Showing 130 results

Letters from Sarah W. Meredith (1807-1869) to stepmother Mary Meredith from Hobart: gossip, family especially sisters Sabina and Louisa, food and clothing to be sent home by schooner and supplies such as fresh butter from Amos, poultry, beef, coffee to be sent to town fro the sisters; chaperon; L.ouisa Twamley; ball at Government House; wedding of sister Sabina to Boyes; ball on board ship; Louisa Swanston to marry Solicitor General and would pay his debts; Mr Bell [Louisa's husband] raising roof of house; loss of "The George III (12 Apr.1835) and Governor's religious ceremony, Dorcas Society formed- all respectable ladies join (16 Sept. 1835); arrival of Col. Snodgrass to hold reins of government (14 Oct. 1836); sent mother red herrings, she and Mr Poynter liked them for breakfast toasted and spread on bread and butter, instructions for making bed valances for Sarah, Learmonth's eldest son to marry, paid bill for Maria [stepsister] at Mrs Milloys, Lady Franklin's flrst dance - huge dining room fitted as drawing room, people admired curiosities spread on tables, one or two "awful quadrilles", tea coffee, cakes; Miss Woodley? engaged to Mr Bennett -both went up to top of Mt Wellington and returned the same day "a feat never yet performed by a female"; comment "I do not mention anything approaching gaiety, such a wicked thing is not thought of now and certainly Lady Franklin is worse than Mrs Arthur" (8 Dec. 1837); Charles going
to England. After her marriage in 1836 to James Peck Poynter (1790-1847) letters are signed S.W. Poynter

Letter from Sarah Westall (Meredith) Poynter to her half sister Maria Meredith dated 1859. James sailing in "Tommy", going to Cambria, placing him in Mr Kay's office for a year, George's teeth need attention and will probably go down in the "Flying Squirrel" when repaired or the "Tommy", sending frock for the baby, asks for sea shells for a cousin in London.

Letters from George Meredith's first wife, Sarah Westall Meredith , to governess Mary Ann Evans (later Mary Ann Meredith) dated 1818 . Letter from Sarah, to Mary Ann Evans, governess: the family, proposal to bring children to new home "here" written from New Hill Street
[?Birmingham] to Haverfordwest: conduct of Mr Bunt and his agent, Mrs Twamley.

Letter from Sabina Meredith to brother John dated 11 July 1832. His writing better, young Gregsons read well, hopes John practices, Governor's [Arthur's] son going home to England to be educated -cannon salute on boarding ship, drawings and maps received from England for geography and history lessons.

Letters from Sabina Meredith (Mrs Boyes) to parents dated 1831-1841, some undated. "Papa" from Sabina Meredith (1810-1877, married John Boyes 9 Mar. 1833), from Hobart: articles needed for abode with her sisters in town including snuffers, tea kettle, turkeys, bottled gooseberries, account of breakages, mother's illness (1832-3); as Mrs Boyes: pregnancies, children, christening (1835), children's party for little Louisa's birthday (12 Dec.1839), Sabina's 4th birthday (Nov. 1840); baby boy fatter than ever- Dr Bedford advised weaning but not yet 9 months (28 June 1839); miscarriage (10 Jan.1840); sister Sarah's health and midwife (6 Nov. 1840); her quinsy and Dr. Bedford's treatment (28 June 1839); Boyes' illness- ordered shower baths (30 Nov. 1836); Bell's illness (1839-40); death of Boyes mother from stroke at 72 (12 Dec. 1839); shopping for mother, young stepsisters at school (1833, Jan. I839); visit to Swanport (Nov .1840, Jan. 1841); Mrs Charles [Louisa Twamley Meredith] (Oct 1839); friends: Swanstons, Youngs, Gregsons, Dr Bedford to marry Miss Selby at end of year (June 1835), dance at Barracks, visit to Government House (ND), stone of Government House laid at Govt
Garden Pt. with elegant lunch in pavilion (5 Nov.1840); servants- wages high for respectable couple (25 Oct. 1839).

