Guide to the Diaries and memoirs of Hugh Hamilton

Collection Summary

Creator

Hamilton, Hugh

Title

Diaries and memoirs of Hugh Hamilton

Date Range

1841-1858

Collection Number

MS 956

Extent

0.09 metres (3 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Repository

Special Collections (Manuscripts)

Introduction

Scope and Contents

Diary in two volumes. Vol. 1 (1 March 1841 - 4 May 1851): Includes the voyage from England to Australia (March 1841 - June 1841) and details Hamilton's life selling stock and running a property on the Lachlan River, west of Bathurst. Also included is a page of biographical details written by Hamilton and a list of letters sent and received (June 1841 – August 1844). Vol. 2: Contains a highly detailed description of the gold rush in the Bathurst region (1851-1852). The author provides accounts of experiences prospecting at Summer Hill Creek, buying and selling gold in the Bathurst region, and issuing licenses as Gold Commissioner for the Lower Turon River, Ophir, and Abercrombie goldfields (October 1851 – September 1852). Includes comments on the effect of the gold rush on the colony, the religious life of the district, an account of the Governor's visit to the goldfields, and journeys to Melbourne to sell stock in 1853. Also includes a typescript copy of memoirs (1841-1858, 59 pages) and a page of biographical details of the Hamilton family.

Conditions Governing Access

Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2918686).

Conditions Governing Use

Conditions for copying and publishing of this collection may apply, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2918686).

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Diaries and memoirs of Hugh Hamilton, National Library of Australia, MS 956, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.