Bound for South Australia 1836 Communication Week 3

1. Bound for South Australia 1836CommunicationWeek 3 The English Postal System, drawn by Augustus Pugin Senior and Thomas Rowlandson for Ackermann's Microcosm of London (1808-11)

2. Overview Between February and July 1836 nine ships left Britain bound for the newly created province of South Australia. On-board the ships were passengers who over many long months braved the perils of the ocean, including some of the most treacherous seas in the world to begin a new life on the other side of the world. This resource uses the stories from these nine ships as recorded by the passengers and crew in their personal journals.

3. Contents • Introduction • Journal entries • Inquiry Questions • Relevant images • Glossary of terms

4. Introduction This week we learn from Captain Morgan’s diary entries onboard the Duke of York that he has not travelled far, and after damage to the vessel caused by a storm, he remains in the English Channel. We learn that he is still worried about his wife back in England, having sent her letters and is awaiting her reply. This week we will explore the forms of communication used in 1836.

5. Journal entriesTuesday 8 March 1836 Captain Robert Morgan, on board the Duke of York wrote this letter: G Fife AngasEsq Jeffrey’s Square St Mary Axe London Bark Duke of York March 8th 1836off the Isle of Wight Dear Sir under a sense of the love and favour of God I address these few lines to You as the chief friend and counceler and director…

6. we were compelled to put in here by adverse winds and our time has bing employd in getting ready for sea I have kept the people and passengers on fresh meet wile here beliving that to be both cheap and best for the people and I likewise I have got a few things here that we were short off which I trust you will approve off the wind is now fare from the North and I hope by the blessing of Him who hold the winds in His fists and holds the waters in the hollow of is hand will conduct us to our place of destine were we may all fullfill our station of life We use family service on board and keep the Lords day and expect the Lords blessing which He has allreadyfavoured us with

7. Mr Stevens [illegible word] I belive to be a sincere Christan and Mr Bear [Beare] I belive will prove a serveseable man if spared to the Company I still feel some anksierty concerning the Ships Cofer if You can give me any directions or council concerning it the first oppertunity I will be glad fare well dear Sir praying You and Yours every blessing for time and Eternity for our Redeemers sake Amen Yours affectonately Robert C Morgan Mr Stevens haveing nothing perticular to write desires his respects Mr and Mrs Bear [Beare] and family are all well the work men allso we now have a fair wind and shall make the best farewell Sir

8. Friday 11 March 1836 Captain Robert Morgan, on board the Duke of York wrote: – I felt it a disappointment not receiveing a letter from her I tenderly love the partner of my life … sharer of my cares though so much absent from each Other which makes our parting so severly felt like cutting the tender string of life or the divideing of vine and branch I have wrote home but received no answer but belive all will be well for time or Eternity thanks be to God and His grace …

9. Inquiry Questions • What forms of communication were used in 1836? • How were messages relayed from the vessels to families, friends and employers back in England? • What emotions may the families and friends in England have experienced by while waiting and then receiving communication from loved ones?

10. Images

11. “A Chart of the English Channel, with the Coasts of France, Spain and Portugal” copper engraved map by J.Bayly(?), published by Harrison & Co. in The Geographical Magazine ...., 1793 (map dated 1784)

12. Glossary of terms Stations in Life • The belief that the position in society into which you were born was ordained by God, and not to be questioned. Return to Journal Entries