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J.H. Watmuff Profile
Prologue
1 1856-05-01 (Bendigo, Dunolly, Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Loddon , (Mt. Hope Hoax), Ararat, Chinamans Flat, Moonlight Flat, Mt William (trek with Aboriginal guide), Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Melbourne).
2 Bendigo Melbourne 1862 Otago N.Z. (1859-07-17)
3 Otago (1862-09-11)
4 Otago (1863-07-26) to Melbourne 1865
5 Melbourne 1865-11-12
6 Melbourne 1866-03-04
7 Melbourne 1869-03-28
8 Melbourne 1870-06-12 to April 1876
9 Melbourne 1876-06 to 1880-09-07
10 Dribs & Drabs 1881-02-16 to 1882-06
11 Sydney & Misc. 1884
12 Lusitania Voyage 1887-05-27
13 Lusitania Voyage 1887-05-30
14 Lusitania Voyage 1887-06-26
15 Lusitania Voyage 1887-07-01
16 and 17 England, letters and Journal 1887-07-14
18 Garonne return Voyage 1887-09-27
19 Resignations 1888-05-28 to 1892 Nov.
See Bert Watmuff's letters about the family
20 (Journal 19) Mildura 1893-05-06
21 Genealogies from 1738 to 1889
22 New Zealand Essays
J.H. & Bessie Watmuff's Photos
Olive Watmuff's Photos
Journal One
Contents |
1856
15
Pinchgut Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-01
Arnaud
Dick
Mrs
Dream
No
1
Journal
Long Gully
1/1 |
16
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-01
M
John H W
J H Watmuff
H Hawkins
C Vickerman
H Vickerman
1/2 |
17
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-01
Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll}
Pope}
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul}
Journal Kept by
Jno Hy Watmuff
from the
1st May 1856 to the 11th.July 1859
Bendigo
Donolly
Sandy Creek
Loddon
Ararat
Chinamans Flat
Moonlight Flat
Mt William
Pleasent Creek
Melbourne
1/3 |
18
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-01
Recipe for C C
1 drachm of Tannin
mixed with 6 oz Red Wine
Injest 3 times a day
CAP
1887
1811
76
1/4 |
19
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-01
Long Gully, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
1856
1st May. Formed the idea of keeping a journal
to day so lose no time in commencing. I am at
present living in Long Gully, Bendigo, with Uncle
Chas. Vickerman (my mothers brother, tho in every
respect a very different person) I have been with
him some two years more or less, working with
him, we quarrel very often & leave each other
but generally manage to come together again, his
great weakness is a fondness for drink, his love
for it has distroyed the best part of his nature,
there are times when he rises above the surface
of his degraded state, then I like him, at other
times he is frightfully degraded & low both in his
manner & ideas — we are working in a small
gully branching off L.G. which we call IKs
Gully tho better known as "Pinch Gut gully"
the day has been a beautiful one, we went to
work very early this morning, are obliged to do so
for the ground we are working in, yields but
little gold. We made between us to day, 9 dwts
of gold, better than usual.
2nd Been a fine day, only got 3 dwts to day
we intended to go to the races at Epsom to day, but we
were sinking a hole & did not like to leave it till
we had bottomed. There has only been one
lot of races on Bendigo until these —
1/5 |
20
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-03
May – 1856
3rd May. Been a warm day. Made 8 dwts to
day and knocked off at 3. pm. being Saturday —
on weighing up our weeks work, we find we have
made 1 oz. 17 dwts about ₤3.10.0 each for the weeks
work
I took a walk into the township (Sandhurst)
distant about 3 miles – received a letter from
Mother contg family matters which I shant allude
to, things look busy in town as they usually
do on Saturday afternoons, gold is ₤3.17.0 per oz
got home by dark found Uncle had been busy
washing up our dirty clothes. I feel tired having
carried from the town a good many stores for the
coming week. I'm the caterer but we take day
about to cook & keep the tent in order —
4th. May. Sunday. A day of rest, rose about 7 am borrowed a wheelbarrow & went out the ranges & brought home several loads of firewood to last us during the coming week. After dinner I went to the Library, called so because a storekeeper has about 100 novels & lends them out 6d a book Called on an acquaintance, “Ross” & had a time on my old flutina an instrument I sold him – I dont think he'll ever play, on leaving him I went to find Gordon, who borrowed Goldsmiths History of England from me some 4 months ago he has shifted his tent & I could not ascertain where he has gone to. I heard he lived in California Gully. I went there, but could hear no tidings of him. I came home by the
1/6 |
21
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-05 Monday
1856
crossing place, got home in time for tea and spent the
evening reading
5th.May. very hot to day, but towards evening had
a thunder storm & I think its set in for a wet
night. We made 10 dwts to day not so bad if we
could do so well every day. My old chum Tom Rudd
came up from town to day having seen Mrs Lee
his sister on board a ship for Tasmania — I ought
to write something about Tom, he is about 2
years older than myself, born in Van Diemans
Land & like all natives is vastly conceited but very
good natured he is a regular devil, never happy but
when hes in a row & I dont think he is very particular
what he does to gain his own ends tho much
younger Ive great influence over him — we have
had many a lark together & got into many a
scrape & out again, sometimes not very creditable
to ourselves —
6. May Been a nice day after the rain, we
made 8¼ dwts to day. I went to Charly
Watkinsons this evening, he is a chap Ive
known many years he is an “experience” having
been sent out as he says for the benefit of his
country. I was with him about 2 hours &
for the first time since I knew him was
communicative he told me his life — god forbid
mine should resemble his, on my road home
I called on T.Rudd but his tent was closed & he
was out
[1856-05-07 Wednesday] 7th. As an old mate of mine used to say, we have had a peruvian dew falling all day (I should think a scotch mist) didnt go to work until 11.am, we might as well stopped at
1/7 |
22
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-08 Thursday
1856
home for we only made about 1 dwt of gold &
worked very hard, there is a great sameness in our
life on the diggins, just done supper & tea and now for bed
8th. May. Been another wet miserable day, done
about half a days work, sank 2 holes, they are
ready to have their bottoms took off them in the
morning. We washed 1 tub of dirt about 4 Buckets
it yielded nearly 1 dwt. rather poor but we
hope it will get better. In the evening I went
to Toms had some singing, & we knocked the
top of the table off and placed it on the ground
to dance a hornpiper upon, there was one or two chaps we
knew there, good dancers (hornpipe) kept it up
till about 11. Pm when I came home, read
a few chapters in Frank Hilton a stunning
story & so passed the day & now for the blankets
[1856-05-09-Friday]
9th. Been a lovely day, washed the whole of the
bottom of one of our holes, nothing in it, about a
½ dwt. We got 6 dwts out of the other, went to
Ironbark Gully this evening to the “snobs” to get
a pair of Wellingtons soled or ½ soled / 10s/d-/ Im to
be charged, to be done on Sunday Im going
now to write to mother for I intend going into
Sandhurst tomorrow, when I can post it —
[1856-05-10-Saturday]
10th May. Cloudy to day. Made 4 dwt, thus
making 1 oz 10 dwt in spite of the lost time through
bad weather I left work about 4 Pm & went
into Sandhurst to get a few necessaries for the
tent. I posted a letter to mother in which I enclosed
a Pound Stg. I sold some gold rather low this
week only ₤3.15.6 per oz I met Tom Rudd hardup
lent him a pound which Im sure Ill never see
again. I went to his tent in the evening
1/8 |
23
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-11 Sunday
took my concertina. C.Watkinson came in he is a good
singer we passed a pleasent evening, came home &
finished my book
[1856-05-11-Sunday]
11th May. Fine day, got up about 7, after breakfast
went away for wood, went to California Gully town
ship & bought half a sheep & a lot of provisions
brought my purchases home in a barrow. Uncle
cooking & washing Etc. In the afternoon went to
the Library got a book, met Tom Rudd passed the
afternoon with him & some other chaps larking
about. Some of them got drunk and I left them asleep
under a bush. I dont envy them their couch
[1856-05-12 Monday]
12th. May Lovely day. Only got 3½ dwt to day
& I think if there is such a thing as luck we havent
much of it, but never mind as the song says
Theres a good time coming so we'll hope on –
I went to Pauls for my boots, but like all snobs
he is not to his word he's been drunk for several
days, my boots are where I left them. Called at
Jacks tent stayed about half an hour with him
came home, I see we have some neighbours
pitched their tent close to ours, the nearest
neighbours we've had this 2 years
[1856-05-13-Tuesday] 13 Nice day, got 5 dwt to day. Washed 72 Buckets of dirt for that, got my books this evening I went to Toms, Bill Brown a prize fighter was there, he is mates with Tom, Ive known him a long time he is a rank scoundrel but has many times been kind to me, got me, out of more than one scrape, he has been working in One Eye Gully, called after him
1/9 |
24
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-14 Wednesday
1856
he lost an eye fighting, he has been very lucky
but he's now hardup he spent about ₤100
about 3 weeks ago in 2 days spreeing about
14 May. Beautiful day. We washed 65 buckets
to day for 5 dwt of gold. Im afraid we wont
make wages this week. I think Ill get a
job of old Pigott, he offered me ₤4 aweek
to work for him to day. I like being my
own master best. Passed the evening at Toms,
Brown was there, theyve got a set of gloves,
we had a set to with them Bill too much
for me I knock Tom about as I like tho
he has had a deal of practice. I never did
practice much with them, but what I
lack in science I make up in activity
Bill is very down in the mouth, they cant
make a living where they are at work.
[1856-05-15-Thursday]
15th. Nice day, washed 68 Buckets of dirt
& got 8 dwts out of it. The ground is very
poor but there is a deal of wash dirt
& one man can keep another constantly
washing, so its quantity and not quality
I went to the library for a book this
evening for Uncle
[1856-05-16-Friday]
16 May. Lovely day, only 4½ dwts to day
very poor but there are many not doing
so well so thats consoling, spent the
evening at Black Jacks. Tom and Young
Merritt was there, had a row about a
1/10 |
25
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-17 Sunday
1856
trifle. Black Jack struck me. I returned the
compliment. I got a black eye, but I couldnt
give him one in return, we were sperated &
had a good laugh over the trifling circumstance
[1856-05-17-Sunday]
17 May. only made 1 oz 10 dwt this
week about £2.15. each, getting worse
& worse every week, but I wont work for
a master while I can make even that
aweek, for a digger always has a chance
of getting a good lift at once, dont know
the day we may drop onto a nugget as
big as my head. I knocked off work & went
into Bendigo for some things we needed
called at the P.O received couple of Newspapers
came home & had tea then went into Bendigo
again visited the Theatre saw G.V.Brooke in
Richard 3rd, I have been but very seldom to a
Theatre & have seen very little acting but his
impersonation of the tyrant surpassed anything
I could conceive of the sort my attention
became so rapt I could not or would not
allow my mind to wander on any other subject
I saw him once before in Melbourne about
four months ago in the play of Brutus —
[1856-05-18]
18th. May Sunday fine day, got in my
stock of wood for the coming week. Went to
the township for provisions after dinner
went to Toms from there we went to his
sisters (Mrs Bostocks) she is very pretty
1/11 |
26
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-19 Monday
and exactly my age Ive known her a long
time, she is married to a man about 40
years of age & one of the ugliest specimens
of humanity I ever looked upon, she was
15 years of age when she was married & has
two children now. I spent the afternoon
there, had tea, returned to Toms tent. I
wrote a letter to his father for him he
not being able to write Im always ready
to oblige my friends & I get lots of such
like jobs
[1856-05-19-Monday]
19th. May. Beautiful weather. I wonder
whatever mother would say if they had
such weather in Adelaide. She is always railing
against Australia & talking about English
weather Etc. It must be a fine country if it
surpasses this for its climate. We washed
60 buckets of dirt, & got 6½ dwts “none so dusty”
as Tom says — If we dont do worse I dont care
In the evening I went to Toms for some tools
he has. Uncle is putting in a tub bottom our
old tubs for puddling are worn out in the sides
by using the devil against them (a devil is
a kind of a shovel with two blades & a set of
spikes used for puddling clay in tubs so as to
seperate the gold from the dirt, when I got
home I found Uncle yarning with one of our
neighbours, who turns out to be a Yorkshire
man from Holmfirth, not far from where
I was born (Halifax) I had a tune on
my “Hurdy Gurdy” as I call it & now
for bed
1/12 |
27
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-20 Tuesday
1856
[1856-05-20 Tuesday]
20th. May Been a wet miserable day rained
hard all day could not work. Been hard at
work repairing our tools Etc. Its a wretched
life is a gold diggers in wet weather, cooped up
in a small tent about 8 by 10 ft live &
sleep and do everything in it, use is second
nature I feel lost when I enter a house
I often wonder if I shall always be a digger,
our neighbours have been spending the evening
with us, their tent is swamped, having no
fireplace or stretchers attached to their tent
[1856-05-21 Wednesday]
21st. Been a nice day after the wet, the
air is beautiful & clear & mild, we got 5½ dwts
out of 80 buckets of dirt, it all came out of
about 20 buckets, the rest yielding not the color
In the evening I went to Franciss store for
some stores, then went to Toms with the
tools I borrowed, Brown was there had a
set to with the gloves, afterwards read
aloud to them. The Farmer of J.Forest.
[1856-05-22 Thursday]
22nd.May. Kind of Scotch mist falling all day
cleared up towards evening, but went to work
tho far from pleasent, coming home wet
through & every thing so wet & wretched
the firewood wet couldnt get the Billy to boil
till late, washed 64 Buckets of dirt turning
out 7¼ dwts, we shall have to look precious sharp
to make anything this week In the evening
I went to Tom's, for some purpose
I was Boxing with Brown without the gloves
I struck my hand against the slabs that
1/13 |
28
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-23 Friday
1856
form the sides of the hut, a splinter ran into
my left hand, I nearly fainted in taking it
out they cut my finger open to the bone
to get it out. Its frightfully painful. It
will be long ere it is well, washed 64 Buckets
yield 7½ dwts
[1856-05-23-Friday]
23rd. Been showery to day, 64 buckets for
4 dwts, my hand very sore —
[1856-05-24-Saturday] 24 Weather similar to yesterday, couldnt get to work till 8. am. I had to change jobs with Uncle to day owing to my finger being so sore, I dont think all the splinter is out. Uncle puddles & I get the stuff & carry it to the tub. I use snobs wax to my finger, got 4 dwts to day making 1 oz 7 dwts this week the weather has been so against us or else we would have done better. Went into Sandhurst, called at the PO nothing for me, gold £3.16.s0d per oz. horribly dirty & dull everything looked, met Merritt & his Brother, went home with them to their tent, he has just come from town fetched up a wife, but I dont think she is, she is a lovely little girl about 17. I wonder how the deuce he picked up with her. It was late when I got home
1/14 |
29
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-25 Sunday
1856
25th.May. Sunday, weather unsettled, rained hard in
the night, made it very dirty out to day went to the Library
for a Book, been a good boy! stopped at home & read, one of our
neighbours dropped in & bored us with his yarns about the
Tataara country where he has been living the last 12 years.
[1856-05-26 Monday]
26th Weather still the same sometimes fine & at others
showery. We sank a hole in the morning & got & washed
50 Buckets of dirt out of it, in the afternoon which
yielded 5 dwt, not much for that quantity of dirt as it is very thick
On arriving at our hut this evening we found Piggotts pigs
had made sad havoc in our tent it was nearly down & blown
away, they had knawed all round the bottom, and when
they found their way inside they distroyed every thing that
came in their path, eat our provisions. Uncle spoke
to the owner about it but he took no notice of it, but Ill
make it a warning to them if I only catch them about
our tent again, my bed is in a nice mess. Our
Scotch neighbour spent the evening with us after we
had repaired & put our tent into something like order
only just got finished in time, for the rain it
came down in torrents our tent floor is 6 in deep in
water we are compelled to sit on our stretchers which
are about 2 ft from the ground, very pleasent I must
say, but whats the odds so long as one's happy
27th. Been a lovely day after the rain — we found
our holes full of water, took us till dinner time to get
things in working order. Washed about 60 Buckets for
3½ dwts in the afternoon, we intend sinking another
hole, the ground is very shallow, about 5 ft deep & about
1 ft thick of wash dirt, that is dirt supposed to be
auriferous In the evening I went to Toms, read aloud
to him for about 3 hours. Brown was there & listened
with attention. Its rather cold to night, a little frosty
1/15 |
30
Long Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-05-28 Wednesday
1856
28th.May. Been a lovely day. Washed 66 Buckets for 3
dwts very poor, I would leave & try somewhere else but
Uncle dont care so long as he can knock out a living, there
is very little enterprise in his nature. He can conceive but
seldom executes — the ground is too regular I dont think
there are any good deposits in the gully or else we would
have come across something ere now, for we have turned
over a large piece of ground. Went to the C.G.C. place
for stores this evening — then to Toms & read aloud to
them, poor devils, neither of them can read, Ive offered
to teach Tom, but he seems to have no application —
29th. Been a wretched day, been very showery, couldnt
do much work, got about 1 dwt up to 5 pm when I
turned in another direction & got 8 Buckets of dirt which
yielded 4¼ dwts not so bad, put us in better spirits
I hope it is not a patch but will continue. Went to
the Blacksmith with some picks to lay & steel —
spent the evening in our own tent. Scotchman
came in, his tent is blown away, came home from his work
& found he had no home we helped him to build it up
& lent him a pair of my blankets his own being
wet & muddy. I wonder what city bred chaps
would say did they have the hardships that we have
to contend against in gold digging, it came on to rain hard
30th. Been a nice day, but foggy. In the morning
we could scarcely see a yard in front of us, our hole
did not turn so well as the sample we washed last
night, the ground is very changeable. I washed 6 Buckets
& it turned out nearly 7 dwt not so bad — if it will
continue. After tea went to Toms, I read for them
some two hours. Merritt & him have fell out, Tom
& Brown have joined mates —
[1856-05-31-Saturday]
31st Been a nice day, only got 3 dwts making
a total for the week 1 oz. 6 dwts about ₤2.10.0
1/16 |
31
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-01 Sunday
each, worse & worse. Ill try it another week, & if with no
better success Ill leave it & try somewhere else. I went to
Bendigo this afternoon to sell some gold £3.16.0 per oz
I bought Uncle a pair of Boots, he is afraid to go into the town
for he is such a fool, he is sure to get drunk. I purchased a
pair of Blankets & some good worsted socks — Went to Toms
& finished the Book — he is going to remove his tent in the
morning nearer to his work, came home & read a little &
now for bed
1st June. A lovely day & being Sunday made it pleasent
after breakfast, whilst Uncle was washing a few shirts & things
I went to the Crossing place & bought some “tucker” for the coming
week. Went to Toms, find he dont shift till tomorrow
the drayman that was to remove him got drunk & wouldnt
work on Sunday, the first time I ever heard
of a man getting moral, when drunk — Tom & I took
a strool to Jackass Flat for some things he left there
passed a jolly evening together & bid him good luck —
2nd — Been a fine day, but looks cloudy — I went into Sandhurst for Uncle this morning. I was astonished to find all the mechanics knocked off work, having commenced a new era, in their occupations, the 8 hours movement. I like the idea tho I work 12 hours a day & have done for years, but were I a tradesman I should be an advocate for the principle, got home or to work by 9, washed some 35 Buckets of dirt & got 6 dwts — In the evening I went to the library, changed a book for Uncle, our neighbour the Holmfirth man came here drunk, he got the sack from where he was working, he half killed his “boss” for telling him to do something he didnt care about doing , commencing to rain.
[1856-06-03 Tuesday] 3rd. Been a dull day. Came on a heavy shower about 11 Am got wet through felt anything but comfortable the rest of the day. Washed 45 buckets & only got 3 dwts. If it dont change or mend, Im afraid my “pile” will be long coming. Holmfirth & [as] we call him came in looking down enough, on losing his billet of £4.10.0 aweek at a puddling mill
1/17 |
32
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-04 Wednesday
June 1856
4th. June- Been showery, we got sick of the gully
we've worked in the last 5 weeks. I came & sunk a hole near
our tent (close to where we did so well last year) but it
turned out a duffer. I went back to the old place &
got 4 dwts out of 22 Buckets, from a hole Uncle sank
I sank a hole close to his & out of 6 Buckets got 2½ dwt
a better ending to the day than I anticipated from a bad
beginning. Went to the store & Butcher shop in the evening
our neighbour came in, chatting away as usual —
5th. Been a nice day, but foggy, done very well to day. Washed 50 Buckets turned out 18 dwt of gold Im afraid it wont last, the last tub was very poor, I went to Jessie Silwoods the Blacksmith to get some tools tinkered up our neighbours dropped in as usual I wish they would go. Im going to turn into bed, so they can take the hint if they like
6th Wet day, couldnt do much work in consequence 45 Buckets yielded nearly 6 dwts, our neighbours here again — Ive been busy all the evening mending my shirts & patching my trousers, how theyd laugh at home if they saw me
7th Been a fine day, washed 25 Buckets for 2 dwts very poor, we made 2 oz. 1 dwt this week about ₤4 each, Its best weeks work Ive had since I left Adelaide or since I came back just 9 weeks to day. I went to Sandhurst in the evening got a letter from mother, in which she states that they are thinking of coming to Melbourne. I dont much like the idea of them leaving they are pretty comfortably settled & I fancy may get on in time. In one sense I should like them in this colony we shall be much nearer each other. It costs a deal of money going & coming from Adelaide. Things seem busy in Sandhurst
1/18 |
33
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-08 Sunday
gold is the same price as last week. Holmfirth spent
the evening with us, he has, got a job for Monday £4 aweek
8th. Been very showery, went to the Crossing place to make some purchases (not the thing exactly dealing on the Sabbath, but is so customary, just like a market on Sunday morning in the gully townships, tho in Sandhurst things are getting more settled Churches & Chapels are getting erected & people begin to wear polished boots & that sort of thing, for years my plan has been to give mine a good coat of grease once aweek. I suppose in a few years things will have a more civilized appearance on the diggins – I wrote a letter to Mother, Scoty posted it for me this afternoon. I have been to Toms, he lives some three miles from here, he hasnt done much as yet been busy erecting his hut & making it comfortable came away about 4 pm & paid his sister a visit, who lives near Sydenham Gardens, stayed tea & left Tom there, came home early & have been reading ever since — 9th June. Nice day. We sank a hole each this morning, the bottom of Uncles we washed & got 5¼ dwts out of it. My finger is still very bad. I got the splinter out to day (the portion that was left in.) It has began to gather & Im afraid it will turn into a witlow, heaven forbid Ive had one once & I shall never forget the pain I suffered
10th. Cloudy day. My hole was a duffer, but I sank another one & out of 30 Buckets of dirt we got 6 dwts of gold, my finger is worse & is very painful Ive a good mind to knock off work for a short time until it heals up. Ive had a plaster of soap & sugar upon it a diggers usual remedy for anything like a gathering, raining heavy —
1/19 |
34
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-11 Wednesday
June 1856
11st. Been a miserable day. Only could work for
about an hour, got 1½ dwt out of a tub of dirt. Uncle
bet me there was that quantity, on weighing it he
was right, so I lost 2/6. My finger is a little
easier to day, it rained all night & I think its
set in again for another wet night
12th Been a fine day, washed 42 Buckets, got 8 dwts out of the hole I thought was a duffer, we tried it again to day. I commenced another hole just before leaving work. I lost another 1/- over the weight of our gold with Uncle. I shall bet no more with him, he always wins, my finger is a little better.
13th. A nice day, frosty in the morning, washed 48 Buckets for 9 dwts. I would not grumble if we could always do as well —
14th — Fine day, washed 40 Buckets for 4¼ dwts thus making 1 oz 14 dwt this week, if it had been fine weather we should have done pretty well this week better than ₤3 each. This evening our neighbours & myself walked into Bendigo, visited the Shamrock Concert Room, heard splendid singers, Md Sara Flowers & several others, no charge for admittance. I believe such places are called Free & Easys in England, the proprietor always procures the best talent he can get in the colony Melbourne never could boast of such singers in one company as is to be found on Bendigo at the Shamrock I liked Rohler on his Concertina, Cornopean & flageolet is about 2 am Sunday morning now, walked home beautiful moonlight night
[1856-06-15-Sunday] 15th. June. Cloudy day, got in a stock of firewood for the week. After dinner went to Ross's & took him his book back, & borrowed another. In the afternoon I helped our neighbours to put up their hut
1/20 |
35
Pinch Gut Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-16-Monday
June 1856
16th June — Lovely day, sank a hole each, neither
much a/c, washed 36 Buckets for 3½ dwts. In the
evening I went to the store & to the blacksmiths –
My finger nail came off to day but being a little one
it dont much matter
[1856-06-17-Tuesday] 17 June. Weather unsettled, cold & showery, washed 50 Buckets for 3¼ dwt, wretchedly poor work this, we have got off the run. We intend sinking to morrow & try & get onto it again, spent the evening reading James “Whim & its consequences”
[1856-06-18-Wednesday] 18th Nice day, 36 buckets we washed for 2½ dwts finished reading my book like it much. Holmfirth called in to night says there is some rushes in the neighbourhood of Eaglehawk. I think Ill go & have a look at them
[1856-06-19-Thursday] 19th Been a miserable wet day, didnt get to work till late, bottomed a hole, but like all the dirt we have washed lately not much account, washed 35 Buckets for 3 dwts. There is a little rush to some ground near our tent some parties I heard were doing well I took up a claim near to them & sank a hole about 5 ft deep & very hard. I shall know to morrow whether its any good or not. After dinner I went to the library to get another book for Uncle & in the evening we had both our old neighbours in here, they are thinking of going to a new rush at Sydney Flat. Two friends of mine made £200 each last week, they are the lucky ones.!
[1856-06-20-Friday] 20th Been a lovely day. Uncle has been working in the same place, got & washed 24 Buckets for 1½ dwts. I bottomed my hole this morning a rank shicer. I didnt feel satisfied but turned to & sank another about 8 ft deep, just bottomed it by sun- down & tried a dish of dirt out of it, it yielded ¼ dwt
1/21 |
36
Near Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-21-Saturday
June 1856
which is considered a payable prospect. Ill give it a
good trial in the morning — Ive been reading one of
Shakespeares plays, the first I ever read “Hamlet”
[1856-06-21-Saturday]
21st Been a fine day, my yesterdays prospect
looks cloudy, to day I washed 30 Buckets out of
it turned out only 1½ dwts — I intend trying another
hole, the claim bordering mine is paying well
I cant see why some portion of my ground should
not turn out well, we only made 15¼ dwts this
week between us very poor, the poorest week Ive
had since Ive been up this time, I went into the
town this afternoon, got some newspapers but no
letters, the rain has made the streets fearfully
dirty & miserable
[1856-06-22-Sunday]
22nd Cloudy day. This day Ive spent in roaming
about visited two new rushes but dont think much
of them, feel tired, went to the library got a Book
& spent the evening reading
[1856-06-23-Monday] 23rd Been a nice day. My hole like the others was a shicer or a duffer. I dont know but what Ill try another in the morning, there are some doing well alongside of the same ground. Been spending the evening playing my Concertina & reading Dr Warrens “Diary of a Physician” a work that has made a great impression on my mind, & trust I will profit by it. There is one portion relating to the fast life of a young nobleman that shocked me, but Ive witnessed scenes ten times worse on the diggins but amongst a different class —
[1856-06-24-Tuesday] 24 Been foggy but fine. Uncle & I sank a hole each his was a duffer mine I think will pay us to work, we have gone back to
1/22 |
37
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-25-Wednesday
PinchGut Gully again. Im sorry we left it — we have
sank 6 holes between us at the other places & didnt
get 2 dwts. out of the lot. I left work early &
went to the Library. Spent the evening in reading the
“Comedy of Errors” —
[1856-06-25-Wednesday] 25th Nice day but cloudy, washed 40 Buckets & got 4½ dwts. Went to the store & Blacksmiths our neighbours dropped in & spent the evening with us, after they left I read two acts of King Lear. A friend made me a present of 22 plays mostly Shakespeares, quite novelties to me, who has read so little & heard so much about them. I cannot conceive anything more beautiful & pathetic than some portions of his plays that Ive read —
[1856-06-26-Thursday] 26th Cloudy day. I went into Uncles hole this morning, he being disgusted with it. I tried 50 Buckets of dirt & they turned out 8 dwt not so bad. Uncle has been clearing ground in front of the tent for a start, went to the library for Uncle — I finished King Lear tonight
[1856-06-27-Friday] 27th Been a lovely day washed 4 tubs out of which we got 4 dwt. Our neighbours came in in a great state, they have had there tent robbed, 2 other tents ditto, lost their blankets & clothes & a little money, very pleasent! I suppose ours will be the next — wont be the first time — Jim Hall an acquaintance came in to say he has been struck up & robbed of a watch & clothes — he was in bed & was awoke by feeling something cool in his ear that turned out to be the muzzle of a pistol poor Jim he is a new chum & seems terribly frightened
1/23 |
38
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-28-Saturday
Uncle is thinking of going to Adelaide he went
into Sandhurst for some things he requires
he sank a hole to day, dont know what its
like, we have a tub full in soak. Ive been
reading Henry 8th tonight
[1856-06-28-Saturday] 28th Lovely day, washed 42 Buckets, turned out 5½ dwts, making 1 oz 3 dwts for the weeks work. In the afternoon I went into Bendigo no letters at the P.O for Im surprised, I expected one to day, things look lively gold ₤3.15.3 oz I came home with Holmfirth he has got the sack dont suit, I think he is a lazy devil. I remaind at the Shamrock, they have a new comic singer called Thatcher a great favourite with the public about 2. am Sunday rather early.
[1856-06-29-Sunday] 29th Lovely day didnt get up till late spent the best of the day at Gypsy Polls a woman that lives opposite, sometimes does little jobs for me, she is about 30 years old but has led a very dissolute life, she must have been a beautiful girl, her life is a strange one such scenes, she commenced life, as a draw in a hell in London & owing to a murder being committed in the place she got mixed up in it & was sent out to Australia for the benefit of her health, she led a fast life on arriving here & sunk very low, fond of drink & gambling – Ive known her win sometimes more than £100 on a Sunday afternoon & near starving ere the week was over she is always borrowing 2/6d from me. I get her to make me my flannel shirts Etc. on leaving her I went
1/24 |
39
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-06-30-Monday
to Ike Kets he was falling a tree close to his
tent the fool let it fall on it & crushed it &
distroyd nearly everything in it. I helped him
an hour or two in putting things square
again, in the evening I read another play
[1856-06-30-Monday] 30th Wet day Couldnt work, wretched life.
[1856-07-01-Tuesday] 1st Scotch mist all day. I was in the hole driving underground so did not feel it much Uncle got the benefit of it, washing at the tub, washed 9 tubs or 60 Buckets turned out 9 dwts one of our neighbours came bothering us he was drunk on the strength of a job he has got at £4.15.0 aweek & the 8 hours dodge I wished him to the devil, went to the store, after work, been reading a novel —
[1856-07-02-Wednesday] 2nd July. Nice day, but we had one or two smart showers — washed about 10 tubs of dirt turning out 12 dwt, not so bad if it will con- -tinue, reading the “Stepmother” by James [1856-07-03-Thursday] 3rd Lovely day, washed 50 Buckets — turned out 15 dwt not so dusty. After work went to the store & blacksmiths — finished my Book
[1856-07-04-Friday] 4th Weather unsettled, washed 60 Buckets yielded 6 dwts, a falling off since yesterday Several people imagine we are doing well, so this morning there was quite a rush near us but none of them struck any gold so I dont think they will bother any more about us. Scoty dropped in yarning about the old story, of his wife leaving him
1/25 |
40
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-05 Saturday
July 1856
5th. Fine day but very cold — washed 24 Buckets
for 1¼ dwts, made £4.9S0d each this week —
In the afternoon I went to Sandhurst, received no
letter, things are busy, streets are dirty, what a
disgrace to the corporation (for they have one now)
I bought some clothing, called at the P O got a
letter for Scoty, he is going shearing in the Portland
Bay district, wants me to go with him. Bought
a paper with the account of peace with Russia
& so ends the Crimean War
[1856-07-06-Sunday] 6th Very windy day. Been helping Uncle to pack up his swag, he leaves me, for Adelaide in the morning, settled up & find that Ive better than 5 oz gold in hand & a few pounds, so I shall be a hatter, as a digger is called that is without a mate, I dont suppose he will be away more than two months. I have been helping Jim Hall to rig up his tent, he lives near us now he is a jolly little fellow.
[1856-07-07-Monday] 7th A nice day, but frosty in the morning ¼ of an inch of ice on the water I have been in the colony nearly 7 years & never saw the like before. Uncle started early this morning. Scoty our neighbour, Ive allowed to sleep in our tent he will be company for me but I dont much like him. I went to work & washed 24 dwts & got nearly 4 dwts not so bad for me, Ive no one to share it with —
[1856-07-08-Tuesday] 8th Lovely day — Washed 25 Buckets & got 3 dwt I must sink a hole tomorrow. I passed a pleasent evening, reading
1/26 |
41
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-09 Wednesday
Ive been a great reader lately, Ive took quite a fancy
for reading a short time ago I could not
read anything but novels & very seldom even them
[1856-07-09-Wednesday]
9 July — Lovely weather. I bottomed a hole to
day & washed 2 tubs out of it, no gold at all in it –
I went into an old hole in the afternoon & tried
4 Buckets which turned out 1½ dwts of gold
not so bad, I will try it again tomorrow. In
the evening I went to the store & blacksmiths
had a yarn with the Gypsy
[1856-07-10-Thursday]
10th Been a nice day — washed 30 Buckets & it turned
out 2½ dwts. In the evening Scoty & I went to
Toms, spent a jolly time of it, he is not doing
much
[1856-07-11-Friday] 11th Wet & miserable washed 25 Buckets & got 4½ dwts out of it. I was annoyed to find that, somebody this morning had stolen my pick & shovel. I had paid 3/- to get it steeled the night before. Curse them I wish it was down their throats who ever stole them — I paid 7/6 for the shovel but a week ago
[1856-07-12-Saturday] 12th Been a nice day, drove out & washed 4 Tubs of dirt, got 2½ dwts of gold, this making about £3.5.0 this week, not so bad considering how Im situated. Scoty left to day for the Tataara country, somewhere on the overland route to Adelaide, he made me a present of his tent and tools so Im alone, Tom called this evening & is going to stop all night with me, after spending the evening pleasently together, my reading aloud to him —
1/27 |
42
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-13 Sunday
[1856-07-13-Sunday]
14th [13th] I find Ive taken a day in my date too
much for last month.[1] Been cloudy & windy
this morning, I went with Tom to the P O to
post a letter, took a long strool together about
the White Hills, called at his sisters then, went
to his tent had a late dinner. Tom came
home with me & helped me to put a fly over
my tent. J.Hall called & spent the evening
with us. Jim is staying the night with me
[1856-07-14-Monday] 15th Nice day, sank a hole 5 ft deep this morning washed the bottom turned out 3 dwt I think Ill do better tomorrow. I went to Toms but he was out, called into C.Watkinsons hut his mate Harry Hawkins is a nice chap stayed there 2 hours came home, found Tom at my tent very comfortably asleep on my bed, I soon roused him up —
[1856-07-15-Tuesday] 16th Lovely day drove out & washed 4 tubs turned out 7¼ dwts not so bad nearly 27s/d- a lot of acquaintances called in, this evening had some music & singing, tho I was hard at work making a pick handle
[1856-07-16-Wednesday] 17th Been a nice day, didnt feel well to day left work at 4. pm & washed 20 Buckets turned out 5¼ dwt, nothing to grumble at £1 day not so bad, its raining, I dont think Tom will come to night
[1856-07-17-Thursday] 18th Been a lovely day. Ive done very well to day I washed 24 Buckets got 6½ dwt.
1/28 |
43
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-18-Friday
July 1856
Ive been very busy, since I came home, been
putting up a brush fence round the tent to break
the wind. Charly Watkinson came in with his
concertina, spent a pleasent evening
[1856-07-18-Friday] 19th Lovely day, done first rate to day got 12¼ dwts out of 3 tubs, 8 of which I got out of 1 tub. Tom came to night & is going to stop all night. I have been working at the Breakwind nearly finished
[1856-07-19-Saturday] 20th Been a nice day. Ive been lucky again to day washed 2 tubs of dirt which realized 12½ dwts, making for the week 2 oz 7 dwts, the best weeks work Ive had for a long time. I hope Ill do as well next week. Tom stayed & helped me a little this morning, went into Ben in the afternoon. In the evening Tom & I went to Mrs Bostocks. Tom left early. I remained till about daylight, keeping her company her husband being away. Tom has left Brown & is going to work by himself. Ive allowed him to grub along with me, until he gets onto something
[1856-07-20-Sunday] Sunday 21st Cloudy day, didnt get up till 10 am Borrowed a crosscut saw & sawed up a tree near my tent for firewood cleaned ourselves & went to Bostocks had dinner, after which came home & made a table, better than the old box have had so long, went to Charlies in the evening, very jolly
1/29 |
44
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-21-Monday
July 1856
[1856-07-21-Monday]
22nd Cloudy day. I bottomed my hole
towards evening & had time to wash a tub. I
got 2 dwts out of it, a good prospect. The
men in the next claim are driving onto
my ground so I went this evening & worked
very hard till after 10 pm to cut them off
If I didnt I might lose a portion of my ground
& I may be a long time before I get such another
piece of ground. I feel very tired, just been
writing a letter for Tom to his other sister.
