John Oxley papers

This original archive of letters and family papers includes: letters from John Oxley at his residence in Sydney to his wife, Emma, at their property 'Kirkham' near Camden, ca. 1822-1826. Significant letters in the collection include one dated 15 March 1824 describing his hurried preparation for a journey to accompany the Governor to Moreton Bay, a week prior to the birth of his son John Norton Oxley (1824-1891); another dated 12 October 1825 readying for his departure to survey Twofold Bay with John Ovens (1788-1825); and, his last official letter, to Governor Lieutenant-General Darling dated 14 May 1828, tendering his resignation as Surveyor-General, Oxley died of ill health 12 days later. Other papers include a vellum bound volume recording his last will and testament, with an inventory of assets and liabilities; an account of the auction sale of household effects in July 1842; a locket purportedly of John Oxley's hair, with an attributed date of 8 May 1815; a hand-written death notice; receipt for 4 passages from London to Sydney in November 1844 purchased by Mrs. Oxley; an invoice dated 29 August 1844 for the purchase, whilst in London, by Mrs Oxley of porcelain table plates and dishes; plus additional material relating to their descendants.