19 Anerley Park
London SE
16 July 1889
My dear Chris
We only got home on the 9th inst, a long and wearisome passage of eight months, all arriving in good heart, notwithstanding.
I am much disappointed not to have a line from you after the long interval since parting in Melbourne. A few lines from Burstall received two days ago dated 5 June tells he had heard from you at Croydon just before writing and that you were well. This is satisfactory so far, but you must have been aware how anxious I would be to hear from you on my arrival home, especially as you were but in the recovery state from the fever when I left you. However I will hope to hear from you soon, and that you are strong and well, and having a good fall of rain, which was what you wanted to develop your mines.
I have not had time to make enquiries as to the state of business at Croydon since returning, but indirectly heard that plenty of rain was falling and that mining business was improving.
Our voyage was tiresome from the beginning – first two weeks of westwinds then light flickering fair breezes to the Cape. After sailing from there NW gales checked us for several days. Seventeen days were spent getting to St Helena, a stay of three days there, brought us a return of the SE trade quite a gale in three weeks we were within seven days sail of the Downs. A whole month was spent over this short distance. Easterly winds prevailed all through May, June and July to date so we had to cruise about on the Atlantic waiting and waiting for a change, but none came, not a shadow of westwind – had to work right into the Channel and up to the Isle of Wight where we got a tug. I may say it has been the most tiresome voyage I ever had and has made me heartily tired of voyaging generally.
Archie is well. Dawson my second mate behaved so badly I had him off duty six weeks before arrival, and have dismissed him without character. Sam Lauer(?)] the third became a very good substitute but, from the nature of the winds and weather met with, I had rather a bad time of it. A dense haze prevailed constantly for three weeks or more with the light east winds, which necessitated a very careful watch for ships, and kept me restless. I felt much worn out for some days after arriving, but am quite well again now after a little rest.
I cannot tell you now what may be done with the ship, or if I may come again. I do not wish to, but may be induced to try again.
If your field had shown up more brilliantly I would much prefer coming out to you for a time, but I want to hear more encouraging news than has reached me. Of course our stay at home this year will be short, being quite a month later than usual. Burstall tells me you stayed but one week with him and that you meant to stay at Goulburn on your way to Sydney.
We are all well here and May is here for a few weeks. She goes back to Bremen for another few months to complete her German. She has improved very much and is quite brilliant in manners. Edie was home for a week or two at Easter, but is again moving about with Mrs Dalton on the Continent.
Trusting that some news from you is close at hand.
With love from the household and myself,
I am ever your affectionate Father
Jas A Elmslie