Series 1: Correspondence (1862-1863)
Letters written by Francis Dunne. Francis wrote to his uncle, Mr Brennan, a policeman, and to his mother, who was apparently a widow, giving details of the voyage and of life in the new colony. He wrote of his plans to leave Ipswich to go hawking "up the country," of his land purchases, of his desire to provide land for his brother Peter to farm, and of his intention to pay passage for his relatives to come to Australia once he had established himself.
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Items in this series:
Letter (August 1862)
A letter written to "My Dear Uncle" at 7 degrees N Latitude describing the voyage to Australia.
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Letter (13 November 1863)
A letter written to "My dear Uncle" from Francis Dunne at George Street, Brisbane. The letter describes his arrival in Brisbane and his intention of going "towards the downs." He mentions that his brother Peter had obtained employment as a carpenter. Dunne writes horizontally and vertically in a cross-hatch style to save paper.
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Letter (March 1863)
A letter written to "My dear Uncle" from Francis Dunne at Ipswich. He writes about Mr John Pettigrew, a wealthy man with whom he is living, and describes the Ipswich region and lifestyle. Dunne writes horizontally and vertically in a cross-hatch style to save paper.
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Letter (March 1863)
Letter written to "My dear Mama," from Francis Dunne and Peter Dunne at Ipswich. Francis writes about immigration and labour, the importation and price of food, and about Peter's employment and wages. Peter Dunne writes about his illness on the voyage to Australia and about Francis purchasing tobacco for him.
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Letter (17 July 1863)
A letter written to "My dear Uncle" from Francis Dunne at Ipswich. He writes about Peter's employment on the Brisbane River, and about his own intention of leaving Ipswich to go hawking "up the country." He also writes of his intention to buy 100 acres of land, half of which would be for Peter to farm. He warns his uncle against emigration until he has been able to purchase a farm for him. Francis writes of his desire to pay the passages for his relatives to come to Australia "before long" and to have "a home where they can take a rest after their long and harrassing journey."