Letter

This item comes from a collection of letters, covers and other historical material which Te Papa has acquired from Gerald Ellott at various times since 2001. The collection includes items from as early as 1818, but most relate to the New Zealand Wars period (1845-1872) and particularly the 1860s. 

Gerald is one of New Zealand’s foremost postal historians, and for nearly sixty years has been collecting, researching and exhibiting the early postal history of New Zealand. He was invited to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists in 1988, is a recipient of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie Research Medal, and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philately in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The New Zealand Wars collection includes letters written by soldiers serving in British regiments in New Zealand, as well as letters from members of colonial militia and volunteer units. The content and context of the letters provide a wealth of historical, social and military information about this period. The postal markings on the letters and envelopes are also informative, allowing us to track the movement of British troops and the opening up of post offices in their wake.

Many items in the collection are mounted and annotated on archival pages. Gerald wrote the annotations for the purposes of display and storytelling. They reflect his views and the language of the time, and Te Papa has not reviewed them for accuracy.

Transcript:

[Cover]

William Law Esqre

Treasury

Whitehall

London.

recd & answered 30st Octr 1848.

4

2/7

[Postmarks: "AUCKLAND / MY18 / 1848 / A / NEW ZEALAND", "? 10 / OC31 / 1848"]

[Handstamp: "PAID / AT / AUCKLAND.NEW ZEALAND"]

[Letter]

Auckland

New Zealand

May 18^th 1848

My dear Law

I have not written to you for some time so I will try now and send you a [?] : last week I received a very long kind letter from you dated November 30^th/47. I was indeed very glad to hear you were going on so well at the Treasury, I hope you will manage to hold the Private Secretaryship it must be a brilliant position for a steady fellow

[Page 2]

like yourself. The old 50^th are still located in New Zealand, we are I believe to remain here for two years more [?] since I last wrote to you I have been for a most delightful little trip in H.M.S. Calliope the Governor, Colonel Wynyard [?] and your humble servant formed the party we visited our old quarters at the Bay of islands, rode up to the ruins of the old Pah at Ruapukapuka, I had a fearful fall from my horse going up, it put its foot into a hole and sent me flying up into the air, I pitched down on the crown of my head, much to the amusement of the rest of the party – at a Missionarys house at Waimate (Mr Barrows) the Governor had his first interview with Johny Hiki, it was most interesting to

[Page 3]

See the chief, he was exceedingly nervous and drank quarts of water, the Governor invited Him and his wife to Breakfast with us, Hiki seemed very much afraid of treachery and it was a long time before he would eat, when however he saw His Excellency with a good appetite pitch into a pork pie, he gained confidence and made a good breakfast, he was draped in a very handsome skin mat + more shark teeth, + green stone ornaments in his ears, he gave the Gov. two fat Pigs and a splendid Greenstone merrie: he told the Gov. the only place he wanted to see was Jerusalem. Major Matson 50^th was married last week, he has selected a fine fresh looking country girl only daughter of a Barron D’Thierry she looks more like his daughter than his wife. Captain Laye (who perhaps you remember) is going on Tuesday next to marry

[Page 4]

One of the daughters of Major Genl. Pitt who commands out here. My Brother said in one of his letters that he saw your Marriage in the paper at Tonbridge Wells, he must have made a mistake I presume! As you have not said anything about having entered this happy state. Remember me kindly to Shakespear when you see him _ How goes on smoking? If it would not be trespassing too much on your Kindness I would be very much obliged if you could get me a few good cigars. I should like about 3lb rather mild, and 3lb full flavoured such a thing cannot be had out here for love or money. They must be packed (or rather the Boxes enclosed in tin. I have sent a cheque for £10

[Page 5]

Buckmaster will tell you the best method of sending them out. ___ Our fellows stick like [?] I do not see any chance of promotion at present. ____

Poor little Masters death you saw no doubt in the papers as it was just a frightful end for one so young.

Hoping this will find you quite recovered from the lad fever!! I remain dear Law yours very affectionately

John Charles. Petley.

Remember to Parrat[?] I hope you got the sticks.