Archive of Letters and Ephemera sent to Scotland regarding life in Baltimore Maryland pre-Civil War and the New Zealand and Gippsland Victoria Gold Rush.
1835-1857 and 1859-1863. An archive of 13 letters addressed to Hugh Baillie Sr. in Scotland, written by his son Hugh Baillie, between 1859 and 1863, documenting his experiences as a pioneer during the New Zealand and Australian gold rushes. Baillie's letters originate from various locations, including Rosedale, a Tyers River property & "Good Hope Creek" in Gippsland Victoria, Waiuku, Auckland in New Zealand. The other correspondent is John Baillie, Hugh Seniors brother, living in Baltimore Maryland, dated 1835 - 1857. These provide an in-depth perspective on life in pre-Civil War America, discussing topics such as slavery, election politics and the work of Harriet Beecher Stowe.
The correspondence provides valuable insights into the daily lives and challenges faced by gold prospectors, names many other Scotsman including from the Ardrossan & Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland and comments on notable events such as the American Civil War.
3 letters from Waiuku, Auckland, all within 2 months in 1859, totaling 19pp. From Hugh Jr. to Hugh Sr in Scotland, Jul-Sept. 1859
5 letters from Victoria, four sent from Traralgon, on preprinted "Rosedale" letterhead, a Tyers River property in Gippsland belonging to Mr. Wm. McAlpine. 4 letters to his father, 22 September 1861; 10 April 1863, May & Aug 1863.
A significant 5th letter on 8pp of smaller paper lacks the first leaves, but is a revealing account of the trials of mining. Hugh Jr. speaks of his friend Mr. Walker, who "I used to keep asking him whether he would not rather be working at his bench than prospecting for gold, he used to look very melancholy when he thought I was chaffing him. at last I could see he wanted to go away... and he went away one day & was away for two days. when he came back he told me that he found his way into Russells Creek and that as we had no rations he was going to leave... my foot swelled again so that I could not get my boots on. but still he left me there with only one days food not able to walk and the day after he left me I felt so sick... I began to think it was all up with me but I got round again." He was on his own "and thought I heard somebody chopping down timber. I listened for a few minutes & could hear it quite distinctly. So thinks I under present circumstances the best thing I can do is make for there be they black or white. which I did , found there 7 in one party and 4 in another..." Later he lists the "needful household furniture for a camp of Gold diggers by a zinc bucket 2 gallon Billy, 2 Jamaican frying pan, quart pot, pick shovel & tin dish for Baking & prospecting dish..." Later, having given a fellow a letter for his father along with money for the stamp, says "the man never posted it... if you are foolhardy to give him a letter & money to post it why they will light their pipe with the letter & swallow the Bob first opportunity..."
22 Sep 1861 letter - He spent a tough 2 years on the Snowy River, down to his last 6 pence, went butchering, while his colleagues got into a good claim. He had a L 200 rainy day fund and would go home to Scotland but better prospects in the colonies. Hears gold was discovered in Otago. Bush life suits him, money not easily made & prices high. Wants brother Bob to write.
April 1863. Getting 15/ per ounce (?) Will clear 10-12 ounces before closed out. Hope to get a better claim nearby. Been quiet but told McAlpine - just now rushed. Only finding 20 penny weight a day or 7/ each not enough. Will come down when need rations but not safe so only seen newspapers 6-8 weeks old.
2 May 1863- Claim finished on Blowers Creek, named after a youth in their party. Next creek 22 miles distant. A Yankee & his Dutch mate came to Russells Creek prospecting - country rough for gold. Wonders if Uncle John in America involved in Civil War or gone to Scotland.
6 letters from Baltimore, totaling 23pp. The 1835 letter from Baltimore to Scotland speaks of a health issue, with early medical practices / bleeding. The brother says a goal is to vote in the United States. In 1844, the letter talks of the Presidential election & Whigs. The 1854 letter is very interesting "on slavery in the United States and talks of Harriet Beecher Stow. "...I am very well satisfied that I could not stay on that side now after becoming a citizen and mixing in the politics of the country enjoying the liberty that you have in that respect here and there is no question but the working class is a great deal better here, than they are on your side of the water. Although Mrs. Harriet Beacher Stowe comes over and lectures on negro slavery makes you dance to her musick (sic), pay well for it, comes back home with her Philanthropy in her pocket, buys property with it but not one cent for the poor negros that she calls them. She know as well and any other person who has resided where negro slavery exists in the South, know that negro slavery is not what it is represented with you for this reason if looked at right... a planters own negros, he had got his plantation to cultivate he must feed cloth them so as to get his work abuse & sickness would be a loss to him. if they were free negros it would be no loss to him to whip the work out of them and then let them lie down and be able to do nothing he would be at no trouble to take care of them. not so with the slave..." The 1856 letter has news about America, trade work and cotton to the South.
10 pieces of ephemera related to Scotland incl. 1 cabinet card photograph of Hugh Baillie by R. J. Robinson, Ardrossan; 1 circular titled "Relief of the Unemployed," issued in Kilwinning, 27th Nov 1861, inscribed by Andrew M'Crorie, offering additional context on the tough economic and social conditions of the time; 1 bifolium manuscript accounting summary for Hugh Baillie "in Spring Vale", titled "State of Rents compiled by Hugh King, Kilwinning," invoices to and from Hugh Sr. in Ardross, 1857-59; 2 envelopes addressed to Hugh Sr & his wife, in Ardrossan, Ayrshire.
Letters very readable, tender at folds, some splits, some loss where wax seals were attached, one partial letter, various sizes (12 1/4 x 7 1/2" to 8 1/2 x 5 1/4").
Reference: Glasgow Herald 17 Jan 1859. "Leaving for New Zealand" On Thursday last the 13th instant, Messrs Hugh Baillie, junior, Springvale, and Hugh and William Lockhart, Knockrivoch, were entertained to supper in the Saracen's Head Inn, Saltcoats, on occasion of their leaving for New Zealand. (www dot threetowners dot net (the full address available). Item #28516
Price: $4,950.00