Guide to the Correspondence of George Rowe
MS 3116
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Online Items
Letter 1, June - October 1852 (Item 1)
George Rowe writes a letter to his wife during the Voyage to Australia on the clipper ship Panama. Describes the journey, daily life aboard the ship, weather conditions, personalities aboard.
Letter 2, 10 - 14 November 1856 (Item 2)
Letter addressed to Mrs George Rowe, Linton, North Devon, England. Written from Melbourne on the 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th of November. Brings news from the colony and plans to go to the diggings and what other employment prospects there may be.[From the context of this letter the year of writing is 1852 not 1856; the postmark is damaged.]
Letter 3, January 1853 (Item 3)
Letter addressed to Mrs George Rowe, Lynton, North Devon, England, if left forwarded. Postmarked from Forrest Cr Victoria Ja 20 1853; Melbourne Victoria 1853. Letter describing life on the goldfields. Prices of goods. Requests for good pairs of boots to be sent for himself and their son George, a pair of spectacles, tumblers, and other items which are expensive.
Letter 4, 1853 (Item 4)
Incomplete letter. Commences with a reference to a bout of dysentry experienced. The difficulty of new arrivals in Melbourne to gain employments, declining wages, increasing prices for provisions and housing. Reports his gold digging is not very successful. Describes native birds and fuana.
Letter 5, 23 July 1853 (Item 5)
Adressed to Cheltenman, Mrs George Rowe, London, England, Per overland mail. Written from Bendigo Australia. Writing to advise his wife that a previous package of letters was lost and that he and George are in good health. Reports his failed due to a newly discovered goldfield elsewhere taking business away. Turns to painting and sketching. Sends money.
Letter 6, 21 July 1853 (Item 6)
Written from Bendigo, Australia, 7th White Hill, Australia. Advises that the last letter sent was dated incorrectly. Describes giving up the coffee and eatery house. Plan sketch of their house. Success making money doing paintings. Reports George's success as a performer at the Crystal Palace. [remainder of letter lost].