mr Booth I am \very/my dear
Sir most sincerely yours
[written upside down on top of page]
P.S .I do not think Edwd supposes Edward’s thinks so badly of his case as the Doctor evidently
does I therefore leave it to your discretion to mention \this letter/ to him or not that I have written
to you –
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 101 of 161
PRG 10/2/16
[Letter from Edward Richardson to his Uncle Arthur Hardy. A small folio.]
[page 1]
Randwick near Sydney
April 9th 1860
My dear Sir,
I have not heard from you since I received your note enclosing the […] of letters. – I suppose by
this time you will be about forwarding those delivered in Adelaide by this months mail but they
will scarcely reach me before I leave Sydney if I am not detained longer than I intend to stay. –
You will be sorry to hear that I feel little or no benefit from my journey and the doctors efforts. –
Indeed the doctor seems puzzled. – I have been taking what he says is the best remedy he
knows for diarrhoea & fever and yet my pulse will persist
[page 2]
in beating above 100 per minute and if I move about at all the diarrhoea continues to trouble me.
– Of course I have seen but little of Sydney or its neighbourhood – I have not even been able to
get to see the famous new university or the law courts and indeed I have been quite put into low
spirits by this continuing illness. – The flies here are a perpetual nuisance in the daytime and the
mosquitoes at night are far worse than in Adelaide Mr Alfred will have expected to have
heard from me about his Allotments but I have in truth put off making Enquiries from day to day
hoping that I should be somewhat better and I know no more about them now than when I last
wrote – Before I leave however I will try to learn their
[page 3]
value
I see that the Wonga Wonga is about to take troops to New Zealand from Melbourne so that I
shall have to come leave this place by the Mail Steamer for Kangaroo Island or by the City of
Sydney when she makes her next trip to Melbourne which will be I expect about the beginning
PRG 101/2/17
Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 11 April 1860. A four page folio.
Richardson [in another hand]
Hull 11 April 1860
[in pencil] Arrd
18 June 1860
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 102 of 161
[page 1]
My dear Sir
Your kind & sympathetic Letter has as you anticipated occasioned us considerable anxiety for
our Dear Son Edwards state of health, our concern so greatly in his behalf, is also
considerably – lessened by the entire Confidence we have in that Providence to whose care at
the time he left home we committed him & in those kind friends amongst whom he was so
Providentially placed, yet we cannot but feel how soon he may be taken from us – & how each
succeeding Post may destroy those cherished hopes we had formed for his future life having no
doubt of his attaining celebrity in that Profession to which he is so peculiarly attatched &
naturally fitted for.
You will also please to accept our united thanks for the handsome proposals – made to Edward
which you so kindly mention as likely to be entered into at the expiration of his Articles is so
satisfactory not only as reliable evidence to us of the estimation in which you hold his
Professional capabilities but that his Personal character & conduct are in all respects such as we
should wish them to be & in accordance with his Religious professions. You know how anxious
Parents always must be for their children’s well being the development of the principles instilled
in early youth, Edwards whole –
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
career has hitherto been calculated to convey but one impression that if his health be continued
& length of days be granted he will not only be a credit to us but also a useful & influential
member of general Society while praying that our wishes may in this respect be gratified we
would not forget that – every suitable & available means must be used on our part. I have as
well as his Mother written Edward urging him not to be sparing in his diet to take what exercise &
relaxation he may find desireable Of course he will be reluctant to take a Voyage to England
both on Acct. of the Expense & also the time it would necessarily consume but still if needful he
must undertake it – Yet perhaps a voyage to Sydney to see his friends the Coates there & if
requisite to prolong the voyage to Aukland New Zealand to pay his uncle the Revd. Saml.
Blackburn who has lately arrived and as Principle of the College a short visit might possibly
prove sufficient to restore his strength, Then on his return to keep a Horse & take regular
exercise being careful not to overwork either mind or body he might find himself gradually if
slowly recovering his constitutional weakness – but I fear if he is not careful the little accession
of strength he may obtain & putting forth fresh effort to counteract the improvement as I know he
is very anxious to give
[page 3]
fulfill every duty that devolves upon him in a satisfactory manner I cannot refrain from my
expressing to Almighty God for raising up for him so many kind friends in your distant Land I do
hope for your sake he will live to – requite the kindness th he has recd at your hands & also from
Mr. Alfred. for indeed when he left home he went out not knowing whither he went. & had it not
been for the kind reception you gave him he might ere this have finished his course, I know his
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 103 of 161
anxiety on this point & would not like to rest from his labours till he had paid every debt of
gratitude & earned Sufficient to meet his every pecuniary liability. I trust that he may still be
spared for many long & useful years – Yet I would not presume by dictating to Him who only
knows what the best for us. If Life health & prosperity be given we shall be grateful indeed if not
I shall endeavour to say Thy will be done. We were in high expectation that the fine Weather in
Summer would have perfectly restored his health after the Affliction last Autumn, by this Post I
have a Letter from Edward who writes in much better Spirits than usual after remarking upon
your kind offer– he looks forward to the expiration of his Articles with pleasure & thinks with
Horse exercise he shall be more improved than going to the Sea Side or a Coasting Voyage. I
have written him by this Mail but have nor alluded at all to Mr Woodruffes unfavourable opinion
of his case – but merely alluded to you having written to me on his future prospects & that you
had remarked that a relaxation would be beneficial. Your kind remembrances to Mr Hardy & Mr
Booth shall be communicated.
Mrs Richardson unites with me in kind regards to yourself & [overwritten vertically on the left
hand side of the page] Mrs. Hardy & also to Mr. & Mrs. Alfred to whom I beg you will express our
united thanks for their kindness & attention to Edward – I am happy to say my Father who is
quite well & active also desires to be remembered to you & Mr. Al – I would further add that I
shall consider it a favour if you see any particular change either for the better or worse
Symptoms in Edwards state of health to inform me as soon as convenient
I remain My Dear Sir
Yours much obliged
John. S Richardson
Arthur Hardy Esqr
Adelaide
[page 4]
Via Southampton
[post mark inside a circle]
E HULL
AP 11 60
Arthur Hardy Esqr
Solicitor
South Australia
With kind regards to Mrs Hardy and the little ones
I remain
faithfully yours
Edw. S Richardson
Arthur Hardy Esq
Adelaide
[page 4 blank]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 104 of 161
PRG 101/2/17
Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 11 April 1860. A four page folio.
Richardson [in another hand]
Hull
11 April 1860
[in pencil] Arrd 18 June 1860
[page 1]
My dear Sir
Your kind & sympathetic Letter has as you anticipated occasioned us considerable anxiety for
our Dear Son Edwards state of health, our concern so greatly in his behalf, is also
considerably – lessened by the entire Confidence we have in that Providence to whose care at
the time he left home we committed him & in those kind friends amongst whom he was so
Providentially placed, yet we cannot but feel how soon he may be taken from us – & how each
succeeding Post may destroy those cherished hopes we had formed for his future life having no
doubt of his attaining celebrity in that Profession to which he is so peculiarly attatched &
naturally fitted for.
You will also please to accept our united thanks for the handsome proposals – made to Edward
which you so kindly mention as likely to be entered into at the expiration of his Articles is so
satisfactory not only as reliable evidence to us of the estimation in which you hold his
Professional capabilities but that his Personal character & conduct are in all respects such as we
should wish them to be & in accordance with his Religious professions. You know how anxious
Parents always must be for their children’s well being the development of the principles instilled
in early youth, Edwards whole –
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
career has hitherto been calculated to convey but one impression that if his health be continued
& length of days be granted he will not only be a credit to us but also a useful & influential
member of general Society while praying that our wishes may in this respect be gratified we
would not forget that – every suitable & available means must be used on our part. I have as
well as his Mother written Edward urging him not to be sparing in his diet to take what exercise &
relaxation he may find desireable Of course he will be reluctant to take a Voyage to England
both on Acct. of the Expense & also the time it would necessarily consume but still if needful he
must undertake it – Yet perhaps a voyage to Sydney to see his friends the Coates there & if
requisite to prolong the voyage to Aukland New Zealand to pay his uncle the Revd. Saml.
Blackburn who has lately arrived and as Principle of the College a short visit might possibly
prove sufficient to restore his strength, Then on his return to keep a Horse & take regular
exercise being careful not to overwork either mind or body he might find himself gradually if
slowly recovering his constitutional weakness – but I fear if he is not careful the little accession
of strength he may obtain & putting forth fresh effort to counteract the improvement as I know he
is very anxious to give
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 105 of 161
[page 3]
fulfill every duty that devolves upon him in a satisfactory manner
I cannot refrain from my expressing to Almighty God for raising up for him so many kind friends
in your distant Land I do hope for your sake he will live to – requite the kindness th he has recd
at your hands & also from Mr. Alfred. for indeed when he left home he went out not knowing
whither he went. & had it not been for the kind reception you gave him he might ere this have
finished his course, I know his anxiety on this point & would not like to rest from his labours till
he had paid every debt of gratitude & earned Sufficient to meet his every pecuniary liability. I
trust that he may still be spared for many long & useful years – Yet I would not presume by
dictating to Him who only knows what
the best for us. If Life health & prosperity be given we shall be grateful indeed if not I shall
endeavour to say Thy will be done. We were in high expectation that the fine Weather in
Summer would have perfectly restored his health after the Affliction last Autumn, by this Post I
have a Letter from Edward who writes in much better Spirits than usual after remarking upon
your kind offer– he looks forward to the expiration of his Articles with pleasure & thinks with
Horse exercise he shall be more improved than going to the Sea Side or a Coasting Voyage. I
have written him by this Mail but have nor alluded at all to Mr Woodruffes unfavourable opinion
of his case – but merely alluded to you having written to me on his future prospects & that you
had remarked that a relaxation would be beneficial. Your kind remembrances to Mr Hardy & Mr
Booth shall be communicated.
Mrs Richardson unites with me in kind regards to yourself & [overwritten vertically on the left
hand side of the page] Mrs. Hardy & also to Mr. & Mrs. Alfred to whom I beg you will express our
united thanks for their kindness & attention to Edward – I am happy to say my Father who is
quite well & active also desires to be remembered to you & Mr. Al – I would further add that I
shall consider it a favour if you see any particular change either for the better or worse
Symptoms in Edwards state of health to inform me as soon as convenient I remain My Dear
Sir
Yours much obliged
John. S Richardson
Arthur Hardy Esqr
Adelaide
[page 4]
Via Southampton
[post mark inside a circle]
E HULL
AP 11 60
Arthur Hardy Esqr
Solicitor
Adelaide
South Australia
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 106 of 161
PRG 101/2/18
Letter from Edward Richardson to Arthur Hardy 10 May 1860
P.S. The deeds can be signed at the Port if you bring them down
10 May 1860
Dr Sir,
I cannot wait longer as I have to complete packing up & go down by the 1.40 train
I leave on your desk £9.1/ – amount of Court fees as per Mr Chapmans a/c – I cannot take my
passage to England till I reach Melbourne as I have left the choice of ships to Mr Hayward who
is there and is going with me – I find I ought not to take less than £70 for I cannot foresee what
Expenses I may have in Melbourne. Will you be so good as to bring that sum down with you in
gold with a few extra sovereigns to change any notes I may have left. – I do not know whether it
escaped your memory that I had not received my monthly allowance for March & April (together
£25) or whether you thought that as I was sick & absent from business I was not Entitled to it – If
the latter I do not wish to press for it but if it had only slipped your memory I just remind you
because it is not at all pleasant to me to draw more heavily upon my brothers kindness than I
can help
faithfully Yrs
Edwd S. Richardson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 107 of 161
PRG 101/2/19
Letter from Edward Richardson to Arthur Hardy 10th May 1860 Small folio.
[page 1]
Steamer Omeo
Port Adelaide
10th May 1860
My dear Sir,
I had so little time with you to-day that I forgot to mention one or two matters that occurred to me
and therefore I avail myself of Mrs Alsops kindness to forward you this note – The first is as to
Letters arriving for me from home or elsewhere I wished to ask you to be so good as to post
them to my Father whose address is
Mr J. S Richardson
Corn Merchant
Parliament Street
Hull England
The other is a matter of more moment and I wonder that I forgot it – It is
[page 2 on verso of page 1]]
this viz that as the ship in which I shall sail ought to be arriving in England about the same time
as the June mail from Australia, it would be a great comfort to my father and mother to hear from
you by that mail supposing that I do not succeed in reaching home – If I do get there your letter
will still be welcome but if not it would be peculiarly acceptable and I have not much faith in the
success of my voyage as my strength is so thoroughly used up
I shall write home by this months mail posting my Letter in Melbourne please let Mr Alsop have
any Hull Newspapers which may come addressed to me – They interest him as he comes from
Hull –
Farewell – May God bless you and yours –
faithfully yrs
Edw.d S. Richardson
[page 3 blank]
[page 4 in centre]
Arthur Hardy Esq
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 108 of 161
PRG 101/2/20
Letter from Mrs M. H. Alsop to Arthur Hardy small folio
[page 1]
May 25th 1860 .
