From: John Murray To Mr Andrew Allan Overseer, , By Fort Augustus. Dear Andrew, I received yours on Monday. AlIas! man but you was a weary time before you whiled the grey gossamer wing on my account. But it is said better late there than never. I read your letter with interest and am happy to hear you are all well and also my different old friend you made mention of... But Oh!! Andrew I lost my son. My only child on the 13th of October last. He died by very severe trouble. First the measels and upon the back of them the chincough.Troubles which would each other rapidly often terminate the life of their victim. He was become a fine boy, and well known in the neighbourhood and you are aware when I saw other people take so much interest in my boy, it knit my affections so much firmer. And his mother poor woman, she will never be old Jenny again. Andrew, the red tinge that once was the companion of her cheek has I believe forever disappeared. But why should a living man complain for the punishment of his sins? For 10 and behold, the disposer of all things had seen meet to cut my boy off in infancy for some good purpose of his own. But Andrew, it is ill to make a parent's heart feel, or their eye see that. I was at Stotshiel onn Monday week and purchased Mr R.Heslop's lambs. And at same time I saw and conversed with Alex Oliver. I soon saw he was grappling with the King of terror, wasting away in a consumption, and died on Friday last, 3 days after I saw him. So his sister Margaret told me on Tuesday. I do not think he was expecting that death had laid his cold icy hand upon his brow, as he spoke quite light to me on the days of O'Lang Syne, and desired me to pay his compliments to any old fJ;iend I might see. His sister Susan was waiting upon him along with his Aunt. I would never have known Susan again had I not been told. Margaret was attending also. The blossom of 17 or 18 has left her cheek, but the traces of an Oliver is still to be seen. I saw your brother yesterday. He had a good many lambs in the market. It was dull job but he was very bright. I told him I had a letter from you, and I also put your query to him. "Oh" said he, "I cannot write, I would do anything before I began, but say I will see him at Falkirk".These were his words. "Well" says I, "Take your conceited will, for I like to write a letter to a friend". I have been driving a heavy trade for last 6 months in London. For some weeks back I have had 300 pounds worth of sheep and lambs I may say weekly or nearly so, among their hands. I must say I have been well paid in general, although a bit loss at a time. I was fortunate to purchase very largely soon in the season when people expected a great fall in the price of lambs, and by that means, I have been so much the more fortunate. Your old Master is always driving away that same fashion and indeed I can state very little difference in appearances of this place. I am sorry to hear that Glengarry must lose his land, but perhaps a better may purchase it if fortune fickle behaves herself. By the end of your lease I may if in health, come and look through the old well known corners of Aberchalder once more, but on a very different errand than at other times. Andrew I have it in my eye, and I have never been much disappointed yet whatever I have set my face to. But it is a long time to speak beforehand, and it may turn out like some of my airy visions only spoken of. still, I am. in the belief that if any person should make it pay, I ought not to be afraid. I have only to give one gentleman one mere hint and he is my man. And Andrew, he is a rare fellow. I will speak more plain to you on the subject if ever it comes fairly into my head. I believe it would be much better were some Englishman to purchase it, as he would very likely wish a new steading and also dykes and diversions. My best respects to all the shephers. Robert, William and James, and tell them it was the best ever I fires the one at Miss Armstrong. And my words with Stavert. I might have been hanging about under subjection yet. And now I am above the frown of the haughty. Aye, Andrew you know I would spit in the farmers face that would use or attempt to use me as they have done to many an honest shepherd. My two brothers you know, James and Robert are getting on fast for the Ministry. Robert has gained school at the mainpoint south from the sheep boughts, and James is teaching in Peebles. He was at college last winter. Robert taught last year at college. All my friends are well that you're acquainted with. Janet is out at her fathers a while. Donald Grant is in Edinburgh. I believe he is very far from respectable. I saw him about Martinmass. Mention me to Robert and Helen and family. Also to William Sutherland, and also to William Park. David Park was at Boswells fair and had a tent selling victuals . By the end of