Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    Z506/3/16/1
  • Title
    Letter from Octavius Field to his sister Jessie
  • Date free text
    Oct 1864
  • Production date
    From: 1864 To: 1864
  • Scope and Content
    Geelong. Probably by this time she will have left Croydon. Is still on Geelong Chronicle. Have had letters from Ballarat, from proprietor of Sun, through interests of Mr Hoppel, but nothing decided yet. Has changed residence, put up with dirt as long as could, but now resides with Scotch lady, recommended by Mrs Hunt and Henry – house a palace compared with last. House is situated on hill on the beach. Bedroom is upstairs and balcony all round. Charge same as last - £1. per week, washing included. Emily is up at Ceres with Marianne, who gets on well with the children. Marianne wants her to stay longer 'but I cannot afford to lose her so long from town'. Marianne says 'she is too good for me…'. Will have her likeness taken and send it. He is in Ceres at the moment, and Emily is lying on the sofa, reading the 'Cornhill', while he is writing this. He knows Jessie will love one who 'is to be your sister bye and bye'. 'What do you think of my friend Joe Lander's likeness?... of course you will put it in the album…' Please ask Papa to send carte-de-visite of the Glendower. Hopes to have his likeness to send them soon. Henry and Marianne want him to leave printing and take up scholastic duties. Should get £100 per annum to start with, and after passing examinations, a school similar to Henry's. While working as a journeyman printer, cannot expect more than £3 per week, working every day. As teacher might have £260 per annum. Shall not be able to go up to diggings with Joe Lander this coming summer as Emily will not hear of it. Are beautiful gardens around Ceres. 24 October 1864 Since writing above has been very ill with dysentery, something he is very subject to. Is seriously thinking of living at Ceres. Is only 6 miles. Worst of it is, leaving work at 2 o'clock in the morning. But wants to study with Henry and may buy horse. Get Mama to buy a Lloyds Weekly Paper 1d and put 1d stamp on it and send it to him, at Post Office Ceres. Has to pay 1s 6d for 1d English paper here. 'Write me a long description of your new house'. Also a note to Emily. Seal it up if do not want him to see it. Will send a Post Office Order for a little money for postage stamps 26 October 1864
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