My dear Sir .
Mr Richardson did not leave me his address in Melbourne – Neither do I know Mr. Hayward’s –
doubtless Mrs Selway [?] may know Mr. Hayward’s. –
Truly Your’s
Marg. H. Alsop
[pages 2,3 and 4 blank]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 109 of 161
PRG 101/2/21
Letter from Edward Richardson to Arthur Hardy 16th May 1860 Small folio
[page 1]
St Kilda near Melbourne
16th May 1860
Dear Sir,
As the Omeo returns tomorrow I write to say that I had a very good trip round among here
on Sunday Morning and have found Mr Hayward resolved to sail by the “Yorkshire” and to go in
the
same cabin with me
This is is a most satisfactory arrangement for he will be a great comfort to me on the voyage
I feel about as well as when I left you and am anxious to get to see whatever may be the result –
If it please God I hope to get home but can scarcely
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
look for a cure – I hear that the Yorkshire is a very comfortable vessel, one of the most so on the
line and as Hayward will be with me I shall sail under the most favourable circumstances
possible – Allow me to thank you for your Kindness to me while in Adelaide and more
particularly for the promptness with which you presented my Admission as an Attorney & Notary
Please tell Mrs Alfred Hardy that I received and am much obliged to her for her kind note which
she sent me on the day of my departure and give my kind remembrances to all my Adelaide
friends Excuse more
[page 3]
at present as I am very poorly & tired – If I get safe to England you may of course expect to hear
from me
Farewell for the present
Yours faithfully
Edwd S. Richardson
A Hardy Esq
Adelaide
[page 4 blank]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 110 of 161
PRG 101/2/22
A draft of a letter to Mr Richardson from Arthur Hardy on a Government Proclamation
form with a list of town and country sections
[page 1]
Yorkshire
Adel
18 June 1860
via Marseilles
My dear Sir
I recd by this Mail yr tre of 11th April : I did not write to you by last Mail because Edwd. wrote
himself & had however intended to write you a few lines by this Mail had I not recd yr. request to
do so: In Feby I hardly knew wher I was acting wisely in writing as I did \to you/knowing the
certain anxiety it wd cost you & Mrs Richardson I however am now quite satisfied that I did was
right in doing so: you will have heard that the trip to Sydney did him no service, on his return he
did not appear to think himself in so dangerous a state as Mr Woodforde considd to be the case,
& the change \for the worse/ even to a non professional \medical/ person was very great for I
fear I cannot hold out any hopes to you of any permanent improvement in his health: Mr
Woodforde was decidedly of opinion that if he stayed here unable as he was from weakness to
study \occupy himself with business/ that he would could not have lived many months: he
however thought it possible that a voyage was the best chance way of prolonging his life
coupled with \especially as/ the anticipation of seeing his friends would tend to keep up his
spirits: under those circes I advised him to take a passage for England without waiting \even the
month or two/ for the expiration of his articles; I fd that the not getting admitted after working so
long told on his spirits & I therefore made it a point with the three judges to allow him to be
examined & admitted before his departure from Sa Aus & to this they consented & he was
accordingly admitted as Barrister &c and also as a Notary & Proctor: the he was particularly
anxious to be admitted as a Notary, because he thought if his life shd be spared for a few years
he might thro’ his brothers interest in the Bank & amongst these able men get some Notarial
business wch \is highly profitable in a seaport town & cod/. be well managed by a clerk: In all
This his success raised his spirits & he left this for Melbourne to take a passage in the Yorkshire
with a friend named Haywood a Medical Man who was returning to England & I learn that they
engaged a
[page 2]
cabin between them; this wod prove satisfactory to Edward not only because he was a Medical
Man but because his friend is described to me as an excellent Christian man I regret to say I
learned from our mutual friend Mr Alsop that Edwd was very ill indeed the first day the ship
sailed from Melbourne but was rather better at the time of the last advice \pilot/ left the ship ; I
think it right to put you in full possession of his state at the last; that you may be prepared if it
pleases our heavenly father to take him on his Voyage home. [… …] &
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 111 of 161
I can add but little to the Consolation you all & his Mrs Richardson already possess in the
knowledge that you have done your duty by him in bringing him up in the way he should go,
beyond saying that since he came to Australia, he has\consistently/ followed out the [… …]
\course/ so well commenced – made and
Mrs. Hardy unites with me in kindest sympathies to Mrs Richardson & yourself and trusting in the
full [trust] confidence that whatever He does is for the best & that whatever be the result we may
feel enabled to say cheerfully Thy will be done
Believe me to
With kind regards to my uncles
Believe me to be
Yours sincerely
A H.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 112 of 161
PRG 101/2/23
Letter from I S Richardson, Edward Richardson’s brother, to Arthur Hardy, 15th
September 1860. A small black bordered folio.
recd 10 Nov 1860
ans 16 “ “
Yorkshire Banking C.
Hull
15 Sep 1860
Dear Sir
You will receive intelligence from my Father by this Mail of the sad loss we have been called
upon to sustain.` I did hope my dear Brother would have been spared to us especially after the
considerable improvement he at first experienced from the change of climate.
Tho’ prepared by your letter & those received from other of our Colonial Friends so far as to fear
he might not survive the voyage we were yet unwilling to realize to ourselves the probability
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
of the melancholy event we now have to deplore. That however he was not unprepared we have
the fullest & most satisfactory evidence. The first sight of his photograph very much shocked me
– the worn and haggard look so different to his former appearance led me to wonder at his
medical advisers even permitting him to undertake so long a voyage, but I can understand how
anxiously he would cling to the hope of once more seeing his home and English friends.
[page 3]
Respecting the £200 I sent to my brother in Nov. 1859 the receipt of which together with the
power of Attorney accompanying it he acknowledged to me in his letter of the 14 January, I have
to ask you to do the best you can for my interests. I understand from his letter of the 16 May that
£120 was lent abt that time to a Mr Wm Rains for a term of three years at 10 per cent in the
security of some land in the
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
vicinity of Adelaide – that abt £35 remained for investment.
As this is an amount you will not like to be troubled with, you can, if you please , return it to me,
together with any interest that may have accrued. If however it is already fixed, I do not wish to
have it disturbed, provided you are willing to oblige me by looking after it on my acct. I am ,
Dear Sir, Yours respectfully,
I. S. Richardson […]
To
Arthur Hardy
Esquire
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 113 of 161
PRG 101/2/24
Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 18th September 1860 A small black
bordered folio.
recd 10 Novr 1860
ans 16 “ “
Hull
18 Sepr 1860
My dear Sir
It now becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death My Dear Son Edward who died on
the 19 June at Sea & was buried by Capt Reynell on the following morning 20 June
Latitude 52 – 7 South Longitude 146 – 47 West according to the form of the Church of
England, this information we recd from a young Gentn a Mr Hayward who was a fellow
Passenger with my Son on board the Yorkshire & was sometime at the same Lodgings in
Adelaide with him at Mrs Selways this young Gent went out in the same Ship from England
with your nephew Mr Louis Ley – last Sepr ``he left home in search of health – being a Medical
Student & as he intended returning while at Melbourne he wrote to Edward to know if he should
also return if so he would wait for him so that they might go in the same Ship – Edward in his
Letters to us of the 11 May says what pleasure he should have in having
[page 2 on verso of page 1]]
so respectable a Companion & in the weakly state that he was in he considered it Providential
that he should have such a kind friend in this Letter he writes in good Spirits & was glad to
inform us the Yorkshire was a remarkably easy & well managed Ship with a good Captain &
efficient Surgeon, the voyage is a formidable undertaking but I feel desirous to start & how glad I
shall be to see you all again if God permits if he see’s good to spare me to arrive I think I shall
be much stronger for the voyage & shall start with every advantage being in the best Cabin & in
one of the best ships afloat, only built last year, & with a good friend who is half a Doctor to
accompany me – & as God has been pleased to make my way very plain I do hope to see you
all in about 3 Mos
The above is from the last Letter he wrote prior to leaving – Melbourne & the last we have recd
from him. I now give you an extract from a Letter recd from Mr Hayward
dated Ship Yorkshire off Portsmouth 24 Augt 1860 –
On the 19 June at Sea your Son Mr. Edward S Richardson died in perfect peace & I trust he is
now
[ ]
in the presence of him as he told me only a day or two before his death he had looked upon as
his Saviour eversince he was a School Boy – He suffered much from exhaustion from the day of
our embarkation untill his death & took to his Bed altogether after the first few days, when I wrote
you from Melbourne 22 May – I did not make sufficient – allowance I think for the effect which
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 114 of 161
Rest & quiet whilst there had upon him the immediate cause of his dissolution was an
inflamation of the left Lung the first Sympton of which appeared 5 or 6 days before his death – I
am glad to say that except during those few days his disease was unattended with actual pain
his sufferings while on board Ship was chiefly from shortness of breath & difficulty in swallowing
& great weariness On the day Evening of the day on which we took our final departure from
Port Phillip Heads – Sunday 27 May – a head gale sprang up & continued for several days
obliging us to go through Bas’s Straits & after this
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
we were hampered by head winds between Tasmania & New Zealand the motion of the Ship
was a source of discomfort to him but he bore it with much patience passing the greater portion
of the day in a drowsy Semi-Conscious state & slept pretty well at night his mind remained clear
to the last & he passed away while a sleep without a struggle – He kept a Copy Book under his
Pillow for a fortnight before his death with the intention of writing in it if he at any time should feel
strong – enough & the weather should improve but he did not use it – .
The above sad intelligence we did not receive here untill the 27 Augt which prevented me
writing earlier as the Mail had left & now My Dear Sir I have given you the whole of the
melancholy information we have recd knowing that you would expect to hear Some Account of
my late dear Son
I beg that you will accept of mine & Mrs Richardsons warmest thanks for the great kindness
shown to our Dear Edwd from the first & deeply regret that you have been so soon deprived of
his services at the time when he would have been useful [overwritten crosswise on the left hand
side of the page] but we acknowledge the hand of God in his early removal from this life & would
bow with reverence to His Almighty Will it is a great Consolation to us to know that he not only
lived well but that he has gone to an Eternal Rest I am happy to say we are all well & my Dear
Father is enjoying a good state of health at the advanced age of 80 being still active & attending
to business
With kind regards to Mrs Hardy& yourself in which Mrs Richardson joins
I remain
My Dear Sir
To Arthur Hardy Esq
Yours truly
Adelaide
John S. Richardson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 115 of 161
PRG 101/2/25
Draft, on scrap paper, of a letter to John Richardson from Arthur Hardy, 16th November
1860
via Marseilles
Adel
16 Nov 1860
My dear Sir
Altho’ grieved I was not very much surprised at the tenor of yr letter of 18th Sept. My letter to you
of 18th June must have prepared you all for the result The Surgeon who attended him \yr poor
son/ considd it improbable he should have lived many weeks here if he had remained here & on
the whole thought there was a possibility of his life being prolonged by a \the/voyage to England
to enable him to reach England \He was most anxious to go &/ I paid him his Saly for the two
months he had been away in Sydney & offered him what \further/ money he might require, but
he said he had authty from his brother to use money in his hands for the purpose – We you have
the satisfaction of knowing that everything was practicable was done for his [a table of Country
Sections with price and locations occupies the right hand space] comfort & that he \it/ appears
he had comparatively little actual suffering – With our warmest [?] kind regards to my Uncle & to
Mrs Richardson & all yr family I remain my dear S
yours […]
AH
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 116 of 161
PRG 101/2/26
Arthur Hardy and Edward Richardson: Balance sheet 8th May 1860
Arthur Hardy in account with Ed S. Richardson
To 20 Shares Glen Osmond Quarries £30–:–
“ Law Books to ask [?] Roscoe & Chilty 6 :16 : –
“ Saddle & Bridle 5 : – :
“ Whitingtons acceptance 23 : – :–
“ Balhannah Lots 5 :10 :
£70 : 6 : –
By Cash . £20 : – : –
“ draft on Mr Hardy 20 : – :
“ Cash balance 30 : 6 :
70 : – :6
Received balance in cash this day
Thirty pds 6/– 8 May 1860 .
