Gerald Terry Collection: Boxes 23-72

undated

Unknown convict?

Unknown (Richard Rouse?)

Fragment of paper with writing on both sides; on one side is written “may Humanity be the Predominent (sic) feature of your Succefsor” etc; on the other side is written “Whenever the time shall be expired for me shake off the of a convic(t), I shall endeavour to steer a Coarse that ma(y) Inable me around those Rocks that may prove so injurious to my Charicter”(sic) etc NB It is possible this piece was written at the time of Richard Rouse’s retirement (1824/5). It is also possible that it was addressed to one of the Governors, or some other authority.

31 August 1818

L Macquarie (Govt. House Sydney)

Richd. Rouse (Parramatta)

Re victualling of people at Bathurst; carts containing provision being conveyed from Sydney to Parramatta; directive for Richard Rouse to provide any extra carts he can spare for conveyance of these provisions to 1st Depot at Penrith; hopes he can provide a couple of carts PS Stored in glass

25 September 1819

James Meehan (Dept/Depy[?] Survr Genl Parramatta)

Richard Rouse (Superintend- ant [sic], Parramatta)

Governor directs that Dr West be assigned the corner allotment opposite the Hospital Gate; to build good two storeyed house; please inform huts, so that they may be paid, will be given substitute allotments etc NB This letter in pieces and damaged by cellotape

18 October 1821

F H W Hammond (?) (Macquarie Field) [sic]

Richard Rouse (Principal Superintendent Parramatta)

Mrs Macquarie requests he enclose key to cupboard so that Richard Rouse may find key to cellar; Rouse to send five dozen oranges weekly “to this place”, remainder to be turned over; also request he send Mrs Macquarie’s book “Madame Rowland’s appeal”; gardener to send strawberries each week and a greater quantity of vegetables

2 January 1822

Ellen Fraser

William Buchanan (Dublin)

Pleading with him not to go abroad; worries about mother (talking of going to Ireland); Ellen’s plans to go to Dublin NB transcribed

May 1822

Mary Ann(e) Buchanan (Prince Hill) “MAB”

William Buchanan (Cork)

Hoped he would give up idea of going abroad; warns him of hardships he may encounter; his talents and abilities; Fraser speaks of taking house, expense, income in the Army; Frank married and gone to England; Charlotte with them; Mother anxious to do something for them (family), Memorial to the King; Mother entreats you to stay at home; other details; signed your affectionate sister “MAB” NB Transcribed

February 1823

William Buchanan (Sydney)

Ellen Buchanan (London)

In this country four months; good passage from Rio de Janeiro to Sydney; convicts and sailors behaved well; Dr Tuke gives him introduction to Dr Douglass who invites him (and luggage) to house in Parramatta; no chance of him serving in his profession in a respectable way, Dr Douglass advises him to capitalise on his knowledge of machinery; Mrs Douglass most amiable; Dr and Mrs Douglass take him to their beautiful estate in district called “The Cow Pastures”; prepares model of Corn Mill to be worked by convicts as punishment for petty crimes, Major Goulburn and Governor approve of it; directed to proceed to Newcastle to make report on expensive Public Work for improvement of shipping and navigation of river; Dr Douglass authorised to make advances of money to him; on high road to fortune if fate does not play “malicious trick”; Mr and Mrs Nowlan’s friendly concern; “this fine and beautiful country infinitely exceeds my expectations”; “the very prisoners are better off than thousands of our poor Country men at home”; “There is no part of the World where a man possessing industry and a capital of a few hundred pounds can do so much or so easily procure the means of comfortable support for a family.” NB Letter in William Buchanan’s hand, now in two parts, damaged by sellotape (removed)

23 February 1824

Robert Fraser (Blackrock, Dublin)

William Buchanan [Civil Engineer] (NSW?)

Complains no letter from William who has written to his mother (Ellen Buchanan) with slighting references to Robert; feels hurt “after all I have done for you”; apologises for not having sent books & instruments because of “want of proper opportunity”; Ellen married to Dr Buchanan; Robert’s daughter Charlotte married to cousin (Samuel Buchanan); William’s sister, Mary Ann, married to Mr Howe, very sorry, much averse to match; Robert’s son, also Robert, very clever; Dr Tuke “astonished” he has not heard from William; Robert feels that he has not been rewarded for his services to the country; William’s mother well and living with Robert; write to him (Civil Engineer) C/O Sir Edward Lees, Post Office, Dublin; suggests William collects butterflies, preserves them and puts them in boxes with camphor, no collection in Europe of this nature, would sell for £1000; will try to send instruments & books by next ship, knows important of theodolite; encloses letter of recommendation to the Governor

8 December 1825(?)

Alex. McLeay (Colonial Secretary’s Office)

William Buchanan (Civil Engineer Norfolk Island)

William to proceed to Norfolk Island on board the Wellington; duties of Lieut. Donnellan to cease when William B arrives on Island; Donnellan appointed by mistake?

1827?

William Buchanan

Statement in William Buchanan’s handwriting re mutiny on board the brig Wellington in December 1826. NB This statement is undated and unsigned. My grandmother, his granddaughter Nina Terry, believed this was the draft of his evidence given before the Supreme Court, Sydney, in February 1827. This document appears to be water damaged and some words are unclear.

23 May 1829

Mary A Howe (née Buchanan)

William Buchanan

Begging him to come home; no news of him from Dr Douglass (in Ireland); General Buchanan takes Margaret’s boy; Wilhelmina well off: legacy from brother-in-law, but doesn’t help Mary Ann; other family news; notes from Mother and Andrew Buchanan NB Transcribed

14 August1829

Alexr. McLeay (Colonial Secretary’s Office)

William Buchanan “Mr W Buchanan”

Governor appoints him Superintendent at Newcastle; to report to Public Works; salary on day he relieves Mr. Rodd £150, with increase of £20 p.a. after one year of service; to have charge of the Convict Establishment, also, without extra allowance

18 November 1831

I C Harington (for the Colonial Secretary)

Charles W0ilson (Director Public Works)

Acting Governor has approved his suggestion of calling William Buchanan from Newcastle to Sydney in order to relieve pressure of work in Sydney NB Copy, attached to letter from Charles Wilson to William Buchanan, dated 18 Nov 1831

24 February 1832

Charles Wilson (Sydney)

William Buchanan

A “pleasure” to “express opinion” of his services as Superintendent of Public Works; “attention and correctness with which you have performed your various duties, together with cleanness and precision with which you conducted your official correspondence merit every testimony I can bear”

7 June 1835

Mary Ann Howe [née Buchanan] (Waterford)

William Buchanan

Mother’s death (Ellen Buchanan); General Buchanan’s bequest to William and Ellen(?); numerous reports of family; Thom Fraser (whom she sends to school); story of her husband “adventurer”; political situation in London; Samuel Buchanan (?) married Ellen or Charlotte(?); (Samuel?) went to Isle of Man (to avoid paying annuity to Mary Ann); other comments NB Transcribed by Bobby Paton with amendments

11 August 1837

William Buchanan

Governor Richard Bourke

Memorial re Retiring Gratuity (in Money or Lands); contains details of William Buchanan’s life and career up to this point; annotation made by Governor Bourke declining William Buchanan’s request, dated 29 October

15 November 1837 (?)

H Dumaresq (Stroud)

William Buchanan

Reply to William B re additional claim for Grant; promises to support WB, although cannot remember circumstances – suggests certificate NB Copy of letter with original

1 August 1838

Mary Ann Howe (Waterford)

William Buchanan (Commissariat, Sydney)

Contains lock of hair and news of family Charles’ arrival in Australia NB Partly transcribed, lock of hair attached

1 May 1841

George Suttor (London)

Richard Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Description of travel in Britain and France, comments on conditions of people in France and Germany; thinks Australia will make as good a wine making country as France; Australian wool rising in value; sees Mr Kennerley’s sisters; great improvement in London; Edwin (Suttor?) at Cambridge NB Damaged by cellotape

12 May 1844

Hannah Rouse Guntawang near Mudgee

Phoebe [Skidmore], (Prince’s End, Tipton, Staffordshire)

Photocopy and transcription of letter given me by Mrs Pat Long of Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales; Phoebe [Skidmore] had lost three children; letter also gives considerable details of Hannah’s circumstances in Australia, her children, relatives, friends, and the relatives by marriage of her aunt, Mrs John Swan Terry, sister-in-law of Samuel Terry; other details NB Phoebe Skidmore appears to have been Hannah’s sister whose husband’s name was Frederick Skidmore. The details of the addressee on the covering page are very indistinct

18 February 1845

J Panton (Sydney)

Richard Rouse

Has been informed that property, Mamre, formerly belonging to Charles Marsden, has fallen into RR’s hands; would like to buy it; please reply by return of post; compliments to Mrs Rouse

5 May 1845

William Buchanan (Sydney)

Mrs Buchanan

Hopes to hear she is reconciled; affairs quiet in the office; a day with Hayes; Mary Ann home with him, Mrs Hayes said she behaved well; love to (her) Father, Mother; invitation to Ball from Governor

24 May 1845

William Buchanan (Sydney)

Mrs Buchanan (Mersheen?)

Bessie (daughter) ill, William distressed; Dr Fullerton prescribes powders from a distance, William sends them; Dr Fullerton advises against country doctors with Bessie’s peculiar constitution; come home if you can; your father to drive you in gig, Ellen, Nancy as far as The Plains; don’t take the (steamer) Sophia Jane, unsafe; instructions about payment, will meet them at wharf NB Transcribed

June 1845 (?)

Hannah Rouse (Guntawang, Mudgee, New South Wales?)

Phoebe [Skidmore], (Prince’s End, Tipton, England))

This is document is a transcription given to me by Sheila Finlayson of Carlingford NSW in May 1997 (Sheila was a relative of Hannah Hipkins); Hannah describes her circumstances with her three children and an “excellent husband”; Mr Rouse kind to her aunt; problems of her brother William; *the Rouses (Snr) married 49 years on 5th of this month; comments about other relatives *Although this letter appears to have been undated, we know that Richard and Elizabeth Rouse were married on 5th June 1796. Hannah also mentions her youngest child, then Elizabeth (Lizzie), being three months old. Elizabeth was born on 20th March 1845. It is probable that this letter was written in June 1845.

25 May 1846

William Buchanan

Legislative Council of NSW

Requesting compensation for loss caused by reduction of salary and eventual loss of position; accompanied by appendices and copies of letters of support; gives details of his career, including effect of mutiny on Wellington when returning to Norfolk Is

25 August 1848

Hannah Rouse (Guntawang near Mudgee)

Her sister (Phoebe?)

Photocopy and transcription of photcopied letter in possession of Mrs P Long of Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales; mentions dresses received; details of (Phoebe’s) family; Mrs Stephen (Hipkins) gives her details of family; wishes William (Hipkins) had share of family property, still living with them; gives details of Aunt (Mrs John Swan Terry); gives details of her own children; asks about members of the family in England, including Uncle Daniel; Mr Hughes tried for fraudulent insolvency, details of his children; goes to see “Old Mrs Terry”, troubled by Mr Hughes; Mrs Terry “a wonderful old woman…does not look any older than when I first saw her”; Mrs Terry pays bill which caused William to go to Insolvency Court; her husband (Edwin Rouse) gone to outstation, William looks after them; put about for domestic servants, “I am always busy from morning to night”; other details

22 March 1849

William Buchanan (Star Inn)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Bessie’s letter, will get her books and toys; journey down, left horse at Muswellbrook with Mr Robinson; mail, a steamer; order on Carter to pay for mares (James); Ellen improved; Mrs Dean’s twins (baby) dead; Jane and Robert Fowler, press him to stay but … Charles with him; he has slight “derangement” of the bowels; nerves shaken NB transcribed

28 March 1849

William Buchanan (Star Inn)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Happiness of receiving her letter; glad James getting better; very ill himself & “most miserably distrefsed”; W.B’s dysentery; Dr Fullerton will not prescribe for James unless he sees him, recommends change in climate, to Moreton Bay(?); visit Mrs Hindmarsh, her poor position, father’s bequest(?); Mr and Mrs Reed (Read?) avoiding them (Mrs); nice piano for Tilly; poor Hayes and son Henry in town, Mrs Hayes and others in NZ; Mrs McDurand (?) stopping at James(‘s), trip to Port Phillip with Mrs Ditman(?); Mr McCarter (not seen?); Charles (Buchanan?) sells wool for 8 ½ pence a pound; will have to sell his sheep; (WB?) will have to mortgage everything; no job possible until Governor returns; Sydney wretchedly dull; “you and my darling little Bessie”; other details

23 April 1849

Mary Hindmarsh (Surry Hills)

Mrs Buchanan

Pleased to see her dear old friend in town; William Buchanan (Canny?) looks none the worse for wear; pleased to get letter from you; William looking for work in Sydney(?); glad to hear your health improved; the children often talk about Bessie; William gives Sarah needles; Sarah to send you patterns; Sarah teaches Mary and Tissie at home; Tilly writes you long letter; going to move to Newtown; Willie always in her thoughts, now in London, how much she would like to see him; other news

25 April 1849

William Buchanan (22 Church Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Worries because he has not heard from her; Charles bringing shoes, sugar, tea; tallow sold; paid Newton; £35 to Dean; sheep should bring fair price; Mr and Mrs McDurand (?), he is hard pressed; Mr and Mrs Reed, gave her “decided cut”; Jo(e) adding to Tara (house); chimney for sitting room (?); paddock ought to be ploughed; “If the Blacks come, get them to strip Back for you”; hopes Frank has put wethers on the Congi; what is Nivison doing(?); is worrying about her; Ellen sends love

9 May 1849

William Buchanan (22 Church Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Has medicine he sent worked, is her health better (?); grateful to God; sale of sheep not hopeful; dispute with Nivison over road crossing, my brother or Charles’s run; inquiries to Frank and Charles, “you know nothing”; wrote to Jamieson to correct application for Lease; Col Barney says he (WB) must amend caveat published in few days; Joe agreed to floor both rooms; careless riding; nothing was wrong with Dicky’s back, Glass to look at him; the Glasses (family) and keeping “the little boy”, no one willing to take so young an apprentice; sending the mare to Carter’s; sorry to hear about potatoes; your mother’s shoes, also Mary Ann’s; sorry James works so hard etc, mentions clothes for him; overwhelmed by his feelings, “absence must surely measure love” NB transcribed

16 May 1849

William Buchanan (22 Church Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Coming home; sheep (and station) sold for 4/- a head; Dean willing to supply requirements before money arrives; letter from Mr Jamieson(?); has to get carrier; Charles and Nat return to-morrow; attack of ophthalmia, one night could not lie down for pain but now better; Mrs Charles’s book NB transcribed

12 February 1850 (?)

Wilhelmina Kelly (Upper Pembroke Rd, Dublin)

William Buchanan

William and Mrs Buchanan’s kindness to John Burne; good governess for Bessie; John looking for employment; accident with leg; sending out box containing present; sending miniature of her grandfather (Andrew Buchanan?); childhood memories of Prospect Lodge and Holly Brook; singing and whistling, like the birds NB Transcribed, letter damaged by sellotape, difficult to remove without damaging letter. On a visit to Co Wexford in Ireland in 1996, I was shown Prospect Lodge, near New Ross, by Mr John Murphy. Mr Murphy told me that Holly Brook no longer existed. However, he showed us the imposing gates which he said had stood at the entrance to its driveway.

19 November 1850

Mary Hindmarsh Easinton (?) Cottage, Newtown

William Buchanan

Claims against her father’s estate; has consulted her friends who all agree claims are considerable; William Buchanan an executor her husband’s estate; (Nicholls and Williams, Solicitors?); to take out Letters of Administration; will he agree to be Executor(?); has sent James (her son?) to another school; Mary and Tissie growing taller; Mrs Iredale married again & gone to Goulburn “poor girl”; her brother William has married Miss McDonald, gone to California; has he heard from brother (Charles?) in California; Tissy (?) has 4 puppies called Willie, James, Mary & Tissy; inquires for Mrs Buchanan; other family news

7 May 1851 (?)

William Buchanan

Bessie Buchanan

Be good; bringing books and toys; fatherly, entertaining letter NB transcribed,

12 July 1852

Tilley Hindmarsh

Mrs Buchanan

Mary delighted with present of gold; terrible floods at Gundagai, 70 people drowned; cold winter; will never forget Mrs Buchanan; Port Phillip wonderful for gold; James with Mr McLeod? drive cattle from Mr M’s station to Melbourne; made £1,000 (report) – will speculate and lose it(?); love to Mary Ann and Bessie; Willie to write to them NB transcribed

8 August 1852

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Bessie (Buchanan)

Her first letter to Bessie; ‘You must think when reading this that I am talking to you’; WB will come for her when river fit to cross; Grandmama, Grandfather, Uncle, Mary Ann desire love to you

15 March 1854

Henry M (?) Salisbury (New England ?)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara?)

Unable to say farewell; leaving Australia; ill for more than a month; can hardly get into the gig; thanks for her kindness which he will never forget

24 August 1854

William Buchanan (Tara)

Bessie Buchanan

Pleased to receive her letter and see improved writing; grieved about Mother’s health and her cough; long, interesting description of domestic animals and birds (their fate etc); native cat kills weasels; Lupin wicked, attacks everyone except Mary Ann (Bennis?); Grandfather taking care of the cats; 2 hens to ‘Uncle’; had to leave fruit trees bought in Sydney at the Page (River), planted in Neal’s garden NB Transcribed

12 October 1854

William Buchanan (Tara)

Mrs Buchanan (Sydney)

Mrs Buchanan still not well; no offer for cattle; mixed up with William’s (W F Buchanan?) losses from herd through carelessness; anxious for William’s return, would get better price if cattle sold in one lot; Mary Ann takes possession of new kitchen (description), William builds it(?); Coales? sends down cutlery, some missing; Mrs B pleased with young Burne, looking for Govt job, could join Frank and Nat (Buchanan) in their speculations, gold digging etc; Frank and Nat here for three more days; getting spring cart, £40, get Mr Fowler’s help; Jane prepares cushions for front seat, gig harness; cannot come for her unless Walker comes back, everything would go to the dogs NB Transcribed

1 February 1855

Thomas Kelly

William Buchanan

Writing on behalf of “Wilimina” (his wife & William Buchanan’s niece); expressing affection

29 March 1855

Hannah Rouse (Rouse Hill near Windsor)

Daniel (Hipkins)

Photocopy and transcripton of letter given to Caroline Thornton by Max Hipkins of Dalkeith, Western Australia, former Mayor of Nedlands, and distant relative of Hannah Rouse Thanking him for advancing money to bring Stephen to this Colony; still some land to be disposed of (in England, part of father’s estate); wishes Father’s affairs brought to a close, hopes he can sell land to advantage; Stephen (Hipkins) and family arrive, trusts they may do well; other details

21 December 1856

Thomas Kelly (6 Upper Pembroke St, Dublin)

William Buchanan

Box for John going with the Wellington c/- Gilchrist (&) Watt(?) [Gilchrist, Watt & Co?]; asking W.B to help John obtain box (must have been the first box)

11 April 1857(?), possibly 1859(?)

Ann(e) Buchanan Signed “A.B.” (Very faint writing)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara?)

Complains about Nat (Buchanan); no funds to buy stores or medicine because Nat has their funds; asks Mrs Buchanan to intervene NB Transcribed, confusion with another letter also dated 11 April 1857/59 (?), but (postmark)ed 6 April 1859, Tinone(e?), envelope in Anne B’s hand

circa 1858 - 1860 (?)