[1856-07-22-Tuesday] 23rd Nice day, but looks rainy just now I washed 30 Buckets & got 8 dwts, not so bad In the evening I went with Tom to his sisters calling at Charlies on our way. I bought his concertina. Late when I got home
[1856-07-23-Wednesday] 24th Been a lovely day, washed 4 tubs out of which I got 3 dwts, rather poor but Ive better stuff in the hole that I know of. Went to Toms sisters stayed with her till near 10 a.m called at Charlies on my way home, playing & Boxing
[1856-07-24-Thursday] 25th Been a lovely day, washed 4 tubs of dirt turned out 4 dwts, a little better – Tom got a little gold to day, he wants to join me but I cant see the force of it, he is too lazy. I like a good working chap for a mate. Im one that works hard & sticks to it, the ground that Im in, has
1/30 |
45
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-25 Friday
July 1856
been tried & left many times, all complaining it was
too hard to pay. There are two men in the next
claim & they can only get 5 & sometimes 4 tubs
that quantity between them while I alone get
out & wash 4 tubs & never less than 3 –
I went to Bostocks stayed there about 2 hours &
called at Charlies on my way home. Ive been think
very seriously to day of going to New England
there is a great rush there, many acquaintances
of mine have gone & many are going, its on the
Sydney side some 1200 miles from here. If I
was doing nothing I would not hesitate a day
Ive had a longing for a ramble for some time
[1856-07-25-Friday] 26. The weather very unsettled. I sank a hole to day & got 2 tubs of the bottom which turned me out 8¼ dwts. Tom got a nugget out of the ground I gave him weighing 3 dwts. I bought it off him — we remained at home to night wrote a letter for Tom & another for a neighbour
[1856-07-26-Saturday] 27th Nice day. Washed 3 tubs of which I got 5¼ dwts, making this week 1 oz 10 dwts very good. I went into Bendigo, received a letter from mother, from Melbourne, they have all come over from Adelaide & are living in Wellington St. Collingwood. I got two letters for Uncle & shall keep them until he returns or I hear from him. I put my gold into the Bank for safety to day (9 oz). I bought some clothes for Sunday. Im getting ashamed to
1/31 |
46
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-27 Sunday
July 1856
wear my dirty muleskin trousers on a Sabbath day
people are throwing off their old notions & are beginning
to get more refined in their ideas of dress & manners
than formerly. I bought some medicine for Mrs
Bostock, she is very ill, I went to see her this
evening, there is a girl living in the next tent
to her Ive met her very often she is very
pretty, we took a walk together on the ranges
to night
[1856-07-27-Sunday] 28th Nice day. After breakfast H.Hawkins came in & Tom Seymour, stayed till noon I went to Bostocks she is much better I stayed dinner, afterwards went to some friends that live in the White Hills, (Sullivans) his wife has come back & is keeping very steady I could never imagine she was such a character as I hear she is I trust she is quite reformed had tea with them, came home early, met T Seymour, lent him a pound, I dont suppose Ill get it back in a hurry
[1856-07-28-Monday] 29th Beautiful day. I wish it would rain for Ive a long way to carry my dirt to wash, washed 24 Buckets or 4 tubs out of which I got 13½ dwts the best days work Ive done for many a day. J.Hall called in the evening, He is a jolly chap. Ive been busy sewing a piece of calico all round the bottom of my tent
1/32 |
47
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-07-29 Tuesday
[1856-07-29-Tuesday]
30th Nice day, but cold, washed 5 tubs
out of which I got 6½ dwts, considerably
less than yesterday, left work at 5 pm
& went into Sandhurst with Tom, poor fellow
he has suffered from a bad tooth. I went
with him to get it pulled out, it was fun
to hear him hollow — & in coming home I
think he got cold in it for he is in an awful
way about it, spent the evening reading
[1856-07-30-Wednesday] 30st Weather unsettled, washed 4 tubs & got 7 dwts out of it, not so bad, I got one bit, 1 dwt. I gave it this evening to Mrs. Bostock Tom & I went down there, & from there to Dennys rather late when I got home, & turned to & made a new slide for my cradle. Very late now
31st Lovely day, done firstrate to day, washed 18 Buckets & got 14 dwts; I didnt feel very well to day got a bad cold Etc. I sent Tom into Sandhurst to see if there were any letters for me I fully expected to hear from Uncle, he has been gone nearly a month now. In the evening Tom & I went to Bostocks. Roby lives next tent to them I always pay her a visit. I forgot to mention a surprise I got the other day, I was under the impression she lived with her brother I found out he is no relative but a man who seduced her in town & she left home to come on the diggins with him, living as
1/33 |
48
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-01 Friday
August 1856
man & wife. He is very unprincipled, & wants
her to prostitute herself & give him the
proceeds. I nevr could understand his plausible
manner to me, she told me all this herself
I believe she likes me, but my money shall
never benifit him by such means. I offered
her a present the other day but she refused it
1st August. Cloudy day. I hope we may have rain, we are getting short of water only got 3½ dwts to day. In the evening I went to the store for vituals. stayed at home & passed the rest of the evening reading
2nd Nice day, but cold. Im afraid my claim is worked out, got very little to day, only got about 1 dwt, making for the weeks work 2 oz 5 dwt. nearly £9.0.0 not bad Ill try it again on Monday but Im afraid its done — I went into Sandhurst & sold all my gold for £40.0.0 deposited it in the bank for safety, met Bostock went home with him, met Tom, had tea, after which we went to Sydnam gds there is a small Theatre in the centre & every Saturday night great numbers meet there & drink, & very few women are found there, we had a dance & got into a row about a girl (Roby). I fought a fellow till we got seperated, came home with her, but after seeing her home, I left & got to my own tent
1/34 |
49
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-03 Sunday
3rd A miserable day, windy & showery. After breakfast
Tom & I went to his sisters, & we all went according to
promise to D.Sullivan (7th White Hill) to dinner we
spent the afternoon with them, & after tea all returned
to Bostocks — got home by 8.Pm been reading
the last two hours
4th Just such weather as yesterday but more raining, couldnt go to work till 4 pm too late to do any good, been very unwell got a stomach ache I went to a new rush along with Tom, sank a hole each, I got down 7 ft, I think it will go about 14ft to the bottom, too deep for one man to work alone so if it is any good we shall have to go mates together, There are a lot of Chinese who have got the ground around us, & I believe are doing well Remained at home to night, reading aloud for Tom, a tale called “Jack Bragg” —
5th Beautiful day, but came on wet at 4 pm had to leave work in consequence I bottomed my hole & washed 2 tubs of the bottom & didnt get the color of gold out of it, we left it, & now we are going to bottom Toms hole. C.W. & his mate Harry Hawkins spent the evening with us, went home with them & passed a jolly night in their hut, its near 1 oclock
6th Fine day, bottomed our hole 14 ft deep, a regular duffer like the other one left it & cleaned out an old hole & washed 3 tubs out of it, no good. I go to my old
1/35 |
50
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-07 Thursday
August 1856
hole again in the morning. In the evening I
went down to, see Roby, H. was away we took a
walk among the hills for about two hours –
then called at Bostocks for my washing —
7th Very cold day, washed 5 tubs & got 2 dwts out of it. I took a walk in the afternoon to Tarry Bills Shiars Gully. Im thinking of trying some ground there. Spent the evening at Tom Doboys hut he is an old playmate of mine years ago in Adelaide, he sings, & plays the flutina very well, we spent a very pleasent evening with him came home & have been reading a little since
8th Miserable day. We went to the hole we were in yesterday & got out 4 tubs turnd out but 1½ dwt. We left it & began to sink a new hole higher up the gully. Some man, a Scotchman, wanted to bounc us out of the ground but we wouldnt have his cheek at any price but intend to stick to it. Ive been busy making an axe handle & another handle for a pick, finished the evening reading the "White Slave"
9th Been a wet day, couldnt go to work, managed between the showers to get 4 Barrows of wood. I also went to the store for some necessarys & sold the gold we got this week, 7/. apiece a smart weeks work for two men. After tea I went to Sandhurst no letters. When I came home I wrote a letter to mother. Went to Bostocks in the evening, didnt stay long, Roby walking a piece of the way back with me. Called at Charlies met Tom
1/36 |
51
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-10 Sunday
August 1856
came home, have been reading since. —
[1856-08-10-Sunday]
10th Nice day but cold. After breakfast Tom
& I went to Bostocks & helped him to shift his
tent, near us, had dinner with them in my
tent. Charlie & Harry was here also, I roasted
½ a sheep & boiled nearly a Bucket of potatoes
so we had plenty to eat after, putting up
their tent, which took us till dark. I then went
to see Roby stopped with her till 9 pm. came
home called at J.Halls, met several I knew
at his tent, spent a jolly night, .11 pm
11th Unsettled weather., found on going to our claim this morning that a Cornishman had jumped it, or taken possession of it. I went to the commissioner & laid a charge against him, which cost me £2.0.0 on my return I found him willing to leave it if I would forgo the charge & he would pay half the expense of fetching the Comms, (who always has £2 quartered him before he will settle any dispute). The claim is not much a/c but still we know there is good ground near by, he had sunk a hole — we have been driving it along the boundary line so has to stop the man in the next claim who is encroaching After we went to work, Jim Hall lent us a hand we drove about 15ft altogether. I guess our neighbour will stare in the morning, when he comes to work
12th Cloudy day. Went to work early hoping to do well to day, having so much wash dirt stripped, but we were doomed to disappointment we washed several tubs & got about 11 dwts. Our
1/37 |
52
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-13 Wednesday
August 1856
neighbour was in a passion this morning on
finding how we had cut him off, greedy beggar
he holds 4 mens ground to his own cheek more
than he is legally entitled too, he swears he'll
fetch the commissioner (or warden) to us, I think
he wont this afternoon, but he has a great
many cases on hand & cant come to settle
our dispute for a few days. If the ground
dont turn out better tomorrow than to day he
can have the lot. Been reading all the evening
13th, Been a lovely day, washed 6 tubs for 2 dwts, so we left the claim & went to a rush at the bottom of Eagle Hawk gully, near the Iron Stone Hills & marked out a claim, its 3 miles from here a long way to go to work, called at Charlies & had tea with him, Doby came in & he sang a few songs, he has a splendid voice Ive heard several good judges say, he has an extraordinary organ
14th Lovely day. went to Ironstone & began our hole its frightfully hard, being cement, we shall have to blast every inch of it, some people are doing very well, our claim is situated in a favourite spot, the lead of gold is supposed to come near by our claim, if it does I shall make my fortune, we called at Bostocks on our way home from work & had tea, I was surpid on getting home to hear that the person who has the next claim to us, where we worked before we went to Ironstone, had kept his word & had brought the warden out, we not being present (as we had no notice of his arriving
1/38 |
53
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-15 Friday
and didnt think anything more of the ground after
abandoning it) of course was misconstrued, &
the Warden without a hearing, settled the case
against us, the man had to pay the £2 &
he called on us to recover it (as is the custom)
we wouldnt give it to him, he threatens to
summons us, on us refusing to recognise the
case — the opinion is that we left the ground
on purpose, (what an absurdity) to avoid the trial
15th Nice day, left the tent at break of day for work, it is a good hours walk — 8 miles a day is no joke & have to do a days work, when we bottom & find it will pay We will shift our tent there, spent the evening reading —
16th Lovely day, rather warm, left work early about noon, having used all our powder (had dinner at Bostocks, where we are partially boarding) & went into Bendigo with Tom, got a letter from mother. In the evening Jim Hall called in & we went into town visited the Theatre, then went to the “Shamrock” heard some splendid singing & music, rather late when we got home —
17th A miserable day, reading in the morning in the afternoon went to Charlies, had tea & spent the evening at Bostocks
18th Another wet day, couldnt go to work — I went in Sandhurst & drew ₤30 out of the bank which I sent to Mr Hall in Adelaide to invest for me, he is the Mayor there
1/39 |
54
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-19 Tuesday
and a very old friend of the family. He has now
₤50.0.0 of mine in hand. I recd a letter
from mother, all well — Came home & helpd
Bostock to do some jobs. Denny Sullivan
had been here during my absence, & him &
Tom have gone to Piggotts Hotel drinking
he shant live with me if he carries on so –
Im a staunch teatoteller myself & never
drink, our friend the Scotchman called for his £2
I did not give it to him —
[1856-08-19-Tuesday]
19th Nice day, very late when we got to
work through Tom getting drunk last night
found our hole full of water, ran in during
the night, bailed it out we made a
windlass, which took up the whole of the day
so our hole is no deeper, we will get at it in
good earnest, tomorrow passed a pleasent evening
reading & playing my Concertina till Denny
came in drunk, poor fellow, his wife has
turned out again & run away, he found
one of his children at a strange place, he
brought it to Bostocks, Faith ) Mrs B
is taking care of it, got him to Bostocks
& they made him a shakedown on the floor
[1856-08-22-Friday]
22nd Some days since I continued my journal
owing to some unpleasent events that have transpired
Wednesday evening on our return from work
we found Mr Gillies, the man that we had the dispute
with, had got a warrant out for us, & that he
with two policemen had been to our tent & not finding
us had gone, we spent the evening at Bostocks
& was just leaving them, when in walked 2
1/40 |
55
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-22
policemen, who read out a warrant to us, for using
abusive language & maliciously injuring his claim by
driving upon it, (whilst he actually had no right to)
however we couldnt get out of it, Tom, he sat down on
the floor & Said hed be d — d if he would walk
to the watchhouse that night. I couldnt help laughing
at Tom coolness, they lifted him on his feet but down
he dropped again, they thought theyd get a cart but
it was no use; they put the handcuffs on him at last
& on promise of a drink on passing the hotel, they
got him started. I was spared the indignity of being
hand cuffed — we were taken to the E.Hawk watch-
house, a place some 12 ft square made of rough
IronBark logs, the spaces being wide enough to pass
an arm through, there was a pool of water in the
centre, & around the sides, a log to sit upon, rose from
the ground about a foot, we had not been long there
when a drunken man & woman was pushed in, they
were disgusting, I tried to sleep on one of the logs, but
it was so cold, I couldnt (the wind was rushing in
through the gaps) — Tom & the woman kicked up an
awful row, he insisted upon her undressing & going
to bed like a Christian, until she pulled off her dress
which he took possession of & wrapped himself up in
& was soon asleep. I was amused, however day broke
at last & I was agreeably surprised to hear H.Hawkins
voice outside the Logs, "Holloa my hearty how are you" (he
has been a sailor) he had brought a billy of coffee (which
he had warmed at a diggers fire in the neighbourhood)
& some sandwiches, he pushed them through the chinks
to us the sentry saying nothing. I shant forget
Harrys kindness, about 8.am two policemen took
us out & marched us into Bendigo like two criminals
1/41 |
56
Harry Hawkins, “Bendigo Mack” Sandhurst Logs, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-22-Friday
a distance of four miles I never felt so ashamed in
my life. On our arrival in Sandhurst we were put
into the “Logs” again (a similar place to the one we
spent the night in but larger & surrounded by
a very high palisading. About 12 am we were ushered
into the courthouse (saw many faces I knew.) before
the Magistrate “Old Mac” as he is called (McLauglin)
& in his stern manner inquired our names. I told him
mine & answered some other questions relating to my
family, he did the same to Tommy who was very
impertinent to him, “Mac” got into a passion &
said we were two young vagabonds, he had no doubt
& remanded us till the following day before ever he
heard what we were indicted for, on entering the
Pigsty (on a large scale) we found ourselves in the
company of the most wretched looking specimens of
humanity I ever looked upon, 18 in all, crowded
in a place measg 14 x 20 ft. in one corner was
a bucket of water & a shelf, in another corner a tub
for the convenience of the prisoners, we had a pair
of Blankets given us each & a loaf of bread between
us for the day. I thought it was best to put a good
face on the matter & soon got to know my associates
there were four Chinamen for petty thieving, 1 man
for a rape on his step daughter, the fellow told me
all about it, said he was drunk & went into what
he thought his wifes bed, & remembers no more
there was also a gang of cattle stealers, one of them
I knew years ago, saw him steal a horse very
cleverly about 3 years ago or better. There was a
nice young fellow, for murdering a Chinese at
the Back creek. Towards evening Mrs Bostock
fetched us a meat pie & some biscuits, whilst I
1/42 |
57
Sandhurst Logs, Harry Hawkins, “Bendigo Mack”, 1856-08-22-Friday
was looking for a chip of wood to spread some butter
on one, the other prisoners rushed my pie. Tom had
a piece of it, but I didnt get a smell of it. Old
Piggott came to bail me out but because he wouldnt
bail Tom out, I would not agree — At 8. pm we were
told to retire to our bed, the floor of the place was
made of rough logs & it was like sleeping on a
gridiron, however I slept very soundly, Tom on one side
& a Chinaman on the other, the following morning at
10. am we were marched up to the Courthouse, when
Mr. Gilles gave his evidence, which amused the court
The Magistrate jumped up & said it was not a criminal
case & should not have been brought before him, but
to the Wardens court, he stated that Gilles had made
himself liable for a charge against him for false
imprisonment. The Warden (on our acquittal) & a
lawyer that we engaged (Cutten) at once came out of
Sandhurst to Long Gully to go over the case again
on the ground, a jury was selected from the crowd
& on going into the case it was proved that we had
not encroached on his ground at all. A great many
were present & gave such a cheer, & then hisses for
the other party & to serve him out, some men took
from him the ground which he held too much —
The lawyer wouldnt take his fee from me, but he advised us to prosecute for false imprisonment & he conduct the case. The case wont come off for some two months & God knows where we may be or Gilles by that time). We all adjourned to Piggotts & had something to drink, had dinner at Bostocks nearly all our acquaintance made it a holiday & more than one got drunk in consequence spent the evening at Charlies very pleasently came home early, & so passed two of the most momentous days of my life in one sense — as yet
1/43 |
58
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-23 Saturday
August 1856
[1856-08-23-Saturday]
22nd Lovely day. Found 5ft of water in our hole
this morning. I had to leave work early having to
go into Bendigo, on coming home I cut my heel
on a piece of quartz, its very sore, spent the night
at Bostocks, the usual lot of neighbours being there
[1856-08-24-Sunday] 23rd Very windy. Been busy during the morning in doing up our tent. We went to Charlies & had dinner, Denny & J.Hall was there. In the afternoon we went to Sydnam Gardens, it is a regular rendezvous for friends to meet on a Sunday plenty of sport, swings & gymnastic arrangements all over the grounds, and nice little summer houses & waiters running about, spent the evening at Bostocks, just been doctoring up my heel, very sore [1856-08-25-Monday] 24th Warm day, went to work early, we expect to bottom our hole in a day or two, the men in the next claim bottomed & got 5 dwts to the dish of dirt, the lead runs through their claim & I am afraid we shant be on the run, feel very tired, shall go to bed [1856-08-26-Tuesday] 25 Lovely day, work early, found our hole a little softer, got down quicker than we thought & bottomed just before we left work. I tried a dish full & didnt get the “color” of gold out of it, makes me feel very downhearted. Im having bad luck, this is the hardest hole I ever sank in my life, spent the evening at Bostocks, several there — [1856-08-28-Thursday] 27 Weather very unsettled rained in the morning couldnt get to work till late, 10. am. I left Tom at home he promised to come in 1/2 an hour but after waiting 2 hours & no signs of him I came home & found he had just gone. I wasnt
1/44 |
59
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-08-29-Friday
going after him, I went into Sandhurst, knocking
about, passed the Courthouse & stayed there some
time hearing the trial of the young chap that
was in for murdering the Chinaman, of course
I felt interested in him & stayed till dark the
case being remanded, found Tom at home ill
pleased at my not coming after him to work, we
had some words, but I soon shut him up, been
reading all the evening, didnt write yesterday log
[1856-08-29-Friday]
29th Beautiful day. Went to our claim & drove
it for 10 ft, couldnt find anything to pay us
my heel is very sore, having to walk so far every
day keeps it from healing. Tom & Denny have
been away to the White Hills, looking for the
latters wife, she took all Dennys money with
her, & he is out of work, poor devil I pity him
[1856-08-30-Saturday]
29th Warm day. Came home from work at
noon, as usual on a Saturday, did not go to
Sandhurst to day, feeling very tired. been busy
clearing up the tent & repairing our tools, In
the evening J.Hall came in for a while. Been
reading since he left I intend writing to mother
[1856-08-31-Sunday]
30 Lovely day, cleaned myself early & read
during the morning, being alone, I was just
commencing dinner when Dennys wife made
her appearance looking most dissolute & half
drunk, she wanted her children, I sent Faith away with them to a neighbours, & she abused
me & the rest of us shamefully. Denny came
up at the time & there was such a row, he would
have killed her if I hadnt stopped him, she
went away at last. Denny is in an
awful way, poor fellow he has had a deal to
1/45 |
60
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-09-01-Monday
put up with her, she was very young when he married
her, (in Sydney) he had plenty of money at the time
he owned an hotel on Bathurst & a Bakers shop
& was clearing £100 per week, she acquired a
taste for drink, & used to be very extravagant
he sent her to Sydney, but there she was worse
than ever squandering money like smoke –
at length she ruined him, but he is one of those
chaps that could do well anywhere, he came to
Bendigo & began business & was doing well
when she broke out worse than ever, drinking
& prostituting herself seemed to satisfy her. Denny is
only a wreck of what he was when I knew him
first, he was always very steady, but having
no home, he is sinking very low, he is to
be pitied. Passed the evening reading —
[1856-09-01-Monday]
31st Weather unsettled, drove our hole in another
direction, but no use cant find anything to
pay I dont think Ill try it again, left work
early & went into Sandhurst, posted a letter
to mother, spent the evening reading —
[1856-09-02 Tuesday]
1st Sept Cloudy day, went to work with the determination
if we could not get any gold to do no more in the hole
tried 3 tubs & didnt get 3d of gold out of them
In the evening had a look round for a place to set in
tomorrow, didnt decide on any place, reading during
the evening — Im half asleep. [1856-09-03-Wednesday] 2nd Went down an old
hole near our tent, & tried 7 tubs out of it, got
19 dwts, very good. I hope it may continue
so for a while. I want to get a few pounds
Im getting very short of money, having sent
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61
Pinch Gut Gully, Bendigo, Campbell’s Creek (now Marong), Victoria Australia, 1856-09-04-Thursday
September 1856
my money to Mr Hall. There is a large rush
at a place called Donolly about 40 miles in a
N W direction from Bendigo. I know several
that have gone & Ive heard since are doing very
well, it is one of the largest rushes ever took place
I have quite made up my mind to go and see
the place, it wont cost me more than £2 to
go up and down, I can walk it in a day &
a half, carry my blankets, spent the evening
at Bostocks
[1856-09-04-Thursday] 3rd [4th] Been a nice day, 7 tubs for 4 dwts very poor, got disgusted with it so we intend to start for the new rush in the morning we can only muster £2.2s.6d between us, we intend only taking our blankets & a pick & shovel & if we think anything of the place to return & shift the tent & tools etc, who knows! , we may be lucky, faint heart never won a fair lady, I wrote a letter to Mother, Been to see Charlies & Hall, bid them goodbye.
[1856-09-11-Thursday; Pinchgut Gully-Bendigo]
11th Better than a week since I last wrote, have
seen a deal during that time. I kept a journal
in pencil in my Pocket Book, I got home
last night [1856-09-11-Thursday?] about 9 oclock after walking
40 miles in one day, & carrying a swag, something
to boast about, we left here on Friday [1856-09-05] morning
& thought of taking a near cut from Myers Flat
to Campbells Creek. I had the direction but Tom
who professed to know all about the road
persisted in saying we were wrong. I, like a
1/47 |
62
Campbell’s Creek (now Marong), Jones’s Creek, Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1856-09-07 Sunday
fool allowed myself to be led by him, after losing our
selves & wandering in a forest till near 3 pm we
found ourselves close to where we started from. I
insisted on having my way & after an hours walk
made Campbells Creek. Tom wanted to camp but
I would go on to the Lagoon about 4 miles
further, it was quite dark when we camped,
we had a small calico tent with us, which we
soon pitched, boiled our billy, & cooked our
supper, there were hundreds of people on the
road all bound for the new rush, every discription
of vehicle, men with their families
tramping along, I pitied many. What an infatuation
there is in gold digging, when men
will sacrifice everything & all thats dear to them, position
friends & the comforts of civilized life in the
pursuit, we gathered some dry leaves to sleep
upon & slept soundly, [1856-09-06-Saturday] rose at break of day,
had breakfast & was soon on the road again
the road laid over about 15 miles of stony plain
& hardly a drop of water to be found, then
made the Loddon, called a river, surprised to find
a fine Bridge over it camped & had dinner, after
it was over, we walked for about 8 miles further
over a low rough hilly country, till we came
to the Jones Creek diggings where we camped
felt very tired & footsore, some fellows camped
near us who were returning from the rush they
told us they thought it was a good rush but it
was very deep sinking, & cost some money
to sink. [1856-09-07-Sunday-Dunolly] We walked into Donolly rush
at the head of the lead the next
1/48 |
63
Dunolly, Sandy Creek (now Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1856-09-08
Sept 1856
morning (Sunday) found hundreds of tents in
every direction & thousands of men knocking
about, we pitched our tent the first thing, &
walked down the lead, (which commences in a
narrow gully then widens out onto a flat)
until we came to a large calico township
with stores & public houses & Restaurants on
each side of a street near a mile in length
I never saw such a scene in my life, thousands
knocking about, I saw many I knew, we
went to a Restaurant & paid 2/. for a dinner
the best I ever had on the diggins & the cheapest
for a Restaurant, not four weeks ago all the
place had been a forest with hardly a soul
for miles & now there is a lead averaging
6 claims wide for nearly 2 miles in length,
to the uninitiated it must appear wonderful
I was soon convinced it was no place for
a man without money all the shallow
ground was taken up, the lead is now in deep
wet sinking & requires a lot of money. I
wish Id gone when I first heard of it –
3 weeks ago — we packed up our tent on
Monday [1856-09-08] morning & startd home but hearing
of a rush near Sandy Creek & being but a
few miles out of the road we thought we would
go & see it, found the place about dinner
time, camped & began to sink a hole but
it struck a spring of water & couldnt
bottom it. There were nearly 8000 people
on the ground. I could hear of no body
1/49 |
64
Dunolly, Old Dunolly (now Goldsborough), Victoria Australia, 1856-9-10-Wednesday
getting any gold, so we, next morning [1856-09-09] Tuesday,
packed up & started again for Bendigo after
walking about 4 miles, being then 10 from
Donolly, I thought we had better go back
again & give it a trial, (I mean to Donolly)
Tom wasnt agreeable for a time, but I thought it
looked so foolish after coming such a distance &
never trying the place — He at length agreed
made there about dark the same night –
pitched our tent, in the evening, we went to the
township, found everything very busy, public
houses, free & easys & lots dancing rooms
crowded. We went into several places, visited
Tom Currans Boxing Saloon
put on the gloves with some fellow who got
very quarrelsome, had to leave quick or we would
have been half murdered. We had a dance & left about
12 oclock missed our way & got somewhere about 4 miles
from our tent wandering about near old Donolly. We
lit a fire & got a few bushes together & made a Break-
wind & slept out for the night. [1856-9-10-Wednesday; Goldsborough & Dunolly] At break of day, we
woke up perishing with cold & quite wet with
dew. On looking round we found that in the dark
we had come up a wrong gully, however we soon
made for our tent & cooked some breakfast felt
all right — we started away to look at the digging
went down several deserted holes (shallow ones) but
couldnt find anything to pay, we bought a rope
& went down a 50 foot hole & drove a few feet
putting our mullock into an old drive. We washed
a good prospect out of one or two dishes of dirt, but
not having a windlass to work it, or tub &
cradle to wash the stuff & no money to buy them
1/50 |
65,
Dunolly, Pinch Gut Gully, Victoria Australia, 1856-09-11-Thursday
& we couldnt borrow any, we were compelled to make
up our minds to return to Bendigo, so the next
morning [1856-09-11-Thursday; Dunolly] at peep o day we made a start, being a
lovely morning we enjoyed the first few miles, it was really
beautiful, to see the dew on the ground like diamonds
& hear the birds chirping & singing in every direction
but when we got onto the plains in the middle of the
day & got tired & thirsty, every thing like pleasurable
emotions vanished – two poor miserable wretches we
appeared to be on our arrival here last night.
[1856-09-11-Thursday — continued.] To day we have been making arrangements to go to the rush again Bostock, Charlie Watkinson, & H. Hawkins, & a man that works with Bostock, called Mucksom & myself are all going mates. We intend hiring a dray to take up our tools Mrs B & family, she is to cook for us, we purpose leaving here on Monday. Ive sold my tent for £2, & Tom Seymour promised to give me the £1 he borrowed & I have about ₤1 by me so I shall manage. Im as well off as the rest of my mates – Tom Rudd not having any money took a job this morning at a puddling mill for a fortnight till he gets a few pounds & then he will follow us. I went to the Post Of recd a letter from mother. I knocked about a great deal to day, bidding people good bye, saw Roby, she swears she'll come after me, she is leading a miserable life, I advised her to go to Melbourne & offered to pay her fare she got into an awful way at the idea, said shed sooner die than disgrace her family by her presence, poor thing – what a good wife she would have made, if she hadnt commited herself, very warmhearted & affectionate & very industrious, she makes a deal of money working with her needle
1/51 |
66
Pinch Gut Gully: Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1856-09-12 Friday
12th.Sept 1856. Very warm day, went & got my tools
done up at the Blacksmith & went fossicking about
went into an old hole & took out a pillar, 2 tubs &
got 1½ dwts out of them. Knocked off early & made 2
pickhandles, Jim Hall came in the evening I gave him
several Books & things that I cant sell or take with
me. I wrote a letter to Mother —
[1856-09-13-Saturday] 13 Beautiful day. I went & got 2 tubs & washed ½ dwt out of it, got disgusted, took my Boots to mend & went into Sandhurst, wrote a note to Uncle, Bought a few things I require, came home early saw Seymour he cant pay me the pound, but let me have a watch for the money. I would rather have the money just now It was 12 oclock when I left Bostocks to night several acquaintances was there – I dont think I will write my journal until I arrive at our journeys end – wherever I may be. "Sandy Creek"
[1856-09-16-Tuesday; Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla)] 15th. We left Bendigo on [1856-09-14] Sunday about dinner time & made the “Log Inn” the first night, where we camped came on wet, made it very miserable, sleeping out Mrs B & youngsters slept under the cart with a tarpaulin over them, we made a large fire – we made Sandy Creek last night, 9 miles from Donolly, & hearing that its not turning out very well & not being very flush of money, we thought we had better settle down here & try the summer, its a very central place & we shall always be within a convenient distance if any rush that may break out, we have been very busy to day, getting poles out of the bush for our tents & to erect Bunks to sleep upon, very primitive arrangements they are. It appears to be a very quiet place not many people, there are two public houses
1/52 |
67
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1856-09-17 Wednesday
one called the Rising Sun, the other the Sandy Creek hotel
& some three or four stores. We are told the ground
in the neighbourhood is very patchy, they think
nothing of working weeks after weeks in a hole for
nothing, but then they may come upon a nugget
that will pay them for a 12 months bad luck, a
man told me this afternoon he worked for 6 months
& didnt make half enough to keep him, was in debt
everywhere, but at last he came on a piece 12 lbs
weight, worth between 500 & 600 pounds Stg. I hope we
may fall on such a piece
[1856-09-17-Wednesday]
16th. Nice day. First thing this morning Jim & I
went about to find a place to set into work, left
the others at home, making a windlasses & doing jobs
about our encampment, we tried a place called Doctors
Creek but could get nothing to pay. In the evening I
wrote to Tom & informed him of our change of plans
[1856-09-18-Thursday] 17th. Been a wet day. Tried several old holes but could get nothing to pay. I suppose we shall in time I & Harry have been reading aloud to the rest of the party, now for Bed
[1856-09-19-Friday] 18th. Been a nice day, working very hard, got no gold. Spent the evening reading – [1856-09-20-Saturday] 19th. Been very hot, we all took a walk this morn to Donolly to have a look at the place, a great many have left it, we saw no inducement to go there, it is astonishing the change that has taken place, arrived home tired enough, about 5.pm spent the evening reading & playing my concertina. [1856-09-21-Sunday] 19th. Sultry day, Sunday, Charlie & I took a long walk in the Bush. Killed a large black snake, we saw plenty of Kangaroos & K.rats, but not having any dogs or guns, we
1/53 |
68
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1856-09-22 Monday
could not catch them, spent the evening reading
[1856-09-22-Monday]
20th. Warm day, sunk 2 holes one of them was
a duffer the other we washed 6 tubs out of it &
got 6 dwts, not much between 5 of us. Spent
the evening reading
[1856-09-23-Tuesday] 21st. Wet day, miserable working, found 6 ft of water in our hole, bailed it out & got 14 dwts of gold out of it, a little better, there was 1 piece 2½ dwts amongst it. In the evening Tom Doboy & his father called on us, there are going to Donolly, but will stop the night — with us, we felled a tree close to our tent after leaving work, & split a lot of props & caps for our hole, spent the evening pleasently singing & playing Etc [1856-09-24-Wednesday] 22 Warm day, we all set to & sank a paddock or a hole on a large scale about 10 ft x 12 – bottomed it about 4 pm & washed 3½ dwts out of it I think it will pay us, been learning a game called Cribbage this evening, the only game of cards that I fancy is worth learning, making a good counter [1856-09-25-Thursday] 23rd. Windy day. Washed 20 tubs & got 19 dwts out of them, amongst it was a nugget weighing 4 dwts. Spent my evening as usual [1856-09-26-Friday] 24 Warm day. We made 10 dwt to day, making for the week 2 oz 12 dwt between us. Tom Doby returned from Donolly to night, going back to Bendg Charlie & I intend returning with him for some things we left behind us. We start in the morning — [1856-09-29-Monday-written Sandy Creek] 27th. Back home again. I left here last Saturday [1856-09-27] morning & got into Bendigo by 2 pm 30 miles in 8½ hours is not bad walking, had dinner at Tom Dobys tent. Jim & I went into Sandhurst,
1/54 |
69
Bendigo, Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1856-10-01 Wednesday
called at the P.O. no letters. I met Tom Rudd & Denny
I wanted them to return back with me, but they dont
feel inclined, things seems very busy. I had tea in a
Restaurant & meeting some folks I know we all agred
to go to the Shamrock Concert Hall. We enjoyed ourselves
very well, they have some fresh singers since I left
Mdm Carandina, Sara Flowers, Mrs & Mr Hancock, Howson
& Thatcher the comic singer, after it was over we went
to a pie shop and eat an anormous quantity of pies
it got late, we went to the hotel they wanted 4/.
each for a bed, wouldnt give it, went to another place
& got one for 2/6 — & better bed into the bargain.
Sunday [1856-09-28-Long Gully] morning I went to Long gully & spent the
day in Halls hut, Doboy was playing his flutina
& we read & sang & altogether passed a jolly day
In the evening I went to see Roby she was so glad
to see me. I stayed with her about two hours, she
wanted me to take her back with me. I slept at
Halls all night. This morning, Monday, we
left Bendigo about 8. am, got home about 8
P.m very tired and fatigued, for I had to carry
a good load up with me
[1856-10-01-Wednesday] 28th. Cold day, got 12½ dwts to day spent the evening as usual
[1856-10-02-Wednesday; Sandy Creek] 29th. Been a hot day. Commenced another big hole to day, not bottomed yet, we got 3 dwts to day out of some stuff left from yesterday. Been reading [1856-10-03-Friday; Sandy Creek] 30th Sept 1856. Nice day, bottomed our hole, & got 12 dwts. & a nugget 3½ dwts. Tom & Denny arrived from Bendigo this evening, they are going to Donolly will take a spell for a day or two with us, before they go
[1856-10-04-Saturday; Sandy Creek] 1st October Nice day. Harry & I are the washers the next week in the claim, we washed 21 tubs of dirt which realized 12 dwts, poor work for 5 men, but this place is not like Bendigo for
1/55 |
70
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1856-10-05 Sunday
October 1856
there it runs regular, but here it lies in patches
for instance to day we washed nearly 21 tubs & hardly
got 1 dwts out of them, then the last tub turned out
more than 10 dwts or ½ oz. Went to the Frenchmans
store at dinner time found he has a library, got a
Book from him. Been reading during the evening
& playing cribbage
Been a miserable day, couldnt get to work, we
made 2 oz between us for the week, only just enough to
pay for our Board & washing, we bought a
Weekly Herald & paid 2/6 for it, an awful
price for a paper, we could get the same on
Bendigo for 1/. spent the day in reading Etc
I went to the store for Faithey, Tom & Denny
dont go till tomorrow
[1856-10-05-Sunday] Beautiful day, Sunday. we spent the day running & jumping, wrestling & other gymnastic sports, went out shooting in the woods, for a few hours in the afternoon In the evening I wrote to Mother, informing where I was & what I was doing. I went to the Frenchmans store, the P.O. is attached to it, I posted my letter. I was playing cricket for a a short time & fell & hurt myself nearly put my wrist out, served me right for breaking the Sabbath. Tom & Denny are still here
[1856-10-06-Monday] 6th. Warm day, my wrist pained me very much. I sunk a hole but was a long while about it, the others have been sinking but got on to nothing – Tom & Denny left us this morning, spent the evening reading
1/56 |
71
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla) & somewhere in the bush, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-08 Wednesday
7th. Warm day, worked hard but got no gold —
Tom Doboy & his father returned from Donolly
they are going back to Bendigo to work in Epson
near Sandhurst, passed the evening reading aloud
8th. Nice day, didnt bottom our paddock, Tom & Denny returned from Donolly to day having got sick of it. Tom intends going to Bendigo with Doby Denny has a sore foot & will remain with us for a spell, till its better, they say that while in Donolly they heard there was a letter there for me at the P.O. I suppose mother thinking I was on Donolly sent it there — the worst of it, the P.O. is 5 miles from the township nearly 15 miles from here to go across the Bush — Ill go go on Sunday for it if its fine
9th. Nice day, bottomed our paddock washed 20 tubs & only got 10 dwts out of it. Bad work – Ive been reading "Euguen Aram" this evening
10th. Warm day, washed 17 tubs for 12 dwts left work early, passed the evening as usual
11th. Nice day, worked very hard, but couldnt get anything till Harry went into an old hole & knocked out a few tubs, out of which we got 17 dwts, but unfortunately there is no more left, making for the week 2 oz 7 dwts, which just cleared our expenses In the evening sold our gold & bought stores for the coming week
[1856-10-12-Sunday; Sandy Creek & somewhere in the bush] 12th. Nice day cleaned myself early – Charlie & I took a strool on a voyage of
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Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla) and somewhere in the bush, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-13 Monday
discovery, to try & find some better place to set into
work – met a man with whom we got into
conversation with, he told us of a place some
miles in the bush, where he heard some
men where working on the quiet, he was
going & we went with him, found the place
after a deal of trouble, liked the look of it
I think will try a hole there to morrow
spent the evening as usual
[1856-10-13-Monday-somewhere in the bush] 13th. Sultry day. We all went to the place we visited yesterday, I sank 3 holes, it was late when we got to the bottom of them, & Im sorry to say they were all duffers, how very mortifying, got home late & felt tired, spent the evening reading
[1856-10-14-Tuesday; Sandy Creek] 14th. Cloudy. scatterd about, trying different places, got 3 dwts between us, passed the evening as usual
[1856-10-15-Wednesday] 15. Cold windy day. Worked very hard got no gold, intend to try the old spot in the morning but the other 3 got 7 dwt, how unfortunate we are. I never had such bad luck in my life before. Been reading one of Bulwers novels, he is a favourite author of mine
[1856-10-16-Thursday] 16th. Unsettled weather. sank a hole each to day., only bottomed one, a duffer. In the evening I wrote a long letter for Charlie to his mother in England, he left home 12 years ago, & has never heard a word of them since nor has he ever wrote to them.
[1856-10-17-Friday] 17th. Lovely day. bottomed our hole, got about 1 dwt amongst us, we shall have to get credit from the storekeeper if we dont
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Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-18-Saturday
do better, & I dont like the idea. Been reading &
writing all the evening
[1856-10-18-Saturday; Sandy Creek] 18th. Windy day. we got out of a hole Bostock sank. About 1 oz of gold, the rest of us got nothing making for the weeks work 1 oz 17 dwts or ₤1.6.6 each just enough to pay our expenses I went to the P.O. & got a letter from mother, in- forming me that Uncle had returnd from Adelaide & intended coming to Bendigo, his son my couzin Henry is with him, I went to the Library & got a Book called the “Prime Minister” which I like exceedingly
[1856-10-19-Sunday; Sandy Creek] 19th. Sultry day. I left here early this morning for Donolly, cut across the Bush, went there & Back in 8 hours, 30 miles, got the letter I alluded to last week, found my last one from mother of a later date, it was frightfully hot in the bush, I found the sandflies & mosquitoes very troublesome my face is like a person that has had the small pox. I came through Jones Creek I feel very tired, shall soon get to bed (Sunday)
[1856-10-20-Monday; Sandy Creek] 20th Nice day. bad luck again, got 1½ dwts between us, spent the evening playing the Concertina & reading. I went to the Store & posted a letter to mother, had a yarn with Jim by the fire
[1856-10-21-Tuesday] 21st Very hot day. got 5 dwts between us. In the evening I went to see a little rush near the store there is only one hole bottomed & it is paying I marked out a claim, & intend to sink a hole upon it in the morning
[1856-10-22-Wednesday; Sandy Creek] 22nd. Windy day. went to the rush, it was very shallow ground sunk several holes, got about 1 dwts. Charlie & Jim went down to the Rising Sun & got drunk I carried Charlie home on my back & got him to bed, but
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74
Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-23-Thursday
Jim began to kick up a row, we left him in
his tent & went to the store Harry & Bostock
having gone to a neighbours Faithey was left
alone & the infernal sweep during our absence
tried to take libertys with Faith. I got home
just in time to catch him insulting her. I hit
him between the eyes which rather astonished
him, he got up bullying & rushed me, but I
was too smart for him & didnt I walk into
him, the wretch, to think how we took him
in & helped him when he was starving. It was
one day on Bendigo. Faith saw a man sitting
under a Bush, she took him food & allowed
him to stay in the tent, & got him a job
so that he got a few pounds together. I never
liked the fellow, he was transported (for killing
a man in a fight at Plymouth) for 14 years
he & I are tent mates, he is in bed just opposite
me not 2 foot, he is asleep now & a more
hidious face I never looked upon, covered
with blood from my blow. Im afraid Ill have
a Black eye in the morning where he managed
to hit me, I dont like the idea of sleeping in
the same tent with him he is such a nasty
treacherous fellow, well God forgive him if
he injures me
[1856-10-23-Thursday; Sandy Creek] 23rd Been a wet day. Could not work, stayed in the tent nearly all day, its miserable being in a tent during wet weather
[1856-10-24-Friday; Sandy Creek] 24th Nice day. bottomed one hole & got 3 dwts we have another nearly down, we are in great hopes /, it is between 2 others claims that are paying well, spent the evening read aloud one of Coopers novels —
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Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-25-Saturday
October 1856 Sandy Creek
[1856-10-25-Saturday; Sandy Creek]
25th. Warm day. Our hole was a duffer but we
intend to drive it, we got 1½ dwts to day making
for the week 19 dwt, worse & worse – Bostock & I
left work early felled a large tree got about 4
loads of firewood to the tent. went to the P.O this
evening. Borrowed Volney "Rise & fall of Empires".