your lease I may if in health, come and look through the old well known corners of Aberchalder once more, but on a very different errand than at other times. Andrew I have it in my eye, and I have never been much disappointed yet whatever I have set my face to. But it is a long time to speak beforehand, and it may turn out like some of my airy visions only spoken of. still, I am. in the belief that if any person should make it pay, I ought not to be afraid. I have only to give one gentleman one mere hint and he is my man. And Andrew, he is a rare fellow. I will speak more plain to you on the subject if ever it comes fairly into my head. I believe it would be much better were some Englishman to purchase it, as he would very likely wish a new steading and also dykes and diversions. My best respects to all the shephers. Robert, William and James, and tell them it was the best ever I fires the one at Miss Armstrong. And my words with Stavert. I might have been hanging about under subjection yet. And now I am above the frown of the haughty. Aye, Andrew you know I would spit in the farmers face that would use or attempt to use me as they have done to many an honest shepherd. My two brothers you know, James and Robert are getting on fast for the Ministry. Robert has gained school at the mainpoint south from the sheep boughts, and James is teaching in Peebles. He was at college last winter. Robert taught last year at college. All my friends are well that you're acquainted with. Janet is out at her fathers a while. Donald Grant is in Edinburgh. I believe he is very far from respectable. I saw him about Martinmass. Mention me to Robert and Helen and family. Also to William Sutherland, and also to William Park. David Park was at Boswells fair and had a tent selling victuals and drink. He is doing very well in Hawick. If my old companion on the road Mr.Johnston is alive, give my kindest regards to him. Perhaps he may herd my tups yet. The summer .has been cold in this part save last eight days. The crops in July one month later than last year, but are fair average save potatoes are all back, some frosted. Hill lambs are very bad in this place. still they are making large prices. Sheep is very plenty in our market and much lower cattle has kept high for some time, but loss during winter. I purchased about 20 scores of sheep last Monday night. Young Henderson and Walter Elliot and I crossed the Lammerlys with a jig. We took it any place that suited us, sometimes half carrying it. write me soon and if we happen to meet at Falkirk I will treat you. Mind me to your wife and I mind my wife to you both. Yours very respectfully, John Murray 8 st. Patrick Square, Edinburgh 30th July, 1835. From: William Graham, Cannongate, Edinburgh To Andrew Allan Shepherd, Aberchalder By Fort Augustas, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Dear Cousin, I have long thought of writing you to let you know how all your freinds are in the south, and any news which might be worthy of notice. It was but lately however that I knew what your direction was, and I now sit down with the greatest of pleasure to write every particular which may amuse or interest you. I am still in Edinburgh yet and have begun business on my own account. It is two years next Whitsunday since commenced and during that time I have had no reason to complain, having a moderate share of trade according as the times go. Trade in general has been very flat for this some time in Edinburgh, at present however it is rather on the revival. There are some large manufactories building, and a new nailware about to be made betwixt this and Leith and then to Glasgow which will afford labour and circulate money among the working classes of people. . I heard from my father last week. They are all well. He is still in Ladhopemoor yet. He was here last Halla fair and he had heard word from your father short while before that when he was well. Your mother had been ailing but was getting. better. Richard Allan my uncle was in at the same time and called upon me. Both he and his wife are well, also our East Gordon friends. I have frequently letters from William Foggo. He is stopping with his mother in the village of Auchtergavin (Bankfoot) a few miles north from Perth. They keep an inn or public house to which some 50 or 60 acres of arable land are attached. I suppose should I be spared until summer, I intend to take a trip north and-visit them, and had you not been so very far north I ,would possibly have given you a call also. I have lately become acquainted with an old neighbour of yours, William Clark. He was with Mr Hutchison at the same time with you I think he says. He is at present working in a brewery adj acent to my shop. There is likewise in the same brewery a cousin of yours, Nisbet is his name, but I am not acquainted with him. Clark bids me tell you of