[signed] Edw. S. Richardson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 117 of 161
PRG 101/2/27
Banknote 14th April 1860
[circular bank stamp] BANK OF AUSTRALASIA SYDNEY No. 1/20195
SYDNEY
£20 14th April 1860.
At after sight of this First of Exchange (Second
– of the same tenor and date being unpaid) pay to the Order of The Bank
of Australasia Twenty pounds
Sterling, value received.
in terms of BofA credit No 659.
To Arthur Hardy Esq [signed] Edw.S. Richardson
Adelaide S.A.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 118 of 161
PRG 101/2/28
Bank draft 10th May 1860
Adelaide
10th May 1860.
Alfred Hardy Esq
Please pay to bearer forty five pounds stg –
J.S.Richardson Jr.
by his Attorney
£45: –
Edw . S. Richardson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 119 of 161
PRG 101/2/29
Letter from Arthur Hardy to Algernon Taylor, his nephew, 24th January 1864. This letter is
a photocopy, stamped ‘British Library Political and Economic Science’.
Mount Lofty
24th. Jary 1864
My dear Algernon *
The Mail which brought your letter & the others announcing poor Caroline’s46 death was a great
shock to us, it was so wholly unexpected: I often have anxious thoughts of what the news of my
mother may be a few days before the arrival of the Mail, but I drive them away, remembering
that each Mail gives much the same account, that altho’ feeble as may be expected at her age,
her intellects are clear & that she is in good spirits Poor Louis I feel most for the blow it will be
to him & regret he is not here that we might in some measure soften it; he is at Geelong, I wrote
to him by the first opportunity the day after the arrival of the Mail here, but he will have received
his letters before he can get mine – We get our Mail by a Branch Steamer which waits at King
Georges Sound & comes in whilst the large Steamer is coaling & from the shorter distance, we
get the news & Telegraph to Melbourne generally a couple of days before they
[footnote in pencil] *Son of John & Harriet (nee Hardy) Taylor47 .
[page 2]
receive their letters – Herbert wrote to us full particulars of the funeral for of Annie & Rose; he
seems most kind to have arranged their affairs for the for the immediate present
With reference to Ellens & your wish that your Aunt & myself should stand as sponsors, we will
most willingly do so. during the lives of the parents look upon it as a mere form; but do not
consider it so if the misfortune which has happened to little Rose should happen to your child : at
this distance [?] how much practically could we perform [?] of that we promise to do ? What
might be in our power be assured we would do under any circumstances
Thank you both for your kind expressions with regard to seeing Arty during his holidays – I am
sure he will be very glad to pay you a visit for a few days when it may be convenient to Ellen to
receive him He will be for the present under the charge of his Uncle The Rev Ed Price The
Philberds about two miles from Maidenhead; \Mrs Price is Marthas sister & Ed Price her cousin/
so that the times of his
[page 3]
visits must be arranged with Mr Price
I have looked in the […] Socty atlas for Tetsworth but do not find it, in what direction is it from
Oxford? Is it towards Blemheim & Woodstock – ? he will probably have an opportunity when
with you of seeing Oxford & the neighbourhood
46 Caroline Ley, née Hardy, was Arthur Hardy’s younger sister. 47 Later Harriet Taylor Mill.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 120 of 161
Mr Price has established a school for preparing boys for the Public schools principally for
Marlborough, we think of sending Arthur there after about twelve months – Dr Bradley the Head
Master is an old friend of Martha’s he having been one of the Masters at Rugby at the same time
that Bonamy Price was there. Another of the Masters at Marlborough is a first cousin of Arty’s.
& he was also educated at Rugby I consider Rugby so bleak & exposed as to be undesirable
for a boy from a warm climate. Marlborough I understand is in a more genial climate
Another matter has weighed with us. Edward Price is a very clever man & I believe a very
successful [?] teacher Several of his own sons are in his school & will go on to Marlborough so
that when
[page 4]
Arty goes up he will probably be not only accompanied by schoolfellows but find old
schoolfellows established there before him – On the whole he goes away from us under as
favourable circumstances as possible – the passengers by the […] being a nice lot of people &
most of them known to us & inclined to be kind to a little boy alone in the world. It was a terrible
pang parting with him, but I am sure it is for his good & that we are doing our duty by him – Mere
school education can be got here but most of the boys turn out either very badly or the minority
puffed with conceit, the latter arising from the want of knocking about with well brought up
gentlemanly boys & \not/ being used to orderly households. I need hardly say that a letter to
him shortly after his arrival would tend to cheer him up with the feeling of having friends about
him altho’ as yet formally unknown to them – Aunt Martha joins me in love to Ellen yourself and
the children Believe me dear [?] Algernon to be yours very affectionately
Arthur Hardy
[footnote] Presented by Miss M. P. Hardy
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PRG 101/2/30
Letter from Henry Price, Arthur Hardy’s partner in Port Lincoln, to Hardy, May 28th 1847.
Small folio.
[on top of page one, written upside down]
I forgot to say that neither Hawker nor I wish to have any shares allotted to us – except they
be free
Port Lincoln
May 28 1847 [?]
My dear Hardy –
I arrived here last Tuesday morning after a fine but long passage of 4 days – I found all well at
home – The weather is most lovely – a rare thing for our lambing – Hawker tells me that the
sheep are doing exceedingly well but several of your old ewes cannot stand lambing and die – I
go out to the station on Sunday – until then I can say nothing about the number of wethers &c –
but I will write by the first opportunity – We go to him at the Station – finally – at the end of next
week – .
I enclose Mr. Smith’s agreement with Hawker – a copy – He can easily evade [?] it if he pleases
but I think they will allow something – you will remark in the sort of Postscript that the Interest
which he now seems to think reward enough is provided for in addition to the share of Land
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
As a matter of justice we certainly ought to get our share but we shall be contented with any
thing – if no free shares then full payment of our expenses – I leave it entirely with you As poor
men we shall be thankful even for a little – I send you Porter’s [?] account of last year bearing
his receipt in full of all demands to Janry. 14th. after his delivering the lambs in Adelaide – After
all his outrageous charges – considering that the expense of £2 –12 \per week/ was still
continuing – and that he was one of the \2/ shepherds for whom he demands payments during
all his stay from home at that time. I cannot see why we should pay extra for driving 300 lambs
to Town – If he had a little harder work for two days he had a fortnight’s holiday afterwards on
his own business – I certainly should not pay him anything but what we are compelled to do for
he has robbed us infamously – and ruined the sheep after all – .
[page 3]
– on my arrival here I of course discovered that I had left something behind – This happened to
be a music book – and one piece of loose music belonging to Miss Gower & entrusted to me by
Mrs. Anstey I remember laying it down on the chair nearest the Piano and there I suppose it
now lies – If you would have the kindness to make a parcel of it leaving it at Lewis’ [?] for some
opportunity you would much oblige me – Miss Gower tells me that you promised her some
Guitar instructions – if you like you can put them into the parcel – I am sorry to say that I can get
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no tidings of Isabella’s music – which once was at Mrs Hart’s – Gower brought Isabella48 only
your Concert papers [?] and no other music at all – Gower says you gave him none Hart says
they were sent to you and I think you told me that you gave them to Gower – Will you be kind
enough to attend to this for us – The musick belongs almost entirely to Francis Dutton
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
who as you know is now on his way out – Macdonald is here – I think that we shall get all in work
including the Salt Creek – at least he admits the part of our occupancy before Tenant – He
seems very happy at this place [?] but indulges in most wonderful late hours – Isabella will
herself thank you for the oranges – the apples did not arrive at all – I am indeed glad to be back
– I feel very much annoyed at working so long and sometimes so hard for nothing or worse than
nothing – We have this year cleared for certain . 2 Flocks 200 [?] […] –all the scabby lambs
belonging to the Establishment this [?] for certain – and I believe – yours & […] – The last
arrived flock of yours is I am told in splendid order – with very little scab – This I call good but
unfortunately expensive work – however It is a long lane that has no turning –
Ever yours
H. Price
48
Isabella Young had married Henry Price in 1846.
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PRG 101/2/31
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy 18th April 1852. One folio and one loose page.
[impressed mark showing three master sailing ship and the words – COMMERCIAL POST
1851]
Port Lincoln
April 18 1852.
My dear Arthur –
By the Bandicoot direct Isa and my little ones arrived in safety – You may imagine how shocked
I was at poor Georgie’s death – Neither of the others had ever been half so much cared for at so
early an age
By the same vessel I received your letter of March 30th Hopkinsons’ matter I will strictly attend
to – There can be no earthly occasion for interference at present – Swaffer [?] is carrying on
Hopkinson – of course with a full knowledge of the circumstances – The sheep are being well
cared for indeed they have nothing to sell – and a lambing will soon be got out of them – They
are with all the others perfectly and undoubtedly clean. I shall do nothing whilst things are going
on as they now are and I do most sincerely trust that they will at all events put an end to all this
wretched suspense
I did not expect you to pay Isabella’s interest before hand certainly not the second £10 at all
events. I am really thankful for it. You need fear no repetition – I am by this time fully aware how
utterly useless it is attempting to earn a livelihood by means
[page 2]
of others and I have now everything I want until after shearing excepting perhaps a little sugar –
a bag of which lasts me upwards of two months – and under no circumstances will I trouble you
any more. Whatever may happen to myself personally and some of the Adelaide people are very
pressing and even threatening – I can easily provide for the safety of the sheep – and after
shearing there will be funds ample to pay the little labour employed by me this year only 12/– a
week my share – and to leave a large and handsome surplus besides –
Your sheep stand simply thus – There were after deducting the number I have rented upwards
of 1700 – this is too large a number for one flock in this country – whilst out of my 1500 – only
924 were ewes – and the remainder at lambing time at all events ought to go into another flock –
I now have the 924 Ewes in one flock – 1320 all four tooth sheep are with the Coolie – and the
remaining flock is composed of the weaned lambs with a few culled ewes for killing and are
shepherded by a black – All the wages you will be liable for from the 28th of January & at all It
events the 8th October when the Coolie’s time will be up will be 12/- a week – certainly
[page 3]
little enough to pay for the shepherding & hutkeeping [?] of 1700 sheep in these times – but the
man was hired before we heard of the gold Mania – From the 3rd of December 1850 – to
January 28th 1851 (when I arrived and got rid of the men) there were 2 men with your sheep – a
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 124 of 161
shepherd at 12/- a hutkeeper [?] at 8/ – in all £1 per Week – For this amount it was that I drew
the orders which I wrote to you about last time as being numbered – For Sutcliffe £5. For Riddell
£3. in all £8. Then as a loan I wanted Smiths £17 – and Riddell again £4 odd – The two latter
were last year’s wages – but I was quite satisfied with the list of orders you paid for me after
shearing and I determined to settle these at all events myself – When I was in Adelaide [?] I
made sure that I could do this – and it was only when I made the attempt down here that I found
I could sell nothing – and then I asked the loan although most unwillingly – I am sorry that you
should have any annoyance but this matter will now do very well – and I again assure you that
until after shearing you will not again see my handwriting to an order. After you get my wool I
shall be able to ask you for money as my own – I mean of course for wages – supplies &c and
until then you need dread no more trouble – I am now amply supplied until after the shearing
with everything except Woolpacks [?] and as I said before a little sugar
[page 4]
If in July you can conveniently pay the £8 I have alluded to above – it would be a convenience to
me. if not why I must do the best I can – The Rations will be somewhat more to you than the
mere 2 rations – the proportion we can easily settle at any time – of course you will not object to
bear a share of the food consumed by those employed about the place – That the whole amount
will not be very heavy you can believe when I tell you that a bag of flour lasts us all at the station
a month – other things in like proportion – No one can be more economical than I am – The
sheep are all perfectly clean and in good condition with every promise of a good clip of wool – as
Fenton [?] culled them last shearing – and the \sheep with/ the light and bad fleeces have been
disposed of or are now being killed – They are all on the run at Port Lincoln Proper close under
our eyes – and leaving Strawberry Hill vacant if I can only find a purchaser. Two […] persons –
a Mr Pulteney Malcolm – and M’Neil (the man who I thought would buy all the sheep but now
declines buying any until after next shearing) are thinking of it – and if I possibly can I will sell it
and if I do send you every sixpence of the money – But you must not count on this – To
conclude if you do not sell any sheep this year there is at all events the almost absolute benifety
certainty that from this little lot of sheep – taking them as one – there will be a surplus of £200 –
allowing only 30 bales of wool at 10d for this and this at all events is a most happy change –
This is a mere rough guess – I have had a satisfactory letter from Sale of Rugby – He expresses
great surprise that my draft in your favour should only have been presented Nov 29th He writes
to me to say that he has written to his son in the Union Bank
[page 5]
to facilitate the transaction this time – but he says that he knows of no better means than my
putting the bill into the Union Bank and getting it discounted now as there can be no reason why
under present circumstances you should have any trouble in this matter if it can be possibly
managed otherwise. I have written to John [?] Sale mentioning what his Father told me and
asking him to let me know by return of Post how the thing can be best done – the proceeds to be
applied as I should advise him – There is some great mistake about Smiths order – I only gave
him one and that is now in Drews hand – from Bishop here – Robinson must have got some of
the small orders from Smith taken by him I suppose in exchange for the large one – and hence
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 125 of 161
the mistake. It will come back here – Bonamy tried to get the money from Mr. Sale (as he
informs me) – and even insisted upon his dishonouring my draft in your favour – Mr. Sale
however writes to me that this was [?] not business and that of course he refused – and shall
always pay the money to any one and in any way I may appoint – without any reference to him.