I have read a little of it & am greatly interested
Im very partial to history —
[1856-10-26-Sunday; Sandy Creek] 26th. Hot day. After Breakfast I took a bag & went into the bush & cut a lot of grass to make a mattress with, cleaned out my tent & other little jobs Etc. took a strool in the afternoon among the hills Im fond of going out alone climbing over hills & drag ging opossom out of hollow trees & looking for snakes, this neighbourhood is the worst place I ever was in Australia for snakes & lizards of every variety There is a strange old fellow lives near us, who has a very large collection of such like, he cures & stuffs them, & then sends them home to England I often go to see him, he is a Christian & I believe an excellent scholar, & from some remarks he made to me, has *for some portion of his life mixed in first class society he got quite excited on my asking him to relate some portion of his history, he stopped me at once by the most chilling reserve & didnt speak to me for some days, I was very sorry for I always feel improved after being in his company – I spent the rest of the day in reading, Volney –
[1856-10-27-Monday; Sandy Creek] 27th. Lovely day. got about 1½ dwts to day drove our hole some 15 ft, havn't knocked down our wash dirt. We are getting downhearted on our luck if I had £2 I would put my swag on my back & take to the roads & try my fortune in some other neighbourhood
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76
Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-28-Tuesday
October 1856. Sandy Creek
[1856-10-28-Tuesday; Sandy Creek]
28th. Sultry day. drove our hole 6 ft further, could
not get the color of gold, out of several tubs we
washed, the other 3 got 5 dwt out of another
hole. Charlie & I began 2 holes among the old ground
in the gully, one of them went through into an
old drive, so that was a call – spent the night
as usual
[1856-10-29-Wednesday; Sandy Creek] 29th. Very hot, sank 2 duffers to day 10 ft deep each, we got between us about 4 dwts. I think we are going to have a thunder storm to night the wind is howling through the trees. I hope our tent wont be blown away.
[1856-10-30-Thursday; Sandy Creek] 30th. Been a beautiful day, but last night was awful, Bostock tent being the largest was blown down Faith & the children were in the rain which fell in torrents, nearly naked, we arose & dressed ourselves & they spent the rest of the night in my tent whilst us men put up their tent again, miserable work, drenched to the skin & the wind howling, we could scarcely see what we were doing it was so dark, we had to take advantag of the flashes of lightning, however the storm blew over by daylight & we soon got things to right the bedding we got dried to day. there was a large gum tree about 5 ft in diameter about 100 yards from the tent was struck with the lightning & shivered into splinters & scattered some pieces 200 yards away. I never heard such a noise in my life & or witnessed such a scene — it was late when we got to work, got 6 dwts between us, I received a letter from mother with a deal of consolation in it Etc which was very acceptable, she dont know what gold digging is, she informed me that Uncle had left town & had gone to Bendigo — I suppose he is there now.
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Sandy Creek, Nuggety or near Nuggety Gully and Half Way Diggins, Victoria Australia, 1856-10-31-Friday
31st Oct. 1856. Hot day, a friend of ours told us
this morning of some men at work on the sly in
the Bush I accompanied him & after a deal of
trouble came upon a nice little likely looking gully
in which we found 8 men at work, of course they
looked surprised on seeing us, were anything but
civil, however I sank 2 holes, being very shallow
but couldnt get anything to pay out of them
I tried another & got a payable prospect from
a dish of dirt, so Ill try it again to morrow
1st November 1856. Sultry day, went out with Jim to the place we where [sic] at yesterday. Jim sank a duffer I tried my hole & washed 1 dwt out of 4 dishes of dirt, it would pay us well if there was any water but there is none so we were compelled to abandon it — unfortunately the road is too rough to cart the stuff could not get a horse within miles of the place. I found a lot of *muscisa & eat a lot of native cherries made us both sick, we made 1 oz of gold this week, sick of commenting upon our bad luck — Been reading Night & Morning one of Bulwers work —
2nd. Hot day. cleaned my tent & greased my Boots Etc, then took a long strool with the others to look at some gullies in the ranges where some men are at work on the sly, we took a dish with us & tried several places but could find nothing to pay, we struck across the Bush & came on to another gully, being Sunday nobody was there, we went down the holes found the tools, also a tub of dirt in soak which we washed & found 1 dwts of gold, we filled the tub with some stuff that was lying near & put the gold back again so the men that belongs to it will not be any the wiser for our searching We intend to return in the morning & try the place, its half way between Sandy Creek & Newbridge on the Loddon.
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Sandy Creek, Nuggety or near Nuggety Gully and Half Way Diggins, 1856-11-03-Monday
November 1856. Sandy Creek-
3rd Warm day. rose early Jim & I getting our things
ready, while the others got the tools done up, got to
the place which we call the Half way diggins, we took
a tent & blankets & tossed up who should remain out there
it fell on Jim Mucksom & I, we got here by 8 oclock
put up the tent & got everything ready for work, in
about an hours time, we sank one or two holes bottomed
rather late in the afternoon, we washed 5½ dwts, not
so bad a beginning considering the last time *we *had
I like remaining here, for its a long way to walk
nights & morning from Sandy Creek. Jim & I cut a
lot of grass & spread it over the floor of our tent to sleep
upon, we eat outside in the open air. The others are
to fetch our vituals to us every morning. In the evening
we took a strool in the Bush, caught an opossum
we found we had brought no candles, but finding an
old sardine Box by the road side, I converted it into
what a Bushman calls a slush lamp, filled it half
full with clay, & filled it up with grease & stuck a wick
into it made of a bit of calico twisted round a bit of
stick, to keep it perpendicular — not a very pleasent
smell attached to it, but having long used them I am
accustomed to it.
4th Warm day. this is a fearful place for mosquitoes never saw any thing to equal it they are in myriads we had to gather cattle dung this morning & burn it in the tent when having filled with smoke we intend to turn into Bed, anything but agreeable, we workd very hard to day, got 11 dwts to day, a good many diggers paid us a visit some stopped & sunk hole but I dont know they were much account so they left – left work early, spent the evening reading a Book Harry got for me from the Library, Homers Iliad Ive taken quite a liking for poetry since I read Shakespeares plays. I can scarcely comprehend this work, having no knowledge of mythology & knowing very little of ancient history, but what gathered from Volneys work
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Half Way Diggins, Blackfellow’s Camp Newbridge, Victoria Australia, 1856-11-05-Wednesday
5th Windy day. got 8½ dwts between us. In the evening
Jim & I took a long strool in the Bush didnt get Back
till late visited a Blackfellows encampment, found
them by a little creek that runs in to the Loddon, their
cursed dogs bit my leg. We caught a young possum
but it got away again —
6th Lovely day. got 15 dwts to day, sank several holes & worked very hard. In the evening Jim & I went into the Bush — for some long poles to make whips for hoisting up the dirt out of our holes
7th Hot day. hard work working in the boiling
sun, the thermometer at about 100º in the shade
I am sure — we got 12 dwts to day, the ground is
very poor, but we wash a great quantity of dirt
In the evening we gathered a lot of firewood — its
very lonely being stuck out here we dont see a
soul scarcely from morning till night, but our
selves, sometimes an odd traveller going along
the road
8th Cloudy day, but Sultry we got 9 dwts to day left work at dinner time, being Saturday. Jim & I went to Sandy Creek along with the rest making about 3 oz for the week, I shall stay on Sandy Creek to night. I want to write a letter & one for Faithey, I do the writing for all hands Harry is the only other mate I have that can read & write — so as to be under -stood. I took a walk about the quartz ranges & fancy there will be some rich reefs discovered here sometime, but it will take some Capital to work it —
[1856-11-09-Sunday] 9th Been raining nearly all day, not sorry for we are beginning to be very short of water. I went to the P.O. this morning & received a letter from Mother in which was enclosed ₤3 for me In my last to her I begged she would send me
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Half Way Diggins, Newbridge, Victoria Australia, 1856-11-10-Tuesday
money for I was very short. It is the first time I
ever received money from other sources than my
own, I got a letter from Uncle saying he was
hardup, I wrote to him & sent him ₤l
I got a Book from the Library this afternoon
after which Jim & I started for the Halfway –
found our tent & tools all right. We had two
very unpleasent visitors towards evening, on
horseback they were half drunk or pretended to be
there has been several highway robberies on the
roads in this neighbourhood, & I was sure from
the discription I have heard of the robbers that
these fellows are the identicals, they lit their pipes
& asked us a number of questions, & begged some tea
from us to which we gave them. I had been cleaning
my gun which is a very good one & it was loaded
one of the chaps wanted to see it, but I excused
& after some banter they rode away, much to our
relief, for one of them Gypsy Smith, as he is
called is a bloodthirsty wretch & thinks no more
of shooting a man than I would of a possum
If I was positive of them I could have brought
him down nicely, as he was riding away
There is ₤200 reward for him & ₤100 for his
mate — my mate Jim knew the other
fellow, was in the same gang of convicts once
with him in Tasmania, but he didnt recognise
him. I fancy he is an awful coward, what
strange companions one gets on the diggins
[1856-11-10-Monday; Half Way Diggins]
10th Nice day, got 4 dwts, very poor, passed
the evening reading. Harry brought my concertina
down this morning, so it helps to murder time
[1856-11-11-Tuesday; Half Way Diggins] 11th Lovely day. got 4 dwts to day, heard of a rush in the hills so 3 went away to find the place returned in the evening without finding it, their clothes torn & as black as sweeps through pushing their way through the scrub
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Half Way Diggins Tarnagulla and rush near Nuggety 1856-11-12 Wednesday
Nov 1856 Sandy Creek
12th Nice day, but a poor one for us, only got
7 dwts, we could do better but we are short of water
for washing — Lovely evening, our tent is under a
large shady tree in such a pretty, spot, I like
to lay full length on the grass after supper &
listen to Birds singing & whistling away, before
returning to rest, what a lesson we may learn
from them. I wonder how people could live in a
town, where they are no Forests & Birds, where
you can roam about at will & none to control
you, perfectly independent, as regards appearance
I fancy I should feel lost were I ever to live in
a town, Im sure I should always be pining
for the Bush again — Been reading Homer
under difficulties, swarms of sandflies in the tent.
[1856-11-13-Thursday] 13th Nice day. got about 12 dwts to day Spent my evening as usual reading
[1856-11-14-Friday; Half Way Diggins] 14 Hot day, got 5 dwt very poor, spent the evening playing cribbage with Jim he beat me hollow he is a very good player – I would sooner have read, but it looks so bad, Jim cant read & he sits with no one to yarn with while Im enjoying myself & he dont understand or care what I like in the shape of literature.
[1856-11-15-Saturday; Half Way Diggins & rush near Nuggety] 15th Frightfully hot, working in the sun, Im covered with sun burns, if Ive a little hole in my flannel Im sure to be burnt — got no gold to day. Some Germans told us of a rush near Nuggety Gully some 3 miles from this, near to where Jim & I went to a fortnight ago we went to see the place found a large number of people there there are some doing very well. I receivd a letter from Tom Rudd, he is still on Bendigo doing very badly, he tells me Uncle is at work in Pinch Gut again, & thinks he is doing well
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82
Half Way Diggins; Sandy Creek, Nuggety & Jim Crow, 1856-11-16
Nov 1856. Sandy Creek
some more news of no importance — spent the
evening reading & playing crib, we made
1 oz 13 dwts this week, wretched work
16th Hot Sultry day, Jim & I went to the tents on our camp at Sandy Creek this morning, had Breakfast. I went to the P.O. got a long affectionate letter from Mother, which I answered, we all took a walk to Nuggety Gully & from there to Jim Crow gully, saw two men I used to know in Bendigo, they have done very well in the place but not lately, they are thinking of leaving spent the afternoon with Faith, wrote a letter for her to her father in Tasmania, poor Faith this hard life is making changes in her, when I knew her first some 4 years ago she was just married & about 15 years old, a lovely girl but quite uncul tivated having been born in the Bush & never lived in a town, she is the best tempered & good natured creature that ever lived, she thinks she can never do enough for one, her husband is nearly 40 & so different from her, she & I are the same age born on the same day. After tea Jim & I returned home — I fancy there is no sleep for us to night the mosquitoes are keeping up such a row.
17th Another smoker, had a thunder storm in the afternoon that cleared the atmosphere very little rain, the lightning was fearful it struck a tree near our tent & shivered off the limbs as neat as possible. 2 of our party went to Nuggety this morning, the 3 of us got 5½ dwts — in the evening Jim & I collected some dung to smoke mosquitoes out of our tent
1/68 |
83
Half Way Diggins, Victoria Australia, 1856-11-18 Tuesday
18th Lovely day. lost 2 hours through another
thunder storm, but no rain unfortunately. We
are getting very short of water, got 12½ dwts to day
just after dark 2 men called at our tent, I suppose
the light attracted them, they were drunk having
been to Sandy Creek & losing their way in the
dark couldnt find their tent which is situated
about a mile from here, in some thick scrub
they are splitters & have a saw pit in the Bush
we allowed them to sleep with us on the ground
under the shelter of our tent, they didnt require
Blankets being so warm — I hate drunken
men, being a teatotellar from principle
19th Nice day. our tent mates left us this morning after Breakfast, they were very grateful to us, got 10 dwts to day, sank 2 holes no good — passed the evening as usual —
20th Nice day. sunk 2 duffers to day — we managed to get 7½ dwts out of another hole —
21st Beautiful day. we got 15¼ dwts to day, our water is nearly done, if we have no rain will have to try some other place where there is some — spent the evening as usual
[Saturday] 22nd Nice day. worked until 12 oclock went into Sandy Creek, & squared up our week work which amounted to ₤2.3.0. a man, owing to some dispute arising about our Board, we have been paying 3/- per week to Mrs Bostock, & we think we can board ourselves more reasonably, so Harry & Charlie as they have a tent to themselves will board together. Jim & I will do the same. I wouldnt have left her, but we are doing so poorly that we sometimes cant pay our Board, & we know she has to get
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84
Half Way Diggins, Tarnagulla, 1856-11-23-Sunday
things on credit so, it would not be fair to let her
be liable for our sakes. In the evening I went
to the store for rations, & got a Book at the time
23rd Warm day. I went up to Sandy Creek early this morning. Tom Rudd came here from Bendigo this morning, he is going to work along with us, he states that Uncle has been doing very well lately, but he has been drinking & spreeing awfully, he wants me to keep him in order, my tent mate Jim met an acquaintance & they went to the public house I suppose they will get drunk, what a fool he has but £1 in the world. I swear I wont keep him if he spends it. I returned home alone —
24th Hot day. my mates came to work this morning without Jim, He had just come to the tent when they left, drunk! we got 11¼ dwt to day. Im left alone to night again, rather lonely, it is a very solitary place. I took a strool in the Bush & visited the blacks to night
25th Another hot day. we got 14½ dwts to day. Jim is not going to work any more with us, Im very glad. Harry is going to stay with me to night, we played cribbage & read, I like him better than any of my other mates. Ive taken quite a dislike to Tom he is so low. Im afraid he will never be anything, he got mixed up with a bad lot on Bendigo & I dont think he left it very honorably. Im trying to change my opinions about a good many
1/70 |
85
Half Way Diggins, Tarnagulla, Victoria Australia, 1856-11-26 Wednesday
Nov 1856 Sandy Creek
old acquaintances, & my ideas on many
different subjects than I formerly had — Ive
read a deal lately a different class of works
than I used to be fond of —
26th Hot day, we made 13½ dwts, Tom is going to stay to night with me Harry couldnt stand the mosquitoes. In the evening Tom & I went on to the road & had a foot race, he used to be a good runner, but Im as good, my other mate Charlie used to be a professional runner, & he has given me good practice lately. I can beat every one I tried yet in walking, but Ive no taste for running. We afterwards went into the Bush & caught Opossums.
27th Warm day, had a shower about 4 Pm that gave us a little water, we only got 2 dwt to day Jim Mucksom called this evening for his Blankets he is going on the tramp, he is hard-up hasnt a penny or a crust. I gave him 5/. all the money I was possessed of In the evening Tom & I went out pigeon shooting got a nice couple, lit a fire & cooked them “a la black fellows” on the coals they were firstrate, read a little aloud
28th Nice day, got 2 dwts. In the evening Tom & I went out shooting but it was too late spent the evening reading the “Last of the Barons” all about Kings & Queens, Dukes & Lords Etc I like it the least of any I have read of Bulwers —
[Saturday] 29th Fine day, we got about 8 dwts, making for the week 2 oz 14 dwt left work at 12 came to Sandy Creek through the scrub saw 3 kangaroos & a little joey, sold our gold my mates except Bostock & I got drunk at Stubbs “Rising Sun”. I slept all night at Bs
1/71 |
86
Sandy Creek Half Way Diggins, Victoria Australia, 1856-11-30 Sunday
Nov 1856 Sandy Creek
30th Cold miserable day. in the morning 3 of us
went to the new rush at the bottom of Sandy Creek –
I like the look of the place — we found 2 possum
in a hollow tree, which I sold to a Chinaman
for 3/. on passing Stubbs we went in to spend
the morning, & found Charley there drunk
Bostock & I carried him home But Harry
remained & he got drunk, He came home & fell
asleep & after an hour or so got up all right
Tom & I went to the P.O. I got a letter from
Mother & one from my sister Mary the first
ever she wrote me, they want me to come
home at X mas, but Im afraid if I do no
better than I am at present, I shant. Tom
& I went this evening & helped ourselves to
a Bucket & a shovel out of a hole, we were
in want of them & couldnt buy any —
[1856-12-01-Monday; Half Way Diggins] 1st December 1856. Nice day. got 4½ dwts I wrote a letter to my brother Edward who lives on a station at Fiery Creek, some 40 or 50 miles from here. We went out opossum hunting. Been reading a little
2nd Cloudy day. got 10 dwts, Harry stayd here to night. We went out possum hunting got two. I wrote to Mother this evening —
3rd Pleasent day, got 2½ dwts, very poor but at the close of the day we dropped onto a little patch of 14¼ dwts out of 1 tubs, not a bad days work for 3 men & our other two mates got disgusted with the hole they sank on Sandy Creek & came & joined us at the close of the day, they are going to look for another place in the morning for water is nearly done here. If no rain falls we
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87
Half Way Diggins, Tarnagulla/Newbridge, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-04-Thursday
shall have to leave this next week. Harry has
gone home, we spent the evening as usual
4th Very hot day, got 3 dwts — I came home to night, left Harry in my place (Bostock & Charley, have set in at Jim Crow Gully not bottomed yet In the evening I went to the store for rations with Charlie — I spent the rest of the evening reading the Insurgent Chief aloud
[1856-12-05-Friday; Half Way Diggins (packing up) & Sandy Creek] 5th Sultry day thunder storm this afternoon but very little rain, got 1 dwt of gold, where disgusted with the place & have agreed to leave it altogether, we brought home a load of things intend fetching the rest in the morning passed the evening reading —
[1856-12-06-Saturday; left Half Way]
6th Hot day, we made 1 oz 13 dwts this week. Went down & brought up the rest of our things, got a lift in a Bullock dray. sold our gold just 25/. each. In the afternoon I went to store for rations for next week, then felled a tree & got a lot of firewood to the tent passed the evening reading.
[1856-12-07-Sunday; Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla)] 7th Nice day went to the P.O. no letters. I went to the store & bought a pair of Boots & a handkerchief, just spent a guinea -, we went for a walk to see where to set in to tomorrow, we are thinking of going to Nuggety Flat & some of us are going to start in Mother Chisholm Gully, (what a name) if Bostock dont get onto anything, passed the evening reading — I forgot to mention that on our road home we met a man named Hammersly a friend of Bostocks he has a broken arm, he is going to live at Bostocks, Charley got on the spree Tom & I went down to fetch him home, but he was so stubborn we were obliged to leave him there — curse the drink I say
1/73 |
88
Mother Chisholm’s, Spain and Stubb’s Gullies, Tarnagulla. 1856-12-08-Monday
[1856-12-08-Monday; Mother Chisholms Flat]
8th Cloudy day. Been sinking holes all day
didnt bottom any. Charley has been lushing all
day, he came home looking very seedy. Been
reading all the evening —
[1856-12-09-Tuesday; Mother Chisholms Flat] 9th Windy day. bottomed one of our holes, no good, we intend driving it tomorrow. Been reading & playing cribbage Etc
[1856-12-10; Mother Chisholms Flat] 10th Nice day, worked very hard, but couldnt get any gold, driving the holes we bottomed yesterday [1856-12-11-Thursday; Mother Chisholms Gully] 11th Cold windy day. Been driving our holes but could not get onto anything, we intend to cart a load down to the creek & try it tomorrow [1856-12-12-Friday; Mother Chisholms Flat] 12th Nice day. got to work early, & paid 5/- for the cartage of a load of dirt, which turned out 4½ dwts, which so disgusted us of the "Flat" that we dont intend to try it again, we took a strool round in the afternoon, on the lookout for a place to set in we intend trying a gully near the tent, called Spain Gully, spent the evening as usual
[1856-12-13-Saturday; Stubbs Gully] 13th Sank 2 holes to day but didnt bottom, left early, as usual on Saturday. I received a letter from mother, all well, informs me of the departure for England of Mrs & Miss Hall of Adelaide. the Boys, Joe & Willy went home sometime ago. Mr H. will feel lonely. I wish my mother could go home, she cant reconcile herself to this colony
[1856-12-14-Sunday; Sandy Creek] 14th Sultry day. Never left the tent to day until evening when I went to Kennedys the storekeeper to ask him to give us credit next week. I have no money & heavens only knows when I shall have any. Its the first time I ever got credit from a storekeeper. I remember some years ago on Fryers Creek living a week on dry Biscuit & water. I couldnt get
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Stubb’s Gully, Doctor’s Creek, Tarnagulla, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-15-Monday
get trust those days) A week afterwards I made
more than £30 & I was only 13 years of age
such is the uncertainty of gold digging. Ive read
a great deal to day – Sunday —
[1856-12-15-Monday; Stubbs Gully] 15th Been very hot — we got 6 dwts to day after doing an unusually hard days work sunk a hole each about 9 ft deep & washed nearly 20 tubs of dirt, we are all very downhearted at our ill-luck & wish ourselves away I posted a letter to day for Faith & one for myself spent the evening as usual
[1856-12-16-Tuesday; Stubbs Gully] 16th Very hot, got 2 dwt between us – we left Stubbs Gully, we are going to try Doctors Creek tomorrow, our mate Charlie got sick of Sandy Creek, he intends going to Bendigo again in a day or two. Im sorry he is going but I dont blame him, Been reading “Susan Hoply or the Adventures of a Servant Girl”
[1856-12-17-Wednesday; Doctors Creek] 17th Little cooler to day, Bostock & I sank a hole in Doctors Creek 10 ft deep not the color of gold in it Harry & Tom sank one 9 ft deep, no better — another profitless day — spent the evening reading
[1856-12-18-Thursday; Doctors Creek (gully)] 18th Cloudy & windy — Charlie left us this morning for Bendigo I accompanied him a short distance on the road, I wish Id gone with him — B & I sank a hole 10 ft deep no good Harry & Tom sank another & dropped through into an old drive, he (Tom) was nearly drowned — I went to the store (Browns) & got some stores on "tick," came home & played cards & read a little [1856-12-19-Friday; Doctors Creek then Stubbs Gully?] 19th Hot sultry day. we sank 2 more holes this morning, no good so we left Doctors & set into the spot we began first at in the gully
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Stubb’s Gully, Tarnagulla, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-20-Saturday
Been busy clearing off the ground, got 2 holes
nearly down, In the evening I took a strool with
Jack Hammersly. Ive been reading since. Its very
sultry I think we are going to have a thunder
storm, the mosquitoes are in myriads, we
call them the beauties of Sandy Creek
[1856-12-20-Saturday; Stubbs Gully?] 20th Little cooler to day, we got 1 dwt to day making for the week about 10½ dwts or 10/. a man there is only four of us now left work early & went to the P.O. & also to the store payed what I owed & got a few things for next week. I wrote a note to Uncle this evening, Bostock is going to leave us in the morning, he is a stonemason by trade & thinks it best to try & get work at his trade we have promised to look after his wife & little ones until he sends for them — I think it is the best thing he could do for its very untow[ard] to see young children & a woman only half fed & just existing — we have been unlucky poor Faith, she is the gayest of the lot to all appearances
[1856-12-21-Sunday; Sandy Creek] 21st Very hot to day. Bostock left this morn In the morning I went & got in a lot of wood & carried up to the tent nearly a load of water (water is very scarce). I spent the afternoon in a neighbours tent there are three of them, decent young fellows, but hardup like our- selves. In the evening I went to the store & got some Bread & Butter on "tick" for Faith I suppose theyll be paid for some time
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91
Stubb’s Gully,Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-22 Monday
December 1856. Sandy Creek
22nd Been very hot. We worked in Stubbs Gully to day
washed about 8 tubs & got 1 dwt enough to break a
mans heart, toiling away, & living as we do for
such poor pay — Spent the evening reading one
of Marryats Novels “Percival Keene”, a lively story
[1856-12-23-Tuesday] 23rd Still hot, I sunk a hole 6ft deep & washed several tubs & got ¼ dwt so I left it, my other mates got about 1 dwt. Been reading my Book aloud this evening, for the benefit of the others —
[1856-12-24-Wednesday] 24th Been very hot. got a few pennyweights of gold sufficient to clear off our account at the store Spent the evening in reading —
[1856-12-25-Thursday] 25th Christmas day. Went to the hole I sunk yesterday in the hope of getting a bit of gold to spend at the sports tomorrow, got about 5 dwts about 7/- each — left work early & went to the store for some rations Faithey made a fine pudding. Our neighbours, Bill Nuttal & Dick Yoe found a nugget they sold for £6. to day the[y] insisted upon sharing it, as we were helping another at work, they are bent upon having as much fun as possible during the X mas — We all went to Stubbs, & have been dancing & singing & playing Skittles Its now about 1 oclock I left them there about 10 pm & came home & sat with Faithey —
[1856-12-26-Friday] 26 Been very hot to day or yesterday I should say for its about 4. am. After Breakfast we all went down to Stubbs, to witness & take part in sports, the large room was cleared & made into a dancing saloon, so we had plenty of dancing, the most amusing thing was to see so few women. I only saw four. I stuck to Miss
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92
Tarnagulla, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-27 Saturday
Stubbs all day. I think she got too much wine to drink
or I got too much ginger beer into my head, for we've
agreed to bolt away together next week, she got
quite spoony. I won a pound & a bottle of gin
climbing the greasy pole Dick Yoa won £2 a
second prize in a wrestling match, he also won
₤1 for being the best hornpipe dancer, that com-
-peted for the prize. Tom Rudd won 12/. came in
2nd in a running match — I met an old playmate
of mine that hasnt seen me for 5 years, J.Pascoe,
he heard my name & accosted me, I was glad to see
him, we spent a good deal of time together talking
about old times Etc. My mates, of course, got drunk
& between us we spent all our money.
[1856-12-27-Saturday] 27th Very late when I got up, I found my mates had got a 30 oz Cask of B.Beer by the tent, I dont know where they got it from, but Im under the impression they stole it, for they burnt the cask. We spent the day at Stubbs rose the wind by Jack Hammersly borrowing £2 on his watch which we spent, I sticking to my Ginger Beer but I lost a few games of skittles & cards & of course had to stump up. I won at one time £6 but managed to lose it again. I left my mates at Stubbs, & came home by 7 pm had a good wash & have been reading to Faithey since.
[1856-12-28-Sunday] 28th Been cold & windy. late when we rose after Breakfast. Harry & I went to the hills & brought in a lot of firewood. Our neighbours came in with a Bottle of Brandy. Tom drank the most of it, got quarrelsome & gave me a bit of his mind as he calls it, accused me of cohabiting with his sister Faith. I soon shut
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93
Jim Crow & Nuggety Gullies, Tarnagulla, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-29 Monday
him up, by a smack in the mouth which he attempted
to return, but he is a rank coward & funked on it.
they got him to bed, he rose a little while since
& came into me palavering & wishing to make it
up — I know him to be very treacherous so Ill be
on my guard with him for the future.
[1856-12-29-Monday; Sandy Creek] 29th Hot wind blowing to day, far from being agreeable. Not having any place to go to work in took a cruise about the hills & gullies on the look, about, Jim Crow, Nuggety Gully & Stony Creek, there are plenty of places that would pay us to work if there was only water, but it is scarce this time of the year, we worked in the afternoon in a gully near the tent, got 1 dwt. Spent the evening as usual yarning & reading Etc
[1856-12-30-Tuesday; Sandy Creek] 30th Just such another day as yesterday — I find Ive got a severe cold & sore throat, the effects of X mas work. Our neighbours came in this morning. We joined mates with them, thus making our party 6 in all, they are a good sort of a set. Bill Nuttal came from Manchester D.Yoe is a Plymouth chap, Been a Man of Wars man, was in the China War, & has a medal for gallant conduct there & one for saving a ships passengers & crew on the coast of Africa, by swimming from the shore with a line to the vesel whilst on the rocks, he has been captain of a smuggler in the East Indies, & came here 2 years ago as 1st mate of a large ship & was induced to leave by the alluring prospect of making a fortune by gold digging, he is a reckless dare devil sort of a chap, fond of his grog & fond of
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94
Prospecting, Tarnagulla, Victoria Australia, 1856-12-31-Wednesday
everything in the way of athletic sports the
other chap, Jack (I dont know his other name)
is a simple kind of a slow coach (for a native)
but a good workman — I hope they may change
our luck. We set in this afternoon together
& sank three holes & took out some old pillars
but got no gold. Spent the evening reading —
[1856-12-31-Wednesday; Sandy Creek] 31st Cloudy day, with a few light showers – Harry & Dick heard of a new rush in the bush & spent nearly all day looking for it, but came back knocked up, nearly dead for a drink of water, & could not find the place. I think its a hoax. The rest of us got 12 dwts to day, not before it was wanted for the storekeeper has determined to give us no more credit, some man left the place yesterday in his debt — In the evening we went to the P.O. no letter for me we sold our gold for £2.10.0 Faith got a letter from her husband, contg a ₤1.0.0. he hasnt got into constant work yet, but hopes to do so next week, when he will send for her, he stated in his letter he often sees my Uncle, who is shocked to hear that I have become such a drunkard, me that has never tasted anythg stronger than water, this last 6 years & dont know the taste of Ale or spirits. I wonder who could have been so kind as to spread such a report about me — We paid our debts at the store to day. Been reading Paradise Lost.
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95
Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-01-Thursday
1857
1st.January 1857. Sandy Creek -
News years day, but we have been compelled to
work upon it. I trust I shall have better luck
this year than last, tho I didnt do so bad for
the first nine months of it. I went to Adelaide
which cost me over ₤25. & left 20 pounds with
Mr Hall & have since sent home £30, making
₤50 to my credit now in his hands —
We got 14 dwts to day, 4 of us the other 2
went to the halfway diggins & sank a hole
but not having a tub were unable to try it
they got a good prospect out of a dish of dirt
1 dwts, theyll try it tomorrow. Bill & I
went to the Store and sold our gold in the evening
2nd Nice day. We worked very hard to day but got something for it, made 1 oz 6 dwt the best six days work weve had since we came onto Sandy Creek. Tom had a row with his sister Faith, about a trifle, was going to strike her but Harry stopped him, he packed up his swag & came to me for his share of the days work (Im cashier) which I gave him, I dont think he went far for he came back about 9. pm looking black as thunder, he wanted to quarrel with me. Harry & Dick got up this morning about 4 am & went to Catos Station to find another rush, another hoax they came back about 3 pm tired enough having walked better than 30 miles
3rd Cloudy day, but we had a slight thunder storm in the evening, but unfortunately no rain, we got 16 dwts to day, making for the week 3 oz. 10 dwts the best week work
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96
Stubb’s Gully, Tarnagulla, Mt. Hope Rumours, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-04-Sunday
weve had since we came on the cursed place –
We left work early & did a lot of jobs
about the place. I went to the Snobs for a pair
of Boots, not done of course, no dependence to
be placed in them. My mates brought a bottle
of Cognac in this evening, been playing cards
Etc & been pretty jolly
[1857-01-04-Sunday; Sandy Creek] 4th Warm day. Johnnie Pascoe came here to see me before I was up, he stayed with me all day In the afternoon Tom & he & I went to Stubbs had some Ginger Beer (he is a tetoteller) & sigars went to see a lot of other young chaps, a regular rowdy lot, spent the afternoon playing single stick & Boxing, running & jumping Etc. Tom & I saw Johnni home he lives more than 2 miles from here. I went to the store on my return home for rations We heard of a rush to a place called Mount Hope, about 100 miles from here, where they are digging out gold like potatoes of course its exaggerated, Its in a locality where no gold has been found before a great many have passed through this way from the Western diggins to it I was speaking to some men this evening that are camped by us, they are from Chinamans Flat. They dont know where the place is, but that its somewhere near the junction of the Loddon & Murray Rivers we are thinking of letting 2 of our lot go to see the place & if its any good to send
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97
Stubb’s Gully, Tarnagulla, Newbridge, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-05-Monday
for the rest, but none of them like the idea of
going £1 is all the money we have & its
fearful work travelling over plains this time
of the year, no water, & the weather so
scorching hot. Ive been about the track
some years ago in search of horses, & know
the kind of country it is, large level
plains, about 10 miles across & then a
belt of timber & so on & very little water
Ive offered to go if one of the others will
start – well see what morning will bring
forth —
[1857-01-05-Monday; Sandy Creek] Monday morning 5.am. 5th Jan. Bill Nuttal & I are going to Mount Hope, we start directly
[1857-01-11; Sunday; back at Sandy Creek] 11th Jany 1857 A week since I continued my journal — I will try & remember how the time was spent, though there are portions that can never be blotted from memory
[1857-01-05-Monday-Continued; Sandy Creek, Newbridge, Cato’s Station] [The following narative appears to be 7 days, but it was only 5 days] We left Sandy Creek last Monday morning following in the wake of some others, bound like ourselves to Mount Hope. After a sharp walk of better than an hour, we made Newbridge (Loddon) where we found some 3000 people — all bound for the rush, on making enquiries, nobody appeared to have any idea which way to go, no one had heard any positive news concerning the place, with the exception of those from Chinamans Flat, who stated that a Storekeeper called Page, spread the
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98
Newbridge; Cato's Station; Serpentine, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-06-Tuesday
report that he had received a letter from an old
friend stating that he had found gold in great
quantities near Mount Hope, & begged him to
go up at once & take with him, as many
stores as he could, he pulled down his store
& hired 6 Bullock Teams & loaded them with
stores & grog.- well! We didnt leave Newbridge
till about 3.Pm, when Pages son came
up, & read to us the direction, we [were] to follow
the Loddon for about 30 miles until we came to the
Serpentine Hotel (a small bush inn on the road from
Bendigo to Mount Kerang) from there to strike across
the plains to Mount Hope. well! On the strength
of this nearly all made a move — Bill & I pushed
on for about 10 miles as far as Catos Station –
where we camped amidst about 200 others, several
of whom we knew, we passed a merry night, being
moonlight we hunted possums, [1857-01-06-Tuesday; Serpentine] we started first
thing next morning, being frightfully hot, one blessing
there was not want of water. We reached the Serpentine
by about 4 pm, found by night a vast assemblage
of people — Bill & I camped & made enquiries
about continuing our journey, but found that every
body was beginning to think it was a hoax. Page
came up at dark & camped & began to sell his
stores at a most exorbitant rate, flour 2/6 lb
& a nobbler 1/6. I bought 4 lb of flour of him
though we had bread in our swag to last us another
day, but nothing else, we bought ½ lb of Butter
which was like oil, through the heat & put
it in a Bottle, had nothing to eat but Bread
& Butter that day & was sparing with it
1/84 |
99
Serpentine, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-07-Wednesday
next morning Wednesday, we thought of starting
on the plains in the direction we were told Mt Hope
was situated, when just as we were starting
a party that had gone the day before returned
with the body of a man that had perished
for want of water, the weather being so hot,
it made us reflect, so we remained all day at
our camp, living on Bread about 1 lb between
us, we bought a small Box of Sardines for
which we paid Mr Page 3/. & 5/. for
2 lb or pannikins of flour. We made up
our minds to start in the morning, & chance it
at daybreak. [1857-01-08-Thursday?; Serpentine] We folded up our swag, leaving
our tent & some other things we thought we
could do without, buried under some stones
while Bill was engaged in the task I turned tea
& mixing some of our flour with water, baked
some cakes on the ashes, filled our “Billy”
with water & started, we were afraid to drink
any of it till noon, we found it half empty
& the rest was so hot, it made me sick to
drink it. We saw some timber a few miles
ahead, where we thought we’d find some water
but we were doomed to disappointment, it
was nearly dark when we camped having walked
we supposed 25 miles, tired & footsore &
fearfully thirsty. Bill chews tobacco, which
excites the saliva for a while. I was bad
enough but Im sure he was worse, however
we slept soundly but Bill said his throat
was on fire. [1857-01-09-Friday?] In the morning we started again
but couldnt eat anything, we found after
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100
Attempted Trek to Mt. Hope, via Serpentine, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-08 Circa
walking till 10. am a distance of about 7 or 8
miles a dry creek, but not a drop of water to
be seen, the creek didnt run in the direction we
were going, but we had abandoned our intention
of going forward & only wished to get back
poor Bill sat down & cried, it was the first time
he ever was in such a strait & had never been
much left to his own resources — All his
fortitude deserted him, I felt strong in his weakness
& after a deal of persuading I got him up again
we followed the creek further down some 2 more miles
& found no water, I felt ready to drop it was so hot
But Bill sat down & I couldnt get him up. I lost
my temper & kicked him till I got him up
again it was now about 3.Pm we pushed on down
the creek. I at last saw a kangaroo track. It put
new life in me, for I was sure there must be
water about. We walked on (Bill half dead)
& at length saw some recent kangaroo steps
followed them a short distance, they led us to
what had once been a water hole, but owing to
the heat of the weather & long drought, there was
scarcely any left in it, not above 6 Buckets
full, & such water!, quite blue, through the
gum leaves that was in it, however we drank
it, as if t'were nectar. We met several others like
ourselves, but had not been so long without water
we had been 30 hours & not tasted water walking
over plains under a broiling sun (about 100º in the
shade). We got a handkerchief & strained some of
the water into our "Billy" & made a little tea &
camped for the night. I fell asleep as soon as I had
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101
Plains of Serpentine, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-09Circa
finished feeling hot & feverish. [1857-01-10 Saturday?] I awoke & found the
sun about an hour high, & regular hot day it
turned out to be. Bill & I felt very weak & faint, tho
we had slept sound we hadnt taken of our clothes
but laid down on the grass with our heads on our swags
We didnt know where we were but I was sure the
creek must lead into the Loddon, so we followed it &
found my conjecture right, reached the River by about
1 Pm & oh! didnt we feel the blessing of good water
we had a bath, which refreshed us, for the skin on
our arms, faces & necks was all in ridges, where the
sun had scorched us, we soon found the road to the
Serpentine Hotel, we arrived there about 4 pm. found
a great number of people still there. We noticed a great
crowd of people together, on nearing them, we found the
crowd in a very excited state, they had erected a stage
on a Bullock dray, under the limb of a tree & upon it
was Mr Page, he had been found guilty by judge
Lynch, & a jury of everybody, of grossly deceiving
the public, by spreading a report that had no
foundation & had led to most disastrous consequences
(3 Bodies had been brought in from the plains dead.). I saw 1
swollen up an awful size) he was sentenced to be
hung & while the mob were fixing the rope
Young Page rushed through the crowd with a revolver
in his hand & leading a horse, which his father lost no
time in mounting & riding aft upon. It saved his life for
the mob were in an awful state, however everything
he left behind became public property, & then ensued
such a scene as I never witnessed before nor do I hope
to see again, everybody wanted the drink & such
fighting & scrambling. I saw a man hit another
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102
Serpentine; Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1857-01-09
on the head with a bottle, he dropped insensible with
a piece of glass sticking in his head (I heard
this evening that the man died) numbers got drunk
others running about with Butter on shovels & some
trying on Boots & trousers. I found a revolver which I
stuck to & 2 or 3 pairs of socks. Bill got a bottle of
of gin & along with some other fellow got pretty drunk
nearly every body packed up & started homewards or
backwards for 9/l0ths had their homes on their backs
All our provisions were done & we 30 miles from home
& half dead from exhaustion the effects of the last 2 days
exertions, the night was fine, and after getting our
things we had planted I insisted upon starting on
our road home. Bill wouldnt budge, but I threatened
to leave him, which had the effect of getting him up
we left the place about 8 pm & trudged on till about
11. Pm when we laid down on the grass making our
swags into a pillow & slept soundly till about 6 Friday
morning, went to the river & had a bath & continued
our journey, there were hundreds of people returning
we gave our last shilling to a man for a biscuit
which we divided, that only whet our appetites, we
reached Newbridge about noon, & got home about 2 pm
& so passed five of the most trying days in my life
we hadnt tasted anything but Bread since we left &
the last 3 days, not 3 lb between us. Bill weighed
himself to day, he has lost 20 lb in weight & I have
lost 14 lb. I was 10 stone last Sunday & to day I could
hardly draw 9- didnt we eat! when we got back
yesterday & to day, we didnt go to work to day, but in
the afternoon I went with Jack Hammersly to Nuggety
Gully, where his wife is living, she ran away from
him about 2 months ago & has been living with a
mulatto, she took a lot of money & some other
1/88 |
103
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1857-01-11 (written)
valuables with her, which he wanted to recover — we
had such fun (or I had) we hid ourselves in the Bushes
near their hut & ascertained that the "darkie" wasnt
home. I went up to the hut & told her a person wanted
to see her, & pointed out the place where Jack was, she
went to see him, & I popped into the hut & knowing
what things were Jacks I soon wrapped them up,
a gold watch & chain & a broach & several other nick
knacks. I wasnt 5 minutes in the place, before I was
out again & by going a round in the bush she didnt
observe me. I soon met Jack & gave him the things
he didnt remain long but packed up his swag & started
for Bendigo this evening taking, with him a letter
for Bostock from Faith stating her desire to join
him as soon as possible — My mates got 4 oz 3 dwt
for the week which they divided of course — I am
going to continue my journal from this date
weekly, for the future —
1857-01-18-Sunday; Sandy Creek] 18th Weather very hot. Been at work at the same place my mates were at last week, but only got 2 oz. 19 dwts between us, not much for 6 men – There has been a rush on the Flat near the place we were at before X mas. We sank a hole, but no good – Mrs. B. got a letter from her husband. Charlie & him are working in a quarry on Bendigo, he is going to send for her next week — J.Pascoe called to day staid tea. Tom & I went home with him, & on our way home Tom met an old lady that he knew & I left him with her. Spent the evening reading —
[1857-01-23-Friday; Sandy Creek; the Flat] 23rd Weather very warm. My reason in writing my log to night, Friday) is that I am going to Bendigo in the morning. Tom went there on Wednesday & returned with a dray he'd borrowed to take his sister & her traps down — Bostock is in a job £4.10.0 aweek, which is better than digging
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104
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla); Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1857-02-01
Jany 1857. Sandy Creek
Harry & I are going with them & help him as much
as possible, we will get down in a day. We have
been working on the Flat this week, but only got
14 dwts. But Harry hurt his hand & was not able
to work, he was taking a walk yesterday & looking
over a heap of dirt he found a nugget, weighing
1 oz 16 dwts — lucky- it helped to make up the
weeks work, water is very scarce, I wish we had
some rain —
[1857-02-01-Sunday; Sandy Creek, Ironbark (Bendigo)] 1st February. 9 days since I continued my journal we left here for Bendigo yesterday week & got there the same night. We camped in Ironbark Gully where we met Bostock, (he was very Cool to me. It appears Jack Hammersly who we kept for 2 months told him, a pack of lies concerning Faith & I. If I see the fellow again Ill give him something to talk about) we helped them to put up their tent for the night. I went into Sandhurst, about 9.Pm visited the Concert Room, heard some good singing met many old friends. I got a bed in the Shamrock Hotel (4/-) got out to Bostocks next morning for Breakfast, spent the forenoon in erecting their tent In the afternoon Harry & I went over to Long Gully saw J.Hall, & Grundy, & several others old friends they were very glad to see us, we called to see my Uncle, found him half drunk & my cousin Harry (the lame boy) very miserable on his account they told me they had been very lucky, But Uncle spent it as fast as they got it, he gave me the £1.0.0 back I sent to him some weeks back — I didnt remain long with them, had tea at Bostocks, after which we went back to Piggotts Cambridgeshire Arms & stayed there all night In the morning [1857-01-26-Monday ] I went to see Uncle again
1/90 |
105
Bendigo; Sandy Creek, Victoria Australia, 1857-01-26-Monday
Feby 1857 Sandy Creek
he told me about Mary Ann eloping with Pete
& a lot more of his affairs not worth alluding too
On leaving them I met Harry, we thought of starting
for home, but as we wanted a few things we
went into Sandhurst, bought some Boots, met Tom
Doby & being very hot we made up our minds
not to return until Tuesday, we spent the day
playing Billiards & lounging about smoking Etc In
the afternoon we went to see D.Sullivan, his wife
has returned to him again & they are living very comfortable
together. We promised to spend the evening with them
, we left & had tea at Bostocks, after which we left
the night was fearfully dark & in crossing IronBark
Gully Harry fell into a sludge hole, up to his
neck. I in trying to get him out fell in also &
if it had not been for a man passing & hearing
us, who ran at once to some tents close by we would
have lost our lives, sludge is not like water you
cant keep yourself afloat, but it seems to suck
one down — Nice objects we appeared on going
back to Bostocks, we had to strip off everything
& wash our clothes, we made a large fire & by
about 2 am next morning had them dry again
we left about 7.Pm, & got back here by dark
without meeting anything to interest us much on the
road, a few miles the other side of Newbridge there
are two graves in the bush, near the road side, I
always thought they belonged to some one that had
died on a station near by, but on having some
conversation with a Shephard (we met near the spot)
he told us a long story, about them. It appears
they Sheppard & his wife
that were murdered by the Blacks many
years ago — In my rambles through Australia
Ive often come across the graves of many
that have died, a few logs thrown up in the
form of a fence, to mark the spot, many
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106
Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Victoria Australia, 1857-02-07 Saturday
whose names are not known. We found our mates
all right, glad to see us back got to work next
morning, made 21 dwts, Thursday 17 dwts, Friday
1 oz Saturday we only worked about 2 hours & got 2 dwts
or about 10 dwt each for the 4 days we worked
better than nothing, for we had spent what little
money we had on Bendigo. I received a letter from
Mother yesterday, she advises me to join Uncle
on Bendigo, but I saw enough of him when there
I wrote to Mother to day, & also to Faith —
[1857-02-07-Saturday; Sandy Creek] 7th Feby 1857. Been very hot. I was 18 years of age on the 2nd of this month – Tom & Big Jack left us last Monday for Daisy Hill, reducing our party to four — we made 2 oz between us, which has disgusted us with the place, so we have made up our minds to leave Sandy Creek for good. Two friends of Nuttals called to day to see him, they live at Donolly & have been doing pretty well, they are staying with us all night & are going to help to carry some of our things for us, in the morning, so to day we have been making & mending our tents, & doing up our tools & a variety of little jobs. Im not sorry we going for Im heartily sick of the place. Went to see Miss Stubbs to day, she hadnt spoke to me for a long time because I didnt keep my word with her at X mas, after a good laugh, we parted good friends — went to bid goodbye to several others during the evening —
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107
Dunolly (moved to), Victoria Australia, 1857-02-15 Sunday
Donolly. Feby 1857-
15th February — We left Sandy Creek last Sunday
each carrying a swag weighing nearly 100 wt
a good swag to carry 12 miles in the broiling sun
it took us all day. We are camped on the bank
of the creek near the Township of Donolly
we stayed in Old Sam & Little Jacks tent (the
2 men we came with) the first night — the
next day we pitched our tents & rigged up our
stretchers & made our camp all snug on
Wednesday morning, a young chap named
Maguire (an old mate of Bill Nuttals) called &
persuaded Bill to join him in sinking a hole at
Chinamans Flat — 10 miles from here — he has not
left us for good, we are still [mates] & share whatever we
get. Yoa joined a man to sink a hole, a very
wet one it will be, they got 11 dwts out of it
Dick getting 5½ dwts for his share which of
course we’ll share. Harry & I went up the old
lead & got out a load of dirt, it only turned out
3 dwt & it cost us 3/- to cart it to the creek
(The ground here is very different to work than
Sandy Creek & Bendigo, Being very hard & deep.)
