Diggings Letters Part One 1850 to 1868

Letters to Isaac Edward Dyason
at the Victorian Gold Diggings
Australia from his Friends AND
Business partners
circa1851 to 1915
Part One Covering the Years 1850 to 1868
Information as added up to Sept. 29th 2013
Isaac Edward Dyason circa 1890’s in uniform of the Bendigo Rifles
Contents
Introduction
A briefing on Gold Mining
Isaac Edward Dyason
The Correspondents
Frederick Pearce
Pemb Hunter
Edward Meyer
John Hare
Places
Glossary
The Letters
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
1858
1859
1860
1861
1862
1863
1864
1865
1866
1867
1868
Introduction
This document is the work of a number of people. First and foremost of course are the writers of the
original letters, and where possible we have included biographical and anecdotal notes on those
people. Also of prime importance is the recipient, Isaac Edward Dyason, who managed to keep this
trove of letters while living rough on the Diggings (it was 8 years before he had a proper bed). The
earliest letter is from his mother in Ramsgate, England dated 1847 to Isaac who was then living in
Cape Town, South Africa. The last letter is from a sister in England dated 1915, the year of Isaac’s
death. Both the ‘English’ and ‘South African’ letters have been transcribed and are contained in
separate files.
On the death of Isaac’s daughter, Amy Harriet Pearson (nee Dyason), the letters were taken by her
eldest son, James Edward (Hamish) Pearson. Some work was done at transcribing the ‘Diggings’
letters for a Dyason Family reunion in 2006 by Hamish’s wife, Lauris Pearson. Serious work on
transcribing the entire collection only began again at the end of 2012, and for the most part has
been undertaken by Lauris and her son, Angus Pearson as a matter of personal interest but also in
order to preserve and make available this unique and highly personal record of life in the Diggings in
the Colony of Victoria, in the Colony of South Africa and in the ‘Old Country’, England.
We plan to place digitised copies of the letters alongside the transcriptions, but that work will wait
until after more work has been done. Readers of the ‘Diggings’ letters will note that a number of
images of hand-drawn maps and tables are included in the transcriptions. This is because it is
impossible to convey the meaning of a map without actually reproducing it. With regards to tables, it
is just simpler to provide them as originally written, rather than creating modern copies.
There is a mountain of work to be done before this resource is complete, and we welcome any
assistance in the form of corrections, images or additional documentation relating to any of the three
‘collections’ of letters.
Angus Pearson
[email protected]
July 2013
A briefing on Gold Mining
Notes from a booklet ‘Gold mining’ by Hugh Anderson, Lothian publishing company, Melbourne
1975
Migration. (Page 28)
Early in 1852, the whole of Europe was informed of the riches of Ballarat and Bendigo and
boarded ships in thousands, prepared to endure three to five months at sea for a chance of
independence. Mostly they were young men who never again saw their homelands.
Hundreds never even reached the goldfields: they died and were buried at sea.
Nearly half a million people sailed from the British Isles to Australia in the ten years following
1851. This was almost one out of every fifty persons in the population. The magnetism of
gold drew them to Melbourne, where the bay was soon crowded with all kinds of ships. The
anchorage was a forest of masts. In one month during 1853, twenty ships arrived from
London, twenty three from other British parts, seventeen from the United States, seven from
India, two from Cape of Good Hope and many smaller vessels from other Australian parts.
Gold Licences. (Page 19)
The Ophir goldfields in New South Wales in 1851 had over 1,000 men camped along the creek.
The government was worried that the gold rush would disrupt the usual running of the Colony. As
Anderson says:
The government decided to regulate the rush of men eager to find gold and a licence system
was planned. The licence system was a tax on the unsuccessful digger as the money was
to be paid before commencing to dig. In this way, the government aimed to force many
goldseekers back to ordinary work and deter those about to go to the goldfield. The money
raised from the sale of licences would also help pay for men to police the goldfield. Still, the
government waited, hoping, no doubt, the gold would not last. After five days it was
proclaimed that all gold was owned by the Crown and that no man could dig without first
buying a licence costing thirty shillings a month.
Deep Lead Mining, Claim Sizes and Labour. (Page 30)
As alluvial gold became scarce, goldseekers began to follow the reefs of quartz and other goldbearing rocks deep under the surface. As Anderson says:
At Ballarat, deep shafts were driven below the shallow gravels and between depths of 15
and 18 metres the buried beds of ancient rivers, the “deep leads”, were found during 1852.
Usually four men worked a claim of 2.2 square metres. The sank through the clay; one man
broke it with his pick and shovelled it into the bucket, while up top a second miner turned the
handle of the windlass used for hauling. Another two were in the bush cutting timber to line
the shaft. Below 9 metres water was usually troublesome as it trickled steadily into the shaft.
This meant bailing day and night and called for more members to work the night shift.
...Parties of miners spent up to nine months sinking their shafts to reach the old river beds,
during which time each man had to buy a monthly licence and food at high prices. Costs
were increased when shafts grew deeper and horse-powered whims or steam engines were
needed to haul buckets to the surface.
...In 1854, the average depth of a shaft on Ballarat was 36 metres which took about seven
months to dig. Deep lead mining was made more difficult by the government policy that
allowed only 13.4 square metres portions for any one group of miners. It became common
for a mining claim to consist of working partners and shareholders who provided money to
keep the business going while sinking was in progress.
This meant that the miners were easy to find, and tax, by the government. It also meant that they
began to be able to organise themselves into more stable ‘political’ groups. There were protests in
Bendigo in 1853 and Isaacs’s family back in England had read about them and commented to him
about them in a letter. The Victorian miners had no legal recourse to social justice via votes and a
large number of miners held meetings at Ballarat in November 1854, culminating in the burning of
their licences and the creation of the Eureka Stockade. The monthly £1 Miners Licence fee
introduced in December 1854 created extra pressures on the miners, and grievances ran high
especially as the New South Wales fee had been reduced to ten shillings. The rebellion at Eureka
Stockade was put down in early December1854.
Image of a Miners Licence sourced from The Public Record Office of Victoria site on August 2013
http://wiki.prov.vic.gov.au/index.php/Eureka_Stockade:Gold_License_No.43 The text reads:
The Bearer
Having paid the sum of ONE Pound on account of the General Revenue of the Colony, I hereby
License him to mine or dig for Gold, reside at, or carry on, or follow any trade or calling, except that
of Storekeeper, on such Crown Lands within the Colony of Victoria as shall be assigned to him for
these purposes by any one duly authorised in that behalf.
This License to be in force for ONE Month ending Sepr. and no longer. XXXX Commissioner.
REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY THE PERSONS DIGGING FOR GOLD OR OTHERWISE
EMPLOYED AT THE GOLDFIELDS,
1. This License is to be carried on the person, to be produced whenever demanded by any
commissioner, peace officer, or other duly authorised person, and is not transferable.
2. No Mining will be permitted where it would be destructive of any line of road which it is
necessary to maintain, and which shall be determined by any Commissioner, nor within such
distance around any store as it may be necessary to reserve for access to it.
3. It is enjoined that all persons on the Gold Fields maintain a due and proper observance of
Sundays
4. The extent of claim allowed to each Licensed miner is twelve feet square, or 144 square feet.
5. To a party consisting of two Miners, twelve feet by twenty-four, or 288 square feet.
6. To a party consisting of three Miners, twenty-four feet by twenty-four, or 576 square feet: beyond
which no greater area will be allowed in one claim.
Goldfield Laws (Pages 32,33)
Anderson succinctly describes the changes in laws and how the goldfields were regulated;
references are made to these Boards in the letters in this collection.
By the middle of 1855 a great change had taken place in the goldfield laws. Instead of the
monthly licence there was a Miner’s Right entitling the holder to dig for gold, to vote in
parliamentary elections, and to make local mining laws. To replace the money raised from
selling licences, the government placed a tax of 2s. 6d on each 28 grams of gold exported
from Victoria. One of the most important of the changes was for miners in a particular
district to be able to make their own mining laws. Any disputes were settled by a Mining
Board elected by holders of Miner’s Rights. These Boards also decided how much ground
could be held in a claim and the condition under which it was held.
In 1857, a new Court of Mines controlled by a Judge was arranged. The miners of Ballarat
were granted larger areas to work when water was against them or when mining at greater
depths. Men were also allowed to unite claims and to hold shares in several claims.
The earliest Miners’ Right still existing for Isaac Edward Dyason, issued April 1858
Isaac Edward Dyason
Isaac Edward Dyason circa 1870’s in uniform of the Bendigo Rifles
Born 30 March 1832, the eldest child of Isaac Dyason and Elizabeth Illendon Dyason (nee Pearce)
was sent to live with his father’s brother (Uncle John Dyason) and Aunt Julia Dyason (nee
Heywood) in Cape Town, South Africa when he was about 9 ½ to 10 years of age. Isaac had
cousins in Cape Town from Uncle John and Aunt Julia: who they named rather confusingly, John
and Julia.
When he was about 18 years of age Isaac left Cape Town for Australia and landed in Adelaide
some time in 1850. Some records place the date as being 1849, but the John Hare agreement (see
entry) was signed by John Hare in Cape Town in April 1850 prior to him and Isaac heading to
Australia. . Shortly thereafter he made his way to Melbourne and thence to the Diggings. He
entered into a business as a storekeeper and prospector.
Isaac was joined by his Uncle Frederick (Fred) Pearce in 1853 when Uncle Fred was about 35 and
nephew Isaac Edward was just 21.
Isaac’s family in Ramsgate grew to include eight other living siblings (a ninth died in infancy). Their
sole support was Isaac’s father (...also called Isaac) who ran the Royal Clarence Bath house on the
harbour in Ramsgate. For a variety of reasons (including cholera epidemic, war, competition from
other bathing establishments, changes in clientele etc...) this establishment struggled to remain a
viable business, especially as it relied on a short summer ‘season’ for the bulk of its trade. The
result is that for perhaps the first twenty years of Isaac’s life in Australia he was often importuned to
send money back to his family in order to avert their ‘ruin’.
Isaac never returned to either England or South Africa, and no relative other than Uncle Fred and
Captain Watts (a relative by marriage on his mother’s side) came out to Australia to visit him. There
were various rumours of his being married or about to be married in the 1850s but these appear to
have been based upon false reports. He waited until he was financially secure before he married in
1882 Harriet Mason (a widower who had lost both her first husband and son to Scarlet Fever).
Isaac was fond of the flute, sang in choirs and was a volunteer in the Victorian Local Defence
forces, rising to the rank of Captain in the Bendigo Rifles. Several commissions, medals and other
paperwork remain of these activities and are reproduced in this document.
Isaac kept a daily diary from 1851 until his death in 1915. This diary runs to an estimated 4,000,000
words and is held in the manuscripts collection of the State Library of Victoria. As of 2013 it has not
been digitised. The biographical note in the library’s catalogue record regarding this document
places Isaac in Australia a couple of years before the transcribed English and South African letters
indicate that he left (1849 versus 1851) however the notes provide a concise snapshot of his life:
Isaac Edward Dyason was born at Ramsgate in Kent and he arrived in Adelaide in 1849
aged 17 from South Africa. Trained as a clerk and accountant and worked in Adelaide until
1851. Went to the Goldfields in Bendigo in 1851 and later returned to accountancy and
worked for George Lansell becoming Manager and eventually Co-director. Accumulated
mining interests and sat on boards of mining companies numbering 28 directorates on his
death. He was member of the militia with the retired rank of Captain. Joined the 'Old Greys'
as a private in 1864. In 1883 when Greys disbanded he joined militia and served 6-7 years.
He died in Melbourne at the age of 83 years on the 13th of July 1915.
Uncle Frederick Pearce
Uncle Fred Pearce in older age, wearing his bronze medal from the Royal Humane Society.
Frederick Pearce was Isaac’s mother’s younger brother. Before he left England to come to the
Diggings he had already learnt the trade of making boots and shoes and had been a part of a
shoemaking shop in Harbour Street, Kent. He joined Isaac in Australia in early 1853 after a
particularly difficult crossing (See English Letters 1852 December 10 from Isaac’s mother E.I.
Dyason, and the newspaper account following it). He returned to England in May 1878. Isaac’s
mother writes:
I am very desirous to have a letter from you as I am anxious to know of your welfare though I
do as you wish, and suppose that you are well till I hear in the contrary. I thought your Uncle
Frederick would have spent the Christmas with you but he will not leave England much
before that time. We sent you a letter by the Melbourne mail in which Uncle Fred was
passenger and half his are likewise on board as they did not unload, he could not get at
them. She may arrive safely at her destination, but it is a very doubtful case, she was an old
Man of War and purchased from Government by the present company who have fitted out
the vessel this letter comes by. In coming from London the Melbourne nearly grounded on
the Goodwin Sands, encountered a gale off Beachy Head took her top gallant mast, the
water rushed in at her port holes which were partly left open for ventilation. She put back
again to the Downs for some days, the Engineer lost his hand. She was repaired at
Plymouth, and in sailing out of port ran into an old guard ship, took her anchor and lat head,
and in getting free from her backed into an other, at last she got fairly into the Bay of Biscay,
was going on very well, had steamed four or five hundred miles across the Atlantic when she
encountered a stiff breeze, gave a roll, over went her top mast, rigging and sails and the
captain said they must put back to Lisbon, when the engine suddenly stopped and it was
found that her masts and rigging had got twisted round the screw. The vessel sprung a leak,
and it was thought all was lost. There were two small Brigs at a distance, the captain
hoisted the signal of distress, they soon came to them and remained by them eight and forty
hours during which time the passengers with the sailors after much labour and fatigue
cleared the screw and they arrived at the Tagus, every berth was dripping wet, the
passengers were all ill, the smell on board dreadful as her port holes were all closed in and
in consequence no ventilation. The surgeon on board said as soon as they arrived at the
Tropics a fever would certainly break out and in consequence of his statement he was
dismissed.
Uncle Frederick was very ill and it was thought necessary that he should return home. The
vessel was pronounced by competent judges in England to be not sea worthy. All the first
class passengers left her and their births were appropriated by the second class. The
captain was dismissed, the vessel was repaired and has again proceeded on her voyage,
and I trust will arrive safe at her destination, but Uncle Frederick returned home as we did
not like the vessel and the company have agreed to find them a passage on board the
Adelaide and to pay all the expenses from Lisbon. The morning he left her there was a
mutiny on board, one of the men was stabbed and has since died of his wounds. You will
see dear Isaac there was a constant succession of disasters. Uncle Fred was sick the whole
of the time but was not laid by. I hope you will see him on his arrival at Melbourne as he will
need your advice and he depends much on your knowledge and experience of the country.
The reason of their being so miserable on board the Melbourne was she took more
passengers than she could accommodate, and there being no ventilation. But this has since
been altered and she has fewer passengers, and an other commander. But she is called a
great rotting tub by all the sailors.
He took another ship to Melbourne where he also narrowly missed being ‘blown up’. Isaac’s mother
writes in February 24th 1853:
Your Uncle left home the latter part of September and has not yet reached the Cape as we
received a letter from him about a week since dated St Vincent where they were waiting for
coals. We have read that the ship caught fire and very nearly escaped being blown up
owing to the potent fuel being placed too near the engine room, but he writes that his health
is good and he hopes all will yet be well. He is not one who looks at the dark side of the
picture.
Fred Pearce’s character is referred to several times by Isaac’s father in the letters that he sends
prior to Fred joining Isaac in Australia. Fred had already been awarded the Royal Humane
Society’s Bronze Medal for bravery when he saved two people from drowning off Ramsgate in 1851
as mentioned in a letter written around November 1851 by Isaac’s sister Elizabeth Dyason (aged
about 15)
Uncle Fred and Uncle Charles send their love to you. I do not know whether you recall
them, they are both fine young men. Uncle Fred last summer saved the lives of two men at
the great risk of his own. One very rough day a gentleman was bathing when he lost his
footing and called for help. From the shore a man went out to save him and after vainly
struggling with the waves he began to sink too. Uncle Fred, taking off his boots, ran into the
water. At first the waves knocked him down but soon recovering he swam to the first man
who just as he got to him sunk, he dived after him and swam with him in his hand to the
other and succeeded in bringing them both to land amidst the shouts of people. As he said
they had never seen so brave an action before. He was presented with a medal and ten
pounds by the Humane Society and a meeting was called at the Town Hall where he was
thanked by the Chairman.
Fred’s business acumen received a mixed report from his brother-in-law, Isaac’s father, although
Isaac’s mother is more positive in a letter dated 1852 August 1; she writes:
Your letter has quite decided Uncle Frederick to come out to Australia, but as some of the
family are averse to his leaving I am not certain whether he will go or not, should he come he
will leave England this Autumn by one of the Screw Steamers, however we shall write this
month August to let you know their decision. He is a very good salesman and will be very
much missed at home in the business as in the morning he is on the sands with Uncle Paulin
and the rest part of the day in the shop in Harbour Street, you may be sure we shall all miss
him very much, particularly your Grandma.
In a letter from Isaac’s father dated 1855 January 13 we get a more balanced opinion of Uncle
Fred’s business abilities:
I find by your letter that you are entering into partnership with your uncle. I trust that it will
prove advantageous to you and him, but I have no occasion to inform you that it will be quite
necessary for you to take the principle management in your own hands for your Uncle Fred
wants firmness in business and has not the tact to manage and conduct it as it ought to be.
You have justly said that it is far better to be straight forward in business than beat about the
bush, this is your Uncle’s fault, he would rather do anything than to come to the point. It is
not for want of principle or unfair dealing but it is a want of nerve, he would rather submit to
anything than have anything unpleasant with those he might be connected with in business.
He is a capital salesman and no doubt would get a good business together anywhere but
has not the nerve to take the business part which I think you are fully competent to do.
And he later writes in June 3 of the same year:
With respect to your Uncle Fred, if you enter into business with him you must take the
management entirely into your own hands as he wants never to carry on any Business and
does not like to refuse anything to anybody however injurious it may be to himself. I dare
say you have seen sufficient of that in his conduct with Christmas respecting his leaving for
England, but that has been his fault through life. He is a capital salesman and would be a
great acquisition to any business in that capacity. I think you would do very well together but
the management must rest entirely with yourself.
Pemb. Hunter
From the Trove database courtesy of the National Library of Australia
Pemb. Hunter mentioned in the Bendigo Advertiser Saturday 7 June 1856 page 3
Edward Meyer
Edward Meyer was an old friend of Isaac’s from Cape Town. Isaac’s cousin Julia Dyason from
Cape Town writes in October 1853 that:
Envelope addressed as follows
(written later:) very kindly found by an old friend Edward Meyer Mr I. E. Dyason
Melbourne or any where else where he may be found.
My dear Isaac,
As Edward Meyer is going to Australia, I could not let the opportunity of writing you slip
although I must say you do not deserve it, for I do think Isaac, you could have found time to
have written oftener, but the proverb agrees with you, ‘out of sight out of mind’, I trust
however to hear an answer to this one soon, or else I shall begin to think you have forgotten
us altogether.
There appear to be several letters from the mid 1850’s from a correspondent whose initials are E M;
most likely Edward Meyer. Another letter, this time dated July 14 1855 from Isaac’s Cousin Julia
indicates that Edward was returning to South Africa, not having met with great success on the
Diggings:
So Edward Meyer is coming back, poor fellow, I am sorry he has not been so successful and
he is coming back too in a bad time, for the Cape never was in such a fearful state, a
complete bankruptcy.
Isaac kept an interest in Edward Meyer as shown
by the obituaries cut from some South African
newspapers which were found in an envelope
with Isaac’s letters. The cuttings have the date
7th February 1906 written in pen on them.
Edward Meyer appears to have done well for
himself in South Africa.
John Hare
Transcript of the agreement as follows
I the undersigned John Hare, at present of Cape Town, but about to depart therefrom for
Adelaide, South Australia, having engaged Isaac Edward Dyason to accompany me from
Cape Town to Adelaide aforesaid in consideration of his receiving a moiety of the net profits
of all or any speculations in which I may be concerned in Adelaide or elsewhere. I hereby
engage and undertake that in the event of my discharging or separating myself from the said
Isaac Edward Dyason within the period of twelve months from the day of our arrival in
Adelaide aforesaid, (save and except for any illegal or improper behaviour of the said Isaac
Edward Dyason) I will pay to him the sum of one hundred pounds sterling of lawful money of
Great Britain by way of indemnification and to enable him to return to Cape Town if he shall
think fit.
As under my hand at Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope this 26th day of April 1850
As witnesses
Edward Hull
Russel (Findlay?)
John Hare
Places
Map accessed August 2013 from http://www.stampboards.com provides a snapshot of the Mt
Alexander diggings.
Old Post Office Hill map accessed August 2013 courtesy National Library of Australia
http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-rm2335 Uncle Frederick Pearce worked here around 1858.a
Many letters are addressed to Isaac at 7 White Hills or 7 Sandhurst. This map shows an area of
Sandhurst which may correspond to this address. Isaac bought some land in 1856 (see Deed) and
also bought some land in Ironbark later. This map is pre1860 as that was the date that the
Benevolent Asylum was erected.
Glossary
Blowings
blowing - processing that involves blowing a gas, preparing or putting through
a prescribed procedure; "the processing of ore to obtain minerals" source
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/blowings
Cement
Gold was usually found associated with quartz or ironstone or a tough, hard material,
known by miners as ‘cement’. (source Ruth Coulsell; The gold districts of Victoria circa 1980:
published by ? the Mineralogical Society of Victoria)
Crop
is defined as the entire tanned hide of an animal
flume/fluming: wooden channelling used in conjunction with water races to convey water to a
claim. Typically fluming built on wooden trestles was used to span depressions or was anchored to
rock faces to bypass sheer slopes. In the absence of plentiful timber to build fluming to bridge
gullies (e.g. in Central Otago), water race builders were obliged to go the long way, ie follow the
hillside contours to maintain height (source: http://www.ashadocs.org/aha/15/15_04_Ritchie.pdf
accessed August 2013 from an article An archaeologist’s guide to mining terminology by Neville A. Richie and
Ray Hooker in the journal ‘Australasian Historical Archaeology’, 15, 1997)
Guinea
Kip
equal to £1 1/is defined as the hide of a young or small beast.
Mundie / mundy
1847 G.F. Angas Savage Life & Scenes II. 224 Mundie is a crystal, believed
by the natives to be an excrement issuing from the Deity, and held sacred. 1851 J. Henderson
Excursions & Adventures N.S.W. II. 157 The natives have charms which they carry about with them.
… These are bits of rock crystal, which they find on the mountains, and are called mundy-stones
from http://australiannationaldictionary.com.au/index.php
Nardoo
native desert fern. Poisonous when raw but could be used to make damper
(bread) when ground and cooked.
Paddock. This definition of paddock comes from an article “An Archaeologist's Guide to Mining
Terminology” by Neville A Richie and Ray Hooker, published in the Australasian Historical
Archaeology vol., 15, I997
Retort
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/retorting Retorting (Chemistry) a vessel in
which large quantities of material may be heated, esp one used for heating ores in the production of
metals or heating coal to produce gas
Roup
Scottish and northern English dialect vb (tr) (Business / Commerce) to sell by auction
Shanks from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/shanks is: “The latter or remaining part, especially of
a period of time”, hence Fred is saying, “We’ll just have to see what happens...”
Shicer / Shier
http://australiannationaldictionary.com.au/index.php accessed July 2013 as:
Also scheisser, shiser, shycer.[Transf. use of Br. slang shicer a worthless person: see OED(S.] An
unproductive claim, mine, or gold-field
Sleeping Partner
firm.
http://oxforddictionaries.com/ as a partner not sharing in the actual work of a
Snobs
bootmakers
Tin
Money
Tribute/Tributors
http://oxforddictionaries.com/ historical a proportion of ore or its
equivalent, paid to a miner for his work, or to the owner or leesor of a mine. In these letters
Tributes or Tributors also appear to refer to the people who may be working in the mine
Truck
Another word for a miner’s cart, trolley. No indication of how much they held
although letter from 1871 mentions “I expected to have some gold in the 3 oz came from 500 trucks
of (was) dirt and the remainder from I think about 800 trucks including 1 oz 4 dwt from blowings and
magnet iron that I cleaned”
Weights
Units of measurement for precious metals in these letters: Troy ounce One troy
ounce (oz t) is equal to 31.1034768 grams. Pennyweight (dwt). There are 24 grains in 1 dwt, and 20
dwt in one troy ounce and there were 12 troy ounces in the old troy pound, so there would have
been 240 pennyweights to the pound.
Windlass - a device for hauling or hoisting, commonly having a horizontal drum on which a rope
attached to the load is wound; winch
The Letters
1851
Arthur QuilleWilliam Strutt (1825–1915) Title Gold diggings of Victoria preparing to start. Date made 1851
1852
Two letters are included below which do not strictly form part of this ‘Diggings’ collection. One
provides a damming image of Melbourne from a new chum, while the second is an excerpt from a
letter from Isaac’s mother which shows that Isaac painted a different picture to his parents.
The following letter is copied from http://home.iprimus.com.au/foo7/rombook1vic.html and paints a
poor damming picture of Melbourne at the end of 1852. It is titled “A Letter to his Father from
Thomas Henry Severn, a newly arrived passenger on the ship "PRINCE ALFRED". Written in
Melbourne Australia on 26 December 1852.”
Melbourne
Decr 26/52
My Dear Papa
We arrived here on Saturday , and by all accounts everything was very dear - for instance bread 2/- the 4lb loaf, salt 4d per lb - meat 6d per lb, coffee 1/8 per lb, sugar 4d per lb, lump
sugar 10d. Spirits etc very dear - beer 6d per glass or 2/- per pot etc and everything in
comparison.
