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:

Camp Te. Awamutu 23^rd March/64

Dear Mother.

I write these few lines to you hoping they will find you in good health as they leave mee at present thank God for it. Since i wrote to you last we have formed our Head quarters at the Front about 160 miles from Auckland it is a beautiful Setlement their has been several skirmishes since you heard from mee last but none of any importance the natives have gone father in the country

[page 2]

and it doubful wether their will be another attack this Summer or not as there is a great dificulty experienced in transporting rations up to us the river is to low for the Steamers to come up and all the rations as to come up on pack horses we are about 3 miles from a fine settlement called Rangiahia. the troops will have to go to winter quarters shortly as nothing can be done here in winter but hold our positions the General has made another move in another Direction where the Natives have another position and if they make a stand we are to reinforce him i can give no more particulars at present but i hope this affair will soon End as no one can judge what it is except those that have experienced it.
Dear Mother, will you be kind enough to tell Maryann that i should like to hear from her as it a long time since i heard from her or James

[page 3]

when you Direct my letter direct them as usual. My Name, Number, and Regiment Auckland N.Z.
I must conclude with my love to Martha, Maryann, James, and all inquiring Friends
My Dearest Love to you
and remain your
Loving Son

G Tatler
No. 6 Company
65^th Regiment
New Zealand