Z895/1/3

Letter three(pages 5-8) From Abraham, Hobart Town to mother Susanna BIGGS, Bromham. Had written long letter to intimate friend Mr HOWELL. Glad to learn from Bro's letter that letters had arrived for "until then we supposed you might be thinking we were still tossing about on the mighty deep......" Mentions several letters including brother Will's of Jan 23rd which was received May 9th. The ship that brought it made the shortest passage ever known, being but 92 days from weighing to dropping anchor. Letter cost 3p. Remarkably dry summer and the prices of provisions discussed. A recipe for home-made beer is given. Many settlers suffering hardships. House, so far has cost: ground £73.17.0, house £330. Mr BENNETT bought the ground and has advanced the money for the building, but holds the writing as security. Presently employing three good journeymen, carpenters at 7/- per day. Discusses "Charlie's" behaviour. Should anything prevent Mr REILLY from seeing this please inform him that I cannot give more pleasing intelligence of his son. The diligence and activity of my prisoner servant puts him to shame and he promises amendment". Discusses children's health. "Mother, will present us all with a little Tasmanian in about three weeks time". Discusses nurses' and doctors' charges. PS. "Should anything call any of you to London about the time of receiving this, hope you will enquire for Capt BLAIR of the Barque "Clarence" from Hobart Town about May 26/34. He is well know to the Methodist Friends at St Georges in the East". Had dinner with Mr TURNER and Dr BROWNEL. Would wish you to see Mr Geo GELLARD, the son of Mr GELLARD, Methodist Preacher for information on the colony. Female prisoner servant named Susan WINWOOD, had been there four years and had not heard from friends since leaving Chatham. She had a husband and one child also a sister, whom she has written to. Asks if a letter can be sent to another sister, Mrs WARBURTON, Glasier, Bromyard, Herefordshire for news. She is a "decent and good servant". "Captain BLAIR sails into London Docks and will give Mr REILLY a call". Direct all letters to A BIGGS, Builder, New Town Road, Hobart Town, VD Land

19 May 1834

From: 1834 To: 1834

item

Biggs, Abraham,
Biggs, Susanna,
Howell,
Biggs, William,
Bennett,
Reilly,
Blair,
Turner,
Brownel,
Gellard, George,
Winwood, Sarah,
Warburton

family correspondence, beer, carpenter, Methodist individuals, builder, Tasmania, BROMHAM, Hobart, Chatham, Hertfordshire