I did not intend going on shore till I went for good for they charged 5/- to land. I stayed on
board all Sunday - packed up on Monday - and Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock went by the
steamer to Melbourne which is about 10 miles from where we were anchored. It cost me
nearly £2. to land with my luggage and all, for labour is so expensive. Entering the town, it
seemed so queer and strange - my chum and I went and walked about, after we had got our
luggage stored - we were quite bewildered.
We went to a lodging house and there were two beds - mind I say beds because a room is a
thing impossible to get. These beds were in a room where 12 slept - and I hear there are
some houses where 20 sleep together in a room. We took these beds and paid 3/- each for
them, and we then had dinner - 2/-.
After dinner I walked in the town and I saw put up in a printers, "Compositors wanted" so I
walked in and was engaged at £4.18/- per week. It is a jobing office and I like it very much Well I was to go there next morning at 6 o'clock - after that I went and found Frank Wyman,
who was very glad to see me - he is doing nothing, but he is not single in this - but of this I
will write more of, when I have finished about myself.
After that I went to the tents - or "Canvas Town" as they call it. I should think there must be
nearly nearly 1000 tents, and it looks for all the world like Eden in the "Martin Chuzelwitt" of
Dickens. There I saw Mountee and Charlotte, very miserable. They had arrived about 10
days before us - and were 120 days at sea. They are both very miserable and wish they had
never come - which is the cry of everyone that arrived. We had tea with them, and then went
home and went to bed.
Since then I have been to work every day from 6 till 6 and have felt very tired when the day
is over, and I generally turn in about 9 o'clock. On the morning after I arrived I went to a
boarding house to live where they charged me £2.2/- per week for breakfast dinner and tea,
and a bed with 12 in the same room.
Oh it is a wretched place destitute of every comfort is this Australia. Cherries 4/- per lb Cabbages 1/ each Apples 4/ per lb and not worth eating. Washing 12/- per dozen if you send
all shirts - but if you mix the things large with the small you can get them done for 8/- per
doz.
On the first Monday and first week after I came on Shore I was so dreadfully bit by the
Moschettos they bit me all over while I was asleep, you must not scratch the place when
they itch for it makes them worse.
My face was so covered with these bites that I looked as if I had the small pox, and really
thought I was going to be ill, but I stood up against it, and Charlotte and Mountee, hearing of
a house to let at 30/ a week near my office I said I would take one room with them for the
houses have only two rooms most of them.
Well - the second Monday after I arrived we were in this house, and thank God I am now
free from moschettos, for it was only through so many living and sleeping in one room at the
boarding house that I was so bit.
On Christmas day we had some baked pork and plum pudding which was very good. They
charged 9d for baking it and if you take 1/- will not give you the change. Coppers are rare
things here nothing hardly is to be bought under 6d.Change is never hardly given.
To give you an idea of the things here is today that 10/- here is only equal to 1/- in England
this is a fact. I bought a bottle of Port wine and Rum to drink at Christmas and they charged
me 6/- for the bad wine and 4/6 for the Rum - one thing of this, I don't care for I am no
drinker.
I drank all your healths at home and thought of what you were all doing calculating the 9½
hours we have gained on you for when we are going to bed at ½ past 9 it is 12 at noon with
you. I did not wish any of you here for it is a horrid country.
The summer season is now on , and they say they have no rain, in England. There have
been four or five showers - not such showers as we have in England, but rain that seems to
pour - not "little babies in long clothes " but " Giants with pitchforks ". The morning after I
arrived I had to cross a street. The water was nearly up to my knees - this the old settlers
call nothing. They don't call this rain - they say it lasts for 3 months right off.
The Sunday before last I took a walk with Mr Wyman to Pryham, a place about 5 miles off and nearly knocked myself up, you cannot walk here in the middle of the day - nor at night
for murder is nothing here and no one thinks of walking out without a pistol in his pocket,
they are "stuck up", as they call it and thrown into the Yarra river – It is a wicked country and
a devil's life.
To advise anyone to come out I certainly should not for though I have got a tolerable
situation - I am one in a thousand, besides persons who are no trade are useless out here Clerks are no good here - all they do is work on the road at £3 a week, which with the high
price of things is not too much, considering what hard work is. If Alfred Newman was to
come out he would not know what to do - I can assure him for no one but Carpenters and
Brickmakers are wanted - not even printers, for they are plentiful now - and I can only say
that I am very very lucky.
As for coming out for the " beautiful country ", it is nothing on England - even in the worst
parts. It is a horrid place and where I never hope to settle. All I say is stay in England - don't
leave her she is not to be equalled.
What some have endured living in the tents I cannot tell you but it is dreadful.
There are many out of work out of employment here as there are in England - and it is only
the good workmen - and they must be lucky - that succeeds.
As for letters of introduction they are not worth a dump - in fact I have not used mine.
Bigamy is a constant occurance here that no notice is taken of it. If a man leaves his wife to
go to the diggings she marries another man and when her husband comes back, if he goes
to say anything about Justice, gets laughed at, and perhaps a bullet through the head for his
trouble.
All I have written is not overdrawn in the least - I can assure you, and after leaving beautiful
England to come to such a different place, where comfort is not known. Do not advise
anyone to come. I do not say this from any selfish mood but for their good while they can
exist in England, let them stay. I was not born to be lucky in some things - I shall give myself
ten years and then come home again and see old England again, that is to say if I don't
make my fortune before.
To make a fortune here is easy if you can get established well. Mr Lyon and Roy is here
starving, but I don't think they make much of their London madrigal and Glee Club. The
theatre and all connections with it is far from respectable. I went to the tents the other day
and coming home heard a lady playing on the piano and singing in one of them, "I dreamt
that I dwelt in marble halls" - poor thing.
I thought that all you can do here is to dream of those places here. Many persons who work
on the roads get sun stroke, and die. The dysentry has carried off a great many - the water
is very bad - in fact nothing is good - meat tough - the flies plentiful, and everything dear.
The gentlemen wear veils as well as the ladies here, to keep off dust and flies. I have a
wide-a-wake and green veil, to look like the rest. Dogs are very numerous. You have to
carry a stick to knock them off to prevent them biting you.
Every one is on an equality here and the only thing that I am not obliged to keep up any
great appearances here. I can wear what I like and no one looks at you. I shall become a
rough and uncouth being - and not the civilised Henry Severn that was.
It is no good making friends here for they only cost money and I want to save so shall remain
quite by myself going through the routine of the day like a clock. I have not been able to get
all my clothes out of the box but shall go next week. I hope to send by next letter something
to give you but must not promise till I know where I am and must keep a little store in case of
illness which please God I may not have.
Good bye. Give my love to all at home. I hope you are getting on well. I am expecting letters
from you. Give my love to all - everyone. Tell them I am doing well and believe my dear
father I am your loving son. Thomas H. Severn
Tell Moma and children they must not be offended because I have not sent my love
separately.
Isaac appears to have had better success at around the same time, perhaps because he came
earlier and was relatively well established. His letters home convinced his Uncle to come out to
Australia, (see the letter blow) and in other ‘English’ letters even his father expressed an interest in
coming to Australia.
1852 August 1
From Isaac’s mother EI Dyason
My dear Isaac
We received your very affectionate and interesting letter of January on the 18th of July which
gave us great pleasure, you have succeeded much beyond our calculations. I hope your
endeavours will still be attended with success and all your hopes will be fully realized but
whether successful or not you are beloved by us all. Your father is much pleased with your
letter and has read it to several gentlemen and trades people who are desirous of learning
every particular relative to Australia, and you have conveyed much information in a small
compass. I should like to know from time to time everything that comes under your
observation, as you may have leisure. We have seen your mode of life represented in the
Illustrated papers and have singled you out from among the rest. It reminds us of the
ancient Britons, they slept in the open air, and on the bare ground. Many who go to the
Diggings do not calculate upon what they would have to endure or they would never stir a
step from home. I should think you must be very tired when night comes after labouring so
many hours.
I trust dearest Child you will take care of that most invaluable blessing health which I hope
you will still continue to enjoy. I am truly glad to hear that labour and the slender fare do no
distress you, it is a great privilege to be strong and active and able to endure hardships
when necessity requires it with cheerfulness, but at the same time I hope my dear Boy you
will not over exert yourself nor try your constitution too much.
I read that ophthalmia* is a disease to which the inhabitants of the country are subject in
Summer time. I suppose you take every precaution to shade your eyes as much as possible
from it and also from the strong light and heat. Your letter has quite decided Uncle Frederick
to come out to Australia, but as some of the family are averse to his leaving I am not certain
whether he will go or not, should he come he will leave England this Autumn by one of the
Screw Steamers, however we shall write this month August to let you know their decision.
He is a very good salesman and will be very much missed at home in the business as in the
morning he is on the sands with Uncle Paulin and the rest part of the day in the shop in
Harbour Street, you may be sure we shall all miss him very much, particularly your
Grandma.
1853
Bendigo, Victoria, 1853 Group of miners at the Victoria Reef mine ImageReg. No: MM 004320 The miners
are wearing their best clothes for the photograph .Acquisition Information: Copied from Lillian Semmens,
1987Acknowledgement:The Biggest Family Album of Australia, Museum Victoria accessed July 2013
http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/769693/negative-bendigo-victoria-1853
To quote from Wikipedia Goldfields unrest and agitation against what was seen as an unjust Gold
License fee centred in Bendigo in 1853. Large gatherings of diggers took place in Bendigo over the
course of August 1853. Over 23,000 miners signed the Bendigo Miners' Petition, with over 10,000
people welcomed the petition representatives back to the diggings on 13 August, assembled under
the Diggers’ Flag, designed by William Dexter.
The Red Ribbon Agitation of 1853 was one of the earliest in the string of events that led ultimately to
the Eureka Stockade uprising in Ballarat. Miners were required to pay a licence fee of 30 shillings a
month whether they found gold or not. This was seen as an unfair tax. The Red Ribbon Movement
was active on the Bendigo diggings where diggers demanded a license fee from 30 shillings to ten
shillings. The diggers planned to offer 10 shillings for a license and allow themselves to get arrested
so as to cause overcrowding in the prisons, and an increase in administration.
A letter from Isaac’s father in Ramsgate date 1854 March 2 mentions these riots.
The mail ship Marco Polo has just arrived, and by it we find there has been a riot at the
diggens (sic)*. I hope you have not suffered by it, your Ma and all the Family are quite well
and desire their kind love and accept the same my dear boy from your affectionate father
Isaac Dyason
Neither Isaac Dyason nor Frederick Pearce’s names appear on the document
The text of the document says:
His Excellency Charles Joseph La Trobe on 1st August 1853.
Humble Petition of the Undersigned Gold Diggers and other residents on the Gold Fields of
the Colony
Sheweth
That your petitioners are the Loyal and Devoted Subjects of Her Most Gracious Majesty
Queen Victoria the Sovereign Ruler of this Colony one of the dependencies of the British
Crown
That in the present impoverished conditions of the Gold Fields the impost of Thirty Shillings
a Month is more than Your Petitioners can pay as the fruit of labor at the Mines scarcely
affords to a large proportion of the Gold Miners the common necessaries of life
That in consequence of the few Officials appointed to issues Licences the Diggers
Storekeepers and other residents lose much time at each Monthly issues in procuring their
Licenses
That the laborious occupation of Gold digging and the privation attendant on a residence on
the Gold fields entail much sickness and its consequent expenses on Your Petitioners
That in consequence of the Squatter Land Monopoly a large proportion of Successful
Diggers who desire to invest their earnings in a portion of land are debarred from so doing
That newly arrived Diggers must lose much time and money before they become acquainted
with the process of Gold Mining
That in consequence of Armed Men (many of whom are notoriously bad in characters) being
employed to enforce the impost of Thirty Shillings a Month there is much ill feeling
engendered amongst the Diggers against the Government
That in consequence of the non-possession by some of the Miners of a Gold Diggers
License some of the Commissioners appointed to administer the Law of the Gold Fields
have on various occasions Chained non-possessors to Trees and Condemned them to hard
labor on the Public Roads of the Colony - A proceeding Your Petitioners maintain to be
contrary to the spirit of the British Law which does not recognise the principle of the Subject
being a Criminal because he is indebted tot he State
That the impost of Thirty Shillings a Month is unjust because the successful and
unsuccessful Digger are assessed in the same ratio
For these reasons and others which could be enumerated Your Petitioners pray Your
Excellency to Grant the following Petition
First.
To direct that the Licence Fee be reduced to Ten Shillings a Month
Secondly
Applicants
To direct that Monthly or Quarterly Licenses be issued at the option of the
Thirdly To direct that new arrivals or invalids be allowed on registering their names at
the Commissioners Office fifteen clear days residence on the Gold Fields before the License
be enforced
Fourthly To afford greater facility to Diggers and others resident on the Gold Fields who
wish to engage in Agricultural Pursuits for investing their earnings in small allotments of land
Fifthly
To direct that the Penalty of Five Pounds for non-possession of License be
reduced to One Pound
Sixthly
To direct that (as the Diggers and other residents on the Gold Fields of the
Colony have uniformly developed a love of law and order) the sending of an Armed Force to
enforce the License Tax be discontinued.
Your Petitioners would respectfully submit to Your Excellency's consideration in favour of the
reduction of the License Fee that many Diggers and other residents on the Gold-fields who
are debarred from taking a License under the present System would if the Tax were reduced
to Ten Shillings a Month cheerfully comply with the Law so that the License Fund instead of
being diminished would be increased
Your Petitioners would also remind your Excellency that a Petition is the only mode by which
they can submit their wants to your Excellency's consideration as although they contribute
more to the Exchequer that half the Revenue of the Colony they are the largest class of Her
Majesty's Subjects in the Colony unrepresented
And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray etc
The Bendigo Gold Miner’s Petition of 1853
Image accessed July 2013 from the State Library of Victoria
http://www2.slv.vic.gov.au/collections/treasures/bendigopetition/index.html
1853 September 13
Collingwood
From J Fisher
Dear Sir
I arrived down here last Monday night . We had a rather heavy trip. I sold the skins 702 (allowing
8) for 3/- each 105.0.0 fresh skins are worth 3/-3d and upwards. The following is a list of the things I
shall bring. 203 doz oranges, 8 casks fine larger fruit at 2/-2 each doz, malt, sage, and as ordered 5
bags onions 3/-3. 1 lb at 11d p(er) lb fresh and sound for the time of year, 5 bags of potatoes 5.2.3
at 22/- p cwt. We have had very heavy rains since I have been in town or I should have started
sooner. I shall start tomorrow morning. I expect to be on Bendigo the following Friday.
J. Fisher.
Collins Street looking west from Russell St, 1853, Collection of lithographs and sketches, 18531874 by Samuel Thomas Gill shows the frontiers-like feel of Melbourne as exemplified in Severn’s
letter of December 1852, but Melbourne also was becoming gentrified as exemplified by the
completion of a new Public Library.
1854
Detail of section 7 where Isaac may have purchased land NO HE PURCHASED IN SECTION 12
ALLOTMENT 1
See appendix for details
December 3 Eureka Stockade.
One of the most significant events on the Victorian Gold fields. While some mention is made of
other disturbances earlier in the year, the letters are remarkably silent on the events leading up to
Eureka Stockade and its aftermath. The following image and quote are from Wikipedia accessed
May 2013
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eureka_stockade_battle.jpg.
The Eureka Rebellion of year 1854 was a historically significant organised rebellion of gold miners
of Ballarat against the colonial authority of the United Kingdom. The Battle of Eureka Stockade (by
which the rebellion is popularly known) was fought between miners and the Colonial forces of
Australia on 3 December 1854 at Eureka Lead and named for the stockade structure erected by
miners during the conflict. Resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, the majority of which were
insurgents, it was the most significant conflict in the colonial history of Victoria.
The event was the culmination of civil disobedience in the Ballarat region during the Victorian gold
rush with miners objecting to the expense of a Miner's Licence, taxation (via the licence) without
representation and the actions of the government and its agents (the police and military) The local
rebellion in Ballarat grew from a Ballarat Reform League movement and culminated in the erection
by the rebels of a crude battlement and a swift and deadly siege by colonial forces.
Mass public support for the captured rebels in the colony's capital of Melbourne when they were
placed on trial resulted in the introduction of the Electoral Act 1856, which mandated full white male
suffrage for elections for the lower house in the Victorian parliament, the second instituted political
democracy in Australia. As such, the Eureka Rebellion is controversially identified with the birth of
democracy in Australia and interpreted by some as a political revolt.
Description Battle of the Eureka Stockade. J. B. Henderson (1854) Watercolour Source State Library of NSW
Date 06:56, 18 August 2010 (UTC) Author J. B. Henderson
1855
1855 January 30
Melbourne
From Uncle Frederick Dyason
Dear Isaac
I sent you last mail Bill of Exchange on Bank of New South Wales. You must excuse my want of
attention to this. It puzzles me how to act for the best, this loss of insurance on the goods is a bad
job. I must make up if possible, I wish to lessen my expenses as much as I can and I think it would
be more to my interest if I had premises of my own instead of paying rent and as winter is fat
approaching I wish to get in a more settled state. For instance I fancy if I bought a piece of ground
cheap on any of the diggings and was to put up a store, a good 2 roomed Iron House* I can
purchase from 30 - 40£ and I think the whole expenses would not average more than 60£. I can
work, mend and make if necessary and carry on a business. Which same might be done here but
the expense of eligible premises perhaps might not pay sufficiently and a store at the diggings
would not require much outlay.
St Kilda** is a large place and there is not a shoe shop there and if a place of business is to be had
cheap, say 50£ or so all I got by my goods I should be able to save. I want you to consider this
matter over and give me your opinion as I have a great responsibility resting on me and I want to
turn my goods to the best advantage without risk and where there is no rent, living would not be a
consideration. I have a good stock on hand, say 300 pairs of digger’s boots, 40 patent, 200 strong
Bluchers, 150 watertights, 150 Wellingtons, 50 boy’s Bluchers, 200 women’s besides other stock. I
have about 700£ stock which ought to bring 1,000£ if I was in a position to retail wholesale them.
This will not interfere with our speculation, as shipments arrive one of us can easily attend to them
and sell them at auction or otherwise as we may see fit. I think I am wasting my time, Charley will
expect me to do something worth consideration and there is St Kilda and the diggings, but it seems
to me the diggings is the place.
You will favour me by giving this your serious attention and if you think as I do you can observe
which diggings would be most favourable and choose a spot for me. What is done must be done at
once or otherwise it will be too late. Probably you may think I am unstable but it is not so.
Tradesmen work for their Landlords and are sadly pinched for means, there is no field for my
exertions here without speculation and I cannot afford to keep Cash in hand that will be required at
home and I want to make the most of it or rather the most of my goods.
There has been a great quantity of salt destroyed by the late fires at Sandridge, several hundred
tons. The price will rise. I followed your instructions per purchase and price, would make no
reduction.
P.S. If this meets with your approval I can lay in a stock of buttons which cost little and commence
in earnest. Please write per return.
Accept my love
and believe me ever yours
Frederick James Pearce
PTO for footnotes
*An Iron House
Quoting from Janine Rizzetti’s Blog accessed August 2013 which discusses one of the few
remaining Iron Houses in Melbourne http://residentjudge.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/a-pleasantsunday-drive-to-the-portable-iron-houses/
(The Iron House) ..shown above, is still in its original position where, in 1855 it was one of
nearly one hundred portable buildings in the vicinity that included cottages, two-storey
houses, shops, stores and a coach house. It was valued at 60 pounds when it was erected
in 1853/4. Portable iron houses were packed in wooden cases (which could be used to line
the internal walls) and easily transported by ship or cart. They were quickly erected and
could be unbolted and dismantled to be taken elsewhere for re-erection as a practical and
enterprising solution to the dire housing shortage in gold-rush Melbourne. The house above
contained four rooms on the ground floor, with two attic bedrooms that are reached by a
precipitous stairway. I found it hard to envisage negotiating these stairs- barely more than a
ladder really- with a babe in arms. The temperature of the attic rooms in summer must have
been fearsome too.
**St Kilda is a seaside suburb of Melbourne
*** This fire made the newspapers: a summary of snippets on the following page tells the story
Sourced from: 1855 'DESTRUCTIVE CONFLAGRATION AT SANDRIDGE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 1957), 24 January, p. 4, viewed 9 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4803480
1855 February 17
Melbourne
From Uncle Frederick Dyason
My dear nephew
I received yours of the 5th. You did right by enquiring about B/E. I will answer as far as I can in
answer to yours.
1st The mistakes in advises to England was solely through my letters being lost but that only
concerns me, it will be rectified. No doubt Charley will, as soon as he gets our advises, push it.
You will suffer no loss. You are as much out of sorts as I am by the tenor of your letters. What is
the use of listening about the markets being glutted, don’t repine* at your lot, it is necessary for your
peace of mind that we have a proper understanding with Charley. I should propose you to write him
to know the probable amount of shipments and all the et-ceteras that we may know how to act for
the best and our mutual advantage. There is plenty of Clippers** on the beach just now, better state
what we can do with cash in winter and so forth and what he is likely to expect from us. It is proper
we should have an elucidation on that subject. Pro Bono Publico***
Now my dear fellow, I will proceed to answer.
2nd This glut; it is all humbug. The fact is goods are lower now, summer goods are not saleable now
and winter goods are at present at low figures because the season is not far enough advanced,****
It was the same last year. Watertights last month was worth 11/- to 12/-, now they fetch 15/- and I
expect in another month 18/- without a terrific quantity comes in the market and there is enough on
the diggings to last the winter. I have seen good calf Bluchers***** at auction fetch 10/- and 11/- per
pair, higher than they have been for some time.
3rd Respecting other shipments. I have no advises of any. I have given Charley full instructions
respecting quality and sorts, time to send them
The 500£ orders
It seems to me you suppose that C has received our advises and that is the extent of shipments this
season. Not very likely.
Importations not paying.
I agree there, on a small scale, but good seasonable articles, large consignments will pay supposing
C can’t send goods sufficient then we had better drop the concern altogether, but I think C no
niggard.
My Ready Cash.
I have not got any unfortunately. I asked Capt. Watts, providing he could purchase foods,
watertights, at Sydney for 11/- per pair, to bring a lot and large size calf Wellingtons from 7 – 11
size. Capt. Watts bought rubbish to the amount of 799£ which of course I was obliged to find cash
for. I shall sell these boots without a profit of course. That ends my transaction with him.
Paper Hangings
The P of Pearce and MacKenzie is I suppose Charley. I think the best way of selling them will be to
expose them and advertise. They can be sold without loss.
Invoice of Wartertights etc...
By selling them to storekeepers 2/- per pair, more can be made on the Watertights, 50/- at least
ought to be made after paying expenses on whole shipment.
The diggings and St Kilda
Your ideas are so clear and arguments so conclusive that I have given up the idea. I am convinced
of my folly. If I am in a position to embrace your offers shall gladly close with you. Don’t suppose
dear Isaac that I wish you to be unjust to yourself by giving me more than I am entitled to. I shall
send as soon as I am in receipt of cash any good you may require. My object was by having a little
cash in circulation that I should be able to pay expenses and save the profits of my share in the
business. I will do my best to purchase goods at the lowest price and best quality and by your
advice I shall be enabled perhaps to save a little, and I flatter myself I could purchase as well as
anyone. You must recollect that was my first attempt, I shall do better the next time. I don’t care
about the cash by Fisher.
You wrote me respecting the Bluchers, I cannot do them for 3/-. I have refused 3/- 6d for them, the
sizes even from 7 – 12. Goods of this description cannot be purchased, however I will sell for 9/-,
the lowest, all in prime order and warranted equal to sample but I don’t pay carriage. I well them for
9/- to 9/- 6d by the dozen. I should act foolish to force winter goods on the market just now and
mine being winter stock of course hang heavy. I could sell a considerable quantity of watertights if I
had them at 15/-. Do you think I can make a living from 100£ to 200£ floating capital to the
diggings? Of course you could either sell or store them and if I can make a Capital of 500 I will but
am afraid it will be too late. I suppose I cannot send up goods in winter occasionally? I wish I had
commenced before this in forwarding goods to you but as you say it’s no use to repine.
I will close my letter with my best wishes,
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
*Repine means to complain, grumble
**Clippers were ships designed to carry small, but very profitable, goods across the oceans faster
than any other ship.
***Pro Bono Publico Latin meaning For the Common Good
****In Victoria, Australia, February is often the hottest month of the year
*****Bluchers – A blucher was a 19th century strong, laced, leather half-boot or high shoe, named
after the famous Prussian Field-Marshall Gebhard Blucher. The vamp (the upper part of the shoe)
is in one piece, unlike books made with a toe cap.
“A Blucher boot from a Scottish island. It had
been preserved by the waterlogged conditions in
the peat bog which prevented oxygen reaching it.
The boot has been dried, dressed, and reshaped
for display”
Image and quote from
http://www.sturgeconservation.co.uk/boot-andshoe-conservation.htm accessed August 2013
1855 March 4th
Melbourne
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received the enclosed Bill of Goods from Charley and sold them at Fraser and Cohen.* I send you
the Invoice and Bill of Sale that you may see the disadvantage we labour under as regards profits.
The goods realised far higher prices than I could have for them privately and goods that are in
demand fetch much higher prices by public competition than private contract. The fact is I find
taking the whole expense of shipping and c (= etc...) at home and here and the goods don’t pay.
What do you think, it’s better to turn my attention to something else?
I shall go on with the reef at Blackwood and of course if it turns out well I should like to admit you. I
understand Bendigo is rich in quartz, if you see any chance for me to take a claim either singly or
jointly, I shall look out for your interests as well as mine, and I hear that Bendigo is far preferable to
Blackwood, what say you? I think we may go on a regular system and take on a good reef to make
up for lost time.
Smith is at Fiery Creek, do you think it will be best to sell the horses and dray or go on with it
sooooon (sic). Fisher has returned with chaffers**loaded with skins, 2 full loads.