we left it & have gone into another hole –
I shall write to mother to night — 3 men
I hear found a nugget on Burnt Creek
3 miles from here last week, nice lift –
Donolly is a very different place to what it was
when I visited it last, not one quarter of the people
here.
[1857-02-22-Sunday] 22 Feby. Worked very hard this week. Dick left the man he went with, they couldnt agree so we worked together, drove on to hole we went into & got 3 oz out of it, for
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108
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-03-01 Sunday
for the weeks work. Last Saturday night (last night)
we went down the town, spent the evening very
pleasently — visited the concert rooms & Dancing
Saloons, didnt get home till 2 am this morning
we were expecting Bill up to day, but no
sign of him
[1857-03-01-Sunday] 27th. Been hot this week. We have been working in the same hole this as last week, but we only got 1 oz, very poor, & we went to the trouble of cutting a lot of timber & propping it — I dont think we'll do any more in it — I was greatly shocked last Monday. Dick & I went to the P.O. found it closed (being 12 oclock) we went into a Public House to wait, & I took up the Argus & seeing a column in mourning, made me look I found it contained the account of the death of our friend [Hall-56542|Mr. Hall], late Mayor of Adelaide he appears to have fell over a balcony & broke his neck. Im very sorry for he had been a good friend to our family, his wife & family are in England, only left a short time before his death, they will hear of his death as soon as they land. I must see I get my money back I wrote at once to mother & begged her to send for it, she has his receipt for it I enclosed a pound in the letter, We went down the street this evening & when we got home we found Bill Nuttall & Tom Maguire, they have bottomed one hole no good. Bill joined some other party & is making another hole it is down 98 feet & very wet, has to be slabbed all the way down, they expect to
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109
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-03-08
bottom next week. Maguire is going to stay with
us, & try Donolly, he is a nice young chap, been
well brought up
March 8th Weather still hot. we went into several holes the first 3 days of the week, but only got about 5 dwts of gold. A rush took place on Thursday at a place called Inkerman Nr.Mount Moligul, Dick & I went to see it & sunk 2 holes, 1 of them we couldnt bottom being so wet, the other was dry, but its not much good, go about ½ dwt to the tub, they are getting plenty of gold alongside of us We got into a nice row on Friday with a lot of Tipperary men, Id marked out a claim on Thursday night & sank it about 2 feet & stuck my pegs in, on Friday *morn we found a party of Irishmen had taken possession of it, on my remonstrating with them they were very insulting & threatened to brain me with a pick. I would have my claim, & I began to shovel dirt onto them, they all 4 set on me Dick was away at the time, I challenged to fight any one of them fairly, so I rolled into one, & was giving him a good licking when I got a crack on the head from one of the others, they all fell on me & kicked me most unmercifully, two of my teeth they loosened, & my face is covered with bruises & my body is blue with the ill usage I got it all happened in about 10 minutes. Dick came up in time (or they would have killed me.) with one & two others who very quickly drove them off, Ive not been able to work since, Tom left us on Friday, His brother came from Chinamans Flat for him, he is a
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110
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-03-15
fine handsome fellow, keeps a store there. Happens
he has a share in the claim Bill is in & they have
bottomed & believe it will pay. Tom is to go & work
in it. Harry, Dick & I took a ramble across the
street last night, we went to Tom Currans Saloon
saw 2 or 3 prize fighters, Boxing. I wrote to
Uncle to day
15th March. Fine weather. Harry heard of a rush about 6 miles from here on the Bet Bet Creek (40 feet deep) last Sunday night, he went to see it, got back by day light, having marked out a claim. We went out carrying a tent & a pair of Blankets with us, we had no money & only had 2 loaves of Bread between 3 of us, we sank our hole & bottomed on Thursday night, having had nothing to eat since Wednesday night, no joke, to do a days work like ours on an empty belly — our hole was a duffer & so was every ones else, we got home late next morning, got some vituals on credit I dont know what we should do if we hadnt
We went on Friday & Saturday to Inkerman & sank 2 duffers. It was very unfortunate us going & leaving the claim I sank last week for some party went into & drove it 2 feet further when they got a nugget 11 lbs weight about £500 — our usual luck! we didnt get any gold & the storekeepers wont trust us any longer. Old Sam lent us 10/. last night – We expect Bill & Tom to day. I went down the street last night — not a 6d about me, but I visited the Dancing Saloons & danced away till 10 pm left & went to the Pick & Shovel Concert Hall, heard Miss Chalker & Mrs Ellis
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111
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-03-22
& Madame Vitelli singing; the 2 latter are beautiful
singers. I dont much like the former, Hackett
the Bass has a good voice & Cox is a good comic
singer. I got into a row after leaving. I saw
an old chum of mine getting his pockets picked
he was a little the worse for drink — It was only
after a few hard blows we got away clear
22nd Cloudy weather. The first three days of the week we tried several holes, & by Wednesday night we only had got 2 dwts, lived on Bread & water, on Thursday morning we went into an old hole & we'd not been in it an hour when we found two bits of gold weighing 12½ dwts, which we sold & bought some meat & Tea & sugar we drove a load out & washed it yesterday got 18 dwts out of it, which cleared our account at the Store, (so if we get short next week our credit is good then). I received a letter from Mother all well, she is going to lend my money to a person named Delbridge, he is to allow me 12½ Per cent for it, better than letting it lay idle Bill & Tom have never been up yet, they have quite forgotten us, in their prosperity very shabby of them!. Its raining very hard the water is rising in the creek. If it rises much more we shall have to shift our tent
29th The weather has been very unsettled, we worked very hard this week & drove out & washed 2 loads of dirt which only turned out 17 dwts but we intend to try the same hole again next week. We are very downhearted at our continued ill fortune, We went down the street last night & enjoyed ourselves in the most reckless manner we hadnt 6d between us, yet we visited every place of amusement. I have read a great deal this week, Vicar of Wakefield, & a History of Cathagena
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112
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-04-05
April 1857. Donolly
5th.April 1857. Lovely weather, getting cold in the morning
Monday we went into our hole & got out a load, it
only turned out 2½ dwts, left it, & tried several
other holes but no good — On Thursday we set to & bailed
out a wet hole, it was Friday night when we
got all the water out. Saturday we got 4 dwts
out of it, not earned half of our expenses this
fortnight passed, so we are in debt at the Store
I got a letter from Mother, she hasnt got
my money yet. I have to send an order to
Mr Waterhouse, Mr Halls Executor. We
went down the township last night. Ive
finished my history — & I am now reading
Byrons Works, some parts are beautiful. I
never read anything I liked better. my mates
abuse me jocuely on being taken up with
reading so much lately
12th April — Weather unsettled. A little more fortunate this week, we got 2 oz 10 dwts — It took the lot to pay what we owed & get a few necessaries we required. I got a pound of it & bought a pair of Blankets with it, winter is coming on & I shall require them. Nuttall & Maguire came up last night, the hole they sank pay’d them well, but unfortunately a flood came after they had bottomed about a week & swamped them out, so they had to sink a new shaft — they have been 3 weeks sinking it & are now down 96 ft — they expect to bottom next week. We all went down the street last night & knocked about. — To day we took a walk to Inkerman, from there we went to Jordan & Jericho about 15 miles from here
1/98 |
113
Dunolly, Chinaman’s Flat, Victoria Australia, 1857-04-19
It was nice walking through the bush, the rain
had made everything look green & fresh, we took
the dogs with us & killed a fine kangaroo, we
didnt think much of the rush on the Jordan
It was late when we arrived here, & we were very
tired. Tom & Bill are going to stay to night –
Been reading during the week, Abercrombies
Intellectual Powers, there is a very good library
here. I got acquainted with man that owns it –
& seeing I have a taste for reading, he does not charge me
anything, knowing how Im situated, pecuniary
19th The weather is still unsettled Harry & I accompanied Bill & Tom to Chinamans Flat, a miserable looking place, we went to the Theatre, saw Clarence Holt in the Corsican Brothers. The moon rising when it was over, Harry & I left for here again (as we wanted to see the prize fight that took place, on Tuesday between Bill Melody & Joe Kitchen) we lost our way in the bush & after walking till daylight we found ourselves near the Ring we slept under a bush till near 9 am, when the people began to muster. There was supposed to be Ten thousand present, there was a Grand Stand erected all round the Ring, 2/6 ahead was charged for a seat the fight commenced at 1 Pm & lasted 40 minutes. Kitchen being the victor, tho the smallest man It was 4 pm when we arrived home feeling anything but comfortable, we spent our last shilling to go to the Theatre with the night before so we had nothing to eat, since 5 pm Monday until Tuesday 5 pm we worked hard the
1/99 |
114
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-04-26
rest of the week but didnt get the color of gold
so we had nothing left but to get tick again
I went to the township last night, knocked
about the place of amusement & mixed with a
variety of company
26th April 1857. Worked very hard this week cleaned out several old holes & sank a deep one about 30 ft & all we got was 4½ dwt that between 3 men is good work. I dont know what we are going to do for food next week, the storekeepers have refused us credit But I fancy the Baker will let us have bread so we wont starve, if he will — I recd a letter from Fred & one from Mother which I cannot afford to answer. We have lived upon Bread & Tea (without sugar) the last 2 days. If I get fat on such fare, it will be from the intellectual food Ive swallowed Ive read a great deal during the week
3rd May. Rough weather during the week wet & cold. We went up the old lead on Monday morning & sank 2 holes bottomed on Thursday night & didnt get the color of gold. We had been living on Bread & water & were very downhearted working hard & half-starved in the bargain. Dick funked on it, & what I called sneaked off, on Friday at daylight, for Chinamans Flat, thinks he'll get a belly full at Maguires – As luck would have it, Harry & I went into an old hole on Friday morning, & found a drive that the wash dirt had not been stripped [from]
1/100 |
115
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-05-09
May 1857. Donolly
on knocking it down, we found ½ dwt — by
dinner time, which we sold, & got some tea &
sugar, which we enjoyed, In the afternoon we got
1 oz of gold picked it out of the stuff, we worked
nearly all night & got out a load of dirt
which we washed yesterday, it turned out 2 oz
so we made 3 oz for the two days work
never was anything more acceptable, we
first paid our debts, & bought some Boots
& a new pair of trousers each, which we
wanted very badly In the evening we went
down the street & enjoyed ourselves very well
visited the Concert Room & heard some good singing
We dont intend to share with Dick tho we
have paid his share of the money owing
There is a large rush at a place called Jordan
Harry & I started at daylight this morning
kangarooing, we had several hunts but did
not catch any, our dogs not being the
sort — we enjoyed ourselves very well but
we are very tired, we must have travelled
40 miles to day
9th May 1857. Weather very cloudy, Dick came back on Tuesday night, made an excuse that he had left something he required, but when he found we had got a little gold he stay’d altogether, we got 2 loads out, they only turned out 1 oz 16 dwt we are not going to do any more in the hole, being worked out. On Tuesday I received a letter from Charlie Watkinson, he &
1/101 |
116
Dunolly, Half Way, Diggins - Tarnagulla; Newbridge, Victoria Australia, 1857-05-17 Sunday
Tom Rudd & Big Jack are mates, it appears the
two latter after rambling about the country & not
finding anything to suit them, they found their
way to Bendigo, where they joined Charlies &
they made up a party to prospect in the neigbourhood
of Sandy Creek, they are living at the
Half Way Diggings. We are going to see them
in the morning. This evening Harry & I
went to hear Little Barlow the vocal &
instrumentalist, he is without exception
the cleverest fellow in his line that ever appd
in Australia.
[Sunday, 17 May 1857] 15th May 1857. Lovely weather, but cold & frosty in the morning — Harry & I went to Sandy Creek last Sunday, after a sharp walk of 14 miles we got there. Found Charlie, we were very glad to see each other. We were disappointed at not finding Tom, he left about ½ an hour before our arrival, for Bendigo. Charlie ran as far as Newbridge but couldnt o’ertake him – they are camped in a pretty little gully near where we used to live — they have found a little gold, but nothing extra, but enough to keep them in vituals, He told us the Bendigo news, Mr & Mrs Bostock are well, my old flame Roby S. is dead, poor Roby, she was very fond of me, & I liked her very well, we liked each other too well & there was the crime that led to a most shocking termination. S. used to illuse her, & she ran away from him & took a situation at Kynton, S. found her & stabbed her in one of his brutal passions – she lingered a few days & died, poor Roby may she rest in peace. Her life was a
1/102 |
117
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-05-24
Donolly 1857. May
short one & a wretched one. I shall never forgive
myself for being the first cause of his jealousy
He got away, but the police are sure to get on
his track — I had a miniature of hers but I
lost it, on my first trip from Bendigo here
it was so like her. I feel very sad in thinking
upon the subject, since I heard about it
I have thought of nothing else, night &
day, her spirit seems ever present —
(I forgot to state that Dick left us last
week for Chinamans Flat, but not agreeing
with Bill he returned this week to us, he
tells us they are hard up down there, we sent
them a pound Stg on Thursday.) Harry & I
got back on Monday, & went to work on
Tuesday morning in the hole we worked before
& took a pillar out which turned us out 1 oz 5 dwt
& amongst it was a nugget 14 dwt. I received a
letter from Mother this week, all well, she
got my money all right & has invested it –
We went to Jim Hughes Benifit last night
Been reading some Essays by various authors —
May 24th 1857 The weather has been very un settled — We knocked about the old lead on Monday but could find no gold, so we com menced a hole on Tuesday which we bot- tomed on Friday 30 ft deep & 4 ft of cement to go through, it was no good, didnt get the colour of gold out of it. We tryd some old holes on the Hard Hills but could get no gold we got a lot of firewood yesterday. Being very stormy & wet we were compelled to remain home. I spent the time in reading & crib playing
1/103 |
118
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-05-31
May 1857. (Donolly
31st Beautiful weather. We went into our old hole
again on Monday, & drove it all day, but couldnt
get any gold, so we left it. Tuesday we went into
an old hole & drove it all day, but couldnt get the
color of gold out of it. Wednesday, we tried it again
but with the same success. Thursday we went into
it again. I hardly know what induced us to go
into it again, but in the evening, on leaving it
we had our tools all ready to send up when it
came on to rain & we returned into the drive
again when Harry knocked out a large stone
for fun, when just at the back of it he saw a bit
of gold, which, on pulling it out, turned out to
be an 8 oz nugget, we sold it for better than £30
we worked in the hole up to late last night without
getting any more, when just at the last minute
we got another nugget 1 oz 16 dwt, making
a good weeks work, after paying our debts we
had £10 each left — so we are quite well off –
We all went down the street last night &
bought some clothing we required, & visited
the Concert Room & the Dancing Saloon spent
a pleasent evening, but my mates got drunk
& I had an awful job to look after them &
get them home
7th June 1857. Fine weather. Last Monday I went to see the prize fight between Bourke & F.Smith — they only fought one round; Bourke giving Smith a foul blow;- so it was not worth going to see, they fought at the Bet Bet Creek about halfway between Donolly & Chinamans Flat. It was nearly dark when I got home, found my mates both on
1/104 |
119
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-06-14
the spree at Lucy Wilsons, they didnt get to
work until Wedy tho I went into the hole on
Tuesday to keep it from being jumped. We got
to work at last, but to no purpose, we didnt
get the color of gold. Last night we went to
hear Rayners Serenaders, they are very good, one
of them W.White — is the best tenor I ever
heard, I received an affectionate letter from my
brother Fred all well at home, My mates have
turned Teetotallers, (for a short time, they have
spent every fraction of their money)
[Sunday, 14 June 1857]
13th June 1857. Lovely weather. Im afraid we
are going to have a very dry winter we have
not had a good shower as yet. We went into our
hole & drove it nearly 50 ft. up to Friday night –
without seeing the color of gold we left the hole
in disgust & tried another, but could get no gold
so on Saturday we went into the old one to finish
the week. we had not drove it a foot further
when I found a nugget 4 oz. 1 dwt which
we sold for £15.13.0. It is the strangest
ground ever I worked in, there is no fine gold
so we intend to give it another weeks trial
for the sake of the nuggets which are like
Angels visits, few & far between. I received a
letter from Mother, wants me to come home
next month, my Brother Edward who is
working on a Station at Fiery Creek will
be down. If Ive any luck Ill go. We spent
a pleasent evening, hearing Barlow, have
just returned — I wrote a letter last night
to Mother & another to day to Fred.
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120
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-06-21
June 1857. Donolly
21st June — The weather has been very unsettled, but
no rain of any consequence. Last Sunday, Harry & I went
to Sandy Creek to see Charlie, found him well, he had found
a little gold & asked us to try the gully for a week on speck
We returned the same night & on Monday, Harry & I
packed up our swags & some tools, & have spent the
week at the Halfway but we only got about 3 dwts
between us, the ground would pay wages, if there was
plenty of water, we returned this evening, found Dick
during our absence had done no better than us two
There is a new rush about 90 miles from here near
Mount Ararat, a great number of diggers have gone
the reports from there are very encouraging. I
want my mates to start away at once, while we
have the means of going, but no, they must wait
until they hear further. I believe in going to a rush
at the first, then one has a chance of getting on the
best ground.
[Sunday, 28 June 1857]
27th Unsettled weather. Monday we got in a stock
of firewood from the bush. Big Jack an old mate
of ours paid us a visit, he was hard up, I gave him
a pound, he left us on Tuesday. I recevd a
long affectionate letter from Mother, they have had
a letter from England, informing them that my
Uncle Joseph has met with an accident & is not
expected to live. We worked in several holes during
the week but could get no gold. There has been
some large meetings held this week, to consider
the New Bill, that compels a man to take out
a License, for erecting a tent, falling timber or
drawing water on Crown Lands. Its preposterous
A petition has gone in to the Assembly, & Im
sure if the Bill passes there will be some riots
on the diggins
1/106 |
121
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-07-05 Sunday
July 1857. Donolly.
[Sunday, 5 July 1857]
4th [5th] Wet & cold all the week. We went into an
old hole, it was very hard driving, we couldnt
get more than 4 tubs a day out of it, & it went
about 1 dwt to the tub, on Friday night we
only had 17 dwt, yesterday we went at it again
& dropped on to a bit weighing 1 oz. 12 dwts
that set us up again, we had been a fortnight
without getting any gold to speak about, we
made 2 oz. 10 dwt for the week. Charlie & his
mate paid us a visit on Saturday night, we all
went down the town & had some fun, visited
the dance Rooms, Charlie is a Ventriloquist, he
frightened several in places we visited, he & Harry
got drunk & on our way home, they would
go into the National Hotel, which on entering
we found to be in a frightful uproar, fighting
every part of the house, we saw several we
knew getting murdered, we helped them of
course & very soon I found myself kicked into
the street by a mob of wretches, my clothes in
ribbons. Dick & Charlie got away somehow
the latter came home this morning in a way
that was highly amusing, there was a dense
fog, & I got up & was lighting the fire in
front of the tent, I could only see a few
yards, when I saw something I couldnt make
out, it appeared to be a woman for whoever it
was had a parasol over them, I gradually
came nearer & turned out to be Charlie, but
such an object, it appears, in the row
last night, he was kicked & robbed of everything
but his shirt & trousers, & seeing a tent, he
entered it, its occupant being, Ive learnt
1/107 |
122
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-07-05 cont.
since, a prostitute, but absent at the time, he
at once set too & put on a flannel petticoat
& an old stuff dress, in the pockets of which was
a bundle of letters written in French & dated
some 7 years ago, a Frenchman that lives in
the next tent has been translating them for us
they are most beautiful compositions, & appear
love letters, from their contents, we learnt that
a girl had been seduced & to hide her shame
had fled her home & came to Australia & was
now on the Turf — we soon stripped Charlie of
his finery & to night, I intend, if possible to
slip them into the womans tent again if I
can get the opportunity without being observed
I know the woman well, have met her in places
Dick got nearly killed in the fight, his head is
covered with bruises, he passed the night in a
Chemist shop, he pushed his way through the door (calico)
& slept on the counter, the owner on finding him
there this morning was very wrath & had an
idea of sending for the police. But Dick
explained matters to him, & he like a good
Samaritan bound up his wounds & gave him
a dose of physic. Dick is fond of Cognac –
they are all sound asleep, so now for my
little job — I left here two hours ago &
with my bundle I set out, the place is not
5 minutes walk from this, found the woman
at home, however I didnt hesitate but telling
her I found the Bundle I gave it up, she
was so overjoyed at getting them back (the
letters) on finding all right, she put very care-
fully in her breast, & thanked me. I had some
supper with her
1/108 |
123
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-07-12
July 1857 Donelly
[Sunday, 12 July 1857] 11th [12th] The weather still unsettled, the fore part being most wretched, continually drizzling & damp. Monday we spent in erecting a sod chimney against the tent, that makes it more comfortable, it is miserable work cooking our vituals in the open air, during the wet weather. Dick & I went to work on Tuesday Harry going away to see a rush at a place near Cochranes Station on the Avoca road, 12 miles from here, he returned the next day not thinking much of the place. I sent £6 at the beginning of the week to Mother & after buying myself a pair of Boots I found I had only by me £1. We only made 4 dwts all the week, so my pound had to go for my weeks vituals. Im sorry now I left myself so short, for the accounts from Ararat are so encouraging, that I am induced to think seriously of going, tho rather late my mates, like myself have no money It costs us 30/ aweek each to live & that on the very commonest fare we pay 3/. & 3/6 for the 4 lb loaf, 6d & 8d for potatoes I rcvd a letter from Uncle, quite well but not doing much. Harry & I & the Slaughter house man Joe. Holmes went out kangarooing at daylight this morning, we caught a little one near Mount Ugly they took to the ranges – & the dogs had no chance —
1/109 |
124
Dunolly, Victoria Australia, 1857-07-19 Sunday
July 1857. Donelly
[1857-07-19 Sunday]
18th.[19th] Weather still miserable. We worked very
hard from Monday until Thursday, without getting
any gold, so we jibbed at it & swore we wouldnt
work any more on Donelly, but pack up our
swags & tramp to Ararat, we hadnt a shilling
between us, so on Friday I walked down to see
Charlie to tell him we were off. I tried hard to
induce him to come with us, but he thinks hes
had enough of roughing it on short allowance
he wished us every success & gave me all the money
he had 10/. I came home last night (we'll have it
on our backs tomorrow) I sold my concertina for
2/6, so to day we got everything ready for a start
our swags will be heavy ones. The Butcher is
going up with his cart & has promised to take up
our tub & cradle, so if we can manage to live
on the road we shall be alright on our arrival
I received a letter from Mother, all well, she got
the £6, I wish I had a couple of it, I spent the
afternoon bidding acquaintances good bye Etc
& Im looking for a man that owes me a pound
I found him at last in Whites Gambling Hell
I never witnessed such a scene as met my eyes
there was about 30 people present among the
numbers a lot of women all gambling, there
was a roulette table over which Ive lost money
more than once. My friend told me if Id
come an hour sooner he would have given me
£20. but since that time he had lost every
halfpenny he possessed. I saw him stake his
watch, & lost a ring belonging to his wife
what a cursed fatality there is in the passion
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125
Crabb’s Station; Avoca Cemetary; Amphitheatre. 1857-08-02
Hard up Diggers on the Tramp |
Hard up Diggers on the
Tramp to a New Rush
From Dunolly to Ararat
[Sunday, 2 August 1857] August 1st [2nd] Nr Mount Ararat
It is a fortnight since I continued my journal I must try & remember how I spent the time – we left Dunolly on the morning of the [1857-07-20] 19th ultimo with very heavy swags on our backs, & 1/6 in our pockets between 3 of us, we had 2 loaves of Bread & a small piece of Beef, however we were in excellent spirits & trudged along merrily, beguiling the time by relating past adventures to each other, until dinner time when we camped (and polished 1 of the loaves) at Crabtree Station, after travelling over a nice tract of country we made the Avoca township about dark, having walked about 25 miles for the day, we might have come a nearer way, by coming through the Alma diggins but we didnt know until it was too late, we were very tired when we camped, the best place was the Cemetary situated in a very pretty spot, we pitched our tent between two gravestones, or head boards for they were merely rough slabs, with the name daubed on by some amateur painter, after finishing the rest of our vituals, we turned in & slept as sound as if we were on feathers, without being disturbed by anything in the shape of spirits (tho my mates wished they could make the acquaintance of some in the shape of Bdy). We arose early & proceeded on our journey, having only a small crust of Bread between us for Breakfast, crossed the Avoca River, & walked on for some 10 miles, our swags began to feel heavy & we were hungry. I went into a little refreshment tent, & asked the price of a loaf, 5/. I had only 1/6 & after a deal of per -suasion she cut off a slice & gave it for my money. It only was a mouthful each & just served to whet our appetites. We reached a place called the Amphitheatre, a small diggins,
1/111 |
126
Hard up Diggers on the Road, Amphitheatre, Victoria 1857-07-dd
where we camped supperless for the night we pitched
our tent by a creek & in the night it came on to rain
very hard, our tent was flooded, we rolled up our blankets
about 2 Am stood up the rest of the night to keep them
dry, towards morning the storm passed over, & we
got started about 8 on Wednesday morning, feeling
wretched after our nights entertainment, our swags
were much heavier the tent being soaking wet we
trudged along hungry enough, till we came to a
place where we found a man yoking up his bullocks
we gave him a help with them, & asked him for a
piece of damper which he said he couldnt give for
he had none made, his wife was sitting by the
camp fire & we asked her but she was so deaf she
didnt understand us. I saw a Billy of Tea standing
by the fire, which I helped myself to, my mates
making a finish of its contents, after some banter
such as being called loafers, frying pan, bushrangers
etc, we left them, the first time I was ever refused
a bit of Bread in the Bush in my life, after another
walk of a couple of hours, we fell in with a party
of chaps just camped for dinner, we tossed up who
should cadge it fell to Dick. On asking them
for some damper, they told him to be off, there
were too many of his sort on the road — they were
New Chums, so we pitied them, & left them but not
before Dick took a chew of tobacco out of his mouth
& shied it at the fellows face. Dick threatened to
give him something else that he wouldnt relish
so well if he wasnt satisfied, we had a shower
of imprecations sent after us — about 4 oclock we
fell in with some chaps to whom Dick sold his
jumper, or thick outside shirt to for 5/., we bought
a small loaf of Bread for which we paid 4/. for
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127
Hard up Diggers on the Road, Pyrenees, 1857-07-06
it was the sweetest morsel I ever tasted, we hadnt a
crumb of it left in 10 minutes, we camped at the
River Wimmera that night, the road was in an awful
state mud up to the knees, drays bogged, dead horses
& bullocks lying along the road in every direction
I never saw such queer ground in my life as about
that neighbourhood, the surface appears quite hard
but it is a thin crust, which upon breaking you sink
down into, quicksand, we passed lots of horses dying
that couldnt be got out. In the night Harry took
very ill with cramps in his stomach he suffered
fearful agony. Dick, with the 1/. got up & walked
back to where we bought the bread, & after a deal of
trouble roused the people up, to give him some
Brandy. I got up & lit a fire, & burnt the Bdy, it
did him a deal of good. I think it was from the effects
of our last nights rest that caused it, we remained
all day there. Harry not been able to travel & of
course we wasnt going to leave him. Dick & I walked
about the road in hopes of seeing some body we knew
but no such luck, about dinner time, a dray got
bogged, Dick & I got out our shovels & went to the
mans assistance, & in an hours time got him
all his team all right; he gave us 2 pounds of
flour, which we soon cooked on the coals, we were
very hungry not having eat anything like a meal
for more than two or three days. Friday morning
we got under weigh again & after travelling over
a very rough hilly country, called the Pynnies
until 4 Pm without tasting food, we noticed a
man by the roadside resting, we were walking
one behind the other, he looked very hard at me
on passing, Harry was some distance behind, the
man stopped him & enquired if we came from
Bendigo. Harry told him we used to live there
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128
Blue Peter, a Debt Repaid, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-07-24
He called out to me, upon my returning, he asked
if I didnt remember him. I really did not at the time,
he turned out to be a man that once called at my
tent in Long Gully, hard up. I allowed him to sleep in
my tent & on his departure in the morning I gave
him 10s/-d this was two years ago, & I had forgotten
the circumstance until he recalled it to memory
since that time he had been fortunate on the “Alma”
& had been to look at Ararat, & was returning. Upon
my informing him that we were starving, he gave
us all the vituals he had, (a damper & some mutton)
my word! didnt we walk into it! we camped there
for the night, along with him, his horse, was lame
& he had been giving him a spell for a day or two.
