Volume 05: John Macarthur letters from H. H. Macarthur and accounts, 1810-1829

Sydney Novr. 30th. 1812.

My Dear Uncle,

I have to inform You that the Isabella sailed this Day leaving us all well and in good Spirits. –

In a Box which Capt. Higton takes charge of addressed to Messrs. Keir Buxton & Co. are Packets containing detailed Accounts of our Proceedings and remit= =tances both from my Aunt and self enough I hope to supply your present Expences and soon I hope to make consi=derable additions to them, but at present Money is very very scarce. I hope You will make no more Shipments to this deeply indebted Colony until You have realised the Amount already embarked. The System of bringing forward the Convicts

will be strenuously pursued, the Governor says "it is a Convict Colony and those who will not associate with them should not come here" He is determined to pursue this System and any opposition to it will be considered as a direct opposition to his Government, and the Governor told me, that if any Man, even the Lt Governor was to set himself up in opposition to any of his public Measures he would ship him off, in the first Vessel leaving the Colony either for India or England – This he told in a private conversation in which he warned me to avoid a Party which he conceives is existing among some of the Old School. –

Whether there is such a Party or not I

I am at a Loss to know – The Introduction of those People who have been Convicts is certainly disliked by many, but I see no opposition to either that or any other Public Measure. – I find myself going into a long history of Politics which I wish to avoid, I shall therefore refer you to my Dear Aunt's Letters and with kindest remembrances to All enquiring Friends – I remain

My Dear Uncle Your ever affecte Nephew H H McArthur

P. S. I write 2 Letters addressed to the Owners of the Ship to which I must refer you for further Information

Your's affectly H. McA.

Sydney Novr. 30. 1812

To John Mc.Arthur Esqre. care of Edwd. H. Lee Esqre. Broad Street London

My Dear Uncle,

I herein send You a Memo of Wool shipt on board the Minstrel, also Bill of Lading for the same – The Freight is at 4/2d per lb. but I do not altogether approve of this arrangement, as I think it can be closer packed and come cheaper at 12£ Measurement. – This Shipment 36 Bales wire pressed in our own Machine, After writing by the Isabella I found a very fine Screw among the Iron-work which came out in the Argo, this was erected and proves to be the best Press in the Country. Should You have shipt Screws in consequence of my last Letter, it will be but prudent to keep a spare one and others will sell, if not too high prices. – The Nutts should be of entire Bell metal, as our present two are and two to a Screw in case of Accidents. – Mr.