As regards myself, I and Messrs Rennie, Merchants, (and) Box, householders, respectable young
men, are going up to open a reef or two; work ourselves and share expenses and profits. I knew
the Rennies at home and Box ever since I have been here. Do you think it will do.
I have no great opinion of Mt Bd (Blackwood). I may be deceived but it’s probable there may be still
a greater rush there this summer than ever and some heavy finds as regards alluvial sinking.
Therefore if you have the prescience and can see a greater chance of doing by commencing on
Bendigo pray tell me before I commence. I don’t want to throw away capital and time. I think there
is a good deal of humbug respecting yields here – Mt Bd , I know very well how puffing is carried on
to make sales.
I have taken a Box at the PO number 656, the rate is lowered to 3£ a year. I saw Mr Gray here and
tried to effect a sale but he could not give me near auction prices.
Please return invoice and bill of sale as soon as possible to send home.
Charley has written for us to lay down so much each as last advises 1500 each but of course you
have received all his plans for carrying on a large trade in your advises you can do as you like. I
won’t say either way. Quartz refining in my humble opinion is better than importing at present and I
should like to carry it out with you.
I can put down as much as you and if I did not work so hard I should have assistance to make it up,
anyway you would not be a loser. I don’t wish you to find capital but so much each and labour.
How I should like to slip into it. Come out of your shell, put on your specs and let us have a hunt for
the gold. All I got I should send home for the benefit of the whole family, for myself I don’t care a
snap but I should like to make them independent at home.
I remain your affectionate
Uncle Frederick James Pearce
*The advertisement from The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thursday 15 February 1855
**Chaffer – to trade; barter. [1175–1225; Middle English chaffare, derivative of chapfare trading
journey from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/chaffers
1855 March 31 ( I THINK IT May BE 1855 – ALTHOUGH SOMEONE HAS CROSSED OUT THAT
DATE AND PUT IN 1875 OR 1873 WHICH also may be right
Melbourne
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
Dear Isaac
I received yours and respecting the papers they should be sent. The Essex is expected daily.
I have forwarded prices of the Bluchers at different period.
Sprigged Bluchers size 7 to 12
Lipt and naild do (=Lipped and nailed ditto)
Long Boots from
Grain Napoleons from
Ditto Long Riding from
10/9/25/25/35/-
This is the whole of the stock suitable.
I hear from Fish long Boots are worth 35 on the diggings, therefore if there is any sale at anything
like a paying price, sell.
The prices I have put down overleaf are not reckoned with expenses. The Kid Boots ought to pay
per Essex, being invoiced low.
There is a mistake about Fish. I never once see him when he comes and then I have no
communication with him more than necessary.
I never speak about business, only to learn what he gives for things. I bought 5 tons of potatoes
(same as Fisher bought) for 12.0.0 per ton. I was going to send them but find they are slightly
touched which is the case with almost all of them. I can sell them for 16 here.
They are a good looking potato but the very large ones have got the blight when they are cut.
There is very few good hams and very few potatoes you can depend on, the Heidelberg potatoes
are unsound.
It seems by prices ham is the only thing to pay, its carriage is bullocks, 18 to 20£ per ton. Drays
being very scarce.
I think it would pay if I was to have one. O can buy a good staunch mare and dray fro 80£ that can
be depended on. What do you think of it. I have had the mare to cart up goods for me, she will pull
30cwt and might go the same time as Fish. Don’t you think it would pay better, than paying such
exorbitant charges. I ca find a man that will take care of the horses.
P.S. don’t suppose I am full of whims by asking so many questions, of course I apply to you for
information being in the line.
Your affectionate
Uncle Frederick Pearce
1855 November 20
Fiery Creek*
From EM (Edward Meyer?)
Dear Sac
Yours of the 3rd I received but this morning. The letter you sent per Cobbs must be lying at
Maryborough, as the coach has been taken off that line some time from Fiery Creek, this place is
just upon its last legs, there was but one Lead and that rich, but fairly worked out, all they have been
building on was the reef sinking which is proving a failure every day. I know parties that are working
claims in the midst of Golden ones that have no faith in it, as it is very narrow lately and in no way
rich, the diggers are leaving by hundreds daily, great many going to Glenpatrick. Business is quite
at a stand still, storekeepers and publicans losing money, those that have it, in short the place is a
regular shicer**, so much so that I shall have to move off shortly, by that you can judge for yourself
as to sending up your drays, unless it is for moving stores and I intend some day to go over and see
this Glenpatrick if not and I can get a person to keep an eye on my place. I shall come over your
way and spend a few days as I want a holiday. I am much obliged to you for your kind proposal, I
shall think of it, at the same time I must admit there is no time for thinking, but I should not like to
enter into anything until I was clear of this which if I want to do now is the time. If I can sell my place
which I have been trying to do for some time, or make up my mind to your (proposal). I shall come
over myself and see old Bendigo.
I am extremely obliged to you Old Cock for your letter of introduction to Allen but having heard such
unfavourable accounts of late I do not think of visiting that part yet, I might, at the same time many
thanks.
Wheeler has taken his passage for New Zealand. I suppose by this time he is off. I have an idea I
shall do much better without him if I were to stick to the trade again, which is doubtful. This is a
noted place for watch makers, dozens of them, having (received) this rather late I must look sharp to
be in time for post. Hoping this may find you well,
I remain
Dear Sac
Yours Truly
EM
I shall write you again first post – we have a Government PO here now, address me PO Fiery Creek
As usual excuse scribble
PS I suppose you have heard that Christian Holme is dead.
*From Wikipedia accessed July 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort,_Victoria
Gold was discovered in 1852, with another gold rush from 1854 at nearby Fiery Creek. The Fiery Creek
diggings supported four townships, Beaufort, Yam Holes Creek, View Point and Southern Cross, during the
1850s. The population on the fields reportedly reached approximately 100,000 people at its height in the late
1850s and produced 450,000 ounces of gold over a two-year period, 1855–1856
**shicer An unproductive claim, mine, or gold-field
1855 December 26
Bill of exchange for £10 payable to Isaac Edward Dyason
1856
Description: English: Sandhurst Post office in 1856 Date 1856 (19 February 2009 (original
upload date)) Source Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Mattinbgn
(Original text : State Library of Victoria) Author Original uploader was Biatch at en.wikipedia
accessed July 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sandhurst_post_office_in_1856.jpg
1856 January 16th
Collingwood
From John Fisher
Dear Sir
We arrived down last Friday. We had a very wet trip. The old man that loaded the skins did not
wait any more for me. I found him on Saturday. He got down Friday night. Skins have fallen in
price. Good skins are only worth 3/-6. I was obliged to sell the 1000 the man brought down. They
were not in good condition, nearly all more or less net and treated. I made 3/-6 each. I could not
get them off till Monday. 800 I have here, they are all right after Thursday. I shall know the standing
price of skins, I will write and let you know.
Honeychurch goods as ordered except two or three articles I could not get this time. 6 bag walnuts
at 6 lbs, 2 casks apples (very large) each cask from 120 to 130 lbs net £5.0.0. each cask. £4.1.20
of potatoes at 14cwt, 1 case of Wiltshire cheese 99lb at 1/-8 lb, 3 bag onions 23/-cwt. I am not able
(to) go up this time for I have been very ill since I saw you. I engaged a man to travel with Schafer.
I think he (will) be all right. I hope to be able to go up next time, then I will account to you for the
money. Schafer worked yesterday so I expect they will be up next Monday.
Yours truly
J. Fisher
Wiltshire Cheese
1856 March 15th
Collingwood
From John Fisher
Dear Sir
I am sorry to tell I shall not be able to get up this time for I have very bad eyes, scarcely able to see.
Schafer started yesterday, I sent a man with him with the team. I sold the skins, 700 at 10 each that
is by giving in 50. I received the draft quite safe. The following is a list of the goods I have sent up,
10 boxes of B. Sperm Candles* at 1/- 11 ½d (to) 10 boxes. 1/- 11 ¾d to 18 cases apples, 15/- case
4 cases at 12/- case, 32 bushels feed oats at 6/- 4 bush.
I did not receive your last letter till Schafer was starting on Monday. If my eyes are better I will
attend to it. When I first gave the order to Pope about the cart I told him to make at 6 + 4. I sent in
to him yesterday after I received your letter. I have sent Honeychurch’s goods as ordered. I saw
Smith this morning, I mentioned you had not received any letter, he said Mr Pearce had written to
you. Colts are very dear and scarce, if I see one cheap I will buy him. Carrage (sic) is very much
down, I think horses will come down in price. In a few days I will send you Honeychurch’s bill on
Monday next.
John Fisher
I sent one pair of sheets, I shall have the other next trip.
*Candles made from the oil found inside the head of Sperm Whales could be turned into candles
which were bright and odourless.
A sample of spermaceti wax, a spermaceti candle, and a jar of sperm oil.. Image accessed July
2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spermaceti_candle_and_oil.jpg originally posted by
Genevieve Anderson from http://www.marinebio.net/marinescience/06future/wham.htm
Dear Sir
1856 March 19th
Collingwood
From John Fisher
Dear Sir
I have inquired about a tarpaulin, I cannot get any that will suit you reconditioned. I can get one
made to measure 60 feet by 20, no.1 navy canvas, the lowest sum 17. I have inquired at several
places, best American Duck about 13. I shall want about two day’s notice for the tarpaulin to be
made. I saw B. Sperm candles sold today in large quantities at 2/-.
J. Fisher
Horses are very dear, colts are fetching a long price. As yet I have not seen any as cheap as the
mare.
1856 September 21
Mount Blackwood
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
In reply to yours of the 10th, I have not succeeded in disposing of the long Boots. I put the reserve
at 10/- per pair, if sold at present it will be at ruinous prices. I have put them up at different times
without success. Will it not be more advantageous for you to sell them at Bendigo. I would not
object taking them at current rates. I am at present waiting for an answer from Fraser, the price
offered for them and the other items I will write in my next. I am sincerely sorry Charley should not
have received my letters.
I should not leave Blackwood without informing you of the circumstances, I am
Yours affectionately
Frederick James Pearce
Image of an 1860’s miner’s cottage in Blackwood Victoria, accessed August 2013 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miner_cottage_blackwood.jpg
1857
Bendigo, Victoria, 1857 Houses in Sandhurst Image Reg. No: MM 003981 Acquisition
Information :Copied from Graeme Saunders, 1987 Acknowledgement: The Biggest Family Album of
Australia, Museum Victoria accessed July 2013
http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/770877/negative-bendigo-victoria-1857
1857 March 7
Mt Blackwood
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I sent you a registered letter besides another afterwards (concerning) the postman’s evidence
touching the torn envelope. Did you post the letter, it is very evident the envelope was torn to come
at the contents.
I wish you to understand how I am situated. I have a good quartz claim and machinery in perfect
working order besides 30 tons of stuff already for cleansing in the kilns of our own which will yield
from 1 to 2 oz to the ton, all of which will be forfeited if not able to meet the Bill of Exchange due on
the 15th. One half of the sum my partner has to pay me back But he is utterly unable to do so at
present.
I don’t think you will ever receive another application from me for future favours. It is very
unfortunate that I am placed in such disagreeable circumstances which might have been avoided.
But the fact of our paying the 100£, Rennies took advantage of that and drew up a deed of
assignment in case we did not pay as a collateral security for the other 100£. A few days rain would
enable to get the cash in a week with the stuff we have in hand. I wish you would write me and
state whether you have received my letters.
Yrs affectionately
Frederick James Pearce
An example of a Bill of Exchange (Not one of Isaacs) from 1853 image accessed August 2013
http://downies.com/aca/Auction312/aca/images/lots/312/2341.jpg
1857 August 17
Isaac purchased a block of land from Henry Fisher (see appendix for map 1854)
This Indenture Made the seventeenth day of August in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight
Hundred and Fifty seven Between Henry Fisher of the White Hills Sandhurst West in the Colony of
Victoria __________of the one part and Isaac Edward Dyason of the other part White Hills
Sandhurst aforesaid of the other part Whereas by Deed Poll or Grant from the Crown dated the
twentieth day of February One thousand eight hundred and fifty five under the hand of Sir Charles
Hotham the then Lieutenant Governor of the said Colony and under the seal of the same Colony the
piece or parcel of land (inter alia) hereinafter described was for the consideration therein mentioned
granted unto the said Henry Fisher and Isaac Edward Dyason their heirs and assigns for ever as
tenants in common and whereas by an Indenture dated the fifteenth day of August One thousand
eight hundred and fifty seven made between the said Isaac Edward Dyason of the one part and the
said Henry Fisher of the other part whereby for the consideration therein mentioned the said Isaac
Edward Dyason conveyed all his equal undivided moiety half parcel or share of in or to the piece or
parcel of land (inter alia) hereinafter described unto the said Henry Fisher his heirs and assigns for
ever AND Whereas the said Isaac Edward Dyason hath contracted and agreed with the said Henry
Fisher for the absolute purchase of the piece or parcel of land hereditaments and premises
hereinafter described with the appurtenances at or for the price or sum of Fifty pounds. Now this
indenture witnesseth that in pursuance of such contract and agreement and in consideration of the
sum of Fifty pounds of lawful British money in hand well and truly paid by the said Isaac Edward
Dyason to the said Henry Fisher at or immediately before the sealing and delivery of these presents
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and hereon endorsed. He the said Henry Fisher Doth
grant bargain sell release and confirm unto the said Isaac Edward Dyason and his heirs (the release
hereby made taking effect without a previous lease for a year by virtue of the provisions of an Act of
the Governor and Legislative Council of New South Wales in such case made and provided).
All that piece or parcel of land situate in the said Colony in a County unnamed parish of
Sandhurst part of allotment One of Section twelve Bounded on the north East by allotment
two bearing south sixty six degrees thirty five minutes east four chains On the south east by
allotment five bearing south twenty three degrees twenty five minutes west fifty feet On the
South west by other part of the said allotment one bearing north sixty six degrees thirty five
minutes west four chains and on the north west by a received bearing north twenty three
degrees twenty five minutes east fifty feet to the commencing point
Together with all buildings ways waters water courses fences easements privileges profits rights
members and appurtenances whatsoever to the said hereditaments hereby released belonging or in
anywise appertaining And all reversions remainders rents and profits of the and in the same And all
the estate right title interest use trust claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Henry Fisher of
and in the said hereditaments with the appurtenances To have and to hold the said hereditaments
hereby released with the appurtenances unto and to the use of the said Isaac Edward Dyason his
heirs and assigns for ever And the said Isaac Edward Dyason doth hereby declare that his widow (if
any) shall not be dowable or entitled to dower out of the said hereditaments and premises hereby
released or any part thereof And the said Henry Fisher Doth hereby for himself his heirs executors
and administrators covenant promise and agree to and with the said Isaac Edward Dyason his heirs
and assigns That notwithstanding any act deed matter or thing by him the said Henry Fisher made
done or permitted to the contrary he the said Henry Fisher now hath in himself good right and lawful
and absolute authority to grant release and convey the said hereditaments hereby released with the
appurtenances unto the said Isaac Edward Dyason his heirs and assigns in manner aforesaid
according to the true intent an meaning of these presents. And that the said land hereditaments
and premises shall and may from henceforth be peaceably and quietly had held occupied
possessed and enjoyed and the rents and profits thereof be had received and taken by the said
Isaac Edward Dyason his heirs and assigns without any let suit trouble denial interruption claim or
demand whatsoever of from or by the said Henry Fisher his heirs or assigns or any person or
persons claiming or to claim through under or in trust for him or them And that free and absolutely
exonerated or otherwise by him the said Henry Fisher his heirs executors and administrators
sufficiently protected and indemnified from and against all estates rights titles interests trusts liens
charges and incumbrances whatsoever committed executed occasioned or suffered by him the said
Henry Fisher or any other person or persons claiming or to claim through under or in trust from him
And further that he the said Henry Fisher and all persons having or claiming or who shall have or
claim any estate right trust charge or interest in to out of or upon the said land hereditaments and
premises intended to be hereby released or any part hereof through under or trust for him shall and
will at all times hereafter upon the request and the expense of the said Isaac Edward Dyason his
heirs and assigns make do and execute or cause to be made done and executed all such acts
deeds conveyances and assurances in the law whatsoever for the better and more satisfactorily
granting releasing and conveying or otherwise assuring the said land hereditaments and premises
hereinbefore described and every of them To the uses and for the intents and purposes expressed
and declared of and concerning the same or otherwise as the said Isaac Edward Dyason his heirs
or assigns or his or their counsel in the law shall advise devise or require And that he the said Henry
Fisher his heirs and assigns (unless prevented by some inevitable accident) at all times hereafter
upon every reasonable request and at the expense of the said Isaac Edward Dyason his heirs or
assigns or any person lawfully or equitably claiming through him or them any estate or interest in the
premises produce and show forth or cause to be produced and shown forth to him and them and to
such person or persons and at such place or places within the Colony of Victoria aforesaid as
occasion shall require there hereinbefore received Deed Poll or Grant and Indenture of Release
uncancelled and undefaced for the manifestation and support of the title to the said land
hereditaments and premises And (unless prevented as aforesaid) at the like request and expense
make and deliver true attested copies thereof. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents
have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
Received into the Office of the Register of the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria at Melbourne
this eighteenth day of August AD 1857 at the hour of a quarter to three o’clock in the afternoon (?)
of the within Deed numbered two hundred and twenty four (No.224) Book 52 and verified by James
Fowler of No. 76 Chancery Lane, Melbourne, Law Clerk
1857 December 8
Mt Blackwood
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I am sorry I cannot join you at present, you might be able to sell my share in 2 machines and 200ft
of good ground, we mined our own quartz and crushed on an average 40 ton per week, price 400£.
The business is cable of any extension having the prior right to the whole of the water in this creek,
and machinery might be constructed to do any quantity.
If I can see a good opportunity for you to go into anything of the sort with you I’d do so. I received
the boots and galoshes.
Your affectionate Uncle,
Fredk Js Pearce
I could sell 2 doz of galoshes, not so large, 7 to 10.
Advertisement:
A capital investment a sixth share of 200 ft of rich ground and 2 machines with water wheels
getting from 50 to 60 oz per week.
Apply to Mr. I E. Dyason
1857 December 31
Mt Blackwood
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I stated in my last letter that I should like to enter in a good spec with you but I fancy by laying out at
the present time a few hundred it would be more profitable than oats or any kind of merchandise.
Quartz is not a speculation if there is an ounce to the ton in Claims it’s a certainty. We have not
been at work but a few weeks with our 2 machines and each machine has lost 2 days out of the six
on an average and our expenses are higher than they will be. We have in that time cleared 600£ so
you may see what could be done if another reef turns up by putting up a wheel* and mining our own
quartz by taking it in time we might make 100£ each per week.
We should have one, so if you had bought Box’s share and taken up ground, there will be some
good chances here shortly and I should not like to throw them away. If I see anything likely to be a
good spec shall I take it in hand, I believe I shall make a fortune out of this by the prospects, we had
claims but we never employed labour, now we employ 10 men and it pays accordingly, the ground
we hold is 200 ft of the best part of the reef. Simmons Claims the water is short and we are getting
ready for the next season and I believe shall raise a quantity of good stuff. You cannot lose
anything, machinery is cheap, stamping and shaking tables and water power what say you.
Quartz can be raised, crushed and all expenses paid for one pound the ton. You can calculate what
can be made even at an ounce.
Yours affectionately
Frederick James Pearce
*Water wheel power
An image of a large waterwheel, from the Forest Creek area in Victoria.
1858
1858 February 22
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I have made a slight mistake in addressing the letter to Guildford. Please address them to the care
of Mr Shairer, Landlord of the Guildford Hotel. Mr Holmes has called to see us and understands
there is a letter at Pennyweight for me. there are two more claims struck gold near the surface 4 ft
down on the Reef and if it is possible to hold out we shall make a fortune.
At present we are without cash and tucker, the meat tub is nearly out and the candle was burned in
the socket. Poor Pem and I don’t wish to run you into expenses but I don’t see that you can lose
anything. We must succeed here if able to go on and a little money laid out in stores in Castlemaine
would enable us to do so, for instance potatoes here are 15/- per cwt, in Castlemaine only 7/cartage and 20/- per ton and other things equally dear (here) and if you were to advance the
requisites you could not make a loss. Write by return of post as we are in a bad fix. Pem will pay us
back any little assistance we can be to him, he is very low to think he cannot assist. I only wish I
had some ready cash to go on with, I should not fear the results,
Yours affectionately
Uncle FJP
Mr Hunter has received a letter dated the 4th and intends writing soon and sends his respects.
*The first hotel opened in 1854 but was destroyed by fire three years later. The Guildford Family
Hotel which also dates back to this era is still operational today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guildford,_Victoria accessed August 2013
Guildford Hotel then and now
1858 December 1
Simmons Reef
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I have sold my share in the Machines and grounds for 80£ clear of all expenses. Please tell me
what steps will be most advantageous for me, there are several specs I could go into here, good
paying ones, but should require to invest some capital, say from 150 to 200.
I shall wait your answer with anxiety for I assure I do not know what to do. Please write by return.
Perhaps you might come to.
Your affectionate Uncle
FJP
1858 December 20
Forest Creek
From Pemb Hunter
My dear sir
I have much pleasure in acknowledging yours of the 13th, also the receipt of five pounds for which I
tender you my sincere thanks. It is sufficient for the present but if you can spare the other without
inconvenience to your self it will be acceptable.
We are now down 70 feet and driving and having a small leader which has gold which we expect
will lead us to the main Reef. With respect to the information you want for your Uncle I may state
that my brothers-in-laws and another have got a claim in a Reef that is newly opened and I consider
they have a very good prospect before them, the claim next to them has struck a large body of
quartz at thirty feet and payable. I have consulted with my B. in. L. (=brother in law) about the
selling of a share which he will do upon the following terms viz the party to work in the claim Ten
pounds down and Forty pounds to be paid out of the proceeds of the Reef. It is a four-men’s claim,
one share has already been sold on the condition the party puts a man on to work when payable
gold is struck.
The above was one of the chances I had in my eye for you but I did not intend to speak of it until
they struck gold which they expect to do in three weeks. Remember I do not hold out any certainty
about the matter, I have merely stated the thing as it stands.
With respect to reefs here generally I may state that the miners are prospecting pretty freely of late
and there are places being opened every other week. Some of them are very good and plenty of
shows being bought and sold but whether there is a better chance her than in Bendigo I cannot say.
However I would go so far as to advise him to come down and being a practical quartz miner he will
be able to judge for himself. Of course all the information and help that I can give him are at his
service and I have no doubt if he intends sticking to reefing that he will get a payable ore within
three months.
I am very sorry to hear that you got a touch of your old complaint. I trust that by this time you feel
much better and that it is not becoming chronic as you expect. By the way of a little exercise I wish
you would get me a copy of words and music of the following songs, that tis to say if you can come
across them without much trouble: “The muleteer’ (= one who drives mules), “Rocked in the cradle
of the deep”, “Molly as thou”, “By the sad sea waves”, “Man the lifeboat”, “Bonnie Mary of Argyle.”
I am glad to hear that classes are getting on so well and that the concerts went off so well. I would
give you a little bit of advice, never allow either your modesty or your bashfulness to be the means
of disappointing a whole host of friends who expected to have heard you come out in great style.
Give Mr P my compliments when you next see him and tell him I am very glad indeed to hear of the
success of his classes and that his talents are being appreciated.
If your uncle comes down let him call at the Old Post Office Hill Hotel and ask for me or Phillips and
Cos., Claim. There is one thing I am sorry for, that I am not able to give him accommodation as I
am staying with my B. in. L and have got no place of my own.
Wishing you may spend a merry Christmas
I remain
Yours Sincerely
Pemb Hunter
1859
The earliest remaining of Uncle Fred’s Miner’s Rights.
1859 March 27
Yandoit*
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received your note that was received by Mr Holmes and am very much surprised to find you have
not had my letter acknowledging receipt of your kind remittance for the required sum. We shall want
two pounds per week as an expense for Housekeeping with a trifle for powder and fuse etc... We
are short at present for funds and am waiting anxiously for a letter. I sent your letter off to be posted
by the Landlord at Guilford Arms, we intend to inquire into it. After this delay you will please
address to the P.O. Castlemaine to be left till called for. A cart is sent in every week and calls for
letters at the P.O.
There is one thing I wish to impress upon your mind, the importance of keeping our Eyes open.
Quartz Reefs are now to be leased for 1/-per yard. If you see any chance of leasing a bit do so, and
in the meantime should we strike anything good we shall inform you instantly so as to enable us to
get a bit. Now is the time, now or never, and don’t allow the opportunity to slip and afterwards to sit
in the chimney corner and say ah I had such and such a chance but somebody else took it up.
You may depend upon it, this chance will never occur again. If you see a chance Pem and I are
fully able to prospect any reef being qualified miners. I don’t think you will be out of pocket in the
long run but will make your fortune and the rest of our family too by perseverance. There is no
mistake about it,, I would not exchange reefing for any trade if I can carry it out being satisfied of
succeeding in the end. Can you not find someone to join you in Bendigo so as to enable you to
keep it up and to lessen the expenditure on your part. We have no occasion to limit ourselves to
any size claim, think over it my dear nephew, think over it. We have not struck the reef yet but we
have done more work than any other 2 men on the Yandoit.
We should be able to carry out the mining with profit and when gold is struck to set on the required
number of hands to take it out after opening the reef.
I hope you will write by return of post. I hope you are well and believe me your affectionate Uncle
F.J.P
*Yandoit. To quote from eGold accessed August 2013 http://www.egold.net.au/biogs/EG00305b.htm
First settled by the pastoralist Captain Hepburn, Yandoit is located about 20 kilometres north
of Daylesford. In 1854, rich alluvial gold was discovered in Nuggetty Gully and later along
the tributary gullies of the Yandoit Creek. The area was rushed by an estimated 5,000
diggers but gold quickly petered out. Deep lead mining began in 1858 and, by the late
1860s, Yandoit was supported by a mixture of farming and mining. Many Italians and SwissItalians settled in and around the town and built many of its surviving local stone buildings.