the clever trick which your old acquaintance James Bathgate did 2 or 3 weeks ago to his master, but perhaps you may have seen it already in the newspapers. Bathgate had been entrusted to go over to Fife to lift money to the amount of £ 300. No sooner had he got the cash in hand then he made off, no one knew where. He was immediately pursed and brought back home from Glasgow whither he had fled. Only £5 of the money had been spent. Hutchison gave him another £ 5 to himself and discharged him from his service, so he was not given up the rigours of the law. He has since got a good situation to go out to Van Dieman's Land {Tasmania). I saw your brother David not long ago. He is always carrying on briskly in the droving system - buying and selling to a large extent. He is undoubtedly making money fast. There has been a report current this some time that he is to be married to Miss Renwick of Halkburn, but for the veracity of it I cannot vouch. Richard is at the Bow yet. We had a very indifferent harvest this season in the south of Scotland. In high-lying places most part of the crops were cutting and some to cut down after Martinmass-day, even now there is victual(a supply of food) standing out in many parts. The consequence is that markets have risen unusually high, they are however rather down of late. Oatmeal rating from 42 to 46 the "sack" or "load" as it is called. From its exposure - to wet weather, much of the meal is of an inferior quality. The potato crop also has been sadly different and the frost coming on before they were lifted has spoilt vast quantities of them. This will be a hard winter with many a poor family. I doubt especially in and around large towns where the hand is in the pocket for the smallest necessary. My sheet is drawing to a close, therefore I must apologise for being so brief and putting you to the expense of postage. I had no other way of conveyance or else I should have sent it, but I expect a long one from you in return for this with all the news and I hope you and the family are well and liking the north country as well as ever you did Berwickshire. P.S. When you write, direct to 128 Canongate, Edinburgh. I will expect an answer from you or long. I shall send you an Edinburgh newspaper in a week or so which will give you a specimen of what is going on in the south. Newspapers go by post free of expenses, so you'll pay nothing for postage. Meanwhile I remain your sincere and affectionate friend, William Graham Canongate 1836. To Andrew ALLAN Shepherd, Aberchalder Near Fort Augustus Inverness-shire, Scotland
From James DRUMMOND 21st Fusileers Chatham Barracks,England Dear Brother and Sister, . This is to inform you that I am well at present and hoping this will find you all the same. I have oft had it in my head to write, but always put it off expecting to have something worth sending you in the news way. At last I took it in my head that I would send you a few lines, at all events it will let you know that we are alive at any rate. I have been a servant to an officer since I came up here almost. He is a captain belonging to our own Regt., and this saves me of some trouble that would not otherwise be saved from. There is a great number of troops in this place. There is about three thousand men altogether including the Royal Lappers and Miners Coy and Mariners. There is likewise "a great number of convict hulks here on the river which makes some stir about the place besides. There is also a great number of ships built here for the Royal Navy. You would likely hear about me being transferred from the 79th Highlanders where was before the month of September last when I came here to my brother Donald. We are in the 21st Regt. of Fusileers. This Chatham is the worst place in the world for a soldier to stop in, for they charge two prices for every thing here, and that is not the worst of it. They are not good after all. Our Regt. is in New South Wales and our men is going out to it in drafts to it daily. We are removing out then next summer to India - a far. worse climate. But I am not in the thoughts of going out myself as my Master is on the staff at the depot, and so long as we remain on the same terms as we have done all along, there is not much fear of me going out of England. I received a letter from home last week and they are all well. I suppose you would have a letter from them lately yourself. There is likewise enlisted along with Donald a son of John Morrison the auctioneers in Comrie. They are both well and sends their compliments to you. I expect you will be so kind as write me as soon as you get this, all the full and particulars about the place and not forgetting your own family. I have little more to say at present, But remains yours, most Affectionately James DRUMMOND P.S. I hope you will excuse this blunder of a letter and all other mistakes. J.D.