E Evelyn R (Robinson?)

The family at Rouse Hill House (?)

Poem believed to be written by Mrs Robinson in complimentary and amusing style, after a visit to the family at Rouse Hill House NB My grandmother Nina believed this letter was written somewhere between 1858-1860 after a visit to Rouse Hill House. She believed that Mrs Robinson lived in Windsor and later in Parramatta (see letter written on 2nd Jan 1885, by Evelyn E Robinson from Government House, Parramatta). See also Mrs Robinson’s letter dated 28 March 1874. One typed copy of the poem is included and filed separately, with an annotation (in Nina Terry’s hand) and typed commentary. Another copy, also filed separately, is in the handwriting of Caroline Thornton (née Terry), then aged about 13, who transcribed the poem at the request of her grandmother, Nina Terry

18 December 1858

Annie (Thonton/ Thornton?) Hildyard (Geneva)

Mrs Buchanan

Please forward (enclosed) letter to her brother; thanks for taking care of brother [Burn(e)]; Mr Hildyard and self staying summer in Geneva; (?) Mr Hildyard’s brother and sister, Sir John (baronet?) and Lady Thorold; forgive few lines; happy returns of the season

1 February 1859(?)

Mary Ann Howe (Portobello, Rosebank, Edinburgh)

William Buchanan

Pleasure at seeing his letter at Robert Fraser’s; most of their dear ones (whom WB knew) have died; brother Sam and wife Catherine dead, brought up their children: Ellen (a governess), Henry William (Corporal) in India, 73rd regiment, chooses to be non- commissioned, rather than be a burden to her; Wilimina lives with her (aged 18), some teaching; Robert (Fraser) very well off, £400 – £700 a year, his son ordained; WB’s “prominent present” will be very welcome; Charlotte Fraser settled a small amount on her before Charlotte’s marriage (£25 a year); has not heard from Charles since he went to Australia NB Transcribed

20 May 1859

Lawford Burne, (11 Windmill St, Sydney)

William Buchanan

Illness, coughing fits; feeling very weak; unable to accept WB’s invitation; would like to go north, Moreton Bay direction, difficult; NB met Mr Dean (auctioneer), praise for WB NB Transcribed

25 August 1859 (?)

Wilhelmina Kelly (Kingstown Ireland)

Mrs Buchanan

Glad to receive letter and learn of continued improvement of her health; “my dear dear (sic) Willie” (William Buchanan?); mail going astray; Johnnie and little Johnnie (Burne) looked after by WB; Bessie’s hair; gifts to Bessie which cousin brought from Geneva and the Mediterranean

10 December 1859

Mary A Howe(?) (9 Norton Place Edinburgh)

William Buchanan

Very pleased to hear from him, “dear dear good wife”; “dear dear Brother”; Buchanan Coat of Arms (has not seen for years back) and crest; brother John, dead, Samuel (his son?) dead, married to Charlotte Fraser; Wilhelmina Kelly doesn’t mention him; Charles not doing so well; WB’s headaches; kindness to Wilmina (niece), opportunity for her to go to Australia(?); best wishes for your health & happiness NB Mary A Howe was William Buchanan’s sister. A handwritten inscription is enclosed

1860 (?)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Bessie (Armidale?)

Disappointed at not getting letter from her; Johnnie returned without Bessie, Mrs Brett kept her because ill; only a few lines; Papa impatient about her sitting up so long; “a mother’s best love” etc

14 February 1860

William Buchanan Tara

Bessie Buchanan

Hopes they all got to Mrs Nivison’s safely; don’t let anxiety get in the way of pleasure trip; get Sambo shod; Mama and he send love NB Letter in fragments

(February 1860?)

Mrs Buchanan (Tara)

Bessie Buchanan (Ohio?)

Pleased she can express herself so affectionately; please God not long before they meet again; the place dull without her; love to Mrs Baird and Elizabeth; remember her to Mr and Mrs Nivison; Papa, Grandfather and Mary Ann join in love to her etc

(June 1860?)

Mrs Buchanan

William Buchanan (Tara?)

Glad husband and friends well; health bad; free from violent pain; will be looking for him on Monday (to bring her home?); love to Mary Ann; Mrs Baird & Elizabeth send love; Mr & Mrs Nivison send kind regards (?)

18 June 1860

Mary Elizabeth Hildyard

Bess (Bessie Buchanan)

Mentions Uncle John; ‘Aunt Jane’ (Burne) in Australia; please send a likeness; Bessie’s drawings; her pussy; * makes up plays about Cousin Bessie NB transcribed

25 September 1860

Wilhelmina Kelly (formerly Burne, née Buchanan)

Mrs Buchanan

Her welcome letter; William & (wife) Mrs Buchanan’s kind treatment of Johnnie (Burne); John used to tell her that Mrs Buchanan was ‘so gentle, so rational, so religious and kind’; ‘nervous throbbing of my temple’; recommends beef tea for health; same name as her father; some of WB’s brothers lost position and means; climate(?); Lawford’s going to Australia was strange, but was singular all his life; John (gave up commission) and Jane (Burne?); appointment from Sir William Denison; Admiralty, Thomas’s own register; Lawford lost money(?); other news; apologises for writing so much

22 November 1860

Thos (?) F Kelly (Newtown Smith [?] Kingstown)

William Buchanan

Thanks for Sydney Journal; Bessie’s note to Wilmina; packet of letters received at his court; also gold dust and pebbles in registered packet; ‘little Mary” to get what is intended for her; concern for Mrs B’s health; Wilmina’s affection for Mrs B “whom space keeps asunder”; “who in person never saw each other”; sad, sad tidings, poor Lawford’s fate; John tries manfully to fill his place; the volunteer service in Sydney, Adjutant(?); recommend from Gen Sir E Blakeney (?) but should be paid(?); asks WB to advise him NB According to the Port Macquarie Cemetery records “poor Lawford” Burne died in 1859

23 April 1861

M E Rowsell [Mary] (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan? Tara

Begins ‘My dearest Mama’; Mrs B’s health; staying with Mrs Glass(?); Miss Buckland marries older man; Mr Hungerford drives her to wedding in country; she is called Mrs Hungerford by mistake; Mr Rowsell has face ache; Mary Ann’s diarrhea; James still with us, looking for Australian home to (?); love to Bessie, Annie and Willie NB Mary probably felt very attached to Mrs Buchanan. It appears that she married Evan Edward Rowsell, solicitor of Armidale, at the Buchanan residence, Tara, in 1860. Tragically, her husband died in 1865 and she herself was killed in an accident (drowned?) in 1870. It appears from family correspondence that, later, their two sons may have been brought up by their grandfather (or uncle) in England

18 December 1861

W Kelly (Wilhelmina) [née Buchanan, formerly Burne], (Kingstown, Ireland)

William Buchanan

Wishes many happy returns; anxious to hear from them; Mrs B’s illness, trip to Sydney, return to Tara(?); dreams she visits Tara (Australia); thanks William and Mrs Buchanan for their kindness to John (Burne); John gets job, overseership of roads, with William Buchanan’s help; wrote to Mr Robertson; Jane does not write despite letters from them; questions Sydney Post Office efficiency; Thomas busy with court work; Lawford growing up well, not so good looking at his “poor, poor ruined Father”, to be a Minister(?); Annie and her four lovely daughters on Isle of Wight (Annie born in 1824 after Willie had left Ireland), then a boy “who died”, “poor Willimina” (herself?); John’s ‘waste of time’ a grief to her; her ankle which was badly hurt is recovering; enjoying the sea air

18(?) April 1862

John Fairfax (Ginahgullah, Bellevue Road)

Hannah Rouse

Eloquent letter of consolation and sympathy on death of husband, Edwin: “In sincere sympathy & Christian sympathy”

5 August 1862 (or 60?)

Anne Buchanan (Wurrana [sic])

Mrs Buchanan

Anxious to reply to your much prized letter etc; her grandchildren very nice & very good; likes Laura (Buchanan) very much, open friendly manner, unsophisticated & sensible; visited Mr & Mrs Blackstone, felt sick on way there, but appears to have enjoyed herself; left at Coonamble, accident in dog cart on way home(?), Laura & Baby pitched out and Baby picked (up?) off sand etc; got home and was very ill with Fainting(?); Mrs Waller visiting from Tamworth; Mr Johnstone visiting Wee Waa; Mr Price(?) liked for his songs, plays & sings at a harmonium for want of piano, is at the Parsonage; waiting for letter from Bessie; supposes you will have seen Charles (her son); sold one of his runs for £1000, buying bullocks in Maitland; Charles (husband) has ear ache, would like to see you; sorry about Mrs Buchanan’s health, hopes Mrs Burne all right; expecting letter from Mary Ann(?); Mr Buchanan joins in love to you etc

24 August 1862(?)

Tissie [Hindmarsh?] (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Leaving on Tuesday with Mr Burke(?) on horseback for Tara; Eliza and Mr Johnstone travelling in Buggy, will stay a week; later remarks Eliza and Mr Johnstone will not reach Tara until Wednesday; Mr Rowsell much better but very thin; NB Other details of travel difficult to decipher

1 December 1862

Alfred Stephen (Lyons Terrace, Sydney)

Hannah Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Persuasive, long letter appealing for interest in St Paul’s College, Sydney University, and acknowledging Hannah’s gift of £5 NB Letter placed with earlier, larger letters

circa 1863

(Mrs) Elizabeth Baird (Tara)

Mrs Buchanan

Thanks for “the trouble you have taken for me”; the box is at Dixon’s; begrudges spending so much money on tweed dress; buy grey tweed off peg for her; sorry Mrs Buchanan writing in such low spirits; has missed her greatly; has got Mrs McHatton’s dress made to her satisfaction; Mrs Rowsell likely to return with Mrs Buchanan; Mrs Buchanan’s sister (Annie/Nancy Glass?); Mrs Baird feels she is imposing; Bessie (at Tara) writing to her; writer will leave as soon as Mrs B returns NB Letter transcribed

circa 1863

Bessie Buchanan (Tara)

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale?)

Delighted to get her letter; lovely weather, don’t shut yourself up in house; letter from Tissie; house full of visitors, including Willie(y); Mrs McHatton & baby, afraid she cannot stay in kitchen; Mr Dixon says Mrs Buchanan (Mother) looking well & Tissie is stunning girl; note from Miss Price; Mr Hungerford takes services at Tara, no shepherds attend, but good turnout, Mr Hungerford leaves for Bendemeer; Mrs Baird to leave tomorrow; love to Eliza etc

1863?

E M Brett (Gostwyck)

Mrs Buchanan

Bessie ill, unfit for a long ride in this heat; Annie, Elizabeth and Mrs Baird at Tara; Mr Palmer or I will bring her home NB Transcribed

5 February 2005

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie (Tara)

Happy to see Papa’s letter; sorry to hear Bessie’s cold not better, journey on cold day; drive around racecourse in buggy; has tea at Mary’s in company of Dr & Mrs Spasshalt, Miss Price, Mr Martin, the three little Fenwick(e?)s & little Anna (?) Nivison(?); yesterday another riding party: Tissie, Miss Price, Mr Johnstone, Dr Spasshalt & James (Lucas?); Mr Martin drives Mary; later Mrs Buchanan goes for drive; James to accompany Mary to Tara and Surveyor’s Creek (for a change, her health?); shortage of rooms at Tara; Annie and Mary Ann arrangements for sleeping; John could sleep in hut, meals in kitchen; Mr Johnstone will be at Tara on Tuesday; Bessie and girls might ride to Surveyor’s Creek with him, but change of plan because of Mary; more about sleeping arrangements

June(?) 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

William Buchanan (Tara?)

Mail late on Friday; wishes she could see him; hopes weather clears up so he can come and see her; could consult about remaining (in Armidale) longer; went to Church with Tissie and dinner with Mary; Mrs Buchanan staying with her sister Nancy (Annie) Glass(?); Mary wants to stay at Tara; is Willie going north(?); trusts in God the sheep doing well & no unpleasant occurrences to annoy; “my dear unselfish sister makes me so comfortable” (Mrs Glass); “your ever affectionate wife”

8 June 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara?)

She, Mary & Tissie walk to Moore’s for the “things”; Mr Dangar and Bessie’s gloves, “extremely obliged”, waiting in person to thank him; gets Mrs Baird’s & Mrs McHatton’s “things” from Moore’s, her silver thimble etc; Mary gives her bonnet; Mr Johnstone takes her for drive around racecourse etc, very kind to your Aunt (Ann/Nancy Glass?); details of other social interaction in Armidale NB Mr Thomas Johnstone (later Dr) was a much- respected Presbyterian Minister in Armidale. He later married Mrs Buchanan’s niece, Eliza Glass.

11 June 1863

William Buchanan (Tara)

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Mrs B’s headache; river flooded; will send Johnny for Mrs B’s things (Mrs Baird?); Mrs Kelly’s box at Cohen’s; doesn’t think Bessie can leave now; Mrs Baird and daughter; Bessie looking after him well, attentive to everyone; can’t bring Mary (Rowsell?) while Mrs Baird occupying your only bedroom; must finish, postboy coming; fond and anxious hope for her NB Transcription by hand included occupying your only bedroom; must finish, postboy coming; fond and anxious hope for her NB Transcription by hand included

14 June 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie (Tara)

Made happy by receiving letters from her & Papa; knows you are fond of news; Mrs Weaver asks her to spend next Tuesday with her; Mr & Mrs Hungerford, Mrs Fenwick(e?) and Miss Jobling call, so late for Mary’s; eggs and tongue for Mrs Hungerford; hopes she has got the things from Bendemeer; refers to Mrs Fenwick(e?), Miss Jobling; Annie (Glass?) staying with Bessie; William Buchanan (husband) coming to see her (Mrs Buchanan)

17 June 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

William Buchanan (Tara)

“Since my(?) poor scrawl gives you so much pleasure” (will write letter to him); Bessie with WB; grieved to hear about WB’s headaches; Nat Buchanan sends cheque for £15 with letter, query money first; Mr Johnstone starts for Walcha tomorrow; Mrs B sends WB’s snuff; will write to Bessie & Mrs Baird; Mrs Buchanan’s health; looking for him on Friday; “May God continue to bless you all”

21 June 1863

William Buchanan (Tara)

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Mr Blythe brings letter; wishes she would consult Dr Spasshalt; Bessie puts things to rights; Frank (Buchanan) starts tomorrow, will send Johnnie with him to collect things she sent; got the snuff; will be with her as soon as he can travel; offer of £8000 from Brewsters for station, will not accept, numbers of sheep etc; love to Nancy and Mary; river swollen; missing her

25 June 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara)

Affectionate letter giving news of stay in Armidale

6 July 1863

Mia Jamieson (209 Macquarie St)

Mrs Buchanan

Pleasure and pain at hearing from her; Mrs B’s illness; new wonder medicine, Dr Browne’s Chlorodyne; young people dance at Surveyors Creek; Anna with her in Sydney; Mr Johnstone liked by the Walcha people; hopes Mrs Baird taken Blythe’s cottage; Mrs Baird occupying Mrs B’s spare room; her proud Highland Spirit; glad to hear from Willie Maxwell young people’s pleasant evening; she and Anna faithful attendees at Dr Steele’s Free Church; other news

13 July 1863

Aunt Anne (Buchanan?)

Bessie Buchanan

Very ill, describes remedies; sorry Mrs Buchanan ill; Laura (Buchanan) away (?); Frank coming to escort them, at/from Warrena (?) (Anne wife of Charles Buchanan) NB Transcribed

26 July 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

William Buchanan

The Allmighty (sic) good; sheep doing well; wants to come home; trouble with Mrs Baird’s feelings; Bessie with her; Mary and Mrs Cooper; plans for Bessie to go home; Mr Johnstone’s sermons; thanks for cheque NB Transcribed

29 July 1863

Mia (Jamieson)

Mrs Buchanan Armidale

Description of journey, from Sydney to Tara; seems to have taken two weeks; “Bessie’s soft, gentle, voice” NB transcribed

July 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara)

Fears William Buchanan (husband) will not be able to buy glass in Armidale; other details re the mail; Bessie to come to Armidale (?); other details of prospective purchases

26 August 1863

Charles Buchanan (Warrena?)

William Buchanan

Death of Anne (wife); no Minister of religion, a disgrace (sounds distressed) NB transcribed

28 August 1863

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara?)

Mary and her boys visit Tara(?); Mrs Buchanan staying at Manse (?); mentions Eliza, Willie, Johnnie and Annie; “Poor James” brother (James Lucas)

29 December 1863

S H Terry

(Hannah) Rouse (Rouse Hill)

“Enclosed are the Treasury receipts – I am pleased to hear that Emma arrived safely. Mrs Terry and the children are quite well and unite with me in kind regards and the best wishes of the season to yourself and family & believe me to be My own dear Aunt Yours affectionately S H Terry” NB S H Terry had been appointed as one of three trustees of Edwin Rouse’s estate. Earlier in 1863, however, he appears to have resigned this trusteeship. The young Richard Rouse (of Guntawang) was appointed to take his place (see Registrar General’s Office, Indenture No 291, Book 84, Appointment of New Trustees, 6 August 1863).

23 January(1864?)

Wm (Wilhelmina) Kelly

Bessie Buchanan (Tara?)