Yandoit was surveyed in 1861 and proclaimed in 1885. Its population in 1861 was 232, but
had declined to 77 by 1881
Image Yandoit ruin built circa 1860, accessed August 2013.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elleforleather/6900464603/
Photo by ‘Lynne’ from Flickr
1859 May 6
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I have bought in one fourth share in the Claim in P.O.H and think we shall soon get on the gold.
There is a portion of the ground below on which some brick houses stand some 200 yards and next
to a good payable claim. If it were possible to lease it, the ground will become valuable in a short
time. The property on the ground is not of any importance and the mining can be carried on without
any injury to the occupant.
I must obtain a copy of the Castlemaine rules and see what the rules are respecting leasing. I have
obtained a ticket for the registry of the Claim and shall obtain the Register after the notice is expired.
I am pretty well certain the Yandoit will go ahead after the machine is put up, there is plenty of room
for speculation on any diggings if properly looked after. I hope to be able to clear off my liabilities
out of this Claim. Shall send you word every week how it is turning out and here I must express my
sincere thanks for your kindness and good feeling to me and may God bless you my dear nephew,
Your affectionate uncle
F.J.P.
Mr H sends his respects and will write in a day or two.
1859 June 30
Forest Creek
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
(letter very fragile and illegible in places due to holes – items in italics are best guesses)
My dear nephew
I mentioned in one of my former letters about a Claim, I will now give the particulars. Pem had a
claim worked by Holmes and party, Pem bought a share, paid 5£ deposit, the price was 30£. After
working on the other side of the Reef they registered it. Pem showed (it to) me before I went to
Yandoit and stated H (ought) to have worked it on the east side. The register ran out and Pem and
others took it up, one of the former party, and struck gold in just the spot Pem said. H ought to have
commenced 7 ft deep on from surface. We saw the proposed yield 2 oz 15dwt to the ton, the claim
has since been registered and all the parties have gone to new rushes (line illegible) ...the hands of
Peter again, the registration (illegible) , the claim has only been sunk 12 ft and (illegible) leaders
running down.
I could get 2 or 3 shares from Peter, 10£ per share, money to be paid (illegible) when got for 2
shares he wishes to sell one share to put him in funds. I wanted Pem to take a share. Pem objects
and so does Peter. Rein won’t have anything to do with Peter and vice versa. The former
occupants were a drunken lot and the last crushing only yielding 7dwt to the ton. They were not
able to carry it on. I think gold being found so near the surface and there is a fine western Reef that
there is almost a certainty of the leaders running down making into a good lead. The depth they are
is nothing and the Reef has not been worked at all and it is not a surface reef but a good formed
Reef with a good body of healthy looking quartz. It has been stated there has been 5 oz to the ton
got from the west side, but I can’t say therefore I don’t believe it, but however I think it a good spec.
I should very much like for us to take up a share between us and I should like to have Pem in too,
but Peter objects owing to a few words passed together about the taking up of the claim. I should
not care about Peter myself. I should like (to have) your opinion. If you thought it advisable to go
(into) it I might get a person to work for me in our claim and 2 men could prospect Peter’s claim
(with) him until we struck payable gold, and I should hope we shall soon obtain better results in
O.P.H. There is no doubt of gold being struck some one of these days.
The crushers here carry on their business in a very loose manner. Their shaking tables being open
whereas they ought to be covered and locked. The gold of the miners can (whole line is
illegible)...(the people who) work the machines are (bad) men, no wonder the Reef’s got in the
hands of (illegible) machinists.
There has been a party come from Blackwood, a Mr Williams. He was formerly working for Heley
and Hill and has bought Heley’s share in his machine. Williams stated Heley having a large family
was afraid of being eventually ruined by our late manager, therefore he sold out to Williams there
being nothing but quarrels since I left and court jobs. In the division of property belonging to the
firm, Heley and Hill had the mullock and machines, we had the Reef and machine. According to
W’s account him and Hill were making 5-0-0 per day out of the mullock, this coming to our Late
Manager’s ears he has stopped them from carting any more away, giving as his reason that there is
gold in it. Williams is much alarmed and has employed a solicitor from Ballarat and has spent 10£
in finding me out. I not having any extensive correspondence at Blackwood, things appear to them
to go on very strangely according to W’s account. As soon as I left Bd (=Blackwood) our manager
called his men together and told them he had no money and all who wished to go to work for the
summer might and would be paid in the wet season. Accordingly several went to work and some
left. He has had water in the creek but not on the machine. Martin and Smith has obliged him to
lower his dam. We had a dispute about the water raising it up too high on (Williams?) wheel. I
settled it, Martin allowing me to use the water as long as I was here, he making the remark it would
not be long and instead of our late manager crushing 40 tons per week he does no more than 5 or
6, a stamper falling every five minutes.
Messrs Martin and Smith have crushed all their mullock up and have erected a good crushing plant
at Golden Point with steam engine having 2 shares out of 9 and about 200 tons of good stone
raised so they will do well at last and they deserve it. They have been striving for the last 4 years on
Blackwood and are very honourable men. It’s a new reef and a prospecting claim and their water
wheel is for sale on Simon’s Reef. I think our late manager is not so stupid as some imagine.
Supposing he put up a larger wheel and heavier heads on stamps to get water he would be obliged
to lower the race and get it twice the width at a cost of about 200£. Probably he thinks to purchase
Martin’s plant for that sum if so he will be a gainer, it is a first rate plant. I think Martin won’t sell for
anything like that sum to him, knowing he can’t do without it. They want Martin’s machine lent to
them to pay the wages of the men so they say. William’s stated that they should have done their
mullocks in 2 or 3 months at it (and see) anything to their advantage. They (would have had) to
bring up their plant. Heley and Hill bought a steam engine in the summer and would be glad if I
would join them, he wants me to attend if he, the late manager holds out, and proffers to pay my
expenses to give evidence on the mullock question. On the other hand, our late manager stated I
could always come back again and money was no object, very sorry indeed I was going etc...
They send their love from Home, and hope you are pleased with your dear brother’s prospects*.
Your affectionate Uncle Frederick James Pearce
I hope you are well.
*Uncle Frederick is referring to the events described by Isaac’s mother about Isaac’s brother
Frederick in a letter to Isaac dated January 12 1859
My Dear Isaac
I informed you in my last letter that Frederick had been nominated by the Member of the
County as a competitor for a situation in the Customs. I am very glad to be able to inform
you that he has lately passed his examination at the Treasury before the Civil Service
Commissioners and has received an appointment as Clerk in the Receiver General’s
Department and is now waiting for orders to join and enter on his duties. So you see my
dear son, all our anxieties and troubles on his account are at an end, for if anyone is so
fortunate as to get a situation under Government, of course he is provided for for life if he
conducts himself properly and the branch of the Service Fred is in is a very good one giving
him the position of a gentleman.
A well preserved stamper or battery in Victoria
Image and quote accessed August 2013 from
http://www.gold-net.com.au/archivemagazines/sep99/stamp1.html “Stampers or Battery's were a
simple but effective method of crushing gold bearing ore. The stamp was a heavy weight that was
lifted by an S shaped cam that was attached to a driving wheel. The driving wheel could be driven
by a water wheel, steam engine or even horse power. Those that were driven by powered units had
a capability of dropping and crushing between 60 and 90 times per minute, depending on the height
the stamp had to be lifted. The object was to crush the gold bearing ore to a fine dust so the gold
could be extracted simply and easily”.
1859 August 26
Simmons Reef
Mount Blackwood
Letter is addressed to Uncle Frederick Pearce
From ??
F.J. Pearce Esquire.
Dear Sir
I am in receipt of your very kind note and although the schemes you propound may be genuine and
thoroughly honest still I cannot but look with suspicion on all gold mining spec(ulations). Please
providence I shall endeavour to leave mining and turn farmer or squatter as soon as I can. What do
you say to go to New Zealand, there is room there and a beautiful climate, land cheap – sheep
farming a luxury after digging. I will join you if you will go, not much money required...
Your old friends Appleton are still amusing themselves and annoying other people by law, was at
court against Williams Brothers on Tuesday, hard swearing, old Irving and the other assistants were
there and cetera... Appletons have rented Martin and Smith’s machine at £15 per week; are doing
well, last week 84oz. Week before 65oz or so in ton.
Martin and Smith have started a large company, on the flat opposite your old residence is the
ground to which they are getting a lease to work and erect their machinery. We are still working
away averaging from ¼ to 2oz per ton, less of the latter and more of the former, however have not
yet said die. The 200 feet level is looking well, the stuff there if picked will go 2oz and 1oz if taken
as it comes. I hope this will find you and the Mrs in good health and in good spirits with the best
regard for both I remain
Yours
(We will need more context to decipher signature! September 2013)
1859 September 13
Old Post Office Hill
Chewton
Forest Creek
From Pemb Hunter
My dear Dyason
You will think me a very forgetful fellow in not replying to your last before this time, but as the
Yandoit affair was the only thing of consequence a good portion of the blame must be attached to
the Landlord of the Guildford Hotel. Your Uncle wrote that party about making one to work the Reef
and up to this time he has got no answer. I also have not been more fortunate with respect to my
brother William, Mr Holmes had a letter from him before I wrote you last to which Mr H. replied
requesting him to come down immediately but to which he has sent no answer. After due
consideration Mr. P and I thought that it would be better to give up the Yandoit. We could not go to
work there ourselves and we did not like the idea of taking in partners of whom we knew nothing
because they would require to be persons in whom we could place compliet (=complete)
confidence.
However we have not been idle, in the meantime there has been a good many payable Reefs
opened here lately, and we have come to the conclusion to take up a claim upon one of them. Mr
Holmes is assisting the mining surveyor and has a good opportunity of forming an idea of the best
ground to be taken up. We have three different pieces in view but have not yet determined which of
the three it will be. They are all upon the line of Reefs on which good claims are being worked. We
propose forming a party of six, you included. Two of which will be paid 20/- or 25/- a week each for
working the claim until payable gold is struck. Our claim on O.P.O.H. is much enhanced from the
fact that there has been another load of gold bearing quartz struck a little to the West of us but
which is confined within our Western Reef. They have traced it from the part of the hill to the claim
below us, the crushings from the above new load have gone pretty regularly between 2 and 3ozs to
the ton.
Mr P is very well satisfied with the bargain he made in buying into our claim. He values his stand
now at over thousand pounds stg (=sterling) He may be a little above the mark, but if I myself
owned a whole share I should not be inclined to sell for less than £500 or £600, because it has
every appearance of being one of the finest Reefs in the Country. It has not been worked down to
any depth yet and there is no telling but there may be a fortune for the whole of us to be got out of it
yet, however I shall not say any more about it at present but I hope the next news I send you will be
something substantial.
I think you asked me in your last how I passed my evenings; well very dull indeed. This place is a
nasty miserable place to live in. There is no society here that any respectable person can mix with.
There is a sort of free and easy concert which passes away Saturday evenings. Sunday I spend
with Mr. P. Wednesday I attend the O.F.Lodge (= Odd Fellows Lodge) and the rest of the evenings
of the week I spend in bed.
There is a library in neighbourhood but unfortunately I have read all it contains. To be sure I have
(been fortunate) lately in having my old father beside me, he keeps me alive by blowing me up or
giving me good advice to which if it was possible for me to act up to I would be a perfect model
young man. However as he is a good meaning old soul I will do my best to please him.
You must forgive me for not acknowledging the rest of the seeds but I was under the impression
that your Uncle informed you. By the by, I may as well tell you that he has managed to pay off the
debt contracted at the Manchester Hotel.
Would you be so kind the next time you are in Sandhurst to see if you can get me a copy of the
opening chorus called “The chough and crow”*, there is not a copy to be got in Castlemaine. It is for
a Lady singer of my acquaintance who wishes particularly to get it. You could send it by Post, I will
remit you in postage stamps. It is giving you a deal of trouble, but I take the liberty of an old friend,
If you should see Mr and Mrs Lonsdale give them my compliments and tell them I shall be very
happy to hear of their welfare.
Trusting you are well and hearty
I remain
Yours Truly
Pemb Hunter
*The Chough and the Crow in Orra by Joanna Baillie. 1762–1851
The Outlaw's Song
THE chough and crow to roost are gone,
The owl sits on the tree,
The hush'd wind wails with feeble moan,
Like infant charity.
The wild-fire dances on the fen,
The red star sheds its ray;
Uprouse ye then, my merry men!
It is our op'ning day.
Both child and nurse are fast asleep,
And closed is every flower,
And winking tapers faintly peep
High from my lady's bower;
Bewilder'd hinds with shorten'd ken
Shrink on their murky way;
Uprouse ye then, my merry men!
It is our op'ning day.
Nor board nor garner own we now,
Nor roof nor latchèd door,
Nor kind mate, bound by holy vow
To bless a good man's store;
Noon lulls us in a gloomy den,
And night is grown our day;
Uprouse ye then, my merry men!
And use it as ye may.
1859 December 18
(Probably Chewton)
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I am the sender of good news. Our No 1 Claim of which I told you had struck gold will turn out a
Homeward Bound Claim. We have had 15 tons crushed and paid off all expenses, this is good as
there is only 2 men working it, the gold is heavy and the stuff was not picked but crushed, holus
bolus. I have no doubt as they get down deep they will strike a good load. Our party have in
consequence of the prospect marked out another claim below it. This claim is situated between Old
Specimen Hill and Englishmen’s Reef and is a continuation of Dead Cat, the Hill we are on. The
claims run thus; on the north is German Bill’s claim, ours comes next followed by another party, next
the claim we have just marked out. The parties are only shepherding their claims waiting of course
until we strike gold. We keep it dark, we want to get the intermediate claim if we can.
This comprises the Hill and dash gives you some little idea of the formation of Hill and Old Post
O(ffice) H(ill) will be a fortune for us. The western load has been struck by Holmes and party,
Dennis and Co and others, we intend to sink for it. A prospecting shaft for the 2 claims, one man
from each claim so as to form a boundary shaft. The lead is a good one and rises in our ground. I
will give you an idea of it.
We intend to commence after Christmas. I am glad we did not sell to the Co., I am certain there is a
fortune for us in the ground. I shall try and work the Oracle. Ours is a 4 men’s claim, the next is a 3
men’s claim. Phillips our mate holds a share. If we strike a good reef in our ‘boundary western’
amalgamate the 2 claims, buy Phillips share in next claim for Co. that will make a party of six, place
if the cash can be raised out of Reef a first rate machine on ground, pump our deep ground. Others
will be obliged to contribute toward pumping the ground, crush our own quartz, no carting – raise
our stuff by machinery. The expense of mill is not great, we can purchase an engine off some of the
duffer companies of about 10 – 15 horse power, employ a practical engineer to put up a stamper at
the rate of 4.0.0. per week. The whole cost of Engine, Plant etc... I estimate at about £400, can be
got from the claims.
(Here follows another part of possibly the same letter, but on different sized paper).
...and after our agreement with Fairburn terminates can be in full working order, the old system of
working ought to be done away with as soon as you have struck the load down to the water level
and ascertain the dip of Reef, sink a Downright shaft on the load and work upwards, instead of
raising 10 tons by the old system you can raise 50 by this and beside you don’t have to raise
rubbish but throw it underfoot. It makes the ground safe and takes the place of that you have taken
out.
Miners, when they come on a load sink and take it with them, work at a disadvantage – raise their
rubbish, use a quantity of timber and don’t get 1/3 of what they ought to clear and therefore lose a
considerable portion of their profits. Holmes and party have got good payable gold and are working
the ground where they struck it and because they have not funds to work the reef properly go that
way to wok. The fact is miners in this district don’t know how to work a load. I have told Holmes
how to do it but as I say he wants money to carry it out properly. I should like to draw you a plan of
my meaning but I daresay you understand my way.
Mr Holmes states that Brown M.D. says he can probably dispose of our lease for £1000 to some of
his friends having taken out a lease on the Hill parallel with it and Holmes states that he and Pem is
to negotiate the business. There is no dependence to be placed in a statement therefore don’t
calculate on the sale of it.
I have not heard from home by the last mail, it makes me very uncomfortable. I think we shall be
enabled to go home in 2 years with enough for all. Has Pem paid you any of you accounts, 10/- the
Yandoit affair. I think you had better send 2 or 3 pounds this week, I might want it. Shall you come
down this Xmas? When will you come?
Yours affectionately
FJ Pearce.
1859 December 26
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received yours with the 3-0-0, three pounds enclosed. We expect to obtain claims on our new
reef. We have 2. We want the claim between. We have had some of the stuff crushed ½ oz to the
ton. These claims are looking up. I am glad you have heard from home.
In reference to Pem’s affair, he stated to me that when he saw you in Bendigo you said that you
should allow so much per per week and you intended to bear a portion of the expenses and we,
Pem and I, were to pay our proportional shares. Now Pem I think fancies he is to settle with you. I
have stated at various times I have borrowed money from you on a/c of Yandoit and I would wish
you would receive it and make it understood when you come down. I have of course had to bear
the greatest share of expenses. I trust he will not be above paying his share, if he does of course I
shall pay you.
Old (Mr) Christmas is keeping a Boot and Shoe Store at Castlemaine opposite the Market Place. I
have had another summons to attend the Mining Board at Blackwood to give evidence in the
disputes of Appleton versus Williams. There has been no money sent to pay my mileage, therefore
I shall not go, to come off on the 31st Dec. I think they will crack one another’s heads soon.
Christmas went off horribly flat. I dreamt last night you had come down and told me you had bought
a share in a claim in Bendigo and we put a man in my place and I worked it and struck gold 10 0z to
the ton. I hope you have spent a merry Xmas and a happy New Year to you and all our friends,
there’s a good time coming.
P.S. There is another diggings opened. Reef ground 1 to 4 oz to the ton, several claims have
brought quartz in a distance of 12 miles there being no machines in place. 6 miles from Sawpit
Gully in ranges near the Coliban River.
Yours affectionately
F J Pearce
(written upside down on folded letter)
I could not afford to go and my solicitor states mileage must be paid 1/6 per mile. To make all right
send me down a letter demanding payment of monies owing to you and of course transfer the
claims and tent over in lieu of payment.
Just this minute Williams from Blackwood has called and offered me 1-0-0 as expenses. I refused
to take it. I asked a solicitor, he said they were obliged to pay mileage, to save all risks I shall
transfer the claims I hold over to you. Please send me your Miners Right and then they may do as
they like. Don’t be alarmed about it, I have erected a tent and fenced in a bit of ground. Cost me
£20 – 0 – 0 I shall make that right with Pem.
1860
Isaac’s Miners Right 1860
1860 January 14
Essendon from John Fisher
Dear Sir
I came down last Thursday.
I have loaded 3 tons, 19 hundredweight and 1 quarter for Carisbrook and Dunolly at £6, then I shall
come up to Sandhurst with 3 tons, 10 hundredweight, 1 quarter, 14 pound, for Mr Jackson at £5 10/
I shall start this morning and expect to be up next Thursday
J Fisher
1860 January 15
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I have received a letter from Home and they are all well and desire to be remembered.
We shall commence if all’s well to work the prospecting claim near Old Quartz Hill. We hold 2
Claims there of 120ft each and have taken possession of 60ft of the intermediate Claim. The
Commission will settle it on the 16th. The Claims are thus
You can see by this the relative position of the claims. There is only one man holding the centre
Claim and is waiting on us to strike gold. He has sold a ¼ share to a milkman on the condition that
he pulls him up and down the hole. If we get the 60ft he would work the others and it will fall in our
hands and the 3 Claims amalgamated will make a good claim.
If the stuff don’t realise expectations I shall require some cash to pay the man who receives 9/- per
day, but I think it will pay. I don’t like the principle of jumping another’s Claim under any
circumstances but it can’t be helped. Our crushing from 6.P.H. paid all expenses and left over
1.0.0. each. I trust I shall have better news for you shortly.
Excuse the shortness of this and believe me
Ever you
Affectionate
Uncle F J P.
1860 January 30
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received yours on Saturday with the three pounds. I think the spec is a good one, our crushing
realise this last week nearly an ounce to the ton so the prospects are improving. It’s quite likely this
will turn out a good Reef. We have 2 men employed on another claim and each of us put a man in
No. 1 claim, the result 10£ per man, out of which I paid my (illegible). Old Post O.H. paid 4£ per
man, things are looking up. Bowler, one you our mates says he would not take 800 for his share
back. However I think it a good prospect in new ground and laying as it does between 2 good reefs
it may prove a good one, some of the specimens are good rough gold and we may strike on a good
patch to set us up on our legs. Our prospects are better than ever and we must get on by
perseverance.
Although we have spent money prospecting different claims, we have succeeded in obtaining a
good one out of the lot. That is fortunate. We have put the affairs of Claim in the Mining Board. The
case comes off on the 6th February, by George if we are lucky enough to win we shall have a
splendid claim and it will be our own fault if we don’t win our fortunes. We intend having a spree if
we do and christen( = christen) the Reef. I don’t expect it, it would be too good a slice of luck.
Nil Desperandum.
Pem has bought Holmes’ share for £15 and Holmes has sold his share in the new Claims for 12£.
Holmes is a great ass altho a man of education, it appears he was drove for cash (by) fear of a
summons and he sold his interests right off.
I don’t wish you to mention it to Pem about the price of Claims he gave because Pem has not told
me what the price was. I had it from good authority Pem has not paid the cash but is security for the
amount 15£ to H’s creditors. I don’t think he has got the cash in hand.
I don’t know how far to go this respect and not knowing if you are interested in our well doing and so
forth but however this is no breach of confidence and I believe Pem to be straightforward and a first
rate mate.
We have an account of crushings and I intend keeping a Book to enter all accounts in the Co. so
that everything may be square.
Your affectionate
Uncle F J Pearce
I believe we shall make our fortune I never doubt it.
1860 February (no exact date)
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received you last with the 3.0.0 for which I am much obliged.
We are driving for the Reef, we have struck the leader which is very small and intend following this
leader on to get the main body. Pem thinks by appearance that we shall get one of his large
favourite leaders, if so we shall be all right but at present only 2 can work at the Reef and the Firm
being very bad off are obliged to do what they can to get funds. I can get work at my trade to keep
me employed and find me the means to carry on, unfortunately I have not tool and leather. If I had
a few pounds to purchase a few lasts, leather and tools I should not want to draw further and could
fill up my odd time in earning my living and paying off old scores.*
I did not write before because I expected to give you some good news.
Holmes’ claim is sold to Jenkins the machinist, the party sold it soon after they bought Holmes’
share. O.P.H is the best Reef about here and will prove so in the end only it requires an awful lot of
time and I am obliged to draw down. I should be all right by doing a little in the old Business. It’s a
first rate business is snobbing**. Small capital and quick returns. I would go to every person on F.
C. but what (if) I got work which I should like to do. Rather than spending so much and it would not
interfere with my work at the Reef.
I have when at work at the Reef at day 3 or 4 hours in the evening and the profit would keep me.
You must excuse the shortness of this,
I remain your affectionate Uncle
F.J.P.
*A very good question to be asked here is why doesn’t he have his tools with him wherever he
goes? Where are his previous tools?
**Snobbing is making boots and shoes
1860 February 12
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I must inform you we have lost the case in the Mining Court. It can’t be helped, we have discharged
the men, all but one, and continue to prospect the other Claim and shall soon get the gold. I write to
inform you of this merely to show the fickleness of fortune.
We shall perhaps be enabled to get it yet. It is a bad job.
Your affectionate
Uncle F. J. P.
1860 February 20
Essendon from John Fisher
Dear Sir
I came down last Thursday night. I have loaded 3 tons 17 Cwt for Mr Aemen (Sandhurst) at £5 15/
1 ton 14 Cwt for Golden Square at £5 5/ for 1 ton 18Cwt for Long Gully at £5 15. I shall start this
morning and expect to be up next Saturday.
J Fisher
1860 July 31
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
It is with much regret that I hear you are ill, don’t fret about the a/cs. If I succeed I shall not allow
you to be the loser of one farthing, you shan’t be a penny out of pocket and there is a capital chance
at Tarradale, even the rush at Tarradale is turning out first rate. There are 300 people there and
there are no snobs* at the diggings. I shall go down there and see how things are getting on, it’s
about 12 miles from here. They have struck a reef supposed to go 10 oz to the ton and plenty of
alluvial according to accounts. There is no mistake about the reef and the ground is rather patchy.
When I state about different diggings it is with the view that there are so much better prospects
obtained at other places than here. There are 3 fellows at Inglewood that had a claim when we
were on the Yandoit, they went to Inglewood and have now a splendid claim. Their names are
Carter, Gage and Deveraux, Inglewood reef. I consider it’s all the better for bailiffs and I could get a
store cheap and a reaction is sure to take place after a few months, not a large rush but a steady
trade. There is a friend who is willing to supply me with leather and go halves with me (but I don’t
like the idea) at Tarradale of sharing the profits with a stranger but I would not if had a few pounds
for a short time.
I will inform Pem of what you want, he is a rather reefing genius. Look here if you are poorly and
want a good nurse. I will send up Mrs P to attend to you. It is a rather serious thing for a person to
be poorly in this Colony of Bears, only say the word, there is not a better nurse in the colony, don’t
be fastidious.
You must excuse the shortness of this and style on a/c of letting you have an answer by return.
I hope to hear you are in first rate trim again. From your affectionate, Uncle FJP
I hope you don’t fret about the cash spent over the concern. We will soon make it up, we won’t be
humbugged, we will work together, hurrah!
