Brian Condon: Letters and Documents in 19th Century Australian Catholic History

[Source: Adelaide Archdiocesan Archives Original]

Hobart Town

17 November 1823

Rev dear Sir,

I have the pleasure of forwarding you the Holy Oils which Doctor Poynter was so kind to send here, kindly desiring his compliments to be presented to you. I expected to have heard from you by some of the numerous arrivals here from Sydney, but have not received any communication from you for a long time past.

Mr Coyne has written to me pressingly for further payment for his books. I beg you will exert yourself and enable me to make him a remittance as soon as possible; the books are a public benefit which the people here do not know how to appreciate.

There has been such a general complaint here of want of money that I gave up the idea for the present of applying for the subscriptions to build the chapel I contemplated. The Protestant inhabitants are those from whom I could expect assistance in the present circumstances, and applications to them would be inexpedient. The Catholics are not able; such of them as might be supposed to be so, have lived so extravagantly beyond their means that the Provost Marshal is advertising their property for sale as it were in rotation.

A rumor has reached this territory that the Lieutenant Governor Sorrell is to be soon relieved. A meeting was therefore called to Memorial His Majesty to continue them.

I assure you I have no relish for sea-voyages. Lest you might be in the way on arrival of the Jupiter, I directed the case containing the oils to Captain MacKay to whom and Mrs MacKay you will present my best regards.

After closing this I begin a letter to Mrs. MacKay which will contain some intelligence worthy of being recorded.

I am,

Sincerely yours,

P. Conolly