I have also had a very handsome joint letter from Edward and Annie – most satisfactory to my
feelings at all events – Ed says distinctly that I owe no money to the Servants but to the Estate –
That the other was an arrangement of Bon’s own making which cannot be tolerated – I must
expect Bons uttermost wrath now – but if I can only manage to keep as I am until after shearing
– I must try and free myself from them all – I should then have a little money to do it with. Mrs.
Irwin [?] goes up to Adelaide with Moorhouse this time for a short visit. I think you know her –
and her history How far you may think this an impediment to seeing her I do not know – She
has certainly done ample penance for her sins – and Mrs. Hale and the other people here all
know and visit her – If you can conveniently show her a little attention – I shall be glad The twins
were very kind to Netta – and to Isa at her confinement and only supposing it does not put you
out attention would be charitable and gratefully
[page 6]
received – I have made enquiries about the Mineral discovery which I knew nothing of – Peter
has not yet seen it – but started yesterday in search of it – It is a long way from here – some 60
or 70 miles beyond Franklin Harbour but as there is no shipping place near – and if it be as they
say really a great discovery – it will certainly make everything connected with Port Lincoln
valuable.
[written crosswise in centre of page] 4
Arthur Hardy Esquire
King William Street
Adelaide
[black wax seal showing coat-of-arms]
[post mark showing a crown and the words POST OFFICE PORT SA 19]
[post mark showing the words AP 1852 SOUTH AUSTRALIA]
Edward is with a Mr. Haigh as overseer – getting £40 a year and giving every satisfaction – For
this I am not a little thankful –
Give my best love to Martha – I am glad to hear that she and her little one are thriving and
believe me
Very affect – yours
Henry Price
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 126 of 161
PRG 101/1/32
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 20th September 1852. A four page folio with
overwriting.
Port Lincoln Sept 20 1852
My dear Arthur
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9 th of August with a flour sack full of much
esteemed newspapers – Since I last wrote to you I am sorry to say that a very serious
misfortune has happened to us in the sheep breaking out with scab after having been clean for
months – I can only attribute this to the sheep getting infection from my neighbour Borthwick –
the sheep of your’s I sold him – At this time in the year I could not attempt to check the disease
whilst the wool was on – especially circumstanced as I am with no one to help me If I let the
sheep go on the scab would have been frightful and the loss of the wool enormous – I therefore
worked resolved on shearing immediately and I am now half done with them – after they are
shorn I have fully made up my mind get rid of now the one or two men I had before. And going to
work solely with blacks & Mr Sale – I have tried and shall try to dispose of them – but I am
without any hope of success – Every soul is of for the diggins[?] and Mr Manning is giving his
overseers – and they are very poor ones – £150 a year It is of no use
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
discounting upon misfortune – I am very sorry for it for your sake but how much more serious is
it to me whose very bread depends upon it – I can only say – and for the truth of this I can
appeal to Peter or any one that this year at all events I have[?] deserved very different results. I
am not dreaming of applying to you for any assistance I require none – the money due to Martha
in Janry. \next/ will pay one 6 months rent for the sheep. the other will be made up by the rations
& woolpacks – the £8 [?] I paid from Decer. to the end of Janry. less what I have advanced this
year to your men both in money & things In fact I can readily pay every farthing which on
settling this years account[?] may appear to be due from the 8th year [?] – If you send me down
100. lbs of Arsenic – between [?] yourself and me [?] at once by return of vessel [?] – I have
great hope of boiling down a great many of your sheep in January still They were getting fat fast
and the scab is not yet bad. but without medicine it soon will be so Your first and most natural
feeling will be that these sheep must
[page 3]
be got rid of at all events – I so far agree with you in this that I am unwilling to spend a sixpence
upon them – and therefore I propose shepherding them solely with rations – I shall not try to
breed from the ewes I got from you until the scab is cured if ever arsenic is the only medicine I
can venture upon – for its price – and all this will entail – greater hardships than some in diggins
[?] endure – with now no hope of corresponding reward, whilst really stupid useless people are
getting £150. a year I should be delighted to get rid of the sheep – but there is no hope & the
next best thing is to consider about keeping them From you after shearing I shall need flour tea
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 127 of 161
and sugar with a very few lb of (if you like) damaged tobacco [?] for the blacks – and strange as
the request may appear. some of your old clothes old clothes I too have some I have all this
year kept the natives supplied with mine – They must have have some thing and buying slops
for them out of the question As far as I can judge at present – about 8 bags of Flour ½. Chest of
Tea. 2 Bags of Sugar 10 lb of Tobacco and these old clothes
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
with say 50. lbs of Arsenic on your own acct – half this 100 I want you to send will pay your
expenses if you have a flock to keep – I hope you understand that I have derived and can derive
no benefit from having your sheep with those I have rented from you – and that I am equally
anxious with yourself to get rid of them – but if the scab gets bad I cannot take them to the
boiling down place & keep them I must – I am paying 25/– a hundred! for shearing & yet your
shearing will not be very expensive – Sale cooks – I & a black picking up fleeces screening
packing &c – not an odd man of any description fair down-right slaving for us – Don’t imagine
that I am grumbling but I have a fair right to say what I am doing – and you will remember that all
this you used to pay for I had great trouble in getting shearers – some of the people here will
not I think get their sheep shorn at all – I have drawn one order upon you for £8.7 in favour of
William Mann [?] – a man who has stayed with me
[page 5 written crosswise over page 1]
shearing until the vessels sailing – Only in this way could I get them done at all. This order I
need not say I fully hope and expect you to meet at once – It is your own solely and of course I
have no means of paying them except by drawing upon you. Your shepherd I shall get rid of as
soon as this report goes – and I must then draw upon you for his wages – It is of no earthly use
trying to keep him now When he goes and the shearing paid for then will there be no more
drawing upon you – I shall never again attempt getting any thing upon credit. I shall arrange
with Bishop so that my wool may be sold in Adelaide by Elder paying him \Bishop/ as much as I
can of his account and
[page 6 written crosswise over page 2]
securing through him food at all events for next year – I am driven to this for Frazer [?] would
neither take up my wool nor bring me stores from Adelaide even if I had them there Your wool
will have to go in Elders depot [?] for Frazer [?] would certainly not take it up – This is indeed a
most miserable harassing and degrading life of constant debts and poverty one thing I am
certainly determined upon into no more debt will I go at all events. – I am not quite certain but I
think about £50 including this £.8.7. is all you will have to pay me this at all events will be the
outside you will have to provide.
[page 7 written crosswise over page 3]
I enclose a letter from Ed Price Maria has made a great mistake poor thing about my friendship
with the Bishop – I have talked to the Archdeacon – and he thinks with me that there is but small
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 128 of 161
hope of his doing anything at present Perhaps Martha would say something to Anne on the
subject , With best love to all –
Your affectionate Brother ,
Henry Price.
By the way. Hopkinson with your sheep has occupied that Run I told this to Irwin [?] who has
been written to on the subject and it seems to be all he wanted – It seems that McKecknie [?]
wants it and I suppose that Hopkinson will gladly keep it . If runs are any use – these will some
day sell pretty well
[page 8 written crosswise and upside down over page 4]
Captain Bishop is closing accounts with that man Guthrie He intends taking the sheep
immediately after this shearing as Guthrie is hopelessly in his debt – Will you please send him
by return of Post the Bill of Sale with your account in order that he may settle it and charge it to
Guthrie He wants the Bill of Sale to seize [?] the sheep & worth.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 129 of 161
PRG 101/2/33
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 16th November 1853.
26 .4
£25 13 6 [written across corner]
Camp Ballarrat
Nov 16 – [in pencil] [1853]
Dear Arthur
I write in terrible haste to tell you that I am acting as Astt. Gold Com. at the above place – A
week ago I was offered this by Wright – unsought for – My friends said take it – It will show
willingness to work until the [. . .] pass and anxiety to gain experience Salary £400 – servant .
forage . tent & rations – I hope to hold it only 6 weeks & I shall be out of pocket
[page 2 on the verso of page 1]
I was off in 48 hours & could not write – from Melbourne – The work is terrible – Deciding [?]
disputes all day amongst diggers – in the middle of a crowd of hundreds of ruffians all talking
shouting quarrelling & almost fighting before you – They have paid me the compliment of giving
me a sick Commissioner’s district in addition to my own – I do my own on foot from 8 till 12 –
when an orderly arrives with a list of the disputes from Eureka the other place – I mount my
horse
[page 3]
at 1 & with him do the other until night – There are about 6000 to 8000 diggers to my lot – I am
quite well – & have a tent & establishment at Canadian Gulley – –. I really can write no more just
now – I have been fagged in every way – at night I have to do the office work – Love to all –
show this to George Young & believe me ever aff yours
Henry Price
I will write again immediately – My address still. Montefiore Graham & Co49 – The Appoint – was
a great Compliment It was so totally unsought for –
I hope Isa’s50 money £25. I sent is all right
[page 4 on the verso of page 3. Envelope page]
[post mark in black ink] BALLARAT 17 1853 VICTORIA
[post mark in black ink] MELBOURNE 19 1853 TORIA
[post mark in black ink] G P O NO 23 1853 SOUTH
Arthur Hardy Esq.
Exchange Chambers
Adelaide S.A.
49 Robert Graham and Jacob Montefiore were partners. 50 Isabella Price, Henry’s wife.
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PRG 101/2/34
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 3 March 1854. Small cream folio.
Brighton nr. Melbourne
March 3. 1854
My dear Arthur
I wrote to you this week already but as \I have/ some thing definite to anounce I hasten to give
you the good news. My health suffered so severely at Ballarat that I am only now really
convalescent and in that state that I dare take an appointment – However the day before
yesterday I was evidently so well that my friends determined upon again trying – on that day
my late com –
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
manding officer Wright with my old friends Sturt51 and Powlett52 saw the Colonial Secretary and
Attorney General and represented to them my claims upon Government and the hardship of
making me suffer from my health having been impaired in their service. They have fully
recognized this and the Colonial Secretary promised that in a few days I should receive a letter
from the Govt informing me that I was to be appointed to the first vacant Police Magistracy which
should also be a Country one – I
[page 3]
have been most fortunate – If I had not had such excellent friends the justice of my Cause would
have availed me very little – whilst on
the other hand [the centre of the page has been cut out] had not been
very char to my service
so good I have assisted me
I required life [?] and Police [?]
Magistracy and under [ ]
circumstances of for a […]
again to get This being thrown
out of Emp [?] a very serious
matter – but as the Pay & allowances – all in money – of a Country Police Magistracy are £900
a year whilst he can live almost as he likes – I may be
51 Evelyn Sturt, brother of Charles Sturt (1816-1885), Superintendent of Police in Melbourne 1849-1878. 52 Frederick Armand Powlett (1811-1865), Chief Commisioner of Crown Lands.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 131 of 161
[page 4 on the verso of page 3]
better off yet than I should have been at the Diggings when I certainly should have been kept –
Did I write to you about Isa’s trust money – I am quite willing that you should invest her £430.
with the Interest due Jan 17. & which she will not now need in hand –
[the middle of the page both sides of the excision is blank]
& keep it at compound Interest as you may think best only arrange it with her and I hope you will
let me know – for I am very anxious as I every day feel more and more how precarious my
health & life are Love to Martha & the Children – Why does she not write
Yrs aff. H. Price
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 132 of 161
PRG 101/2/35
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 19 March 1854. A small cream folio.