Two letters from Rose Grant to Fanny Meredith dated 14 January 1854, and 1 February 1854. Written from Tullochgorum: John's scarlet fever, pleased with contents of trunk, Maria liked her things - bonnet very ladylike and becoming - dresses fit well, day fixed for 9 February [? marriage] - bishop to perform ceremony, Miss Meadows bridesmaid, afraid to have Fanny and John in case James and Charlotte's children take it (?scarlet fever), Maria's little boy, Montague's visit. Cross-written.

Letter from Ann Johnston to cousin John Meredith dated 5th March 1821, letter from Teneriffe received - sorry he was so sea sick, visit to Birmingham, John's young brother Ben learning to sing, his mother Sarah, David and Joseph, dined at Henry Meredith's, respects to Mr and Mrs Meredith and love to their children

Correspondence between Mary Rose (Meredith) Mace (Polly) and her mother Maria (Hammond) Meredith dates 1882-1883. From her home, Rostrevor, Spring Bay: Fanny's visit, boating picnic, dressmaking, children, opening new church (6 Feb.1883); visit to relatives in Melbourne (1882) and Mother's replies: Melbourne, Russian ship- good to rub up French (Feb.Mar.82)

Correspondence between Mary Rose (Meredith) Mace and John Meredith : From Rostrevor: husband's drunkenness - wants to leave him (1879); thanks for photograph from Johnston's, old Mrs Cotton dying, Sarah Mitchell ill, John Mace still plays cricket, little Molly's lessons, Jessie a great comfort.

Letter dated 11th December 1832 sent by Mary Meredith to her stepdaughters - Anxious to hear how they go in the gaieties of Hobart Town life, Sarah's improved health, will send gooseberries, eggs stc. sent by "Heir of Cranbrook House", Sabina will miss their society and may join them, hats, Cotton family, garden, Maria.

Letters from Maria Meredith to parents dated 1837 - 1841. Letters from school or, later, her sisters' homes in Hobart from Maria Meredith (1824-1882) to her mother, Mary Meredith, and one to her father: school under Mrs Charlotte Betts, music lessons with Mrs Logan, new governess Mrs Home (July 1838), request to have singing lessons from Mrs Elliott (Oct 1841), health - influenza and erysipelas (Nov. 1837); family: birthday of Sabina Bell [niece] (May 1837), christening party of Charles Crofton Boyes (Dec. 1838); shopping for clothes etc.for mother and brothers and sisters, wax doll for Fanny's birthday (Nov. 1841); friends: Mrs Arthur Smith, Mrs Dobson, Gregsons, Alfred Stephens married Miss Bedford (July 1838); dances, Government House functions, horticultural show (Oct. 1841).grand regatta to be in December (Oct. 1838).

Long, heavily cross-written letters from Maria at Tullochgorum to John, mainly at Oaklands Mount Gambier, of family and general news such as:- visitors and friends; Bishop and Mrs Nixon (10 Apr., 2 May), Mrs Nixon's baby died (20 May), Nixon's "charge" (23 May); Fanny M. played backgammon with Mr Bell (2 May); Archdeacon and Mrs Davies (5 May); James and Charlotte Grant's wedding and honeymoon (2 May), to live at Melrose (8 May, 23 May, 5 June), Melrose House burnt down (5 Aug. 11 Aug.); Mary Scott marrying Swedish count (8 May, 20 May, 31 May, 16 July, 18 Aug.); trading ship "City of Sydney" (15 Apr.); screw steamer "City of Melbourne" (23 May); election (5 May); gold (31 May, 5 June, 11 Aug.); visit to Campbell Town (16 June); visits to Cambria; George Meredith (J.M.'s father) better (16 June, 30 June); dined at Government House (30 June); Governor's visit (5 Aug, 18 Aug.); Glover's sketch book sold for 10 or 15 guineas (30 June). Also preparations for wedding on 2 October: Bishop's services promised, J.M.'s brother Edwin invited (22
Sept) and reply from John M. from Observatory, Hobart: commissions, furniture, Bishop Nixon to dine tomorrow when "everything will be arranged".