Can’t understand why she hasn’t received letter for two years; William (Buchanan) kind to Johnnie, takes him home, but Johnnie not well, will never again visit Australia; sending Irish music; plays better than before; details of her harp; Bessie’s four Hildyard cousins; Judge Kelly busy at Court; Lawford studying hard (for the church); direct next (letter) to 10 Lower Lesson St

30 January1864

William Buchanan

Mrs Buchanan

Hopes she reached Walcha safely (from Armidale?); case of Mr Jamieson; Brewster writes to Mr Doyle, re Reservations; took Bessie and Tissie for ride; Mrs Weaver at Mrs Perry’s; Frank (Buchanan) not appointed, intends going to Nat (Buchanan); ‘You shant (sic) leave again without me” NB Transcribed

29 June/July 1864 (postmark)

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara)

Interesting & eventful trip to Armidale via Walcha described at length; overtaken by Mr Husband; Mrs Stitt very kind; Miss Price in Armidale; writing by candlelight; love from Papa, your Aunt & Eliza

4 July 1864

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara)

Has had plenty of visitors: Ann(ie), Mary, Mrs Spasshalt, Baby, Mr & Mrs Hungerford, Mr Bradshaw, Miss Gill, two Miss Fenwick(e?)s, Miss Price, Mrs Blythe & Mrs Jobling, Mr Martin, James & Mr Rowsell; Papa taking things with him on Wednesday or Thursday; a green dress for Bessie, a brown one for Annie; tell Annie Mr Mitchell not yet returned; Papa, Aunt & Eliza write with love

25 July 1864

Mrs Buchanan (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (Tara)

Papa (WB) with her in Armidale; his Reverence? (on tour?) not what he was; Bessie and her father call on Mrs Blyth; Mrs Fenwick(e?) invites them to a little party; Mary, Tissie, James, and Mr Martin to dinner; spends day with Mrs Spasshalt; the Dr & wife wish Bessie to stay with them; Mr Orten has tea with them; Mr Rowsell and Mr Paine for Tenterfield; the Court open last week (Mr Perry drove the judge from Bendemeer); has not seen Mr and Mrs Weaver; will write to Mrs Baird and get her to give cloak for Elizabeth to postboy, Mr Johnstone not going to Walcha for 3 weeks; Mrs Hungerford asks her to delay visit; has Easterman gone to collect his friends; good- bye dearest girl etc

29 December 1864

Nina Spasshalt (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Rowsell child (boy), description of birth; Dr Spasshalt sends note to wife about birth; Nina Spasshalt comes to help; reactions to baby NB transcribed

16 January1865

Evan Rowsell (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan (North Shore)

New baby to be called Clarence William after his uncle; like Walter; the Buchanan’s new house

3 April 1865

Mary M Smith (Villa Walcha)

Mrs Buchanan (St Leonards, North Shore)

Thanks for sympathy at time of “bitter trial”; death of sister-in-law(?), brother in “low spirits”; laid beside “my sainted daughter”; Mrs Jamieson’s good deeds(?); sister coming from England; sister’s son commenced business in Sydney; hopes she will write sometimes

11 June 1865

John Glass (Armidale)

William Buchanan

Mr Johnstone and William Buchanan go surety for him for job in bank; first month pay £4.3.4; thanks William for his kindness to him re Bank

15 July 1865 (postmark)

Eliza V Sibley (Grantham)

Bessie Buchanan (St Leonards)

(Letter undated) come and visit; make up your mind to go to ball, especially fancy dress one; as Aboriginal in red blanket

27 August 1865

Mary Elizabeth Rowsell

Mrs Buchanan

Has had cooking and housework to do; have thrown estate to insolvency court; Mrs Glass, Annie and Elizabeth, good looking; Walter and Clarence (sons?); husband Evan dead; sad memories NB Transcription also included

16 October 1865

Eliza V Sibley (Grantham)

Bessie Buchanan (St Leonards)

Wanted to speak with her at last Reception; to start on journey with Aunt, though aunt has been unwell; writing letter to Miss Price; had likeness done at Chandler’s; write and tell her about the “Party”; “good-bye”

25 December 1865

Eliza Johnstone (Longford)

Bessie Buchanan (St Leonards)

Mostly news about people from New England, mentions the Blythes, the Bells, the Gills, the Skinners, the Abbotts, Mrs Stitt, Mrs Galbraith, Mrs Rowsell, Mrs Simpson, Mrs McIntyre, Miss McKenzie, Mr Payne, Bessie Perry, the Browns, the Sealys; also details of “Mr Johnstone’s” preaching; friendly note from Mr Johnstone (Presbyterian Minister)

15 February 1866

Wilhelmina (Kelly)

William Buchanan

Has not written for long time, but all of you in my thoughts; “the home you had yourself created in the wildernefs”; move to Sydney; W.B’s headaches; cannot help Jane and family, hopes for Thomas to get increase in salary but some of her houses unlet; Fenians, lower class people; “The Dragons Teeth” sown by O’Connell and the Priests; Annie Hildyard (daughter) on visit; John (Burne?) seeking employment in London; but one post a month to and from Australia; message for Jeanie Burne, has her letter; Lawford at lectures at “College”; other news and comments

9 July 1866

James A Glass (Inverell)

Mrs Buchanan (St Leonards, North Shore)

Eliza married 5th July, moved to Manse (m. Revd Thomas Johnstone); Mr Craig of Tamworth performs ceremony; says in her letter “tinkettled”; court held here not long ago; his cough very bad; Mr Ashdown left Mr Selby, gone to Mr Robinson’s, teaching school once in Armidale; “Your affectionate nephew”

28 December 1866 (postmark)

J C Galbraith (21 Cooper Terrace,

Mrs Buchanan (St Leonards)

Returns ferry fare; beautiful scenery around *the Buchanan’s house; coming to them for a couple of days after visit to Mrs Walter Lamb; Miss Wilks joins in

11 January1867

Eliza Johnstone (The Manse, Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Family and local news

22 February 1867

Eliza Johnstone (The Manse, Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan (St Leonards, North Shore)

Family and local news

5 March 1867

Charles(?) Palmer (Bank of NSW, Sydney)

W. Buchanan (St Leonards)

Letter noting that dividend accruing from Bank of NSW Stocks will paid into his Commercial account during his absence from the colony

6 March 1867

Charles Palmer (?) Bank NSW, Sydney

William Buchanan (St Leonards, North Shore)

Acknowledging request for dividends in his absence to be paid into Credit (account) with Commercial Bank

12 March 1867

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Bessie Buchanan (St Leonards, North Shore?)

Plants which William Buchanan bought on her behalf; other local news and local people

15 March 1867

Annie Glass (Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (St Leonards, North Shore)

The Buchanan’s getting ready for voyage; Agnes Fletcher dies; Mr Scott’s death; Bessie to sell her horse; thanks for hat; no Wesleyan Minister, Mr Orton and Mr Zellman (Methodist Ministers?); kindest love to Uncle & Aunt

15 March 1867

Eliza Johnstone (The Manse, Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (St Leonards)

Mrs Scott’s parcel; Bachelors’ Ball next month; Mr (Mr) (Mr) Husband said to be engaged to Agnes Nivison; is it off between Belfield and Miss Husband; Mrs Skinner waiting for return of the Simpsons and Abbots for party; Mr & Mrs Johnstone go to Surveyor’s Creek, Eliza will call at Gostwyck on the way; Mr Buchanan visits; other news and enquiries

20 March 1867

T A Dibbs (Asst Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney)

William Buchanan (St Leonards)

Replying to enquiry; William Buchanan is holder of 38 shares representing £950 in the Capital Stock of this Bank

22 March 1867

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Mrs Buchanan

Thanks for notes and picture (of Bessie?); wishes her to take a likeness of herself and letter to her sister in Scotland; Mrs Fletcher’s loss, Agnes(?); Mr Scott (Surveyor’s Creek) dies without making will, Mrs Connell inherits a third; “most happy my dearest friend that you do not think of remaining in England”

25 March 1867 (?)

Laura (?) Blythe (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Thanks for kind note re death of her little boy; interesting details; her mother and sister in Florence; mother (?) obliged to leave Bombay (heat); Mama complains about English climate; thanks for likenesses

2 April 1867

Mary Smith (Villa Walcha)

Mrs Buchanan

Wishing happy voyage; friends at Torrwood; Bachelors’ Ball, Armidale; Miss Fletcher’s death; bereavement has made them thoughtful; Bessie’s loveable and personal charms; hoping they return to their adopted country; other details NB This letter is cross-written and very difficult to decipher

5 April 1867

“Prayer to be used daily at Sea” adapted from the Book of Common Prayer by W F Creeny

18 May 1867

Miss Price [Pricie] (Longreach, NSW)

Bessie Buchanan (c/- Kelly in Kensington North)

6 weeks since departure of Sobraon; Pricie in wilds of bush; floods; Bessie’s favourite horse Archer at Grantham; best friend goes “home”; Sir John & Lady Young leave Sydney; Pricie misses excitement (when) in the bush; amusements of London; letter from Captain Cadell, poor old fellow, kind and thoughtful; will feel like fish out of water when visiting Sydney; will write regularly; other comments NB Miss Price was said by Nina Terry to have been governess to her mother, Bessie Buchanan. This letter is cross written and difficult to decipher but contains interesting detail

23 May 1867

T A Dibbs (Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney)

William Buchanan (Care of Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, Lobdon)

Re statement of Account; Dividends from Bank of NSW stock £176; account previously overdrawn and present balance is only £3.8.8; not worth sending draft

31 May 1867

W F Buchanan (Kellett House)

William Buchanan

Drought broken; 55 miles of fencing contracted; Nat (Buchanan), 30,000 wethers(?); Laura at Kiama; Creeny has written, jolly as ever; Mrs Greville dies; refers to Mrs Rowsell; ball at Government house; Birthday Ball; Charles Buchanan in New England (WF’s father); Johnny Burne managing well at Warrena; Johnny B tutored 2 hrs each evening by Mr Broderick; Mrs Dangar sells Bessie’s horse; saw the Buchanans (aboard Sobraon) off from lighthouse; bad weather; little Willie wanting to go too (with the Buchanans) NB Transcribed

14 July 1867

Alice Hamersley (South Hampstead)

Bessie Buchanan (Dangar & Co 30 Great St Helens London)

Meeting and photograph possibility

18 July 1867

William Buchanan (No 11 Radnor Place, London)

(Revd.) Wm. Fred Creeny

Describes the hazards of their journey to Britain aboard the Sobraon in longish letter. The following are excerpts from the letter: “The weather was very fine and tolerably fair weather, everything going on prosperously until we neared the Auckland Islands, when just as night had set in, and the ship going 12 knots when land was descried right ahead, not more, it was thought, than half a mile distant. The Captain with great promptitude, altered the ve∫sels course, and we coasted along the face of a volcanic cliff narrowly escaping a small solitary rock not a cable's length to seaward of us, when we were again brought up by a cry of land ahead and the brave ship going at a rapid pace, obayed the helm admirably, pa∫sing at the same time a grim & formidable rock quite close to us on the other side, we then stoo[d] on obliquely from the Island which turned out to be a largest of the group and mercifully escaped in safety. The confusion & dismay which reigned on board among the pa∫sengers were fearful, some of whom & of the sailors were preparing for a swim. The Captn declared had the ve∫sel struck every soul must have perished. This untoward occurrance was attributed, and I think fairly to the circumstances that, for two days previously no observation of the sun could be had, and what was worse the compa∫ses were all wrong owing to the varying influence of the iron used in the construction of the ship. We were indeed all of us deeply impre∫sed with the Merciful Providence that saved us.” Also sighted iceberg. Continues describing end of journey: “[we] were again somewhat embarra∫sed in getting in among the Western Islands, and at length one fine morning found ourselves a long way up the Bristol Channel, our mistake was fortunately discovered in time to enable us to clear the land, and three days afterwards landed at the East India berths all well.” Continues: Doesn’t want to stay for more than a week in this “awful Babalon”; expects visit from sister; meets relative George Kelly; intends going to London NB This letter may be a copy of the one sent to Mr Creeny. It is certainly in William Buchanan’s hand

24 July 1867

Wm. Fred. Creeny (St Leonards)

William Buchanan

Captain Pockley: “Bessie is now in London”; the Clarkes have Miss Trollope from Tasmania; the Thomsons have Mr Clarke (late ASN Company), dancing in nightgown & slippers round garden with Mrs Thomson, seizes Mrs Herron, secured by Mr Gowlland & Mr Lord’s gardener, nothing came of it; Mrs Gowlland has baby; the Wards not changed, the Howells as they were; the Pockleys happy; the Barneys there; Mrs Adams & her little ones delight the Lord; the Miss Sayers for Wagga Wagga; meets Mr “Kellett House” (WF) Buchanan, to have ride; £50 raised at Easter offering; his lecture on “Sinai and the Tabernacle” appreciated but criticised in Herald; choicest blessings etc

31 July 1867 (postmark)

Annie Hildyard (Roseneath, Upper Norwood)

Bessie Buchanan (4 Radnor Place Hyde Park)

Bessie and Annie to visit Crystal Palace, come at 2pm, dining at 7pm

8 August 1867

Robert Fraser (Rothesay)

William Buchanan

Welcomes them; Mary Anne’s death, he knew nothing of it; Wilmena’s (cousin) character; how Scotland has changed; railways make Scottish scenery more accessible; beauties of Edinburgh etc NB Transcribed

17 August (1867)

E M Brett (Cheltenham)

(Radnor Place Hyde Park)

Delighted to hear chance of seeing them “in this part of the world”; would have been up to see them but Richard Dangar dead; suggests them taking in a visit to her on way to Dublin; wonders if her boys will remember Bessie (at Gostwyck); the Dangars just outside the town – two hours from Bristol (including William Dangar & Lucy, A A Dangar and wife Phoebe, née Rouse); suggests travel arrangements; love to Bessie & regards to Mr Buchanan

10 September 1867

Alice Hamersley (Pyrton Manor)

Mrs Buchanan (Separate note to Bessie enclosed)

Husband Edward sends love; trusts Mrs Buchanan is getting stronger; spends day with Colonel and Mrs MacLeod, Abingdon; Col MacL has leave of absence one year; the fun you had with Major Brooke’s brother before leaving ship; going to London for month, leaving Edward to shoot pheasants & partridges; many croquet parties and dancing; entertaining description of other social activities; villagers remark “Why sir, she’s as white as we are”; fears she will never see dear old Sydney again; loses hair after the measles; separate note to Bessie who has sent photos; sorry will miss her London (the Buchanans to Ireland)

18 September 1867

A Glass (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Glad to hear of safe arrival; Bessie’s health better; Lizzie Fowler sends Robert’s “likeness”; Jane (Fowler) wants her to stay for six months, but likely Lizzie and brothers will come up with Mr Johnstone (Minister in Armidale); James (Lucas?) in Qld, new “situation”; Johnnie getting on well, good to her; William Buchanan’s goodness to them; Willie with Mr Johnstone; Jeannie Allingham at home with mother; “Your loving sister A Glass”

21 September (1867)

W Kelly [Wilhelmina] (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Mrs Buchanan (11 Radnor Place)

Has been poorly since arriving home, pain between shoulders; longs to see them all; what would you like to do, Italian Opera coming; fears passage via Bristol rough; difficulty in currency; Judge & self will rejoice to see you; please give Johnny £2; Judge Kelly retired; other remarks

30 September (1867?)

Emily Brett (22 Clarence Square)

Bessie Buchanan (Dublin?)

Thanks for note telling of safe arrival in Dublin; would like to hear more at length about “dear dirty Dublin”; hopes she enjoys beauties of Wicklow; advises keeping Father moving, “strong tendency for sofa corners & comfortable books”; the Dangars returned from London; William Dangar asks after Bessie; greetings etc

30 September 1867 (postmark)

Bessie L’Estrange (21 Addison Gardens)

Bessie Buchanan (10 Leeson St, Dublin)

Sorry to hear they are all ill; has been waiting to hear from you; hears from Uncle how charming you looked at “Drawing Room”; inquires if she went to St Patrick’s Ball; you will have gay time in Dublin when Prince goes over; asks Bessie to give account of her social activities; went to Music Party, invitation to Boat Race; other remarks; love to “your Mama, My Uncle & Aunt”

28 October 1867

A Strain (Wicklow)

Mrs Buchanan (c/o Judge Kelly 10 Lower Leeson St Dublin)

Proposed visit by the Buchanans (to Wicklow); directions by train; lovely journey; love to Wilhelmina

11 November 1867

E Brett (22 Clarence Square Cheltenham)

Bessie Buchanan

Birth of Maude Marian Dangar, sometimes thinks life hangs on slender thread; Phoebe nurses it (baby?) herself; William Dangar goes to Cornwell; hopes Bessie has been to Co Wicklow; hoped you might come over here for the Winter; Arthur & Hunter (Brett) send love

22 November 1867

T A Dibbs (Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney)

William Buchanan (Commercial Banking Coy of Sydney, 33 Cornhill, London)

Concerning Bank NSW dividend for last half year ending September, £153.0.6, expenses deducted (19 shillings and six pence) NB Via Suez

7 December 1867

E Reeves (Weldon Lodge, Lawrie Park Sydenham)

Mrs Buchanan

Arranging visit, would like to meet you, Mr Buchanan & daughter; is sister of Mrs Husband; might visit Crystal Palace the same day as visit here

22 December 1867

Miss Price “Pricie” (Longreach [NSW?])

Bessie (Buchanan) (C/O W H Kelly Esq, Kensington North)

Heard from Bess (in Dublin); Pricie’s brother’s death; missing the Buchanans; dull in Longreach; with Mrs Jamieson; Florry Caswell married; Florence Dangar’s letter full of expected visit of Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Alfred); Mrs Buchanan suffers on trip ‘home’(?); Major Brooke dreadfully in love with Bessie (“gossip”); Josey Abbott married; “her pretty little friend with the beautiful hair” (Bessie Buchanan); Pricie sorry the Buchanans did not call on her sister, Mrs Shipster; Capt Cadell in the north, letter to Pricie, “he” always said he would not marry an Australian; scandal: Mrs Pockley and Mr Creeny very intimate; Capt Pockley happy; (Bobby finds Bessie a cold girl); Jim takes knife to Miss Howell

1868-69?

Lawford Burne (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

William Buchanan (in England ?)

Leaving to-morrow; to meet the Buchanans in England; he preached at the Magdala Asylum; Synod of Irish Church, St Patricks Cathedral; Sir A Guinness subscribes One Hundred thousand Pounds to the (?) fund; they miss the Buchanans.

circa 1869-69

Bessie Buchanan (Railway Hotel, Killarney)

William & Mrs Buchanan

Describing her trip to Killarney, doesn’t want to make them jealous; gives details of journey; hopes they are both well etc

29 January1868

Nellie Husband (St Leonards)

Bessie (in Britain)

“Dreadful state of excitement”; arrival of Prince; grand naval procession; immense number of rings, bracelets; the Galatea greeted by grand procession of steamers, yachts etc; 300 invited on board RMS Avoca (Capt Farquhar); the Clarkes, the Barneys, Mr Creeny and ourselves make up party in the evening, raining, beautiful illuminations; the Sobraon, flagship, moored off Fort Macquarie, regatta; Carabella, lived in by the Mannings(?); Kate Higley (the Buchanan’s old maid), nurse with the Mannings; Maudant Clark engaged to Alice Mann; Louise Lord married John Living? (a strange family); Mama & Emma go to ball on new man of war; Josey Abbott’s wedding…6 Mar; the Gowllands(?) take the Abbott’s home at Neutral Bay, dull; other details of social life in Sydney at the time NB Transcribed by Bobby Paton

16 March (1868?)

Alice Hamersley (Baldon House nr Oxford)

Bessie Buchanan (Edinburgh)

Hopes worst of Winter over; Mr Walker tracking Bessie down(?); lodging in Oxford, knows a good many Oxford people; Edward (husband?) hunting; staying with Edward’s cousin; not lonely since leaving family gathering at Pyrton Manor, all the Hamersleys now at Torquay; Edward sees Mrs Macleod at Abingdon; other comments NB Found in wrong envelope(?)