Brighton
March 19th. 1854
My dear Arthur –
I have great pleasure in announcing to you that I have […] the appointment I ex – pected
although not in the way I anticipated. It is of no use my trying for a Country place they will not
give me one – The Attorney General says plainly that I must look up and not down which taking
a sinecure Country place certainly is – New diggings have been recently established at
Tarrangower 11 miles from Castelmaine. There are collected there about 20,000 people – There
has been no Police Magistrate there yet – there is
[page 2 on the verso of page 1]
no Office nor Clerk at present – nor will there be any of any experience . An old donkey of a Mr.
Smith has been appointed a Pol. Mag. some six weeks and more – in reward of service as a
Clerk. in some other department. All this time he never was sent any where but was allowed to
remain in Town learning his business at the City Courts – A week ago he was appointed to
Maldon as the head quarters at Tarrangower are called – I then made sure of the quiet Country
place he was before appointed to – but on Friday I
was sent for and told that Mr. Smith would not do – and that I must go or give up the expectation
of a Police Magistracy perhaps for months – The At–
[page 3]
torney General told me I was the only man he had to organize the New Branch – and held out
some hopes of removing me when the work was done but he would promise nothing – The
Appointment is a Digging Police Mag: £500 per Annum – with tents tent– keeper – forage for a
horse rations and Medical attendance The pay is certainly good – but there is no hope of having
my family with me – It is a notable opportunity of gaining credit or as the Attorney General says –
‘showing what sort of a man I am made of – I could not have accepted the appointment if the
summer were not over
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
as I could not have risked the tents. – The Police work is what I know & like There is no
standing in the Sun nor the Excitement . I am very happy & grateful – I am ordered off at once
– and shall leave on Tuesday please God – so you will not hear from me any more at present.
Direct my letters to the care of Messrs Montefiore Graham & Co. as before –I hope you will
arrange about Isa’s Settlement and let me hear – The equipment for these Situations and my
two months illness have thrown me terribly behind [?] but I hope soon to pick it up – Could you
send me a weekly Adelaide paper – I know you take the ‘Observer’ and address it to Henry Price
Police Magistrate – Maldon – Tarrangower Diggings Victoria
[written as a superscript upside down on page one] I like to hear of the old place – Love to
Martha & believe me Aff yr.
Henry Price
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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PRG 101/2/36
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 24 March 1854
Melbourne March 24, 1854
My dear Arthur
I wrote to you the other day that I had been appointed P. M. at Maldon – Tarrangower Diggings
– There is much to please and disappoint in the Appointment –
– one thing is settled – a Country appointment either on the Murray I certainly shall never get. I
must look forward to a P.M. at some of the more important Diggings where there are good
houses – and eventually to
[page 2]
a Police Magistracy either in Melbourne or the neighbourhood – This Government is too badly
served for a man of any reputation for efficiency to hope for one of the quiet sinecure Country
appointments. That I can do my work there is no question – if my health stands – but another
breakdown would be fatal and the Doctors agree in pronouncing me for some months liable to
relapses from any excitement – All my friends Sturt Powlett Wright – and Matt Price insist upon
the absolute necessity of my wife’s immediately joining me – at all risks & under all
circumstances – Indeed it is only on these conditions
[page 3]
that they sanction my taking an appointment even at quiet Diggings like Tarrangower – I have
secured an excellent Camp equipment. two tents for my own use each 20x12 feet – well lined
with boarded floors & oil cloths – 2. cedar tables chairs & wash stand – My servant could cook
for us and Isa would only need one girl to look after the Child & wash some of the small things –
In fact we should be perfectly comfortable – I propose that the 2 elder children should remain at
Port Lincoln in Mrs. Young’s and Annie’s care for the present . I allowing Mrs. Young – a
quarterly sum such as she & Isa may agree on for their support &c – The books furniture &c to
remain there as at present – Isa only bringing
[page 4]
clothes and linen – She might return about Christmas – either to remain during the summer or to
bring the children away as circumstances may then seem best. By that time I should be settled
at all events – Isa would come here by Steamer writing first as I have given her full directions to
Matt. […] Campbell & Montefiore – one of whom will meet her on board – and take care of her. I
of course shall remain at my post until I hear of her arrival – It is of the greatest consequence
that she should be here by the middle of May at the very latest – so that we may be settled
before winter commences – I can declare before God that in this arrangement – much as I
naturally long to see my poor [wife?] I am acting without the least selfishness – & if I could only
make sure of my health I should not dream of asking her to come now – but it is a question
between prosperity and absolute beggary – and the risk must not be run . After this work I shall
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 134 of 161
address my letters to Isabella to your care – and I want you to be guided by the sailing of the
Bandicoot as to the forwarding them to P.L. or not – I have told her to leave so as to be here in
the
[continued upside down across the top of page one]
*
Middle of May – I think she will come by the first vessel to Adelaide after she receives my letters
which go by the same post as this does. Love to Martha . Yr. Aff. H.Price
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 135 of 161
PRG 101/2/37
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 1st April 1854
[in red ink] Melbourne
April 1. 1854
[in black ink]
My dear Arthur.
I was sworn in today Police Magistrate for Maldon – Tarrangower Diggings & I am now on the
point of starting for my Post: I have written to Isa urgently to come at once – but certainly [?] not
from any selfish motives but as a simple act of duty. to
[page 2]
her as well as me – By this same vessel you will receive a letter from Sturt asking you to get
him some Malachite – I hope you will for my sake do all you can for his kindness has indeed
been very great – and although I do not doubt your own willingness to oblige him for old times’
sake yet I think too you are thankful to him for his kindness to
[page 3]]
Me – He tells me that after paying for the Malachite he has asked you to pay any money you
may have of his to Isabella – This is like his kindness & will be most acceptable – He has also
asked her to stay with him on her arrival. – but I suppose she will go to Matt. Price – I am sure
you will do all you can in helping her as she passes through on her way here – I am sending
[page 4]
for her most unwillingly but all my friends insist upon it – and I think they are right – As the
Attorney General told me today – I am going where my exact [?] merits will be known – He said
he would make allowance for my want of […] & […] All the credit would be my own – He says
that I shall require great firmness with forbearance & moderation – and ended by expressing his
earnest hope
[page 5 written in red ink crosswise across page one.]
and belief that I would do well – no officer ever had a higher character for zeal and
efficiency – God grant I may only equal their expectations – Love to Martha
Yr. aff Brother
Henry Price
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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PRG 101/2/38
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 13th February [1855?] A small folio and a loose
sheet.
Melbourne Feb 13.
My dear Arthur
It is an age since I have heard from or written to you. This silence on my part has arisen solely
from the wish of having something certain to communicate – You will have heard of my having
left Ballarat under the orders of the medical man there who
[page 2 on the verso of page 1]
told me that either my life or reason would go if I attempted to remain at a place of such
excitement as a Digging after my second attack of congestion of the brain – As I knew that this
illness had been brought on solely by my zeal in the performance of my duties and the fearful
heat of the tents I asked Mr. Wright the Chief Commissioner who happened to be going up to
Ballarat \to examine into the circumstances/ This was solely because my head
[page 3]
was affected – he did so and wrote Sturt a letter to be shown – speaking highly of me and
recommending me to the Government for employment in a quiet place This I shall get – I have
been under the command of two different Resident Commissioners there – one Mr. Close [?] I
wrote to you reported me as ‘an officer of the highest efficiency and ability’. The other a Mr Bury
who was in Charge during both my illnesses has
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
at my request written to me a letter in which he says that my ill health arose solely from my very
arduous duties – and he goes on to say. ‘I do not hesitate to say as Commissioner in charge of
these Gold Fields that the Service has sustained a serious loss from the compelled resignation
of an officer who always displayed so much zeal and efficiency in the performance of his duties’
– This letter is now being made use of by my friends – I will by and bye send it to Adelaide to
you. I know the imputations I may
[page 5]
otherwise be under most unjustly for a more abstemious and honest man never was in the
Service and this has been triumphantly proved of course at a mess like they have at the
Diggings every man’s habits must be known – I certainly am not fit for Gold Commissioners duty
– and that mine is not a solitary instance is proved by the Commissioner whom I relieved at the
Canadian Camp having been obliged to go on long sick leave – whilst another poor
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 137 of 161
[page 6 on the verso of page 5]]
fellow named Dr Salis [?] was in the Hospital at the same time with myself at deaths door with
brain fever and will also have to resign – This is my simple statement – All my friends here are
quite satisfied – I would not even go to Ballarat to attend the Investigation I had asked Wright to
hold – I hope Martha and the Chicks are well – I envy you all the Comfort of Adelaide life – This
is a disgusting place in summer Give my best love to dearest Martha. I hope she will write to
me to the care as before of Montefiore Graham & Co.
Yrs. aff. Henry Price
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 138 of 161
PRG 101/2/39
Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 27th October [185?]. Two small folios.
Folio 1.
Melbourne .
Oct 27
My dear Arthur
I today received your letter by the Sydney – the Osmanti [?] has not yet made her appearance –
I gather from your letter that you have been seriously ill. I am sincerely glad that you are now
better – By the West Wind a couple of days ago I received a letter from my poor wife – She tells
me that Esther leaves her almost immediately and yet she has taken more pupils – although she
will now have the cooking and house work to do – Mrs Pinkerton too has been unable or
unwilling to pay her for her children’s last quarter’s schooling – Under all these circumstances I
consider I am only doing my duty in accepting some small por –
[page 2 on verso of page 1]]
tion of the money my friends here are constantly pressing upon me – I therefore enclose a draft
on the Bank Australasia Adelaide for £25. – and I want you to have the kindness to let Isabella
draw upon you for what money she may need to that amount. and to let her know by the first
opportunity that she \you/ will do so – I do this from no false pride either on her account or my
own but because I know she is working herself to death and I can see no reason for writing until
I am absolutely appointed to do this – I should not hesitate considering it a gift should any thing
prevent my being able to repay it – Will you please acknowledge the receipt of the draft at once
as they declined at the Bank
[page 3]
giving it to me in duplicate – I have written to Isabella to give up teaching – I am quite tired
waiting for the Estimates and yet weeks may pass before I am actually posted any where – The
Commissioner of Police distinctly told me that even if the new appointments were disallowed he
could give me an Inspectorship – but he will fill up no vacancies until he sees which means and
men the Council will allow him The Government have a decided majority I should immensely
prefer the district promised me to any thing else – but of course I will gladly take a P. Magistracy
any where – or an Inspectorship of Police – These appointments are equal in pay & standing –
The P.M. acts as
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
Judge The Inspector of Police is responsible for the peace of the District with almost unlimited
power. He buys forage horses and arms – discharges his men below the rank of Sub Inspector
at will – builds quarters houses &c buys and employs drays [?] with men – and has the
uncontrolled expenditure of large sums – one of them at the Diggings as much sometimes as
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 139 of 161
£30,000 – This man has easily 500 men under him – Matthew Price53 has 238 – . no small
command – I do not think this system right – nor do I like the thought of it still it will give you
some idea of the position Inspectors hold – There are in all ten of them – all independent of each
other – Whatever my original appointment may be I still look to getting a Police Magistracy in
some nice country
Folio 2
[page 5]
district as soon as I can. I am still in great hopes of getting Barrow’s Inn & Maiden’s Punt54 – If it
passes the Council I am certain of it – and I know of nothing to damp my hopes since I last wrote
but on the contrary the chance of any determined opposition in the Council to the Government
scheme becomes less – still I should be sorry to have to depend only upon this – in the mean
time I must wait – I have lately been staying with Sturt whose kindness seems to increase if
possible – I am leading a very gay life as far as constant dinner parties go – I decline balls – one
a fancy dress one tonight –on account of the expense – Dal Campbell’s house is of course a
home to me and I see a great deal of Mr. Barker the Clark of the Council – To him Bonsey55
[page 6 on the verso of page 5]
altogether owes his appointment as P. M. at Geelong with £1200 a year – Bonsey did not even
know that he was here – He was then in a miserable state of uncertainty & indeed depression
and had he not fallen in with Barker would have been in a very serious predicament – Barker
spoke to his friend Stawell the Attorney General & Bonsey received this excellent appointment
without having been introduced to a soul – The situation which White’s correspondent got for
\gave/ Matthew was that of Wharfinger56 on their own wharf at £1 per day – this appointment
Matt held until through the then Aide de Camp he got his present post. He now has £700 a
year with quarters rations servants – houses – travelling expenses and medical attendance – in
all his pay & allowances are worth at least £1200 – He bears the reputation of a very smart
[page 7]
officer – but at the same time that of a tartar amongst his men – I have thought it best to remain
in Melbourne chiefly – and I have not seen very much of the Bonseys – Monti I constantly see –
I shall be glad if you will convey my thanks to Sir H. Young for his letter – From the previous
remarks I believe it was a good one – and my having had such a thing has been a great point for
my friends to urge upon the different heads of departments with whom the real Patronage rests
– In this way it has I believe been of use – but an interest with either the Col. Secretary Attorney
53 Matthew Price (1818-1883) was Henry Price’s cousin.
54 At Moama, near Echuca.
55 William Henry Bonsey was Police Magistrate for Geelong (1853-1869). 56 ‘Wharfinger’ is an achaic term for the owner or keeper of a wharf.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 140 of 161
General or Commissioner of Police would under all circumstances be far better than anything
with the prison [?] – They are all responsible for their departments & select the men they like &
[page 8 on verso of page 7]]
who are likely to give them the least trouble – Efficient people they are anxious to have – They
know that their present officers are in many instances trash – and there is always a constant
carping both in the Council & Papers at the conduct of even a poor clerk – ‘Our Correspondents’
are all over the country & certainly do not spare the officials – There is a fearful amount of crime
– murder &c now going on – and I do not think they dare attempt to reduce the Police. Still the
Expenditure of more than 3¼ millions is an enormous one & there is no question but that money
has been most fearfully lavished –still there was no machinery ready for so unexpected an
increase of population – I have written to George Young to ask all particulars about the Murray
Steamer if I get this Maiden’s Punt – People do not live here as well or comfortably as near
Adelaide – There is no general society. Love to Martha & kind remembrances to all friends –
Ever aff yrs.