Letters to George Meredith to his wife, Mary, from M. Grantham dated 1840-1841. From Cambria to Mrs Meredith in Hobart: young ladies pleased with their dresses, John 's things, needed "delicate mittens", cotton, calico, cinnamon, black pepper, carpet broom; young ladies quite well and no vigilance would be spared but progress in their studies likely to be slow in Mrs. M.'s absence as she had less time; dinner times, needed "Cobbit's Grammar"; unable to acquire needlewoman but understood there were some in last prison ship. Also account of goods had by Miss Grantham placed to Mrs Meredith's account, including clothing, material, tooth brushes and tooth powder, ink, book of poems, slate writing paper and note of her salary £63 . 1Os

Letters from Louisa Ann Meredith (Twamley) to Mary Meredith 1834, ND (1840-50). Writing as Louisa Twamley to her friend with affectionate remembrances and thanks for presents from little cousins including necklace of green pearl shells, "sea butterfly" shell, drum of whale's ear (1834); as Louisa Meredith [Mrs Charles Meredith] asking for strawberry runners and seedlings.

Letters between John and Maria Meredith in regard to - Knee better, splints off, seen Edwin, Mary Boots (1857); governess Miss Piguenit leaving -job "too menial", suggest older housekeeper and Maria to teach children, Fanny good to little ones (1859); Parliament, committees, St. David's Cathedral- Mr Watson a bit of a ranter (Aug.1861); Green Ponds coach, countryside, legacy (Oct. 1861); House of Assembly,land sales, James Grant (1871); express train shakey (1898)

Letters to George Meredith to his wife, Mary, from Jane Patterson dated 13 Nov., and 16 Dec. 1837. Could instruct in French, Italian and Spanish languages and "the usual routine of a popular English education, including astronomy and the use of the globes", 18 years experience, salary £60 plus washing and travel expenses. (First letter addressed to Mrs Boyes).

Correspondence between James Grant senior and John Meredith written between 1851 and 1856. James Grant of Tullochgorurn: aprroved of John Meredith's choice of Maria Hammond who had been under his guardianship from infancy although she had relatives in Hobart but not necessary to communicate with them (1851); management of Tulloch gorum, Garth and Melrose, cape barley (1852); James junior may become tenant of Tullochgorum-at present away at North Down (1856)

Letter from James Meredith and wife Sarah Meredith to their son John Meredith dated 1821. Sorry to hear he was ill on voyage, regards to Mr George Meredith and family - glad to hear they were well, sending letter with packet of newspapers by "Hope" and also letter in March by Mr Dunn, news of King, harvest, high rates and tithes, insurrection of Greeks against Turks.

Letters from school at New Town Academy from Henry Meredith (1821-1836): went to races- boat on four wheels drawn by horses, new school being erected, holidays with Master Butcher and Master Smith, hopes Mother recovered from her "long illness" (1832-1833); from Hobart: business matters, Boyes, Richards and Smith's bills, vessel nearly discharged and Bell kept sober (5 Dec. 1834).

Letter from George Meredith to his daughter Fanny dated 24 Dec. 1853 - As "Miss Meredith" considered to be the mistress of the house and so expected to be at home when visitors were received; Miss Grant's marriage; Mrs John expecting to be confined in January; Mrs Charles avoids Cambria. Endorsed with note from E. Dyer about key and pencilled verse.

Correspondence between John and Maria Meredith and their children. They had ten children: Mary Rose (Polly 1852-1884), Henry Montague (1854-1902), George Llewellyn (Llewellyn 1855-1937), Clara Sabina ("Kiddie"1857-1924), James Ernest (1859-1910), Fanny Maria (1862- ), Jessie Rosina (1863-1944), John Percival (Jack or Johnnie 1865-1916), Edwin Mervyn (Mervyn 1867-1929) and Elsie Dry
(1869-1918).