In the morning he gave me a £1 note & told me
if ever I was short I could come to the “Alma” &
enquire for “Blue Peter” the only name I knew
him by, he would always share what he had with
me. Who says there is no such thing as providence
we cast our Bread upon the waters Etc — after
a pleasent adieu with our purple friend we tramped
along in better spirits — there we had been for some
time. we arrived within a few miles of Ararat that
night could see the Mount in the distance. I dont
know if it bears any resemblance to its namesake
of Sacred Memory. It appears a fine neighbourhood
good land & well watered. The next day Sunday
we made the outskirts of the diggings, camped & in
the morning (Monday) entered them, found the
diggings extended over a large space of ground
being principally on a level plain with small
gullys running into it, from some very high
ranges that surrounds the place, gives it the
appearance of a horse-shoe. We pitched our tent &
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129
Ararat], Victoria Australia, 1857-08-02
Ararat. August 1st.[2nd] 1857
took a look around, saw a few faces we knew, spoke to some, I never witnessed anything like it before the sinking is deep, the bottom is pipeclay & the whole place looks like a field of snow with the white heaps around, there seems to be no regularity in the leads, patches of holes in every direction — We did nothing the first day, the next however we spent in trying to find out if McKensie had arrived for we could not get to work without our tub & cradle, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack for it is supposed there are 50,000 people on the ground tents are as thick as possible, life & bustle in every direction, we had a job to find our tent again I heard our old mates Nuttal & Maguires are here but could find nothing of them, until two days afterwards, I spent two or three evenings visiting the places of amusement (on the cheap) thinking I should see them. We fell in with McKensie the next day & got our things, we are to give him 30/. for fetching them up (when we get it.) We helped them to put up their tent. Mrs Mc giving us a good dinner & tea. We met a man in the evening that told us where to find our old mates, we found their tent at last, they were glad to see us & so were we for our money was done & didnt know where to get the next meal from we shifted our tent on Saturday (yesterday) alongside of theirs, they have had one good hole but there were 11 of them in the party so it did not amount to much among so many, their party has been broken up — We are living with them after a manner, so muddled, & miserable – I trust we wont be long before we get some gold, for Im one that dont care about being under a compliment to anyone, tho' I oughtnt to feel it one from them
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130
Petticoat, Black Horse, Petticoat, Victoria Australia 1857-08-09 Sunday
8th [9th] August 1857 Fine weather, water is very scarce
we pay 6d & sometimes 1/. for a Bucket of drinking
water. Monday we tried an old hole in Petticoat Gully
drove it 'till Tuesday night but could get no gold
Wednesday a rush took place near the tent, called
Black horse Lead, we sank a hole bottomed on Friday
night — a rank duffer (No 1 for Ararat) Saturday
we went back to Petticoat Gully & tried an old hole
got 3 tubs out of it that yielded us 3 dwts so we
shall try it again on Monday. We went down
the town last night, the excitement surpassed
anything ever has been seen on the diggins before
places of amusement in every direction Concert
Rooms, Dancing Rooms, of course nothing but
prostitutes, in the shape of women visit them
Billiard Rooms & Gambling houses seem to be
the favourite places, drunken men in every
direction, fighting, swearing, & drinking pervade
everywhere, nearly all the fighting men Victoria
can boast of are here, some of them have got what
is termed a "Gymnasium" or a place for Boxing
Tom Curran, & Joe Kitchens are the favourite place
I wrote to Charlie to day & also to Joe Holms
Spent to day reading, jumping, running, &
Boxing & playing single stick, there is a
fellow named Ned Hopkins working with Bill,
we call him the possum, he was educated at Oxford
College, but has been a sad reprobate & left
home in disgrace, he can lick-us all at
athletic sports at least Boxing & fencing
But Dick is the best general man among
the lot, he can do anything in Gymnastics
1/116 |
131
Ararat, Petticoat, Victoria Australia, 1857-08-16 Sunday
Ararat August 1857
16th The weather has been very miserable this
week, kind of Scotch mist falling
We went into our hole on Monday, & got &
washed 4 tubs out of it which yielded us 1 oz
of gold very good, we set to & drove out two
loads about (90 Buckets), which we washed
yesterday, turning out 2 oz. 15 dwts making
3 oz 14 dwts for the weeks work, giving us
quite a start, we paid what we owed. We
took in another mate on Friday a friend of
Dicks, we call him George, he is a
married man & a good working chap, of
course he dont live with us. We went down
the town last night, visited what is called a
Theatre & I saw a little girl performing, at
least reading from Shakespeare, Julia Matthews, she seems
quite at home either in Tragedy or Comedy
but I think the latter will be her forte I enjoyed
myself very much, late when I got to the tent
I wrote to Mother this afternoon I feel very
anxious to hear about those at home –
we worked hard to day, washing our clothes
& getting in a stock of firewood Etc —
23rd Weather unsettled but no rain. We went into our hole on Monday, drove it till Wednesday & only got 10 dwts so we left it, went into another hole, got 1 dwt out of a dish of dirt thought we were going to get something drove a load out, it only turned out 7 dwts, & we had to pay 5/. for the carting of it. Harry & Dick tried another hole on Friday they got a load out they intend washing it on Monday. Harry & I went last night to a
1/117 |
132
Ararat, Petticoat, Victoria Australia,
1857-08-30 Sunday
New Theatre, to see “William Tell” play’d, such a
farce I never witnessed, the principal actor
Cox, after playing two acts refused to appear
again unless the manager paid him his
salary that was due, we waited half an hour
between the acts, when Cox was introduced to
our notice in a new character. The manager
& him quarrelled & came to blows on the stage
& “William Tell” came bounding off the stage
with a knockdown blow given him by the
Manager, how I laughed & the audience
hooted, when the manager appeared &
explained how things stood, they gave us
back our tickets (but no money,) & invited
us to be present on Monday night to see
it out. I think I'll go for fun
30th Weather cold & wretched living in a tent. George & I went into our old hole & got out a load which we washed on Wednesday, turned out 6 dwts, too poor for a 50 ft hole. Harry & Dick got 13 dwt out of their lead, but there was no more ground in the hole, so they went prospecting, got about 3 dwts. George & I, the latter part of the week tried some old holes, the last we went into yesterday we got 1½ dwts out of 4 Buckets so we intend trying it next week. On Friday night Louis Weller, a young Polish chap, & I went down the street, went into a place next door to the “National Theatre” kept by a young lady an old acquaintance of mine she had a slit cut in the side of her tent through which there was free access into
1/118 |
133
Ararat, Victoria Australia,
1857-08-30 Sunday
into the Theatre, of course we took advantage of
it, & went in, saw Kate O.Reilly & Cox in
the Stranger, they playd it well (the place
where the occurrence happened I alluded to a
fortnight ago was closed from that date) I went to
see Nelly again last night & through her
means got into the Theatre free, saw the
“Lady of Lyons” for the first time, it is a
splendid piece & suits Kate O.R. she is
considered the best Melo Dramatic actress
ever appeared in the colonies — after yarning
with Nelly for a while (who I became
acquainted with on Bendigo 18 months ago
through poor Roby) she is very kind to me
Louis is in love with her, but she is fooling
him, he has a few pounds & thinks of winning
her by spending it on her. (Nellys father was well
off in Melbourne but speculated & lost all his
wealth, he died shortly after, & she had to
turn to & work, she chose a strange life
keeping a Restaurant — I dont know how
she preserves her reputation. Ive heard her
spoken lightly of but I never saw anything
wrong about her, she is very beautiful which
makes her place very attractive — I received a
long epistle from Charlie, he is still at Sandy Creek
not doing much, but like ourselves living
in hopes of getting into a rich hole that
will pay for all our trial & hardships
Spent a very intellectual afternoon, J.Maguire
& Ned commenced an argument which brought
out their knowledge. They are both clever
the former finished at Dublin University & the latter at Oxford
1/119 |
134
Ararat, Buried Old Sam, Victoria Australia,
1857-09-06 Sunday
— Ararat Sept 1857. –
7th [6th] Sept. Weather unsettled, mud & dirt everywhere
George & I went into our hole on Monday, & after
working very hard & only getting 3 dwt we left
it, we tried several other holes during the week
but only got 5 dwt., Harry & Dick got 1 oz. 15 dwt
between them so it helped to make up — I was
barefoot & nearly naked, we want a new tent ours
is very old & during the late heavy weather
in rags, Louis, Nuttal, Tom & I have knocked
about the town nearly every night the former
playing Billiards, I in visiting the Concert
Rooms & other free places of amusement
learning several new accomplishments, such as
Boxing & Dancing, last night I & Tom went
to see the Play of the "Hunchback" I liked it
well, Kate O.R. was glorious as Julia —
Poor old Sam died yesterday, he was living
near us on Donelly & also here, he was too
old for the rough life of a digger, we dug
a grave for him to day, in a nice little gully up
in the ranges, after a deal of bother we got a
Wesleyan parson to pray over his grave,
we buried him this afternoon, no one knowing
his name or his connections, it seems very
melancholy to die & be buried by strangers
His mate Joe died in “Delirium Tremens” the
week before we left Donelly, he was raving
mad & hid into the Bush, he was found
under a Bush quite dead, the Coroners
Verdict was, died of Exhaustion — so ends
two more mortals
1/120 |
135
Buried Alive, Ararat, Victoria Australia,
1857-09-13 Sunday
14th [13th] Weather very changeable, George & I went to
work where my other mates are at work, we worked
very hard & made between us 4 oz 10 dwts, not
so bad if we could always do as well, the ground is
very dangerous, we are taking out props & pillars
we have to use a deal of timber, & I have had
many narrow escapes, I was at the far end of
a drive on Thursday when the hole fell
in my candle went out, my mates made
sure I was killed, but they got assistance &
by 10pm after being in the drive upwards of
eight hours they got me out, I was nearly
exhausted, for want of air. It was a good
job I blew my candle out for it must have
consumed some of the air. I soon got round
& went to work as usual next morning –
We pay’d off our debts, some that we contracted
on Donolly. I went to the Theatre last night
its the only place of amusement I care or in
fact that is worth frequenting here –
the other places, being the resort of the
vilest of characters — Ive been very unwell
during the week, had a severe cold accompanied
by a dreadful headache —
20th Beautiful weather, We are in great need of water, all of the creeks are dried up, & summer will be soon here. we got & washed 10 loads of dirt this week, that turned out 7 oz 5 dwt or about £7.0.0 a man, not so bad when compared with the ill luck we have had lately, the ground we are working in is what has been left by parties either frightened or unable to timber it, what is commonly called Block & pillaring, we put in
1/121 |
136
Prospecting near Grampians, Blackstone Lead Ararat, Victoria Australia,
1857-09-27 Sunday
nearly 100 props averaging 9 in in diameter, we get
the timber from the bush, two of us go out for a
couple of days & fall trees & split them up, pay
2/6 a load for bringing them to the workings.
Ive been in the township nearly every night
during the week, went to see the Poses Plastiques
twice & once to hear Tottens Serenaders. My mates
Harry & Dick got on the spree last night, Harry
is all right, But Dick is still away, he has broken
the pledge he made on Donelly to abstain from
drink for 12 months, there are some people if
they have a pound it burns a hole in their pockets
until its spent, he is one of that sort –
I recd a long kind letter from mother only
such a one as a mother can write, no news
of any importance, all well
27th Sept. Nice weather, only made 25/. aman this week. I've been away prospecting about 30 miles from here, came home about noon yesterday. I left on Tuesday in the direction of the Grampians, camped on a creek near some natives, they were very kind to me. I sank 2 holes next day but could find no indications of gold. I left the following day in company with a little half caste native girl about 16 years of age, walked through a lovely country, like a gentlemans park in England. I camped in a beautiful gully somewhere near Sir John Mitchells track where he first traversed through Victoria from Swan Hill on his memorable expedition. I sank a hole the same day about 4 ft deep, no gold, the next day I tried several [likely] looking surface hills & sank another
1/122 |
137
Prospecting with a Native Girl, Victoria Australia, 1857-09-27
hole, but I could not find anything to pay, tho
Im perfectly convinced there will be found payable
ground in the neighbourhood, my companion
in the meantime spent her time hunting Birds
& possums, & Bathing. Friday night I packed
my swag as my provisions were done & started
by moonlight back made our old camp about
12 oclock, felt very tired, I boiled my Billy on
a Blackfellows fire & made some tea, & eat
a piece of an opossum for the first time in
my life. I didnt much care about it, being
very strong & had a gummy taste. One of the
Blacks an old sour looking savage who turned
out to be the betrothed of my companion, was
very wrath with me. I felt very timid at
remaining all night with them, so while his
back was turned I wrapped my Blanket
round me & walked into the scrub, Nelly
following. I had a job to get rid of her. I
had a copy of Moores Lalla Rook with me &
it had a frontispiece which I gave her, & she
plastered it on her breast. I laid down under
a bush for the rest of the night, & started
about 6 am yesterday morning, got home
in the afternoon, very tired & weary after my
journey. I felt all right after 3 hours rest
& went to the Duchess of Kent Theatre in
the evening & saw the German brothers (2
acrobats) go through their wonderful
performances, there was also some good singers
Kate Ward, Hackett & one or two others
1/123 |
138
Gypsy SmithArarat, Bill Gray, Victoria Australia, 1857-10-04 Sunday
My mates are rather “down in the mouth” on
there bad luck, there has been several good
holes bottomed near the tent during the week
the ground is very hard, being 20 ft of cement
to go through so it takes a deal of time &
money to sink one — I met an old Bendigo
friend of mine, its over 2 years since I saw
him last “Cockney Bill” I dont know his
right name, he used to live next tent to me
in Pegleg Gully, when I worked with Stevens
& Symonds at the Puddling Mill there – “ah
those were the times for gold diggers” —
Oct 4th 1857. Weather hot & sultry, sure sign of the coming summer. We joined 2 more mates last Monday, both married men, W.Gray, & A.Alexander, 2 old mates of Harrys in days gone by the former is a smart young chap, he has been very un lucky lately, about 3 months ago he was living on the Adelaide Lead & going up a deserted gully, he saw a man washing him self on going up to him without being observed he recognised him as being the noted bushranger & murderer, that had defied all laws human & divine “Gypsy Smith” there was £400 reward for his capture Gray didnt show any mistrust but got into conversation with the fellow got him to give him a light of his pipe Etc.
1/124 |
139
Capture of Gypsy Smith (October 1856), Ararat Victoria Australia,
1857-10-04
he sauntered back home after hiding & seeing
him go into a little hut among some scrub
he at once started for Maryborough some 10
miles, & getting a pistol & the assistance of
2 troopers returned, & bursting in the hut
after a desperate resistance captured him, but
not before he fired a shot at Bill which went
through his hat & grazed his head (rather a
narrow escape) Bill, of course wanted his
money, he was referred to Melbourne & had
to employ a lawyer, he was humbugged
for upwards of 2 months & at length got
£130, 70 of which he had to pay his lawyer
then he had his own expenses to meet &
his family had to get their necessaries on
credit so after all was settled he found
he was in debt £10.0.0. what a disgrace
to the Government to give a poor man such
bother after risking his life in the capture
of one of the greatest wretches that ever existed.
We have been sinking holes this week
near our tent, at the rush we bottomed 3
but they were duffers, we have 2 more holes
nearly down. I trust they will turn out
something, for we havent got 10/. between
the 3 of us. I dont think our other mates
are any better off & they have young
children to support. I like a fool lent
Dick £4.0.0 last week to pay some debts
he owed, but he told me a falsehood to get
1/125 |
140
Near Blackhorse? Lead Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-October-dd
it, there was a share in a claim for sale &
he thought we'd buy it for £5.0.0. Dick knew
the party & I gave him the money on *a/c of
the company, & it appears Dick went to the
men & they wouldnt sell, instead of him
returning with my money, he went away
& paid some drinking debts, & came home
drunk with £1.0.0 left, he says he'll pay
me it me back, but a man so totally destitute
of principle as he is, there is no dependence
to be placed upon. Ive hardly been civil to
him since. I received a letter from Mother
she has not been well. Ned is in town he
cannot get employment. Father is sinking
into his usual lethargic habits, & appears
to care very little whether his family lives
or starves, he goes away with the idea that
because he is a Christian, the Lord will
provide for his family. God helps them
that helps themselves in this world –
I often think we are an unlucky family
none of us ever seem to be successful in any
thing we undertake. I wish I knew the
secret of our failure in my case
11th October Nice weather, we bottomed our
holes on Tuesday one of them was a
rank duffer the other one we washed one
load of it which yielded 1 oz. 3 dwts. so we
intend to try it further, we washed another
1/126 |
141
Ararat – October 1857 -
load out of a hole we went into it turned out 6 dwts
wont pay after paying 2/6 for the carting
& burning a pound of Candles in getting it out
There has been a large rush at Campbells Station[2] some 15 miles from here, not having
any money we could not go to try it. I
hear its no great thing, Ive read a great
deal this week. History of the Roman Republic.
Spent to day in anything but a proper
manner, gymnastics, & washing our clothes
& mending Etc
18th Heavy rains this week, no scarcity of water now, we all worked in the hole we got the gold out of last week, we got 3 oz. 10 dwts between us poor work for 6 men, however it paid off all the debts we had contracted during the past week at the store. I went down town last night, met an old acquaintance, Bill Merrit that once was mates with Brown & Rudd in Long Gully he informs me that Tom is on Pleasent Creek, some diggins about 25 miles further Westward than these — I should like to see him again, he was within a few miles of Ararat on Friday. It appears he never rejoined Charlie at Sandy Creek, but went to Bendigo & got into a scrape & had to hook it, he has not been very fortunate I knocked about with Merrit till 12 oclock I think Ill write to Mother this evening
1/127 |
142
Moonlight Gully, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-10-26
27th [26th] Oct 1857. Weather very unsettled, we
have shifted our quarters since I last wrote
The brothers Maguires & Nuttall & their
party came here a fortnight ago & are
getting a little gold, the ground is shallow
& there is plenty of water & one of the
prettiest places ever I was camped at
so we thought we'd follow suit, we packed
up our traps & came here last Tuesday — its
7 miles from Ararat, in the direction of
Mount William, the highest hill in
Victoria, forming the S end of the Grampian
the gully we commenced work in seems a
likely one for gold, we sank 3 hole 15
feet deep 2 of them were duffers, mine
is payable we washed 2 loads out of it
that yielded 2 oz. 5 dwts, amongst it a
nugget weighing 1 oz. Its very lonely
out here, no company but my mates &
the Maguires party however we are all
very jolly, we hunt opossum & kangaroo
& emus during our spare time & fish
for crayfish in the Creek, they are
very good eating, but small - we
shoot a good many Cockatoos & pigeons
there are thousands of the former located
on the trees around the tent. I killed a
Carpet Snake on Saturday that measured
5 ft 6 ins in length, they are very dangerous
1/128 |
143
Moonlight Gully, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-11-02
being certain death if bit by one, they are
the only things Im afraid of. I once witnessed
the death of a friend of mine many
years ago in the Bush that was
bitten by one I shall never forget
the sight he presented, he only lived
10 hours afterwards, & was fearfully
swollen & turned nearly black poor
Morris — I went into Ararat yesterday
(Sunday) staid all night at Nellys
Restaurant, she was glad to see me we
had a long yarn, about poor Roby
I got home this morning after a
delightful walk over the ranges –
We have Christened the place we are
living at Moonlight Gully —
2nd [1st] November.- Been a wretched week nothing but rain & wind, the consequence being that we have done very poor, not been able to do a fair days work for the week, we sank several holes but nothing in them to pay we only got 18 dwts between us. Bad luck its hard enough for us single chaps, but what must our married mates think they come out here from Ararat on Monday morning & go home on Saturday night, I pity a married digger with a family, if he’s getting no gold, its hard work for a woman to live on the diggins while they are in such an
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1857-11-01
Moonlight Gully Nov 1857
unsettled state, they have so many hard
ships to contend with — I took a long
walk on the ranges to day & nearly met
with a mishap. I was walking along
a little pathway when I saw a lizard
it seemed rooted to the spot. Knowing
them to be, very timid & generally on ones
approach to run away, I thought it very
strange. I had a stick in my hand & touchd
it, when I, heard a hissing noise & before
I could see what it was, a large Carpet
Snake sprang at the lizard. I never jumped
so far before, but on recovering my
presence of mind, I got a small stick
& flung it at the reptile & before it could
recover itself I st[r]uck it on the head with
my stick & killed it It gave me a start
I feel now, on finding myself so near
the thing. I brought it home & laid
it just at the tent door, my mates
were out. Jacob Maguire was the first
to come to the tent & nearly trod upon
it & not knowing it was dead, gave a
yell & tumbled backward, he was a
long time before he recovered from
his fright. It was very wrong I must
say to have done such a trick. I did
it for fun, for he is always boasting of
his nerve & presence of mind It measd
5 ft 3 in. the one I killed the other day
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Moonlight Gully, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-11-08
I found asleep or basking in the sun on
a rock & had no difficulty in killing
Ive killed a good many in Australia but
was never being so nearly bitten before
Ive read 2 Books through this week that I
borrowed while on Ararat, Last of the Tribes
& a fine story by Disraeli called Sybil –
quite an intellectual treat —
8th Nov Been very hot. There was quite a rush set in at a small in gully half a mile from here, we sank 5 holes, 2 of them turned out a little gold 11 dwts out of 5 loads of dirt- wretchedly poor, our married mates dont intend coming out again, they can do as well on Ararat as here, & not be compelled to be absent from their family, so we have dissolved partnerships & think we will do better by ourselves. I dont believe in large parties except in deep wet ground. I went to Ararat yesterday, & received a long letter from Mother all well, she informs me that Ned has left home & taken to the Bush, she thinks he has gone to Bendigo, I hope he will find Uncle & set in mates along him & Henry —
15th Weather very hot. We have been at work in the same gully as last week & Im happy to state with better success, we sank 3 paddocks & got out 5 loads of dirt that turned us out 2 oz 15 dwts, quite put us on our feet again. Harry went into the township on Saturday to sell the gold & get some things we required he saw our old mates, they have not
1/131 |
146
Moonlight Gully, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-11-22
earned a shilling since they left us. Harry
got a glass too much & didnt leave the town
until late & when about halfway home on
the high range 2 men rushed upon him
& knocked him on the head with a stick, he laid
insensible for two hours & when he came all
right he found he hadnt a penny left
they had robbed him of better than £7.10.0
he had spent nearly his own share of the gold
on some clothes which he had put on so he
is no loser, Dick & I are the suffererss. Im
very annoyed he ought to have left earlier,
the crack on his head will teach him a lesson
nothing but ill luck seems to attend me
I was doubtful about the story at first, but
I found out to day that an acquaintance
of mine who met Harry & seeing him
rather full, accompanied him some two miles
on the road past any place where he could
have spent the money, we have been living
on short allowance the past week & I suppose
will have to do so the next week the only
thing he brought Back was a Book he got
cheap for me, an edition of Byrons Works
22nd Very indifferent weather, but hot & sultry generally attended by several thunder storms we worked very hard this week, & only got 9 dwts, not enough to keep us in flour A rush took place a mile from here, we got a claim next to the prospectors which we intend to sink a hole in next week if we can get tick
1/132 |
147
Moonlight Gully, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-11-22
for vituals, the ground is very hard being all cement
I went into Ararat yesterday & borrowed a pair
of gads & a hammer, to work with, we shall
commence it to morrow I hope it will pay us
but Im not sanguine about it — I received
a letter from Mother yesterday, she has recd a long
letter from Aunt Hartley (Halifax) who informs
us that J. & W. Hall have had to leave school
in consequence of their fathers death who it appears
died in anything but independent circumstances
as was supposed. Joe is coming to Adelaide &
Bill is going to be a middy. There is also an
allusion to my lamentable ignorance. I think it
very wrong & it galls me much, to have reflection
cast upon me for what I cannot avoid, leaving
home so young & never mixing in society & having
no one that could take an interest in me,
living with the very vilest characters at times
in my occupation as a gold digger, however
I intend to improve myself in the future &
endeavour to make myself passible in society
should I ever be thrown in any, my mates &
companions say that Im greatly changed
the last 12 months since I took to studying as
they call it. On Donolly I bought a grammer
& an arithmetic which I have studied since. I
understand "Practice" & "Rule of Three" well
so Im getting on. Jacob Maguire & Hopkin
who live in the next tent are both good
scholars & have mixed in good society, & are
well bred Etc. I endeavour to make examples of
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148
1857-11-29
Moonlight Gully. Nov 1857-
them, & light my candle from their lamp, they
are very kind & always appear to give me any
information I require willingly
Edward is once more in Melbourne having
travelled some hundreds of miles in the bush
without finding employment, except a few days
work he got on the Mount Alexr Road, poor fellow
he is beginning to have his troubles. My father
is greatly to blame for the paltry proud spirit
he has shown in bringing up his boys without
trades or educations. It was always my wish
for Edward to be educated. I once sent mother
₤5.0.0. for the purpose & would have offered
to pay his school fees & his clothes — which I
would endeavoured to have done, but its useless
regretting now the money was put to another
purpose & there it ended
30th [29th] Last Monday it rained so hard that we could not work. passed the day reading & writing Tuesday there was a prize fight, at the back of Mount Ararat some 5 miles from here, between Joe Kitchen & Bob Fee for £200.0.0 aside It was a fine fight lasted over 2 hours, Kitchen coming off the victor. I never saw so much ill feeling displayed by the spectators in my life. I saw 20 fights during the day. It was like a fair Booths & Grandstands forming a Circus of the place we were very hungry when we got home, not had a 1/. between us. Wednesday we commenced
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149
Moonlight Gully & Emu Creek, Victoria Australia, 1857-11-29
our hole & bottomed it on Saturday a duffer like
every other hole turned out on the hill, the prospectors
are the only ones that can get any gold, they
bottomed on a gutter where a little gold lodged
Dick worked in a little gully near the tent we
call Emu Creek, because we killed one there
during the week, he got 5 dwts of gold, so we had
to go into debt for Grub, we have had some
fearful fires in the neighbourhood owing to the
heat of the weather the grass & trees are very dry
& the least thing set it on fire. We burnt the grass
on Wednesday for 100 yards round the tent, a
most fortunate thing for a fire occurred the
following day that consumed everything it
met with. We were coming home from work
& had to run for our lives, in crossing a flat
where the grass was up to our knees, kangaroos
& Emus, lizards & snakes, wild cattle Etc rushed
by in great numbers — & took to the waterhole
A sad calamity nearly happened, being my day
to cook I left work earlier than the others to
get tea ready. I found Mrs Howard (a person
that lived about a quarter of a mile from our
tent) trying to beat out the flames that were
raging around her tent with a large green
bush, poor woman! she was nearly exhausted. I
rushed to help her when the flames caught
the tent, her Baby she had left on the bed
& a little Boy was clinging to his mothers dress
which was pretty well scorched. I pushed my
way with an old sack around my head & got
hold of the Baby, & dragged it out & got it into
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150
Moonlight Gully & Emu Creek, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-12-06
into a place of safety behind the fire, Mrs H
fainted, but soon came round, she was sure her
baby was burnt, but the little beggar began to
cry which soon relieved her of her fears — the
fire was far away in a few minutes, but they were
without a home, her husband was at work at
the time but seeing the fire at a distance
came home but he was too late to be of any
assistance, my mates & the others turned to
& got a lot of Bushes & erected a large Mia Mia
& spreading a lot of dry leaves left them. Ive
not been able to work since, from the burns
I received in saving the child, my hair is all
singed & being only in my flannel shirt at
the time my neck & shoulders are burnt, my
left shoulder is very bad & sore, all the skin
being off. I got some Emu fat & rubbed on it
so I dont think it will be long before its well
Howard was very profuse in the acknowledgement
of his gratitude, he has a little money in the
Bank at Ararat & has purchased another tent
Mrs. H. is very ill, poor woman she has been
well brought up & not accustomed to a hard
life, they intend leaving the diggins for good the
end of the summer.
December 6th 1857. Fine weather but very hot Been at work in Emu Gully & Im happy to state with better success than last week we made 3 oz between us, sufficient to pay our debts & leave us a pound or two which I consider mine, my mates being in my debt. I Went
1/136 |
AAD
151 1857-12-20
Moonlight. Dec 1857 -
into Ararat yesterday & bought a pick & shovel
& also some clothing I required, for I was nearly
naked. I went to see Old George, he is at work
on Campbells, doing very poorly. I called on
Bill Greys, he is hard-up, his wife & 2 children
look miserable. I gave him a pound Stg. which
he spent at once on food. I told him to come
out to us next week & try a hole near our claim
he can live with us for the week. I trust he will
do something, he is a steady chap & works hard
but is very unfortunate. Ararat looks miserable
I dont think there are 4,000 people on it & not
4 months ago there were 50,000, nearly everyone
has left this place. If I can save £5 the next
fortnight Ill go to town & see all at home its
nearly two years since I saw them last in
Adelaide
13th. Weather dreadfully hot. Worked in Emu Gully this week, made 2 oz 10 dwt, better than nothing. Bill Gray poor devil only made 3 dwts not enough to pay his share of the rations, but we would not take it from him. Dick & I went into Ararat. I called at the P.O. no letters I dont think Uncle could have received the letter I wrote to him, I fancy the letter I sent to mother never was posted, I gave it a man & I hear he got drunk on the road & has never been near the township since
20th Fearfully hot all the week, could not work the first 2 days of the week in consequence. The Bush having been on fire again, we killed
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152
Moonlight Gully & Emu Creek, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1857-12-24
two fine kangaroos that were fleeing from the
fire & caught a beautiful Bird called a Native
Companion. Harry & Dick got on the spree last
Monday & Tuesday, got to work on Wednesday
made nearly 2 oz for the week. I went into
Ararat yesterday, no letters, on my way home
I made up my mind to go to Melbourne for a
change I should have started to day, but Bill
Nuttall is going in a few days so I shall wait
until he's ready. I think we'll start on X mas day.
24th Dec 1857. I intend starting for town in the morning. The weather is very hot, the bush was on fire at the beginning of the week, burnt several tents in the neighbouring gullies — we have made 1 oz for the 4 days work. I think I shall return to this place in about a month Nuttall has a little money in Geelong & I think Ill draw mine, & we intend purchasing a puddling mill in Opossum Gully about 3 miles from this, I think when winter sets in it will pay us very well, it will cost us about £100.0.0 I leave my share of the tent & tools to Harry & Dick until my return — Ive washed & mended my clothes this afternoon so I am quite ready. My mates & Maguires & their party are all merry (drunk) being X mas eve. I hope Nuttall wont take too much for I want to push along pretty smart tomorrow
1/138 |
153
1857-12-13
Melbourne Jany 1858
We left Moonlight Gully, Christmas morning, about
10 am. reached Ararat at 12, had our dinner (the
best Ive had for years) got onto the road struck across
the plain & made the Ballarat road made a
Public House with a most unpronounceable native
name, it might be a Gailic one for it was kept
by an Highlander, we had a good supper & bed &
by daylight we got onto the road again, our
journey took us through the finest country Ive
travelled for many years, we passed through
Fiery Creek (Raglan) about 10. am, made Lake
Burrumbeet about 6 pm where we had tea
it is the most beautiful neighbourhood I traveled
in Australia fine land & a deal of it under
cultivation, near the Lake, which is about 10
miles long & in some places 1 mile broad so I
was informed, there is a small township that
contains a store & two Public Houses, Nuttall
wanted to remain there all night, but I was
determined to reach Ballarat some 12 miles
further after some remonstrance I got him to
try it. I was sorry I did not remain, it came
on dark & the road was a lonely one & having
walked better than 30 miles we were completely
knocked up, when we reached Ballarat we
could not find a place where we could get a
bed, however we managed by paying 2/- each
at a place called the Bridge Hotel[3] to get a
shakedown on the table of a Taproom, there
were about 20 others to sleep in the room
mostly drunk, the landlord took the candle
out about 1 oclock, but one fellow had a
1/139 |
154
Bridge Hotel Ballarat; Stony Rises; Meredith; Muddy Water Holes; Geelong; Melbourne, Victoria Australia, 1857-12-26 to 28
piece in his swag which he lit, to my annoyance
for I wanted to get asleep. I blew it out as soon
as he lit, he kicked up a row & swore he had been
robbed of 2 £l notes, & he accused me of taking
them & in the dark got hold of me, with a deal
of trouble I got rid of him by hitting him
the landlord hearing the disturbance came
in & throw a light on the subject, it appeared he
was one of a gang of blaguards that had been
hanging about the place all day, a policeman
at last came in (drunk) I showed him my money
all new notes, the man descrbd his as being
old ones, him & his mates got kicked out by
the other occupants of the room. I soon fell
asleep & the first thing in the morning [27th] we got
started again, had breakfast at a decent place
just outside the town, on the Geelong Road, we
made a place called the Stony Rises where we
had dinner, our road from this place took us
through a pretty place called Meredith, we soon
began to get tired, having over exerted ourselves
the day before (walked 47 miles) we camped for
the night at an Hotel, near a place called the
Muddy Water holes, where we spent a different
night than the one before, we rose early [28th] &
got into Geelong by dinner time (15 miles)
after a Bath & a good dinner, I started by the
Railway to Melbourne, leaving Bill behind
he wanted to find out his brother who lives
there. I got home all right on Monday [28th] night
the 28th. I found my Father & mother quite
well my sister Mary is growing a nice little
1/140 |
155
Wellinton St. Collingwood, Victoria Australia, 1858-01-03 Sunday
girl, Bessie, Charlie & Fred are all well & were
very glad to see me.
Jany 3rd 1858. A new year, I wonder what
its going to produce. It has been the hardest
(the past one) that ever I experienced, earned but
little money & suffered a great many hardships
& privations – last Tuesday [29th] I rambled about town
I saw a great deal to amuse & interest me
I bought some decent clothes, & went out with
mother. Wednesday, Nuttall made his appearance
& we made up our minds to enjoy ourselves as
much as possible for we didnt know when we
should be in town again, we walked to a place
about 3 miles from here called Prahran, to deliver
a letter to a young man named Burchell, a couzin
of Maguires, he made us very welcome, & promised
to meet us again. In the evening we went to the
Theatre to see the Pantomime of Whittingtons & Cat
staid out all night knocking about the town
met several Ararat chaps — we went on Thursday [31st]
morn to St. Kilda, had a bathe in the sea took
a boat & went out into the Bay, came home
early, Father looked blue at me at not being
home since the day before — but Ive been my
own master & had to rely on my own resources
so many years, that I never think of being
controlled in my actions, so I was rather astonished
but soon got amused when he made his enquiries
I wouldnt like to have told him where I had
been — we went to the Princess Theatre in the
evening & saw the Miss Gougenheims in the
Extravaganza of Fortunia. I liked it well
we went home all right that night —
1/141 |
156
26 Wellington St. Collingwood, Victoria Australia, ~1858-01-01
& the next morning Bill & I took mother & the
children down to St Kilda, made quite a little
picnic of it — & I think we all enjoyed our
selves very [well], got home early & after tea Bill &
I went to the Cremorne Gardens, the finest
place in the colony for a nights amusement
& being New Years night,[4] it was extra grand
all sorts being [there] the most respectable & the most
abandoned, there was dancing & music tight
rope dancing, gymnastics & acrobats, fire
works, & various other display Bill & I paired
up with 2 girls, had a little flirtation
with them, they seemed like decent girls that
had stole from home for fun, they had been
dancing & had got some wine in them, we
left them at last quarrelling & met Burchell with
a young lady a Miss Marie Willis to
whom he introduced us, after a dance with
her & a long pleasent chat with them we parted
but not before promising to see us again-
I never spent such a night before or ever
had so much rollicking fun — nearly daylight
when we got home tired enough, Bill went
back to Geelong yesterday I stayd home all
day till evening, went to the Theatre with
Fred. I went to Prahran to day, had dinner
with Burchell, after which we went for
Miss Willis (she is a pretty young lady a
housekeeper to some gentleman) she introduced
me to a pretty girl, who Im sure had many
a quiet laugh at my manner, but few
think, that dont know me, that Im a digger
I appear to throw off that rough manner
1/142 |
157
1857-12-13
26 Wellington St. Collingwood, Moonlight Gully Ararat Victoria Australia, 1859-01-11
that a Bushman has, I feel a kind of
intuitive instinct that refines me at once when I
enter ladies society that often amazes myself
how it was acquired I fancy its in some
natures — We enjoyed ourselves well, went to
St. Kilda, the beach is quite a fasionable
resort. B & I had a Bathe left the ladies
with some friends of theirs we called upon
we returned in the evening to Miss W. place
her master is out of Melbourne she served up
a beautiful tea, took possession of the best
drawing Room where there was a piano
Miss W. & Miss Mace (my young lady) both
play the latter sings well, after an hour or
two we adjourned into the garden one of the
finest round Melbourne. We had raspberries
& grapes in abundance, sat in a summer
house till near 12 oclock, when we went
inside & had a nice supper. B & I left
at 1 oclock, walked into Prahran, there
fell in with a cab & rode into Melbourne
nearly daylight this morning when I got
home & so passed one of the pleasentest
week of my existence —
1858
11th Once more at Moonlight Gully — we arrived here this afternoon. I will endeavour to continue my journal from where I left off before. Last Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday I spent in town knocking about pleasuring & enjoying myself. Nuttall came for me on Wednesday. I drew £6.0.0 to take me up so on Thursday morning we rolled
1/143 |
158
[Melb, Geelong, Muddy W. H. Ballarat, Trawalla,
a Rush, Waterloo Flat Fiery Creek (Raglan) 1858-01-11
Moonlight Gully Jany 1858
up our swags & after an affectionate adieu
from those at home, we started got to
Geelong in the train by dinner time, we at
once commenced our journey, made the
Muddy Water holes where we passed the
night. In the morning the coach came by
we got 2 seats 30/. each to take us to Ballarat
where we arrived by 12 oclock, we reached
a place called Trawalla by night — 20 miles
from Ballarat near Simpsons Station
when there we heard there was a rush
about 8 miles away in the Bush, so
we thought we would go & see it, we struck
across the Bush & after walking about
20 miles we found the place — it is
about halfway between Fiery Creek & Burn
Bank, 2 holes had been bottomed & not
much account, & we did not like the look
of the place so we did not remain but
started at once for Ararat again, we made a
place called Waterloo Flat, where we camped
rose early in the morning & got into
the township of Fiery Creek (Raglan)
where we had Breakfast. I was astonished
at the quantity of parrots we saw where we
camped, there was one tree close to our
camp we saw literally green with them
we killed 60 in 5 shots, they were small
& close together. We gave them to the
1/144 |
159
Fiery Creek, Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1858-01-11
people we breakfasted with, we tramped along
the day being hot, & were knocked up by
4 oclock when we camped near a pretty
creek about 9 miles from Ararat, having
only walked about 27 miles for the day, the
next day we reached Ararat early, this
morning, found nearly everybody packing
up & bound for the great Rush at Pleasent
Creek — we met Harry Hawkins & Jacob
Maguire in the township, they returned
with us here, my mates are thinking of going
to the rush, they have done nothing since
I left them nor do they think there is
any prospect of doing any thing. The mill
that Bill & I thought about buying is sold
Im blessed if I would have ever come
in this neighbourhood again if I had known
of it before I left Melbourne. I have not
much money left, some £2.0.0 & my
mates have not £1.0.0. so there is not a
very pleasent prospect before us & going
onto a strange place where the ground is
deep & hard, but I hear there are a
great number of good holes bottomed
during the last week the rush is only
20 miles from here, there is a man that
has a team of Bullocks & is going to take
all our things for a pound, he will start
in a day or two. Nuttalls party is going
also, so we are thinking of throwing in
together. They were very glad to see us
back, had any amount of questions to answer
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160
Ararat, Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Victoria Australia, 1858-01-17
17th Jany 1858 Pleasent Creek — The weather
has been fearful hot. We did not leave M.G.
until Friday the man lost his bullocks & we
would not start without our tools & it was
impossible to carry them along with our
tent and Blankets we got up here yesterday
and pitched our tent on a Flat, what little
Ive seen of the place does not please me.
I never saw such a wretched scraggy looking
country in all my travels, the ground
is composed of granite sand, the hills
are covered with short thick scrub &
stunted timber, the leads where the gold
is supposed to run dont lie as most leads
Eastward do they here run in any diretn
which makes it difficult to trace
the ground the holes are sunk in, is very
hard, being cement, & requires blasting. I
dont know how we are going to get on
we havnt the price of powder it will
take to sink a hole, however lucks all —
theres many a silver lining to a dark cloud
or, dark cloud with a silver lining —
24th. The weather has been very hot. Monday morning we held a meeting to decide on what course to adopt in our present circumstances we agreed that 4 of us should try the old ground & endeavour to make enough to keep us in vituals while the others are to prospect & sink holes on the rush, we
1/146 |
161
Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Victoria Australia, 1858-01-24
first had a look around & marked out two
holes – which we intend to shepherd, (that is
to remain on the ground and do as little as
possible while the next claim is bottomed
& if its any good to sink ours, if a duffer to
give it up) for we are not in a position
to sink a hole – We found there are
not many holes bottomed & what is are
very much exaggerated with regards to
the yields, there are supposed to be 20,000
people on the rush, there is a township
formed, full of life & bustle & the street
crowded with loafers & newcomers, being
a kind of rendezvous for them, the public
houses and Restaurant & Billiard Rooms being
full. – The party that went prospecting
didnt do much, only got 2 dwts for
their weeks work, the shepherds, did
nothing of course, the next party not
being bottomed yet. There is a deal of
timber around the claims so we felled some
trees & made a pit & burnt a lot of
charcoal thinking of making some money
by selling it to the Blacksmiths, but
we only sold £1 worth, there are too many
at the game the supply is greater
than the demand. It takes a deal
of money to keep us in vituals.
1/147 |
162
Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Victoria Australia, 1858-01-31
Bread is 4/. a four lb loaf, and its principaly
bread a digger lives upon. Mutton tea &
damper is the usual fare from year end
to year end, never dream of vegetables
I dont think much of this rush tho I dare
say if a man had capital to hang out he
might drop across a good hole in the long
run but its a place I would never expend
much upon. I should have written to mother
to day but I couldnt for a good reason, why
I havnt got a shilling to pay the postage
31st. The hottest weather I ever experienced in Victoria, the thermometer being 110º in the shade nearly every day at 1 pm, we arranged our work as last week, several of us fossicking they got 10 dwts not enough to keep 2 us in Bread, (we tasted nothing else this week) & tea without sugar, hard times — Harry & I sank a hole, it was very hard, turned out a duffer. Dick funked on the approach of hard times & packed up his swag & left us to our fate. I think he has gone to “Moonlight" I wish Id the money he owes me. Ive been down the township several times in hopes of meeting some old friends, there has been another rush about a mile from here called 50 ft hill we marked out a claim which we intend to shepherd next week on spec Ive been reading two Books I brought from Melbourne in my swag Michelets History of Rome & Ovids Metamorphorses, the latter amuses us amazingly
1/148 |
163
1858-02-07
Pleasent Creek Feby 1858
7th February Still very hot. We sank two
holes this week, both duffers, we got 19 dwt
out of an old hole that helped to keep us alive
we bought a Bullocks head to day & had a
good feed, its the first meat we have tasted
for a fortnight — we are running in debt fast
with the Baker he is the only one that will give us
credit, he wont trust us any longer, he is afraid
we are an unlucky set & wont see his money
again, the way we manage for powder &
fuse is, we get it from a store on credit & he charges
us 50 per cent above the usual price & if we
dont get gold out of the hole, he has little
chance of being paid, if the hole is a duffer
Ive visited the township very often during
the week, in the evenings, visited the free
Concert Rooms & Dancing Saloons Etc
cheap pleasuring, & I believe I enjoy my-
self as well as those that spend money
My Birthday was last Monday, I am
19 years of age now, & look 26 so every one
says — the hard life Ive led would age
anybody. Ive not posted my letter yet
cant spare a shilling for the postage
14 Feby Been very warm all the week. I shepherded our claim two days, when Jacob M. & I commenced to sink it, we worked very hard sometimes till 10 pm, being anxious to bottom which we did yesterday, a pure duffer, we were greatly disappointed & very much disheartened
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Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Victoria Australia, 1858-02-21
at our ill success living on dry Bread & not
enough of that, is sufficient to dishearten anybody
Harry & Jim Massey bottomed another hole,
no good, our other mates have been prospecting
& trying about, but with the like results –
Thursday we had nothing to eat at all, the
Baker not coming his usual round, & yesterday
all we had was a loaf between the 8 of us, a
stranger would have laughed to have seen us
divide it, we were each afraid to be thought
greedy & had some fun about the affair
It was amusing to witness us playing cards
last night who should pay for a good meal
for the lot of us. We all adjourned to an
intellectual treat instead, a public meeting
something about the Monarchy Clause
Politics, didnt interest me much, a good
meal would be more in my line at present
I met a man I knew last night in the
township, he insisted upon me having a
drink for which he had to pay a 1/-
I would liked to have had the money, it would
pay the postage of my letter that has
been written nearly 3 weeks —
21st Feby 1858, We had nothing but thunder storms the past week, it has made the weather more pleasent Harry & his mate have been driving the hole they sank last week but could get onto nothing payable. Jacob & I have been at work in the hole we sank, we
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165
1858-02-28
Pleasent Creek Feby 1858 -
_ could get no gold until Friday when I picked out
a nugget 5 dwts & 6 dwts of fine gold out of 4 tubs
so we intend trying it again next week. I posted my
letter yesterday. Ive been suffering severely from
a bad headache, caused by the want of proper food
Etc. my mates are similarly affected, from the
same cause. There has been several holes bottomed
during the week, very good, but I think they
are only patches, they have caused a rush
a great many have arrived from other diggings
heaven help them, if they are unlucky like our
selves — Dick Yoa & his mate came to see us
last Tuesday, they are working on Moonlight
but only making "Tucker" they returned the
next day.
