Fragments of a letter from Tom Fennell to his mother, 11th February 1848
Postmark Feb. 11 1848
The moral feelings of the inhabitants of this country, I can venture to say without a doubt, are the lowest of any on earth. Few rich or poor can get through a sentence without an oath and drinking is their smallest fault. They appear to be set on cheating one another and take pleasure in bringing others to do the same. Among other irregular expressions used by many whom I have seen are three which are quite phenomenous in natural history etc. They were used by men of the more moral nature to give emphasis to their opinions instead of oaths. They are the holy man, the holy place, the holy frock. [Allow me to end?] this short account in which I have endeavoured to give you an account of those with whom I am at present [acquainted?] by saying that rich or poor pig together by each other in their racing, boxing, fighting and of course their other vile amusements.
Cattle are now selling very cheaply and I think that they may remain so for a time. Moses was telling me a few days ago that he had seen sold mixed herd of three hundred beautiful cattle with this years calves at their sides for the small sum of £115. Sheep fattened for market [6/6 ??] horses and will partly pay my expenses therefore I think that I may perhaps take that opportunity for looking for a Station of which we are much in want for Richards cattle, also seeing the country. Tell William that I have not yet heard from Nipper and Hity. They will receive a letter and papers next month. I wrote to Bill last and will do so again next month. We receive letters from you all next and every month.
The last news is not always the least, therefore allow me to tell you that it has pleased God to deliver Louisa from the troubles of such occasions here and her son who with his mother [is] doing well. I must now dear mother bring the short note to a close telling you that I am as happy as present circumstances will permit me to be and receiving greater kindness from Richard and his wife than words can express.
Mother we will all live after God then we shall be prepared for death for the sting of death is sin let us not be [morally?] righteous for the strength of sin is the law. Let us seek that faith without which we cannot see God. I trust mother we all see each other on earth but if not here we on that day when we shall all be assembled before our God we will be steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as we know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord, then we shall all meet to part no more.
Give my love, dear Mother, to all I know. Not forgetting John etc., etc., etc.. Pray for me always that I may be able to overcome the temptations of this country. Give my love to the Dukeses.
I remain dear Mother
Your affectionate Son
N.T. Fennell
Excuse this careless letter that on second reading I am much inclined to put in the fire. I have been stock keeping getting bullocks off the lake to kill and am very tired.
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