Letter of Abraham Jennison, 22 December 1861

22nd December /1861 Dear Children,

I write to you these few lines hoping you are all in good health as it leaves me at present but I have very bad health betimes—I received your kind letters and was much happy to hear from you I receive it on the 27th of November  I was very sorry to hear that Hannah was dead—Dear Children I wish to state to you how the Country is situated you must not think that Australia is like England for you see nothing but bush and an house here and there. Dear Children I would not wish you to come and then you to be dissatisfied when you did come therefore I wish to explain the country to you—the country is pretty brisk for work A person can do very well if he is a mind to work  Dear children I took it much to heart to hear of my wife being dead but it cant be helped—the Lord sendeth and taketh away.

You state that Thomas and his wife and John William Betsy will come you must send me word how many will come and send me your names and ages and trades and I will get the passage papers for you  You will be delivered at Fremantle and then there will be passage to pay to Champion Bay  that will be two pounds each and from there I will join you  Please to send me word how all your Uncles and Aunts is coming on  there is a young man out here sends me word that one of my children as got into trouble  I have not seen him as yet but he says he will come and see me  his name is Rogers. So no more at present but give my respects to all inquiring friends.


 * I am yours
 * Affectionate Father
 * Abraham Jennison.


 * Direct to
 * John Sydney Davis Esq,
 * Tibradden Brook
 * Champion Bay
 * Western Australia.


 * Addressed to
 * Samuel Boot,
 * North Terrace,
 * Belper
 * Derbyshire
 * ENGLAND.


 * Date Stamp
 * Champion Bay
 * Western Australia
 * Jan 1—1862.