28th Fine weather during the week. Monday Tom Maguire & I drove out a load of washdirt & only got 3½ dwt out of it. Thursday, Harry & I went into it & drove it & found 2 bits that weighed 11 dwts, we could not get the colour out of the hole afterwards so we have left it – I marked out a claim on a new rush at a place called 90 ft hill, there is one good hole bottomed. I intend to shepherd it next week I received a letter from Mother yesterday they are all well at home but like my self are very short of money & are in want of common necessaries. I wrote to her to day & told her to draw £5.0.0 of my money. Its no use in laying idle or nearly
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Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-02-07
so & they perhaps going with hungry bellies
though I wouldnt draw any for myself. I think if
my mates can knock along I can. Edward has
left his situation at Castlemaine, that he went to
at X mas, I should not be surprised to see him up
here on the look out for me. I dont want him to
come on the diggins, I would sooner he tried
anything else than digging. I have had quite
enough of it, to do for all our family —
7th March The weather has been beautiful, my mates have been sinking & driving holes all the week, but could get no gold Ned Hopkin & I have been at work in the hole we were at last week the washdirt is very thin however we got out a load & washed it yesterday, it turned out 1 oz 5 dwts which we gave to our Baker, so will be all right for Bread next week & perhaps we may get another load as good, & our mates may drop into a golden hole. We bought a Bullocks head to day & made a splendid dinner, the best Ive had for some time Harry marked out a claim yesterday on 90 ft hill, it stands a good show, being in a direct line with several golden holes. It will take a fortnight to sink it. I hope it wont deceive us. Bob Maguire (the younger Brother) has been very ill with dysentry, poor fellow he has only been in the colony a few months, he is commencing his fortune under anything but favorable auspices he has received a good education & been brought
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Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-03-14
up in the midst of luxury, he must feel his
present life a wretched one, laid up unable to
move from exhaustion & without the very com-
monest necessaries of life, there is a doctor
located here that was acquainted with the
family at home who sometimes visits him
& there is a poor woman that lives near us
that sometimes brings him a basin of soup
or gruel. God bless her. I went down the
township last night, visited nearly every
place of amusement of course free from all
charge. I had several dances, met many
acquaintances, went into the Gymnasium
kept by a fighting man, had the Gloves on
with Hardy & also with Joe Kitchen who
nearly broke my neck, he struck me & I staggered
back against a post. It was only in fun, Im
paying for my learning by such practices –
I had a long walk in the Bush to day
went to Mount William, saw Sir T.Mitchells
old encampment, when on his road to Portland
20 years ago, if he could see things now
in Victoria, he would be surprised at the
changes that have taken place
14th March 1858 Weather very unsettled we had a fearful storm on Friday night, scores of tents blown away, trees uprooted Etc. & the rain, in the course of my life I never witnessed anything to equal it, it came down like a sheet of water & lasted about an hour, the place looked like a large lake, our tents were flooded, the
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Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-03-14
Blankets got drenched and every rag of clothes we
had. Ive not had a dry thing on since until this
evening, we made an immense fire & erected a
rail all round it to hang our clothes to dry
It looked like a laundry. Harry & his mate
are about 30 ft deep with their hole. Ned Hopkins
& I worked hard & only got 7 dwts between
us, so we are still on short allowance as
usual. I hardly know how we keep our health
under such circumstances. Bob is much better
I am happy to state & will be able to get to
work next week. Bill & Jacob are sinking
I think its very foolish in our position to go
sinking deep, hard holes on speculation, getting into
debt & seeing no prospect of ever being able to pay
If Harrys hole is a duffer. I dont think Ill
stay long on this place, Pleasent Creek, as it
is called. We were offered £25.0.0 for the
claim, but we would not sell it, it wouldnt be
much divided among 7 of us, & perhaps may
be a golden hole that will turn us out
a few hundreds each. Castles in the air, says
Bob - I received an affectionate letter from
Mother, containing advice & bidding me hope
on & quoting several old proverbs, very good
in their way mother, but hard pills to
swallow on an empty stomach like mine is at times
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169
1858-03-21
March 1858 Pleasent Creek
21st. Lovely weather, but rather cold in the
night & living in a tent without a fly one feels
it, our tent is only 8 ft x 9 & 3 of us live in it
so we have no room to erect stretchers, we sleep
together on the ground, at least on some leaves
spread for a floor, commonly called Bush feathers
Nothing but disappointment & ill luck on this
accursed place. Harrys hole we bottomed on
Wednesday night, after working at it night &
day shifts, the last fortnight, we could not
get the color of gold off the bottom we drove it
in the pipeclay, two ways 20 ft without
seeing gold, it appears we bottomed on a rise
the gutter where the lead of gold is in, runs just
outside our claim, the people that own the
next claim sank it in poor spirits they had
made up their minds it was to be a duffer
they have had two golden holes since they have
been here cleared about £400.0.0 aman out
of them, its purely a matter of chance is gold
digging. Im getting very careless now & dis-
heartened working hard & half starved in the
bargain is enough to break a mans heart
Im sure this week Ive not had 2 meals a
day & that only of dry bread one of my mates
has an awful amount of "cheek" or confidence
he went into every Butchers shop on the place
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170
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-03-21
to try & get some mutton on credit. If I can get
any powder & lead Ill get the loan of Sams gun
& if I dont shoot a bullock or a sheep next week
Ill suffer hanging. I know a place about 15 miles
from here where there is a lot of wild cattle not
branded. Harry is the only one that has any pluck
Jacob Maguire dont live with his brothers & us, he
used to have a store & is well known by the
business men here, he lives with some friends
we quite envy him, he comes to work & we enquire
what he's had for Breakfast Etc. & have quite
a treat in listening to his bill of fare
There is another rush beyond 90 ft hill, where the sinking is only about 30 ft but very hard we have a claim that stands a good show I think we'll shepherd it, perhaps sink it – we intend shifting our tent to the place on Monday. Bob Maguire is ill again with dysentry. I advise him to cut the diggins if he ever gets better, poor fellow he little thought on leaving Britain, what a life was before him he thought he was coming to a land flowing with milk & honey, never imagined there was such a thing as hunger known in Australia where the trees are evergreen, where life is ever young, a kind of Eden, as it is discribed by the Emigration Agents & Lecturers in Europe
1/156 |
171
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-03-28
Though after all is said & done its a fine country
if it was only better governed, the great curse
of Victoria has been the want of a liberal land
bill, there is too much Monopoly in it for a
young Country ever to be prosperous. Ive known
many men that have made a few hundred Stg
that actually did not know what to do with it,
possessing no knowledge of business, no education
they knew not how to invest it, land they could
not buy at any thing like a reasonable price
the consequence was they spent it in debauchery
I have known thousands of instances of
the case, & people that know no better cry
them down, call diggers, extravagant, fools
Etc for spending their hard earned money foolishly
Im sure they never gave the question any thing
like fair consideration or they would not form
such erroneous conclusions —
28th Weather fine — We broke up our party last Monday Harry & I of course sticking to – -gether, for better or worse, the Maguires & Nuttall with Hopkins are still mates, the latter has been on the spree all the week, he is the only son of a rich Welsh gentleman that possesses an income from property of about £5000.0.0 a year. Ned was sent to College & a deal of money spent upon him, when he was 18 years of age his mother died & left him £16000, of which he spent before he was 22 years of age
1/157 |
01 158
172
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-03-28
he married a young lady in Bristol, she had £5,000.
for a dowry, he gambled & squandered the whole
of it away, his father cut him, & Ned went to London
where he forged his fathers name for £200. which
money he spent, his father would have punished him
could he have been caught, he was nearly at
his wits ends, nearly starving in London having
actually at one time pawned his coat & bought
a guitar & sang songs in the streets of London
in the evening under the very windows of houses where
he had formerly visited) for a living, he at
length got a passage on a ship for Australia
working as a supernumerary, on his arrival
he tried to get employment in Melbourne but
there were too many of his sort there to be
successful, he was not fit for it, so he came on
the diggins, & when first I met him he
was working in a quarry near Donelly –
There are a great many Welsh men here who
knew his father at home, some of whom were
born on his estates, they treat Ned as if he
was a Lord, & if he wasnt, too proud (he is not in
one sense, or he wouldnt lessen his dignity
by the life he leads here, drink is his ruling
passion) they would, in fact have offered to
send him to England, his father has adver
tised for him in every paper in Australia
he could get a £1000 if he wanted it by
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173
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-03-28
applying at some Bank in Melbourne, Im
afraid he has sunk too low, ever to be reclaimed
its a great pity for he is still very young
not more than 28 years of age, his father allows
his wife £300.0.0 a year to live upon, she has
2 children by him, she is to be pitied —
Bill Merritt & a mate of his came up from
Ararat last Tuesday, they are like ourselves
hardup we have joined mates, & are living to-
-gether, we have partly joined another man
a Yankee named Alick Alexander, he had a claim
that stood a good show, he couldnt sink it him
self so Harry is helping him for a share in
it. I have been working in an old hole, my mates
washing & hauling up the dirt, we only got
5 dwt. not enough to supply one in Bread
I wrote to Mother to day. Ive been down
the township several times, there are still
great numbers arriving attracted here by the
exaggerated reports — the township looks busy
tho I dont think there is much doing in the
way of business the storekeepers have to give
so much credit. The Maguires bottomed a
hole last night, they only washed one bucket
which turned out 10 dwts. I trust its not a
patch, but that the rest of the claim will turn
out as good, poor devils they want some gold
bad enough
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174
1858-04-04
Pleasent Creek, April 1858
April 4th Lovely weather during the week Im
regularly sick & weary at our ill luck. I feel
disgusted at having to relate our continued mis-
-fortunes. The Maguires wanted one of us to help
them fence in their claim, that is to take a *claim
round the boundary of their ground, we were to
have a share of the proceeds. So
Harry went, on Monday, I taking his place
in Alicks claim which we bottomed, another
duffer, Harry met with an accident on Thursday
Jacob Maguire was at the Windlass, & Harry was
below sending up stuff, when through some
carelessness Jacob let a Bucket fall down
the hole which struck Harry upon the head
cutting the scull open some 5 inches in length
it paralized one side for several hours rendering
him insensible, with a deal of trouble they
hauled him out of the hole & took him to
the doctors, & got him round they shaved his
head & patched the wound, through the kindness
of a drayman he was brought to the tent, he has
not been out of bed since until this evening
he is very weak, but having a good hardy
Constitution I dont think hell be long ere he is
at work again It is very unfortunate this
should happen in our circumstances. I bought
a shin of Beef yesterday & made some stew or
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175
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-04-04
broth. Bill Merritt marked out a claim next
to a golden hole on Friday, we intend to sink
it tomorrow. Ive been doomed to so much
disapointment lately that I am not at
all sanguine about it — Alick & I left
the tent last night, took with us a pair of
Blankets each & a gun, it was a fine night
& we had made up our minds to make for a
station & try & find a stray sheep or a
Bullock without a brand, (or without, we didnt
much care) we walked about 10 miles &
camped under some rocks & prowled about a
sheep pen or fold for hours but no stray one
made its appearance they are guarded too
well, by dogs & 2 shepherds. I found I
was observed having gone too close, so I walked
up to the men & told them I was looking
for stray horses & had lost my way, they
believed my story & insisted upon me
going to their hut which I did & finding
a lot of cooked meat I eat of it pretty freely
& managed to slip a piece into my jumper
& also a piece of damper. I wished them
good by, or good morning, for it was 2 am
this morning one of them showed me a
path that would lead me within a short
distance of where we lived, after he left
me I had to march back to where I had
left Alick, had a good laugh & fell asleep
1/161 |
176
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-04-11
for a few hours, we started at daylight &
hunted through a tract of rough bush &
scrub, but could find nothing like what
we were in search off, came back here by
about 4 pm tired & weary after our beef
-less adventure. I know another neighbourhood
near the Black Ranges where I intend going
some day next week
11th April. Weather fine but cold. Harry a good deal better, he tried to work on Friday hoisting up stuff. Our baker refused to give us any more credit on Thursday. But fortunately we went into an old hole & got about 12s/.d. worth of gold out of it. We commenced our hole last Tuesday, got it down about 10 ft in the cement, we intend to double back next week, 2 of us work by day & the other 2 by night so as to bottom quickly Bill & I went out kangarooing Friday night did not get home until this morning, we did not catch any, but I managed to shoot my dog through the head. I aimed at the kangaroo the dog was running alongside not having been broke in for the work. I was very sorry for the dog was one of a rare breed & I could have disposed of him for a good sum. We managed by a little stratagem to get hold of a sheep, nearly 20 miles from here
1/162 |
177
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-04-18
we found 2 or 3 stragglers I suppose had
got seperated from the flock they belonged
to, we soon killed it & hid the skin & the
offal in some scrub, we cooked a portion
of the loin on the ashes, & brought away
about the best half of it home, we gave
Alick some of it, we had a regular blue
out this afternoon, invited the Maguires
& their mates, a neighbour brought a bottle
a scnaps in, I dont drink, but my share
was drunk to my health by the rest that
did.
18th The weather getting very cold especially in the evening & mornings. Harry & I took the night shift, that is sleep in the day & work at night, we all worked very hard & bottomed our hole by Friday morning 80 feet deep (we got through the cement last week) we did not get the color of gold on the bottom, at night Harry & I drove it in the pipeclay about 10 feet, but could see no gold we tried several tubs next morning but could find nothing to pay us, our other mates drove it 12 feet in another direction but with no better success we got out a load of dirt & washed it in the afternoon it turned out 3½ dwts & so finishes another hopeful hole, what
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178
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia, 1858-06 April-May-June
the deuce we shall do unless, to use the words of poor
Micawber, something turns up, I know not. I received a long
affectionate letter from mother & enclosed in it was
a £1. I bought a pair of boots with the money
being barefooted the last month or next thing
to it. I also received a letter from my sister
Mary, very affectionate & sisterly. Its the
only pleasure I enjoy here is the letters
I receive from home, tho they dont always
contain the most pleasent news
178b
last days at “Pleasent Creek" |
The last days at
“Pleasent Creek”, my departure
for Melb’ & adventures on the Road
[178 continued]
[Saturday, 12 June 1858]
June 19th 1858. It is better than 2 months
since I continued my journal, that I hardly
know how to arrange my subject so as
to be a continuation of where I left of
however I’ll make the attempt.
My reason firstly for not writing was that
I got quite sick of continually compiling
a catalogue of miseries I got disgusted with
the weekly ritual. For about a month after
I last wrote we did nothing but fossick
about on the 90 foot hill scarcely earning
sufficient to keep us alive Bill Merritt &
his mate left us along with Ned Hopkins
we had a loaf of Bread which we divided,
I believe they went to a place called Anustary
Ive not seen or heard anything of them
since, but I trust they will be more for
tunate there than they were here, the
1/164 |
179
1858-06 May, June
Pleasent Creek June 1858
week after they left, we went into an old
hole & drove out some old blocks rather
dangerous work, we got about 30/. each
out of it. I went down the township &
called at Samuels Agency Office where the
P.O. is & I saw a notice stuck up that
stated if this should meet the eyes of J H Watmuff
he will hear of his brother Edward by
enquiring inside, whilst perusing it who
should come up but Ned he hardly knew
me I was so wretched & ragged looking
I was glad to see him in one sense, he has
grown very tall, he is only 16 years old
I had a poor place to offer him to come
to, he had but a few shillings after his
journey from Castlemaine, where he had [been]
at work, his master failed & left him in
for 4 months salary, he has been at
work since along with Harry & I, it is his
first attempt at gold digging, so he is not
much of a hand at it yet, but will be
a good workman soon, being very
willing to do his best, we have been at
work near the tent in some ground about
20 feet deep since, getting a little gold
just enough to keep us in vituals. I
received a long letter from mother about
a week ago in which she states that
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180
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia 1858 May, June
the railway from Melbourne to Bendigo is to
commence on the 1st July & she thinks
it would be better if we were to come down
& endeavour to get employment on the
line a great many labourers being required
So I made up my mind that if I could
raise money enough to pay my way
down I would go. Fortune seemed to
approve of my determination, but only
under great difficulties, we went into an
old hole last Monday that we knew
had some good ground left in it but no
body would venture into, being so very
dangerous in consequence of the rottenness
of the ground, my mates advised me not
to attempt it, but circumstances & the life
Ive led lately had rendered me callous &
reckless & I was determined to get a load
out. I inspected it minutely & got Ned
to keep a lookout & let me know if any of
the cracks in the ground opened, he was
out of danger of course, being fastened by
a rope while I went into the drive & got out
the block & carried the dirt out into the
shaft. Harry & Alick was on top hoisting
it up I managed to get a load out & send
it up & had my foot in the rope & was just
at the top when the ground gave way
scores of tons of earth falling in, filling
1/166 |
181
1858 May, June
Pleasent Creek June 1858
up the shaft nearly half way, the narrowest
escape I ever had in my life, what a death
if I had remained in the hole another minute
I saw the cracks opening & has it was we
lost a pick & shovel, they could never
have got my body out, the load turned
out better than 2 oz & altogether we made
nearly £4.0.0 each I bought myself a
new rough woolen shirt & a pair of moleskin
trousers, washed up things (Ive not many)
yesterday so Im already now to start
my journey to town nearly 200 miles.
I leave in the morning thank God, I could
cry for joy, for God knows Ive known but
the most miserable & hard
times that ever fell to my lot to bear. Ive
not known what a good meal was
since I came here, there was nearly 4
months that I only tasted Butchers meat
but 4 times. I never heard of a party of
men so unfortunate since I came on the
diggings for so long a spell. If we had
not striven & worked hard there would
have been an excuse, but there has not
been a rush or a chance that we have
neglected since we came here — I went
to bid the Maguires good bye to day, poor
Bob, I fear his goose is cooked! He is
very ill, quite frightened me, he looks
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182
Pleasant Creek, Victoria Australia 1858 May, June
looks so miserably thin and attenuated so very
different from the stout fresh looking young
chap he was 6 months ago. I hope he will
recover, but there is little chance, what with
bad food & want of medical attendance
Burchell (his couzin) sent him a few pounds
a little while ago or Im sure he would
be in his grave ere now, how thankful
I ought to be that I possess such
a fine constitution that has carried me through
so many hardships & privations & yet Im
the first a stranger would say would sink
being very slightly formed, but Im very
strong & wiry for my size. Ive seen many
fine strong looking chaps fag & weary
alongside of me, both at work & on the
tramp I think it is owing to my having com
menced a hard life when young, that
my system has become enured to such a
life, whereas a man brought up amidst
luxury & always enjoyed the comforts of
a house & all that sort of thing, on the
approach of hardship soon sink & their
constitution soon breaks up. Ned is going
to remain with Harry & Alick until
I write & let him know if there is
a chance of him getting on in Melbourne
Im sorry at parting with him & Harry, the latter
I like well, I suppose its being so much together
1/168 |
183
Pleasant Creek; Armstrong Diggings Ararat, Victoria Australia, 1858-06-20 Sunday
21st. [20th] June 1858. — Melbourne —
Once more at home, after nearly 6 months
absence. I left Pleasent Creek (heaven
forgive the man that called it so) last Sunday.
Harry & Ned accompanied me for a mile
or so on my journey. I sat down & gazed
back on the spot where I had known so much
misery. In looking over my journal I find
that I have not alluded to many painful
circumstances that happened to me there, such
as the scheming, dodging & the petty shifts
we were so often put to Etc. I was half
inclined to knock the dust from my boots on
leaving the place. I walked until dinner
time when I made "Armstrongs" diggings
& met an old mate of mine Bill Gray, he
had been living there some time, not doing
much, & was on the point of leaving it for
Melbourne on the same footing as myself
to get work on the Railroad, he had everything
packed up I remained in his place all night
& in the morning I helped to get his things on
a waggon bound for town it was dinner
time when we got started. I accompanied
them some 12 miles where we camped for
the night, 5 miles this side of Ararat
It caused me some delay, however I wanted
to push on so Tuesday morning at daylight
I did up my swag & bid Mrs G. & Bill adieu
1/169 |
184
Ararat, Fiery Creek, Trawalla, Victoria Australia, 1858-06-15
& left them promising to meet him in town
& try & get a contract or something on the
Rly works to do. (he told me Dick Yeo had been
to see him some 3 weeks ago he was enroute
for the Goulbourn diggings, as far East as
he was West before) the morning was lovely
I left them, the dew on the leaves & every blade
of grass sparkled in the sun like glistening
diamonds. Birds in thousands in most
beautiful plumage whistled & chirped in
every direction. I reached Fiery Creek about
5.pm & bought some food there, fell in with
another traveller bound like myself for town
I wanted to reach “Trawalla” that night
but he got footsore & stayed all night at a
refreshment tent on the way. I pushed on
& camped on a hill side, where there wasn't much
wood, nothing but green sheoak, with a
deal of trouble I lit a fire & boiled my billy
I was very tired having walked nearly 40 miles
I laid down with my clothes on, just wrapped
my blanket round me. I slept with my
boots on & on awaking next morning & looking
round a strange sight presented itself as far
as the eye could see everything was white
with a hoar frost. I found myself benumbed
& stiff with the cold & on trying to rise
I found I couldnt stand, my feet had
swollen in my boots & I was compelled
to cut them off with a knife. I with
1/170 |
185
Burrumbeet Lake, Ballarat, Geelong,, Victoria Australia, 1858-06-16
great difficulty crawled on my hands & knees
to the creek where I gathered some dry leaves &
twigs & managed to light a fire & get some
water in a similar manner & boiled it, & after
bathing my feet with it I felt a little easier
& was able to crawl along, & by dinner time
I reached Burrumbeet Lake when a man with an
empty cart gave me a lift into Ballarat. I was
too late for the coach so I remained all night
there, went to the Theatre & heard the Opera
of “La Sonambula” Julia Harland & Sherwin
with Jno Craig being the principal vocalists
they didnt please me at all. I heard K.Hayes
in the same Opera with Langlaise some time
back in Melbourne & ! oh how different. I
chose my quarters with more discretion for
the night than I did on my last visit, had
a good nights rest, applied some lotion to my
feet, felt all right in the morning. Took
my passage in the coach for Geelong the
fare being only s5/-d cheap travelling the
distance being 52 miles. I happened to be
there during an opposition, or else the
usual fare is £2.0.0. we should have
arrived in town (Geelong) by 2pm & so
caught the 2.30. train, but owing to the
horses jibbing & the roads being bad, we
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Geelong, Victoria Australia, 1858-06-18
had to get out and walk for 5 miles it
was 5 pm when we got into town too late to
think of going to Melbourne so I took
up my quarters in a cheap lodging house
near the water side & after a bathe & a decent
tea I thought I'd visit the Theatre which
I did, the price being a shilling in the
pit. I never was so astonished & pleased
in my life than what I witnessed there
An actress had arrived that day, something
out of the common Miss Emma Stanley
her entertainment is a wonderful one her
versatility is surprising. She is a beautiful
singer, a charming actress & an accomplished
musician, I never witnessed such enthusiasm
as was displayed by the audience. I got
back to my quarters about 11 pm & found
the place in an uproar, it appeared some
lucky digger was living & spending his
money freely, he & I had gone out to
gether but had parted company near the
Theatre, just before, I came back the fellow
was found nearly strangled, insensible,
alongside of the fence & every shilling
with his watch, ring & some other things
of value taken from him, no one had
observed him & I go out together & I
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187
Geelong, 117 Kerr St. Fitzroy, Victoria Australia, 1858-06-19
was not fool enough to say we had done
so for it would have been hard work for me
to have sworn an "alibi", appearances looked
so bad against me, he was taken to the
hospital, I dont think he will die. I believe it
is some of the lodgers doings, it appears to be
a very low place. I arose early & took
a strool about the town, its a dull place
grass actually growing in the market
place & in some of the principal streets,
I left by the 9.30 am train & arrived here
in Melbourne all right, safe & sound on
Friday noon. My mother & father & family
were glad to see me. Ive not had time to
look around me yet, scarcely been out of
the house (117 Kerr St., Fitzroy) I intend
trying to get some employment tomorrow
if possible, Im not particular what it is
in an office, or driving a dray, sinking
a well, or a cellar Etc. I went to chapel
to day the first Ive been in for years
I feel very strange in town, at least in
the house Ive got to behave myself
be more particular in my language & manners
28th [Sunday 27th] June 1858. The weather has been very
disagreable during the week, making the
streets dirty & any thing but pleasent
1/173 |
188
1858-06-21
Melbourne June 1858
Last Monday and Tuesday I went to the
works at Footscray, found several thousand
men looking for employment, the wages
are very low but I think they have an
object in it, for there are so many men
that dont know what work is, in fact
that never had a tool in their hands
& they cannot make a distinction. I
was offered work but I would not take it
at the wage 7/. a day, it is too far to walk
to work & on making enquiries I found I
could not get board under 30/ aweek and
at this time of the year a man couldnt
average more than four or five days
work a week, so it would only be like
working for ones vituals. I could not board
myself for the work is situated on the
Keilor Plains there being not a stick
of wood growing within miles of the
place, the people that are located there
pay £2.0.0 a load for firewood I think
in a few weeks time things will get
more settled & there will be a better chance
so I shall endeavour to get a job in town
in the meantime. Wednesday I went to
Prahran with a letter I had for Burchell
from his couzin Bob Maguire. I did not
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189
117 Kerr St. Fitzroy, Victoria Australia, 1858-06-24
find him at home so I left the letter
promising to call again Thursday I went
to see my old friend Nelly whom I knew
on Bendigo & Ararat, she is as beautiful
as ever, but so changed — I never alluded
to the change in her circumstances before
It appears her mother had some wealthy
relations in England & dying left them
a considerable income. Nelly left her
Restaurant & came at once to Melbourne
& has been at a Boarding School at St Kilda
she has greatly improved, but is very grand
they were very kind to me (they could not be
otherwise for what I had done for them)
but there was a certain something in their
manner that didnt please me, something
I cant discribe, it seemed as if they did not
care about encouraging the acquaintance
when I called upon them they were on
the point of dressing for the dress circle
of the Theatre. I did not remain long
they thought if I would call again
they might hear of something for me to
do, talked about their interest Etc. I
told them I know nothing of mercentile
habits, thanked them & left feeling
as proud of my dignity as if I was
in the possession of £1,000 a year
1/175 |
01 176
190
117 Kerr St. Fitzroy, Victoria Australia, 1858-07-04
I dont think Ill trouble them again. I have
not wrote to Ned or to any of my old mates
yet nor do I intend until I have something
interesting to write about
July 4th 1858. Weather fine all the week, but it has been raining very hard to day. I intended paying Burchell a visit to day but owing to the rain I defered doing so until next week I paid him a visit last Tuesday, he was very glad to see me. Thursday I went to the Grand Temperance Soiree, it was crowded to excess. I managed to enjoy myself — there was some good singing Miss O.Hamilton & Mons Coulan being the principal vocalists. Saturday night I went to the Princess Theatre to see Miss Provost in the play of “Camilla”, she is a fine actress, I never witnessed such emotion displayed by an audience before, many being in tears during the dying scenes I have answered several advertisements for billet, but was not fortunate enough to get any thing, there are great numbers in town like myself out of employment, however I dont intend to be disheartened. Ill try a few weeks longer & if I'm not fortunate in getting a job I can but try the diggings again, tho I have no desire to do so if I can avoid it
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191
1858-08-08 July-August
Melbourne August 1858
August 8th It is five weeks since I last
continued my journal so I must tax my
memory & endeavour to recollect how time
has passed by. Ive been living at home of
course, very comfortably & I had fondly hoped
I should not be under the necessity of leaving
it again. I have answered scores of advertise-
-ments but without success. I went after
several jobs in Grocers & Drapers. I know
nothing of the trade & was told they
did not want apprentices. I tried several
wholesale places, but I had no references, at
some places I was not old enough, or
big enough, or too old, & too big, — I got
a job to drive a dray but the man
sold it next day I helped to discharge
a lime lighter 2 days, it was fearful
hard work carrying bags of lime from
a ships hold, I could fill a volume
with an account of the adventures I met
with in search after work. I'm fairly
sick & disheartened with it. Bill Gray I
could hear nothing about, I dont think
he ever reached town or I would have
heard about him, I have made up my
mind if nothing turns up in a few
days to roll up my blankets & take
to the bush again, I think Ill go
1/177 |
192
117 Kerr St. Fitzroy, Victoria Australia, 1858-08-15
try old Bendigo again, I met an old
acquaintance the other day from there who
states that Uncle has been doing well lately
& several others I know. Im very loath
to leave for I have made several pleasent
acquaintances here, among the number
a very beautiful girl a Miss Somers,
an orphan, her father (tho I dont think
it is) has a contract on the railway
Mary & Jane & I went to the waxworks last
night, we have been out to places very often
& enjoyed ourselves well. My father is not
doing much in the way of business, nor do
I ever think he will, he appears to have no
energy, being anything but pushing -
15th August 1858. The weather has been very unsettled during the week. Im still in Melbourne. Mr Somers (Janes father) has a contract on the Railway. I saw him on Monday morning & he asked to work for him at 10/ aday, he has about 30 men at work & only 1 or 2 that know how to blast he only gave the others 9/. aday, well I thought Id try it, so I went to the place it was on the Keilor Plains 14 miles from home. I got up there by 12 & commenced work by 1 Pm, came on to rain, no place to shelter, not a tree or bush for miles
1/178 |
193
Keilor Plains Railroad, Victoria Australia, 1858-08-15
was wet through by knock off time, we all
boarded in a large calico tent kept by a
a Jew. We had to pay 30/- aweek for our
board & had the privilege of sleeping in the
place. I & the rest were wet through, after
supper we made our beds on the floor or
ground, it was quite muddy & wet. I laid
my coat under me for a mattress. I
wrapped myself up in my blankets & was
soon asleep, but in the morning I was so
stiff, I could hardly rise, four of the
others were unable to rise, if a man had
an iron constitution it would break in no
time. I would not have cared if I could have
got some leaves or straw to lie upon
however next morning I went to work
most of the men left, couldnt stand it
the weather was against us, nothing but
showers, got wet through & dry again
two or three times during the day, on
knocking off & swallowing my tea I
went to bed, it was too soft to please
me, next day it rained hard couldnt go
to work at all, so on Thursday morning
I cut it altogether, about 4 days in
the week seem to be a good average
for a weeks work. I would have remained
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194
Keilor Plains Railroad, 117 Kerr St. Fitzroy,, Victoria Australia, 1858-08-15
longer if I could have been better lodged
Somers took up a stretcher & a mattress along
with him, but I didnt think it worth
while for the job would only last about
3 weeks. I never saw men working under
so much difficulty in my life before, in
the depth of a wet winter & on plains
cold & miserable at anytime, without fire
wood & sleeping on damp marshy ground
is too much for any man to stand -.
I arrived home about dinner time not
a penny the better for 3½ days misery
but a severe cold that I wont get rid
of for some time & stiff bones from
my soft couch, Friday I knocked about
answered two advertisements for a steady responsible
young man Etc. but no luck. In
the evening Jane & I took a pleasent walk
together, went to the Theatre, but came out
after the first act, & walked until near
12 oclock. Saturday I spent similar to
the day before in the evening I went to the
Theatre Royal took my sister & Jane to
see the Unequal Match. I would have
prefered a nice strool with Jane instead
Went to church (St. Peters) to day, & spent
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195
1858-08-15
Melbourne August 1858
a portion of the day reading one of Dickens
work, father objects to such Sunday lit-
-erature, I had quite a job to get him to
allow Mary to go to the Theatre, he gives me
long lectures, but I feel that they dont do
me much good. I intend leaving this for
Bendigo next week. I ordered a pair of
heavy boots yesterday, & I drew from Mr
Delbridge £15.0.0 I shall require to
get a few necessaries. I feel rather low
spirited at the idea of leaving. I have formed
so many nice acquaintances, & I had
fondly hoped I should have been able to
have got something like a decent job of
some sort, & perhaps in time when I
had improved myself sufficiently, to have
made an effort for position, however the
dream is over for a while but if Im any
way fortunate I have made up my mind
to return & go to school for a while, for
Im quite sick of the life Ive led the last
7 or 8 years. I feel very bitterly the neglect
my father has brought us up in
not one of us boys with a trade, or an
education, but I intend to study hard for the future
1/181 |
Bendigo
196
117 Kerr St. Fitzroy; Pinch Gut Gully, Victoria Australia, 1858-08-22
Long Gully Bendigo 1858
22nd August Once more at the old spot
being very methodical both in my ideas &
habits, I shall commence by continuing from
where I last left off. Last Monday, Mother
& I went to town purchased some things I
needed, & visited the Eldreds, spent the rest
of the day with them, there are two Miss E
very beautiful girls. It was 10 pm when we
left & very loath I was to leave them, I dont
much care about the old folks, they are too
sanctimonious for my taste, I was introduced
to a Mr & Mrs White, another saint is Mr W-
Mrs W told me very confidentially she quite
longed to have a dance, but she couldnt
think of such a thing now. Tuesday, Fred
Mary & I went to see Anderson (the Wizard
of the North) play RobRoy. The house
was crowded to excess, he plays the part
of the outlaw well, Fanny Young & Madam
Carandina played well, their singing
was beautiful. I gave my Brother & sister
the slip on our way home & I went to see
a girl, a companion to an old lady, who
allows no followers, we have met
1/182 |
197
117 Kerr St. Fitzroy; Diggers Rest, 1858-08-22
several times secretly after the old lady
has gone to bed. I was getting in the house
in the parlour window & was caught by
a policeman in the act, who suspecting
I had burglarious intentions was going to
walk me off to the station, but the girl
with my own assistance convinced him
he was mistaken, so with a deal of trouble
I managed to get away, a good job too
a pretty kettle of fish I was near into –
Wednesday I made my adieus & in the
evening we had quite a party at our house
Mrs & the two Miss Eldreds, a Mr Lincoln &
one or two others, we had singing Etc & we
managed to spend a very pleasent evening
I went home with them they live in
Russell St. Thursday morning about 11.am
I bid farewell to all at home, once again
& started for Bendigo, my swag was rather
heavy, having 2 pairs of Blankets & a suit
of clothes, also a few books, altogether 45
pounds weight, a good swag to carry 100 miles
I crossed the plains the first day, & camped
for the night at the Diggers Rest an hotel
20 miles from Melbourne, where I got a good
supper & bed for 5/. Friday morning rising
1/183 |
198
Gap Inn, Ravenswood, Ironbark Gully, 1858-08-22
early I walked to the Gap Inn where I had my
Breakfast, the weather was lovely & I enjoyed
my walk until dinner time when I began to
get weary, however I made Kyneton where
I remained for the night, having walked 35 miles
for the day, the next day (yesterday) I made
Ravenswood where I stopped for the night. I
started early this morning & was in Bostocks
tent Iron Bark Gully by 10.am, so I did
my journey in about 3 days not bad work
for 100 miles & carrying a swag in the
bargain, Mr & Mrs B were very glad to see
me, they have had an addition to their family
since I saw them last, they have been
very unfortunate Bostock has been ill & what
with doctors Bills & being out of employment
has reduced them very much. I stayd dinner
with them, after which I came over to Long
Gully found Uncle & Harry well, they have
not been doing very well lately, they inform
me that Mary Ann is living in Launceston
Lizzie is with her, & Martha was married
on the 11 inst to a man named Smith –
I intend joining Uncle & Harry in the
morning, & I trust we may be fortunate
the old gully looks the same as ever, very
little change having taken place. It was
an unlucky day when I left it, just 2 years
& not a penny the better, perhaps a shade wiser
1/184 |
199
1858-08-29
Bendigo Long Gully 1858
29th Lovely weather Commenced work last
Monday morning with a good will, along
with Uncle & Harry, we made £3 each for
the weeks work, not so bad for a start, a
little better than the Railway. I wrote to
Mother yesterday & sent her a pound for
Marys schooling. Thursday night I went
to Bostocks all well, found Tom there
he has had some knocking about like my
-self since we last saw each other, he left
Pleasent Creek the same day I went onto it
he has grown a great drunkard lately & is
mixed up with the same bad lot as usual
he had a week in jail for something
very dishonorable. Im very sorry for him
but I think he’s too far gone to think of
reclaiming him. I shall avoid him as
much as possible & he can see by my
manner that Im altered since the old
days we used to knock about together
Ive mixed with a different set since & Im
beginning to have a little more self respect
than formerly. Ive met a great many
old friends & acquaintances since my arrival
Jim Hall is the only one that Ive visited
Ive been to his tent several times during the
week my leisure hours Ive spent in reading.
1/185 |
200
1858-09-05
Bendigo. Sept 1858.
5th Sept The weather has been very unsettled
during the week a deal of rain, affecting us
in our work, & to make things worse my
Uncle went on the spree for 4 days. I gave
him to understand that I would not stand
it & in squaring up our accounts for the
week I deducted the gold Harry & I got
the time he was away, nothing but right, but
still rather unusual amongst diggers, but
I have suffered so much from drunken
mates that I dont intend submitting to it
any longer. I feel perfectly justified in doing
what I did. I made for my own share
£3.1s.0d not so bad, I received a letter
from Mother yesterday all well, Jane is
living with her, having given up the store on
Sunbury, they had, she had a letter from
Ned, he is living in Opossum Gully near
Ararat along with Harry Hawkins, they are
just making a living. Nuttall has left the
Maguires. Bob has quite recovered from
his illness Im glad to state. I went into
Sandhurst yesterday, bought a concertina
much to Uncles annoyance. Went to the
Shamrock Concert Room heard some good
singing met several I knew, didnt get
home until about 1.pm
1/186 |
AAE
01 187
201
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-09-27
12th Sept, Weather very beautiful, We have
been at work in Pinch Gut Gully (the old
spot) we have got it to ourselves. We made
£3.0.0 each pretty regular work. I dont
care if we never do worse I received a
long letter from mother, all well, enclosed
was the one Ned sent her, I wrote to him
& Harry to day giving them everything
in the shape of news I thought would
interest them. Tom Rudd paid me a
visit yesterday, he wanted to borrow some
money, but he owes me too much on old
scores for to lend him anymore, he seemed
very annoyed, & left me in anything but
an amicable manner. I heard to day he
has run away to Donolly taking with
him another mans wife, a young woman
Ive known for years, but never dreamt she
was one that could have committed such
a thing, I believe it was amusing to witness
them taking their departure, Tom & his
mate with the lady carrying their swags
his mate returned this evening having quarrelled
on the road, at Charlės Watkinson tent, Sandy
Creek. Charlie sent a note by him to me
he is still living on the Halfway diggins
but up to this time has only been able
to make a living, he had just bottomed
a hole & got 5 dwts out of 9 Buckets
1/187 |
202
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-09-19
a good prospect I trust poor fellow he may
do well, the letter contained an account of the death of
an old mate of ours Big Jack we used to call
him, he died in the bush with brain fever
our other old mate Jack is at work with
Charlie. I went to Bostocks on Wednesday
night, spent my leisure time in improving
my mind, reading & arithmetic. I got
a volume of Macauleys Essays, also Popes
Homers Odyssey.
19th Sept 1858 Fine weather, We did very poor this week only made 2 oz between us, Ive been out every night this week either at Bostocks or Halls tent, the latter place being a kind of rendezvous for several young men, Lachlan Frazer (or Lockey) we call him & Jim & I went last night to see Mary Provost & Neil Warner in Macbeth they are fine actors, but the piece was spoilt through the wretched scenery – Ive read very little this week, I took a long walk to day, in the morning I went to Cape Clear (the head of Long gully) some 3 miles from here. In the afternoon I went to Sydenham Gardens in company with Hall & Frazer, how different they are now to what they used to be
1/188 |
203
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1859-09-26
Long Gully 25th [26th] Sept 1858
Wretched weather hardly a day without
rain tending seriously to affect our work
we only made £1.0.0 each for the week.