If you want a nurse don’t fail to write.
*Snobs in this sense are bootmakers
High Street Tarradale 1850 – 1860, from Raymond L Maltby, “Tarradale my home town valley: a
bicentenary history”.
1860 August 8
Chewton Forest Creek
From Pemb Hunter AND Uncle Fred Pearce
(first part by Pemb Hunter)
My dear Dyason
I am sorry I have been unable before now to answer yours of the 27th July, but I have been engaged
from morning to night looking after a Situation on the Railway, being promised one by Mr. Bruce,
who called upon my father the same day I secured your note, and he told me to call upon him at
Castlemaine and eh would introduce one to his managing man respecting the above, but I found
that it was no easy job to get Mr Bruce and man together but after shepherding them for a week I
accomplished it at last and the result was the promise that I should have one!! only to wait a little
longer!!
With respect to the errors of calculations (see image below)
Great E Reef with the exception of those two all the others are right in a manner of speaking. The
mistake received in this way. I only kept an a/c of the crushings and the amount of Gold for my own
satisfaction not on a/c of the Company, therefore I was not very particular as long as I had the
amount of tons, gold and earth received and in entering the cash in my books it was after the
amount had been deducted by the Gold before the smelting. To rectify that you will have to take the
difference and add it to the expenses.
About the Crushings that took place before the Argument with Mr. Fairbairn. I cannot afford you any
information as I did not keep any a/c and it is too long back for me to recollect. Had I known that
you wanted such a thing done I should have been most happy to have kept a true and particular a/c
for you!
Your Uncle has been down to the Crusher two or three times to see and get the amounts but he
could not find time to look over his books, but your Uncle says he will get it for you as soon as
possible.
I have to inform you that Mr Pearce and I this morning took up a Claim upon Burn’s Reef. Some
party some years ago had taken the trouble to put in a tunnel about 100 feet and after striking the
quartz had abandoned it. I went to work this morning and after moving a few inches further into the
Reef I struck Gold, the prospect was as follows: two small specimens I broke out of the stone and ¼
dwt I washed out of a small quantity of stuff I brought home in my handkerchief. It is what I consider
a very good prospect, it is a main Reef about 30 feet thick, the part of the Reef where I got the Gold
from is about 80 feet from the surface and about 100 feet above the water level.
The parties working above us in a Claim to the North have been doing very well for some time back.
Their last Crushing was 1oz 17dwt to the ton. We intend keeping the thing secret at present as
there is another claim adjoining ours to the South that can be taken up and if we were to let it be
known what prospects we had got it would be rushed in a moment. I think if you are not altogether
disgusted with Reefing it would be well worth your while to take it up. There is one of our Crushers
here, a very respectable party, who would be very happy to go in along with you if you did not like
the responsibility of the whole Claim upon your own shoulders.
I am very caucious (sic) about addressing anybody about going into Reefing because I know that
there are many disappointments connected it but I think this is a chance not to be lost. I have no
doubt that the thing could be arranged so that it would be very little expense to you, but it is
impossible to explain every thing by letter and I would strongly advise you to come down and that
immediately, for let us try our best we cannot keep it a secret long.
Your Uncle is now at my elbow and he says that he would not take £100 for his share. If I was
offered the same amount I think I would take it considering the value of money at present although
there has in many cases been more money given for a worse prospect.
I trust you have recovered from your attack of Influenza. I have just got better of a dose myself.
Trusting that I shall have the honour of shaking hands with you before long, I remain yours truly
Pemb Hunter
(continued by Uncle Fred)
My dear nephew
This is not a shier* but a really bona fide affair. If you don’t come and look for your don’t blame us
when we are getting 40 oz to the ton. I consider Pem and I are in a pretty considerable way of
making a pile. The fact is this the driver is in the centre of 240 f ground and we might give up the
best portion. We can’t manage more than 120 ourselves and we should like you to net us some
thousand ounces, if you were here you would not hesitate. I don’t consider but what Pem and I are
pretty confident considering our finances in taking this step you might come and prospect if you saw
us getting bobs you could stick to your Claim and not be many pounds out of pocket, I can give you
a shake down and plenty of grub, so don’t hesitate abut Come Come Come,
Yours truly
F. P.
*shier will be a variant spelling of shicer An unproductive claim, mine, or gold-field
1860 September 6
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter
My dear Dyason
Before I wrote you, I have been waiting the answer to a letter sent to you by your Uncle last
Tuesday week, informing you that the party was made up, but as you have not acknowledged the
receipt thereof with your usual punctuality I am afraid it has miscarried, however in case you have
not got it I will afford you all the necessary information.
In the first place the Party has organised according to agreement (a copy of which I enclose). We
could not get an abandoned claim of 320 feet but we applied for the amalgamation of two 120 feets
which was granted, (cost of application and survey 22/- 3/-8 each). Mr Holmes and I went to work in
the tunnel last Monday week for the purpose of cutting through the Reef. We found it very hard,
having to blast every bit of it, but we managed to make an opening to the other side yesterday. The
crushing stuff is from 12 to 18 metres thick. The prospects that we have tried are about the same in
quality as that you saw when you were here with the exception of seeing a few more specimens
when breaking the stuff.
Our intentions now are, to drive a few feet further and clear away a portion of the face of the Reef
and get out a few tons and have it crushed, which will be sometime next week, and if it proves
payable arrangements will be gone into for getting out a quantity which will necessitate the getting of
a truck and the laying of a tramway as the present work is both killing and slow work.
Your Uncle wishes to know in case the ground proves itself to be good, whether it would not be
better to lease 2 acres of the Ground, which would secure it more effectually than the present
arrangement which compels me to have 4 men at work. Consequently only 2 working there we run
a risk of having a portion of the claim jumped. I believe the lease would cost £12 for one year but
we could secure it six months by paying £6 in advance and during that time no person could watch it
whether you worked it or not.
I have little more to say at present but I trust that I shall be able to tell you something still more
satisfactory in my next.
Our Co. Partners, Messrs Horsfield and Whitehorn are very respectable men and I have no doubt
we shall be able to get along swimmingly. I called upon Mr Fairbairn respecting the crushing
accounts, he was not at home but he left me a paper , but it did not afford the information required
and as your Uncle told me that you had settled that part of the business I did not take any further
trouble in it. I do not happen to have the paper with me or I would have enclosed it, but if you want I
will send it you next time,
Yours truly
Pemb Hunter.
Memorandum of agreement made and entered this 28th day of August 1860 Between F.J. Pearce,
I.D. Dyason, R.A. Holmes, R. Horsfield, P. Hunter and W. Whitehorn as mining partners in a quartz
claim situated on Burn’s Reef for the purpose of prospecting the same. The conditions as follows
viz. There shall be two (2) working and four (4) sleeping partners. The sleeping partners shall
subscribe each one pound stg (sterling) per week, three pounds stg which shall be divided between
the working partners and one pound stg to go for working expenses.
When payable gold is struck each partner shall work as share or put a man in his place when all
profit and expenses shall be equally divided.
Signed
R.A. Holmes
P. Hunter
F.J. Pearce
R. Horsfield
I.E. Dyason
W Whitehorn
We the undersigned
In consideration of F.J. Pearce and P. Hunter being the first hands of the above claim and having
expended money and labour thereon we agree to make up a sum of five pounds stg , two pounds
ten shillings each to be paid to them out of the proceeds from the claim.
Signed
R.A. Holmes
I.E. Dyason
R. Horsfield
W Whitehorn
The subscription to be paid weekly in advance P.H.
1860 October 1
Pick and Shovel Creek
From Thomas Clarke
Sir
It is with regret I have to inform you of my position at the present time. On Saturday I got stuck in
the above creek. I could not get any one to give me a pull. On the Sunday there were a great many
teams passed me but none would render me any assistance. At night it came a flood, capsized the
wagon and I had a very narrow escape of being drowned myself. I was carried by the stream for a
long distance, at length I reached the land with nothing but my shirt on; my bedding, clothes and
what money I had where (sic) all carried away. The hoops of the wagon are all broke, the harness
was carried away but I have got the leading harness, one saddle and bridle, two winkers, two
leading pairs and one shaft and all the collars are gone but Smart’s.
I have no provisions as the box went with the rest of the things so hope you will not neglect to write
by return of post and let me know what I am to do. Some of the wool was taken away with the flood
but I have got it again.
Yours
Thomas Clarke
Address
Care of Mr W Holding
Pick and Shovel Hotel
Mt McIvor
1860 October 2
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter
My dear Dyason
Yours of the 24th came safe to hand sooner than I expected as I understood from Mr Pearce that
you had to go to Melbourne on business, as you had heard some bad news. I trust it is nothing
serious.
With respect to the weekly payments being more than you anticipated that was unavoidable in
consequence of our being unable in getting the parties to go into it that we expected, which
necessitated us making another arrangement. Mr Holmes got two persons each to pay one pound
per week, and of course (having a wife and family) he stipulated for 30/- per week.
Your Uncle seems to have led you into a muddle respecting Mr Horsefield drawing out of the
concern. The facts of the case are that, when he drew out, Mr Holmes took it up (the share) for his
brother, who was up the country, he wrote immediately up for him, and he is now at work with me,
so the party is still complete. I was aware that Mr P. had written you two letters, and I was under the
impressions that he had given you all information of doings and workings of the party, but I find that
I have been mistaken. In the first place there was a meeting of the company to take into
consideration the getting of a truck and laying of a tramway, as we found that after breaking through
the reef that it was impossible to get the stuff out with a barrow. It was decided that it should be got,
which was done accordingly and has been completed nearly a fortnight, the cost of which I shall
give you further on. (It) was the cheapest way to work possible about it and were fortunate enough
to get hold of a second hand truck, which with a few alterations answered the purpose admirably.
You may think it rather premature in getting such a thing before testing the Claim further but I can
assure you that it was impossible to do anything without it. We were anxious to get a crushing out
first, but were obliged to abandon it as the barrow was such killing work that it knocked Mr Holmes
completely up.
Last Saturday I washed off the (tryall = trial) crushing of three tons which turned out 9dwt gold per
ton, same night we had a meeting as to the best means of working the Reef to advantage. It was
proposed by Mr Whitehorn that the stone should be got out by tender as so much per ton. He
considered that as there had been a fair sample of the stuff sent to be crushed, the result was
sufficiently rich to pay the shareholders a dividend, and that to get it done by tender was much
cheaper than employing wages men, his proposition was carried, also that an account be put (into
the ) M. A. Mail* asking tenders for the same, however we are getting out another crushing which
will be sent to the mill this week, and if it be attended with the same result as the last it will satisfy
one that the claim will pay.
The features of the Reef assume a better appearance the further we drive and I have no doubt but
that we will drop upon some rich patches now and again. I think I have told you all the mining news
with the exception that Mr Holmes in prospecting today on a hill south of us, picked up a very nice
specimen and washed were specs in the dish. He marked out 240 feet prospecting claim and Mr
Pearce two claims of 120 feet each. Mr H is going to work there this week and if he strikes a body
of payable stuff it will be a capital thing for us. Our party is called the Golden Point Quartz Mining
Company.
I was sorry that I could not afford to attend the concert given by the Philharmonic Society in
Castlemaine as I hear it was well worth hearing. I enclose you an article taken from the M.A.M. Is
the Miss Marden spoken of the daughter of Jamie. Mr P. brought the arrangement of psalms from
England, they are Hamilton’s. I think they are to be got on Bendigo, if not I can get them in
Castlemaine for you. There is a choral society started in Chewton, your Uncle and I are going to
join. We are sure to cut out all the best of the societies, Bendigo not excepted.
Trusting you are keeping good health and that we may have the pleasure of seeing you occasionally
I remain yours
P Hunter
(The next page has been cut out for the front cover and stamps, it contains figures, see images)
(Text at the bottom reads) A portion of it at a time will do as the a/c supplied us with the things. Will
want a reasonable time for their money. Thinking that you would prefer the matter reduced to
figures I took the liberty of doing so.
P.S. Mr Holmes has put his brother to work in his place
P.H
*The earliest copy of the Mount Alexander Mail on the National Library of Australia’s TROVE
database is unfortunately from 1914 (accessed August 20130
1860 October 3
Essendon
From John Fisher
Dear Sir
The last time I was in Bendigo I engaged a loading from Hoggetts (Mundy Street Sandhurst) for
Patterson’s Station on the Pickanena Creek that is out by Meyer’s Station and 30 miles from
Sandhurst.
I sent the blue wagon and five horse with the loading and to load wool back at £5 10/ ton and the
right road from the above station is to some out by Ravenswood hotel. By what I can learn these
Patterson’s have more Stations than the one I engaged to load for. I expect the man was sent to
some other place by the letter I received last night I have enclosed with this.
Then I came down from Bendigo engaged a load for Sawpits Gully thinking to meet the load coming
down. I came down last night and am going up with harness and things that I shall want to the Pick
and Shovel Creek to see what can be done with the wool, it must be in a fearful state. I will write
from the above place. I believe the Pick and Shovel is about 6 or 7 miles on this side of McKivor,
hoping things are not so bad as they appear
Yours
J Fisher
You had better see Hoggett and you will find my agreement is the same as what I have written.
1860 October 16
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear Nephew
I have very little news for you. The last crushing brought us into debt, about 4£ each. This week we
shall have another lot to crush, about 4 tons. I was in the claim today and saw plenty of specimens
very fine. Some quartz Pem picked up in the Gully that came from the surface were good, rough
gold being seen in them, the stone having been blasted out for the roads. We can see the same
sort of quartz minus the gold, however we mean to try some.
We are of opinion that the claim requiring blasting, the leader being so hard, that it will not pay
sleeping partners and intend selling. Mr Holmes has drawn out a bill of fare £100 for each share
and given it to a party of the intention of raising at Co(mpany), and likewise given a copy to Railroad
Bruce, an answer to be given shortly. I don’t think he will succeed. I think we can sell the claim to
Jenkins to clear ourselves of our outlay, his machine was below the Reef. I shall, if we sell, go up
either to Yandoit, Inglewood or Morses Creek*, there are chances at either place.
In case we sell and you have nothing particular to do I should like for you and Pem to try some of
the Reefs at either of the places mentioned and I can work at the trade at those places and might be
able to keep house for you both. I see that 22 tons of quartz yielded 223 oz at Inglewood. You may
think I am fickle but I am only anxious to make our fortunes which I think we shall do yet. I had
accounts from Morses Creek for months past and find people cannot get their stuff crushed,
machinery being scarce and there are plenty of Reefs, good ones. Can you inform me where
Morses Creek is, but I expect it’s too far off for you and I don’t wish to go into any spec without you.
Bruce is coming out with a new Crushing Machine 5/- per ton, I think it will astonish our tinkering
Q.C. (tinkering Q.C. = unskilled, clumsy or experimental Quartz Crusher?) here. Have you heard of
Wallis’s (Mr Wallace) patent for Crushing, wear and tear and all expenses attending including fuel
and wages, only 2/- 6d per ton. If we can only succeed in getting a load ½ to the ton easily broke a
fortune is certain. All the Reefs in the Colony will be taken up and be the best and most profitable
business in the world.
Scarlet Fever I hear is raging on the White Hills, if so, don’t stop. You had better come down at
once and wait till the weather and the pest is departed. I should like to see you.
Your affectionate Uncle F J P
P.S. C sends her kind regards.
*Morses Creek: Quoting Bob Padula’s site accessed July 2013
http://bpadula.tripod.com/bright/id15.html
Bright was known as Morses Creek until 1862 when it was renamed after John Bright (1811-99),
British Quaker, reformist, politician and orator extraordinaire. Bright never set foot in Australia...The
elusive Mr Morse is reputed in some quarters to be the first to have discovered gold in 1856, in the
creek which still bears his name. But gold had been worked there since at least 1853. Gold seekers,
including many Chinese, began to make tracks to the area. Where the paths of Chinese and
European miners crossed, things often got ugly. The Buckland Riots of 1857 are still considered to
be Australia’s worst ever race riots. Two years later, one Chinese miner was bludgeoned to death
and another severely injured in Bright in what became known as the Morses Creek Riots. Despite
the racism, many Chinese stayed on after the gold rush and successfully pioneered the local
tobacco and hops growing industries.
The mining of gold from quartz reefs took off in 1859. You can still see one of the stamp batteries on
the road to Wandiligong. The early 1900s heralded a new era of gold extraction – bucket dredging.
Nearly 60 massive dredges tore the Ovens river apart between 1900 and 1955 producing half a
million ounces of gold. The dredges made Bright for a short time the second highest yielding
goldfield in Victoria. Between Bright and Harrietville is one of the most heavily dredged areas in
Australia.
1860 November 3
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce and Pemb Hunter
My dear Nephew
I received yours 3rd inst with 10£ enclosed and as it was not required I return it. We have sold a
share to Milner Stevens, Solicitor for £100, ten pounds cash down and the rest in 4 weeks from date
of agreement and we are about to sell another share for the same amount. This making 8 shares.
Stevens, is also willing to advance for machinery if approved of by the Co., everything is
progressing favourably. We bought the ground for 30 pounds cash, we were obliged to borrow the
cash at 1/- in the pound and 19/- 6d bond to be paid in 3 months. The ground is surveyed and
Lease applied for under the Gold Fields Act and all is safe. I think the ground is in favour when we
can sell shares for 100£ and Opie, manager of P.O.H (= Post Office Hill, Castlemaine) works is
anxious to become a shareholder, he states we have a load and everything looks favourable.
Your affectionate Uncle F.J.P.
(Pemb Hunter continues underneath)
My dear Dyason
I received yours of the 2nd inst, and was sorry to hear that you was prevented from coming down as
your person was very much required for the purpose of settling the business connected with the
claim, also to have your own accounts squared up. You express a hope that I am keeping the
accounts properly, but I must inform you that there are no Books belonging to the Company and all
that I have got is merely memos. I have spoke to the Company of the necessity of getting a proper
set of Books and to be kept by one of the Partners that is not working as I have not got time. It is for
the purpose of putting the Company upon a proper footing that I wish your presence so much as I
have got great confidence in you with respect to any business matter, and as there is a new
Company commencing the sooner the better.
We have had two crushings since I wrote you last. 4 tons produced 1oz 4dwt and 7 tons produced
16oz 2dwt 12 grs. I hold a balance in your favour of £4 7/- 7 ½d after paying off all expenses and
back arrears.
Your presence here will be very acceptable as soon as you can make it convenient, trusting that the
tightness of the chest you complain of has left you and that you are in good health
I remain yours truly
Pemb Hunter
P.S. Do excuse brevity as I am pushed for time, when you come down bring the accounts I have
sent you.
PH.
1860 December 3
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter
My Dear Dyason
Yours of the 24th came to hand, and immediate action was taken on the advice given respecting
G.U.Stephen’s share, but the same say a telegraphic message came up stating that the £90 had
been paid into the Bank to the acc of Mr Hoking. Mr (Mc?) called at the Bank and found as stated,
so that that matter is settled.
We are in treaty for an engine, we have the offer of two. We inspected both of them yesterday, one
is a stationary of 15 horse power 8 stamps and complete, and they agree to remove and put it up in
working order for 4/12 shares in the claim and £150 cash. The other is a locomotive engine of 12
Horse 8 stamps and almost new for £450
Terms £100 down, £350 in three months subject to removal leaving interest if no one hopes to meet
it when it falls due, it will take about £60 to £100 to remove and re-erect. Those two offers come
before a meeting tonight and it is likely that one or other will be decided upon.
The last crushing turned out 29oz to 15 tons. I have a balance in your fund of about £15 10/
independent of all Bill’s money. I do not send it because it will be necessary for you to come down
as the business is of too great importance for any one to act for you. I should like very much for you
to (come here) to night as the opinions respecting the two offers are divided. If you will make it your
business to come down on receipt of this I will endeavour to propose the settlement of the affair until
then. There is also (now that the shares are all taken up) a deed of partnership to be drawn up and
signed. The company also wish to know whether you would be able to advance if required a sum of
about £200 and to give you seventy upon the crush, you must excuse me for being scanty in my
information, but I feel myself very poorly having got a (dose of cold) and I do not feel in a fit state to
enter into details, and as I think there is sufficient in this not to induce you to come down I leave
further information until then.
I have no doubt it is rather expensive going back and forward so often, but I think after this time you
will not be troubled so often, as things can be so arranged so as not to necessitate your coming
down.
Trusting that you are well and not engaged I remain
Yours truly
Pemb Hunter
1861
Isaac’s Miner’s Right of 1861
Uncle Fred’s Miner’s Right of 1861
1861 (MONTH NOT MENTIONED) 21
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
The Deed of Partnership is completed and Greenlaw is getting it engrossed.* The machine is going
up, the stamping frame is up and stamps in the Engine will be in on Wednesday, machine will be
ready in about a month. Your ten pounds ought to have been paid in, the funds were spent last
week, obliged to crush to pay expenses, which we shall be obliged to do for the future.
The Co. say there are 2 of the party who are using their capital and they don’t see why they should
pay in money for working expenses and for you and Stevens to receive the benefits, if your account
10£ is not arrived (Pem has placed 1.13.0 balance in my hands for your dividend) that sum together
with Stevens’ share is 1.13.0, shall be placed in the Bank to the credit of the Co. as they say neither
of you had any right to it, as their cash was used to raise and carry on the working.
I am going on Monday to open up that Reef and I should like you to have a share. Write
immediately. If you don’t comply I shall be obliged to get another, there are 2 willing to go into it and
I am afraid if let alone longer it will be taken up, it won’t take much to carry it on as I am sure to get
gold in a few weeks, you had better send 1 pound. 4 shareholders, 2 sleeping, 2 workers, don’t be
afraid.
Yours truly
F.P.
Write, write, at once.
Our time is short and we must be alert.
*engrossed means to write or copy in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a
public document or record: to engross a deed
1861 January 21
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter
My dear Dyason
No answer to my last. We had a crushing last week but it turned out very badly. It only gave a
dividend of 1.13.6 each after paying expenses, and as there will be a difficulty in getting out quartz
sufficient to pay the expenses this week it will be necessary for you to forward the ten pounds
immediately. If there is not timely post you will require to do so by telegraph. The claim at present
is not looking quite so well but I am certain it will only be for a short time. They are making a very
good job of the machine, but it will be five or six weeks yet before it is in working order. There were
one or two alterations in the Deed of Partnership but I believe your Uncle has informed you of them.
Trusting you are all right,
I am yours truly
Pemb Hunter
1861 February (Day not mentioned)
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I am prospecting the Claim I took up and cannot afford to do so without money. I have taken the
Claim up in five shares, Messrs Pearce, Dyason, Foley, Russell and publican. Russell pays no
expenses until payable gold is struck.
I have the following account against the Co.
Survey
Application
Drills
Gads
Hammer
Powder
Scoup
2 shovels
4 picks
1.0.0
0.2.0
1.0.0
0.3.6
0.6.0
1.5.0
0.2.4
0.19.0
1.8.0
6.6.0
And the following things I shall want: Barrow or tram way and cetera, and two weeks’ wages at
1.10.0 is 3.0.0 due this week. I shall have to pay half of this account 6.6.0. Your share will be 3.3.0.
Wages
1.16.6
3.3.10
4.16.6
I wish you would write per Return as I shall be obliged to get another party to back me, or otherwise
I shall get over head and ears in debt. Do you wish to retain your share, if you will do so don’t forget
to send your share of the expenses this week. Don’t forget to write at once or expenses will run on
and I shall not be able to get any party to pay their share, you have seen the Claim therefore it is no
use for me to expatiate* on it.
I did not see Fisher, he did not call.
Hoping you are well,
I remain yours truly.
Fred Pearce
*expatiate is to enlarge in discourse or writing; be copious in description or discussion
1861 February 26
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter
My Dear Dyason
I forwarded to you the Deed of Partnership not enclosed, and having received no reply, I am uneasy
as to its safe transit. Would you be so kind as to let me know the result, as early as possible so that
I may take steps for its recovery if lost.
There was one thing I forgot to mention in the note above alluded to respecting Mr Symms buying
some of your horses. I went to Castlemaine especially to see him about it but he was from home
and before I saw him again he had had purchased two which was all he required.
I suppose you expected by this time, to have heard of our having a Crushing by our machinery,
such is not the case nor do I expect it will be in working order before the middle of next week. The
Reef is not looking so favourable at present. It is cut out, but there is another one forming
underneath it which I trust will be rich.
Your Uncle had a crushing form his Reef last week which went 11dwt to the ton, very good
considering he took the whole of the body, it has every appearance of being a first rate lode which
will pay him well owing to a large amount of Stuff being easily got.
I have taken up 320 feet adjoining him and I purpose getting up a party to work it in the following
manner: There shall be Eight paying shareholders @ 10/ per week each, two working shareholders
to be allowed 30/ a week each. One share I shall reserve to myself without paying (in consideration
of which I shall see that it is carried on properly) and one share which shall be the property of the
whole, making twelve in all.
Would you like to make one, you may object to the party being so large, but it is also a good extent
of grounds, and if a good lode is struck the more men employed the better, besides to have the
party any less would make the expenses come very heavy. The Reef is of a similar formation to Old
Post Office Hill and looks well. I may state that I have got five out of the Eight paying shareholders
so I do not anticipate much difficulty in getting it up.
Trusting you are well
I am yours truly
Pemb Hunter
There is another call this week of 30/ - I have got 20/ of yours in hand.
PH
1861 April 15
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter
My dear Dyason
I have yours of the 11 inst containing the amount of calls (£8). Whitehorn will not renew his offer
and if he did the majority would be against it, things are in a most unsatisfactory state. Symms and
McCoy have resigned their position of representing Messrs Greenlaw and Duffett, and Murstyn has
removed to a distant part of this town and the consequence is that we are unable to form a quorum
unless Mr Symms thinks proper to attend which is very seldom and we are unable to do any
business. The understanding that we come to among ourselves is even should we place upon
Adelaide Mill to get our cement* also upon Victoria Reef to get quartz and that by putting through a
large quantity it could enable us to clear expenses until we struck some good stuff in our claim, but
the difficulty arises where the money is to come from to put the machine in proper working order.