24 March 1868

J C (?) Galbraith (Villa Walcha)

Mrs Buchanan

Re introduction for Dr Bowman who has gone “home”; “cold” may send them back to adopted country(?); Mr Johnston’s prizes at the Horticultural Meeting; other news of New England people: the Connals, the Bells, Mr & Mrs Buchanan (?), Mrs Eliot, Fletcher and other families

8 April 1868

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood, Walcha)

Mrs Buchanan (Forwarded from Dublin address)

Pleased to hear from them; Mrs Buchanan’s ill health on ship; William Buchanan’s niece, Mrs Kelly; will the Buchanans return to Australia, “living in this country is with many a matter of necessity”; Lawford Burne Johnnie’s brother (?); Mrs Brett’s brother a leading figure in Queensland (Sir Arthur Palmer?); mortgage on Torrswood; Mr Nivison, mortgage deed (questionable?); teaches class of three; Bishop (Sawyer) drowned returning to Grafton; mentions a number of New England families by name; newsy letter

8 April 1868

Nathaniel Cork (Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, 33 Corkhill, London)

William Buchanan (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Has not received any advice in “your favour”; if no remittance received by mail due on 19th, let him know and he will write to Mr Dibbs

21 April 1868

Nathaniel Cork (Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, 33 Corkhill, London)

William Buchanan (10 Lower Leeson st, Dublin)

Herewith draft for £248.12.3, accompanied by copy of account (attached)

16 May 1868

Margaret Bell (Bergen-Op- Zoom)

Mrs Buchanan (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Concern about health; Mr Eliott’s insanity (?); Drs West and Spasshalt; Mrs Connel seriously ill; Mrs Baird and Elizabeth much as usual; Mrs Scott’s death (cup of grief has been filled to the brim); refers to Villa Walcha; Mr Bell’s sight; Miriam very delicate; other news about New England people

9 June 1868 Tuesday

Edward Brooke (Dublin)

Bessie

Misunderstood her letter, wrote too hastily; won’t act under sudden impulse again; calling ride off, gives reasons, would have enjoyed it NB Transcribed

17 June 1868

W F Buchanan (Kellet House)

William Buchanan

Miss Husband’s engagement to Lord St George; Prince Alfred (Duke of Edinburgh), attempted assassination; O’Farrell’s station; Miss price, old Mrs Dangar and the Husbands complain they have not heard from Bessie; sees Mr Creeny occasionally but has not been to the North Shore; attempt on Prince Alfred’s life; Irish Spring and Summer; improvements to railway; tapping resources; “all we want is population”; sheep shearing; improvements; horses boiled down; 35,000 sheep to shear; if I continue with sheep …; Dibbs’ remittance to William B; cartes (de) visite; cartes from members of family: Laura, Emily, Alice, Willie; James still managing for Dr Norton (Qld station); Nat’s wife wrote to father; Nat (Buchanan) to Qld; Charles to Warrena; Charles (brother) in Sydney; Frank at Warrena; refers to Mrs Burne, Belle & Kate (Burne?); doesn’t hear from Lawford, wise not to come to Australia; John Burne in Ireland(?); Birthday Ball at Government House; strawberries for sugar; Earl of Belmore, a cousin(?); Carriage horse dandy; Mr and Mrs Connell in old house(?); doesn’t know what happened to Bessie’s horse; news of others NB Transcribed by Bobby Paton with amendments

9 July (1868?)

E M Brett (Black Rock, Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan

Bessie loves Edinburgh; Rev Norman Johnston, a great rambler; my sister Mrs Anderson and 4 children; sailing to Brisbane, saying ‘goodbye’ to relatives in Ireland; Cissy and Arthur Palmer; Louise Dangar married John (Michell?); the Albert Dangars in London; other news NB Mrs Anderson’s four children probably included Geraldine Anderson, later governess to Nina and Katheen at Rouse Hill

17 July 1868

Nathaniel Cork (Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, 33 Corkhill, London)

William Buchanan (10 Leeson St, Dublin)

By instructions from Head Office, enclosing draft for £130.11.0; £1.6.0 exchange & 3/- stamp (duty?)

10 August1868

Nellie Husband (St Leonards)

Bessie Buchanan

“Grand” society; all Bessie’s gaiety; Mrs Abby Dangar’s report of Bessie’s drives; Earl and Countess of Belmore travelling in other colonies, Lady Belmore good works, modest, unlike Lady Young; Duke of Edinburgh and social activity during his visit; widespread fear following attempted assassination; misses offering from Galatea; departure of Galatea; St Leonards, their party a musical party; songs Bessie sent have not arrived; Mrs Pockley’s children have whooping cough; Mr Peet (Batavia) married Phoebe Kelly; Nellie Hilly (now Armit/Arnut?) has baby; refers to Mrs Denis; Miss Price was in Sydney; Mr Levic in Sydney, visited the Buchanans in London; North Shore people raising funds to build church at head of Lavender Bay (Christ Church?); Mr Creeny good natured; Mr M Clark & Alice Mann marriage December , going to build house near “Waverton”; write to Mrs Dangar; Mr Henry Abbot married Bessie Lord; Kate Higley at Mrs Manning’s NB Transcription by Bobby Paton with amendments

21 September 1868

Annie Caswell (Dunmore)

Bessie (Buchanan)

Understands difficulty of writing when travelling; thanks for “carte”, photographer has not done her justice; Miss Muirhead in Rothesay; Bessie travels in train at night to be bridesmaid at her sister’s “execution”; Rothesay must be gay just now; Florence & Col Lucas stayed at Dunmore; Mrs Lang gives dancing party; hopes next dance in Bombay, for India(?); no fear of her returning with different name; Mama and Mrs Lang send best love

3 October 1868

William Buchanan (Rothesay)

Nathaniel Cook Commercial Bank of Sydney (London)

Arranging funds for the winter

26 October 1868 (?)

Mary Fraser (Dalrymple Crescent, Edinburgh)

Bessie Buchanan (Dublin)

Glad they reached destination safely, Uncle’s cough; has Bessie gone riding (?); invitation to “The Noble Army of Martyrs”; Lord Napier and Freedom of the City; query number of photographs; possible visit to Arbraoth; Bob (Robert Fraser) busy with paintings; poor Aunt Georgina; royal visit to Edinburgh; you had become very dear to us; a pity your Papa did not take you to the Lakes of Cumberland; lengthy account of other local news and general chat

6 November 1868

Wm. Fred. Creeny, St Leonards

William Buchanan

Mr Clark unwell (clergyman?); Mrs Whitton expected out; Miss Mann and Mr Mordant Clarke to be married, new house being built for them next to *Mr Berry’s, to cost £2500; Ellen Husband’s engagement and love affair; Willie Shaw’s lung; roads getting better under Mayor Tunks; had to have horse killed and now without one, grieves, to have one of horse’s hooves; La Hague arrives after pleasure trip; P.S. re (Lord) FitzGeorge & Ellen Husband; “Yours very much indeed” NB The “Mr Berry’s house” which Mr Creeny refers to was probably Crows Nest House. North Sydney. If so, the North Sydney Demonstration School now occupies the site

4 December 1868

Nathaniel Cork (Manager, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, 33 Corkhill, London)

William Buchanan (Ramsey, Isle of Man)

Enclosing Draft for £240.13.3; notes that he is intends to negotiate same through Messrs La Touche & Co (Dublin?)

25 December 1868

(John Nivison?) Tibbermuir (?)

William Buchanan

Photographs a great treasure; ladies’ likenesses; no gratifying tidings from Davie, back to old quarters, sheep lost, never reached destination; drought in NSW; learns from clergyman at Mudgee selectors may be ruined; has not had time to visit Rev Fraser (in Edinburgh?); all alone again, mother & father gone to end their days where they began them; Mr Elliot in Lunatic Asylum; other interesting comments

28 December 1868 ((postmark))

A Farrant (Annie) (Ballakin- gem(?), Ramsey IOM)

Bessie Buchanan (Douglas IOM)

Your letter welcome; grieved that you had been sick; glad to hear your Papa better; sad to think the year gone; reports on Isle of Man people; other sentiments

5 January(1869)

E M Brett (Sussex Lodge Cheltenham)

Bessie Buchanan IOM

The Buchanans confined to Isle of Man because of Storm; Mr Dangar hurts knee getting horses from Egypt NB Letters from sons Arthur and Hunter Brett enclosed

January1868/1869 (1869 more likely)

Mary Fraser (Dalrymple Cres, Edinburgh)

Bessie Buchanan (IOM?)

Mary visits sister (married to Rev MacDonald) and baby in Arbroath; Livy (?) and Mary visit Mr Cargill of Leeton Park; Mrs Buchanan gives Minnie address; ‘Aunt’ living with them; your cousin ‘Bob’ Robert Fraser (Jnr?) paintings for exhibition RA (Scotland); Aunt Minnie from Leith

20 April 1869

Annie (daughter of Enoch and Jane Fowler, Camperdown)

Mrs Buchanan

Bessie still not married(!); Annie’s teeth *(Annie Glass from Armidale?); the prince in Sydney, offends Lady Belmore; Commodore’s wife receives guests on the Galatea; Prince has actresses at Government House; Robert living nearby etc; “your loving niece”

14 May 1869

Robert (?) Fraser (Dalrymple Cresc Edinburgh)

Mrs Buchanan (Care the Hon Judge Kelly, 10 Leeson St, Dublin)

Writing on behalf of Margaret who is ill; the Buchanans have colds; possibility of Margaret’s chloroform operation, other remedies; the Buchanan’s staying in Stafford St; the Featherstones call; the Strains, the voyage out (to Australia); “great perfection attained in navigation”; “The leaving people who are related to you, whom you have seen, many of them for the first time and many of whom, alas! it is hardly possible to hope, you shall ever see again”; not successful so far with “the famous adventures” (William Buchanan’s?); expects to publish some of his books (Robert’s?); Bob working with his Parishioners as well as his art; Mary well except for nervousness; news of others and comments NB Robert Fraser appears to have been a Presbyterian Minister in Edinburgh. His son Robert was an artist as well as being a Minister. Letter in wrong envelope.

12 June (?) 1869 (postmark)

Minna/Mina Nivison

Bessie Buchanan

Glad to hear they are returning; Mother ill; Dr Spasshalt and Morris; Alick (brother) loses sight in one eye, Dr Adams; Princes’s attention to Miss Carandmur (?); entertainment on board Galatea; the Prince’s cousin’s engagement to Miss Husband; concert got up by Mr Abbott, Mrs Blythe Harriott performing; athletics; Nixon next to the Buchanans on North Shore; news of others

20 June 1869

Elizabeth Baird (?) Torrswood

Bessie Buchanan

Mrs Scott not changed by wealth; mentions Mr and Mrs Bell, Amy, Jeannie; Miss Johnstone, governess back to Ireland; Bessie admires Britain; “came out” at Ball given by Mrs Taylor of Terrible Vale; Mrs Fenwick (sic) also gives small party; other balls & parties NB Letter incomplete

22 July 1869

Robert Fraser (Edinburgh)

William Buchanan (8 Hume St, Dublin)

Margaret better; may not need “dreaded operation”; would William B take a couple of Robert (Jnr)’s paintings with him as samples to get commission; must be people of Irish or Scots descent in Australia who have made money and would like pictures (painted by his son Robert) NB Transcribed

August/Sep(?) 1869

Eliza Dangar (30 Gt St Helens, London)

Mrs Buchanan

Bad news of Mrs Dangar in Sydney; Dr Bowker attends Mrs Dangar, not much hope; Fred may decide to return to Sydney soon; hopes Bessie enjoys visit to Killarney; the Buchanans preparing for return voyage

4 August 1869

Wilhelmina Kelly (10 Newtown[?], Kingstown)

Mrs Buchanan (Radnor Place Hyde Park)

Replying to her “most welcome letter”; “travelling cases”; Willy must be planning to be in Edinburgh once more; believes not enough clergy in Irish church; was sure you would like Robert (Fraser?); other family comments

16 August1869 (?)

E Brett (Sussex Lodge Cheltenham)

Bessie Buchanan

Mrs Albert (Phoebe) Dangar’s 2nd baby; delighted to see the Fred Dangars; would Bessie like to visit; Arthur and Hunter tall/short; old Mrs Dangar’s bad health; second daughter for Albert Dangar’s wife; the Nivisons; Mr Johnston your old admirer; Mr & Mrs Gill in Sydney; her brother Arthur to his station; Cissy writes, for a wonder; query Willie; the Rouses going on the Sobraon too(?) NB Letter in wrong envelope

September? 1869

Eliza Dangar London

Mrs Buchanan

Bad news of Mrs Dangar (Grantham) in Sydney; Dr Barker? Bowker(?); Fred may return to Sydney; the Buchanans preparing for voyage

4 September (1869)

E Collings Isle of Man (?)

Mrs Buchanan (London)

Misses the Buchanans

8 September (1869)

Alice Hamersley (Pyrton Manor)

Bessie Buchanan (3 Radnor Place, Hyde Park)

Asking Bessie to take parcel; almost sorry not going back on Sobraon; dangers of voyage out; her sister on Isle of Wight, loses second baby; husband Edward, pretty old-fashioned farmhouse; hoped to have sent them more game; no one to shoot it; polite comments

11 September 1869

Mary Featherston- haugh (?) [7 Prospect Terrace, Douglas IOM]

Bessie Buchanan (Radnor Place London)

Wishing you were here for this winter; have nice lodgings; looking for introductions to family; delightful time in Scotland etc

18 September 1869

Mary Fraser (Bentfield, Burntisland)

Bessie Buchanan

Glad Bessie enjoyed herself in Dublin; Thames Tunnel; the Frasers on holiday; WB reminds Mama of her father; Mrs B says they hope to return to Britain; sad parting; pleasant time last summer (in Edinburgh?), Arbroath; such a nice Captain on their ship; Emma Featherstonehaugh seeing Scotland; brother (Robert Fraser) sending paintings before they sail. NB Several of Robert Fraser’s paintings hang in back hall at Rouse Hill House

20 September 1869

Margaret Hinds (Isle of Man)

Mrs Buchanan

Reference to sailing on the 25 Sept, Sobraon; “your kind, friendly unceremonious ways”; Euphemia keeping home for her daughter in Glasgow; news of Australia please; love to her brother John, Agnes and children

22 September 1869

Thomas & Wilhelmina Kelly (10 Lower Leeson St Dublin)

William Buchanan

Warm good-bye; “with weeping eyes” etc N.B. Written in heartfelt tones by Thomas, transcribed

October 1869

Dudley Batty

Excerpt copied from Dudley Batty’s diary, October 1869, in Lizzie Campbell’s hand and sent to E S Rouse (see letter dated 10 March 1929); the original excerpt, presumably written on board the Sobraon, describes Miss Buchanan as ladylike with a lovely complexion and beautiful hair; apparently Dudley went on to mention the “Miss Rouses & their beautiful singing” NB Lt. Dudley Batty was a passenger on board the Sobraon with the Rouses and the Buchanans

27 October 1869

Mary Trevor (92 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan

Mostly about grandfather’s illness

25 November 1869

Annie Trevor (Leeson St Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan (c/o Dibbs Commercial Bank Sydney)

Grandfather very ill; has not seen Major “Broock” (Brooke); writing odd because of whitlow

(1870?)

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill, Windsor)

Bessie Buchanan (Macquarie St)

Delighted to have her letter; Richard at Victoria Club; will give Dr Johnson information on Mudgee district; Emily, Emma and Hannah in Parramatta; Mr Henry Rouse to visit; also visited the Edward Terrys; misses their tête-à-têtes; Captain Elmslie to visit; Ted to pay back money borrowed from William Buchanan on ship; other news and comments

undated 1870-74(?)

A Hayden (Darlinghurst Bible & Domestic Mission)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Notice of monthly meeting

undated circa 1870-74?

Amy Tucker (? Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Invitation to her birthday (party); a few friends

undated circa 1870-74

Mary Lamb (Larbert)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Lunch with you on Tuesday week; hopes Bessie will have pleasant day at Manly Beach

undated circa 1870-74

Katie Tucker

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Invitation for Wednesday evening; invitation extended to Miss Nivison if she is with you

undated circa 1870-74

Lucy Jane Dangar (Grantham)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Spare ticket to opera; A (A) Dangar did not arrive; would Bessie like to come?

6 January(1870)

Mary (?) (Singleton)

Bessie Buchanan c/- Dibbs Commonwealth Bank Sydney

Thanks for forwarding parcel; mother and sister(s) overseas, news of them “by letters last mail”; Mrs Laing just arrived safely; acquaintance made in New England

16 January1870

Annie Farrant (Ballakillingham Isle of Man)

Bessie Buchanan (c/o Commercial Bank Sydney)

Sees Lawford in Liverpool; “We were so jolly in Dublin”; Connel/Mrs Walter? dies in confinement; sister takes baby; the Buchanans well out of Ireland, murders on every side; your friends the Featherstonehaughs; Mrs F and Mrs Kelly a contrast, sisters(?); Miss Collins writes to Susanna Jones, left island; other news

24 January1870

Mary Rowsell (Inverell)

Mrs Buchanan

The Buchanans meet Mr Rowsell in England; Mr Rowsell sorry they could not visit him at Hambledon; Mr Rowsell, Mr Brown and the plan to take Walter, her son, for education(?); ask Tissie to send on parcel; has Annie Markham staying with her; James Glass with Bank; Mrs Glass should be proud of her sons, Johnny and James(?); Mrs Buchanan, Walter’s Godmother

17 February 1870

Capt Elmslie (Sobraon)

Bessie Buchanan (Macquarie St)

Thanks for your thanks; the Buchanans moving to house in Darlinghurst; lunch for the Buchanans + Emma and Lizzie (Rouse); asks for Bessie’s likeness

28 March 1870

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Tce)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Re arrival of parcel; W F Buchanan and Willie call; Laura coming to Sydney; Mr Abbott sad, Bessie (Abbott?) to New England

30 March 1870 (postmark)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan

Staying at Rouse Hill; Mrs Rouse goes to the city, and it rains heavily; Mr Abbott and Josie for New England; another servant for Mrs Buchanan; other chat

1 April 1870

William Buchanan

Bessie (Rouse Hill)

Hopes weather will allow her a ride; lonely & melancholy without her; Mama’s bad headache; Charles still with them, will need Dispensary; William (W F Buchanan) has not visited Charles (his father)

9 April 1870 (postmark)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan

Expected “line” from Mrs Buchanan; wants Bessie to stay longer; enjoyed ride with Miss Roby & groom behind; going for drive to Windsor; how is Uncle Charles; other chat

13 April 1870

Mary Trevor (92 Leeson Rd, Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan (Sydney)

Glad they had pleasant voyage; Georgie & (?) at musical party at Mrs Tathill’s; other social commentary; Robert Tathill going into Artillery, for India; Robert Ellis on leave, has not got over bad habit of trying to kiss you; Mrs Vicar to marry a Colonel Holland (£2,000 pa); Dr Ellis not pleased, will be lonely; Major Brooke “still a name about town”; huffed about something

7 May 1870

Mary Rowsell (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace Darlinghurst)

James in Sydney; staying with Mrs Glass; thanks for parcel; home to Inverell; anxious about the boys; Jimmy returns to Inverell

31 May 1870

Margaret Bell (Bergen Op Zoom)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace, Darlinghurst)

Mrs Buchanan better for her trip; hears news of her from Mr Abbott, other passengers give news of them; Mr Bell an invalid, his eye; Dr Morris’s treatment; little hope of the Crawfords going to Sydney, Henry Crawford, Mrs Crawford’s brother Police Inspector Ballarat, Captain Crawford; sad death of Mrs Rowsell; her driver must be devoid of common humanity, her orphan boys; will the Buchanan’s ever visit New England(?); Armidale to be the Cathedral City; her brother Lachlan; Willie helps Mr Bell NB Letter damaged

13 June 1870

M M Smith (The Manse Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Receives letter from her from “dear beautiful Edinburgh”; staying with the Johnstones; Mr Johnstone away on church duties; her sister Mrs Galbraith in Queensland; Mr McDonald found it better to remain in Colony; brother marries again; news of New England people: Mrs Nivison (kidney), Mrs Scott, Mrs Baird, Annie Glass (colour of clay), Mrs Glass (too much to do) & others

15 July 1870

A Glass (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan (Sydney)

Mr Hindmarsh says Bessie looks improved; Andy and Sarah (Buchanan) for the Macleay, to take baby on horseback; Mr and Mrs Hungerford; Annie invited to stay with her aunt in Singleton; Jimmy staying with Mr Ross, working in Bank(?); please send song; hopes they all meet again some day.