Harry & I have been humbugged considerably
by Uncle, he has been on the spree again
what a shame for a man like him to
debase himself by such practices. Ive been
to Halls several times met several acquaints
some of whom are strange characters, there
is a fine young fellow named D.Anderson
well educated & well connected, he was in a
large mercantile house in Glasgow got into
a scrape & was sent to their branch house
in Canada, didnt like the place & did not
like to return to Britain, so he chose
Australia for his goal, attracted by the
brilliant accounts of its richness, a delusion
as many more have found it, he has a
splendid tenor voice that has been Cultivated
by the best masters at home, he has one
great failing, he worships the rosy god too
much, & Im afraid he is past redemption
There is another rowdy reckless devil, an
Irishman named Hy.Innes, his father is
a barrister & well to do but this fellow is
1/189 |
204
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-09-26
the black sheep of the family, a genius in
his way, but a most perverted one he is
never happy but when in a row, he is the
terror of every one in the shape of a bully
his weakness seems to be continually quoting
Latin & passages from Shakespeare, he can
recite the language of the principal characters
of all his plays, there is another young man
a mate of his named W.Donovan an intelligent
well-informed man. It seems a pity that
such beings should waste their existence in
such an occupation as they now follow, what
a number of young men will have cause
to curse the diggins hereafter, what with
deceased bodies & demoralised minds, its
shocking to contemplate, it is a life that
a few years quite unfits one, unless possessed
of a strong energetic mind, for anything like
social conformity
Locky Frazer & I went into Sandhurst yesterday
afternoon, he introduced me to his Uncle
& Aunt (a well to do Baker,) a very respectable family
they have a son named Locky, rather a nice
young fellow we had tea with them, & a
pleasent chat afterwards, on leaving we took
1/190 |
205
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-03
a strool about “Pall Mall” the only part
of Sandhurst at all lively, its nearly impassable
on a Saturday night, crowds of people frequent
it from all the surrounding gullies, we met
several acquaintances, but at length went into
the New Theatre called the Lyceum a neat
pretty little place. Thatcher, Mad Vitelli, &
Mrs Oakey were the vocalists, we spent a very
pleasent night there, arrived home about 1.am this
morning, late when I rose, after dinner
I took a long walk to the Cemetary, from
there visited Sydenham Gardens, called at Bostock
I received two letters yesterday one from Fred
& the other from mother, Mrs Harken just been
confined of a little girl. Old Somers got his hand
nearly blown off by powder while blasting
very unfortunate
[1858-10-03 Sunday]
October 2nd [3rd] Fine weather, We made about
£2.10.0 each this week, we should have done
better but I met with a misfortune on Thursday
night, that has rendered me unable to work since
I went up to Halls tent, several were there, as
usual we commenced to have some fun. Jim
& I a set too with our open hands, there
was a double edged dagger on the table &
he in fun, though some think he meant it
because he couldnt hit me as often as I did him
1/191 |
206
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-03
(however I'll be charitable I think he did not
mean it) took it up & in rather an impulsive
manner cried stand back I thought he was
joking I was poking him in the belly with the
points of my finger & in drawing back my
hand the point of the dagger struck my finger
ripping off all the flesh along with it, the pain
was fearful. I did not feel it at the time, but
rather maddened by the circumstance I rushed
upon him & if we had not been seperated Im
sure I would have strangled him, however I
fainted afterwards through pain & loss of blood
I got home & had it doctored up, very fortunately
its my left hand, so I will soon be at work
again. I wrote a letter to Mother on Tuesday
& enclosed a pound for my sisters schooling
I went to the Theatre last night to see Warner
in Hamlet, my favourite play of Shakespeare
& to day Lockey called for me to go with
to Church a place that I have not been in
for many years except on one or two occasions
while in Melbourne, we went but the sermon
was nearly over, but we got a long one from
Lockeys Uncle who is a member of Mr Nishs
Presbyterian Church. I told him candidly It
was the first place of worship Id been in since
I lived on Bendigo nearly 8 years, he was
1/192 |
207
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-03
rather surprised & made me promise to come
oftener. There is great excitement just now
in Victoria, in consequence of the report of a
New Rush, some 600 miles North of Sydney
near "Port Curtis" a great many vessels are
laid on for there in Melbourne thousands are
going, but I can hear nothing definate
about the yields from there, so I'll be cautious
ere I move a step. Ill wait until I hear
some authentic report before I go, Ive had
quite enough of rushes the last 2 years –
I went to see some men this afternoon that
are going to start for there in the morning
[Sunday, 10 October 1858]
October 9th [10th] 1858, The weather is very hot.
Owing to my bad hand I was unable
to get to work. I tried to do some on
Friday, but had to give up the attempt
I went to Bendigo on Tuesday, met Mrs
Bostock went home & spent the day with
her, I visited Sandhurst also on Friday
received a long letter from mother, informing
me that my Father & Fred are thinking
of going to Port Curtis a bright pair
heaven help them. I wonder how he thinks
his family are to live during his absence
a consideration that dont affect him
1/193 |
208
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-03
much, having left them on more occasions
than one, in the hands of providence — as he
terms it, enclosed in the letter was a nice
little note from my sister Mary, she is
greatly improving in her writing & dictation
she is on a visit with Jane Somers at Sunbury
24 miles from Melbourne, I went to Lockey
Frazers, sisters wedding on Friday, they had
a grand party for the diggins, any amount
of good things, there was upwards of 40
folks there & amongst the number a
very pretty girl Ive long wish to be introduced
to, a Miss Hooper,) she lives about 200 yards
from my tent. I have seen her daily but
have never been able to make her acquaintance
she seldom goes out & I fancy the young
chaps about the gully & not the sort she
cares about, she is very cool & distant in
her manner, to strangers, but Im sure from
what Ive seen of her she is very impetuous
& impassioned in her nature to those
she takes an interest in,) there was several
young girls there, very envious of the the
attention that was paid her, one or two
of them sang & were very importunate
for Miss H. to sing also, thinking she
1/194 |
209
Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-03
could not, they pressed her very much, I was
seated next to her & could see she was annoyed
I offered to sing for her instead, she seemed
very grateful — I did so, sang “Remember me”. [5]
I was in excellent voice & rather astonished
the company, who did not know that
singing was one of mine accomplishments
(the only natural one I am endowed with)
I got no rest afterwards, but had to sing
repeatedly until there mirth got too boisterous to please, that is the old folks got
rather noisy over their glasses, so a lot of
us went outside & being a lovely moonlight
night, we enjoyed ourselves, playing
Kiss in the Ring & dancing Etc, Miss H –
thanked me for my attention, & a good
understanding soon sprang up between us –
about 3.am the bride left us an hour or
so afterwards Lockey & I took the groom
home to his cottage across the gully, we
found the place locked however we got
in at the window & struck a light &
went into the Bedroom & were rather
astonished on finding 3 girls in the room
they had put Mrs Duncan to bed & she
was rolled up, the girls, Lockey & I marched
off with, & so left them, Willie Duncan
I think would have a job to undress himself
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Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-03
he had imbibed a little too much for a bridegroom
I saw Miss Hooper home, & returned & with
Lockey we took Miss Bella Bryce home –
the sun was up by this time, & wretched
beings we must have looked, after our
nights pleasure, I went to bed & did not
rise until 1.pm. I went over to Bostocks
yesterday afternoon, was surprised to hear
that Tom Rudd had returned from Donolly
with his lady love, I dont care about
him. I hope he will never thrust himself in
my way. Ive turned over a new leaf
lately & intend to be very particular
who I for the future associate with or
make companions of — Lockey & I went
into Church last night, heard Mr Nish preach
an excellent sermon, on what seemed to me
a popular lecture “On Ninevah”, I derived a
deal of information & many good ideas from
it. On leaving, Lockey & I went to see his
Grandmother who lives in a little cottage
next to her son the Baker, she is very old
but a very intelligent nice old woman –
we chatted together for about an hour &
after a pleasent walk arrived here by
about 10.pm. Ive read a great deal lately.
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1858-10-17
Long Gully Oct 1858
16th Oct [17th] Beautiful weather but very hot
in the middle of the day — Uncle took a
sudden fit, last Monday morning & made
up his mind to go to Adelaide, he had not
money enough to pay his passage to Melbourne
so he borrowed £7.10s.0d from me. We have
agreed to meet him in Melbourne in three weeks
from this date (that is Harry & I) if the
news are favorable from Port Curtis, when
we intend going, great numbers still continue
to leave here, I think it very foolish to
go to such an outlandish place, where no
inhabitants are, until some definate news comes
to hand, for up to this time I can hear
of no actual “finds” being made, nothing
but rumours of a most fabulous description
Im glad to state my finger has healed
up, rather too quickly some think, it is very
tender & I think will never be as strong as
it was, Harry & I are mates, we didnt
begin work until Wednesday & for the 3
days we worked we got 17 dwt — we have
set into some outside ground in the main
gully, it is poor ground but easily worked
we can get over a deal of ground in the
course of the week. Ive spent nearly
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Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-24
every evening of this week at home reading &
endeavouring to improve myself. I purchased
a spelling book & grammar & also an English
History. Ive read a portion of Dickens, N.Nicolby
I went into Sandhurst yesterday, things are
lively as ever, met several acquaintances
spent the evening at Halls, the first time Ive
been there since I had my finger hurt, I
think he is very sorry, he was pleased to
hear I bore him no malice, how little he
knows me, a feeling I never had for those that
have most injured me, I went this evening
with Lockey into Sandhurst, heard Mr Nish
preach an excellent sermon, we had tea
at Lockeys Mothers before going – some time
since I had a meal cooked by a woman
before except at a hotel, or at my mothers
how I long to know the pleasures of a home
& to be settled into something permanent -
23 [24th] Oct 1858 — Beautiful weather — Been at work in the same spot, but with poor success, only made £2.0.0 each for the week, I received a letter from mother yesterday, all well, she informs me that Uncle arrived in town on Thursday & started for Adelaide the following morning I answered it to day & enclosed £l.0.0 for
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Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1859-10-24
my sisters schooling, though I think it goes
for other purposes, on Tuesday evening Mr
Frazer (baker) gave a party at his house
on Sandhurst — I was invited, there were 8 of
us from the Gully, Miss Hooper was invited
& I was requested to bring her. I did so, so
we made a party in ourselves 4 girls & 4
boys, we spent a very pleasent jolly night
nearly 3.am Wednesday when we arrived
home. I enjoyed my tete tete with Miss H
& got very familiar, Ive met her several times
since I was introduced, but have scarcely spoken
however we are on a good footing now, tho not
a very enviable one, she has a very melancholy
manner, which I couldnt account for, until
last night (I was at her mothers, a nice
old lady, but rather strange & very proud
but Im sure is very good natured they have
been in very good circumstances & feel rather
acutely their present condition) when she
told me she was engaged to be married
to a man named Hickey, a man she
could never love, he is in a tolerable good
position for a digger & her father & mother
intend she shall marry him & she poor
girl is too obedient or too weak minded to
resist, its a great pity for she is a dear
nice girl & has such winning manners
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Pinchgut Gully Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-10-31
everybody likes & not a young man in the
gully but not in love with her, she is the
first respectable girl ever I was connected with
except when in town & there is none there
I ever was intimate with, & I fancy from
her manner towards me last night Im not
indifferent to her, what a contrast is a nice
pure minded innocent girl to the vile
polluted beings its been my lot, so far, to
be thrown amongst. This afternoon I
went to Frazers, had tea there, afterwards
Lockey & I went to Church, heard a continuation
of last Sunday nights sermon by Nish.
30th [31] Oct 1858. Weather very unsettled, a
deal of rain having fallen, not been able to
do much work in consequence, made about
£l.2s.0d for my week works. I intend trying
some other place next week. I received a
letter from Uncle on Tuesday he had just
arrived in Adelaide when he wrote (no particulars
I was in Sandhurst on Tuesday with L Frazer
we met an acquaintance James Hamilton a
nice young fellow, a regular wild merry
dare devil, but possessing none of the vices
peculiar to such characters. We knocked
about the town until late, had tea at the
Bakers) left there early, & had some fine
fun, did not get home until 2.am Wednesday
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- Long Gully Oct 1858 -
I went into Sandhurst yesterday met a
great many people I knew, had tea at a
Restaurant & went to the Theatre in the evening
got up very late this morning did not go to
Church this evening, as usual. Hamilton &
Frazer called & spent the afternoon & night
with me, the former lent me some books
which I have been reading with pleasure
during my spare hours, among them
was Scotts Lady of the lake, a beautiful
poem, I like it as well as any of Byrons
Jim has read a great deal & is well informed
I enjoy his company very much –
I have seen Minnie Hooper several times
in the evening, she goes to the Crossing
place in the evening for things & I generally
manage to meet her & we usually extend
our rambles, I expect I will get into
a row about it. I think Im falling in
love I know I feel a sensation towards
her I never experienced for a girl before
Im sure she likes me or she would never
permit me to be so constantly in her
company — but she is a being anyone would
like & love, she has such a nice quiet way
with her, & is well-informed & right minded
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216
Long Gully Nov. 1858 –
Nov 7th Been beautiful weather; we set
into the old gully on Monday & met with
better success than we lately have done, my
share for the week being £3.5s.0d, I received
a letter from Mother yesterday, Father is
still at home dawdling away his time
as usual, mother states that they are
greatly in debt, owe the landlord for some
weeks rent, from the tenor of her letter
she expects or my father does that I
will pay it, but I shall not do
any such thing. I intend sending for
my money, if I dont it will vanish —
It is a shame he dont exert himself more
& endeavour to support his family properly
but he has grown so very proud & reserved in
his nature lately that I fancy he thinks
it would be a degradation to accept a
situation & I think it all humbug with
his talents & knowledge of business to be
situated as he is –
No news of my brother Ned, mother is
very uneasy about him — I had a letter
from Fred the other day full of an account
about a concert & tea meeting & news about
some lady acquaintances. Ive not been
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217
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-11-07
very well during the week had a severe cold
attended with a violent headache. Im much
better Im happy to state, Ive seen my
dear little Minnie several times clandestinely
of course, I never spent such happy hours
in my life as when Im with her, but on
leaving her I feel certain qualms of conscience
concerning my conduct towards her. I
feel at times, sorry, I ever knew her, but there
is something so very irresistible about her that
I cannot forego the pleasure I enjoy in her
society. We take such delightful walks
on the hills & when we sit down, she seems
to have so much confidence in me, that she
quite abandons herself to anything like
restraint, her parents dont know of our
going on, they are very kind to me, that
I feel ashamed of my weakness in continuing
to encourage a feeling that can lead to
anything but pleasent results. Hamilton
who is a very honourable fellow advises
me to knock it off, but Im so irresolute
on the subject. I hear Port Curtis is
turning out a regular hoax, thousands
that are able are returning, I hear the
Government intends bringing back
those that are unable to do so themselves
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218
Nov 1858
Nov 14th. Been very hot this week, we are
still at work in the same place as last week
but better luck than usual my share for the
week was £5.5s.0d not so bad as times are
I hope I may do the same for a few weeks
I could save some money. I received a
short note from my brother Edward on Friday
he is doing nothing on Ararat, he has left
my old mate Hawkins & is working for
himself. I wrote to him to day & wished him
to leave that neighbourhood & come to Bendigo
I went into Sandhurst yesterday, to be in the
fashion met L.Frazer & Hamilton we went
to Old Mrs Frazers & had tea with her, after
which we adjourned to the Shamrock Concert Room
& passed a pleasent evening listening to the San
Francisco Minstrels, I spent the fore part of
to day reading In the evening I went to
hear Mr Nish preach, I met Mr F. (Baker)
went home with him & had supper, got
home here by 11.pm, time now for bed –
Ive seen Minnie but twice this week
but I sure we enjoyed each others company
the more, I have to be very cautious —
Nov 21st Still very hot, Done very poorly this week, only made £1.15.0 for my share
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-11-21
but we only worked about 4 days, the place
we were living in when Uncle left us, was like
a Natives Mia Mia, half built with Bark &
Bushes & when it rained we used to be flooded
so on Monday Harry & I agreed to put up a
good tent. I went into Sandhurst & bought a lot
of Calico & some soft pine, & commenced & by
Tuesday night, we had it up & everything snug
& comfortable. Im quite proud of our new home
it has cost us about £7.0s.0d — I used to be
ashamed of our old place, it was a disgrace
to see young men living in such a hovel –
I received a long letter from Mother full of
grievances, they are lingering on in same style
Father doing less than ever. Mary has been
promoted at school, she is a pupil teacher
& in the receipt of 5/. weekly — I wrote to
Mother to day & sent her a Pound Stg —
I joined a singing class at the School Room of the Presbyterian church on Friday night, the precentor Mr Hardy is our instructor he wishes to get up a choir & will teach us gratis I dont intend to neglect the opportunity. Hamilton & Lockey joined also, I did not feel well to day so remained at home reading until the evening I went to Hoopers to see what kind of a chap Hickey is (Minnies future husband) I dont much like him, he has a miserable mean look with him, he would have stared if he had seen Minnie & I making our adieus
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia
28th November, Weather very hot, we had a
change to day in the shape of a thunder storm
accompanied by plenty of rain. We did very
bad this week only made £1.1.0 hardly enough
to pay for our vituals, I was getting short of
money But on Thursday I received a letter
from my Uncle enclosed in it was a cheque
for £10.0.0 which I gave to Harry, he was
instructed to pay me the money his father
owed me which he did, so it put me on my
feet again. I bought some things in the
way of clothing I required that made a
Considerable hole in the amount, we bought
a bolt of Calico to make an outside covering
or fly for our tent, which we put up yesterday
Wednesday night, Harry & I went to the Circus (a travelling one) in California Gully. Friday night went to the singing class, after it was over we had some fine fun with a lot of girls that are members of the choir, Hamilton & 1 or 2 more of us went to the Sandhurst Hotel where a Quadrille party is held every Friday they were principally Germans there, but being known by most of them we got admittance & my word Im sure they thought us mad
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221
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1858-12-05
we went on at such a rate, one German got
awful jealous of me, & on leaving the place
at 1.am he waylaid me in the passage &
thought of giving me a hit on the sly, but
I was put up to it, I saw him coming, he tried
to lay hold of me but I was too smart for him
& gave him a hit in the face that sent him
sprawling. We had to slope in a hurry or
we would have had the lot upon us, the
police were not about, or else Im thinking
we should have had a lodging in the watch
house for that night, Ive seen Minnie several
times, I cannot give her up — in fact, she wont let me.
5th December 1858 — The weather very unsettled had several storms during the week a job we had a good tent, the old one would have been blown away — Done very poor again this week only made about £1.0.0 – Ill try somewhere else next week. Ive been into Sandhurst three times this week. Bought a suit of Sunday clothes cost me about £5.10.0 –
Friday I went to the Singing Class took Miss Hooper with me, but I had only just left them with her, when Belle Bryce came running after us, bother her. I didnt bargain for her, I dont like her, tho' Im obliged to be civil, for she is a companion of Minnies & is very useful at times, she is the only one that is aware of our amour, it came on to rain
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo. 1859-month-dd
on our return home, making it anything but
pleasent, on leaving Minnie I had to see Belle
home, a mile further, Mrs H has taken quite
a fancy to see, she is always inviting me up
& is very kind to me, she takes no notice of
Minnie & I going out into the garden & sitting
in the summer house Etc for an hour or two
but she is continually harping about the wedding
& is making preparations for it. Mr. H. is very
deaf & takes no notice of us, poor girl she is
very miserable at the idea of her marriage
I wish my mother & family were better sit-
uated, I would not hesitate about bringing
matters to a close — I feel Im acting anything
but an honorable part, I like her very well
but I think it arises more from our peculiar
position than anything else, for I dont
feel that deep passion I fancy Im capable
of entertaining for one I could love with my
whole heart & soul — there are times when
I am as cold & distant towards her that she
sometimes accuses me of being cruel, I was
up at her place to night, Hickey was there
he has taken quite an antipathy against
me, & not without cause, if he knew all –
Bella was there to tea I have just returned from
seeing her home, she is to be Minnies brides-
-maid but she hopes Ill run away with her
before the time comes-
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223
Long Gully 1858
6th Decr. Nice day, washed 20 Buckets for
3 dwts of gold. I went up to Hoopers at Dinner
time, hearing they were in difficulties & had appealed
to Hickey in vain, he is very parsimonious –
I offered Mrs Hooper £5.0.0 which after many
scruples she accepted — In the evening I met
Minnie going to the Crossing Place I joined & have
just returned from taking a nice walk together
7th Lovely day. We got 4 dwts to day. In the evening McCaffrey (Hoopers mate) & I went to look at a quartz claim on Windmill Hill that tenders are invited to sink a shaft upon it — we put saw the specifications & put in a tender but it wasnt accepted — so we had our work for nothing, had several visitors at our tent, they have just gone
8th Nice day. Only got 2 dwts to day, we are working some old ground in the gully, very dangerous work & not very profitable, half the week gone & not earned our food. I went into Sandhurst towards evening, received a long letter from mother, she will send my money up next week. Lockey called in the evening didnt remain long. I went up to Hoopers & took Mrs & Miss out for a walk visited Bella Bryces parents. Bella is a dressmaker & has a large tent to herself a little distance from the fathers, many a bit of fun Ive had there when they are all in bed, they
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224
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo. 1858-12-09
allow her to go where she likes & she is very
gay. I dont much like her as a companion
for Minnie, but the latter is one that could
never be led into anything like gay company
she dont care for places of amusements such
as dance rooms, Theatres Etc, she is more
inclined to be serious & is not far from being
in my opinion a good Christian) I returned
home with them had a long chat, 12 oclock
now time for bed Im thinking —
[1858-12-09] 9th Lovely day. Sank a hole 12 ft deep first thing this morning, came onto some solid ground got 12 Buckets out, turned us in 17 dwts not a bad days work. Harry gets what is called 2/3d of a share, or I have £4 out of every £7. we made, he is only a boy, but a very hard working one, he is lame been so from his infancy. I like him very well, he is a great reader & has excellent judgement but he has one fault, he is terribly sarcastic & bitter to everybody, that makes him anything but popular — I went up to Hoopers to night & arrange with Minnie how we are to get rid of Bella to morrow, we couldnt hit upon anything feasible so we intend taking our chance —
10th Beautiful day, but very hot working in the sun, Im burnt nearly black —
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225
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-11
done very well to day, washed 8 tubs of
dirt that turned us out 1 oz 12 dwts about
£6.0.0 worth not so bad for one days
work, in fact its the best Ive had this year
I went this evening to the Singing Class
took Minnie, met (Bella bother her) in Iron-
Bark Gully, she turned & went with us I in-
-troduced her to a friend of mine & he taking
the hint marched her ahead, but I had to
bring her home, after leaving Minnie, I
stayd with her till near 12 oclock, so now
for Morpheus’s acquaintance
[1858-12-11 Saturday] 11th Very hot but I fancy there is going to be a change to night, we got 5 dwt to day making 3 oz 2 dwts for the weeks work not so bad, I went into Sandhurst this afternoon sold our gold came home & squared up our accounts for the week. After tea I went out again visited the Haymarket Theatre to hear the Opera of the “Bohemian Girl” Ive heard very few Operas but this is one of the most charming Ive heard, there is some beautiful Music in it, Sherwin, Greg Harland, Hancock, & Coulon were the principal vocalists, there was one Act of Norma also Harry & Lockey came home with me – I was up the hill for a short time this afternoon —
[1858-12-12] 12th Dec Sunday. Nice day, havnt felt
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226
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-13
Long Gully 1858
felt well, been reading a great deal, I wrote
to mother during the afternoon & enclosed a
pound Stg in the letter, Mrs Hooper sent Bob
(her son a lad about 15) down to ask me to
tea, I went tho' against my inclination
Hickey was there it is the only day he ever
calls to see her living 5 miles from here in
Myers Flat. I have just come home, he wat[ched]
us like a lynx, hadnt a chance for a parting
kiss as usual. I heard him telling her he wished
she payd as much attention to him as she
did to me, & she answered him in a manner, that
if he had the spirit of a mouse he would have
ceased his visits for the future, the man knows
her worth & thinks when he gets her hell
make her please him —
[Monday, 13 December 1858] 14th [13th] Dec Miserable day, hot winds blowing We made 1 oz 2 dwts to day, not a bad beginning for the week. Spent a jolly evening at Hoopers. Bella & Jim Hall was there we had some fun & a lot of singing. Minnie & I saw Bella home & had such a delightful walk home together, talking all manner of nonsense, 12 oclock [Tuesday, 14 December 1858] 15th [14th] Hot winds again. We made 1 oz 3 dwts to day, very good nearly £3 for my share, McCaffrey or Scoty he is
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227
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-15
more generally called & Lockey spent
the evening with us reading & playing
cards. Im suffering from a severe cold
[Wednesday, 15 December 1858]
16th. [15th] Lovely day, got 15 dwts to day, but
Im sorry to state that our ground is done
shall have to look out for some other place
After tea I met Minnie we took a long walk
together, the night was beautiful & we en-
joyed ourselves — near 12 oclock now time
for bed —
[1858-12-16 Thursday]
17th. Very warm day. Sank a hole to day
& got 4 dwts out of it. I went to Sandhurst
this afternoon, no letters. Harry & I went to
Hoopers this evening, spent 2 pleasent hours
[1858-12-17 Friday]
18th. Very sultry during the day, but had a
change towards evening, raining just now,
got 5 dwts to day. I had quite a treat to day
or night, I took Minnie & Bella to hear the
Opera of Norma, some part of it was beautifully
rendered, it came on to Thunder & lightning on
its conclusion, but no rain fortunately for the
ladies until I had got them home. I sat
with Bella for the last two hours —
[1858-12-18 Saturday]
19th. Been cold, wet & miserable to day
unable to do any work in Consequence
we made 3 oz 8 dwts for the week not so
bad about £7.10.0 for my share — I went
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228
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-19
into Sandhurst with Harry this afternoon, had
tea at a Restaurant, & in the evening, we went
to hear the Opera of the Daughter of the Regiment
& also the Beggars Opera. I liked the former very
well, there are so many beautiful airs in it —
[Sunday, 19 December 1858]
20th.[19th] Another wet day. Spent the morning reading
& writing. In the afternoon we had our usual visitor
Lockey. Scoty & Bob Hooper, passed it in anything
but a proper manner. In the evening I went to
Hoopers. Mrs H. was very cool towards me & didnt
forget to remind me that a wedding was coming off
soon & that it didnt look well for engaged young
ladies to be continually walking out together Etc
but I fancy what riled her most, was us going
to the Theatre the other night, contrary to her
knowledge, she was under the impression that
we were at the Singing Class — People are
beginning to talk a great deal about us, I must
give it up. I have a good mind to go to Melbourne
next week for a while so as to break it off
[Monday, 20 December 1858]
21st.[20th] Rained nearly all day, could not go to work
turned out a lovely night. I went to Sandhurst in
the afternoon, no letters. In the evening I met
Minny, took a long walk together visited Bellas
21 Wet again could not work I never saw Long Gully in such a state before, literally swamped, & it will be some time before its fit to work. Went to Bellas this afternoon. Minnie
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229
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-22
was there, passed a very pleasent afternoon to
gether, I read a portion of “Lallah Rook” to
them, “The Fire Worshippers” stayd tea with them
& then brought Minnie home. Im very undecided
about going to Melbourne I think Ill start in the
morning
22nd Very hot to day, we set into work the first thing this morning sank a hole 9 ft deep & washed 8 tubs & got 8 dwts out of them. Up the hill a little while
23rd Been very hot, we went to work in the morning but not getting any gold, we dont intend doing anymore till X mas is over. I went into Sandhurst this afternoon & received a long letter from Father, the first I ever recvd from him. I can scarcely understand it, at least some portions, he informs me that he has £400.0.0 coming to him, through the death of his brother, & if I want to buy land or anything, he will endorse Bills for the amount of £200.0.0 very kind rather unusually so of him, I dont care about trying the experiment, however, if I see a chance Ill embrace it. I wish he had the money in reality, it would be a Godsend for the family my mother & sisters have to put up with
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230
Long Gully Decr.1858
many privations, & if I was making money
& could send some to mother, my father would
not work at all, had several visitors this after[noon,]
Dave Anderson, & Lockey. We went into a raffle
this evening for some geese at Mrs. Knights –
neither of us were fortunate enough to win one
I fancy we were geese to imagine we should
24th Very hot to day, but we are going to have a thunder storm to night, spent the morning along with Harry Ennis & Donovan & Dave larking, Boxing Etc — In the afternoon I read In the evening Miss Hooper & I took a walk about Sandhurst. I never saw so many people there in my life before, being X mas eve nearly everybody came into the township, public houses teemed with drunken men, the stores were crowded, we got home about 11 pm, met Mrs Hooper on Sandhurst came home together
25th Dec 1858. Christmas Day. Been a wet wretched day. Read a little in the morning, had dinner at Hoopers, Hickey was there with a spring cart & horse. Minnie & I with Mrs. Hooper & him went to Myers Flat to see the cottage he has built. We adjourned to a Mrs Kidminsters store, where a fine desert & afterwards tea
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231
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-26
provided, we enjoyed ourselves very much, tho
Im sure Minnies hilarity was forced, & Im sure
Hickey observed it. I was compelled to be cheerful
we got back about 7.pm & found a deal of rain
had fallen during our absence, there was one
shower we were told by several very old colonists
to be the heaviest that had ever fell! the gully
had the appearance of a vast Lake — very
strange we were only 5 miles away, & with
the exception of a slight shower, had no rain
I remained at Hoopers ‘till 10 pm. I shall be
glad when Minnie is married. Im getting sick
of the underhand manner we have been acting
lately. It was very wrong of me encouraging or
commencing an amour like what ours is
26th Been a nice day. Lockey & Anderson called in the morning. I got some dinner ready & told them I was invited to Hoopers for dinner they went away offended. Im sorry they were so foolish, for I like them very well — I had dinner & tea at Hoopers & spent the day very pleasently came home early & have been reading for about two hours
27th Very hot, to day has been kept by the pleasure seekers as Boxing Day, Sports of all sorts being the order of the day everywhere Lockey & I, in the morning, went into Sandhurst & called at his Uncles, had some
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232
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-28
lunch there saw some running & jumping
in the Camp Reserve, the sports being too slow
for us, we left & went to Sydenham Gardens
the principal place of attraction. We met
numbers of acquaintances, saw some fine
Athletic Sports in the shape of Running, Jumping
Wrestling, Boxing Etc, had plenty to eat &
drink on the ground for which we had to pay
rather high — we returned into Sandhurst, went
to the Theatre, & saw a boy named Pole (a
youthful prodigy) playing "Hamlet", he is
a good reader, for one so young & I should
imagine is the makings of a good actor. I
got home about 11.p.m. its very late now –
28th Very warm day. I went into Bendigo this morning & had my likeness taken, Knocked about the rest of the day. In the evening I went up to Hoopers, Hickey was there, he & I had a few words, some kind friend has been stuffing his head with a pack of lies, however, he is very jealous. I left early. If I find out the author of the base calumny on Minnies fair name (for mine I care not) Ill give them something to speak about Minnie is the purest minded girl I ever met with, & the only fault I know her ever commit, was her affection for me, & Im
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-29
quite unworthy of it. If I could like her with the
intensity she loves me, Hickey should never
have her, whatever the consequences may
be. Minnie accuses me often with coldness Etc
29th Been very hot. Went to work to day I had begun to forget there was such a thing, we sank 2 holes in the Gully 10 ft deep both duffers — I wrote a letter & a enclosed a pound Stg in it, to Mother this afternoon. In the evening I went to Hoopers, Minnie was just going out. I didnt like to offer my escort I am, or was, determined to cut her, her mother asked me, so I couldnt refuse Im sorry I went, we took a walk about the ranges (after doing her business) sat down, we spoke about her approaching wedding, she got very excited & cried in my arms, I was very much affected, she thinks shell go mad if she marries Hickey — I told her how I was situated & that it was impossible for me to think of marrying her in my present position, its very cruel of her father to force her to the step — I had some high words with him on the subject reasoned with him, but to no purpose I have been sorely tempted to run away with her, the only thing that deters me is the unsettled state of my family affairs
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1858-12-30
I will do the best can in a fair &
honourable manner, to stop the marriage
Im sorry I ever saw her, been the cause
of much anxiety on my part.
30th Hot day. Worked hard to day, got 2 dwts, miserable work. Went to Hoopers in the evening, talked to old Mrs H. like a father, discovered she has no love for her future soninlaw, soon got her my way of thinking, the father is an obstinate selfwilled man, is very deaf & converses but little, one may as well speak to a stone-
31st Last day of the year 1858. I like
to refer to the various events occurring
in my life during it. Ive read the whole
of my journal for 1858, & find Ive had
some hard times both mental & physical
to contend with, especially the first 6
months, the memory of which will never
be effaced. I took a walk this afternoon
with some stranger evidently a gentleman
I fancy from the enquiries he made
that he is an author in search of material
I went to his Hotel (The Shamrock) & had
tea with him, he gave me his card, Mr
Southwith) I fancy it is a ficticious patronym
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, Victoria Australia, 1859-01-01
On leaving him I returned to the gully
& met Minnie, went into a raffle at Mrs
Sanders, did not win, took a quiet walk
together. I left her at 9.pm met Anderson
went with him to Rileys plenty of company
there, had some fun singing, dancing Etc
lots of girls there, a row got up at last
between some jealous swains, I left early
1859
1st January 1859. News Years Day. The hottest day Ive experienced this summer. No work again to day, every body pleasure seeking. In the morning I went to Halls tent met several young men there, we had plenty of gymnastics, Boxing, Running Jumping Etc. Hall & I were invited to Dinner at Hoopers spent the afternoon with them. I We left about 6 pm & went into Sandhurst, visited the Shamrock Concert Room, heard some good singing left about 11.pm, time now for bed —
2nd Sunday. Very hot 110º in the shade havnt been away from home to day spent the morning reading. In the afternoon about the most intellectual of my friends called, in, spent a few hours very rationally together, after tea a different set dropped in & so passed the day, in a varied style
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Long Gully Jany 1859
3rd January. Very hot. Sank a hole 10 ft deep
& very hard, got 1½ dwts out of 6 tubs, so we
left it. In the evening I met Minnie took a
long walk, got home by 10 pm, been reading since
4th Another smoker, a good job Im thin I dont know what fat people do with themselves We started in Pinch Gut Gully again this morning, sank 2 holes, got 3½ dwts, poor work. Went to Hoopers for an hour in the evening spent the last few hours reading a work – Cassells "Pathway" there are some excellent articles in it
5th Very hot, 100º in the shade, we got & washed 9 tubs for 8 dwts. Recd a letter from Uncle he is still very unsettled with regard to the future, he cannot get settled up with his tenants I took a long walk with Minnie & Belle Bryce. I got a blowing up from the latter, through not paying my promised visit to her last week. I soon got her in good spirits again, saw her home Minnie & I spent a pleasent hour alone, together I had a visit from Piggott, he thinks Ive been encroaching on his roadway & threatened to bring the Warden, however I settled matters at last, but not before a deal of abuse had passed between us —
6th 1859. Another scorcher, 105º in the shade We got 5 dwts to day. I went into Sandhurst
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-01-07
this afternoon, had my likeness taken by
Gladstone, remained at home during the
evening reading, Lockey here as usual
7th Hot day, got 4 dwts, went to Hoopers for a short time, been reading the last few hours
8th A change in the weather at last, we have had a most terrific thunder storm, couldnt go to work in consequence, spent the evening at Hoopers, Bella there saw her home, near midnight now Ive made about £2.5.0. for my weeks work. 9th Sunday. Weather very unsettled. I went to the P.0. this morning, & recd a long letter from Mother & enclosed in it was my money. Lockey called & stayd dinner, we took a long walk in the afternoon to Sydenham Gardens, had tea at his Mothers, called at I.Kets on our way home, stayd till 10 pm there – yarning about old times
10th Monday. Very disagreeable weather didnt do much work, sank a hole 7 ft deep, not bottomed yet. I went into Sandhurst in the evening to execute a commission for a connection of ours in Melbourne it was to recover a debt. I was not fortunate enough to get it —
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-01-11
I called at Bostocks on my road home
Ive not been there for 7 weeks, they thought
Id forgotten them. B is out of work &
they are hard up as usual — I lent them
a trifle, which Ill never get again Im
sure, they owe me a deal of money –
I went to Hoopers for a short time
11th Tuesday. Weather improving. We bottomed our hole this morning & got & washed 5 tubs out of it, for 10 dwts not so bad if it will continue. In the evening I went to a Soiree paid 3/. for a ticket & got no tea for it. Dave & I sang 2 pieces of music we adjourned to the New Scotch Church, the finest specimen of Ecclesiastical architecture in Bendigo Its not quite finished yet, but will be when they can raise the funds
12th Very hot, got & washed 12 tubs for 11 dwts. I wrote to mother to day & posted it. I also put my money in the Bank. I took a long walk with Minnie in the evening, it was a lovely night & we enjoyed ourselves. I got home by 10.pm & spent an hour in reading
13th Very hot, got & washed 9 tubs of dirt turned out 12 dwts
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-01-14
I met Minnie by chance, took a long
walk with her. I did not go home with
her. I (or we) have to be very cautious in
our arrangements, what cursed folly
on my part to carry on in this manner
Im disgusted with myself at my weakness
Im sure its not love. Ive analysed my feelings
on the subject. Im bewitched with her when
in her company.
14th Still very hot, got 12½ dwts to day not a bad days work. I went to Hoopers stayd there till 9 pm, on leaving there I paid a visit to Halls & Gregorys place didnt stop long long, met Lockey, got here by 11 pm, now for bed
15th January 1859. Change in the weather been very close, but cloudy, worked for a short time, got 2 dwts making for the weeks work 2 oz. 7 dwts. £8.15.0. worth, nearly £5.0.0. for my share. Harry & I went into Sandhurst in the afternoon, had our portraits exchanged didnt suit us, had tea, & met Lockey, we went to the Theatre, to see the play of the Serious Family, after seeing the first 2 acts, we then adjourned to the Shamrock heard Thatcher sing some local comic songs paid the Waterloo Dance Room [a visit], had a a dance after 12 when I got home – got wet through coming home
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Long Gully Jany 1859
16th Sunday. Miserable wet day, didnt go
out, but for a little while in the afternoon
to Hoopers. Had several visitors who remained
to tea & spent the evening with us. I have
read a great deal to day, I subscribe to 2
libraries
17th Wet in the morning, cleared up in the afternoon. Been cleaning out an old hole to day, not had time to try it yet. I went to Bendigo for a while in the afternoon In the evening I went to Hoopers for a short time.
18th Lovely day, washed 9 tubs of dirt & got 8 dwts. After tea I paid D.Anderson a visit, he is a nice chap but Colonial Beer is playing the deuce with, he sang several beautiful songs, & whistled some overture of an Opera, he is a fine whistler, quite a treat to listen to him, home by 9.30 pm been reading Cassells Pathway. Its rather a religious work, but contains a deal of useful Scriptural & religious subjects
19th Nice day, got 5¼ dwts. to day I went to Bendigo in the afternoon got a letter from mother, all well, but still knocking on in the same miserable way Father doing nothing to speak of no news from Ned. I must write to him
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-01-20
I took a long walk with Minnie & Bella
saw the latter [home], met a Miss Scott had a
chat with her, saw Minnie home, we are
getting cooler towards each other, she is to
be married on the 10th February
20th Been a lovely day, got 5 dwts to day Lockey came in after tea, been playing cards & reading during the evening -
21st Been very hot, got 6 dwts to day I accompanied Mrs & Miss Hooper to Long Gully Township this evening, had a nice walk, 10 pm when I got home, they paid me a visit & remained to coffee – I intend to drop the daily journal for the future & keep a weekly one instead, too much sameness about it, not like when I used to be travelling about & meeting with continual adventure
22th Been very hot, 110º in the shade Being Saturday we only worked half the day we got 7½ dwts out of 4 tubs, making for the week 1oz. 12 dwts. I wrote to mother this afternoon & enclosed £1.0.0 in it, went into Sandhurst & took a strool about the Mall had a Galvanic shock, what a strange sensation my first experience — I came home & had tea afterwards fell in with several neighbours & went to the Theatre. Lockey & I between the Acts
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-01-23
went into the Lyceum Concert Room, heard
Madame Vitelli sing several songs, she has a lovely
voice I must spend an evening there next week
1 oclock when we arrived home —
23rd Sunday. Thunder storm in the forenoon & very sultry the rest of the day. Went to Frazers for a little while in the afternoon, came home at 4 pm found several friends here, passed the evening reading & writing —
24th Very hot. Washed 9 tubs for 4 dwts very poor. We commenced to sink another hole In the evening Bella & Minnie called at my tent on their way to the formers home, I accompanied them, after leaving Bella, we took a pleasent walk until 11 pm. Mrs Hooper looked blue at us just civil & that was all.
25th Wet day, no work, turned out fine at sundown. Harry & I went to the Lyceum heard a band of seranaders. I was disappointed Vitelli & Thatcher having left for a while —
26th Raining all day, cleared up in the evening Spent my time my time in learning my lessons, reading Etc. I spent the evening with Bella Bryce very pleasently, carrying on a conversation in whispers, she has a large tent of her own but if we speak out very loud, her parents can hear us & they object to any young
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-01-27
gentlemen paying nocturnal visits. I
dont much care for her, being very
light & frivolous in her manner & has a
great weakness for male society. I wonder
Minnie associates with her.
