Macarthur papers, 1789-1936

[Page 13]

Sir,

I received yours on my return with the enclosed statement of the prisoners you have off the Store – which I know is very inadequate to the care of your stock. Leaving to you the circums – I have directed Mr Sheridan to increase your present quotas to Thirty by adding select ten more men labourers, which with the two Carpenters will make your number 34 including the two who are sick – I should be much gratified if I could spare a greater number but the very few which are at Gvt labour & the necessity of giving up a portion of them to thrash the Settlers wheat for our daily feed & clear their [indecipherable] of the bread with which it is over run joined to the absolute Necessity of farming the crop of maize now growing at Castle Hill, prompts me from affording that a further extension of your numbers before an which I so much wish until an arrival with Prisoners happens. If I understand you right you have one of the Corps at Cabramatta who you wished to send to the Cowpastures, I have settled with Major Johnston that he and another who he will order are to take foot at your farm there on Saturday next which I hope will prevent any eventual [indecipherable] from the Natives &c

I am glad to inform you that [indecipherable] is much better & will I hope soon regain [her/his?] strength desire so to add her [indecipherable] regards to Mrs McA & yourself with the of [indecipherable]

[Page 550]

desirable to retain – By greatly reducing the extent we should render the residue less obnoxious to the ruling democratic elements, enlist in the same interest with us a numerous body of freeholders, who could not fail to have weight, and thus impart greater security, not only to what is ours, but to the incomes secured upon the Estate. In a Legislative Assembly fully furnished with "Sharp practice" Lawyers, it can hardly be expected that any description of income belonging to non residents, particularly if secured upon freehold property, would escape traction. And whether that traction is to be heavy, or comparatively light, would depend, I imagine, upon the influence it can bring for its protection into the Legislature, rather than upon any principles of sound policy or right – If legal impediments beyond our control impede the reduction of the area of our freehold to within safer limits, we must only submit to the consequences – and if the case seems urgent we must get what we can for the land with its imperfect title. I for one am not disposed to continue a [indecipherable] for the roil passions of every sinister agent an ignorant and reckless democracy may hoist into power. (The remainder has no reference to business)

[Page 163]

140 re death of Mrs James Macarthur Jan. 1881?

I know how great a loss you have had in dear Emily leaving you; it must be such a sad blank for all! What a peaceful end! may we all have the same blessing feeling perfect trust in our Saviour's merits! and the Love of God! [indecipherable] is now I hope well – [tell me??] [sent?] him back to George until the great heat of summer is over I think there does not seem any doubt that the June heat leaves

[Page 281]

will I hope be good for brain & body I have not made any plans – but I believe I shall let this house for the season . & go somewhere to reduce hay fever to a minimum – DV – I am sure that to be so shut up in Town is very bad for me in all ways & I imagine I can let my house fairly well at that time – I daresay C. will be married in summer . as he has again a promise of the depôt – but I need not take that into acct for I could not be at his marriage in the season of hay making – Mr Watts eldest daughter lives at Cambridge – and I have no doubt Elinor will be married from that house – as her sister was two years ago – I like her "[indecipherable]" very much – and she

[Page 300]

May has no real authority & Adea is too young to be allowed to go about independantly [independently] and [indecipherable] her own friends. I quite see how it must add to Mays already onerous burden of responsibility – Mrs P. seems so very practically kind & full of good motherly sense –

If the Macdonalds live now as they did then – their house is a centre for amusements – They are extremely original & certainly unlike any other people I have ever known but interesting and generally a large party ready to walk or to dance or to play ! at least so we found them four years ago

300 1891?

Napleton 22 Feby

Dearest Bessie

Your notes from Brindisi and Port said (the last received this aftn) and Sybils fm Turin have given me so much pleasure I have often thought of you dear and it is sweet to feel that you have thought also of me – Your description of [steamer?] is delightful, and I do think the sleep so excellent for your tired brain – it is just what you needed I hope Sybil also was resting? those last weeks before leaving must have been very trying – you see I am again here I went to Cheltenham for a week and dispatched Mitchell to London she left me very suddenly & inconsiderately – but she had

[Page 341]

been ailing all winter – & had become so hypped & depressed that I really dont regret that she decided she could not stay – I think the independant [independent] way in which I left her & came here alone had been a trial to her temper I have a girl as a "[house?] [indecipherable]" who answers very well so far (one I had an excellent character of.) and really the older ones are exceedingly difficult & touchy If I am ill – I must get a nurse but I shall not again expect a servant to give me any consider -ation as to time of leaving me. I have let my house on to 15 Novr and I leave this on the 1st Novr Nellie's sister & child & nurse are coming – and although

310

whilst parties struggle. –

The Duchess of Albany went on Wedy at her own request our [indecipherable] I think you will like to hear that 1st July found all debts paid the house in full working order and a balance to begin 1894 – It is one of the most striking answers to faith & united prayer – that one could witness something like £4000 has come in from a single handed effort to alleviate misery and as Fanny says "So long as God blesses the work & sanctions it so long I shall have the means supplied – If they fail I must close at once – but it will be one of debt" – during 1893 when the staff was still incomplete and the house not full viz. passed away from their care

[Page 353]

312

My greatest interest here is in Mr [indecipherable] Church & Parish – and I think that would always be an interest but Im afraid that as he preaches so well & is so [indecipherable] by the bishop the probability is that he will be 'raised up higher' & I should lose that which is a very great inducement to come here. From his intimate knowledge of us all & his real interest in us I feel that he is a support to me & I like his people also.

I see a great deal of Sydney's Cousin who is unremittingly kind to me so I am not at all forlorn here Lonely hours I must have every where and old memories sweep over me with a wave too often – when alone but that is my cross (to be alone) And I must carry it – and as soon as that thought takes possession – all memory is quelled at once but the flash is [rosiate?] .

[Page 360]

318

my love for & sympathy with you) that I seem now to share your feelings as far as is possible – and do say – if you care to hear poor Sister that my heart aches for her I hope dear your cold is better my kindest love to Sybil I know she will accept this note as my thanks for her kind note The bit of fear is mine – I am on the outside of my bed I am really feeling too weak to go down stairs – and also Im rather afraid of any chill My brain is somewhat troubled but I always [indecipherable] down in this ridiculous way if I am once laid up