Z895/1/9

Letter nine(pages 26-29) From Abraham, Jerusalem to father John Barratt BIGGS. At top of page "On the 26th January last it pleased the Lord to take to himself our very dearly beloved little daughter, Elizabeth Susannah, at the age of 10 months". Writes that it is many months since receiving a letter from them(except from Brother Edward). Delighted by the receipt of "the Watchman". Mentions the families health and another accident that had occurred, whilst felling trees. Suffered dislocated ankle and bruising. Carried home and "laid upon the bed from which my poor distressed wife was but just able to remove, she having given birth to a daughter but fifteen days previous" Had been attended to by Dr Wm COLLIER, late of Hemel Hamstead[Hemel Hempstead], now a convict, (to whom, poor Maria CHAPMAN was well known.......) 21st Sept. Increasing in strength[since accident], rode to Hobarton, had met with "BUCKLEY" a man of great notoriety as connected with the Aborigines of Port Phillip. Discussed Aborigines lack of religion and beliefs that the white men were their ancestors, and that BUCKLEY had lived with them for thirty two years. Belief that BUCKLEY had been a convict who had absconded from the first convict ship, and who had later gone to live with the natives and become their chief. Had seen two discovery ships, Erepus and Terror. The ship Triton had brought sad news from New Zealand of Rev J H BUMBY's death. Asked if there was any young man[or two]who was "well acquainted with farming, recommended for diligence and sobriety" who would come out under the Government bounty. Discusses wages etc. Any new of sister Blake? Advised that he had resigned from the office of 'Publick Schoolmaster' gives reasons for leaving and encloses a copy of his resignation with letter. Signs with "I am now the only Catechist in the Colony"!

24 Aug 1838

From: 1838 To: 1838

item

Biggs, Abraham,
Biggs, John Barratt,
Biggs, Elizabeth Susannah,
Biggs, Edward,
Collier, William,
Chapman, Maria,
Buckley,
Bumby, J H,
Blake

family correspondence, newspapers, health, transportation, ETHNIC GROUPS, schoolmaster, Tasmania, Hemel Hempstead