Mr Pearce and Mr Whitethorn suggest that a hundred pounds be raised upon the plant. I do not
much like the idea, what do you think of it, I think by a little alteration the smashing table could be
made to work well enough and they would do in the meantime until we got clear of our liabilities.
I had a letter from Mr Greenlaw informing me that they (Greenlaw, Duffett and Stephen) had come
to an understanding that they should be more presented and that I was to send word of any
business that was being transacted and they would send their assent or dissent as the case might
be. In reply I told them that I could not do anything of the sort as my time was fully occupied at the
Reef and other business connected with the company. I also told them that besides being a
drawback to the working of the company in having to wait for their answer from Melbourne that it
was compulsory on their parts to have a presentation in accordance with the 11th clause in the Deed
of Partnership.
After second consideration we did not take the Deed to a Lawyer as we considered ourselves
perfectly justified in selling any portion of the plant that was dead stock, and that is the only way I
can see that we are to get clear of our difficulties. I have been trying to dispose of them but have
not managed to effect a sale as yet. I am sorry I am not able to give you any news of the Reef of a
more animating nature than the last, but still the indications shown by the stone last taken out are
such as leads one to believe that it will not be long before we strike it.
I am afraid you congratulated me a little too soon on my own claim, as it only passes to be a leader
and not the Reef as we first thought. However, the prospect is not bad because if you find a golden
leader the Reef is not far off. I am sorry to say we are not in a position yet to take on any of the
unemployed but hope to be so in a short time, but if we enter into that arrangement I have made
mention in a former portion of this letter I think you could not do better than come down to work and
supposing the pay is small it will be more profitable that your present employment, but who will look
after the garden. Mr P is quite well, there has been little doing at his claim lately as they have being
making a road round the part of the Mill for the purpose of carting quartz to Fairbairn’s machine who
has go(t) the contract for three months to break, cart and crush for 5cwt per ton. I am sorry to
inform you that it was found necessary to make another call payable next Saturday of two pounds
per share.
I remain
Yours truly
Pemb Hunter
*Gold was usually found associated with quartz or ironstone or a tough, hard material, known by
miners as ‘cement’. (source Ruth Coulsell; The gold districts of Victoria circa 1980: published by ?
the Mineralogical Society of Victoria)
1861 July 12
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I wrote you stating that the meeting would not take place, sure enough Symms and Whitehorn was
absent. I was not at all afraid of Symms being there, therefore we could come to no conclusion.
Did you ever meet such a lot of infernal humbugs. Of course I should have voted for the sale and
taken responsibility of your share on my shoulders. The letter from D. Suggests that the thing will
be arranged. I have not seen Greenlaw yet.
I have an offer to make you, I got 20£ to carry on the Claim etc... and expenses I paid, rather more
to pay for accommodation for the 5 months 6£, making in all 26£. I will give you over my share of
machinery etc... if you will take it over you will get 3£ at least by it, the payment ought to have taken
place last week and the fellow won’t run it. I gave him security on my shares in (Masking and
O’Briens?) and I am afraid he will sell it for what it may realise. The security is good as far as the
26£ is concerned. That is safe enough if you like to take it on.
Parsons at Elphinstone or Sawpit Gully and others want me to open a Boot shop there. They
assure me the party lately left for England having made 1000£ in 18 months or outside 2 years and
say he did not have a pound when he came there. There is not a shop or anyone in or connected
with that business nearer than the junction and they further state they have no doubt I might get a
first rate trade among the squatters and small farmers and local trade. Parsons seems a
respectable person and he says that he has no other motive for wanting me to come down there
than my own benefit. You see F.C* is in a frightful state, there is no money in the place. I expect
Plumb will smash and Alfred has given 2 Bills payable at the Bank coming due in a few days in
favour of Plumb. Plumb has endorsed them, of course I don’t interfere and know nothing.
I cannot get sufficient work to carry on with and the longer I stay here the worse I shall be off. I
must likewise dispose of my interest in the Claims A. H. We were about selling to the Germans,
they won’t have bought but wanted a trial. We have let the tunnel by tender, 15/- per foot, payments
to be made fortnightly. I cannot pay, the trade won’t admit of it. If I stayed here I should have to go
in the reefs again. Gold is struck but the quantity and size of Reef we can’t determine yet. I have
no doubt it’s a first rate claim. Pem’s claim still sinking, no quartz, I don’t think they will carry on
much longer. The men (that?) stick to it so much look rather blue, I have not spoken to them.
Can you get up a party to contribute towards trying P.O.H for a time, some first rate fellows that
don’t want to sell the next day. I should like to try 2 places, O.P.H and the Railway Cutting. I should
not at any time tell Pem about my circumstances. I don’t think you would but it might come out, P is
so very curious.
I hope things and people up there are looking well, all of us here have got the blues,
Yours affectionately
F. J. Pearce
*Most likely Forest Creek, the last identifiable ‘FC address’ from the preceding letters.
1861 August 6
Ararat
From (H. A. ?) Moehler
My dear Dyason
I am heartily ashamed of myself for allowing your kind note of 24 April to remain so long
unanswered, indeed after all though I am not so much to blame as I have a deal of work to do and
my district being a very extensive one I am much from home.
I have little news to tell. I went down at the opening of the Railway last month* and sold some
property in Woodend to great advantage. I see no use in trying to do anything with the New Reef
land at present. The Bendigo people are not yet fully alive to their own interests.
You ask me if I’ve any chance for you to do anything at Ararat – indeed I do not. It is a poverty
stricken place, I cannot see my way clearly to invest a single halfpenny in anything in the town or
neighbourhood, so I prefer leaving what little I have in the Bank without interest.
I see the Bendigo Advertiser regularly so have a pretty good idea of all that is going on in proper
way.
I saw Frywells* name in two or three of them of late, so I presume he is alive and well. I had a note
from Gilbert Elliot last week, he tells me that he has been appointed Station Master at the
Kensington Station on the Essendon Railway Line. Do you ever hear of your old friend Hans Fisher.
Believe me dear Dyason, I remain yrs very faithfully
H. Moehler
*This was the Woodend Railway station which opened 8 July 1861
**I cannot find reference to any name that approximates this in the Victorian papers via the Trove
Newspaper database. (A. Pearson)
1861 August 12
Chewton
From Pemb Hunter (copying a letter from Mr Greenlaw)
My dear Dyason
I send you a copy of a letter from Mr Greenlaw.
Melbourne August 10/61
Mr Pemberton Hunter
Chewton
Sir
I will be at Castlemaine on Wednesday first, and would feel obliged by your calling a meeting
on that evening at Chewton at half past two O’clock PM., so that I may pay you and the other
original shareholders your £30 and also pay the debts to £90, and thus finally close this
business. Your attention will oblige,
Sir
Your old friend
W Greenlaw
We had just come to the conclusion to advertise the Plant for sale by Private Contract and I had a
letter written informing you of the same, but I received the above before posting it. In case Mr
Greenlaw does not keep faith this time, it will require to be done and that immediately as I have got
the greatest troubles in preventing the creditors summonsing and the consequences would be a
Public Roupe,* and none of us as prepared to buy. The original shareholders has all agreed to give
me a written document (Symons included) to dispose of the Plant machinery and (not the claim)
putting a reserve of £500 upon it and as it is necessary to have the sanction of 9 out of the twelve
perhaps you would be so kind as to send yours.
Argus Hill still going on, struck some more quartz but not the Reef down 120 feet. Am afraid I will
be obliged to give up any ½ share, can’t afford to keep it on any longer. Have still as much faith in
the affair as ever. If you think any thing of it you can have it. Got to pay 6/- per week.
Things very dull down here, everybody in want of money and no person got any, no money coming
from Wattle Gully** sinking a paddock.*** Hope the above will be settled. Heavy Bills to meet, Reef
Board etc... etc... Things very queer hear, hope they are better with you,
Yours truly
Pemb Hunter
*roup Scottish and northern English dialect vb (tr) (Business / Commerce) to sell by auction
**The Wattle Gully mine continues to be worked.
mine.html accessed August 2013
See http://www.fomad.org.au/wattle-gully-
***Paddock. This definition of paddock comes from an article “An Archaeologist's Guide to Mining
Terminology” by Neville A Richie and Ray Hooker, published in the Australasian Historical
Archaeology vol., 15, I997
1862
1862 January 15
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received yours with one pound enclosed.
We have made arrangements with a party to work the deep ground, we receive one fifth of the gold
clear of all expenses. I hope they will get payable stone to enable them to go on with it as they are
poor men but good workers. The party have got 14 days clear to prepare their work.
We had a crushing of a few tons but it was only refuse, just paid (for the) crushing. The shaft on top
of Hill is going down, expect to get payable gold soon, say in about 14 days. There is no question
about it being a good Hill. You will have to pay about 2£ Martin about 4£ it’s almost a pity to let it lie
idle, gold might be struck again. Foster would take one of the shares and pay expenses in it.
There is a reef that Packer 3 or 4 years ago got 20oz to the ton, a good reef. He had not a shilling
when he first took it up and he made a good many hundreds out of it. He got married to Kate
Lonsdale, grew jealous, made himself drunk, cut his mother in law’s throat and killed her and nearly
murdered the wife. He got clear off, never been heard of and the claim has not been touched
since.* It’s out by Monk’s Hill. Don’t be after asking Pem, sure he would take it up himself. What
do you think of it. If Golden P(oint)** is not going to be worked we had better try it.
What a splendid chance there is at N.Z. for making money, leather hides are 4/- per lb and every
thing sells. Allandale the Butcher has just returned from there, is going back again. He was obliged
to come back to settle his partnership’s accounts. He says that I could earn 20£ per week there and
that I can have no competition of the amount of business there, that’s the place for (horses?). If we
had 1000 between us we might have made a pile.
Aladin ( = Aladdin Gold Mining Company) is going ahead. Quartz reefing is in the ascendant.
Trade is dull. Great excitement about the 11 Britishers taking the conceit out of the Colonials.***
4 days hot wind, no rain, tremendous lot of beer drunk.
A large number of grass widows sporting their crinolines up and down.
Pem is crushing this week having spent all their earnings in women and wine.
Should like to see them get 100oz per ton, make our chances better.
Yours affectionately
F.J. Pearce
Definition of a Grass Widow from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/grass+widows
1. a woman who is separated, divorced, or lives apart from her husband.
2. a woman whose husband is often away from home.
*I have not been able to find a reference to this in the papers of the day. I have tried combinations
of Kate Lonsdale murder packer throat and Katherine.
**Golden Point may be in Ballarat, but there must have been many other locations with this name.
See over.
Image of 1856 hand-drawn map accessed September 2013 from Ballarat Historical Society site
http://www.ballarathistoricalsociety.com/collection/Records/Record399.79.htm
***Britishers relates to the British or English 11 Cricket team. An excerpt from the National Library
of Australia’s TROVE database of newspapers for the Courier (Brisbane) for Friday 17 January
1862 (page 4) relates a report from the 15th of January

1862 January 27
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received yours with one pound and as you wished I have set the old Claim going again. Pem
refusing to have anything to do with collecting moneys, correspondence etc...etc... I won’t let it flag
again without the shareholders refuse to pay. What shall I do with shares not paid up, will you take
one. I only put the question that I may be prepared with my budget for Sat. There is a 12/- call for
Sat. You owe somewhere about 8/-, makes it 1£. You see we reduced the wages, the calls are
only 10/- per week. I shall want you to assist me in this, lend me ten shillings to carry it and a few
weeks will try its value. Don’t fail to do so even if you strain a nerve for the credit of the family. If
trade was not so dull I should not ask it, it won’t be more than a pound or two.
The arrangement is this; instead of wages we give 30 (shillings – seems a bit high?) per week each
and 30 (?) to be paid up when payable gold is struck and the 2/- extra call is some blunder of Pem’s,
I don’t exactly know what before Sat.
There is plenty of gold above water, it only wants a little patience. I have no doubt we shall get it
soon.
Golden Paint Claim this week
You owe somewhere
Argus Hill
Lend me
0.12.0
0.08.0
1.00.0
0.10.0
2.10.0
This won’t occur every week. I have reduced the expenditure 10/- next week. Whatever you do
don’t fail to send it.
I will look out for a share in Nil Des between us if possible. How much can I bid? Don’t purchase in
the upper Claim, they are humbugs, they give themselves 3£ each for wages and don’t raise but
small quantities spin it out, don’t you see, make sure of good wages, sleeping partners don’t stand a
chance.
Yours Truly F Pearce
(continues)
I had a letter from Charley (probably Isaac’s Uncle Charles Pearce, Fred’s brother), he says all well
and wishes to be remembered.
Nil Desperandum Co.
It’s all humbug about Fairbairn. It was owing to me pressing for his share that he told Russell about
it, I can state if I only pay 6d towards expenses of workings I can produce my Right and Title by that
payment. The tunnel will be a great property yet. The tributes I have sacked, they were or wanted
to jump the Claim; defied me as the agreement was not made out. I turned them out and I have
given it over to Russell and another for a month. Out tunnel was driven too much towards East,
they are now coming on a nice Leader. Commenced with 4 inches and is now 3 ft thick going in the
Hill, you share is worth 2 of the Claim above, all their Leaders are dipping into our Claim. I wish we
had it, you and I. Old Capt. Trewartha predicts that it will be the best Reef in the district so does
Brown, surveyor.
It is a pity that it costs even 10/- per share, it’s too much. Only think of Pem’s arrangement, each
member to pay 15/-. It’s no wonder our infernal Co was ruined. so you see 35/- was the amount
paid to each man for working (see insert for sums). I should like to remodel the company, take 2
miners, pay them 1£ each and share if any shares are given up, give them to working men. 5 to
pay, 2 working shareholders 2£ 5/- expenses – just one shilling under the other arrangement, I
have no doubt but that Pem did it in the best manner, he of course could not be expected to work for
the wages of common miners. I don’t find fault with him in the least. I don’t know what to think of
9.P. if we strike gold we shall have to get the Claim out of the muddle and all the work will have to
be done over again. Don’t fail to send the tin.
Yours affectionately
FP
1862 March 24
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I am glad to inform you that the 1£ note together with the proceeds of crushings paid the share of
expense. An extra man will be put on this week if the stuff continues to pay we can press on 2 run
night and day, I should get the quartz broken by contract but only being 1/5th I can’t constrain the
other 3 being working shareholders, 2 of whom are looking for quartz on top while the other one is
working or tinkering in tunnel with an employed man. Last week but one a few ton crushed say 9
tons. 2 weeks work for 8 men yielded at the rate of 14 dwt to the ton, last week 5 tons about ½ an
ounce to the ton on account of a quantity of sandstone being mixed with it, the quartz are gradually
improving, and it’s quite possible that we are on the eve of getting something great. Some pieces of
gold weigh 3 or 4 dwts and plenty of fine gold, size of Reef, 8 or 9 feet wide and taken about 8 feet
in depth. We can only take that depth at present. We leave underfoot the best of it, I dare say, on
account of water, the whole body of stone and dirt taken from the drive is crushed. No mullock. It
looks well. Our Co-partners of course will see what sort of a fist this extra hand will be and amount
of stuff he can raise etc.. If they get quartz on top of the Hill I shall urge getting it out by contract.
What I had for my share is 1.6.0 + 9.0 = 1.15.0 (and I paid I think 2.0.0)*.
They have not given me receipt of gold broken yet they wanted to show another mate it, I will
forward it as soon as possible.
The party who offered me a share in the 20 oz Reef is going to open it in a week or two. I shall take
one share, you had better take the other, that will give us ½ the Claim and prevent us being
humbugged. One pound per week each, day for 6 weeks, G.P still remains in status quo no signs of
life, the party north get quartz 18dwt ton. Very hard raise about 2 tons week, 4 of them, Welcome
Reef
Yours Affectionately
F.P
Better news next time I hope
*Fred must mean 1.6.0 + 0.9.0 = £2 15/ not £1 15/
1862 April 2
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I am sorry to inform you that the crushing did not pay this week, 4 dwt ½ to the ton.
I shall require £1 this week.
An Engine was sold last month at Taradale for 35£. 10 Horse power, first rate condition, free from
any charges. I am in communication with certain parties who inform me that it will be resold shortly,
the ground not paying. I should like to purchase between us, it’s worth 200£. Can you be ready
with the tin if I can manage it.
Write soon about it
Yours affectionately
F. Pearce
I think I can buy for 40£ dirt cheap, the engine was on Argus Flat* not Taradale sluicing co.
Pem says you have not answered his letters.
*Argus Flat circa 1858
Image and description sourced from State Library of Victoria accessed July 2013
http://www.cv.vic.gov.au/stories/early-photographs-gold/7753/argus-flat-gold-mining-companysclaim.-forest-creek-/ Daintree, Richard. Argus Flat Gold Mining Company's claim. Forest Creek
[1858] photograph : albumen silver ; 20.9 x 25.6 cm
1863
Isaac’s Miner’s Right of 1863
Uncle Fred’s Miner’s Right of 1863
1863 April 18
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My Dear Nephew
I received your epistle and all that nonsense about the Claim not paying won’t hold good. The lode
we have cut is the one that Pem had last Xmas and a beauty it is. We crushed 10 tons from the
east side as we struck it in shaft with the following results:
We have struck the slate and quartz on west side by driving and looks well so you see we have 2
lodes instead of one. the other has about 6ft from this and we intend to drive into it shortly. Pem’s
stuff is getting better as it comes this way. I don’t want to run into expenses. The fact is there is a
good fair chance by taking up 320 ft on Red Hill, 3 shafts are in the Claim sunk 70 feet, 60 and 50
and I have been compelled to take them up and I intend to see what is in the shafts. It is not a
matter of choice, “it put itself to me”. Will you or some one else. This Hill is south of tunnel, back of
English Church and if I don’t someone else will, anyway if I can’t get anyone to take it up with me I
can peep down the shafts. Of course I can’t tell you without you see it. The chances of getting gold
– I think gold might be struck by driving east in them and another reef at Castlemaine, very good
claim but however I must do the best I can.
I have had from (1/6th) 80 to 101 oz per week from a reef before until I was done out of it. I should
not be excited if it was to run 1000 0z to the ton. I can’t disclose your ½ share as it should have the
fellows summonsing me. I owe Butcher 2.0.0. Rent 7.0.0, Russell and Co. about 4.18.0 All these
won’t wait on me decidedly and I must wait until paid off. You don’t want to assume anything by
coming down and looking after your interests or to compel them to do so and so the fact is you must
come and help to get on, it’s quite impossible for me to do it all. It’s no use to be stuck in Bendigo
40 miles away from the gold. In some instances caution is good but in our case it is quite the
reverse. If you want a home you can have Flukey Phillips’ place and garden cheap, about 3/- per
week, I will go down and hire it for you.
Yours affectionately
FP
Pem got 104 oz this week
1863 October 20
Chewton
A note from I E Dyason (in an envelope that had E Meyer’s obituary for 1906 but nothing else. See
image)
Sir
A meeting of the Shareholders in the Wheel Chewton Mining Co will be held at the Mount Alexander
Hotel on Friday the 23rd next at 7 PM
Mr R Whitehorn
Secretary
I E. Dyason esq.
The writing at the bottom (faded) says: Miners Right Uncle Fred. 1st letter from (?) Dyason IED.
The contents have changed over the years.
1863 September 6
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
We have had another crushing this week. I think if the yield continues so low the partners will be
glad to give over the show. We have a splendid Claim for a small machine. The whole Hill would
yield a handsome dividend, the partners wish to get one. Now suppose you fell in with one very
cheap say a Horse Horizontal or locomotive with 8 Heads you might get 2 or 3 shares in the Claim.
There is one advertised in M. A. M. on or about Wednesday, 8 Horse Engine for 60£ but then it
would cost a good sum for the stamping machinery “is none” it belongs to Lee Blacksmith, Vaughan
Fryers Creek, mind I don’t want to run into unnecessary expenses but you may rest assured that if
the Claim had one at mouth of tunnel we could pass all the stuff through, no cartage and all the
work could be done by the shareholders “our crushing expenses are enormous” and the
disbursements would be small, the gold would be all ours with the exception of a small amount for
wood, grease and wear and tear if the machinery is of (clean?) and properly put up the expense
would be light, the 9.P. affair was a tinkering affair. Whitehorn’s 11 or 12£ with manager and hired
men was enough to ruin a Bank, all that nonsense could be avoided, think it over.
The money on Claim was due 3 weeks or 1 month ago. R got the party to wait for 6 weeks. We
shall try to get it out of Claim this week. R says he won’t reward the bill. Rein’s (illegible) are
sinking for more quartz, having worked up to their boundary some time ago. I expect they will
register the Claim if not successful no crushing from R.R. late 9.P men still crawling up to work at
the usual hours and crawling down again
Nil Desperandum :
Don’t volunteer to take up arms against the Maoris for 50 acres in perspective of Barren ground.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
1863 December 22
Music programme found amongst Isaac’s papers.
1864
Isaac’s Miner’s Right of 1864
1864 January 17
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I have to inform you that in going over the wages ac(count) of Kidd v(ersus) Dennis laborors, I found
we were indebted 15£ to them and came to the conclusion of sacking them. R. Got the money and
we paid them off and have left the shaft on Mill. There is plenty of gold there but we did not feel
justified in working there on a(ccount) of the expense of getting out the quartz when we had the
tunnels to go into and besides it left us mundy and myself at liberty of prospecting.
Accordingly we spent 3 days in making drain at mouth of tunnel and clearing away the mullock from
the upper tunnels to commence prospecting there. We got out 4 tons. We tied it with the dish but
could not get the color nor saw a spec in the quartz, yet the stone carried mundie in veins through it.
To our surprise, we got 2 oz being to dwt to the ton. If the gold is really in the stone and the yield is
naturally from the leader our fortune is certainly made, having 2 good runs in the same claim
payable. I am not sure about it the gold might have come off the top of the stampers where it might
have lodged from a previous crushing. We intend to get another lot crushed more east and first – a
lot from the same place, and if it’s a fact that it runs 10 dwt we may get as many ounces I only trust
it may be so but if not don’t be cast down Nil Desperandum.
The tunnel is looking up - below, Gold is sure.
The tunnel is completed within 12 ft.
I know another Claim with mundie as in tunnels, if we prove the upper tunnel is right, I must have
you down, I don’t want you to work only to superintend the operations, I can work; head work is
what is most required. Brains is for before manual labor, it only shows what an ass I have been if
the upper tunnel proves right, not to have tried it instead of prospecting.
(Image of map overleaf)
1864 January 27
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I send list of last week’s crushing.
The lower tunnels went about 16dwt ton. Was sent a quantity of rough stuff from upper tunnel
which yielded about 4dwt. R is satisfied so that the Co. have bought track and tramway for 3£ to put
down forthwith, he says the gold is of an even character and it’s likely to prove a good lode. I think
the stuff will not be quite so good in L.T (= Lower Tunnel) this week. It’s strange, we can’t see or
wash gold in upper tunnel, I think gold lies in the mundie. We can try that other place shortly,
precisely similar.
Yours aff.
FP
1864 February 7
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
2 letters this makes 3 have you had them
I am happy to inform you that the Tramway is completed at least in the lower cutting. No crushing,
this week all the time being taken up in timbering the same and finishing up. I may mention that 4
tons was sent from upper tunnel that did not more than pay for crushing. We have to find out the
stuff the gold is in, a prospect can’t be got in a dish.
1st there is a layer of cement that lies on top of Reef, then follows a layer of quartz, a kind of
quartoze* rock full of blotches of slate so there must be a portion of the run that taken alone will give
1oz or 2oz to the ton.
We crushed the first 4 tons 2oz .0. 0. The ½ being cement and quartz and quartoze rock. The next
crushing the quartz and quartoze crushed gave about 4oz 5dwt ton. We picked out the quartz clean
and crushed the next lot being quartz only, gave scarcely nothing, thus proving the gold must be in
the cement or quartose rock. The gold is of a very even character and yields well when retorted.
The reef cut by tunnels is not more than 12 ft from surface from top of tunnels, it breaks out at
surface and can be found deeper. There is no doubt we shall cut a good run there soon if we go
deeper 10 or 20 ft. The lower tunnel they can get out a larger quantity of stuff by putting in a face on
the soft slate East, about four tons a time, about 40 tons can be got at by knocking it down
afterwards.
9 shows the best part of the lode, 4 is inferior, quartz being the last crushing about Wednesday. I
think it would be better if you were to look sharp after the main chance if any good.
There is a rush on Bennett’s Flat, 5 claims marked out there: (Salmon and Co., Jamieson and Co.,
and Ogilvie and Co., Pearce and Co).
The Reef can be traced out all along the line of Reef (underlie West) leader at present about 9
inches wid. Jamieson has got gold and is getting out a crushing, Ogilvie and his party have taken
out a claim if the stuff turns out well what shall do about our claim. It will be the best as it is the
saddle of the Hill and the reef shows itself out of the ground. An application ticket will be taken out
to keep it for this week. Out claim lies west of Burns Reef and will take in part of our old claim. I
think include tunnel.
I dare say you would like to hear the news. Forest Creek is where it was. Houses are standing in
their usual places, storekeepers and others grumbling about dullness of times. Mrs Oakes made a
clean bolt. Hodgeson’s M. M. C. made an ass of himself. (Galben?) has had his boots and trousers
jumped by some fellow who took time by the forelock and (jotted? ) with clock. Our F P ( mens?)
tried to saw a man’s head off because he wanted to take his trade off his hands by restoring
decayed teeth by saws. “Garden” and her roosts are subject to the visitations of some nocturnal
ramblers. Pem says if it was not for the high price of every thing the tunnel would not require to be
carried on with then he should not be required to work so damned hard.