Henry Price
[written crosswise across page 1]
Will you send Isabella a cask of good English bottled ale – paying for it out of this money – I
know she absolutely requires it – but will not get it –
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 141 of 161
PRG 101/2/40
Letter from Isabella Price to Arthur Hardy, 22nd June 1845. Two small folios.
Folio1
Port Lincoln
22nd. June [1854]
My dear Arthur –
I am much obliged to you for your kind note which I received by the last Bandicoot – also for
your kind attention in sending me what I require – If you will send me the account – by the next
vessel of what – I am due you, I shall remit the money by return of vessel and the twelve months
interest due next month I should like you very much to put to the
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
principal and if I can’t possibly make up the sum to £500 yearly that would insure me £50 yearly–
and if interest – ever should rise it would increase my poor income – If you will let me know how
much it will still require to make £500 I shall see what I can do & in the mean time I shall keep
Miss Bishops which will give me £30 value out of Capt Bishops store and the £50 I have in
Bishops hands I shall keep here so that I may not
[page 3]
be penniless during the next 12 months – I intend in every possible way to keep myself and
children from being a burden to Mama – this I can manage to do as the house is hers I only
paying part of the provisions, for all other things such as clothes &c I do not
fear but we shall be provided You will much oblige me by giving at any time your time and much
prized advice either concerning my small
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
money matters or investments And now you will perceive that I write to you as if I had no
husband, his last letters prove that he is worse than ever, he therein confesses his drunkenness
and that he never even, from that awful vice, was able to reach his place of destination, I mean
the Maldon Diggings where he was appointed Police Magistrate – he drank on the road and his
place has been filled – he now says what a mercy it is that
Folio 2
[page 5]
that I did not go. My dear Arthur I knew from all I had witnessed down here that he was
unreclaimable, it is a disease , and he never will do good, and never be able to do any thing for
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 142 of 161
his family – I have made up my mind now that from him we never shall have a sixpence and I
must fight and struggle in the best way I can – His letters are like the letters of a madman , and a
[page 6 on verso of page 5]
madman he certainly was for 8 months before he left Port Lincoln – Oh it is fearful to think of the
state he is in Would no expostulation from you or Martha be of any avail? I fear not – as he
says that he is in such a state of mind that I must write no more to him – except once to tell him
that if he gets cured of his
[page 7]
vice – I may again return to him – he says he will try and earn a livelihood in any way – so there
is no hope from Govt any more – he still denies that drink was the cause of the Ballarat illness,
but still I know well enough, it helped, as he cannot keep from it – Give my love to Martha. I
hope she will excuse my writing to her this time as this subject lays me up with many headaches
[page 8 on verso of page 7]
We are much obliged to her for her kindness in executing the commissions Every \thing/ was as
usual very nice I felt so glad to think that you had lent Edward a helping hand God grant that he
keep from that disgusting of all vices! –Speak very plainly to him about it, if he dreads you it will
be all the better for him –his unfortunate brother is living with Matthew Price at Brighton –
Believe me
Yours most sincerely
Isabella Price
[written crosswise over page 5]
Mama and Annie join me in kind regards to Martha & yourself Many thanks for the papers which
I always duly [?] receive we are glad of them as we get no others . –
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 143 of 161
PRG 101/2/41
Letter from Isabella Price to Arthur Hardy, 28th May 1847. Small cream folio with small
envelope attached.
Port Lincoln
28th. May.1847
My dear Sir
Mr. Price arrived on the 24th. and brought with him a another mark of your kindness and
attention – The oranges I look upon as quite a treat and we shall find them doubly so in the Bush
where I expect to be in a week from this date
[page 2 written across pages 2 and 3 of the folio]
We have commenced packing up, so at last it looks like reality – Mr. McDonald has been our
visitor lately, and the gaiety of Port Lincoln seems to increase every day what with dinner parties
evening parties & projected picnics !! &c &c I long for the quiet of a Bush life – I hope upon your
return from England you will again pay us a visit and by that time surely we shall be able to
supply you with fruit from our garden and in some small measure, endeavour to repay you for
your kindness to Mr. Price during his stay in Adelaide, by giving you the “kindest of welcomes” to
our humble Cottage Mr. Price has enjoyed himself very much indeed and speaks most warmly
of the hospitable manner in which he has been entertained – I have never yet thanked you for
Novello’s Concert Masters. I have tried some of them over
[page 3]
and admire them much but unfortunately there is no English translation, Latin I dare not attempt
– Mr. Price says he left some music for Miss Gower at your house –
Accept again of my best thanks for all your kindness and attention and Believe me
My dear Sir
Ever your [. . .]
Isabella Price
[envelope]
Arthur Hardy Esq
King William St
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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PRG 101/2/42
Letter from Isabella Price to Arthur Hardy, 26th April 1854. Small folio. This letter was
enclosed in the following letter by Isabella to Martha Hardy.
Port Lincoln
April 26th. 1854
My dear Arthur –
Capt Bishop goes up by this Bandicoot, he is to ask you when there is a prospect of a Piano for
him, I hear Mr Elder has sent out a Harmonium for our Church so I thought perhaps the Piano
might arrive about the same time – By Martha’s letter I perceive that Mr. Sturt has kindly offered
me a sum of money in your hands – I decidedly object to take it, and will on no account hear of
Mr. Price running into debt on my account, as I plainly
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
perceive the money is borrowed – You will of course read my letter to Martha and […] my
decision – the interest money I will not touch until I am compelled – I may never receive a
sixpence of his Salary but as he is now receiving his pay, you have the power to get it from him,
or to get a part – I know he will do all he can to punish me, he will be incensed beyond every
thing to think after having been so foolishly pliable for so many years, I have at last rebelled – I
suppose you are
[page 3]
aware he is due Mama £30 given to him just before you came from England – she has no
receipt to prove it – and in event of anything happening to him she would get nothing Could you
possibly secure the wretched portion of furniture that there is here, upon her so that it can be
proved to be hers if you can do this I shall feel much obliged to you –
I never have heard a word about the Beer, I hope you have not paid for it – if you have not then
you need not trouble yourself about it at all, as I suppose the Capt & Newman will settle it
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
I should wish you to send me 3 bags of flour by return of the vessel – and as I owe Owen a small
Bill I shall give him an order on you – and by the time I get all I wish for I hope I shall not be in
your debt – I scarcely think so as Martha says there is about £15 – I am The house now has
become Mama’s, she pays the rent from the time of her arrival in fact I am now only a guest of
course paying for my own things washing &c – I am sorry you have been an invalid, but I trust
that you are better and with best regards and thanks for all your kindness
Believe me Yours very sincy
Isabella Price
[written vertically on page four over the previous writing]
remember I feel much indebted to Mr. Sturt it is prudence not pride that makes me refuse this
money
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 145 of 161
PRG 101/2/42A
Letter from Isabella Price to Martha Hardy, April [26th] 1854. Small folio.
Port Lincoln
April 1854
My dear Martha
I received your letter by the Bandicoot, and was sorry the warm things had not been sent as we
have no winter clothing of any description and had I been going up in the vessel this time I
should not have known what to do – however the boys & I will do as we best can until the return
of the Bandicoot – when I hope you will be kind enough to send them – and now dear Martha
touching my own matters which are painful indeed – the same post that brought your
[page 2 on verso of page 1]]
letter brought me intelligence direct from Balarat that your brother had still been pursuing his
wretched habit of intemperance, and that the testimonials of good character were given him at
his own request – the authority is undoubted – and it is fully corroborated by a letter from
Matthew Price to me begging of me to join my husband as he fears much he will not keep his
situation if I am absent from him – he mentions the frequent fits of despondency he is subject to
– Ah Martha well do I know about those fits they came on nearly every month and ended in
drunkeness – My influence
[page 3]
at such times has not the slightest effect & I am perfectly satisfied from nearly eight years
suffering that he is subject to temporary fits of insanity, such being the case and knowing that
Even Under Providence I can and have done no good, I decidedly object to join him even
supposing I could live in a tent, which I know right well I have not health to do My health was
much undermined during my 12 months teaching, nursing an infant and constant distraction of
mind endeavouring to conceal him and the fearful disgrace
he brought upon us from my
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
my dear boys and the girls I had boarding in the house and now he swears before his Maker he
has not a selfish wish in commanding me to join him and yet he says bring one child, leave 2
and come and live during the wet winter in a tent at the diggings – Oh would I not go to the
world’s end with a man I honored & respected, or even more than I have already done for him if I
could do good, but it is hopeless – and now I commit him to God let him do with him as he sees
fit – and I commit myself to God and look to him for my future support for I have no hopes for
your brother I shall enclose a few lines to Arthur
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 146 of 161
[written vertically on page four over the previous writing]
and a list to yourself to get me a few things if you will be kind enough – I am glad to hear you
and your children are well I often envy you your happiness – With love from
Mama Annie and myself
Believe me dear Martha
Your afft Sister
Isabella Price
Edward goes up by this vessel he has been stopping with Mama & us for a fortnight – he is
perfectly sober & much improved he never was half so much to blame as Henry
PRG 101_2_43 Letter from Harriet Hardy to her son, Arthur Hardy, 18th February 1850.
[written on black bordered notepaper]
My dearest Arthur Bideford Febry18th 1850 I cannot resist writing one line tho’ it seems such a mere chance that it will reach you; yet being fixed in this tantalising position it must look as if you were forgotten if the attempt is not made. I hope Edwards1 letter has reached you. It was enclosed in a very affectionate one to me, hoping I was still at Birksgate & inviting me to remain there. He is evidently quite unprepared for the state of things he will find. What will he do with an unfurnished house & no one to welcome him – I long to see him alone, before he gets there & hear all particulars from his own lips, but how this could be managed I don’t know. I wish I could contrive to get a letter to him before he lands, but I suppose this could not be done unless Herbert could point out some way to me. Caroline is laid by again with a hurt she got in London while packing, having knelt upon the padlock of her box & in some way injured her well knee, from which she is after all this time suffering acutely. She is truly unfortunate, for she was just beginning to walk a little in the street, the bad foot being greatly better. I hope this will be but temporary. How weary you must all be of this situation; precluded as you are from seeing your friends, I am ready in imagination to start off to Torquay, but ought to hope that you may be far away before I could reach you. Caroline joins with her husband in kind love to you & Martha & regards to Miss Price
with your Ever affectionate mother Harriet Hardy
P S If this is the last you get be sure of my prayers for you) [page 2 envelope page. Two one penny maroon adhesive postage stamps showing a queen’s head affixed]
Arthur Hardy Esqr
Care of Captain Darke Barque “Mary Ann” for Adelaide supposed off Brixham [?] Torbay [post mark] FE 18
1850 A
[upside down, above address]
If the “Mary Ann” has sailed please return it to Arthur Ley Esq Bideford
1 Arthur’s older brother Edward was the heir to Birksgate but he had not yet returned to England after his
father’s death in 1849.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 147 of 161
PRG 101/2/44
Letter from Arthur Hardy’s eldest son Arthur Marmaduke to his young brother Herbert. A
small folio.
