[Editor: This letter from a convict, sourced from an English newspaper, was republished in The Australian (Sydney, NSW), 7 November 1828. The convict describes New South Wales as “the devil’s own country ... this most detestable, damnable, country”.] Epistolary … [Read more...] about Epistolary eloquence [letter from a convict, 7 November 1828]
correspondence
[Letter from Gertrude Lawson] [by Gertrude Lawson, 28 July 1900]
[Editor: This letter, from Gertrude Lawson, was published in the “All About People” section in The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW), 28 July 1900. The letter was written in reference to a news item regarding Louisa Lawson and Henry Lawson, which was published in the 7 July 1900 issue … [Read more...] about [Letter from Gertrude Lawson] [by Gertrude Lawson, 28 July 1900]
Football in Egypt: Australian game played: “Magpie” player captain [letter (WW1), 9 February 1915]
[Editor: This letter, regarding a game of Australian Rules Football being played by Australian soldiers in Egypt in 1914 (during World War One, 1914-1918), was published in The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 9 February 1915.] Football in Egypt Australian game … [Read more...] about Football in Egypt: Australian game played: “Magpie” player captain [letter (WW1), 9 February 1915]
The late Trooper Clancy [letters re the Boer War, 3 January 1901]
[Editor: These two letters, regarding the deaths of two Australian soldiers in the Boer War (1899-1902), were published in Riverina Times, Hay Standard, and Journal of Water Conservation (Hay, NSW), 3 January 1901.] The late Trooper Clancy. We have received the following … [Read more...] about The late Trooper Clancy [letters re the Boer War, 3 January 1901]
At the front: With the Fourth Contingent: Letter from Lieutenant W. J. Kellaway [Boer War letter, 23 November 1900]
[Editor: This letter, from a soldier serving in the Boer War (1899-1902), was published in The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld.), 23 November 1900.] At the front. With the Fourth Contingent. Letter from Lieutenant W. J. Kellaway. Mrs. J. E. Kellaway, of … [Read more...] about At the front: With the Fourth Contingent: Letter from Lieutenant W. J. Kellaway [Boer War letter, 23 November 1900]
From the late Mr. A. M. Aberline [Boer War letter, 23 October 1900]
[Editor: This letter, from a soldier serving in the Boer War (1899-1902), was published in The Riverine Grazier (Hay, NSW), 23 October 1900.] From the late Mr. A. M. Aberline. From a letter received on Friday last by Mrs. Aberline from her son, Private A. M. Aberline, of … [Read more...] about From the late Mr. A. M. Aberline [Boer War letter, 23 October 1900]
Old Boys notes [a letter re the outbreak of World War One, December 1914]
[Editor: This letter is an extract from the “Old Boys notes” section published in The Sydneian (Sydney, NSW), December 1914. It was printed during World War One (1914-1918).] Old Boys notes. Fred. Salusbury, who left for England in July, writes thus under address Bank of … [Read more...] about Old Boys notes [a letter re the outbreak of World War One, December 1914]
Letter from Colonel Otter: The Sixth Contingent [Boer War letter, 27 April 1901]
[Editor: This letter, from Colonel Alfred Otter (1838-1920), regarding the Boer War (1899-1902), was published in The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 April 1901.] Letter from Colonel Otter. The Sixth Contingent. Pretoria, March 26. “Here we are at the front at last. We … [Read more...] about Letter from Colonel Otter: The Sixth Contingent [Boer War letter, 27 April 1901]
Kelly’s last statement [by Edward Kelly, 12 November 1880]
[Editor: This letter, or statement, made by Ned Kelly, just prior to his hanging, was published in The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), 12 November 1880.] Kelly’s last statement. The following is the latest statement left by Kelly, addressed to the … [Read more...] about Kelly’s last statement [by Edward Kelly, 12 November 1880]
Treating the wounded: Doctor describes scenes: Chaplains lead charges [1 June 1915]
[Editor: A letter regarding the Dardanelles campaign, during the First World War. Published in The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 1 June 1915.] Treating the wounded. Doctor describes scenes. Chaplains lead charges. Sydney, Monday. — Dr. Colin Chisholm Ross, of Sydney, … [Read more...] about Treating the wounded: Doctor describes scenes: Chaplains lead charges [1 June 1915]
Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Following are some excerpts from The Rommel Papers (1953), which reproduces some letters from Rommel to his wife, in three of which he mentions Australian soldiers. Erwin Rommel was the German field marshal who led the German and Italian forces in North Africa during the Second … [Read more...] about Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Clarrie Dennis’ Message to Lauraites: Laura Days [poem and letter by C. J. Dennis, 1 July 1932]
[Editor: This article includes both a poem and a letter by C. J. Dennis; it was published in The Laura Standard and Crystal Brook Courier (Laura, SA), 1 July 1932.] Clarrie Dennis’ message to Lauraites. Laura Days. Dreaming to-day in a forest green Where the great … [Read more...] about Clarrie Dennis’ Message to Lauraites: Laura Days [poem and letter by C. J. Dennis, 1 July 1932]
The state prisoners [letter from the Eureka Rebellion prisoners, 14 February 1855]
[Editor: This letter, from the Eureka Rebellion prisoners, was published in The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 14 February 1855.] The state prisoners The following is the copy of a letter addressed by the state prisoners now awaiting their trial in the Melbourne Gaol to the … [Read more...] about The state prisoners [letter from the Eureka Rebellion prisoners, 14 February 1855]
The Babington letter [by Ned Kelly, 1870]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1870 and sent to Sergeant James Babington (of the Kyneton police).] [Background: This was written at a time, following Ned Kelly’s release from police custody, when many people in his area thought that Ned had informed on … [Read more...] about The Babington letter [by Ned Kelly, 1870]
The Parkes letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1879 and sent to Sir Henry Parkes (Premier of New South Wales). In the Parkes letter, Ned Kelly states that he is in Bathurst. It is possible that this was written to aggravate Henry Parkes in retaliation for him offering a … [Read more...] about The Parkes letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
The Cameron letter [by Ned Kelly, 1878]
[Editor: The “Cameron letter” (also known as the “Euroa letter”) was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1878 and sent to Donald Cameron (a Victorian politician).] [Background information: On 9 December 1878, the Kelly Gang took over Younghusband’s station property at … [Read more...] about The Cameron letter [by Ned Kelly, 1878]
The Jerilderie letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1879, intended for publication in Victorian newspapers.] [Background: The Jerilderie Letter, dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne, has been described as Ned Kelly’s “manifesto”, and gives a detailed account of Ned’s relations … [Read more...] about The Jerilderie letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]