Z895/1/16a

Letter sixteen(pages 48-51) From Abraham to brother William Writes of brother Jesse death, hoping to meet him "in the new Jerusalem" Glad to hear of his[William's]improvement in health. Writes of the hope of eventually seeing one another again "as steam is bringing us nearer together". Had been very busy preparing wooden houses for the Melbournites. Abraham Edwin and eldest son, Alfred Barrett, in Melbourne, Alfred, as tutor in a school. Writes how the goldfields are attracting all labour and that Richard LONG and a house servant had been absent for a few months after their visit there. Offers help to any nephews and nieces that may want to come over. Mentions the consignment of portraits and other things sent by the "Colonist", Captained by HADLEY. Writes of the enlarged chapel and wish that he could relate the same of Hobart Town and Circuit. "Our large and beautiful chapel is not more than a 1/4 filled upon an average now". Mr T B HARRIS is "a pleasant little man, yet lacking pulpit talent, he rather repels than attracts a congregation". He had been the second preacher until Mr H H GAND went to Sydney, this had caused great unpleasantness. Members had quarrel with one another "Mr G took upon himself to ride over the established right of the Leaders' Meeting and expelled his". Writes of his looks, "rotten stumps, fallen cheeks and almost unshingled roof" and that second daughter "Mrs MATHER" had made "Grannies" of us.

22 Oct 1852

From: 1852 To: 1852

item

Biggs, Abraham,
Biggs, William,
Biggs, Jesse,
Biggs, Alfred Barrett,
Biggs, Abraham Edwin,
Long, Richard,
Hadley,
Harris, T.B.,
Gand, H.H.,
Mather

family correspondence, tutor, gold, Wesleyan Methodist, Tasmania