14 August 1870

A Glass (Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan Sydney)

The music made me cry; Jimmy’s salary raised £25 per annum; the Johnstones going to Sydney; wants buggy; Dr and Mrs Spasshalt; poor Mrs Rowsell’s death on her mind, wonders if she was kind enough to her

7 September 1870

Thomas Kelly (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan

“Affectionate & deep-seated emotions of desire to see you all again”; fears may never meet again; refers to health of Bessie’s parents; mentions the Collins, Mr Trevor and her old “beau” Dr Sairs(?); wants to know about Jeanie Burne

29 September 1870

Mary Trevor (92 Leeson St, Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan (c/o Commercial Bank Sydney)

Her grandfather dies suddenly on learning he is not so well off; description of his death; Georgie (Trevor) has letter from her; William Buchanan’s last brother dies (Charles Buchanan)

14 October 1870

Bessie

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mr Farrant to tea; Lizzie staying with Bessie; Lizzie delighting them with her singing; an account of the ball from Mrs Rouse and Emma; Mrs Rouse takes charge of them at the ball, including Belle & Mrs Keele gives Bessie a ticket; going to Mrs Campbell’s party; the Mayor’s Ball, Lizzie Fowler asks advice about dresses; Bessie advises blanket net

October 1870

Eliza Johnstone (The Manse, Armidale)

Mrs Buchanan

Coming to Sydney for Assembly; husband (Thomas Johnstone, Presbyterian Minister) away for a week at a time

24 November 1870

Thos Kelly (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Mrs Buchanan (297 Darlinghurst)

Rather poetic description of feelings about his and William’s bronchitis; “will you ever come back to us? Will we ever meet again”; this feeling “took possession of me” etc; lyrical response to their parting 12 months previously; has sister Caroline living with them; other poetic comments about their lives

December 1870

Bessie Buchanan (Mt Pleasant)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Had lovely passage, company of Miss Waters; Mrs Christian did not expect her to arrive when she did; changed into train(?), waited a long time for it etc; trip into Maitland; going for ride tomorrow; love to Bell(e) etc

1 December 1870

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Mt Pleasant)

Catches Sth Head Rd bus from Pitt St; writing to Emma Rouse; Mr Hayden calls; Laura (Buchanan) & two girls call, stay for lunch; William (Buchanan) and little Willie call; Bell (Burne) goes home; James (Lucas?) brings two fine snappers; Mr Barker for Adelaide; Papa has letter from Quayle Farrant; Bessie staying with Mrs Christian; love etc

6 December 1870

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Mt Pleasant)

Very little to say; Papa and I very pleased you are enjoying yourself; comments on weather; writes to Mrs Trevor; Polly’s letter arrives; little Katie stays; Mrs Buchanan does “doctoring” for William, her husband’s (Papa’s) diarrhea; refers to “the little plots front & back”; doesn’t go to Church because has sore throat; writes to Mrs Baird; has severe toothache; Papa takes cold; other remarks

14 December 1870

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (c/o Mrs Christian, Mount Pleasant)

Bessie (still) staying with Mrs Christian; her heart rejoices that Bessie is enjoying herself, would not want to keep her while she benefits from change; more health concerns; good to visit the Stirtons; Mr Hayden calls, Bessie’s (Sunday School?) class; Mrs Buchanan not well enough to go to Church; Lizzie Rouse in town; Emma busy for her departure; Papa calls on Mrs Dibbs; Mr Fowler ill; Bell(e) gone home; Mrs Maxwell calls; Mr Creeny visits; Ellen lays the cloth because Kate gone shopping; love etc NB Mrs Buchanan’s sister Jane (Lucas) was married to Enoch Fowler. Fowler established a very successful pottery business in Sydney using local materials

22 December 1870

Thos Kelly (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Mrs Buchanan

Christmas wishes on his and Wilhelmina’s behalf; reflections on parting of (more than) 12 months ago; William and Elizabeth’s health; Lawford ill; “forget us not”

27 December 1870 (and Wed - next day)

Bessie Buchanan (Maitland and Mt Pleasant)

Mrs Buchanan (Darlinghurst)

Problem re ship and rough sea; persuaded to wait for calmer seas by the Christians; helped by Mr Long (possibility of going overland to Sydney, could not do so on horse); sent telegram

circa 1871

T G Dibbs (?)

Bessie Rouse (St John’s Terrace)

Inviting Bessie and Miss Rouse to spend Monday evening with them

circa 1871

M Chauvel

Bessie Buchanan

Wants pleasure of her company to-morrow evening; if Miss Rouse staying a pleasure to see her too

16 February 1871

(Judge) Thos Kelly (10 Lower Leeson St, Dublin)

Mrs Buchanan

Recommends diet to William; lots of meat and vegetable many times a day; Mrs and Miss Collins visit; the Rathmine (?) Buchanans; sends newspapers to Wiliam Buchanan; note from Wilhelmina at end of letter

10 March 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Goulburn)

Bessie Buchanan

Mrs Buchanan ill; asking Bessie to stay during Mother’s absence(?); travelled with Jane Cropper and her uncle, Father (Dr Cropper’s ) death; Capt Elmslie to visit Rouse Hill; how hard is it to refuse people; coloured photo and Capt Elmslie; wants to visit the Buchanans on the way back; wishes to have Bessie and Mrs Buchanan at Rouse Hill; first evening spent at (“brilliant”) Dr Johnson’s, Mrs Johnson stylish woman; met Mrs Thomas at Syned(sic) meetings, Syned(sic) meetings in the afternoon & evening; enjoyed speeches from Archdeacon Lillingston and Hon C Campbell; “the clergy and laity are a very ragged and queer looking assemblage”, felt inclined to suggest baths and haircutting; Mrs C Kemp arrived with niece and maid; Mrs Belcher (?) keeps the large school; (Lizzie) longs for Bessie’s photo, sure “bewitching likeness”, don’t forget “handsome Jim”; wishes she was here, bracing climate; likes the Joplins at Commercial Bank; hopes Miss Price will come; shocked by death of Mr Arthur McArthur; affectionate love etc

13 March 1871 (postmark)

Lydia Christian (Mount Pleasant)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mr and Mrs Andrew call after Bessie leaves; Mrs Scott as delicate as ever; Emma Capper and other ladies working hard for Bazaar; roofing St Paul’s; Ellen Doyle still here, prefers Maitland; Mrs Cadell’s baby at death’s door; other social chat

16 April 1871

Bessie Buchanan (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (St Johns’s Terrace)

Interesting description of journey up to Guntawang; travelling in a “dray”; carriage nearly turns over; dead horse etc

April (1871) Sat morn

Bessie Buchanan (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace?)

Relieved to get letter; relates social activities re people and horses; rides Ted’s horse; Goulgong (sic) diggings very extensive, other details

18 April 1871

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace, Darlinghurst)

Bessie Buchanan (Guntawang)

Thank God you reached destination safely; accident might have been serious; Mr Bode preached; visited Aunt Jane (Fowler); Bell(e) visits; game of Bezique; James to stay night; Mr Hayden visits; Mr Capper disappointed Bessie not there, for Maitland; Belle begs her not to make love to Mr Scarvel(sic)

10 May 2024

Thos Kelly (10 Lower Leeson St Dublin)

Mrs Buchanan (Sydney?)

William Buchanan’s bronchitis; Lawford Burne’s promotion to Oundle curacy, £150 pa; Bishop Magee

8 June 1871

E Baird (Torrswood)

Bessie Buchanan (297 Darlinghurst)

Elizabeth ill; Mrs Baird has no servant and teaches all day long as well as looking after daughter (Elizabeth)

22 June 1871

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (Darlinghurst)

‘Dear kind Mrs Rouse’; delightful drive to Parramatta; likes Miss Tucker & Katie; Bell(e) and Katie (Tucker?) playing croquet; has she acquired short dress(?); hopes Bessie can go to Miss Dibbs; Lizzie (Rouse) and Mary Tucker go …; Mr Rouse (Edwin Stephen?) has just returned; love to Jeannie(?) & Maggie (Bell?)

24 June 1871 (postmark)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Information about various people, including Mrs Scott (who wants to see Mrs Buchanan); wants to visit Mrs Pockley; instructions about the hat (?) Mrs Buchanan is making for Bessie

26 June 1871

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Lizzy (Rouse) kind; love to Bell(e); Bessie’s new dress; Bessie plans to visit Mrs Pockley accompanied by Alice Tucker

29 June 1871

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Home via Parramatta or Riverstone(?); Mr Remmis, Mary and Katie Tucker and Mrs Buchanan drive into Windsor, visit Parsonage; out to the Sewell’s this evening (but not Mrs Buchanan because of the night air)

2 July 1871 (postmark)

Maude

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Postpones visit to Bessie because of dance on board ship ‘Clio’(?); next Monday the only day she can come because it is “the only day I am disengaged”

7 July 1871 (postmark)

Emma Husband (St Leonards)

Bessie Buchanan St John’s Terrace)

Invitation to Rouse Hill(?); meeting at station(?); no time for lunch

12 July 1871

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace) Also letter from Belle Burne enclosed

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Bessie declines the Lords’ party, the Dockers and the Tuckers going; letters to Judge and Georgina Fraser; Kate to Orange Ball; Joseph & Harriet Salaman(?) call; Lizzie’s box turns up; had game of bezique; everyone enjoys themselves at Rouse Hill Enclosed: Letter from Belle (Burne, later Bossley) to Bessie Buchanan; date set for Emma’s (Rouse) wedding, gossips(?); Liz’s box found; did Bessie ride Shakespeare at Rouse Hill(?); Johnny’s (brother) friend Mr Crilbe (?) to Sydney

14 July 1871 (postmark)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Party at Mrs Campbell’s, Mrs Buchanan has accepted invitation and Bessie must keep day clear; (Revd) Mr Creeny visits, brings flowers and oranges; Mrs Lord’s party

28 July 1871 (postmark)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Knows hearing from her sets mind at rest; Bessie and William Buchanan (Papa) have colds; fates against her visit with Amy Tucker to Mrs Pockley; “Papa would have been in the fidgets if I had gone out!”; letter from Miss Price who reports Miss Jamieson’s satisfactory wedding; Mr Bell here this afternoon; love to Belle, Lizzie & the Miss Tuckers

(1?) August 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan

Re Emma’s telegram “married, very happy, send Lizzie home”

29 (?) August 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

“Does not news in 18 days seem incredible”; Emma’s happy event; Mr Bill (Hill?) obliged to discontinue (singing?) lessons during opera season; also teaches Bessie; Lizzie invites Bessie to Bachelors’ Ball; “dear good William”; brother-in-law (Abby Dangar) says Liz unpatriotic NB Written on Emma’s notepaper

4 September 1871

Mrs Lord (Louisville)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Invitation for Thursday evening

9 September 1871

Annie Price (Miss Price, Pricie) Longreach, NSW

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie’s tardy letter; glad Bessie takes singing lessons from Mr Hill, “do practise!”; Bessie stays with Lizzie at Rouse Hill, comes back with her; Mrs Buchanan at Rouse Hill for two weeks; Bennett bride, Mr Bennett a most devoted husband; the Manns moving from the Island(?) to North Shore, Capt Mann loses appointment; engagement of Lizzie Phillips to Mr Windyard(?) broken, now engaged to Mr Carr; “All is at an end with Capt Cadell and myself”; other news

21 September 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill, Windsor)

Bessie Buchanan (297? St John’s Terrace)

Ending of Lizzie Rouse’s (of Beaudesert) engagement, faint hope these two fond hearts may be united; Mr Black not ordered to Glen Innes, he is most devoted; just going to Box Hill, so hasty good-bye; Lizzie asked her specially to write; new cook arrived

20 October 1871

Hannah Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

[HTR notepaper]; Mr Creeny and box (?) for Emma (Rouse); wishes to meet Mr Creeny (your friend); Tierney (the Coachman) had a serious fall at The Cottage, fortunately Dickson working at The Cottage, Tierney carried into Cottage, thought dead; Mr Ross applied leeches, Tierney became conscious; “We have great cause to be thankful” etc; Liz Rouse coming from Baroona with cousin, to stay at Mrs Wingate’s

31 October 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan

Miss Grafton Ross (Emily) tragic end; Mama (Hannah) is fearing effect on dear Mrs Fairfax who has been an invalid some time; the second member of the Fairfax family to meet a violent death; https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13247538 Dangar party postponed; Capt Elmslie lunches with Emma and Dudley (Batty); Capt Elmslie entrusted to carry pieces of wedding cake; the photographs of Liz’s finery on Sobraon; ‘Our dear Captain’; Mrs Batty writes nicely about Emma and how perfectly suited they are, “The great happiness they seem to enjoy”; Tierney (coachman) sees Liz holding reigns etc; Bessie rides elephant (?); Anne, maid at Rouse Hill(?); Miss Hayle (governess at Guntawang or Biraganbil?)

10 November 1871

Wm Fred Creeny (SS Nubia)

Mrs Buchanan (Darlinghurst Road)

Rough passage from Sydney to Melbourne; Captain Farquhar makes voyage as pleasant as possible; ship has every comfort; not untouched by good-bye; “the event of a moment often saddens a whole life”; prays he may end his days in Ryde (Sydney); happy Christmas NB Transcribed by Bobby Paton

21 November 1871 (postmark)

Nellie Husband (St Leonards?)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Sorry she wasn’t in when Bessie called; asks Bessie to accompany Florence to spend day with them

2 December 1871

Nellie Husband (St Leonards?)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Re jewellery left behind accidently

13 December 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mr Hill and her singing lessons, available days; alone, reduced to Tottie Pringle for her sole companion; Eleanor Rouse at Rouse Hill(?); Ted meets them at Riverstone; Ted’s poultry for the show; Gameboy, Ted’s satisfaction; visits Mrs Kemp; Ted kindly drives to Parramatta for Tottie Pringle(?); not a scrap of news

22 December 1871

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Ted sends goose to them by Ann; Ann has to leave because of bad leg, needs a month of remedies; glad to have letter & rejoice to hear your Mama has benefitted by stay in Manly; small Christmas ‘party’ at Rouse Hill, includes Richard, his wife, “the chicks”, and Jack Cropper; Uncle George has consented for Emily (Rouse) to come and stay; choicest blessings etc

circa late 1871

Emma Husband (St Leonards)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Note from Charlie Hilly postponing visit, so they will not take advantage of Bessie’s offer; rain and storm

circa 1872?

Mary Lamb (Larbert)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s

Offering seat in their carriage for the Ball

circa 1872

Mrs Buchanan

Bessie Buchanan

Sees Mr and Mrs Fred Want at station; Amy Tucker waiting for her; Mrs Rouse (Hannah) “as busy as a bee” (as usual); the garden at Rouse Hill looking bright after rain; Amy takes Lizzie’s Sunday School class; Lizzie staying with Bessie (?); Mrs Scarvell’s baby ill; Hannah’s immediate visit; game of cribbage with Hannah; other details

31 January1872

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Will not be going to her (singing?) lessons, her mother (Hannah) thinks it too hot, and she will soon be going to Guntawang; to visit Eastwood tomorrow; Hannah gives her sister (Emma/Emily?) the wrong medicine (?); other details

8 February 1872 (Thursday) (undated)

Georgina Fraser, (143 Rathgar Rd, Dublin)

Mr Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Amelia, Robert, Charlotte, Anne, James: her children or siblings (?); John in London(?), George with him; contains other local Dublin and family news

29 February 1872

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

News in your letter seems too good to be true; delighted that she is coming to stay; a great inducement will be to ride every day on “The Indian”, who is splendid; will tell her about “Kate”; sending carriage to meet 5 O’clock train

8 March 1872

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan

Worried, has not had news of them; Bell(e) & Johnny Burne call; Johnny Burne staying; “dear” Lizzie calls; W F Buchanan accompanies William Buchanan to the auction room, buys Lara (?); to sell Government debentures; £1040, house and paddock; Mr & Mrs Dibbs to England; Mrs Palmer to Brisbane; Mr Hayden calls several times; carpets taken up, dust

16 March 1872

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie with WB (her father); Mr and Mrs Terry and sister and two children coming to stay at Rouse Hill; Mrs Buchanan feels she should come home; Belle and Liz to meet the Terrys at the station on horseback; William Buchanan has Turkish Bath

13 April 1872

M P Salamon (Macquarie St)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Inviting her to a dance “if not otherwise engaged”; dress as you like

17 April 1872

Phoebe Dangar (Baroona)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace, Darlinghurst)

Thanks for Maud’s beautiful present, her best doll; would be delighted have you (for visit?); other news

18 April 1872

Judge Thomas Kelly (10 Lr Leeson St, Dublin)

Bessie Buchanan

Thanks for her affectionate note; sending letter with the one to her Mama; inquires after Bessie’s Sydney friends; Anne Farrant sends them Manx news; news of relatives; ask Jane Burne to write to them; Jane’s sister L’Estrange’s address (Belgravia); Annie Hildyard and family at The Poplars, Dorking; Lawford at Oundle, has been married(?), discovered he did not love wife; poor Johnny (Burne); love etc

9 May 1872

Hannah Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

Sending eggs; good news of Emma and Dudley (Batty); Mrs Buchanan’s health and Dr Cox; enclosing letter from Emma

11 May 1872

Wm Fred Creeny (Ross Royal Hotel, Warrenpoint, Ireland)

Mrs Buchanan

Pleasant day with Revd. Lawford Burne (great-nephew of William Buchanan); Mr J Wood Sharman met them at Oundle Station; saw church and lodgings; Bessie’s riding abilities; Lawford Burne looks like sister Bell[e] (bright eyes); brother pays his fare to Ireland [letter continues] 11 May 1872, Armagh With old college friend, Revd. J. Smallpeice; brother entertaining guide; your bag a useful present; other details NB Transcribed by Bobby Paton

5 July 1872 (postmark)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Going for a ride; Eleanor and Bessie ride to Richmond; Pricie (Miss Price) at Rouse Hill, please keep her (Miss Price’s) testimonials; will Mrs Buchanan take her class? (Sunday school)

10 July 1872

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Enjoying stay at Rouse Hill; Miss Price also there; trip to Windsor; visit to the Scarvells; Miss Price’s “fortunes” excite interest; to stay until Friday

12 July 1872

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

“Change” doing Bessie good; Miss A… at Rouse Hill; Miss Lamb and niece Miss Cox call; Mr Hayden short of Sunday School teachers; W F Buchanan’s child has scarlatina; “dearest Miss Price”; Emma’s news, pregnant?

21 July 1872

Lydia Christian [Mrs] (Mount Pleasant)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Miss Salamon’s wedding, news it was a grand affair; Emma Capper not benefited by change; please visit

30 July 1872 (postmark)

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Unable to write this afternoon as went to Mr Scarvell’s(?); a few hasty lines; thanks for dear little note; contents of her note rejoiced her heart, your continued improvement; will wondering if Bessie well enough for party; Jack Cropper to be with us to- morrow; Mamma (Hannah) has business in Sydney; Lizzie’s chances of getting to Bessie small; excellent news of Emma; Emma chats to Capt Elmslie, his schooner for Melbourne, will still visit friends in Sydney; Lizzie will write to Pricie etc

21 August1872

(Wm) Fred Creeny (at Thorpe Hamlet House, Norwich)

Mrs Buchanan (no envelope)

Proposed operation to thumb; to return (to Australia?); sent songs to Australia; Belfast riots, “the old wild hate between the two factions of so called followers of the Prince of Peace”; “How strange the progress of civilization has been in that beautiful land”; his brother a protestant but a “Home Ruler”; visit to Crome, home in carriage by moonlight, staying with rich friend who has carriages (NB Rev Wm. Fred Creeny appears to have spent more time in Norwich. I understand he became Vicar of St Michael-at-Thorn, Norwich, in 1876 and died in 1897, b 1825(?). He was an acknowledge expert in brass monuments and became President of the Monumental Brass Society. Believed to be formerly Curate at St Thomas Church, North Sydney [Chaplain of St Leonard’s] where he met the Buchanan family) his brother a protestant but a “Home Ruler”; visit to Crome, home in carriage by moonlight, staying with rich friend who has carriages (NB Rev Wm. Fred Creeny appears to have spent more time in Norwich. I understand he became Vicar of St Michael-at-Thorn, Norwich, in 1876 and died in 1897, b 1825(?). He was an acknowledge expert in brass monuments and became President of the Monumental Brass Society. Believed to be formerly Curate at St Thomas Church, North Sydney [Chaplain of St Leonard’s] where he met the Buchanan family)

1 September 1872

Eliza Johnstone (The Manse Armidale)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mr Johnstone (her husband, Presbyterian Minister in Armidale) away a lot, trying to get clerygymen to assist; news of local identities; encouraging Mrs Buchanan to visit (Mr Johnstone would meet her at Murrurundi); tin fever, Wesleyan Minister makes two or three thousand a year from it

22 September 1872

Annie Farrant (Bromley, Isle of Man)

Bessie Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

Mentions Hinds and Connal family, Isle of Man; Mrs Bishop, Willie (to) Liverpool; Mrs Cherry and Sarah Price; more Isle of Man news

2 October 1872

Mina Nivison (Landsdowne Terrace, Goulburn)

Bessie Rouse

Leaving Goulburn; hopes to stay with them, if convenient; been staying with Lizzie Phillips(?); hopes Mama (Mrs Buchanan) is well; tell Miss Price she has met a fair and a dark young gentleman, details; has not ridden while here; croquet every evening; much love

6 October 1872

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Bessie (St John’s Terrace)

William Buchanan left Rouse Hill, leaving her dull; Lizzie and Eleanor away; Mina coming to stay, inconvenient; damage to shrubs and flowers at Rouse Hill, weather, storm(?)