[page 1. The folio has a printed letterhead: a Crest in blue with the words]
Maison d’Evegrement
Neuville, Dieppe.
Hardi Ni Temeraire
St. Mary’s
Aylesbury
May 31st. 1868
Dear Herbert
I am so glad to hear that you have at last gone to school and I hope you will enjoy it as much as
I do. I can assure you there is no place so jolly because you are wanting play fellows at your age
and you don’t know enough about the world to care for it yet. And besides a fellow becomes
such a milksop who always has a governess and can’t stick up for himself or punch a fellows
head who is cheeky. I should advise you if ever you have quarrels with fellows not to talk or
squabble or call names at all but if he calls you any name hit him at once in the face. Don’t be
afraid of hurting him. That is his look out nor yours. I have
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
acted on that plan and the consequence is that fellows respect me and very rarely are cheeky. If
any one sneers at your family [ ] [ ] sneers because ours is a very good family and some of
your cousins in England are Lords and Dukes and are influential men, and besides a fellow who
sneers as rarely as a rule has the pluck to defend himself. I have been at school 8 years and
know all about these things. I wish you could come to school with me it would be a great
advantage as I could explain all these things better and give you advice. I hope you will like the
College. If ever Mr Farr57 speaks to you about me tell him that I remember him very kindly and I
hope shall
[page 3]
always do so. I wish had been more in his class as I should have learnt more than I did. He only
once heard me a lesson and I shall never forget the kind way he spoke to us all and quite won
our hearts. You are starting exactly in the same form as I did. Is Mr. May still a Master? One
master [?] whose form was next the highest [?] [. . .] was kind to me. He was an Irishman I think
and had a red face but I forget his name. Please write and tell all about the skloo school and
your own doings and the names of all the Masters and what forms each one takes. Are the two
57
George Henry Farr (1819-1904) was Headmaster of the Collegiate School of St Peter in Adelaide.
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Waterhouse’s there still? If they are go and talk to them about me. I used to walk to N. Adelaide
with them every day.
Please give my best love to Aunt Isabella and all my cousins. I am sure you will like them very
much as they are all so kind. I must now stop so with best love to all my friends and many happy
returns of your approaching birthday believe me ever
your affectionate Brother
Arthur M Hardy
[page 4 on verso of page 3 address]
H. M .Hardy Esq
Care of Mrs. Price
Strangways Terrace
N. Adelaide
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PRG 101/2/45
Letter from Port Darwin to Arthur Hardy from Wentworth Marmaduke Hardy, son of
Arthur’s older brother Edward. 17th February 1869. Small folio
[page 1 printed Crest in red with the words] – Hardi Ni Temeraire
Port Darwin.
17th.February 169
My dear Uncle Arthur
We have arrived here at last & very glad I assure you \we/ were to get ashore alltho’ we have
been very happy all things considered during the passage. Yet she was very crowded both
below & on deck not room to swing a cat We made a very good passage of 40 days arriving
here on the 5th February in the afternoon & I got the Surveyor General to let me row him ashore.
& Mitchell & I were ashore first He first & I second, amongst the officers, though third in reality.
You will be glad to hear that I have succeeded in gaining his – approbation during the passage &
on arriving here two surveyors who are working together Mr. Mc. Minn & Mc. Lachlan applied to
have me in their party as Draughtsman. which seemed to please him very much
You must not expect to get
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
a very long letter this time as we are to start immediately the Lea Ripple comes in & she is
expected immediately \every/ minute so I’ll defer any lengthy descriptions of the place till next
mail when I shall be settled down in camp
I amused \myself/ drawing on the voyage caricaturing & sketching and Mr G [?] was so pleased
with some of them that he got me to copy them.
I also got up a paper on board & I was made printer of the “Moonta Herald & N T Gazette” & had
to copy out his copy & illustrate it – however I have managed to be capital friends with him & two
of the surveyors I am going with are relations of his namely a first class & one second class
surveyor. Mr. Lachlan & L. Smith. The other two are Mc. Minn & Daly & all seem to think me
very fortunate. I hope to see my salary up to £180 a year before I come back I shall try hard for
it & the surveyors I am with will try for me I know, in fact they have given me to understand they
will do their best.
This is really a beautiful place no mosquitoes at present very like Sydney. The harbor is a first
class one. & the township
[page 3]
here will be very pretty indeed it is formed on a Table land safe above the sea . – The streets
run at right angles with one another open to the sea air and are named after the officers of the
expedition (the survey portion ) including the draughtsman) Our name figures in a very
conspicuous place. Hardy St.. . – It is a little paradise to look at & if the rest of the place is
equally good as the “heads” seem to think it is we shall have a splendid place here some day.
Mr G. has not let the grass grow under his feet The Township is under Survey (about 700 acres
in half acre allotments). Mitchell has gone to the Adelaide River & is on his way back now & we
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 150 of 161
(our party are ready packed up to start the survey of sections about 15 miles down the harbor
from here.
He is very strict in his orders being obeyed he forbade swearing on voyage and the Accountant
Postmaster [. . .] was disrated for breaking his rule to the rank of Laborer but was reinstated on
his arrival here. since which Mr. Mills a second class Surveyor has lost his posting & £240 a
year from the same cause but we don’t know yet whether he is Cadet or Laborer or whether he
returns in the ship
For my own part I am well as hopeful & happy as I can be here but I miss Norwood I can assure
you dear
[page 4 blank except for seven final words]
[page 5 written vertically upside down on page 1 over the previous writing]
Uncle & I get Homesick occasionally our parting was not very satisfactory as I suppose she
thought I had no business here I daresay she does not care for me & has been making a fool
of me all along as you once told me you thought was the case. I shall stick to my colours for her
sake & try to win them however black the chances look
You will glad to hear I sold my Revolver for £7 I got also £.3 5.8 for the rest of December of that
I enclose your £9 £8.14 in cheques made payable only to you & the balance in stamps I
thought it better to sell the Revolver as I had no occasion to use it
[page 6 written vertically on page 2 over the previous writing]
there being plenty of Westley Richards in the Camps. 12 fowling pieces a fire arm of some sort
at any rate.
Will you kindly send me a Lett’s Diary Uncle one of the green backed ones & a large sized
drawing book about 12 by 9 inches if the postage is the same as it is in South Australia They tell
me here it is the 2nd postage still [?] & that The Govt. will make arrangements with the Timorese
post office for the surplus
I must now close dear Uncle Hoping that this Letter will find you all well at home I am writing
[page 7 written vertically on page 3 over the previous writing]
direct for England so I don’t enclose my Father’s letter . With love to all at Home Aunt Mabel
Ethel Herbert – \kind regards to/ Miss Barton
Beleive me dear Uncle
Yr affectionate & grateful nephew
Wentworth Hardy
By our account I seem to stand credited still £2/16/10. That is right is it not? I suppose that is
exclusive of the £5 in the bank? however the £9 will make £12 in yr hands which I leave to you
to use as you think best Goodbye
With Best Love
Yr. affectionate nephew
WH
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 151 of 161
p.s. I shall like the Drawing Paper to be rather smart with rough [?] covers as I will have it
rebound when I get back. I don’t like sketching blocks. Mrs. Goyders [?] desires to be kindly
remembered to you
Will you order two sketch books as Msr Dale
[page 8 written vertically across page 4]
will like to have one too.. goodbye
[This letter is accompanied by a very small black-bordered envelope]
Wentworth Hardy Esq
Adelaide
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 152 of 161
PRG 101/2/46
Draft of Wentworth Hardy’s appointment as a Draftsman. 30th May 1870. Foolscap sized
folio.
831
70
Surveyor Generals Office
Adelaide
30 May 1870
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of
your being appointed a Draftsman – 5th – Class in this Department at a Salary of £120 – per
Annum – Vice E. P. Laurie promoted. –
I have the honor to be, Sir,
1062/70
Your obedient Servant
Surveyor General
GW Goyder
Mr.Wentworth Hardy
Adelaide
P.S. Your appointment to date from 12 April 1870 inclusive. –
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 153 of 161
PRG 101/2/47
Letter from T E Hardy to Arthur M Hardy about the death of their cousin Edward Hardy,
Arthur Hardy’s older brother, 9th March 1869. Small black-bordered folio.
32 Bridge Road West
Battersea
London 9: Mch: 1869
S.W
My dear Cousin;
I am indeed greatly shocked, and grieved beyond expression, at the very sad & mournful
intelligence which your note of yesterday conveys to me of the death of my dear Cousin Edward.
[page 2]
It is to me a matter of deep regret that I had not an opportunity of seeing him previous to his
decease. To my dear Cousins, Emily and Edith58, the loss they have suffered must be
overwhelming. I pray, however, that their Heavenly Father, may sustain and Comfort them in this
the heaviest bereavement of their lives. I write to Emily, by this post, expressing
[page 3]
my condolence & sympathy. If you will inform me, at your earliest convenience, when the funeral
takes place, I shall certainly endeavour to be present to pay a last tribute of respect & affection,
for him towards whom I always entertained the greatest regard and attachment. I am sorry to
say my dear Wife & little ones have been very far from well lately,
[page 4]
and I have myself been very ill. Hoping my dear Cousins & yourself are as well as, under the
circumstances, can be expected, with our united love to them & kindest regards to yourself,
believe me, with every expression of sympathy and sorrow,
Your affectionate Cousin
T: Edw: [?] Hardy
A.M. Hardy Esq.
P.S. Can I be of any service to you or my Cousins – if so, let me know.
[This letter is accompanied by a small black-bordered envelope]. T.E.Hardy [has been written
crosswise in pencil]
Arthur M. Hardy
St. Mary’s Villa Aylesbury
PRG 101/2/48
58
Emily and Edith were Edward Hardy’s daughters.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 154 of 161
Letter from T. E. Hardy to Arthur M. Hardy, 31st March 1869, about circumstances
following the death of their cousin Edward Hardy. Small black-bordered folio.
[Printed Crest with the words] Maison d’Evegrement
Neuville, Dieppe. [above]
Hardi Ni Teneraire [below]
London 31st March 1869
My dear Arthur
I went down to Aylesbury again on Thursday last, and returned on Monday, on my arrival my
wife handed me your note of 28th. inst. also the enclosed. The one from Marlboro’ College she
opened in mistake.
If Herbert Taylor raises any obstacles with regards to the rents due at the
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
time of your Uncles death, and will not even assist the poor girls himself, I am afraid it will be
useless writing to the tenants, & I must continue to do the best I can for them.
You will be pleased to learn that through the kind assistance of Mr Jelf [?]59 & Miss Crowley, I
have succeeded in placing Edith into School, with a Miss Dyson a friend of Miss Crowley’s and
who resides at Church
[page 3]
Cookham, near Farnham. This I think, is the very best thing that could happen for Edith, and she
will have the advantage of being [near?] Mr Jelf who will reside in the adjoining parish. Edith
leaves Aylesbury to-day, with Mr Jelf & Miss Crowley. Emily came with me to London, and is
now staying with Miss Newton; Next week she will be with me.
On Saturday last Mr Corfe’s Mother visited Aylesbury, and sought an interview with me, in the
presence of Mr Jelf, Dr Fiskes & Mrs Stichman, when without any previous preparation,
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
she suddenly & in the most abrupt manner informed me that her son entertained an affection for
Emily, & on his behalf, asked me to give my consent to their marriage. You can scarcely imagine
how this surprised me, & her importunate manner was most painful to me. I told her that I
thought this was scarcely a subject to discuss so very soon after the death of Emily’s father (it
seemed to me indecent & to show a want of proper respect for his Memory) – and that it was a
matter that wd require more most careful & serious consideration, & could not be
[page 5 written vertically on page 1 over the previous writing]
59
There were a number of clergymen named Jelf in England at this time.
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 155 of 161
decided off hand as she seemed to desire and entreat; and that I wd. take an opportunity to see
her on my return to London – In this Mr Jelf perfectly agreed with me. I am told that Mrs Corfe
leaves town to-day & will not be back before Thursday, when I shall try & see her – I will let you
know the result – I wrote again to your Father from Aylesbury,
informing him of their Edith.
[page 6 written vertically on page 2 over the previous writing]
Emily has had your note handed to her –
I was exceedingly surprised to be informed by Eliza last night that Emily had told her that while
they were at Dr Forbes’s, she had rcd a Telegram from her Uncle Alfred – I cannot believe this –
there must surely be some mistake – I shall question Emily about it – I am informed that Mr
Vincent, during his stay at Aylesbury, enquired [?] about all sorts
[page 7 written vertically on page 3 over the previous writing]
of reports & hinted that it wd. be as well to enquire who is the Mother of the girls, I feel quite
fagged, & almost over powered with anxiety –
Fanny unites with me in best love & wishes, and believe me
Your affectionate Cousin
T: Edw: Hardy
I fancy one of the enclosed letters is from Beiver [?] – if so, let me know what he says –
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PRG 101/2/49
Letter from Robert Barr Smith to Arthur Hardy. 5th April 1873. Three small folios and a
single page.
