Letter from Tom Fennell to his brother William, 9th March 1848

Postmark Mar 9 1848 Sydney

Dear William

It was with great joy that I heard from Dick that dear Mary had presented you with a little girl. I hope that God may spare her to you that she may be a blessing to you and all who know her for many many years to come, and that she may be an example of piety and love to many happy brothers and sisters. I have been across cutting trees all the morning with Mr Holt, Dick's father in law. He is about building a new house of lathe and plaster, and he has enlisted all hands for the work. Be kind enough should you be sending more parcels, to send me some of that thin paper; I can then send a double letter for one postage, also be kind enough to ask Lizzy to send me one of her castaway drawings to hang in my sitting room; if you can spare it send me that old oil painting that has been in the office drawer for so long. Always direct what is for me and what for Dick, that we may have no mistake about the things.

There is one thing I must request of you and that is that you will send me an exact copy of the accounts paid on my and the boys accounts when I left home; also of the accounts paid since on my account and also the amounts I began to receive a yearly salary. You must not disappoint me if you wish I should enjoy happiness in this world, for I wish to put my house in order that I may be prepared for the visits of that friend who will come like a thief in the night. If you love me, disappoint me not.

I take the good advice you give me with true thankfulness and I must say that I have found it the case that we must fear the wiles of Satan more than his assaults; let us seek his aid who is alone able to save for without the Lord keepeth our health we watch and guard them all in vain. But if God be with us who can be against us if he is we shall be always happy, for in the words of Hannah More our own evil hearts are the cause of all our sorrow

"The deadliest wounds with which we bleed Our crimes inflict alone
Man’s mercies from Gods hands proceed
His miseries from his own."

Thank Aunt Tootal for her kindness in writing to me, and tell her I shall try to answer with a few lines shortly to all my other friends both rich and poor; give my love in particular mother, sisters, Mary and Cresswell. Give a pat to Smut, drink a glass of No. 18 to my health. Remember me most sincerely to dear Mr Tait. I have no news except that the bushrangers are about; we have just been loading our pistols to be ready for them. I am going to put Poll's watch in the care of someone in Goulburn.

God help you dear William and may he spare us both to receive many letters from each other.

I remain dear William
Your affectionate brother
Nathaniel Thomas Fennell.

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