Summary

Handwritten letter from Henry Giles onboard the White Star Line clipper 'Arabian', to his family in Cornwall, England, 1854. Henry went to Creswick's Creek about 20 kilometres north of Ballarat where European miners had found gold in 1852.

This letter was written while Henry was onboard the ship waiting to sail, and he describes the other passengers, activities, and conditions, as well as his life insurance and many pleas to be remembered by his family and neighbours.

This is one of a collection of six original handwritten letters relating to the migrant voyage and goldfields experiences of Henry Giles and his friend John Stevens, 1854-55.

Physical Description

Letter, written in ink on both sides of the notepaper.

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
These letters provide a detailed and revealing record of a young Cornish migrant's experiences of mid-nineteenth century shipboard travel and the Victorian goldfields in the years immediately after the gold rush began in 1851. They demonstrate the very real challenges of distance from home, and the stretches of time waiting between letters from distant families. They offer insights into the difference for many miners between the dreams and expectations of quick wealth on the goldfields and the realities of meagre finds and harsh and dangerous working and living conditions.

More Information