(In big writing)
As you have not written I suppose you are confined and therefore the tremendous exertions of
writing is too much for your delicate state of health.
Yours F P
(underneath Fred continues)
If you want to turn the share into ready cash now is the time to sell before the gold runs off again. I
think it would be advisable to sit out and start for Wood’s Point and make our fortunes. I should not
advise increasing our interests here in this Claim, if the gold should be lost the expenses would be
heavy and the prospecting would be light not being first rate workers in tunnels.
(written sideways on letter)
R and I were talking about machining. I suggested that make an offer of 1 share for machining and
put rem(ainder) of shares in 4 and make 5 in all so as we should hold the dame share 2 10ths. R
did not object to it only we must not be too eager or it won’t be done. Don’t say anything if you
come down about buying, let them put the question to you. I should not advise you to do so by any
means, it might ruin you without you get it very cheap, which you would not do, better sell out
ourselves and get a claim ourselves. We can work it cheaply.
*quartoze or quartose = ? not sure, Fred uses both spellings and I cannot find a definition
This next page was with the above letter, and is on similar sized paper with similar sized
writing etc... but may not actually have anything to do with the letter...
What it means is that providing we hold 2 shares a stiff price would have to be given for a she 300£
at lease and suppose the claim ran off you would have to retain a miner or strike off 2 men, there
would be 2 workers, Lightbourne and (Heard/Hand/shortened version of Henderson? – check later
for similar names) and the prospecting would go on very slowly. R would be there to work instead
of paying, I don’t see how it can be worked otherwise than all shareholders working or their
substitutes, therefore I do think that under this circumstance it might be judicious to make capital
that we might make a start ourselves in the right direction, the western body has not proved itself yet
a payable lode.
I am afraid lest the Claim might run off and the consequences are more to be feared by us than the
other party, they can get money some day or other, do you think it would be advisable for me to let
my ½ share on tribute for 12 months for me to receive 1£ per week, the party the next £ and then to
divide. I think by that time I could find a good Reef and make sure of getting a good sure footing in
the Colony. I might get a deposit of 20£ down. If the party did not carry it on, to be liable for
forfeiture, if the Claim runs out I shall be in the same hum drum style in no end of time. Why you
and I ought to have a good Claim to ourselves instead of 2 10ths. I only make these suggestions, I
am not going to adopt them without you think it advisable under the circumstances to do so, my
private opinion that if say 400 can be got to sell out, in prospecting for Reefs, new districts are better
than old diggings. I say for instance a party came to F.C. Bendigo or any other districts, Englewood
at first of rush, how long would they be before they had ground, why they must have stumbled over
payable stone. I have no doubt there are good reefs at the new rush at the Bendigo district, only
want looking for, I don’t expect to stumble over it, but I think by tracing reefs and trying surface to
soon get one. We have been nearly 3 years (working) over this reef...
(Written sideways on letter)
and if we got 1000£ for our share it would not pay us for loss of time. The Reef was payable from
the first time of my taking it up, only they went under the gold, it wanted no prospecting about. I am
(sure) they will miss it again.
1864 March 1
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear Nephew
We had another duffing crushing from Claim. We crushed 7 tons from upper tunnel that yielded
I had to pay my wood bill which is 9/- leaving me 2/- to keep house with. The lower tunnel went
nothing, there was 3 pieces of gold in the upper tunnel that weighed 1oz 2 pennyweight
(dwt=pennyweight)
We are now opening the Reef from the road to enable us to get out more stuff. One thing is very
singular, we can’t get the colour in this slate or stone, it seems there is a brake (sic) in the lower
tunnel. I have no doubt of finding the gold, it can’t be lost.
I know very well the folly of listening to a lot of sharks about gold. The places may be good enough
but sending people to prospect for you it might as well be thrown in the streets. I have no doubt we
could get gold if we were to try ourselves, it’s a pity to waste time. If the Reef paid you could come
down and we could take up one of the claims that I have my eye on and try them. I can see the
same features in the stone on another reef but it is no use having anything to do with it without we
hold it all ourselves. We can manage it this way when the claim pays, you could come down and
we can get a man for 20/- per week and then we can hold the claim by his either working tunnel or
claim by Wood’s Point, in referring to it I know Mr Dermott who has a claim there. He has made his
fortune and has a large villa at St Kilda. Vivian (Castlemaine Foundry*) says he saw him and his
good luck has sent him almost cranky, he looks quite lost. He went from here a beggar up to the
Ovens and there he took some of the gold belonging to his mates who turned him out of the Claim.
Then he went to Woods Point and has made his pile in 12 months.
In reference to the lower tunnel, the eastern body of stone that Pem had his further east, and if we
had the funds to cut across to it we should probably get the best run. We never lost the gold in the
shaft and working down hill is attended with such large expenses that it eats it up, i.e., the profits.
The west portion is patchy and if I can get a little to go on with I should propose cutting across it
once and if get on the proper run and by cutting it at water level we may get heavy gold. Drive
would be about 10 or 14 feet or less across to Pem’s run from end of tunnel.
I shall not have any funds this week as we shall either cut across or try and recover the run. The
upper tunnel will take about a fortnight to get quartz from the roads. I wish you could get some
nardoo seed** and Desert Pea – Sturt’s and some of the best sort of Colonial Flower seeds. I don’t
want more than will go in an envelope under ½ oz in all.
Yours affectionately F P.
I had a letter from home stating that your little brother is in the Customs. I expect we should hardly
know them now. All well and send love. Charley is going to send a drawing of (our property that
ought to be) Stone House that’s been in the family for more than 400 years.
R and party is hard up, they can’t lend me any tin, they get credit, it’s very unfortunate not having
means.
*The Vivian brothers (George and ?) established an iron and brass foundry in Castlemaine in 1857,
selling out to Middleton in 1876. Source accessed July 2013
http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/vhd/heritagevic/?timeout=yes#detail_places;271
**Nardoo – native desert fern. Poisonous when raw but could be used to make damper )bread)
when ground and cooked.
1864 March 13
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
We had a crushing on March 5th 4 tons upper tunnel 9 dwt ton, 5 tons lower tunnel 7 dwt ton. In all,
9 tons 3 oz 4 dwt 6.g (see image for detail).
One ton was not crushed so there was no more than 4 tons from lower tunnel. Fairbairn allowed us
at the rate of 3dwt ½ for it. The other went to him for crushing.
The sum I had was 1.3.0, out of that I had to pay 10/- to my leather merchant, I owe him now 14/-. I
was obliged to give it him. We have got out 4 tons more from upper tunnel, it has to be crushed on
Tuesday to pay for powder and barrels we owe for and must be paid on Wednesday, therefore I
shall have no cash this week. I have not a shilling in the House. If you can send any do it by return
post. I owe a few pounds to my butcher and baker and grocer and they won’t give me more credit
and working hard on nothing finds you out.
The claim will be all right enough, we were obliged to get out a few tons to pay expenses or we
should have been able to open the Reef from the road and get at the quartz more readily. Why
don’t you come down and get out 8 or 10 tons from that Reef and get them crushed. It might pay us
if you could afford it and R might be tempted by the pressure to sell a share by taking up that 30£
lending it. You would have to pay a man, we might then hold equal 5ths. I should not give anything
for it, only clear the claim. The claim is like that one at Nimrod Reef. Shares could get got for
nothing 2 years ago, now you could not buy them. That reef was worked for 23 or 4 years without
results, ours will be the same before long.
Yours
FP
1864 May 9
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
Written on a Schedule III Certificate of Registration Miner’s Right dated January 1863
My dear Nephew
I did not receive your answer until too late, in opening a part of the claim on surface R got what he
says, alters the state of things very considerably and it is his intention hold hard, sell at present at
no price. R thought you would bite hard if his prognostications are not fulfilled you will have the
amount stated taken, you ought by rights to have written by return. One day made all the difference
but I would not let R think I was aggrieved about not getting the share, you may have it yet. I can’t
understand why you want me to sign such a document as you have sent me, at any time you can
come down you can have your 1/2 share made over to you at Browns M. R.
Why should you want to force the liabilities wholly on my shoulders of the share, if you have lost
confidence in me the claim will soon be worth money and then I will sell my interest and pay you, I
dare say it will realise what I owe as Pem has got the Reef and if their stone turns out well shares
will look up. If you had told me when I could have sold to an advantage it would then have sold and
settled but if you wait with patience it will pay the amt. I want particularly 12/- being one share of
interest for 30£ borrowed by R, the time is up and R has asked me for the money, it was due last
week and I should like to have another note the other being all paid away. Don’t wait until the latter
part of the week before you send, it’s very important. I owe a balance of 13/- 10d to Wright the
leather merchant and I promised faithfully to pay him on Sat and I must do so. I only owe a few
pounds about, this little a/c is the most important, it may be the last one I shall want as the workings
where R is looks very well.
Affectionately
FP
1864 May 17
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
Chewton
Written on the back of a raffle notice (see image)
My dear nephew
A Claim has been taken up north of the Hunter and Ogilvies’ Claim. The party has not been in it
more than a week and have got 6 oz out of 2 tons 6 ft sinking. I have got the dip of the leader, can
strike it in 2 weeks, it can’t be more than 20ft deep, the reef dips south and I have got the next claim
“south”
P.S. I must try and git a backer for Foster if you come you won’t have to do much, you have only to
pull up, he won’t require you to use the pick.
(on reverse side)
I should like Foster in the Claim, he is a good worker and if you can come down and represent our 2
shares do so, but let me know per ret (=by return mail) as it will be jumpable on Monday next. The
Claim I have taken up has given as much as 1oz per ton on surface, has been abandoned for 6
years, don’t lose the chance.
You may as well borrow a few pounds, one share in tunnel and send one this week. The claim may
be better than tunnel.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
1864 June 4
Bull and Mouth Great Bourke Street*
Melbourne
from George Butler
My dear Dyason
I have much pleasure in informing you that Miss Cochrane arrived per City of Melbourne this
morning, I went to Sandridge and met her there in good health and spirits and I am also glad to
inform you that I also feel better.
I have been living at the South Yarra but went down in the for-noon from Melbourne to Sandridge
per rail and thence to Williams Town per steam and back for 1/6, finding that the sea air agreed with
me I have taken board and lodgings in a very good hotel at Sandridge “Kelley’s” for 30/ per week
and if my strength sufficiently recovers at the end of one week Miss Cochrane will come to the
White Hills and I may go to Tasmania, but you will hear from me again before that time. How are
you getting on. I suppose Charlie and you are doing a large stroke of business. Tell him “Charlie
not to call too often at Miss Richardsons and Bridget”, “The Greater Lure”, not to speak to too many
of the “Boys” till I come again. How much cash have you got, and it you are out of any thing etc...
please let me know on receipt. Compliments to Messrs Donalson, Riehanson, Messrs Inglis, Pohl
and Walters etc...
Dear Dyason, I do feel better
With kindest regards I am
Dear Sir
Yours respectfully
George Butler
Address
Kelley’s Hotel
Sandridge
P.S. I just came up today to telegram to you or write a few letters to some friends. When doing so
Miss C and I had dinner in the Bull and Mouth being best aquaint(ed) there.
Image: Sign - Bull and Mouth Hotel [bull's head] Source: Museum Victoria. See over
The Bull & Mouth Hotel, Bourke Street, Melbourne
The Bull and Mouth Hotel was located at 283-91 Bourke Street, on the south side, between
Swanston Street and Union Lane (on the Western side of Swanston Street, towards Elizabeth
Street). It was built in about 1850 by Matt Cantlon, replacing the Eagle Inn, one of the oldest
drinking houses of the city. The Eagle had been built in 1840, and according to Garryowen, a
chronicler of early Melbourne, it did not have the highest reputation.
The Bull and Mouth was one of the most popular hotels during the Goldrush decade of the 1850s.
When he visited the city in 1853, English traveller and writer William Kelly described it as: ??the
great popular central tap of the day, in what may be called Mid-Bourke-street, the nucleus of the
vast subsequent cab and omnibus innovation, and then a favourite rallying point, from its contiguity
to the Post Office, the close neighbourhood of rifle-galleries, bowling-saloons, and billiard-tables.
The bar was really a sight for a stranger, with its close packed crowd in front, skirted by outsiders,
who were served over the hats of the inner ranks. Effervescing drinks frequently boiling over in the
transit, and nobblers overturning in trayfuls on the brandy-proof heads of the indifferent multitude.
Whenever a man fell or retired, the gap was filled up like magic by a fresh customer, so that the
demand never flagged, the tide never ebbed, the fusillade never intermitted: ?Nobblers for five!? ?Six ales!? - ?Rounds of Old Toms!? - ?Whiskies neat!? ?Nobblers,? ?Toms,? ?Ales? with only an
ever-varying transposition in precedency, continued without ceasing, at the uniform rate of one
shilling, all day long. Then there were sliding panels at the back communicating with the eating
rooms, where crescents of empty trays were always waiting for repletion, and large pigeon-holes,
too, at the side, opening into the hall, beset with shouldering groups? The upper apartments were
as fully occupied as those below, if I might judge from the torrents of waiters of both sexes rushing
down or sidling up in obedience to the law of demand and supply, the stair steps positively dripping
alcohol, and the dropsical oakum mat at the bottom squirting juices under every tread. The low
atmosphere was one of spirituous essences, as dense as a Scotch mist, which I verily believe would
inebriate a person of weak constitutional powers, and over it rolled, in murky curls, a thick fog of vile
tobacco-smoke that would poison a rookery. C------m [Kelly's guide through Melbourne at that time]
assured me that they often received as much as 500 [pounds] per day - two thirds profit - and that
the good will of the concern, with only a two years lease to run, would fetch 12,000 [pounds].?
(Kelly, 1977, pp. 83-84)
This bustling centre of Melbourne's early social scene was captured in a range of sketches of the
city, including one by the famous artist Thomas Gill (1854), and another by Samuel Calvert in 1865,
which clearly shows the exterior of the hotel. Whereas the plaster Bull's head that Museum Victoria
received from Whelan the Wrecker was clearly made to be displayed indoors, the hotel had a very
literal 'bull and mouth' sign outdoors, of a bull above a grinning mouth.
Michael Cannon described the Bull and Mouth as the only one of the businesses in its section of
Bourke Street to have ?survived the retail shakeout of the gold rush,? (Cannon, 1993, p. 324) while
all the businesses around it were replaced. It went on to survive until about 1930, when the site
became part of Woolworths' central Melbourne store.
This text is derived in part from research materials gathered by Patricia Draper, Intern at Museum
Victoria,
1997.
References:
Annear, Robyn (2005). A City Lost and Found: Whelan the Wrecker's Melbourne, Black Inc.,
Melbourne.
Cannon, Michael (1993). Melbourne after the Gold Rush, Lochhaven Books, Main Ridge.
Draper, Patricia, (1997). 'Research Notes', Unpublished Mss., Museum Victoria Collection.
Kelly, William (1977). Life in Victoria or Victoria in 1853 and Victoria in 1858 (originally published
1859), Lowden Publishing, Kilmore, pp.83-84.
Page accessed June 2013 from http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/themes/2532/the-bullmouth-hotel-bourke-street-melbourne
1864 June 7
Kelly’s Hotel Sandridge Pier*
From George Butler
My Dear Dyason
I have just received your favour of yesterday’s date and quite concur in your opinion in reference to
the necessity of my having a thorough change of (sistem=system) and as soon as my health and
strength will permit mean to take advantage of the trip to Tasmania, but will probably first go down
to the Heads for a day or two by way of (a fuler**) for altho the (apititie=appetite) is much improved, I
cannot say the strength of the body is and I should like this braced up a little before I venture across
the Straits.
Miss Cochrane requests me to convey her kind regards to you and adds she hopes that my health
will soon admit of her being placed under your Fatherly and Gentlemanly guardianship – while I will
be seeking a renewal of health and strength but soon to return to you if not sound at least very
much improved.
Tell friend “Barnard” that I have not yet got up to Guitar buying but to keep his mind easy, so soon
as I can muster courage I will by a “Guitar” for him but my spirit is not yet lively enough. Miss C and
I went from here to South Yarra on Sunday to Church and Mr Thomas gave me Mr B’s letter with
your note added but my previous note was wrote on the Saturday so I then had not yet seen it.
Pat Carr is wrong in reference to the cab he pointed out to you, the cab I referred to stands in the
out-shed at the Bee Hives*** where the wood carter Hands is, he can still have it for what I told him,
viz £7 10/- and the one you refer to in the stables at £12 12/- and then they are not sold but given
away. Tell Charlie to go into Sandhurst to Mrs Plaistow and see Mr Neal or some of the firm to see
if they have room for the 4 wheeler, if not go to Mr Rowes and put £40 on him = the lowest thirty five
pounds £35. Send no cushions, but send the pale for a pair of horse and the two traces for the pale
and describe them on a piece of paper which git (sic) signed and fetch back again. Tell Charlie to
get a small box of raisins or plumbs “Baking” from Webb Pall Mall (see Bee Hives footnote) and pay
for them but see that they are good. Perhaps you might be able to talk as to price, you would be a
better judge of them, say who they are for, and when you require a general lot of goods I will order
them for you.
I do not know what kerosene is worth at present but you can sell it at 5/- per Gallon per Case. I
think it is 48 gallons they contain each but it is easy to measure an empty one with the quart pot.
Sell at 1/- 6d a quart. How is the keg of butter “Rietto” turning out. I left “one of those from
Melbourne”. Git a first class one from McDonald and Thompson and sell it at 1/- 6d but it must be
first class.
Tell Charles to take the note in closed (sic) to Mr J H Inglis, Market Square and see if he has sold
the butter if not, and if you should require another Charlie can go down with the cart and choose the
list and sell it in the store (illegible?) taking care not to give too much weight.
I see you have raised the flour, how is it going off. When you are near out git more of the “Rietto”
from Mr Inglis Sandhurst. Have you settled McDonald and Thompson A/C. I shall be very glad to
see friend William here. Tell Charlie to take 3 Basins and fill them of bin tea and put these in the
window. Mark them at 2/- 6d, 2/- 9d, 3/- he knows how to mix them and fill the P.O windows with a
few ladies best boots, ticketing the price and not only to keep the shop clean but the windows and
blind, get the (ore to?) the yard.
Having promised Mr Bannerman to bank every Monday I should prefer your doing it, however little
you may have in hand, it keeps faith with my statements.
Please write again upon receipt giving me any particulars. I thought I left the ledger out however we
closed it, the key you can take out the ledger and please return me again the key before writing
tomorrow. Send in Charlie to see if Mr Inglis has sold the Butter and report. Not remembering
anything else at present to say, please accept our joint respect for your temporal and spiritual
welfare and believe me Dear Dyason Faithfully yours George Butler.
*A view of Railway Pier, Sandridge in 1858 accessed July 2013
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sandidge_1858.jpg
**a fuler = a fueler or a ship running on fuel such as coal rather than by coach or horses?
***The Bee Hive was designed by Charles Webb and is situated in ‘Pall Mall’, Bendigo. The
following notes come from the Victorian Heritage Database place details accessed July 2013
The Beehive Building and site, including the former Bendigo Mining Exchange (and what is now
Allan's Walk) was built to the design of the noted architect Charles Webb. The original Beehive store
dated from the 1850's. This was followed by a single-storey building reaching from Pall Mall to
Hargreaves Street. In 1864 a two-storey building having similarity to the present structure was
erected. On its first floor were the offices of sharebrokers that by this stage and become an
essential part of the speculative financing of mining ventures in the Bendigo district. In August 1871
at a time of hectic share trading the Beehive caught fire with extensive damage caused to the
building. Within nine months the present building had been erected.
1864 June 10
Adamson’s Hotel Queens Cliff
From George Butler
Dear Dyason
I duly received your favour of the file just as I was leaving Kelley’s at Sandridge and one from Mr
Fish our Minister. I was not feeling so well and thought a trip down here would be better, the air is
stronger. My appetite was leaving me and I expect it will come back again here. I feel better this
morning than I did yesterday, it is a beautiful morning. I went out to take a walk before breakfast to
the Flag Staff and met Dr Owens*, he is chief health officer here and I understand one of the pilots
“Kennedy” is also here**. A shipmate of mine, I am going to see him today.
Queens Cliff is a delightful little place but of course very little stirs except the shipping passing to
and fro. The Hotel is a very nice and large one and a most motherly woman keeping it and fine
family. They wanted 3 guineas a week however I demurred and they took 2.
Dr. O regrets that business is still Dull.
I mentioned before I left to pay small A/Cs that come in your company. Bricks, (shucker =sugar?)
and the coffee and any other small things that you know is correct or that you may purchase if you
(h)ave run out of any small thing. Till I come just buy it at Francis Brothers or Hobbs, just which you
can get best value from, but if you require larger supplies order them from Mr Carter, Mr McEwan of
Melbourne. If you (git =get) a good keg of Butter from McDonald and Thompson sell it at 1/- 4d per
lb and what you have got at 1/- 3d, there is not much butter selling when the one I left is not yet
opened, I haven’t heard from Mr Inglis in reference to the Butter, I will write him today.
I do not think it will make much difference in the price of the 4 wheeler whether you give (cushons =
cushions) or not. I do not think they are much A/C (account) – I would not give Carrick any other
terms, thus that mention is my last.
Please put all the money you have in the Bank upon Monday first, tell McDonald and Thompson I
will make matters right with them when I come up.
Helen joins me in kindest regards to yourself, Charlie, Bridget, Mr and Mrs Donaldson, Richardson,
Inglis and Pohl.
I am yours truly
Geo Butler.
*Dr John Owens (1809-1866), is mentioned in the Australian Dictionary of Biography as a “medical
practitioner and goldfields leader”, accessed July 2013 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/owens-johndownes-4352 image below is from that site courtesy of the Latrobe Picture Collection, State Library
of Victoria.
**Pilot Kennedy is mentioned in an article in the Bendigo Advertiser concerning the wreck of the
ship Hurricane on 24 April 1869 accessed from the National Library of Australia’s ‘TROVE’ database
July 2013 http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/87918896 A snippet of the article is appended
below:
1864 October 28
1864 December 16
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I have put the question to R and have demanded payment of the cash owing to you. I told them all
it was very unfair to hold and divide that share “being mine by right” between the three of them and I
told them and I told R about the 10£. R said that if he proved that the purchaser of the shares when
he bought it was subject to the liabilities on the share he R would pay me it. He said it was not too
late to rectify it and R told me you were coming down on Xmas and I think his intention is to sell it to
you and so get rid of it. I intend to ask again on Sat for my tin and have it out of them.
I wrote you to see Pem and ask him all particulars “Why” did(n’t) you tell me your mind before I told
you we intended to go and took if you had told me not I should not have gone. It’s there about the
1oz stuff and I think we shall catch it at 20ft, we are down 10 - R is trying a crushing out of the
Western body and says he shall not have a very great opinion of the Reef above water if it’s not
payable the gold from the Eastern body is run out , we had 2 crushings and it want a 1 ½ dwt to the
ton, the gold might be on the West run above. (see image)
You should get all the information quietly from Pem and then you could inform me and act on it. If
you with-hold anything how do I know what to do “what I told you before” do it at once and we shall
strike quartz next week if I am not out of my reckoning I don’t believe the Reef dips more that the
Hill. I think you understand a good chance now after the upper crushing and my money and the 10£
I told R he ought to pay it if he sticks to the share.
The Manchester I have been obliged to give up. The 2 others are going to get out what they can
and then cut it.
I have a Reef just like the Bendigo Reefs in appearance. It is a good ironstoned*. It’s in Fryers
Town, 6 men mad 1200£ each in a short time; this is no tale it’s a first rate Chance easily worked
last crushing 1oz to the ton and some parties crushed up all the refuse quartz and made 15 to 20£
per week. If you come down I can show it (to) you. Can’t you manage to make up a party of 6. 2 to
pay 1£ each for 6th shares. You and I to come in free. I can arrange that with the men. If you can
come down, would you like to sleep in the shop, if so bring your blankets and let’s have a (corrobary
= corroboree) this Xmas.
I want you to send me a pound by the middle of the week, don’t fail on any account, I have a most
pressing payment to make and a little for myself.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
*gold was often associated/found with ironstone.
1865
Isaac bought land at Ironbark. We will check to see whether it was Lot 34 Allotment 198
Isaac’s Miner’s Right of 1865
Uncle Fred’s Miner’s Right of 1865
1866
The Summer of 1865 leading into 1866 was one of the driest on record, which would have made
mining difficult. This lack of water affected many other aspects of life on the diggings, as this quote
from Fahey and Mayne (2010 p.39) shows:
Jane Hamilton wrote from Melbourne to her mother in damp Scotland that people were
‘giving up milking cows for want of water and feed, milk was scarce and there was much
distress and death among infants’.
‘Gold tailings: Forgotten histories of family and community on the central Victoria goldfields’ edited
by Charles Fahey and Alan Mayne, Australian Scholarly Publishing, Melbourne 2010
Isaac’s Consolidated Miner’s Right of 1866
1866 April (Friday 6th/13th/20th or 27th date not given but these are the dates for Fridays April 1866)
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
You had better defer the application til Tuesday. Your application will not be expired before 14 days
from posting it, so you will have plenty of time then. R and Co., seems in a fright about
amalgamating more ground as the Claim was taken out in 61 when its compulsory to put on a man
every 60 ft, but now by and by.
I have only just time to write, the puddlers will sell but it would be of no use without machinery, can
you get a party on Bendigo to go on with it.
