Bedford
17 September 1885
My dear Chris
Just a few lines to say we are on the eve of starting. The day at present is a little uncertain on account of the difficulty of getting cargo as weight. I do not think we will leave Plymouth until 28 or 29 September. The ship’s cabins are quite full of passengers. Shipments for the Colonies are slack, and it is hard to get enough to ballast a ship with at present.
Jessie, Jean, Edie, May and Mary are all set in various places. The younger ones come with us. The house is let furnished for eight months, but at a small rental.
Mater has been very poorly lately, but is better again. Alec is outfitted and is quite sure he will find a way of making a fortune in Queensland. He has good ??? if you can but discover the right groove to direct him into.
I have not heard from you for some weeks. I hope you are all right, and will be able to come and see us about Christmas time.
I have no news of interest to give you. No one seems to have time to write to you, and I am always very busy. Be sure and have a letter waiting for us at Melbourne and let me know how you progress.
Mater joins me in love to you.
Your loving father
Jas A. Elmslie
Tell me what you think of doing with Alec when he comes.
PS I hear Mr Jeffray has sold his fine house and has gone to live in a small one. He must have been a heavy loser by sugar. How does the decline of the industry affect Townsville? Your delegates are in London, but have done nothing as yet. ……. Rawson is not my friend clearly but Ned his brother I think I have not seen him.
Archie is well.
JAE