[letter one]
Venice
April 5 1873
Dear Hardy
You were good enough to express a wish that I should write you on my arrival in England and as
I have no faith in myself as a correspondent I begin before I arrive, in anticipation making
atonement for future idleness – We had a most vexatious succession of delays. The Baroda
broke down and we at one time seemed likely to be a month at King George’s Sound, than
which death were a thousand times preferable. When
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
at a snail’s pace we reached Galle, we were sent on to Bombay involving another 10 days loss
– This however we could not so much regret as Bombay is well worthy of a visit and we shd.
have been sorry to have missed it now. It has it’s drawbacks no doubt, one chief one the
intolerable smells which assail you making you wish a thousand wishes that you had no nose
and welcoming as you do most heartily any tendency to cold in your
[page 3]
head, that man being most greatly blessed who most nearly approaches a total stoppage.
I did not know until I went to Bombay that it is absolutely the second city in the Empire larger
than Manchester or Glasgow – and as almost all the inhabitants are natives and all the men go
about as nearly as possible naked you may guess how picturesque a place it is
The streets are as crowded as Cornhill or Poultry, this is no exaggeration,
[page 4 on the verso of page 3]
and as you drive about through this shouting, reeking human mass you may imagine what a
fresh sensation it is in one sense, and what a stale one in another.
There are some good things to be got in Bombay in the shape of boxes & ornaments . A Parsee
“Cursetzee” by name waited upon me (and upon others) daily at the hotel (kept also by a
Parsee) – Cursetzee had £10.000 of rings in his pocket and lived in a house as good as Briers .
Just fancy my having to look up my business
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 157 of 161
[folio 2 page 5]
daily at the York or Globe upon the arrival of the Melbourne steamer waiting in the lobby for the
Passengers. I am told Bombay is in a very bad way but I saw no signs of it. I dined at one
Bungalow and got a very good dinner with apparently every kind of fulness [?]
We got to Suez as per order slowly, not to overtake the preceding Steamer, and with our usual
luck a train ran off the line and stuck us up in the desert in the
[page 6 on the verso of page 5]
middle of the night. Now was the time to prove the advantage of having a man servant with you
– whoever was wrong I was right .
Brewster however had made up his mind at Suez that although I was forwarding my packages
by luggage train he would not lose sight of his so he appeared on the platform with two heavy
bags coupled by a strong strap. When we were stopped in the sand, in the dark, it
[page 7]
was hard to say in an instant what it was best to do especially as we were to be told that if we
walked on a bit we should get some means of proceeding, however imperfect. I therefore left
Brewster (of whose intelligence I began to entertain some doubts) to take charge of the women
& children and went forward in person to reconnoitre, it all. ended in my carrying my man’s two
big bags through the sand the whole distance – Brewster
[page 8 on the verso of page 7]
accompanying my wife with her shawls.
I was not able to get any communication in Egypt with Betts Bey and as Mrs Hardy’s kind letter
was something more than an introduction I posted it to its address and wrote a note to Betts Bey
expressing a hope that he would permit me to recal [?] myself to his memory as introduced when
I next visit Egypt.
We only came off at Brindisi and took a short drive in the environs – there is not much to see
[folio 3 page 9]
This place Venice is most lovely and we have been able to spend a week in sight seeing, of
course it is then only half done as the pictures alone demand years of looking at them if you
could give it – We have been to all the Chief Churches which, whether they are good
architecture or not, are very grand structures with wonderful mosaics & marbles.
But what would have most delighted Mrs. Hardy I believe was a sight I had of Prince Giovanellis
[page 10 on verso of page 9]
Palace. I went there to see what a private residence of the first Class is like – I never saw
anything approaching it in magnificence and in good taste – the Royal Palace here is nothing to
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it. If ever you should visit Venice see this Palace it is one of the best sights going though not
noticed in the books. Of course we have looked up the Armenian Convent for Lord Byron’s
Father and have seen his table and his seat in the garden The Venetians still remember him
with affection
[page 11]
The Italians are the most irascible race I have ever come across
I have seen a man here on trifling provocation express more rage in his face and eyes than I
could have thought possible. He looked more like a hooded Cobra about to strike than anything
human. A Captain Agnew was stabbed (and killed) by an Italian at Suez the day before we
arrived, and after seeing the Italian in his habitat I am not astonished at the occurrence.
They are a good looking
[page 12 on verso of page 11]
race – I have seen many a mangy rogue on the wharf here for whose nose I would have given a
thousand pounds and my own proboscis, if it had been possible to effect an exchange.
The Gondolas are very ugly – Mark Twain correctly describes them as a kind of floating coffins
and your Gondolier is a lugubrious dog who never sings .
We see by the papers that Sir James has married Miss Richman, we heard something of Sir
James as we came
[page13 single sheet]
along. He seems to have given himself some airs.
Hughes heard of Stirling’s death60 on his way home, and the Chief Engineer of the
“Poonah” declared [?] was so much affected thereby “he was obliged to come off at Ancona”.
I have been puzzling myself ever since as to the sources of relief from “coming off at Ancona”
but no one in these parts seems to be able to enlighten me – and I have given it up as
[page 14 on verso of single sheet]
one of the unsolvable problems which occasionally present themselves to you in life
We start from this on Monday for Milan and expect to be in Paris and to meet Jane and George
Elder on the 12th of this month.
Joanna is well but wearying for her children – Mabel & Mora [?] enjoy themselves vastly.
With our united best love to dear Mrs Hardy to Mabel Arthur Ethel & Herbert
I am dear Hardy Yours very truly R. Barr Smith
60 Sir Edward Stirling (1804-1873), banker and politician, arrived South Australia 1839, father of Sir Edward Charles
Stirling (1848-1919) and Sir John Lancelot Stirling (1849-1932).
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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 159 of 161
PRG 101/2/50
Letter from Robert Barr Smith to Arthur Hardy, 11th May 1873. Two small folios and two
loose sheets. [letter two]
[folio 1 page 1]
London May 11. 1873
Dear Hardy
Long before you get this – nay ere I write it – you know that we had two days ago the startling
intelligence of the death of Mr J. Stuart Mill.61
He has been living at Avignon, and I had been thinking how I should best approach him – as the
two visits I have made to Scotland have much occupied my time hitherto – when the startling
news came of his deadly illness to be followed by the speedy announcement of his death. All I
shall now know of him
[page 2 on verso of page 1]
therefore is in his works.
I post you a few papers with the notices of him – that you may see how public estimation went.
I was particularly disgusted with the cold and insufficient recognition of the “Times”.
I look upon J.S.Mill as having no superior, if any equal, amongst the thinkers of his time – and I
felt that a comparison between him & that unprincipled charlatan “Bob Lowe” 62 was a public
insult to the great dead.
Since I wrote you, we have, in anticipation of the arrival of the “St. Vincent”,
[page 3]
shifted our quarters, from the “Grosvenor” to Sydenham – but the St. Vincent keeps out and we
are beginning to weary for her.
I have also taken another step, by taking a “shooting”, and a house large enough for us all in
Argyllshire63 – Knockdow \Knockdow/ by Toward point \Toward Point/ is the address. We mean
to go there by the 1st of June, and if cold & wet permit, to remain till the end of October. There
is a moor large enough for my friends & me, none of us gluttons for Sport – and there is a great
variety of Sport \game/, (besides grouse) including Roe & Woodcock. The sea is
[page 4 on verso of page 3]
61
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), famous British philosopher and political theorist, had been married to Harriet
Taylor MilL, Arthur Hardy’s sister, who had died in 1848. 62
Robert Lowe,1st
Viscount Sherbrooke, (1811-1892) was a controversial British and Australian statesman and
politician. He was a particular opponent of J. S. Mill. He lived in New South Wales from 1841 to 1850. 63 Argyleshire, Scotland.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 160 of 161
within a mile of the house, the land goes down to the shore, and the scenery is very fine – if it
only keeps tolerable weather I think we cannot fail to enjoy ourselves. But Oh! The dreary Cold
& Wet. I have not been without a cough since I landed – that I have now got used to, as well as
to swelled throat and chronic tightness in my chest; of these I would never complain. But when
you add – Cold in the head, with it’s unpleasant concomitants – pains of a rheumatic nature
running down the bones of your legs & arms – an acute stitch in the ribs – and shooting pains in
the
[folio 2 page 5]
2
small of your back, gumboils, toothache, fulness of the head, apparently incipient softening of
the brain, and a threatening of general permanent general all overishness – it begins to be
uncomfortable, and you lose heart a little, and, at all events, feel the sense of keen enjoyment of
life dulled. Thank God, I think I saw upon the main road to-day a little cloud of dust. I hope my
longing eyes did not deceive me.
But before I go further into purely personal matters I had better thank you for your kindly sending
me letters to Mr.White & Mr Wilde – the former I shall present as
[page 6 on verso of page 5]
soon as I can, the latter should I have occasion; I understand it to be purely professional
I have only seen Donald Stirling, but my wife has been to the house and speaks most highly of
the daughters. Stirling did, as you know, make a will after yours [?] – and strangely enough he
employed two lawyers in his business, and being of apparently a secretive nature, the family did
not know of his dealings with the second man at all The wife I understand is left only £1000 a
year and is not at all satisfied with the dear
[page 7]
deceased, as when told of the provision she said she would not believe it. She is not even lef t
the house & furniture, which is the usual solatium64, to a wife of long standing, for your going
away. I have always maintained that a man should leave his wife as much as will enable her to
live in the same style as she has been accustomed to – and with this in view it is prudent not to
accustom her to too much grandeur. The best way of all I feel is, to arrange before your death
with your wife & friends \other/ relatives what you are to do with your money;
[page 8 on verso of page 7]
let them discuss freely how much of you each of them ought to have, and if possible come to an
amicable settlement during your life, of the just partition of you after death. Why should we
hesitate to go into these matters with our next of kin. On this Subject, do you know I am
beginning to doubt the justice of my own will as respects my children, and you must not be
surprised if you find a Codicil.
Touching the manner of E.Stirlings death – there is no doubt, I fear that it was
[page 9 single sheet]]
64
Compensation or consolation.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript Page 161 of 161
3
as you say the result of the fatal telegram. Of course it is a blunder to be so sensitive in love
matters as to allow your son’s disappointment, to carry you off – bad enough to die of your own
affair – and till now I had supposed that only possible with a very young man.
I have seen Mrs Tinline & her son & two daughters but not George65, who has been as usual
suddenly seized with some unaccountable disorder baffling the skill of Physicians. Of course on
any known physical laws he ought to have died in agonies at least a dozen times. I do not doubt
I shall see him next week
[page 10 on verso of page 9]]
in the city
Hawker and his wife & 2 daughters I also saw at Mr […]. Hawker looked a little puffy but was
quite sober, at least as long as I saw him. His wife, old looking and as grey as a rat. The
daughters by no means beauties – the second one very small and not unlike Mrs. Hamilton
without her good looks .
There were a lot of young Australians besides, whom I did not discover, till next
morning I was told of their presence – a very fat daughter of Paxton’s about six feet high and
18 stones weight could not be unobserved anywhere.
[page 11 single sheet]
4
My wife after being at the aforesaid party (at which I saw valse [?] belles) desires to state her
unhesitating opinion – that for looks and style the Adelaide girls are infinitely superior.
Joe O’Halloran was there and displayed some skill, as I thought, in picking out the least ugly as
his partners . Colonial experience no doubt.
Joanna is not writing to Mrs. Hardy by this mail but promises to do so by next with all the gossip
– what that means I do not know –but I do know that women have a fatal facility in
[page 12 on verso of page 11]
collecting that article where it is to be found; a still more fatal faculty of making it where it is not.
So I do not despair for Mrs Hardy. How much better are men. With our united kind regards to
you and Mrs Hardy and to Mabel Ethel & the boys I am
Yours vy truly
R. Barr Smith
65 George Tinline (1815-1895), banker and pastoralist, migrated to Australia in 1838. He had great successes but
also vicissitudes. He bought land on Mt Lofty Summit just north of Arthur Hardy’s house and began to build but was
forced to return to England. The house, ultimately ‘Arthur’s Seat’, was completed by Gavin Young.
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