27. Lovely day. Bottomed our hole & got 9 dwts out of it. I went to Hoopers after tea. Minnie & I spent a couple of hours in their summer house together, the father went to bed early, the mother made no objections, in fact I fancy lately she encourages me. I know Hickey is no favorite of hers, rather dangerous for a young man of a susceptible nature that I like Minnie I must admit, & if I had not formed a resolution some time back not to fall in love I should have been deep enough in it now
28 Fine day. we made 13 dwts to day not so bad, I was agreeably surprised this evening by a visit from my friend Jms. Hamilton, he informs me that since he came up from town, he has called 3 times & I have been out, poor chap he has been very unwell had to undergo an operation, his mates have struck the reef (Sophia) & I hear its very
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-01-29
rich. Im glad for he is deserving of being
fortunate, being a jolly good fellow & one
of the very few men I ever took a sincere
liking for, a feeling I think Ill ever
entertain for him. I accompanied him home
after spending the evening together
29th Lovely day. worked only half the day got 3 dwts, making for the week 1 oz 10 dwts not bad for 4 days work. In the afternoon I went to the P.O. no letters, in the evening I accompanied Mrs & Miss H into Sandhurst assisted them in their shopping, on our arrival home, we made a nice supper left them about 11 pm —
30th Very hot. Rose at 7 am, spent the forenoon reading the Corsair, Hamilton called for me & I accompanied him to his brother in laws, a Mr Bruce, a well to do Quartz Crusher, very nice people had dinner & tea there, on leaving there we called at Bostocks, stayd a short time, went to see one of Jims mates, who showed us some fine golden specimens out of their claim — here I left him when I called at Halls met Lockey, who came home with me he has just left I intend reading for an hour & then to bed
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-01-31
31st Lovely day, got 6 dwts to day. Lockey
called in the evening, but Minnie passing by
at the time as per agreement, I left him in
charge, while I took a long walk, left their
place after seeing her home, at 10 pm came
home & found Lockey asleep in my bed, I
soon roused him up & started him home
February 1st 1859. Very warm, 100º in the shade at 1.pm., got 8 dwts out of 9 tubs In the afternoon I went to Sandhurst, no letters, Hamilton came in the evening, we went to California Crossing place, had a few games of Bagatelle, bought some fruit, met several acquaintances, we went down to Harry Inniss with a letter then accompanied Jim home, borrowed a Book from him
2nd Very hot, My birthday, 20 to day Im getting on. We got 9 dwts out of 10 tubs to day. I went to Hoopers in the evening Mrs & Miss & Hamilton with self took a walk to Bellas, she wasnt at home so after seeing them home, I went a little way home with Jim —
3rd Very warm day. Been hard at work, a hole burst into the one we are Template:Aae-43.jpg
246
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-month-dd
working, & it took us nearly all day to clean
it out & get it into working order again –
Hamilton, Lockey & I went to C G township
Jim playd Billiards, Lockey & I being but
spectators, bought fruit, cigars & lemonade
& spent a jolly night together, saw Jim
home, so now for bed
4th Very hot, got 4½ dwts to day. M just at twilight came by the tent & giving the usual signal I soon joined her. Being the last time I suppose we shall ever meet again alone, we did not part until very late. On reaching her place, we found Bella there, I saw her home. I was not in very good spirits Bella teased & annoyed me, by her frivolity she hoped Id run away with Minnie & what a lark there would be, she says. Mr & Mrs H. would break their hearts. Hickey is vindictive enough to "cook my goose," along with Minnie Etc Etc — comforting sympathy. I trust she’ll soon forget me, tho I shall always remember Minnie, with lively interest, for she is a good pure minded virtuous girl —
5th Very hot. got 3 dwts to day, making for the week 1 oz. 9 dwts. went into Sandhurst this afternoon, recvd a letter from Mother, all well, Father not doing much, or ever will in my
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-02-03
opinion. In the evening I met Minnie, & once
more we took a long walk in our favorite
neighbourhood for the last time Im thinking
she is to be married on the 9th inst.
6th Sunday. fearful hot weather 100 in the shade did not leave the tent, spent the day reading
7th Nice day. 8 dwts out of 11 tubs, was up at Hoopers this evening looking over the wedding things. Hickey was there looking as malignant as possible. I saw Bella Bryce home, spent 2 hours with her —
8th Nice day, got 4 dwts, This evening I went to Hoopers, did not go inside but hid in the fence, (our trysting place). Minnie joined me she was very frightened, at being seen however we spent an hour together anything but pleasently, we parted & from this out we are to be as strangers. Im never to allude to our acquaintance or “amour” under any circumstance — poor Minnie, I wish Id known you under more favourable auspices, she is to be married to morrow
9th I did not go work to day, strange to state I accepted an invitation to spend the day & join in the festivities attending Mrs Hickeys wedding, for so she is now, they were married this morning
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-02-10
by Mr Croxon of Sandhurst. I had dinner
with them & there is a large party assembled. I have
just left (11 pm) but intend returning in a few
minutes. Minnie hasnt spoke scarcely since
her return from Church, on one occasion she
addressed me & called me Mr W- in such a cold
icy manner that seem to chill me, I am sorry
I went, but yesterday she begged me to come so
that I could see how she would conduct herself
I thought it a strange whim, but she thought
me an eyesore to day, poor girl I trust she is [going] to [be]
happy, her father seems pleased — they are calling
out for me I must go I suppose. Im sure
they think me mad. Bella swears she thought
I would have run away with her, (Minnie).
10th Arrived home about 6.am after seeing Bella home. I feel very seedy, I only rose about 6.pm. Lockey called & made some tea & then we went to find Hamilton, we heard he was ill, we found he had shifted his tent Im very sorry
11th Been very hot Got 10 tubs, turned out 6 dwts. Had several visitors this evening, been reading
12th Been cloudy & showery, got 3 dwts for the day, making for the week 1 oz. 1 dwt only worked 3½ days. This evening Lockey & I went to see J.Hamilton, he met with an accident the other day, while working in their claim a lot of rock fell, nearly killing
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-02-15
him, more with fright than anything else
I think he will soon recover. They had 17 tons
of quartz crushed yesterday turned out 97 oz
something like gold digging for one week *worth
On leaving him we fell in with an acquaintance
named Howard (a clever young fellow) went to
the Theatre, saw Devany & Professor Risley
& his son going through their gymnastic per-
-formance, 1.am, Sunday now time for bed
13th Sunday Lovely day. I & Hamilton took a long walk this morning being a good deal better. In the afternoon I went to Hoopers to tea, found Mr & Mrs Hickey there, Im sure she felt anything but comfortable though she was as cool & betrayed not the slightest emotion Ive pretty good command over my own feelings but hers surpass everything I ever witnessed Im glad she is settled if things had gone on much longer, I might have been tempted to do something that could have embittered my future life —
21st Began a weekly journal again Fine weather during the past few days, we got 1 oz during the past week, poor work. I spent 3 evenings at H. Enniss, as usual larking, 2 nights with Hamilton Harry met an accident, he had the Boxing gloves on with Bob Hooper, & being lame he is not very active, he fell & broke his arm, this occurred on Thursday night, he
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-02-22
thought it was only a sprain & treated it
accordingly, he could not go to work, so to
day (Monday) I took him into Sandhurst to
consult a doctor, who informed him that his
arm was broke, poor lad he is cut up about
it, he wont be able to work for some time
I recvd a letter from Mother on Saturday
& enclosed in it was one from Mary, all
well, Mary is a pupil teacher at a school
but it was burnt down some days back –
I wrote to Mother yesterday & enclosed £1.0.0
in the letter. I went to Hoopers this evening
Mrs Hickey was there, she accompanied me
down to see Harry, addressed me by my old
name, she informed me she is as happy as
ever she expected to be, it is the last time she
will be familiar with me, under any circumstance
I was surprised to see her melt once more
[1859-02-22]
22 February 1859 Nice day, I worked alone
to day, it will be some time before Harry is
all right. Sank a hole & drove out of it a load of
dirt. Ive not washed it yet. Spent the evening
reading Moores Life of Byron in several volumes
I borrowed them from a Mr Anderson of California
Gully.
[1859-02-23]23rd Rather squally I washed my load, it turned
out 10 dwts. not so bad for 2 days work, but of
course I shall divide what I get with my couzin
until he is better. Dave Anderson is going to
work with me in the morning, the ground
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-02-24
being too deep for one man, alone — Dave spent
the evening with me
[1859-02-24]
24th Nice day Dave & I drove out a load of
dirt, which we intend washing tomorrow, we went
into Sandhurst at 4 pm, & I bought some clothes I
was in need off, we called at Hamiltons spent an
hour with him, then came to my tent together
& spent an agreeable evening together
[1859-02-25]
25 Beautiful day, got out another load to day
which we intend washing tomorrow. I had promised
to go & see Bella this evening but on my way
I called into some friends place & I heard she
has been causing a deal of mischief in reference
to my amour with Mrs. Hickey — so I didnt
go, she must accept my apology as she has
done before. I went to Daves tent, quite a
crowd of young men there, we had some singing
Harry Enniss recited Shakespeare — & being
moonlight we had some fun playing at
single stick, & the Boxing Gloves. Eniss
is the best in the gully at the latter, but
I can beat them all at the former —
[1859-02-26]
26th Been a lovely day, we washed our
dirt & Im sorry to state it only turned out
10 dwts half of which was my share, &
I had again with Harry, we went to Brophys
tent (a young Catholic that was educated for a
priest) but turning out rather wild, did not
like to disgrace the cloth by becoming one
we all adjourned to Piggotts, & danced & sang
till 12 oClock, when we had to make for home
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Bendigo. Long Gully February 1859
[1859-02-27]
27th Nice day. Spent the day in reading a
variety of literature from the most sacred & the
most profane authors, had our usual visitors
L.Frazer Etc. In the evening I went to Hoopers
Mr & Mrs Hickey had just left. Mrs H. informs
me that Hickey has heard about Minnie & I
going so much together & is very cross Etc
[1859-03-06]
March 6th 1859 A week since I last wrote
up my journal, a very poor one for me
been very unlucky didnt make £1.0.0 each
my evenings have been passed between
Hamiltons, Brophys & Hoopers places. I went
into Sandhurst last night, alone & saw the
Fat Boy (Abernathy) he is 10 years old &
weighs 19 stone, & I believe is very healthy
On leaving there I went to the Shamrock
saw the Ballet Dances, adjourned to Browns
& had a dance. I met Tom Rudd, poor devil
he is looking so very low & miserable that
woman he had been cohabiting with, has
quite ruined him. I came home with Eniss
I recvd a letter from Mother, all well. Mary
is on a visit at Sunbury with Jane Summers
Father is going on as usual
[1859-03-13]
13th March 1859 Nice weather during
the week, did very poorly only made 16/.
each. Dave got on the spree at the beginning
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo 1859-03-13
of the week, so I got another mate, I received a
letter from Mother yesterday that has caused
me much anxiety & surprise, she informs
me that my Father has left home & has gone
to England, went away without bidding them
good bye. It appears, he borrowed the money
from his religious friends, he went on board
at night the ship was to sail at daylight
his conscience, if he has one, smote him & he
returned on the night & bade farewell, but
Mother thinks his object in returning was
to get the copy of his fathers will he had
left behind him, however it was a paltry
way of deserting his wife & family, it is not
the first time he has done it, & he a pious
professing Christian. I cannot think of it –
my mother is in an awful way about
it, she has no means of supporting her
family Fred only earns what keeps him
Mary & Bessie & Charlie are but children
while I am only earning a precarious existence
gold digging, unfitted for anything else
thanks to my father, not one of us know
a trade or have received an education that
would fit us for an office. Its cruel in
a head of a family to bring us children
in such a manner, we are what I call
outsides of society — Ive not courage to try
& look for employment in Melbourne I
wont forget the 3 months I spent there
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-month-dd
in making the attempt before — Im fairly
bewildered, theres nearly £18.0.0 owing for
rent & also other debts, mother is afraid
the creditors will sell her off unless its paid
Friday night Dave & I went into Sandhurst I got him to sign the pledge, but he is so weak minded Ive little hope of him keeping it long. We adjourned to several places of amusement didnt get home until very late, we fell in with Hamilton at Frazers, who came home with us – I met Mrs Hickey on Monday in town had a long walk with her to her mothers I was at Hoopers to day, had tea, they were there H was gloomy & sullen as usual to me. I would not have gone if I had known they were there.
[1859-03-21 Monday] 23 [21] March 1859 8 days since I continued my journal. Last Monday I drew £20.0.0 out of the Bank & sent mother £15.0.0 of it — that will keep them going for a while, until something turns up. Ive suffered severely from a toothache, I had one stuffed last Tuesday, & it was badly done & ached worse than ever, could not work so I went on Thursday & paid another man to unstuff it, it still ached, so I at last on Friday had the tooth drawn after costing me more than 30/. altogether I hope I wont suffer so again, in a hurry
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-03-27
I was four nights & never closed my eyes
We got 3/. each this week (poor work)
But 3 days we spent at a rush in the
Camp Reserve. Hamilton joined us & we
sank 3 holes (all duffers so we returned
to the old gully again. We made about
£1.0.0 each. Sunday I remaind at home reading
until 6 pm then went to Church, heard Mr Nish
preach an excellent sermon, at the close of the service
I met the Frazers went home with them &
left about 10 pm in company with Hamilton
Last Thursday night I went to a concert given
by Pollards, Amateur singers, some of them
very good. To day (Monday) Anderson, Barkley,
Hamilton & I went to the rush in the Camp Reserve
to give the place another trial, we sank a large
paddock & got 7 dwts out of it, so we intend [to stay.]
[1859-03-27] 27 March 1859 Lovely weather. Been hard at work in the Reserve, only made £2.0.0 apiece, we feel very tired after our work, being 3 miles from the tent & to walk that distance morning & night is no joke & do a hard days work in the bargain. I recvd a letter from Mother thanking me for the money I sent her they intend shifting into a smaller house I recvd a letter from Uncle quite well, but cannot get his business settled for some time I went to Hoopers last night, Minnie was there. I remained until 10 p.m on leaving I went to Piggots, spent 2 hours dancing
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-04-03
early this morning when I got home
very late when I arose this day, had our
usual visitors this afternoon. In the evening
my couzin Harry & I went to Church met
Dave Anderson, came home together
[1859-04-03]
April 3, 1859 Fine weather during the
week. We made £3.3.0 aman this week
Hamilton is going to leave us, for the Rush
at Daisy Hill. Im very sorry for we are
much attached to each other. Spent last
night together larking & dancing about one
place & another. Spent to day reading
Homers Odyssey. I like it better than the Iliad
Went to Church this evening, met Lockey
& Hamilton, came home together
[1859-04-10]
10 April 1859 Nice weather, still at work
in the Reserve, only made £2.10.0 each
for the week, Monday night I spent at Hoopers
Minnie there. Wednesday morning, Hamilton
went to Daisy Hill I hope he will do well
he still keeps his share in the quartz claim
by paying a man to work in his place, it is
paying very well, he came back to day, for
his things, he has joined a photographer there
he learnt the art in England — Barkly is going
along with him, intends working at his trade
being a carpenter. Last night, Dave & I
with others wild young chaps, visited several
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-04-17
places of amusement, some of which are any-
-thing but respectable, more to our disgrace
for having visited such places I made some
purchases, bought a Concertina & some clothing
I went into Sandhurst early this morning
& brought them home, it being 12 when I
got home last night. Been raining nearly all
day couldnt go out, read a great deal.
[1859-04-17]17th April 1859. Cold miserable weather could not do much work & the consequence was or is that we got very little gold made £1.8 0 each. Monday night I went to Frazers (Sandhurst) & had some fine fun with a lot of girls there Hamilton is still in Sandhurst, we spent a jolly day yesterday had tea at Frazers, got a long lecture from Old Frazer about our wild capers Etc we adjourned from there to a Dancing Room amongst some vile company late when we got home — I recvd a letter from Mother on Friday, all well, I wrote to her to day & enclosed £3.0.0 in the letter. I went to Church this evening, met a stranger on the way home, had a long argument with him on a variety of questions, or subjects he had some strange notions, but I found him well informed & apparently had read a great deal, we did not part until late
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-04-24
Long Gully April 1859
[1859-04-24]
24th Nice weather during the week.
Hamilton went away on Monday. Barkley
returned on Friday, couldnt do anything
up there. Dave & I have been filling up the
ground (as per agreement) so we did not
make much gold only 13/. aman, very
poor, I would not return to work in Long
Gully if we had some rain so has to fill the
waterholes. Im sick of the Camp Reserve
Monday night I went to hear a T. Lecture
Tuesday night went to Pollards Sg Class
did a little bawling in the Messiah, Friday
night I joined Mr Hardy's singing class
he will teach us gratuitously, if we will
sing in the choir of the Church (Mr Nishs
I thought it too good an opportunity to neglect
it, for Im very fond of music — I visited
Sandhurst as usual last night, entered
several places of amusement, but did
not stay long. I went to Church this
evening. Read a great deal in the morn
& afternoon
[1859-05-01]
- May 1st Weather very unsettled, but
no rain. Barkley is working with us again. Still in the Reserve, we made £2.5.0. each. I went to my singing Tuesday & Friday night, got Dave to join — Monday I heard one of Goughs lectures read (on Temperance), I was much
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-05-08
pleased with it, so different from some of
the trash Ive heard on the subject, hitherto.
I received a long letter from Mother, all well
thank God, I went with Barkly & Lockey
to Browns Casino. Im getting sick of the
place, nothing but a resort for the vilest
characters. Im getting too well known
through frequenting such places. I dont
intend visiting it again, we were in the
Victoria Concert Room for an hour, heard
some tolerable songs sung. Been reading
this afternoon. Went to church this morn
Lockey & I went in the evening, Its a long
way to there, nearly 3 miles, so Ive walked
nearly 12 miles to day. I went to the
funeral of Lockeys sister one day during
the week — I wrote a letter to day to
Mother & sent her all the money I had
which was only £1.0.0 —
[1859-05-08]
May 8th Nice weather, done very poorly
only made 19/. each, we dont intend working
in the Reserve any more, it will take us two
days of next week to fill up. Monday night
Dave & I went to Ballantynes, house (Schoolmaster
in company with several others acquaintances
to rehearse our pieces for the Soiree given in
honor of Mr Vallentine (Manager of the Bank
of Victoria, Sandhurst) which came off on Wednesday
night, it was well attended & passed off firstrate
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-05-08
our vocalization was considered very creditable
Dave sang his solo well & was encored, the
presentation of a Gold Watch & Chain to Mr V –
was held in the church where the meeting adjournd
several gentlemen spoke or addressed the meeting
I fancy there has been some ill feeling created by
a remark the Revd Mr Fletcher made, to the effect
that he had had a peep behind the curtain of many
families in Sandhurst, but found very few where
private life would bear comparison with Mr. V.'s.
Shakespeare says suspicion haunts the guilty mind
so in this case, the remark of Mr F's told upon
some present, & the consequence is several letters
have appeared in the “Advertiser” abusing Mr F
shamefully, however he has many friends who
have taken up his cause in earnest. Thursday
I was very ill, Id bought some acid drops the
night before & I believe they contained poison
for they nearly killed me. I was not the only
sufferer by them. I was all right next day
but very weak. I remained at home last night
reading. Went to Church this morning &
heard a Missionary preach (Mr Buzzocott) who
has been engaged in his “Masters” work for
30 years among the Islands of Oceania — he
gave a very animated description of the places he had
visited manners & customs of the people Etc –
& the gradual spread of Christianity since his
sojourn there. I have spent the rest of the day reading
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1858-05-15
15th Weather very unsettled, was blessed by a
heavy fall of rain on Thursday, did not come
before it was wanted by us poor diggers –
We left the Reserve on Wednesday, been knocking
about since looking out for a place to set in to
work, have [not] settled anywhere yet. Monday night
I went to hear Mr Buzacott lecture on the
South Seas Islands & its Inhabitants, very inter-
- esting, after it was over I adjourned to the
Shamrock & heard some singing & saw some
good dancing — Tuesday I went to my singing
Class, had some fine fun with the girls, came
home with one Jessie Mollison, a pretty little
Scotch girl, a companion of Mrs Vallentines, my
friend, David Anderson is in love with her, but
she is engaged, so David must smother his
passion, she has a young lady friend she sadly
wants to palm on me, but I cant see it. –
I met them both yesterday & had a long
walk with them & in the evening I went to the
Theatre, enjoyed myself well, I recvd a kind
& affectionate letter from mother, all well,
but very short of money. Im getting very
uneasy concerning home. I dont see how they
are to live decently, not having any thing
to depend upon for support. I wrote to her
to day & enclosed a pound Stg I went to Church
this morning spent the rest of the day reading
& learning my lessons, spelling & arithmetic
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262
Bendigo Long Gully May 1859
23rd [22nd Sunday] May. Miserable weather all the week. I am
working with my Couzin Harry in “Butcher Gully”
this week, but owing to the state of the weather, could
do very little work, made 14/. each — Monday night
went into Sandhurst, visited the TH. Meeting heard
another of Goughs Lectures read, after it, I went
to the Concert Room & heard the usual lot. Tuesday
I went to my singing Class, accompanied Jessie home
Thursday went to Barklys, he & I took a ramble
about Pall Mall, I left him & having a solitary
6d I went into the Shamrock Concert Room & had
a Sixpenny intellectual treat. Yesterday In the
afternoon I went into Sandhurst had a long
strool about met many faces & friends I knew
had tea at Barklys, afterwards took a
-nother ramble & for a short time visited
the Shamrock. Went to Church twice to day
spent the afternoon at Harry Enniss, not in
a very rational manner, Im sorry to state
[1859-05-29]
29th Fine weather for a change. Came
back into “PinchGut” again, got out a lot of
dirt, have only washed a portion of it,
we had £1.0.0 each to draw, poor work Im
getting thoroughly disgusted with my continued
ill luck, at the very time Im so in need of
money to assist those in Melbourne. Im sure
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263
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-05-29
no one could try or work harder than we do
but to no purpose. Monday I went to the Tm.Society
heard Mrs Warne deliver an able Lecture on Temperance
she is a very clever woman, some people object
to women speaking in public. I think if they
are possessed of talents & abilities suitable for
the subjects they speak upon that they have a right to exert
them in a good cause. Christ at his resurrection
told Mary to go & tell his disciples & surely if he
thought her worthy of such a mission, we
should not despise knowledge & wisdom from
female sources, under any circumstances, there
has been quite a controversy on the subject on Bendigo
Tuesday I went to the Singing Class, saw Liz & Jessie home. Wednesday spent the evening at my books, Thursday went to Pollards Singing Class came home with Watson. (he was drowned in the R.Charter) I went into Sandhurst yesterday received a long letter from Mother all well. Miss Eldred is still living with them, I met Jessie, had a long chat with her. I spent the evening with her & her friend at Vallentines, left at 11.30 pm. went to the Shamrock to find someone going my my way home, found a lot of neighbours homeward bound, some of them not very sober managed to get into a row on our way & fortunately getting clear off with one or two slight bruises, a lot of wild Irishmen that live in IronBark Gully nearly always molest us whenever we gave them a chance
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264
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-06-05
I went to Church twice to day. In the evening
I met Liz & Jessie, John Nevin (Jessies Beau)
& I saw them home spent a couple of hours
very agreeably with them, anything but pleasent
leaving a nice comfortable house & going into
the rain & having nearly 3 miles to walk home
along a rough lonely road.
[1859-06-05] June 5th 1859. Weather very unsettled. Monday afternoon I went into Sandhurst & drew £5.0.0 out of the Bank to send to my Mother, my little hoard is waxing less I also Bought a few necessaries I required – Im rather downhearted at my continued bad luck. I dont intend to work with Dave again cant get on with him, this week has been passed in looking about for some payable place to set into, a friend of mine Hugh Campbell & I put a tender in to sink a shaft 200 ft deep but someone had another in at 6d a foot less so we lost it — Monday night Lockey, Dave & I went to hear one of Goughs Orations read after it was over, we met some friends who had just come out of the Theatre & did not care about going in again, we went in with their checks & saw the Great Irish Comedian Hudson, in the “Happy Man”, he is very happy in the character, Kate Warde was playing with him, an old favorite of mine on leaving the Theatre we went to the Shamk for a short time, met in with neighbours came home together, pretty jolly —
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Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-06-05
Tuesday night went to the Singing Class, saw
little Jessie for the last time, she went to
Melbourne the next morning to live with her
parents there. John Nevin is quite distracted at
her leaving, what a peculiar sensation love must
be, to create such an alteration in ones manner
in a man like Nevin — Im sure Ive never seen
a girl yet that ever I felt any emotion over
Minnie Hooper, I liked, but I never experienced
for her what Ive seen displayed in others &
what poets & authors love to dilate upon Etc.
Wednesday & Thursday night remained at the tent reading Etc. Friday went to my singing – Saturday night went into Sandhurst, met Young Lockey went home with him had tea at their house, left about 8 pm & went to the Theatre to see Parker the Swordsman, he playd with several Bendigo “shin crackers” but he was a match for all of them at a time Im thinking he does some wonderful feats with a sword – We saw some good “Ballet Dancers" – “& Pose plastiques” Went to church twice to day, in the evening I took a walk with Liz, she introduced me to her sister & brother. I went to see Faithey Bostock this morning she does my washing & mending, they are very poor Bostock being sick & when well unable to get employment. I am very sorry for them Faith works very hard to keep things square Tom Rudd her brother I think is in Gaol
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266
Long Gully June 1859 Bendigo
[1859-06-12]
12th June. Wretched weather, bitter cold, any
thing but pleasent living in a calico tent
in such weather. I suppose I should grumble if
I lived in a house. Im so very dissatisfied
in my nature, Monday night went to the
usual Temperance Meeting. Tuesday went to
my Singing Class, after it was over, we all
(that is the members both girls & boys) went
to a quiet place, & having a concertina & flutina
we got up a lot of dancing. Kept it up till
late, being moonlight. Im sure the folks in
the tents about thought we were a lot of
maniacs just let loose from some Asylum
Wednesday I was a good boy, remained at home
by a good fire & read a good book & had a
good supper, & then turned into a good bed
which was a good deal better than being
abroad. Thursday night went to the S. Class
repeated our Dancing by moonlight again
until 11 pm. Friday night I went to see
Barkly. I lent him (like a fool) £5.0.0 some
time back when the Bailiffs were in his
house, he has promised it me many times
since. Im sadly in want of money & asked
him for a portion of it, but got some abuse
instead. I was nearly inclined to take it
out of his hide. I went to the Frazers (the
Bakers) spent a couple of hours very jolly
with Margery Frazer & Joanna — Lockey
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267
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-06-12
was trying to Mesmerise the latter, & she
acted so well that he thought hed succeeded, we
had such fun — on leaving there I went to
the Shamrock Room, sat alongside of one of the
loveliest women I ever saw in my life, we got
very friendly, & some fellow sitting on the other
side of her making free with her, I checked him
he seemed quarrelsome & was going to strike me
but hit her instead, she astonished me by pulling
out a short dagger, which instantaneously she struck
at him with going through his coat & slightly
cutting his side, he thought he was murdered
& made a great noise. I managed to get her
out before the police came, she wanted me to
go home with her, I did but did not remain
long with her, she was an Italian, & told me her
husband is a surveyor & has been away some
weeks from her in the Bush & being inclined
for some amusement she had ventured out –
I formed my opinion of her, having heard of
her by repute, she is a kept mistress of one
of the Camp Officials. I had an invitation to
come & see her whenever I liked, she plays a
guitar & finding I could sing was delighted, how
the deuce such a woman came on Sandhurst is
a mystery, my acquaintances, the male
portion who have heard of the circumstance
quite envy me my adventure that led to such
an acquaintance(Z) Saturday night being on
Bendigo & coming on to rain I went to see
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268
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-06-19
Liz Marshall, spent a few hours pleasently together
she is a nice clever girl & would make some
man a good wife — on leaving her I went to
the Shamrock for a short time, met Lockey
& Dave, came home together. I received a
letter from Mother, she is very unwell. The
Mail from England brought out £50.10.0
for me from my Uncle Henry to commence
some business with or do something else than
dig, if I had got it 4 months ago, It could
have done me some good, but Father going away
& being obliged to break into my own money
to help to keep Mothers home together, & I
hear Father owes so much money in town
that by the time Mothers get some necessaries
for herself & children I wont get much of it
she wants me to go to town so I Intend starting
on Tuesday. I went to Church this evening
& bid my fellow choristers good bye. In the
afternoon I went to Hoopers saw Mrs. Hickey
had tea with them. I recvd two letters from
Hamilton yesterday, they have been lying
in the P.O. Long Gully for some weeks. Im
sorry Id not got them before, he is still on
Daisy Hill, he says he heard about my
brother Ned that he is hardup on Ararat
I shall write to them both on my arrival
in Melbourne
[1859-06-19 Sunday] 20th [19th] June 1859. At home, sweet home, once more, would I could never leave thee. I like
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269
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo and 117 Kerr St, Fitzroy 1859-06-19
method, so I will commence where I left off.
Last Monday I got a few things ready for my
journey, went to see Faithey, & bid goodbye to
my neighbours, went into Sandhurst in the evening
called at Barkleys, & squeezed a pound Stg out
of him, stayd tea with him, after which I went to
the TH Meeting as usual. Mr Frazer is the president
He insisted upon me staying at his house the
night, his kind offer I accepted had a very
comfortable bed, (for a house) he called me early
in the morning & made breakfast for me, the
Coach left Sandhurst at 6 am Tuesday morning
came on to rain, & what with being crowded &
a couple of babies squalling, I had anything
but a pleasent journey & to crown all a man
in Delirium Tremens, who had an epileptic
fit, one old lady got so frightened & being near
the door of the Coach she jumped out, & put
her ankle out of joint, it was dark when I got
into Melbourne tired & stiff found all well
Wednesday I spent in roaming about the town to see all the sights & in the evening my sister Mary & I went to the Princess Theatre Thursday I knocked about & visited several people Im acquainted with & in the evening in company with Fred went to the Circus Friday afternoon Mother & I went out visiting & shopping. I bought a poncho some shirts & other necessaries. In the evening we went to see
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270
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy, 1859-06-19
poor Mrs Harken, found her very ill in bed
since her husbands death, she has existed entirely
upon charity, what a position for a young &
beautiful woman, well educated accomplished &
brought up in the midst of luxury. I feel very
much for her, we left her about 11 pm
Saturday I wandered about, gazing in shop
windows & looking at the pretty girls (and there
are some in Melbourne) In the evening Fred & I
went to the Market (Paddys) he to meet
some girls, I to look at them, we dropped into
a Free & Easy on our road home, & had our
ears tortured by some wretched music both
vocal & instrumental. Sunday. This afternoon
I went with Mother to see a Mrs Crapper (who
lives on Emerald Hill) she is a nice homely
Yorkshire woman, that in my infantile days
was in my mother's service, as nurse to this
child, & a fine character I heard of the various
vicious propensities I used to indulge in during my
tender years. We went to see the Chinese
Joss House, a most gorgeous sight, inside
what with ugly Idols, & beautiful ornaments
the Silk Banners Etc Etc it was a very interesting
place to visit, we left early & in the evening
my sister Mary & I went to St Peters Church
heard some grand singing. I saw the girl I
got into a scrape about, the last time I was
in Melbourne. I spoke to her, she wants to see
me tomorrow. I didnt promise her I could gratify
her.
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271
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy,
Melbourne June 1859 —
26th Miserable wet weather, still in town
Been enjoying myself right well, all the week, one way
or another. Been introduced to several young ladies
flirted about with them, Wednesday night, Mary &
I went to the Olympic Theatre to see “Extremes
or Men of the Day” performed. Thursday I paid
the Eldreds a visit, my family & theirs are not
on friendly terms through some cause or another
however they did not display anything like coolness
towards me. I have been to see Mrs Harken
several times, she is getting very emaciated
looking. I did a little commission for her which
cost me £.1.5.0 I dont suppose Ill ever see
it again. Yesterday afternoon I went to see my
old acquaintance John.C.Burchell at Prahran
he was very glad to see me. I invited him to
dinner to day, he came & in the afternoon we
took a walk to the Cemetary & saw the
funeral of Ellen Mortyn, she was a most
charming Actress & is much lamented, the last
time I saw her was on Bendigo when she
playd “Desdemona” to G.V.Brookes “Othello”, he was
& the same *again in a *more *noted *musical
the chief mourner. In the evening we went to
St. Peters Church, we sat up in the galery & owing
to young persons running out & making a noise
the doors were locked & we found that the sexton had
locked us in, some 30 of us including the mem-
-bers of the choir, the gas was turned off. I ran
my back against the door & burst the lock off it
1/257 |
272
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy, 1859-07-04
& thus got our liberty. Fred & I accompanied
Burchell a part of the way home & got wet through
coming home. I received a long letter from
Lockey Frazer (the younger) they have had a fine
T. Meeting since my absence well attended
a debating Society is being formed, & he is one
of the Committee. I wrote to Hy Vickerman one
day last week, & also to Hamilton & Frazer &
Joe Dean. Im getting sick of my present
inactive life, another week more & then Higho
for the diggins, hard work, hard living Etc, its
like going to the devil from Paradise the idea
of leaving Melbourne & its pleasures. I dont
suppose there is a city in the world that has so
many temptations as this town or where so
much sin in every shape prevails, what
with women & places of amusement Etc. Im
sure if Id plenty of money I would soon be
ruined & come to grief body & soul
[1859-07-04 Monday] July 4th 1859 Oh dear, 8 days since I last continued my journal. Still in Melbourne been trying to get some employment, but was not fortunate enough. Last Monday night I took Mary & Miss Hobbs to the Royal Theatre turned out very wet, however there were plenty of cars to be had so we rode home I took them both to the Annual Tpa Soiree at the Exhibition Building, we were dressed well & every body else there was, every thing was first rate, we sat at the Eldreds table, my
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273
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy, 1859-07-04
friend Burchell was there also, after tea there
was a lot of “spouting” Rd. Heales in the chair
however we didnt care for it, we went onto the
Balcony & one young chap had brought a pipe
with him, I was along with Annie Eldred & was
just commencing to dance with her when Mr
Harmer (the Secretary) put a stop to it. I objected
to his interference & had some words. I felt
inclined to punch his head, for I dislike the man
he was one of the canting lot that persuaded &
aided my father in leaving us — he didnt know
who I was, so I wasnt very particular what I
said to him — he is the intended husband of
the younger Miss Eldred (Louisa) & is old enough
to be her father, there were several of the clique
there & I felt anything but comfortable in
their company — however I forgive them.
My pretty friend Jane Summers came down from Sunbury on Saturday, looking so charming & beautiful, she is one of the prettiest girl I ever met & Im sure Im in love with her, she has any quantity of admirers. I admired her the last time I was in town & had the pleasure of seeing her, but now Im bewitched & have been doing the agreeable & making love ever since, there is some fellow, always following her named Sutherland, Saturday night, Mary & her & myself went into town & met him, we could not get rid of him so at length we proposed going into the Theatre, he paid for 4 Dress Circle tickets. “Azrael the Prodigal” was playd R Heir playd the prodigal, while G.V.Brooke the father
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274
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy, 1859-07-04
& well being one of the grandest things ever brought
out in the colony — but I was highly amused at
our friend Sutherland, who during one of the
intervals went out & brought back with
him 4 Bottles of Ginger Beer & a tumbler, also a
pocket full of large green pudding apples — I
told the girls for heavens sake not to appear to
know him, he was quite annoyd, & thought us
destitute of taste, the girls were disgusted, & every
glass was upon us, for my part I didnt care, but was
convulsed with laughter, he knew no better, after
it was over, we adjourned to the Cafe de France
& had a splendid supper, Roast fowl Etc
I stuck to Jane & my sister would not walk
with him, yet he is a goodnatured fool, for
fool he is, in some respects. Sunday morning
I went with her to hear Mr New preach & on
getting home we found Sutherland here, he
had called during our absence & my mother
for fun invited him to dinner, we had seen
him coming & had cleared out at the back door
while he was at the front. After dinner he
had to go away to catch the Sunbury train
he had a cab & Jane & Mary & self accompanied
him, but as soon as we saw him off we
found our way to Princess Bridge, where we
hired a sailing boat & went to the Botanical
Gardens, a lovely place & being a nice day was
crowded by pleasure seekers, we met
many we knew, came home by Railway
& after tea went to Church, heard some fine
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275
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy, 1859-07-04
singing. In the evening had several visitors
some friends of Janes knowing she was down
from the country came to see her, my old nurse
Mrs Crapper & McDougall were here also –
This morning I accompanied Jane for a strool
went into town & had our portraits taken
which we exchanged with vows of unchanging
love, (vows (Im sure that have nothing but
a transitory impulse for a foundation) I could
never centre my whole thoughts & feelings on
one that I feel is a coquette, tho I dont
think would ever be a heartless one) that
she likes me & the feeling is reciprocal Im
sure for the present, yet it will be many
months ere I see her again & in that time
surrounded by flatterers & admirers she will
soon cease to think of me. If not Ill idol
ize her! for she will be a woman in a million
I feel now Im sick of town, this time next
week Ill be on Bendigo pondering on to day,
she took my dear little Brother Charlie
with her, he is not well & the country air
I trust will do him good
[1859-07-10 Sunday]
July 11th 1859 On old Bendigo once more
in my tent, 10 ft x 12 ft how limited, & yet how
comfortable. I think the less we can do with in
this world the greater will be our happiness
in it, but it is not possible to be satisfied
human nature grumbles against the principle.
I have been quite low spirited since my return here
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276
117 Kerr St, Fitzroy, 1859-07-10
everything appears to be so dull & present such
a different aspect to what it did before,
how has time passed. Last Tuesday, I went to
Richmond called on some friends of J.Nevins –
Came home by the train, called to see Mrs Harken
& bade her adieu. In the afternoon I took Mary
to have her likeness taken, but were too late, we
went to a Mrs Simpsons & Mary playd on the piano
for me the first time I ever heard her. I think
with practice she will make a fine performer
I went to the Hobbs that evening. I had not
been there since the night I took Miss H. to the
Soiree they were rather cool. I fancy because I
took the girl out once or twice that I was in
honour bound to enter into an engagement with
her, they hinted as much, however I soon undeceived
in that respect. I called on the Eldreds bid
them good bye, came home early & went into a
Mrs Finlys (a neighbour) who introduced me to
some friends of hers present. I remained until
10.30 saw a Miss Jaffys home — my usual job if
any ladies call at our house. Im always looked
upon to do the amicable. I packed up my things
& on Wednesday morning at 6 am bid all at home
good bye once more. I came by Rail to the
Diggers Rest 21 miles from town, then took the Coach
arrived on Sandhurst at 7. pm after a wretched
journey, having rained all day & the coach being
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277
Pinchgut Gully, Bendigo, 1859-07-10
over crowded. I met Bill Donovan & Enniss, we
came out to the Gully together, found my couzin
Harry well & glad to see me — Thursday I went
to Bostocks from there into Bendigo, called at Frazers
in the evening, met, Lockey, spent a pleasent
evening there — I bought a pair of strong Boots
& a pair of Blankets — Friday morning, hearing
there was a rush at the Sheepwash Creek I went-
, in company with Bill Donovan & Yorkey Tom –
the day was warm, but being a pleasent road
we enjoyed ourselves — we found the rush situated
among some rough little hills, about 200 people
there, none of whom are getting much gold — so
I dont intend going there again, after tea I went to
the Singing Class, they were all glad to see me back
I went to the “Shamrock” for a little while. Saturday
morning I spent writing letters to Hamilton & my mother,
went into Sandhurst in the afternoon & posted them. I
met an acquaintance, who wanted me to go & work
for him on the Hustlers Reef £3.0.0 per week its only
a short job, unless they strike the Reef, its better than
being idle until something else turns up. I met
Lockey & we went to the Shamrock, late when we got
home, I met Eliza Marshall — she was glad to see
me, I also saw my foreign lady friend who was
so nearly putting a stop to someones existence a short
time back. I went to Church this morning heard
a good sermon, either it or the long walk gave me
a good appetite for my dinner. I had several old
acquaintances here during the afternoon. I heard
to day that my Prahran friend J.Burchell
intends trying his luck on Bendigo & will be here tomorrow
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END of JOURNAL 1
Sources
- ↑ No! On 1 July he wrote 31 June but the 2 July entry was correct, so today, the 13th he wrongly changed the date to the 14th and continued the error to the 29th actual. On 30 July (actual), the error ended because he has two days as 30 July.
- ↑ probably Lexington Station, belonging to Magistrate Campbell, about 16km west of Ararat, North of Moyston, see Leader (Melbourne, Vic.) Sat 20 Jan 1894 Page 31 ARARAT AND DISTRICT and The Star (Ballarat, Vic.) Tue 27 Oct 1857 Page 2 ARARAT MINING
- ↑ 26thDec. Bridge Hotel, somewhere near the bridge on Bridge St
- ↑ (This account has 8 day week)
- ↑ "Then You’ll Remember Me" from the opera ‘Bohemian Girl’
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