Letters from George Meredith to his wife, Mary, his "confidant", from Hobart: journey from Hobart, stay at Jericho, Dickons & cattle (1822); John's folly, Gregson, Archer, Oyster Bay, law case, land grant, John to receive £100 for Mary, garden, fruit trees, prospects not as good as expected, privations for family, China silk to distribute [to children] according to "good behaviour list", discipline of family (1822-3); business, politics, bushranger Tilley etc. (2 Apr. 1825, Mar., Apr.1833); family: F. Champion requested sanction to pay addresses to daughter Sarah, G.M. asked wife to draft reply from a mother's point of view (28 Apr. 1825); bushrangers (1826); brickmaking (ND 1830s); "Billy Austin affair" (12 Feb. 1832); girls keeping house for George Meredith in town and hope Mrs Meredith would come to town to install them in their new residence (4 Sept 1832), Sarah and Miss Bell bridesmaids (8 Mar. 1833); Mary Meredith's "domestic complaints" but she was head of the house even if 2 of the daughters were married (30 Mar. 1833); Henry and John in town to get trousers, "dear little Fanny's" illness (3 Apr. 1833); garden, Charles to advise on farm in G.M.'s absence; friends and business associates: Dickons, Emmett, Gregson (pledged reformation of his habits, 3 Apr. 1833, got Scotch governess for his children, ND.), Poynter, Boyes; interview with Col. Arthur (ND.); Bryant: wife to Hobart, children to Orphan School (ND.). G.M. from Sydney: Mr Oxley, Major Goulburn (28 Mar. 1823). From Mary M.: the farm, merino flock, fat stock in prime condition (6 Mar. 1823 & ND.); expecting the Misses Hammond, schooner seen, men in custody in George Town, may yet recover the little gun, letter from Governor about grant, tender for stores (ND. ?1825).

Letters from George Meredith to his wife, Mary, his "confidant", from Hobart: journey from Hobart, stay at Jericho, Dickons & cattle (1822); John's folly, Gregson, Archer, Oyster Bay, law case, land grant, John to receive £100 for Mary, garden, fruit trees, prospects not as good as expected, privations for family, China silk to distribute [to children] according to "good behaviour list", discipline of family (1822-3); business, politics, bushranger Tilley etc. (2 Apr. 1825, Mar., Apr.1833); family: F. Champion requested sanction to pay addresses to daughter Sarah, G.M. asked wife to draft reply from a mother's point of view (28 Apr. 1825); bushrangers (1826); brickmaking (ND 1830s); "Billy Austin affair" (12 Feb. 1832); girls keeping house for George Meredith in town and hope Mrs Meredith would come to town to install them in their new residence (4 Sept 1832), Sarah and Miss Bell bridesmaids (8 Mar. 1833); Mary Meredith's "domestic complaints" but she was head of the house even if 2 of the daughters were married (30 Mar. 1833); Henry and John in town to get trousers, "dear little Fanny's" illness (3 Apr. 1833); garden, Charles to advise on farm in G.M.'s absence; friends and business associates: Dickons, Emmett, Gregson (pledged reformation of his habits, 3 Apr. 1833, got Scotch governess for his children, ND.), Poynter, Boyes; interview with Col. Arthur (ND.); Bryant: wife to Hobart, children to Orphan School (ND.). G.M. from Sydney: Mr Oxley, Major Goulburn (28 Mar. 1823). From Mary M.: the farm, merino flock, fat stock in prime condition (6 Mar. 1823 & ND.); expecting the Misses Hammond, schooner seen, men in custody in George Town, may yet recover the little gun, letter from Governor about grant, tender for stores (ND. ?1825).

