Friday 13 November 1896
My Dearest wife
Since my last letter on Sunday, I ran down to Kiama (NSW) by the 8.30 train and arrived at Albion Park at 12 noon, saw Jamie & his wife and youngsters, the mater (Mother) was in Sydney in the suburbs, but I could not find her. I took a run round and saw D L Dymock & his boys and a few people that I remember. I am finding it quite old now, scarcely anyone knows me, and the boys did not know me; I had a generally miserable time.
I stayed one night in Albion Park and came back to Sydney on Tuesday morning, and caught the first boat, the ‘Barabool’ and left the wharf at 5 pm, arriving here this “Friday” morning after a long, slow trip. The weather is very sharp and cold, and eating has been my chief occupation. I am most ashamed of my appetite, and if it keeps increasing as I go south, the company will be charging me extra fares. I have not met a soul that I know since leaving Brisbane and am continuously wishing you were with me, dear mine. Kiama & District looks to me better than ever; it is undoubtedly the prettiest place.
The Barabool – Image SLWA
This is the morning of landing, and I hope my dearest, you are getting along all serene and that you will let me know how everything is as soon as you can possibly. I am anxious that you were talking to me about Paddy, the garden and the children, but after sitting up and bumping my head against the ceiling of the bunk ( a top one), I realised that it was not so. I am having very bad luck with the steamers, the one we leave in tomorrow being the “Gabo” and full from stem to stern with passengers and cargo all bound west. A great number are young men, and I can see that some of them will not pull through the hard living in the West.
However, they all seem full of hope, and I hope they stand the climate experience. I sent you a few little books for the children and Musketts’ latest book on cooking from Sydney, and trust you get them alright. The first thing we heard this morning was the position of Queensland. Bank, and I hope that you have cashed the cheques that I left, as I cannot send any more money until I reach Albany, where my credit letters will be cashable. Now, my little sweetheart, with my very best love to yourself and also to the babies, Davie & Madge and Zilla & little Jack, believe me ever yours always.
D Missingham.
PS:- I haven’t seen Melbourne yet, or am I likely to see much of it as it is raining hard. DM
Watercolor envelopes with bow. Hand painted white, beige and blue envelopes isolated on white background. Vintage mail icon. Christmas illustration for design, print, fabric or background
Moya Sharp
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