Yours affectionately
FP
Image of early Australian puddling machine accessed August 2013 from
http://www.esauboeck.com/images/1.15_oznewsletter_nlaan7355546.jpg
1866 June 1
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
Have you got the tributors* out. Russell signed for Wilcox and gave back the agreement expecting
to have the Claim again for 10 pounds. Mr R has been to see Siddon and they are coming on
Thursday next. Send me a copy of what you require so that there may be no afterclaps**. I think if
they agree an agreement ought to be drawn up same time. If they stand out for 4 shares in 9 what
shall I do then.
Puddlers*** won’t sell.
If salt water won’t do for boilers Hardy wants to know how Ocean Steamers do. The fact is it’s used
everywhere that I know of, Wattle Gully, White Horse, Ajax, Port Phillip, Clunes and ever where
else.
Yours affectionately
F. Pearce
*Tributors are miners working under tribute contracts
**Afterclaps defined as “an unexpected damaging or unsettling event following a supposedly closed
affair” source accessed July 2013 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterclap
***A Puddling machine
Mason, Walter G. Gold diggers using a puddling machine at Bendigo [Sydney : J.R. Clarke, 1857] 1
print : wood engraving. Part of The Australian picture pleasure book : illustrating the scenery,
architecture, historical events, natural history, public characters &c., of Australia Sydney : J.R.
Clarke, 1857. Image sourced from http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an8003916 July 2013
On next page: Figures written on the Back of this letter regarding a 13th Oct Crushing
1866 September 4
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I send return of crushing, we are at a great expense getting out the water (and so) this will never
pay. Can you organise a party of good men in Bendigo. There are several parties out prospecting
of Bendigo chaps at least so I hear and not at all likely to do any good, it’s useless to spend their
money and time. Ours is a good spec. Wilcox is gone to NZ*and his mate R is working. R says a
good machine, 8 head of stamps, pump etc... can be got for and put on the ground for £250 and
states if he was owner of the mine he should get up a co. at once, he thinks it can be done now
there is gold and before the claim has its eyes picked out.
Wilcox and R has to pay 5£ 9th of next month or forfeit their interest. They won’t do that (i.e.,) pay
the money so there won’t be any difficulty in arranging a co. It’s quite absurd going on in this way, if
you could arrange for men to take it on tribute up there or try to form a co. at once I think R and W
will not object.
There is a fine chance of making money at Fryers Creek. The race** will be completed in 6 weeks
at furthest, if we could take a piece of sluicing ground and hold it for a week or two we could let it out
for a good percentage. There is a first rate chance, the race is cut, the fluming *** is only to be put
up and this then will be a rush. Lots of good paying ground will be taken up and sold to Chinese or
let – you could make 100 or 2 quick.
We could peg out a line of reef and hold it, 320 long by 660ft wide, there would not be much cost but
the profit would be great. You may depend if you want money now you can make it, in 2 or 8 weeks
it will be gone. This is no moonshine but a money making thing. At any rate I shall try an go but am
stuck fast by that infernal duffy call. We have had to spend 10£ to carry off the water that we pump
out so you can see all the gold we get goes in other’s pockets. Just exert yourself and see whether
you can organise a party to step in and work the claim properly. Keep it dark about Fryers Creek.
Yours affectionately
FP
I know a spot will pay well at Fryers C but as I said before for a Reef and let or seel the surface of
the part that is open as far as the fluming is paying well and the township site will pay more.
Can you get a party to back me in Bendigo for 1 month to hold ground. I could use a man for 1 day
and the whole cash would be 25/- per week.
To work the Argus Hill we are compelled to have 3 men engaged in pumping, 2 men on Sat and
Sunday and if anything turns up 2 more – that’s 7 men on average. Pump gets out of order once or
twice a week, it’s merely working for the sake of it; others get the gold. You as a large holder ought
to see to it, that after the expiration of the term have a party ready. I think this party will last much
longer.
(See below for image of the Crushings report as indicated above)
*New Zealand
**water race bring water to the mine site
***flume/fluming: wooden channelling used in conjunction with water races to convey water to a
claim. Typically fluming built on wooden trestles was used to span depressions or was anchored to
rock faces to bypass sheer slopes. In the absence of plentiful timber to build fluming to bridge
gullies (e.g. in Central Otago), water race builders were obliged to go the long way, ie follow the
hillside contours to maintain height (source: http://www.ashadocs.org/aha/15/15_04_Ritchie.pdf
accessed August 2013 from an article An archaeologist’s guide to mining terminology by Neville A. Richie and
Ray Hooker in the journal ‘Australasian Historical Archaeology’, 15, 1997)
Next page: image of the ‘Return of Crushing’ on back of letter (1866 September 4)
Image of the ‘Return of Crushing’ on back of letter (1866 September 4)
1866 September 23
Chewton
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
The party Siddons can’t sell his plant and the mortgagees are disposed to sell plant by auction, if so
it would realise much over £200. They have been making enquiries about the dam so I think that
arrangement will fall through. Attenborough at Castlemaine says he will try to get a few parties to
put down £300 cash and buy a 16 Horsepower engine. He says 10 Horse is not large enough and
he thinks if he can succeed in getting 3 men to put down the money, £900, it would be better. Then
men can be put on to work their interests as they would be sleeping shareholders, one of these
parties have been in with him before, same amount. Attenborough is a good wheelwright and
decent fellow but he wants 5/10ths if he succeeds. He thinks they won’t take note of it at 3/10ths.
One share he wants as commission. He wants to offer 4/10ths, one for himself won’t make 5/10ths.
We have told him to enquire and he will give in his report on Sat next, therefore you must let me
know by Friday latest – he says the engine is a first class and will work up to 20 horses.
If this fails I am sure there are lots of machines knocking about that can be got at by advertisement.
With our prospect we at any time can allow any party to knock out a Crushing about ¾ oz to the ton.
You trust we cannot do anything more with Claim at present without machinery. If you see one in
your neighbourhood let me know in case this should fail.
R has got an application for amalgamation for your piece of ground but of course it’s no use without
your sanction and production of M.R. (Miner’s Right) etc... It was a precautionary measure.
The puddlers I hear will sell 2 thirds of their claim for 20£ per share, 2 horses, cart, harness and
pump; 2 horses cart and harness is worth about 30£.
R wants me to work the claim with him and handy (Frank has got a paying claim) I don’t see the use
of it and who’s going to pay me for grub in the meantime if we get nothing.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
Please write immediately
Image of 1906 MARSHALL 5 NHP portable steam engine, accessed August 2013 from
http://www.prestonservices.co.uk/portables.html
1867
Isaac’s Miner’s Right of 1867
1867 March 17
Walhalla
From Mr J A Green
My dear Mr Dyason
Beg to thank your favour for 13th Inst for the watchful eye you have had over my ever blessed
ground and with regard to the distraction of Thistles I must especially return you my thanks and may
add that I think you know sufficiently of me to warrant your having made use of any libation that you
deemed requisite on so trying an occasion.
Respecting my ground my dear sir, I can only re-iterate what I have stated on former occasions. I
consider it worth now more than ever the £40 inasmuch as gold is becoming more scarce every
year, however I cannot entertain anything lower to mine on it – and for purchase £50. I am obliged
to you for the forwarding my papers but I do not think that you will receive any more for all my letters
etc... come straight
With regard to my making an immense pile up here I have not succeeded in doing that although I
had been in receipt of a good salary since I have been up her but I will tell you ingenuously that I full
expect to get handsomely paid (for) I am holding a heavy interest up here, and that on a good line
Cohen’s Reef – considered to be second to none in the Colony. There is one thing I have a good
say in the management of the 3 Companys (sic) so I know what is going on. However I stand my
chance of going away a poor man. I have of course dropped a little filthy lucre since I have been up
here but that’s what one may expect.
You ask me whether there is an opening for a shoe maker up here – I can say candidly that there is
a very good one – there is only one up here and another steady man could do well.
Pray let me hear from you occasionally, with best wishes,
Believe me yours faithfully
J A Green
Southern View, Walhalla, Victoria, circa 1875 from Museum Victoria site accessed August 2013
http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/766958/negative-southern-view-walhalla-victoriacirca-1875
1867 May 5
Elphinston
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received goods to the amount of 15/, 22/ 2d all right. The party I made the ½ boots for bolted but
he did not get the boots. I must try and sell them. The gum is coming in slowly. It’s rather late in
the season for it. A party has cut me out by giving the men 6d per lb for it. That is the reason why
they did not fulfil their contract. I have advertised in Taradale* paper and I have the promise of 2
cwt if the stuff is to be got. At any rate I expect some in by Sat or Monday.
I shall forward 56lb of gum, you will get it tomorrow May 6. I saw Smith and told him if M wants me,
I wanted him to get receipts of Bill’s and give me a full discharge from collectors or give me the
share back as per agreement. I should not sign without it “give it in writing for him to give to me”
Bill told me in Chewton that according to the loose way I made the agreement with him he could if
he liked claim a 1£ per week but he should not do it with me, so if Smith gives it up he will have to
give me a round sum but I don’t know how much or whether it’s worth trying for, if old K does not
pay you for loss of time and expenses from Bendigo, I say they are a dirty lot of humbugs. I fully
believe they agreed with 7 to cripple that agent of Browns, that is if they stick to equal shares with
other investors.
I wish to draw your attention to the “Leader” weekly paper, a paragraph about Kilmore Goldfields
and Reefs if that (is) true I think it would be a good place to make a rise. Read it and let me know
about it. I have not got all my money in owing to the men at IP not having been paid.
I shall have to turn out here, they are going to let it for police station 20/ per week. I don’t know
what to do exactly, Pleasant Creek seems to be going a head and Kilmore seems likely enough by
the papers.
Tuesday since writing this letter I hear that 200 men are to be put on here and houses are being
taken up, what few there are. That house I showed you near Burns Hotel, the party would sell it for
30£ he only asks 35 but there is a ground rent of 4/ per week for paddock, stables and house, the
stable could be let for 4/
I think I had better keep cash in hand if the parties brought gum v no money I should be hustled. I
want a lot more things but must wait till get more friends - or gum. I want a Kips light and a ½ hide
of sale leather, ¾ inch pegs and about 6lb of navvies nails for sales I could manufacture some
watertights. I ought to have 1 light and 1 heavy side leather by rights.
*A gold mining town
1867 July 30
Elphinston
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
Will you please forward, on receipt of the order enclosed. I have a few jobs on hand but am obliged
to wait till I get the leather. I don’t approve of the soles leather as sent, I cannot get it good enough
for strong work boots. I want a good plump crop* fit for heavy work, the same sort I had in the first
order. I have not had any since like it and one ditto of inferior for women’s. Say 1 at ½, 1 at /10 well
tanned and solid, all the other goods I approve of as good but let the kid be a shade lighter than last,
the same as I had before that. When I can work my way up having lasts, tools and plucks, there is
no doubt it will be better in a month after the loafers have left. Smith has not settled with the doctor
1£ only being left. It is very hard to bring him up to the scratch. He says yes, yes, yes, yes and ah,
ah, ah but no effect follows. Yet he is been paying off other debts.
Please give direction to have the things better packed, one parcel nails etc... were all loose.
I have order for a pair of Dress Boots, if I send a boot for pattern can you get them made. I want
them made in first class style, you will oblige by letting me know. I am to get 35/- for them.
The rush is set in at Alexandria where there will be hundreds starving as usual in all rushes but I
think it would be a good place for my trade with the chance of picking up a good reef. If I can get a
living in a place like this what could I do in a populous district and after cost of a removal it must be
merely exchanging a trusted village for a thriving township. I can get a log house put up for 4£ and
2£ carriage to diggings total 6£.
(page cut)
...Hammond I think about
4£
Butter
1Pill Box
about 1I wish you would see the goods off per ret(urn)
Yours affectionately
Fred Jas Pearce
*crop is defined as the entire tanned hide of an animal
1867 September 4
Elphinston
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I received the letter and should wish you to get 3 doz of kangaroo skins, 1 lb (pound) of Hob nails,
the large square heads that was sent to me before. You could give them to Smith if you will not
come here. All the navvies will be away from here in a month and I think then the days will be
longer, it’s a long road. I could get a horse and cart here cheap if you think proper. I want to get as
much as I can to send up for the leather man, Fridays and Saturdays are at present my best time. I
have a place of 2 rooms if you can come down for a trip, but no blankets. So you can be made
comfortable.
I am sorry to hear of R being ill as he is the best of the 3. I sent a letter in answer to that fellow in
Case (= Castlemaine) that I think has shut him up. That claim on Fryer’s Creek I think is better than
A.H. The returns from A.H. are very poor and I really think that the old man is frightened that the
tunnel will cave in when the time is up and the water rises. The gold being got is very small and
without it alters much I shall be the gainer by Bill Hunter who has after making it up with Smith grab d
(sic) the lot as usual. There is a terrible expense connected with the working. I hope Smith will pay
off the small a/c I owe.
I write in this strain to deter you from being caught in a trap by R into buying his share at an
enormous price, say 30£.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
Image of hob-nailed boot accessed August 2013 http://legvi.tripod.com/ispa/id16.html
1867 September 24
Elphinston
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear nephew
I wish you to forward by next train
1 stout Bull
½ doz heel plates
½ doz toe (plates)
assorted
2lb of American nails as per enclosed
2lb of 6/8 pegs
12 pegging awls
6 balls of hemp
1 yearling
½ oz of Hairs
I should like you to look at the leather yourself, the party sends anything. See there is no flaws in
the yearling. If you can’t get a good yearling send a light kip* instead. The light hide I have cut up.
I thought I might get a few pairs of soles out of it but can’t succeed in cutting out even children’s
soles. I must use it as insoles, that’s the reason I want a Bull but it must be good. (crossed out) If
you can’t get a bull get a good ½ sides of crop but look them out yourself or they will send any thing
don’t be humbugged.
I shall be sorry to go elsewhere but a bad side of leather is so much thrown away. They ought to
make an allowance for the leather being inferior. Don’t send if you can’t get a bull, don’t send any
sale leather and the Bull must be good.
All the people are gone from here and works stopp’d. I heard a man say there were 400 or so
working at the big Hill Bendigo. Are there any shoemakers there. Perhaps I might do better there
or Harcourt.** Is O’Keefs content at Harcourt, same as Preston Vale.*** I am told there was no
shoemaker there and they wanted one. You might be able to find out for me.
I have met a party here who told me of a Reef at Harcourt. It seems as if it is at the junction of
granite and sandstone country within gunshot of Railway Station. This man wants me to take the
Reef up with him in about 3 weeks. He can get a man out there to back him, but he would rather go
on his own account. He states the Hill has been rich in surface and the soil has been taken off
about 2 ft deep. The Reef is well defined and can be seen on (the) surface.
A shaft has been sunk about 45 ft. Gold traced down all the way and the quartz raised went 7 dwt
to the ton. If this is true this is just the thing we want because the gold on surface is from the Reef.
You are to enquire of Hugh McLean Blacksmith Harcourt who Mr Thompson says will give you all
particulars. I says you can use his name if you like, you ought to look at this, it will not cost much
being close to railway.
Yours affectionately
FP
(A scrap of paper is contained within the letter)
You had better look at the Reef. It may be a good chance we can take it up together, the shaft, is
filled in but it can be cleaned out. A small garden is on the Reef. McLean’s place of business is on
the road Harcourt, his dwelling near the Reef was registered about 12 months ago, but time’s up
and men working on outer works. Thompson says it will be taken up again. You can easily see
what it’s like – better go this week.
*Kip is defined as the hide of a young or small beast.
**Harcourt is near Mt Alexander
*** Preston Vale is also near Mt Alexander
1867 September 27
Elphinston
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear Nephew
I shall try and get together all I can against your arrival Sunday or Saturday week. Sent the Hides
and yearling, look out for flaws. The shaft is about 12 ft from boundary.
I have sent 4 papers home.
That claim is well worth looking after at Harcourt. I have not promised that person any shares but
he will take it up as soon as his contract is up. You might do it in a day by return ticket, pop down to
it, see the man, if the stone went 6 or 7dwt take up 700 yards. Brown surveys it (cost 30/-) for a cut.
Get 3 months or 6 if you can presently. If Charly sends out any tin work it. If I had opportunity and I
had likewise known old (Forbin?/ Foslin there is an i in it) had been in a speculative vein, he would
have bought in. That ground being auriferous proves the gold came from the Reef as there is no
other source for it to come from.
In haste, yours affectionately
F.P.
All we want to know is whether gold has been got in shaft, and not driven and carried reef down, the
chap says plenty of gold was seen in stone.
(A third of the remaining page has been cut out)
1867 October
Elphinston
From Uncle Frederick Pearce
My dear Nephew
If you are coming down please bring nails for the heel plates and screws for the tow plates. I did not
get any per last order and I should like you to bring 2 prs of women’s kid uppers, 1 pr of 4 and 1 pr
of 7 sizes and all for pegging*
You will understand the sort with the imitation buttons and kid tops or elastic sides.
image from letter
That person Thompson is about to take up that Reef at Harcourt, the reef is well defined, they got
quartz all the way down and is 6 ft wide on the surface and shines well by his account. Why you
said you did not mind walking 100 miles when you were down here, and that’s only 20 – but it would
be cheaper by train done in one day.
We will be in here on Saturday. Reason why, registering machinery within 7 or 9 miles. There are
parties working at Yea by letters received by friends here. They are doing well and state there are
plenty of Reefs up there and good chances. A party left here for Yea and is going to tell me what
chances there is in my way, they say that no man will be put on there before New Year and trade is
very slack. If I go away from here the cost will be heavy and I can’t afford to move about. What
would you advise me to do, there was a good chance at Harcourt 2 miles from station at O’Keef’s
Works. They took their boots 2 miles to Harcourt to get done. I hear there is a man lately set up
there and has more work than he can do besides keeping a man back. Whether it’s there at
O’Keef’s or not I don’t know.
Yours affectionately
F.P.
(sideways on letter)
If you are not coming down please forward uppers as samples per post.
*Pegging is a technique for constructing shoes, attaching upper to soles.
1868
1868 January 7
Elphinston
From Uncle Fred Pearce
My dear nephew
I enclose 2 notes and I don’t know whether I shall be able to get any more before 6 months elapses
by Mr A (Mcail?) Sorry to say it will be 3 at the least and if present (ministry, mines by?) are returned
it will be impossible to take when the Government servants will be paid under these circumstances I
don’t know what part to take, if I stay here I must give credit to the men employed on line and station
or sit still and I expect it will take 6 months before the matter is settled. What do you think about it.
Fryers Creek is not much of a place for trade by its appearance when we were there, before buying
a cradle we might try the tailings, by tin dish after the first rain, Smith left his Books here on Sat –
came for them on Sunday. I saw advertisement in his Book stating that Smith in visiting the Galatea*
left his Rifle in charge of the fruit stall. Therefore when he returned stall keeper had vanished
together with Rifle.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
What price do they sell the bits of copper on toes of Children’s Boots per dozen. I am to pay 6/ per
(pack?) here so I was told.
*The Galatea was the ship which brought the Duke of Edinburgh to Victoria. The Museum of
Victoria has a piece minted by Stokes which exactly matches the description of one designed
by Messrs Joseph and Co who later made the ‘Champion Medal’ won by Isaac Edward Dyason
in 1873 for marksmanship. The Museum’s piece can be found at
http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/51479/medal-royal-visit-of-prince-alfred-toaustralia-australia-1867 (accessed December 2012) and looks like this
The Messrs Joseph piece is described thus: Commemorative Medal for distribution by the
Reception Committee to each of the school children on the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. “On
the obverse side there is a portrait of the Prince and on the reverse is a representation of
H.M.S. Galatea, both being surrounded by appropriate inscriptions. The medal, which is very
skilfully manufactured, is from the workshop of Messrs Joseph and Co, Pall Mall.” Bendigo
Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), Tuesday 15 October 1867, page 2 AND The Argus (Melbourne,
Vic. : 1848 - 1956), Wednesday 16 October 1867, page 5
1868 January 20
Chewton
From F Russell
Dear sir
I (received) yours of 18 instance came only to hand and had we not expected that you would have
been (in) town I would have neither. I suppose you would have seen our yields in the mail since you
was (?) since you left our tribute 12/ 6 last week’s tribute 3/ 10 we have taken action on your
proposition about another lawyer but we will meet soon as we must as the tribute is getting short.
Hunter’s was sold and to day and Smith was the purchaser I am thankful.
I am much better and I hope this will find you quite well. We’ll have a meeting as soon as you can
come down.
Yours truly
F Russell
1868 February 18
Elphinston
From Uncle Fred Pearce
My dear nephew
Levith says he go 4 – 10 – 0 for his shares or thereabouts and he won’t promise to pay and at my
solicitation I could not pay him that amount =5 = having to prepay 1 with out and the unprecedented
stagnation of trade caused by the deadlock has not left me sufficient to carry on my usual good
work, but hope ‘twill soon mend. I have had an introduction to a gentleman at Fryers Creek. I was
asking him whether he thought any Reefs were likely to be found at new rush at Glenlyon. He told
me that he could show me, if I called on him, a fine Reef where some years ago a party sunk a shaft
and struck a large reef and did no more to it and left it, he said he himself was prospecting there on
surface and struck a rich golden leader that’s going down on to the Reef, got gold in the stone and if
I call on him he will show me the gold in the stone and the leader where he got it from. He says he
has no interest in recommending it, only he is sure if any one sets in they will most likely realize a
fortune.
I think he said it was on a rich surface hill (like Red Hill Chewton), if this turns out to be true we
ought to lease it – at – once, if gold could be found on Red Hill Chewton shares would be worth
something considerable, it might be the same as Powell’s Poverty Hill, the misfortune is he told me
before the party introducing me, Simpson, who goes over there with fish and I am afraid he will talk
about it among the miners there. I don’t believe that the party would mislead having no pecuniary
interest by telling me, he is only at home Thursday and Friday. He is a Brewer’s son therefore he is
not a loafer. I think you ought to find money for lease as I find it out. This might be worth thousands
to us.
Yours affectionately
F Pearce
Don’t say I don’t off you anything, if you don’t take it up with me I shall when I can, but shall be
obliged to get some humbugs to back me as usual and lose all.
(on side) Write per return
1868 July 16
Melbourne
From Mr H J Langdon*
Mr I E Dyason Sandhurst
Dear Sir
Your letter of yesterday is to hand. What I want at Sandhurst is a representative who will undertake
the duties of Salesman at a Commission. I deal only in tea and would keep any one acting for me
well supplied with samples and it would understandably be better had you some knowledge of the
article, but notwithstanding, from what Mr Holdsworth mentioned I should be pleased to make an
arrangement with you and offer a commission of 3% on all sales by you. There will be little or no
collecting, amounts in general go direct. The ground to be covered is Sandhurst and the gullies. If
you think well of the matter I would at once forward samples with full instructions and general
information. Let us hear from you in reply.
Yours truly
H J Langdon
*
H J Langdon left behind a company which is still trading in tea in 2013.
Site Accessed July 2013 http://www.hjlangdon.com/ Quoting from the site:
Since 1852, Langdon Ingredients has proudly provided the best quality ingredients for some
of the world's best known brands.
In 1852, Henry Joseph Langdon, a Captain with the English East India Company, envisioned
the trade opportunities arising from Australia’s Gold Rush. He migrated from England to
Melbourne, armed with champagne, chocolates and brandy to sell to successful miners who
were newly flushed with cash.
As Australia's population grew and the country's wealth escalated, Henry Langdon increased his
import range to include books, boots, linen, china and crystal, catering to the country’s growing
needs. When Henry Langdon's son, Charles Langdon, took over the business in the 1890s, he
expanded its products to include herbs, spices, teas, furniture, hats and blankets from Europe.
Charles capitalised on the growing nation's appetite for imported foods, sourcing products from
around the world such as olive oil, essences, nuts and herbs
1868 September 15
Elphinston
From Uncle Fred Pearce
My dear nephew
I see a spec(ulation) a sure fortune if that or any other party will sell the plant (without engine),
remove it to Cockatoo and take out a water privilege for ( ? ) and erect water wheel to drive stamps.
There is any quantity of quartz, will earn from 7dwt. You will see this is a thing that will pay well.
Donolly’s Claim on M Seans Run is registered, the party has another claim, registration will be out
next month. He won’t take it again as the quartz won’t pay less than 1oz . A man that left there told
me there was any quantity of surface stone that would pay that (was) easy got. You see it would
not cost more than grub. You, I and engineer take it up and we could cut (a water) race while he
was putting up the plant and raise a lot of stone to be ready to be crushed first rain, the (two that ? )
from poor men they used to work for me on Black(wood), are now the richest men there they don’t
know their wealth. Would that party trust me with the plant on bill at 9 months with interest. If he
will I will go up and secure the water privilege. That privilege will be worth as much as mine at
Black(wood) before long. We should have everything ready before next rains. The man told me all
quartz was crushed on Bendigo and 20/- per ton cartage, so you can see the advantage. There are
2 men from Bendigo taken up a claim there, send word and let me know per it.
Your affectionate
FJ Pearce
(This may be part of the same letter, it was found with it but is on a strip of paper of different size)
I think if we had capital we might go ahead and do a stroke, consider the matter over , the run of
gold is not struck yet in the Claim and I think the sooner we sell the better, that is before the quartz
gets difficult to get at. At any rate I would sooner have a good Reef on Bendigo supposing we can
sell a share. I think probably as soon as the machine is at work the shares will be popped in the
market. The rule is to offer it to the shareholders and do individually.
We have engaged Whitehorn to work the machine for 12£ per week, he finding grease, oil, engines
and top of silver etc... we find wood estimated cost of raising and crushing will be 12/- per ton, say
13/- wear and tear.
Whitehorn
12.00.0
Cartage of 60 tons
06.00.0
Breaking quartz 5/- 6 per ton
15.10.0
Manager
03.00.0
60
36.10.0
12.12.2
Alfred Holmes wanted to put his share before the Co last week but was persuaded to withdraw it for
a more convenient season.