File 1: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 4, pp. 1-402, 1811-1856

398

Rev J S Hassall Parsonage New Town

by S [indecipherable]

399

Sydney 5 July 1850

My Dear James

Having little or nothing that I can do this wet evening I take my pen which is a poor one to write to you - You will have heard that some one broke into the house on Sunday 23rd while we were at Church & robbed us of several things - I heard a young man with a double barrelled Gun & bundle was at the Cross roads on Sunday night but had no suspicion of Henry Morgan until he was taken up for forgery & my snuff Box & Pocket [Handf? (Handkerchief)] was found on him

- There was likewise a P. [Promissory] note of Mr Harris for £23 found on him. This morg I [approached?] the Police office for the first time - & went to several [indecipherable] & [indecipherable] others house but we found nothing it was too late- I went to Captn Forbes & saw the [rest? next?] assemblage at the digging of the turf and that was all it was a thorough wet day

- I have recd many congratulations on acct of your manner - All seem to approve of it

400

this is no small comfort and I hope One above approves of it - I should like to see you both very much - I dined at [indecipherable] where they asked very kindly after you - Poor Docr [Meal?] is rather annoyed that you had stated that you found a family the heads were not married & the Childn not baptized - He cannot find their name in the Register - I told him that I had heard such was the case & that in going round with you I had seen a man who had lived there 13 or 14 years & who said he had never seen a Clergyman- How true it was I could not [think?] - Poor James Shelly was to have gone to Bathurst with George but was prevented - He has since been very poorly with Mumps &c-

401

July 8th

I have not time to write more than to say I recd your letter & am truly thankful you are better My best love to Fanny - Ever your affect Father Thos

402

Revd J S Hassall Parsonage [indecipherable]