7/8 October 1872 (postmark)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan to drive to Parramatta; Bessie sees Mrs Rouse (Hannah?); Papa surprises by coming home on Saturday morning; Archdeacon preaches fine sermon, staing with Mr Hayden; Netta, John (Hayden?) call; Miss Fenwick(e) and Miss Clarke call; Miss Doyle, Min(n?)a (Nivison?) not here till next week; lack of beds; called to see Mrs Westgarth and Mrs Kade (?); Amelia and Kate (servants?); a little dance at the Cadell’s; Miss Doyle called; Miss Price, Netta and Amy Tucker spend evening with Bessie

9 October 1872

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

William Buchanan alone a lot; weather may prevent Bessie and Pricie going to North Shore; Pricie’s job with Mrs Whitton (as governess?), “ I am indeed rejoiced that Miss Price has at last got such a nice engagement”; could William B get things from Kellett House to make room look better; refers to Miss Lamb; Mrs Buchanan’s “hitching in the breath”; Mrs Rouse (Hannah’s) slippers; putting up Lizzie and Eleanor (Rouse?); driving to Windsor with Hannah, “country looking lovely”; take spoonful of bromide to make you sleep; Tierney, coachman at Rouse Hill

10 October 1872

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan’s palpitations and catching of breath; gets medicine and vial from Dr Cox, sends to Rouse Hill; Miss Price’s new duties; the girls at Netta’s with a couple of clerical gentlemen; gave nothing to Tierney (?) at Riverstone (coachman at Rouse Hill)

15 October 1872

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace?)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Grieved to hear from Mrs Terry that she was not feeling so well; hears she drives with Mrs Rouse to Parramatta, hoped journey would give her “refreshing sleep”; sad to hear she has been alone all day; let him know if she wishes him to come to be with her; Mrs F Dangar asks Bessie to the Opera, loathe to have Miss Nivison alone; trusts he will have line from her in the morning

27 October 1872

Maude Devereux (Shamrock Vale, Port Mackay)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Dr Nathan’s death, his family badly off; the Rawsons very nice; life in Mackay; de Bohun, her husband, very happy

22 November 1872

Fanny Fenwick (sic) (Bradley House)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

School feast, St Michael; Mrs Denne (?) delays visit

25 November 1872

Ellie Rouse [Eleanor, daughter of George Rouse?] (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Has had fever; looked after by Lizzie (Rouse); “Aunt Edwin” (Hannah) at Baroona, returning; instructions re clothing and parcel; how is “our mutual friend”, Jack Hayden(?); remember her to Miss (Antoinette?) Hayden; Lizzie’s kindness to her during illness; Ted (E S Rouse) returning (from Guntawang); affection

13 December 1872

Harriet Salamon

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Re the muslin and D. Jones’s; Mrs Carney’s party

24 December 1872

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Christmas greetings “to you and yours”; feels “Merry” Christmas” not appropriate with “hot weather, flies and mosquitoes” etc; friendly chat

circa 1873

Florence Want

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Putting off Bessie and Miss Price spending a day with them until next week

15 February 2005

Eleanor Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Scarvell at Killarney (Narrabri?); Liz and Mr Peebles; Miss Price telling fortunes; an Opera next September in the Victoria Theatre, not the Masonic Hall; Lizzie staying with Bessie?

circa 1873

J Burne

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Thanks for money for Jack; he (Jack?) has been tramping around since he left Dalby looking for work; Mr Ledger says work available in the area (Taroome?); feels very uneasy, as Jack’s handwriting looked so shaky; Belle ill; please don’t misunderstand motives in sending Katie to see them

15 January(1873)

Maude Devereux [Huntly (?), Peak Downs Qld]

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Complains that Bessie does not write to her; describes house and living conditions; husband de Bohun; Mrs Buchanan danced on the “dear old Sobraon”; long letter with other details

23 (?) January1873 (postmark)

Emily Lang (Mrs Geards, Balmain)

Bessie Buchanan (opposite St Johns church)

Come to Balmain, by steamer; leaves foot of Erskine St every half hour; Lalla (?) loses diamond and ruby brooch, grieved to lose wedding present

24 January 1873

Frances W. King

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Acceptance of invitation to join her “circle” on Monday evening

3 February 1873 (Postmark)

Lizzie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Enjoyed “your dear little note”, a true friend; thanks for kind words about Uncle; John Richard Rouse dying(?); little change, says several times “Life is a misery”, thinks he longs for rest; glad to hear little Mary Cohen(?)/Cox(?) out of danger, sister died of scarlet fever; party ought to be postponed, danger of infection; hopes sister-in-law will visit Bessie; Bishop & Mrs Barker to stay; Bishop and Mrs Barker at Kurrajong(?); Ted drives Dread (?) and Gameboy, looks splendid; Mrs Brett staying with Phoebe; “your much attached” NB Year on letter not clear (1873, according to postmark, the year that John Richard Rouse died)

17 February 1873 (?)

Emily Rouse (w of Richard Rouse Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan

Invitation to function held by the Four-in-Hand Club; each gentleman allowed a party of ladies; starts at Government House, Governor provides champagne; Miss Byrne (sic) [Burne?] your cousin [Belle?] also invited

4 March 1873

Jeannie Bell (Bergen op Zoom)

Bessie Buchanan

Private races in Armidale in Armidale, a “ladies bag” on (list) of prizes, could Bessie buy for her (?); Miss Price very ill; concert in Walcha; mentions Mr and Mrs Robinson, Bella and Fanny Fenwick(sic), Mrs Elliot and Mr Blair (the saddler); three snakes killed; Mr Blythe from Armidale came and read Scott tragedy; John Scott family sadness; refers to Captain Crawford (slowly sinking) and Mrs Nivison (on sick list, Dr Spasshalt); message for Netta and Jack Hayden; other comments

25 March 1873

Jeannie Bell (Bergen op Zoom)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Netta and Jack Hayden (father rector St John’s Darlinghurst); thanks for articles (for ladies’ bag?); Bessie’s visit to Rouse Hill; Mr Johnstone’s visit to Sydney; Mrs Buchanan looking thin and pale; Captain Crawford’s death; Mrs Nivison ill; Torrswood, Mrs Baird and Elizabeth; the Bells not going to Armidale festivities because of Mr Crawford’s death

1 May 1873 May morning

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Delighted to know Lizzie better; a ‘levy’ of visitors for Mrs Buchanan including Mrs Sydney Want, E S Rouse, Mr Kinsey & Mr Burleigh; Bessie must return Miss Cox’s call; Miss Price’s duties on North Shore; Netta Hayden at Rouse Hill; Sir T L (?) Murray ill; goose sent from Rouse Hill

27 May 1873

Emma Husband (St Leonards)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Did Lizzie Rouse leave nightdress at your house for a pattern(?); love etc

13 July 1873

?

Bessie Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

Apology for non-attendance last evening; away in country

15 July 1873

G(?) de C(?) Barton Moolboolaman (Maryborough)

Mrs Buchanan

Birth of daughter ‘Geraldine de Courcy/Courcey?’ after her mother; husband Maurice (?) or son(?); Lizzie Rouse news of them; good passage on steamer; Bessie “that pretty lady who gave him the ball in the church” - Maurice

8 August 1873

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Bessie Buchanan

Bessie’s dislike of writing letters; Mr Bell, “you will like Annie McGillivray”; please buy music, “No 11 Booseys musical cabinet”; thanks for patterns; wishes she could see them; Maggie Connal looking better; poor, but lots of friends; has taken dislike to Walcha; has she seen Agnes Nivison; love to “dear Aunt”

15 August 1873

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Been in town, very tired; Mr Kinsey & later Netta calls; Mr Hayden calls, then Miss Hill; Miss Price stays night; sees well attended wedding at St John’s (Miss Prince’s?), saw guests: Mr & Mrs Cadell, Clara Townley & Mrs Sydney Want, also Mr Herring/Hening(sic ?), Mr Forest, Arthur Doyle, Mr Tilly, saw Mr and Mrs Campbell of Waverley; Bosley (sic) [Bossley] and Belle engaged(?), Mrs Buchanan “favourably impressed” with Mr Bossley; had to send Kate to station with Bessie’s dress; relieved to hear journey okay; letter from Mrs, Baird, paying for the music, Miss Price to get music; Kate & Lizzie pleased with Bessie’s remembrance of them; other comments; greetings etc

18 August 1873

Agnes Scott (Surveyor’s Creek)

Mrs Buchanan (297 St John’s Terrace)

(Black-edged paper) The loss of her son; caring interest in Maggie Connall who appears to be supported by Mrs Buchanan; flooding prevents river crossing; hasn’t seen Maggie Bell; the Messrs Farrants’ “ill fortune on the land”; Mrs Nivison’s illness, near the grave(?), young folk, gay scenes, do not realize; £5 for Mrs Connal’s clothes; Mr Stirton and Mr Johnstone (Presbyterian Ministers? Mr Stirton at Inverell, Mr Johnstone at Armidale?)

22 August 1873 (postmark)

Antoinette Hayden (Netta)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Looking forward to seeing her; Miss Price not well; Mrs Burwell and Miss Sloper paying visit to Mrs Buchanan

23 August 1873

K (Kate?) Fairfax [89 (?) Macquarie St]

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Re musical evening; bring a lot of music; Miss Smith coming with brothers

15 September 1873

Agnes Connal (Ingalba)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Mrs Buchanan’s kindness to Maggie (Connal) at school(?); happy days at Tara; gold field nearby; Mr Fletcher rides from one station to another; Mrs Baird visits Surveyor’s Creek; she (Agnes) seldom goes from home

23 September 1873

Robert Fraser (Dalrymple Cresc, Edinburgh)

William Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Describes holidays with Margaret (wife), Mary (daughter) while letting house in Dalrymple Crescent; Minny, Ellen (Servant) left in Portobello; Robert Fraser prescribed rest from clerical duties by physician; Robert, his son, says do what you like with his “sketches”, now possessed by William Buchanan, thinks some were “hastily done”, but his paintings sell well; Robert’s (son’s) paintings exhibited at Royal Academy (Scottish); one painting sold for £40; friends (Margaret’s relatives) with Burges farming in Western Australia [Burges family prominent in Swan River Colony]; refers to William Buchanan’s reduction in income, reduction of interest; refers to Mrs Strain; Mr McDonald of Arbroath complains about lack of response by Mrs Buchanan and Bessie to letters from Margaret and Mary; complains about lack of response to correspondence; expecting to hear of Bessie’s marriage; other interesting family news and comments, well expressed NB I believe William Buchanan was Robert’s uncle.

26 September 1873

Antoinette Hayden (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Surprised to hear of Bessie’s engagement; Bessie looking so very well and pretty; “the more one knows of Lizzie the nicer she seems”; other comments

27 September 1873

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Disappointed no letter; Miss Price at Rouse Hill; Ted (E S Rouse) ill, Dr Mutter; sees Katie’s wedding presents; letter from Agnes Buchanan and Georgina, Annie Trevor died, poor Mrs Trevor; dreadful dust storm; hopes Miss Price feeling better; Belle Burne (later Bossley) stays night; Netta Hayden still at Rouse Hill; Mr Hayden disappointed; other comments

30 September 1873

Emily J Rouse (Beaudesert)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Congratulations (on engagement) and love from her “heart”; Ted (E S Rouse) should be good husband

4 October 1873

Edwin S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Pump for sheep washing broken; Ellie (Eleanor) and family visit; Lizzie Cairnes (née Rouse) in her little abode; Mr Doyle’s wedding; his indigestion; Emily (Rouse) wants Bessie to call her by her Christian name; Mr Brown(e) [Rolf Boldrewood] picks up wife at Wallerawang

8 October 1873

Edwin S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Uncle William (Hipkins?), amateur performance in Gulgong; he and Uncle William went to it, Jack Hayden very good; Ellie and Emily at Beaudesert; Mr and Mrs R Rouse (Biraganbil); sheep washing pump breaks down; the Wants’ party: Doyle, Cairns (Bank Managers in Gulgong?); Emily and Miss Hayle (governess)

12 October 1873

Mina Nivison (Ohio)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie’s engagement; “Bessie her oldest, dearest friend”; Mrs Nivison very ill; playing backgammon with Mrs Buchanan; Agnes in Sydney, coming to N.E. with Allie; old Mrs Smith staying; Dr Pickburn at Walcha, Mr Jamieson; Dr Pickburn mild mannered, wife a Miss de Mestre; Mrs Abbott dies, very old; the Stirtons in Inverell; other comments

15 October 1873 (Note: Guntawang post stamp)

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Sheep washing and shearing; church in Gulgong; Mr Cairnes, Liz (Cairnes née Rouse); the Misses Coxes still here; Hannah and Lizzie for Baroona; Garnet and Gameboy (carriage horses?); Bess earning golden opinions in Gulgong

18 October 1873

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Bessie’s likeness; ESR (Ted) ashamed of his letters; death of Fred Dangar, Mrs Fred Want will feel the loss; Mary Scarvell will feel loss of little girl; Mrs Buchanan at Rouse Hill; old Mrs Blaxland (a nuisance?)

20 October 1873

Agnes Connal (Ingalba)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Thanks for getting Maggie’s clothes; Marian to go to Sydney also; James, John & Willie in Armidale; Mrs Nivison dying; Mrs Baird unwell; Mrs Smith of Walcha; Mrs John visits; Mrs Fletcher better; Madame Hinrichson(?) is giving up school at Christmas; Lady Murray to succeed her

22 October 1873

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan

Bessie’s letters not stupid; Richard Rouse of Guntawang a juryman in Mudgee, the Miss Coxes went with him; Miss Hayle (governess?) making cakes for school feast; Church at Guntawang on Saturday; Mrs Buchanan at Rouse Hill; mentions shearing; Gameboy and Garnet (carriage horses?)

25 October 1873

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Re Bessie’s engagement, “so many suitors”; re Rouse family “wealth in abundance”; Maggie Bell and Aunt Janet; Mrs Smith very ill, Dr Pickburn; the esteemed Mr Bell (Archibald?); Elizabeth Baird (daughter); makes their own butter (5 cows)

31 October 1873

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

(St John’s Terrace, Darlinghurst)

Going to Gumbandry (sic) tomorrow for some horses; ashamed his letter badly written; going to Slasher’s Flat, the new place we have bought; Emily took Mrs Newton (the clergyman’s wife in Gulgong) to return calls; Richie bets pair of gloves that Mrs Gunther will kiss Mrs Newton; sees Bessie’s cousin who used to live at Macquarie Fields; Ellie here this afternoon; Ellie and Emily to dine at Mrs Brown(e)’s tomorrow; sees Jack Hayden in buggy; “most lovingly”

5 November 1873

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace, Darlinghurst)

“I know how disinclined one is to write in Sydney on a hot day”; Mr Arnold invited to Guntawang, met at Mrs Bellfield’s wedding; Ellie & Emily (Rouse, his cousins); Miss Price staying with Bessie “such a nice creature”; “I do not take stimulant now”; Gameboy & Garnet looking splendid; Tommy & Pluck to Sydney; Mrs Browne very ill; “your dear eyes are great upon horse flesh”

12 November 1873

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan

Emily Rouse (of Beaudesert?) to go with Emily Rouse (of Guntawang) to Tasmania, Uncle George agrees; Gameboy and Garnet playing up, Richie’s (Richard) heavy buggy; two horses in Sydney(?), Clarke driving them

15 November 1873

Belle Burne (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Writing on behalf of Bessie; will be returning tomorrow if we can get through the arrangements; Bessie feeling better

24 November 1873

Lizzie Rouse (Baroona)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

You and Ted so happy together; you don’t need my scribble; various items of social nature; mentions Maud, Abby and Phoebe, Richie and Emily, Guntawang; tea at the Metropole etc

28 November 1873

Emma Batty (Chalgrove House, Woolwich, England)

Bessie Buchanan

Emma’s congratulations on engagement. *Envelope in Ted’s (E S Rouse) hand, so probably forwarded to Bessie

8 December 1873

W Scott (Surveyor’s Creek)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Asking for help in finding governess; can offer £45 a year; interesting letter re conditions for governesses; congratulations to Bessie

22 December 1873

Lizzie Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Plans for Christmas week and return to Rouse Hill; Mr Sydney Scarvell and the Brownes call; Richie sends love, good news of wife (Emily); visit to Biraganbil; Edwin Stephen (Ted) frequent visits to town to see Bessie; other news and comments

circa . 1874

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan

Mary upset about sister; can’t help feeling anxious about mother; Mrs Scarvell has son; left Giles’s bill behind; Mrs Terry and Mrs Bowman call; Netta Hayden looking better; the Cairnes to visit; ESR (Ted) sends love

4 January1874

Minny (?) Farrant (Ballakillingen)

Bessie Buchanan

Friendly letter with news of Isle of Man people

20 January1874

E M Brett (Baroona)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Sorry to hear Mrs Buchanan so ill since I (Mrs Brett) left Sydney; perhaps the heat made her ill; heat up here much worse, like “oven wall heated”; Mr and Mrs Dangar (Phoebe and Abby) still sad (about Grace’s death); Maud merry; Rodney is new nurse etc

26 January1874

Agnes Connal (Ingalba)

Mrs Buchanan (St John’s Terrace)

Rain stops Maggie, Marion, going back to boarding school; Mrs Hind’s daughter dead; looks after husband and children, Orandumbie station (nr Walcha); Fletcher famiy; Mrs Scott, her mother(?), rough roads to Surveyors Creek

5 February (1874)

Phoebe Dangar (née Rouse) (Baroona)

Bessie Buchanan

Gracie Dangar (her daughter) dies; (was to have been Bessie’s bridesmaid) “I can see now that I loved her too well for I could have given up more easily either of the others”; Bessie “welcomed very heartily to our family circles”; Mrs Brett sends love; please write to Maud (who sends kisses)

February (?) 1874

Bessie Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan

Man fixing roof at Lara, effect of rain; Hannah and Lizzie (Rouse) to go by March mail; Emily and Elinor (sic) to be her bridesmaids; Kate and Lizzie at Blacktown; Miss Price with the Buchanans

18 February 1874

E S Rouse

Bessie Buchanan (/o Mrs Henfrey, Alfred House)

Goes to Guntawang by mail from Wallerawang; Lara to be ready by first week of March (?); to ask George Rouse (Jnr) to be his groomsman; going out to sheep station, the Brownes; Richie (of Guntawang) to “keep him company”; Mrs Henfrey (Alfred House)

March 1874?