From: Richard Allan (1813-) Adelaide, South Australia. Sent to: J.Smith esq. Tulloch House, Fort William, Inverness-shire, Scotland J.Smith esq. Sir I promised I would write you about the sheep skins. I have made some enquiries about the price of them. They are very dear in Adelaide. They are 1/- each. The reason is the bush farmers do not think it worthwhile to bring them into town. The most that are sold are sold by the butchers. We have a regular gold fever here at present in the sister colony. I know men myself that went to Victoria without a shilling in their pockets, and came back to Adelaide with the handsome sum of £200 in their pockets and only working "14 days at the diggings. This colony is on the brink of ruin. The people are leaving in thousands. The streets of Adelaide are deserted. The publicans and merchants are failing in dozens; all is a universal excitement. If you ask for an acquaintance your answer is - he is off to the diggings. And if you meet an acquaintance your first salutation is – “Are you off to the diggings?” Or I thought you were off. In fact the people are gold mad. There are lots of ships lying in Port Adelaide and cannot get out of there for the want of men. They are offered as high as £100 for the run home and cannot be got for that. The burra mine shares have fallen £100 the last 2 months they cannot get men to work the mines. I expect the works will stop for a while till things take the turn. This is a good country for a man. He need never want in South Australia as long as he is blessed with health and strength. Things were very dull when I came here but they are as lively now as they were dull then & will be so as long as this gold mania lasts. When you see my father or mother or any of the family please tell them that I am well at present. I wrote home twice since I came here. By the by I did not see Mr. Raleigh. He has gone to Sydney and I never could find out his address. I saw different parties that knew him. I expect there will be a great number of people coming out from Britain to our gold fields as soon as the news has got fairly home. There has been £700,ooo gold taken from the Victoria diggings to the end of December. There is enough of gold for to last for year. So I think I will stop for the press will give you a better account of things than I can give. Yours respectfully, R Allan. Sent to: J.Smith esq. Tulloch House, Fort William, Inverness-shire, Scotland
From: William Hunter To Andrew Allan Inverlair, by Fort William Dear Andrew, I am in receipt of your favour of 25th, I am very glad to hear you have not decided on going to Australia and that you will remain at Inverlair. I think you are quite right to remain this season should you ever think of it at a future time when you hear from Richard. Had he not been there then it would have altered the case and you might perhaps as well have gone this year as at any future time. But when he is there he will be the better of being on the spot for some time before giving you a decided opinion on such a step. If he then gives you encouragement I would for your family say go, but if not then remain at home. I may possibly be North this month but am not quite resolved. Try Thomas McCall fairly whether he will remain or not, and if he does not, be on the outlook for a suitable one to fill his place. And I will be the same but will engage noone till I hear from you in case you may know of anyone in the north likely to suit you. Indeed you will possibly hear of one better than me as I know of none. The principal hiring market was the other day at Thornhill. Tait I showed think won't remove from Firandish. I expect we will get the dyke put up he speaks of. Robertson will remain also, I have no doubt but in case I may not be soon north, you had better say we wish them to remain, that is unless you have objections to them. I will be glad to hear from you soon whether you are likely to find one to please you for Thomas McCall's place or not, as I suppose he won't remain from what you say. In 8 or 10 days I will possibly name a time when I will be north and if Tait refuses to stay on account of the game giving a look to, you can say I will be north when we will try and explain things to him on that point. But I will stay thought he speaks of marches. I think Tait is one of these fellows who appears at the time more discontent than he really is. I have wrote this hurriedly being just to start for a road meeting at Thornhill. I remain Yours Truly, William Hunter, Ashtree Cottage From Richard Allan (1833- ) Ballarat. To: Addressee is