Letter from Richard Fennell to his brother William, 16th October 1854

Lake MacQuarie,
16th October 1854

Dear William,

I have been delayed from answering your letter enclosing receipt for £5 legacy from Aunt Mary by a most distressing accident which has occurred to my wife's Uncle who was unfortunately drowned with the gentleman to whom the property I was living on belonged. They had trusted themselves in a very small dinghy and we imagine that when some distance out from the shore Mr Boughton (the gent before mentioned) has become frightened, fainted, and fallen overboard, and the old Captain has lost his life in endeavouring to save the other. My boat was away at the time and no other to be got within 20 miles. We are yet quite upset-and disarranged both in mind and circumstances, and it will be the means of driving me away from this part of the country for Louisa cannot bear the thought of boat work, since nothing is to be done on land with the trifling means I possess, and my health has been so bad since I came into this district, that I am unable to stick to hard work.

We have had Mrs Thomas Fennell (that is to be) spending a week or two with us for the benefit of her health. She is a very industrious girl. I wish they would get married; they have been a long time thinking about it. Too much delay is sometimes dangerous. The letter you mention having written has never been received by me, the last communication I have from you is dated 30th January 1849. I have written several letters since that time that you have some reason you consider good and binding for not having written I am sure, I do not doubt that in time we shall know the cause. Generally speaking the country I believe is in a very prosperous state, but I rarely see a newspaper and still more seldom a stranger to [pass on] any news. I promised Harriett to send some papers but one absolute necessary or another every penny out of my pocket so fast as I can write it and since I have become so I much reduced in circumstances, I have made a rule to do without what I could not pay cash for.

I suppose the War make everything prosperous with you at home (we cannot get rid of that expression).

Harriett did not answer my letter but I think Mary Ann Sparks told me she was going to be married so she has something better to think about, but married or unmarried pray endeavour to persuade her not to think of coming out to this country, she will find no happiness here.

Louisa joins me in love to Mary and all the family circle with best wishes for your health and prosperity.

Believe me as ever your sincere friend and affectionate brother
Richard Fennell.

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