Bound for South Australia 1836Communication

Week 3

The English Postal System, drawn by Augustus Pugin Senior and Thomas Rowlandson for Ackermann's Microcosm of London (1808-11)

OverviewBetween 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.

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

IntroductionThis week we learn from Captain Morgan’s diary entries onboard the Duke ofYork that he has not travelled far, and after damage to the vesselcaused by a storm, he remains in the English Channel. We learn that heis still worried about his wife back in England, having sent her lettersand is awaiting her reply. This week we will explore the forms ofcommunication used in 1836.

Journal entriesTuesday 8 March 1836

Captain Robert Morgan, on board the Duke of York wrote this letter:

G Fife Angas EsqJeffrey’s SquareSt Mary AxeLondon

Bark Duke of York March 8th 1836off the Isle of Wight

Dear Sirunder a sense of the love andfavour of God I address these few lines toYou as the chief friend and counceler anddirector…

we were compelled to put in here byadverse winds and our time has bingemployd in getting ready for sea I havekept the people and passengers on fresh meetwile here beliving that to be both cheapand best for the people and I likewiseI have got a few things here that we wereshort off which I trust you will approve offthe wind is now fare from the Northand I hope by the blessing of Him whohold the winds in His fists and holdsthe waters in the hollow of is hand willconduct us to our place of destine werewe may all fullfill our station of lifeWe use family service on board and keepthe Lords day and expect the Lords blessingwhich He has allready favoured us with

Mr Stevens [illegible word] I belive to be a sincereChristan and Mr Bear [Beare] I belive will provea serveseable man if spared to theCompany I still feel some anksiertyconcerning the Ships Cofer if You can giveme any directions or council concerning itthe first oppertunity I will be gladfare well dear Sir praying You and Yoursevery blessing for time and Eternity forour Redeemers sake AmenYours affectonately Robert C MorganMr Stevens haveing nothing perticular to writedesires his respects Mr and Mrs Bear [Beare] and familyare all well the work men allsowe now have a fair wind and shall makethe best farewell Sir

Friday 11 March 1836

Captain Robert Morgan, on board the Duke of York wrote:

– I felt it a disappointment not receiveing aletter from her I tenderly love the partner of my life …sharer of my cares though so much absent from eachOtherwhich makes our parting so severly felt like cutting thetender string of life or the divideing of vine and branchI have wrote home but received no answer but belive allwill be well for time or Eternity thanks be to God andHis grace …

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?

Images

“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)

Glossary of termsStations in Life• The belief that the position in society into which you were born was ordained by God, and not to

be questioned.

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