Unknown, Sir, I received your letter of the 17th June and I was glad to hear once more from the home of my childhood. I see by the journals that you are in a fever about the Turkish question. I am sorry to say that we have a touch of the same disease at present. We have things at present of greater importance to our own welfare and the future prosperity of our adopted country than the Turkish question. There is at present a bill before the legislative council, which, if made law, will give the governor as much power over our fair country as the czar has over his slaves. This bill empowers him to sell the gold fields, worked or not. It has many other obnoxious features too long to mention. We had a public meeting here yesterday and the spirit that was displayed shows that the people are determined not to be trampled upon if they should resist, it with case of the sword and revolver. The procession showed a very significant sign, which ought to warn the framers of our laws. There was a flag representing Victoria in the centre, and on one side were the American and the French flags. It is no wonder that the people complain when their rights are so trampled on.What will the people of England say when they hear that we have to pay from 2/- to 5/- for a cabbage? Can our brethren in England blame us when we complain? How can the spirit of liberty be suppressed or our slavery hid from. When we look on the beautiful plains that surround us, covered only with the rich carpet of natures handiwork, whereas if cut up and sold it would add to our health as well as our wealth. It is a notorious fact that 60 million acres are at present occupied by some 800 squatters, while we (vagabonds) as our aristocrats please to term us, are only allowed our length and breadth. If we happen to fall down a hole and break our neck, or be cot off by dysentery or some other disease, we are not allowed even a garden to grow a few vegetables, while thousands of acres of the finest land in the world lie waste, only frequented by a few kangaroos or a stray flock of sheep. The gold digger pays more in direct taxation than any other individual in the colony, and yet he has no voice in the formation of the laws, which he lives under. He has no representative to look after his right. In council, petition after petition has been sent in to the government and legislature, but our delegates have been insulted and our prayers unheard. The governor nominates One third of the council; another third elected by the squatters; and, the remainder by towns and counties. What can we expect from such a body? The squatters remember the miser's proverb (charity begins at home), and they take good care to help themselves, and the nominated members take as good care to vote on their side. Where are we to look for redress, moral force can do nothing? And what can we do? Can we be blamed if we try physical? It is not against the home government we are, for they know not what to legislate. For us it is the local government our hate and contempt is directed against. The sum total is the people have lost all confidence in the executive and legislative councils, and there will be a great change. One consolation is, we cannot be much worse. I have just procured a copy of the bill which I referred to in the fore part of the letter, which I enclose, which I hope you will publish and let the people of England see whither we have reason to complain or not. If this abominable bill passes into law, there millionaires can step in and purchase our mines, and drive us off the ground with impunity. Drive 100,ooo men who gain an honest living by hard work, and industry to poverty and slavery. What would the colony be if it were not for the very men, which our irresponsible government would trample under their feet, even to slavery? Who was it that brought the forest of masts into our harbours caused our cities to spring up as if by magic, raised the almost namely Australia to the proud state she now occupies? I have said enough on the subject remember me to my father. I hope my relations will come in good health at present, god and mother, sisters and brothers. Tell them out to Adelaide next year. This leaves me be thanked.
Yours respectfully R. Allan. The following is information taken from the Melbourne Argus, Dec 12, 1854 It details the arrests of men at Eureka, and their subsequent appearance in the Ball Court. This site created and provided by and, all rights reserved by @Jenny Fawcett - Genseek In the Police Court yesterday.. Thomas MAGHER Thomas DEGAN Richard ALLEN Thos DIGNUM where all charged.