Letter from Clara (Meredith) Dry to sister Fanny Meredith dated 24 February 1856. From Quamby: farewell to Quamby, husband an invalid- privilege to attend sick person, Maria a comfort to father in his declining years, cold baths and easily digested food- sailing Tuesday. Cross-written

Letter from Charlotte Yeoland to Fanny Meredith, dated 28 October (no year). Birthday greetings to Fanny and John, farm, death of friend Mrs Taylor, loss of mother, Fanny's godchild growing, children only have dry bread for breakfast and tea -cannot afford butter, no fruit for jam - Mrs Nixon sent gooseberry cuttings and library books.

Letters to George Meredith to his wife, Mary, from Charlotte Betts dated 1837 and 1839. Letter from Maria enclosed, Maria better from influenza and erysipelas, fees, Maria would have a mother's care (Nov., Dec. 1837); fees due, Fanny and Clara's letters, Clara needs cold cream for face (4 Oct 1839). Also 2 bills for tuition, dressmaking and dancing lessons from Mr Dyer (15 Dec. 1837,30 Sept. 1839)

Letters from Charles Meredith (1811-1880) to his mother and father, from Maria Island: whale blubber, needed casks, calico etc. (6 Aug. 1833); from Hobart wool prices, John Amos' grant, Allport's circular (Aug. 1834); from N.S.W.: visiting farms (Sept. l834); from Hobart: Colonist, Robertson editor, libel case- Robertson sentenced to 13 months in prison and £200 fine for libel on Col. Arthur &
Rowlands (Feb.-Mar. 1835), Boyes, schooner stores, wool prices; Montague & Col. Arthur - Arthur trying to aggravate family; Allport advised against action against Rowlands, advised father to return servants to Government and confine pursuits to sheep, price of sugar, rice etc., interview with Frankland in re McDonald's grant; from N.S.W.: purchased sheep run at "Tuggranery" on Murrumbidgee River, Capt Sturt arrived from England married and selected "Gininginingderry" [Ginninderra] 16 miles from Tuggranery
and 22 miles from Charles's section.

Letters from Caroline (Mrs James) Grant addressed to "My dear son John": Talbots of Malahide lost baby, servants, new clergyman, life on farm (1852); J.M.'s knee, backgammon (1856); birthday, J.M.'s second child (1857); family, birth of J.M.'s third son (1859); J.M.'s fourth son (1865).

Letters from Ann Johnston to cousin John Meredith dated November 1820-1822. Warning against forming an intimacy with any of the passengers- "a set of disappointed people whose fortunes are become desperate", 20 "a dangerous but delightful age, his radical politics, "Emerld" not calling at Madeira so no letter, Mr Dunn taking letters, news of Mr George Meredith's marriage, letter from Teneriffe received - sorry he was so sea sick, visit to Birmingham, John's young brother Ben learning to sing, his mother Sarah, David and Joseph, dined at Henry Meredith's, respects to Mr and Mrs Meredith and love to their children, received copy of letter from the Cape- sorry he was suffering, glad to hear of beneficial effects of climate of V.D.L., hopes for future, times bad in England, especially for farmers, seen letters of G. Meredith to brothers and Sarah and Sabina's to Mrs Flaherty.

Eight undated letters from Amy Young to Mrs Meredith. Accepting or refusing invitations for herself and Mr.Young, Mr Ratcliffe's arrival on business, thanks for gooseberries, goats for disposal, advised to apply leeches for pain in side - could Mrs. Meredith spare some, her bereavement, Mrs Poynter's "accouchement".

Letters to George Meredith to his wife, Mary, from A.M. Flaherty dated 1836-37,
To Mary M.: thanks God for her good health for 66 years, general news. Copy of letter from George Meredith to Mrs. F., Diss, Norfolk, U.K.: happy to spare a little aid for her, his marriage prior to departure for V.D.L., praise of wife, news of Mrs.F's former pupils George jr., Charles, Sarah.(1837). Letter to George's brother Henry about payment of increased annuity, pleased that family dear to her now extricated from former difficulties (1836).