Belle Burne

Bessie Rouse

Lizzie to give her letter; staying at Lara; Belle sleeps with Mama (Jane Burne) and Lizzie sleeps with Miss Price; Miss Price worried about who gets first letter from Bessie (?); everyone I heard mention the letter, speaks of it (the wedding?) as a great success

circa Marcirca h 1874

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Travelling arrangement and conditions to and from Sydney; possible visit

6? March 1874

E Dangar (Greenknowe)

Bessie Buchanan (Lara)

Day before Bessie’s wedding; present; veils (?) for Maud and Ada (to be bridesmaids)

10 March 1874

Bessie Rouse (Durack Hotel, Bathurst)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Journey by train until 5 miles before Bathurst; Pricie (Miss Price) and Belle; on wedding tour; people at the hotel so civil.

12 March 1874

Mrs Buchanan

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Wingate is going to Box Hill and has offered Mrs Buchanan the use of her carriage for two hours every second day in her absence

14 March 1874 (?)

Annie Price (Alfred House)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Social chat; fears they will both be tired when they reach Rouse Hill NB Appears to be written after Bessie’s marriage to E S Rouse

25 March 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

The Buchanans stay at Rouse Hill; the week before Bessie has a satisfactory cook; wishing Louise (servant) would stay; Bessie arranges storeroom; old Mr Hipkins (William) comes; the Scarvells, Mrs S friendly; wet weather; Mrs Wingate in Tasmania, staying with Mrs Kennerley (Jane, née Rouse), Hobartown; give love to Kate (the cook?)

27 March 1874 In same envelope

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Best wishes, congratulations on wedding

28 March 1874

Evelyn E R (Robinson?) (The Terrace)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Written after Edwin Stephen Rouse’s marriage to Bessie Buchanan; fond memories of Rouse Hill (Lizzie brings her wedding cake) *Note: this appears to be written by the same lady who wrote the poem which appears on p109 of “Rouse Hill and the Rouses” (Thornton, 2015). See also entry for c 1858-60 above. This interesting letter is faded and difficult to read

3 April 1874 Good Friday

E M B(rett?) Neotsfield

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Mrs Albert (A A?) Dangar’s description of Bessie’s wedding; her (E M Brett?) brother fond of Bessie; she (E M Brett) is looking for board and lodging on “modest terms”; seeking Miss Price’s advice; darling Mrs Dangar going to Britain; she doesn’t eat much; “I don’t eat much”

20 April 1874

William Buchanan (Lara)

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Re medicine left at Lara to be sent to E S Rouse next morning

Bessie Rouse (Crown Ridge)

Mrs Buchanan

Wednesday evening: arrived here, 19 miles from Wallerawang, hope to get to Mudgee tomorrow

May 1874? Sunday afternoon 3 or 10 May?

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan

Emily loses baby, doctor and nurse attend; Mrs Brown(e) comes to see Bessie; Miss Hayle to be married; love to Miss Price; Netta and John (Hayden?), theatricals! Bessie loves Guntawang, so pretty and convenient; Likes Emily, Eliza and Annie, photos, Mrs Dangar; the new stables (at Guntawang) “perfect moddles” (sic); other details NB This letter found together with one above;

8 May 1874

Hannah Rouse (SS Khedive?)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Good wishes; hopes to hear Edwin won gold cup for four-in-hand and that “the brothers” won some prizes at the Exhibition; dear Emma’s baby; should reach Southampton in ten days’ time; other remarks

11 May 1874 (postmark)

Annie Price

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Cheering up Mrs Buchanan who may be feeling “dull”; invited to ball, but ticket arrives the day before, so doesn’t go; horses and luck; other chatty news

21 May 1874

Belle Burne (later Bossley) (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang?)

Staying at Lara and very busy; “someone” returned and staying there too; Auntie (Mrs Buchanan) reads Bessie’s letter to Belle; Bessie having a jolly time; “your visit more pleasant than you thought it might be”; pther news

23 May 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Lizzie Cairnes (née Rouse) and her husband (cousin to Mrs Jamieson from Ireland); new servant at Guntawang; old cook wishing to leave Guntawang

30 May 1874

Phoebe Dangar (Baroona)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Knows she would enjoy being at Guntawang; Emily so kind; Hannah and Lizzie Rouse reach England (telegram from Fred); Abbey to Sydney to meet new Arab (horse) brought from Melbourne by Herbert Power; urges Bessie to pay a visit in the winter; Abbey to Gostwyck; likeness of Rodney enclosed; Mrs Brett staying with her; Mrs Dangar leaving Neotsfield; till July in Sydney

Wed June 1874(?)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

William Buchanan (Lara)

Performance for the benefit of public buildings in Gulgong, Jack Hayden takes part; Miss Price at Lara; the new stables at Guntawang are “models”; the horses remind her of Tara (New England)

June? 1874

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Prince’s Rd Darlinghurst)

Visit to Mudgee and to the Coxes; likes Mrs White at the bank; Lizzie Hayle and Mr Charley Rouse (son of George and later married to Lizzie H)

11 June 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

They cannot leave until early next week as Gameboy hurt leg; Belle’s accident; Emily not well; postal arrangements; concern for mother’s health; query jacket; Richard of Guntawang goes to visit station; Miss Hayle (governess & fiancé to Charley Rouse) in Mudgee; hopes to start back early next week

14 June 1874

Annie Price (Alfred House)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Sad death of her sister Ellen; Netta dances all night at the Prince’s party; “knocked up” all Saturday; Mr Hayden taking the family to Manly for a month; gives up her engagement (job) with Mrs Fox (?); Ellen Husband engaged to first Lieutenant of the “Dido”; Emily (?) trying hard to catch some of the crew, but fish will not bite in such shallow streams; Pricie is “waxing spiteful” so I shall “shut up” NB Entertaining letter

20 June 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Mrs Brown(e)’s ingrowing toenail; Emily and Eleanor (Rouse of Beaudesert); Gameboy still a little lame; will take three days to get down; Pricie’s (Miss Price’s) bad news from ‘home’

29 June 1874 (postmark)

Mr Henry Dangar

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Invitation for Thursday evening, 9 July

July 1874

Mary Fraser (19 Lauriston St, Edinburgh)

Bessie Rouse

Thanks for letter; her (Bessie’s) beloved has three qualifications: youth, good looks & wealth; Bessie, pretty, clever, excellent wife; moved from the Crescent closer to centre of town, less nice, Mother misses garden; Father’s (Robert Fraser’s) health, bed, giddiness; will be unable to accompany the Strains (to Ireland?); hope to take him to Bridge-of-Allan for change; Cousin Levy’s baby son, Charles says “fat & fair & like a giant”; hopes your Papa & Mama like new cottage; Bessie’s proximity in new home; thanks for photos; could only have afforded an inexpensive wedding present (about a week later) Papa (health) worse, doctor says brain disease; “heaven pity us”, “a set of poor helpless women” (Some days later) Papa improved, but anxious for the future; Mama not well, want of money, could “dear Uncle” (William Buchanan) help; hoping for better news etc; Mother receives long letter from Aunt (Mrs Buchanan); “Your affectionate cousin”

4 July 1874

Henry James Marr (Bulwurradah)

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Request for 12 months rent for farm (always known as Marr’s Paddock)

14 July 1874

Mrs Buchanan (Prince’s Rd Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Thinking of you “very much”; Ted’s cough; “dear Little Netta”; Belle calls and later Miss Price; Mary takes book to Greenowe, Mrs Brett there; invitation from Mrs Dibbs; James (Lucas?) suffering and living in a miserable hut; garlic and sulphur remedy; how are Bessie’s servants(?); your husband very dearly loved by them; other remarks

16 July 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie not well; Uncle James (Lucas?) has rheumatism; ‘little Net’ happy; Miss Price’s visit; the domestics getting on very satisfactorily; the cook not out of the common; Ted (E S Rouse) working at a machine for improving salted butter; Bessie has face ache; Mrs Dibbs’ invitation to Netta’s father (Hayden)

23 July 1874

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara) readdressed to Rouse Hill

Bessie’s wedding tour; “poor Miriam not making progress”; could Mrs Buchanan give advice about (silk) wedding dress for Elizabeth; Mr Bell not leaving district “Mr Bell is really the pattern of all that is good and affectionate in his home ties and duties”; Agnes Nivison’s trousseau; Mr Weaver’s sad death, leaves his wife destitute

27 July 1874

J Bell [Jeanie?] (Bergen op Zoom)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Miriam (Macgillivray) still a great invalid; a servant short; Maggie, Mina and Ina off to Ohio; Mrs Buchanan welcome to stay for a change; Mrs Baird for Queensland (?); Papa (Mr Bell) and Mr Boulton to divide this station, the Bell part to be called “Mullewindi”, the “Black” name for the Macdonald Ranges; Papa to build new house; Sydney seems gay now

13 August (1874?)

Alice Rouse (Petty’s Hotel)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

To stay at Rouse Hill, if house not too full; had a pleasant time away; Mr Cairnes and Lizzie in Parramatta, so will visit them; Mr Robey at Rouse Hill

17 August 1874

Minnie Hilly

Bessie Rouse

Frank sent cab to pick her up at station (Sydney); singing class; Bessie’s neuralgia; Mr and Mrs Charlie Rouse and your large party getting less; Mrs Fred Want wants her to stay; off to drawing class

20 August 1874

Agnes Scott (Surveyor’s Creek)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara) readdressed to Rouse Hill

Begins: “My dear & only friend”; comfort of Bessie’s marriage; Marion and Maggie at school; Mrs Buchanan to stay with Marian who gives bad news of Maggie’s health; Mrs Buchanan asked to check on Maggie’s health; Dr Morris’s opinion re Maggie, laid up; bad weather, dead sheep, hard frost; visits from Mr Fletcher and Mr Connal; Mr Weaver’s end, money for Mrs Weaver; Mrs Johns sends kindest love; Mrs Weaver an excellent creature so full of faith and hope; has never seen such hard frosts; “kindest love”

20 August 1874

Mina Nivison (Ohio)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Thanks for piece of wedding cake; wishes her happiness; Bessie’s dislike of letter writing; gets news of them from Mrs Baird; Agnes and Papa have gone “down country”; a few weeks since Mama’s death; Agnes to be married this January; stayed with Mrs Stirton at Inverell; a month with Mrs Anderson at Newstead; hunts and polo; Maggie Fletcher staying; Fanny Fenwick not to be married until next year, 12 bridesmaids; Elizabeth Baird’s possible marriage; sad about Mr Gowland’s death; please write and tell her about yourself; Mr Robey at your wedding; love etc

23 August 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Concern for her mother’s health; “old” Mr Hipkins visits; will try to visit Mrs Dixon (sic), son Tommy ill; Mr Rooke prescribing for Tommy; Mrs Rooke visits Bessie; Bessie’s face painful; Bessie reads to “old” Mary; Harry Terry visits

26 August 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Mrs Buchanan ill, recovering(?); Bessie not going to Baroona

27 August (1874?) (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Prays for her mother’s improved health, ask her to be careful of her health; Mrs Tierney’s child’s abscess; Mr Britton visits; Bessie drives to Box Hill; other domestic details

25 August 1874

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Enclosing Lizzie’s letter; expecting her (Bessie) home tomorrow; love etc

3 September 1874

Lizzie Rouse (Switzerland)

E S Rouse

Travelling in Switzerland; Emma and Dudley (Batty) take home in Brighton; other news; long letter

8 September 1874

Jeannie Bell (Bergen op Zoom)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Grieved to hear she has been ill, but fortunate that Bessie lives so near; illness in the house, so has not time to write long letter; Miriam has attack of congestion of the lungs; trusting to hear more favourable news; other comments; fondest love etc

23 September 1874

Wm Fred Creeny (Vicarage, Soham, Cambridgeshire)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara) readdressed to Rouse Hill

“Long silence”; Bessie, Fred Walker’s old flame; Mr Henry D Bray, his health better, a breakdown; “many other things that helped to break me”; his Jerusalem notes; mentions Miss Price, Miss Belle Burne, Mrs Barney, likes Mr(s?) Hayden; Miss Lords become Dockers; seriously thinking of going abroad; new curate’s wife born in Australia, father Dr Pritchard was at Castlemaine; also, Mr Fletcher was in Melbourne; other interesting social comment

23 September 1874

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

No news; Mrs Browne gives “a little evening” yesterday; he and Richie go, so as not to be rude; two fast dances with Aunt Jane; other news of the “evening”; Mrs Harry Dangar says Bessie looks very nice at ball; Emily, Ellie and Alice here for dinner; Emily to write to her; other news; Papa’s plants

28? September 1874

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Has been very ill, also daughter Elizabeth; nevertheless, very concerned about your mother, Mrs Buchanan, NB A lot about the latter

1 October 1874

Hannah Rouse (3 Victoria Terrace Cliftonville, Brighton)

Edwin (E S) Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Thanks for letter, likes to hear news of the family; worried about not receiving income (?) [summary] either this mail or last; Lizzie disappointed at not getting dividends etc; success at Hawkesbury races; would like Bessie to visit Aunt Hassall; Aunt Wingate visits Aunt Hassall; concern for “old Mary” (Kicker?); trip to Switzerland; glad to hear news of the Dicksons; Emma and Dudley; Virginia and Grandma Batty; asks to be remembered to Mr Britton; Mrs Jones still at Rouse Hill; other news; religious quotation NB Encloses note from David Jones to Dudley Batty Esq re box for Mr Rouse, Sydney

6 October 1874 (postmark)

Janie Fowler (Camperdown)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Father (Enoch Fowler?) much better, to consult Dr Morris; Charlie and Alfred (Fowler) going back to school; inquiring after ‘Aunt’ (Mrs Buchanan)

14 October 1874

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

A few lines; invitation to picnic from Mrs Fred (Cox?); rather too hot; picnic to be given at Broomby; Phoebe has son, telegram from Abby; Mr Laidley here, a perfect gentleman; Willie Brown(e) on Monday evening; better not come up, roads rough, heat fearful; thinking of getting “Tom” up; will give her some idea by next post as to when he is getting back

24 October 1874

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Sorry to hear she has bad cold; health concerns; the Mater’s likeness; letters from Lizzie and Emma; Richie and Emily gone to picnic; Richie buys new carriage horse; hopes to leave here by end of next week; sorry to hear Mrs Britton looks so ill; supposes Lizzie and Cairnes do not care for Parramatta; other comments; love etc

31 October 1874

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Only writing a few lines; hopes to be with her on Wednesday; plans to go to Wallerawang and go on to Sydney by mail train; leaving the horses for Jack to take to Riverstone, otherwise would have to go to Rouse Hill first, other details; writing to Dickson to send Alfred to meet Jack; will be delighted to be with her again; went to Beaudesert to say good-bye to the girls; sorry to hear her mother not well; other details; love etc; don’t get anxious if he doesn’t turn up on Wednesday, but has gone to Rouse Hill

10 November (1874?)

Alice Rouse (Gillendon[?], Warren, via Dubbo)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Has been very busy putting the house in order; has heard news of her from family members; sorry to hear Bessie’s mother (Mrs Buchanan) does not regain strength more quickly; glad to hear Bessie is stronger; obtaining flowers scarce; the weather is dreadful and the roads are rough; she never goes out; a new home being built; Bessie and Ted bear separation well

23 November 1874 (postmark)

Annie Price

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”; anxious about Bessie (pregnancy); Eva and Charlotte go to the clergy daughter’s school; little Net not very well, mustard poultice; Willie Robey (?) leaving Sydney, ‘Ted’ will miss him; other social news

(December 1874?)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Thinking of her all day and night [anxiety over pregnancy?]; Mrs Buchanan has bad night; Belle (Bossley?) stays

2 December 1874

William Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Included letter from Belle Burne

4 December 1874

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan feeling better; hopes Bessie will be pleased with her selection of “little things” and that Bessie will soon be at Lara to see them (possibly baby clothes as Nina was born the next month at Lara); she and William had been to Lassetter’s to select a ‘bedstead’; carpenters are doing some work in the house

9 December 1874 (postmark)

Belle Burne (Bossley)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill?)

Bessie worrying too much about her mother; Belle feeling better, but affected by weather; hears from Tarby (her future husband)

15 December 1874 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Ted (E. S. Rouse) and Belle won’t let her do anything (pregnant?); Ted to accompany her down to Sydney

1875-76(?)

Hannah Rouse

Memo for E S Rouse

Re contents of package, including carriage clock (for a bedroom), silver mug, bowl for Nina; parcel for Edwin Hassall; presents from Lizzie; paper knife; other items NB There is no mention of Kathleen, or baby, in this “memo”. It lists the silver bowl for Nina (b Jan 1875), which is mentioned as having arrived at its destination in Hannah’s letter to Bessie Rouse, dated 7 July 1876

7 January1875

Lizzie Rouse (47 Redcliffe Gardens)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

She and Hannah spent New Year in Church; Dudley with Colonel Watson at Dover; Lizzie attends Ball at Aldershot; the weather charming at Christmas; Lucy (Dangar) knows General Brooke, his flattering words about Bessie; lunch with Mrs W Dangar; other news

26 January1875

E J Rouse (Emily?) Beaudesert

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Happy news about birth of baby; sure Ted pleased it is a girl; Mrs Browne spending day here; Father (George Rouse) leaves for the Macquarie tomorrow; Alice and Charlie leave (Alice dreads the heat); Eleanor and Minnie in Hobart town; my “little charges” well; though Bessie causes anxiety; sad loss of two of Edward Terry’s children; when will Emily and Richard return home; Mr G H Cox’s daughter engaged to Mr Stewart (Mudgee Joint Stock Bank); cricket match between Gulgong and Mudgee; our church done up

27 January1875/74 Think 1874 date wrong, mentions baby (Nina’s) birth (25 January1875)

Margaret Scott Bell (Bergen op Zoom)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Reference to the little daughter (Nina Rouse’s birth 25 Jan 1875?); both Mrs Scotts looking worn; Papa to city for a week, Mr Edward Boulton may return with him; keeping James in his place, may be sent to school; Alec’s holidays, Mr and Mrs Kendall very kind; Mr and Mrs Norton; poor Elizabeth Baird’s misfortune; Miriam’s weakness; dinner party at Mrs Tweeney’s; theatricals in the woolshed; Surveyor’s Creek, Governess Miss Macready; Annie and Amy still well; Mr Robinson’s church; Fanny Fenwick to be married; wet weather; letter continued on Friday Jan 29th; affectionate concern for Mrs Buchanan; other news

8 February 1875

William Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Re Mrs Buchanan’s (Mama) health; note on card

18 February 1875

Mary E Garnsey (the Parsonage, Windsor)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Thanks for note, re flowers, however we did not dress the church because “the fire took up all our thoughts”; congratulations on birth of daughter; letter from Lizzie (Rouse?)

