Bedford
13 July 1883
My dear Chris
We got home safely on 12 June.
I was glad you had gone out in the Indus again and that the people at home
said nothing to you about the lace affair.
I hope you have seen Mr Jeffray and had some satisfactory offer for settling
in Queensland. Without he can give you something definite it would be folly to go there. Much better to remain where you are. It does not do to lose your hold in the employment you have until a certainty can be made of something better.
You will be at home sometime before I go away again and we can talk it over.
I do not see any chance of my staying on shore. Captain Williams is still sticking to his pay if not to his work, and our expenses at home are so great that I cannot give up except for a certainty.
I have not seen Mr Kendall yet but will call one day soon. I trust they will give you a ship this summer – but you must try and keep on the Australian ??? if possible.
The others will give you all the news. I am very busy.
Ever your loving Father
J A Elmslie
Mr C T Elmslie
Indus