Mr DUNNE appeared for MAYHER. William REVEL, private 40th: "I identify Dignem. He had an iron bar with a point, with which he struck at me,but missed me, and ran it into my mare's flank. I cut him over the head with my sword. The iron bar was eight or ten feet long." PRISONER REMANDED - The COURT ADJOURNED. DIGNEM and ALLEN, remanded from the previous day, were recalled. Inspector FOSTER gave evidence that a license to "THOMAS WALKER" was found on the person of DIGNUM. Private REVEL of the 40th was re-sworn :He stated that he had no doubt about the identity of DIGNUM. He had cut him down. The wound was on his head now. DIGNUM WAS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL FOR THE CRIME OF HIGH TREASON:: ALLAN was discharged but with a caution From: Mr Conan. Moorabool River, Geelong, Victoria To Andrew Allan, Manager, Inverlair, Fort William. Dear Andrew, I received your letter sometime ago and would have answered it sooner but as my time in this plave was near out when I received your letter, I delayed writing until I should be able to know what I should do. I have engaged for another 12 months with the same master, as I thought I could not do better as I am doing very well I am. And I was afraid to give the diggings a trial in case I might lose, as they are only for single men, and some doing well, and some doing bad. This colony is not so good as it was last year but for my part I have as good as i had before. Any person willing to work can be well employed and good payments for it, but days pay is not so good as it was last year. But people can do well if they are wise themselves as things are the one half cheaper. Clothing is as cheap as at home, only provisions is still something dear, but not near so high as last year. I have made all the enquiries about your sons that I could, but I was not at Ballarat as it would be of no use, only a chance that I should see them. I would have had a chance seeing them if there was a licence office, but there is no such thing now since the row was at Ballarat. They pay no licence, but I was informed but I do not know for a truth that Richard had got married to an Irishwoman, but it is likely that they have wrote you if it is the case. Gold diggings is turning very plentiful and some doing very well and some not. There is a gold digging broke out only about two miles from my house. I went to see them the other day and they had come upon gold in about 12 feet sinking. They could not say what way it might turn out until they wraught a little further. The water was pouring in upon them owing to the heavy rains we have at present. We have very wet cold weather at the present time, but we expect to have warm dry weather now soon as our summer is now approaching. It is very strange to see the weather so hot at Christmas and New Year,when it is at its coldest in the Mother Country. It is at this time they are done sowing their crops here, and some of it is not done yet. When on the other hand you are reaping yours, they are commencing to cultivate the land greatly now. The most of people that made a little money has bought. land and is buying. There is government land sales every week, but the most of it is very dear as yet. But they expect it cheaper soon. I would have bought a lot myself but I expect it lower in a short time. The cheapest I have seen sold was £ 1 per acre and bad soil, and as high as £8 and £10 only that is good soil. People must take care what sort of soil they buy here as there are different ,sorts. I see the black is the best as the hot and dry weather has not the effect upon it that it has upon other soils. The worst thing I see in this colony is the bushfires. There is whole fields of crop burnt and flocks of sheep burnt to death. In the summer here you would think the whole colony is on fire, all in one cloud of smoke. Sheep stock is in a miserable state here with the Scab. It is the worst thing come upon the settlers. There is a great many of settlers and men of other denominations turning insolvent (or what we call breaking). The Camerons who bought the sheep station that I was living at when I came here is broke. Capt. Cameron's sons that was at Lancy Kintail, they only stood 17 months but they had not a penny left I understand. I received a letter from Mr Sutherland the other day and the passage certificate that I sent to my brother Frank, to bring him out here. I understand he will not come and if not, it can't be helped. Only I am sorry for him spending his time there for nothing. He never as much as wrote me since I came to this colony. I was informed he was to be married to Mr McIntyres daughter, so he can please himself. I will now get the money back again when I have got the passage certificate. You will tell Mr cumming of Fort Augustus the first time you see him that I am surprised at him that he never sent me an answer to the letter I sent. I received the newspaper you sent me, I have to inform you that we have got another addition to our family. A young son and the wife and himself is doing well. We had the luck to get the late Donald Stewart's widow who was shepherd at Glenquoich to look after my wife when confined. She is living with Ewen McMillan, her brother-in-law. They are our nearest neighbours. You. would likely know Ewen McMillan, he was likewise a shepherd in Glenquoich. He is a shepherd here, and has £ 80 a year and four rations and is doing very well. I have not seen any of the Glengarry people since I came into the colony. If you intend coming out to this colony you need not be the least afraid of the sea. Only I will not advise you in case of reflections. There Is no doubt but there is hardships and troubles which you would have to encounter, but if once settled here, there is certainly a better living than at home, and a chance for making money. It is expected that the colony will get better in a short itme. There was a rush of emigrants into the colony of late which took down wages. If convenient for you, if you would let Suther lands people know that we are all well, and that I received his letter and will write him soon. I would thank you to send me and Inverness paper. I hope you will write me soon giving me all the news you can with kind love to Mrs Allan and family, not forgetting yourself, address me as formerly,
I remain Dear Andrew Yours Respectfully, Mr Conan.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|