22 February 1875

Minnie Hilly (Goona Warra)

Bessie Rouse (c/o William Buchanan)

Re birth of daughter (Nina); Belle Salamon says she’s a “pretty Baby”; her baby (Charlie) delicate; blames the climate

(5?) March 1875-8

Emily Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Rouse’s wedding anniversary; “my dear husband” back, an age away; Una Cox’s marriage the next excitement in Mudgee NB Letter unsigned, page missing

(8? March 1875 postmark) ‘Saturday afternoon’

Bessie Rouse (Baroona)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Visited Neotsfield (Dangar property); steamer journey makes her sick, to Newcastle? Asking Papa to get Clark to send cab to meet steamer on Tuesday; refers to Mrs Brett NB ‘Saturday afternoon’ fell on the 6th March in 1875

12 March 1875

Jeannie Bell (Bergen op Zoom)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Apologies for late letter; inquiries for baby; Bessie’s health; measles in the district brought by Macleay and Port Macquarie; Papa has bought Rimbanda (Mr Stitt’s station), fine brick house, ready to move into (Muluerindi still belongs to Papa); Mrs Baird’s and daughter Elizabeth’s “lonely wretched lives”; Annie, Janet and Jeannie enjoy a round of amusement in Armidale; the bishop preaches against these frivolities; Walcha to lose its Doctor (Pickburn), going “home”

16 March 1875

Henry James Marr (Bulwurradah, Wollongong)

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Request for rent on “Farm” (always known as Marr’s paddock)

23 March 1875 (postmark)

Belle Burne (Bourke St, Surry Hills)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan’s (Auntie’s) health; glad to hear Nina improving; have not heard from Jack; Willie does not like where he is, but health good; hears from Tarby as usual, in good spirits and moving his camp to another station 30 miles away; would like to see Mr (William) and Mrs Buchanan with Bessie; “I miss you all so much”

29 March 1875

E S Rouse (Union Club)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

‘Reprieve’ came second in Cumberland Stakes; ‘The Governor’ won three races; Bessie’s mother and cousin for Rouse Hill; E S Rouse will ask Richard and George to Rouse Hill

31 March (1875)

Maude Devereux (Huntly, Peak Downs)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Re birth of daughter; discusses her own children who both have ophthalmia but are right again (Humphrey and?); Miss Price outcome

1 April 1875

E S Rouse (Union club)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Hopes she, “Babs” & Mary got home alright this morning & found your Mama better: Reprieve comes second in Cup race; lost by a neck having led nearly all the way; “such a grand horse”; not sure about when coming home; “ever your loving & devoted” etc

4 April 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Richard Rouse of Guntawang at Rouse Hill(?); Ellen (cook?) drinking habits; brandy and water doing Bessie good; James (Lucas)’s letter wild, Bessie saving 10/- for him

5 April 1875

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Delighted to know Jack better; Richard Rouse (of Biraganbil?) broke his kneecap when mounting horse; Ellie stayed the night; Mr Laidley and other banker in the evening; old “Gamie” coming back, tell Jack; ‘Viva’ and ‘Esmerelda’ in Gulgong home arrangements; usual sentiments; PS Dickson to clean cesspool from scullery (glass of rum)

10 April 1875

William Buchanan (Lara)

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill?)

Said he saw the horse at 4pm and looked as if nothing was wrong; had him bled on Saturday (8 quarts) and thinks he will be able to go home to work on Wednesday; “the man” say he will always be subject to attacks and he ought to be sold (might refer to colic)

21 April 1875

Elizabeth Baird (Torrswood)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Hasn’t heard from them and concerned about Bessie, hopes her strength has returned; (daughter) Elizabeth writing letter to Mrs Sly; Mrs Sly sent her letter from Albert written the day before he died; other letters written to relatives found on his property (by Mrs Sly?); her daughter’s “sore trial” and” great sorrow”; Elizabeth (daughter) receives money from “home” (England?), is able to pay off Mr Scott’s mortgage, reducing her capital to £800; will miss Mr Bell and family (moving further away? Rimbanda?); new station etc; letter of social interest

30 April 1875

E S Rouse (Belmore Hotel, Mudgee)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Reprieve wins big handicap; ‘Viva’ 3rd in her race; ‘Esmerelda’ 2nd; Minnie and Ellie at the races

16 (?) May 1875 (postmark) ‘Sunday evening’

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Affectionate daily communication; baby’s new clothes; Mary the nurse takes her for a drive; church in the afternoon; Mrs Rooke not well NB Sunday evening fell on 16 May in 1875

16 May 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse

Arrived safe and well yesterday; Mr Dangar takes them home in his cab; tired, went to bad early; about her health; Maggie to Church but they did not go; Mrs Doctor Bennett calls; Mr Willy Bennet to leave Sydney; Mrs Brett & her niece Miss Anderson call; Belle takes walk here, Maggie sends love, Netta kind regards; affectionate remarks

28 May 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill?)

Her “dear letter” an unexpected pleasure; hopes “your own precious pet” will be to Bessie what Bessie has been to her; Bessie’s return of headaches; hopes Bessie will be able to come down soon; gave little nightgown to Miss Price to take up (to RH); other clothing details; Maggie goes with Dr Pickburn to see marionettes; asking Mrs and Miss Richardson to tea, also the doctor, thinking of Mrs & Miss Stubbs also; wrote to James & Eliza; sees Bell Salamon with Minnie Hilly; Harriet & husband for Rockhampton, more news; “my beloved child” etc

21 May 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse

Busy all day, showing girl what to do, arranging flowers etc; thanks for letter “dear little epistles”; Mrs and Miss Stubbs to tea, also Mr Willie; more chit chat; Belle back today; Mrs and Miss Stubbs sang & played; long talks about mutual friends’ “may God bless you my own darling” etc

24 May 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie making Nina short flannel nightgowns; Mrs Horsley cutting them out; Pricie (Miss Price) leaves handbag in omnibus, expects to get it back; Mary (nurse?) washing Nina, who is laughing and putting out her tongue, “a new accomplishment”; Maggie at Lara; Mrs Rooke (in village?) ill

27 May 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Usual sort of communication between them; Netta (Hayden) at Rouse Hill, cannot go because of rain(?); Miss Price makes flannel nightgown for Nina, “looks like picture of David Copperfield in Mr Dick’s clothes”; all sitting at tea while she writes; affectionate close

31 May 1875

F J? Buchanan (Gournama)

Mrs Buchanan

Mrs Glass and family in Armidale; John over from Walcha; James (her brother) taking kerosene for rheumatism; James, son of Mrs Glass; Bessie’s baby

8 June 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Usual sort of domestic concerns and comments

15 June 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Usual concern for weather and Mrs Buchanan’s health; Eleanor and Emily staying (Rouses from Beaudesert); Eleanor drives Bessie into Windsor; Mrs Horsley finishing dress; the bishop here for Confirmation; Dollie’s likeness; other affectionate remarks

22 June 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Usual domestic chat; Bella keeps good fires; wants her father to come up

27 June 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

William Buchanan (Lara)

Reports on arrival and trip up to Riverstone, met by Bessie, Ted and baby in carriage; Maggie and Belle with William; leaks at Lara and Beaumont; everything “bright and comfortable” at Rouse Hill Enclosed: Thursday evening; baby slept during journey; Reprieve ran second

29 June 1875

William Buchanan (Lara)

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan’s “happy” arrival at Rouse Hill; Bell(e) (slight cold) and Maggie; will pay miss Miss Mahoney; Schoolmaster’s Fund; other remarks re weather and household repairs

30 June 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

William Buchanan (Lara)

Willie Burne gets employment; Maggie and William Buchanan coming up to Rouse Hill; Humphrey’s bill; Bessie requires a box of Indian tamarinds

1 July (1875)

William Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie had asked him to order a box of plums, was told by supplier they were sold in boxes, but none available at present; Tamarands (sic) preserved were available; paying Murphy for something made for Bessie; work in the garden

1 July 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Rouse Hill)

William Buchanan (Lara)

“Ted, Bessy and I, with baby and Mary, went in to Windsor”; poor James, can William inquire at office re James’s salary; send £1 to Nancy at Armidale (for James?); delighted that William (father) is coming on Saturday; what to give the girls in the kitchen; write Belle and Maggie etc

2 July 1875

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

William Buchanan (Lara)

Describes Mrs Buchanan’s state of health and her overnight illness; advises William (her father) to wrap up warm; asks William to bring up 2lb of sausages; love to Belle

10 July (1875)

Phoebe Dangar (Baroona)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

About the measles, nurse recovered; children did not catch them; don’t worry; come up to Baroona; Mrs Ross and Miss Baxter visit postponed

17 July 1875

E S Rouse (Guntawang)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Feels like “a fish out of water” without his wife & “childie”; sent her telegram from Mudgee, cold journey; his old friend “neuralgia”; Richie & Ernie meet them at Mudgee; Stanley improved in disposition; Marian plenty to say; Sir Benjamin looks splendid; Charlie Lawson here last night; thinks of visiting Richard Rouse (Biraganbil); very lonely without you; love etc

24 July 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Expecting Mrs Buchanan at Rouse Hill on Saturday; servants want her; Willie Burne to stay with William Buchanan until he comes up

30 (?) July 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Baroona)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Sent message to father by Tierney for him to send telegram which did not arrive; describes trip to Singleton via steamer to Newcastle; baby good; Baroona a “beautiful place, such a complete well- furnished home”; Phoebe as kind as possible

4 August 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Baroona)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Wednesday morning Usual domestic chat; Mrs Brett staying with Mrs Buchanan; would like to hear Mr Campbell (preacher?), but can’t etc

6 August 1875

Hannah Rouse (Gothic House, Putney)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill?)

Bessie breastfeeding Nina(?), ‘entirely nourish’ yourself; dear Emma’s ‘illness’; visiting Warwickshire and Staffordshire; Mrs Horsley working for Mrs S H Terry (Caroline)

12 August 1875 (postmark)

Netta Hayden (Union Bank, Adelaide)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Death of her father’s brother who accidently shot himself; at a large party the night before; lunch with the Herrings; Mr Robinson, the Melbourne lady killer; Bessie to be envied getting a beau; how is Miss Nina (?); Mrs Chauvel wrote to say “Papa and Mrs Hayden on way to Venice”; other news

20 August 1875

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

*Begins on Wed evening, finished on Thursday evening: Appears to describe two days at the races; Esmerelda did not win, but she won on previous day; three jockeys had bad falls; they collected £50 for the “poor boys” on the course; left baby all day in care of Mary

31 August 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

A lot of concern for Mother’s health; Mr and Mrs Rouse (Biraganbil) here for this evening; more about baby; Belle’s back

5 September (1875)

Margaret Browne (Guntawang)

Emily? Rouse (Union Club)

Addressed to R Rouse Esq but directed to “darling old pet” (Emily Rouse?); The boys and Mrs Brett OK; Hodges plants along drive; mowing done; terrace looks good; Tom home from Wellington, “told off with Miss Keightley” at ball(?); walks to Biraganbil; (the Biraganbil Rouses?) to visit Mrs Scarvell, Alice and baby, Mudgee; glad Arnstadt won hurdle race; hopes Reprieve will do well; Phoebe (Mrs A A) Dangar in Sydney; other news

17 September 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Disappointed no chance of seeing her tomorrow; Ted does not like to leave her (Bessie) alone; concern for mother’s health; Bessie on bed with headache; poor little “Dovie” fretful; other remarks; affectionate conclusion

20 September 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara?)

May not get down for the ball; Ted (E S Rouse) may go to the country; old Mrs Hassall visits; also visits from Mrs Terry and Mrs Bowman

24 September 1875

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Gets Annie’s black velvet to replace what Bessie borrowed; got Annie’s hair done at Campbells; gone to Lady Murray’s; Mrs Dickson’s girls; Phoebe Dangar for Rouse Hill; the Buchanans for Rouse Hill also.

29 September 1875

William Buchanan (Lara)

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Informs them that Mrs Buchanan “ill”, “her dangerous complaint”; Bessie ought to be warned because they (Bessie and E S Rouse) are off on a long journey Enclosed: letter from Mrs Buchanan to Bessie Rouse written the previous evening

1 October 1875

E S Rouse (Crown Ridge)

Bessie Rouse (Lara?)

A few lines for the Mailman; may not catch mailman at Cunningham’s Creek; sent Merryman home, thinks Garnet more fit for trip; will telegraph from Mudgee; other details

4 October 1875

E S Rouse (Washpen)

Bessie Rouse (Lara?)

The men having their dinner; sending letter with man to Gulgong; arrived at Guntawang on Saturday afternoon; horses came along splendidly; Emily & Richie disappointed she didn’t come up; describes his proposed routine at the Washpen; intends to take to reading; fondest love etc

13 October 1875

E S Rouse (Washpen)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Missed chance of sending her a few lines; delighted to get her letter & know you & the family will be at Wallerawang on Tuesday; taking the horses to Cunningham’s Creek, and a fresh pair to Wallerawang; leaves cheque book in house, get money from Papa; cannot get cheque book because he cannot open bag; glad she has been to lunch with Aunt Wingate; Uncle George going to buy Charlie (Rouse) a station, Charlie & Alice to see if they like it; Charlie brings baby to Guntawang; lots of kisses etc

18 October 1875

E S Rouse (Crown Ridge)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Will be at Wallerawang tomorrow (DV), only nineteen miles from here; details of his journey; two fresh horses at Cunningham’s Creek; come by evening train, get into Wallerawang carriage, instructions; longing to see you and the darling Babs; love etc

21 October 1875

Hannah Rouse (47 Redcliffe Gardens)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Edwin’s visit to Baroona; Maud likes Ted; new house, Redcliffe bigger and more comfortable; Dudley’s health

25 October (1875)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Emily Rouse, Aileen and Mrs George Scarvell; Eleanor (Rouse) visits Guntawang; picnic at the Washpen with the Brownes (Rolf Boldrewood and family); two Cox girls, Mr Ramsay etc; Mr Reynolds (?), Mr Newton stayed

29 October 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

The ‘change’ to Guntawang will do her (Bessie) good; they drove the four in hand to Beaudesert; Mr Scarvell not looking well; Eleanor and Alice call

(c November 1875?) ‘Thursday afternoon’ (4th Nov?)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang?)

Mrs Buchanan

Only a minute “to scribble a line”; all quite well; did not get Annie’s letter; Baby has got fourth tooth, has crawled to-day for first time (Nina b 25 Jan 1875); to ride up to see Ted (ESR) with Ernest; will write longer letter; love etc

6 November 1875

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Annie at Lara; Mr Stourton (?) nephew of the Governor of Tasmania; Miss Best gets on well with baby (Nina); Mrs Buchanan’s complaints about Bessie’s absence and lack of letters

10 November 1875

Annie Macgillivray (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Hears she is having a pleasing time at Guntawang; re entertainment in Gulgong; she (Annie) went to a concert at St Mark’s school; very amateurish, she laughed at them; went to Grammar School athletics; Emily Jenkins’ wedding (Mr McArthur and all his boys from The Kings School were there); more chat

13 November 1875

Elizabeth Baird [daughter] (Torrswood)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

“My very dear Aunt”; describes mother’s illness; did not eat for 5 days; Mrs Jamieson sends for the doctor (Schrader); Mrs Furniful(?) sits with mother; Elizabeth does not sleep for 3 nights; mother appears to have recovered

16 November (1875)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Sent telegram asking Mrs Buchanan to send up Ted’s (E S Rouse’s) dress clothes, also her mauve dress; dance at Guntawang tomorrow evening; concern for Annie Fowler; children well; Nina’s teeth; sheep washing finished today

20 November 1875

Annie Macgillivray (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Guntawang)

Still at Lara; Mrs Buchanan to see about photos; had a pleasant gathering, including Mina and Marcus Hungerford, Jeannie and Jonathan Hassall and Harry Terry (who admired Bessie, her voice and her lips); Harry Terry said he was not well, but still kept on talking

21 November 1875

Elizabeth Baird [daughter] (Torrswood)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

“My ever dearest Aunt”; Mother improving, dreadfully exhausted; illness started with teaching; doctor says she must be indulged, got ill the very day she started; has in the house “a little maid of 9 years old … exceedingly good and very useful”

28 November 1875

Phoebe Dangar (Gostwyck)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Their trip from Baroona to Gostwyck with baby, 4 days; Mrs Bell of Carlisle’s Gully gives them two (?) for the wagonette; Miss Macgillivray ill; Mr Bell kind; Nina teething; “lazy Bessie” etc

2 December 1875 Thursday

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

“My usual scrawl today”; John Hayden would be alright by himself, so OK for father to come up; Miss Price had measles, wants to spend holidays at Guntawang; wants to shop, so as to give Mrs Horsley some work to do; hot day yesterday, “scorcher”; Mr Sidney Scarvell very ill

5 December 1875

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Concern for Mrs Buchanan’s health, new medicine; exhausted by train trip

7 December 1875

William Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill?)

His telegram this morning reflects state of Mother’s health when doctor called, thinks she is a little better now; throat gives uneasiness, no appetite; the two girls very good; more comments on Mrs Buchanan’s health; sorry to hear of serious damage caused by bush fire to fencing and grass at Rouse Hill; “your loving father” NB Photocopied letter

9 December 1875

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Bessie right to keep her mother company with a sick servant; toll keeper tells him that Sidney Scarvell dies, E S Rouse to go to funeral in buggy; usual affectionate winding up of letter

13 (?) December 1875

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Ted (E S Rouse) not going to Sydney, expecting bricklayer; Annie’s box to train, letter from Father (William Buchanan); mother’s health

16 December 1875 (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Mother’s health concerns, as usual; will go to see Mrs Scarvell; Mrs Scarvell anxious about how her sick husband will bear news of his brother’s death; Mrs Buchanan must eat nourishing food etc

17 December 1875 Friday evening (postmark)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Mrs Buchanan and Kate (the cook) ill; will leave the “Dolly” and come down to see them; John Hayden’s health

20 December 1875

Lizzie Rouse (47 Redcliffe Gardens, South Kensington)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Warm sentiments in a very long letter; Bessie, Ted and Nina visit to Guntawang; “I trust you found the change beneficial”; “went snow calling”(?) this morning, enjoyed it; sad weather and streets of London etc; would like photo of “the sweet pet” (Nina); glad to choose dress for Bessie at Mrs Bird’s; Christmas Day at Mrs Batty’s; clothes; the Gilchrists spend Christmas in Scotland; Dudley well; other family news; long affectionate conclusion

21 December 1875

William Buchanan (Lara)

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Mrs Buchanan has been ill, now better; rheumatism pains; don’t worry

23 December 1875

Eleanor Rouse (Ellie?) Beaudesert

Bessie Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Miss Price at Guntawang; measles at Biraganbil; bazaar raises £600, raffle; Marion Buckland “unselfish and good”; Miss Price expected at Guntawang; shut out from Guntawang on account of measles; Alice (Rouse née Hayden) unwell with illness similar to measles; Emily at Biraganbil; affection for Bessie and E S Rouse (Ted) “warm and sincere”; Ted’s kindness

27 December 1875

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

No luck today, (?) filly ran third, Viva fourth; Harry went with him (to races); Harry staying, so not so very lonely; knows that it is right for her to stay (at Lara); encloses letters from Emily, Ellie and Emily Husband; Jack not leaving but wants a month’s holiday; “fondest & truest love” etc

18 February 2005

E S Hungerford

Mrs Buchanan (Lara)

Missed seeing the Buchanans, Bessie ill; death of Mrs Barker (wife of Bishop Barker d 1876 ADB)

18 January1876

E S Rouse (Rouse Hill)

Bessie Rouse (Lara)

Charlie Lawson and Mary Scarvell; Bella to take a very nice goose to Mrs Buchanan; Bella to see doctor about her head; Tout suggests gold beading for one of the rooms; Rouse Hill paddocks looking green; affectionate ending