LONDON _

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MEMOIRS

OF

MRS. CAROLINE CHISHOLM,

WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HER

PHILANTHROPIC LABOURS,

IN

INDIA, AUSTRALIA, AND ENGLAND;

TO WHICH IS ADDED

A HISTOMT O3F THE
FAMILY COLONIZATION LOAN SOCIETY;

ALSO THE QUESTION, WHO OUGHT TO EMIGRATE ?
ANSWERED.)

BY ENEAS MACKENZIE.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:

WEBB, MILLINGTON, AND CO.

5, WINE OFFICE COURT, FLEET STREET ;
ALSO LEEDS AND OTLEY.

1852.

LEEDS AND OTLEY :
PRINTED BY WEBB, MILLINGTON, AND CO.

PREFACE.

THE age of hero worship is rapidly passing away
in the murky cloud of barbarous feudalism, and
that of the champions of moral virtue benign-
antly dawning over the surface of the civil-
ized world. The truly noble who give know-
ledge, dignity, peace, and love, to mankind, are
becoming the recognized heroes of all people.
The sun of truth is emerging into mental light
a glorious phalanx, too long hidden by false teach-
ing and interested policy ; while justice ordains
them, those positions in national honour, which
have been, for ages past, hideously usurped. The
mission of " nature's nobles " comprises the alle-
viation of the miseries attendant upon the human

M3J M56

iv PREFACE.

family, the teaching man his duty to man,
the exalting him to self-respect, the instilling
humanity, and thus creating that most illustrious
of characters a practical Christian :

" The drying up one tear has more

Of honest fame, than shedding seas of gore."

Firmly impressed with the conviction, that
among the benefactors of the human race, the
subject of the following pages will occupy the at-
tention of future biographers, while the inter-
esting documents relative to the distinguishing
features of her career can readily be collected,
and inaccuracies corrected by living witnesses,
we have taken upon ourselves the pleasing duty
of arranging them in chronological order;
tracing the flow of active benevolence from its
source until widened into a broad and useful
purpose. We have attended more to positive
} ublic facts than to minute personal illustrations,
as during the lifetime of an individual, more

PREFACE. V

especially a lady, there is ever a feeling of
delicacy against gratifying a mere morbid taste
by rudely peering behind the veil of domestic
life. The recounting the public acts of this
amiable female allows of no scope for cutting
sarcasms and anatomizing by the pen we believe
all her works " works of mercy," justly worthy
of praise and praise we therefore have accorded
in the sincerity of our convictions we have, in
our investigations of the facts placed before the
public, seen no seeking, in the spirit of vanity,
for public applause, but a high-minded principle
pervading every act a self-denying zeal daily
in operation a practical wisdom ever exercised
a gentle womanly sympathy continually applied
a kind of intuitive knowledge of the secret
workings of the human breast, added to a woman's
keen penetration, by which the feelings of others
were divined, and led into a channel either for
personal or public benefit.

Vlll PREFACE.

and enthusiasm a labour of love worthy of a
heroic woman and the gratitude of her fellow
beings.

So potent is truth, that a powerful government
has made concession to its representations and
the demands of humanity.

In this place it is but justice to state that we
are indebted to Samuel Sidney, Esq., for many
facts which he generously placed at our disposal.
This gentleman has made the subject of coloniza-
tion peculiarly his study, and with ardour and
talent, successfully advocated a liberal policy,
conducive to the present and future benefit of
emigrants, and honourable to the parent country.

In conclusion, we would remark, our biographi-
cal duties have been easy, as we have had no hid-
den motive in the individual to probe to its source,
no ambitious aim to follow in a tortuous path, and
the good and evil results of actions we have not
had to weigh and call in the aid of philosophy to

PREFACE. IX

decide. When the time and the able pen come
to trace the growth and developement of the
mind that has actuated to the achievement of the
facts related in this work, we hope our collection
and arrangement may prove serviceable to such a
literary contribution.

Whenever the opportunity presented itself, we
have freely availed ourselves of Mrs Chisholm's
public statements, and any official document in
relation to her. We were first urged to our pre-
sent undertaking for the pages of a serial publica-
tion, and it has been printed at a distance from
our residence, these facts we hope will excuse any
slight errors in style, arrangement, or typography
that may have escaped our notice in passing

through the press.

E. M.

5, Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, June, 1859..

MEMOIRS, &c.

FATHER OF MRS. CHISHOLM EARLY IMPRESSIONS

OLD SOLDIER INFANTILE COLONIZATION LOSS

OF FATHER COUNTRY LIFE MARRIAGE.

England at one time abounded with a class
among its people called yeomen, of which the
country was justly proud. In a circuit around
their homes they were looked upon as the presid-
ing and fostering chiefs, their doors were open to
the inquiring or weary wayfarer, hospitality was
their distinguishing characteristic, and the needy,
the struggling or the unfortunate sought their
sympathy, advice, or assistance seldom, indeed,
fruitlessly. Money did not form the absorbing
object of their pursuit, but to live honoured and
respected by their neighbours was the happiness
at which they aimed. To this sturdy class of
Englishmen belonged Mrs. Chisholm's father,

A MEMOIRS OF

Mr. William Jones, a native of Wootton, North
amptonshire. Proud of his country and its insti-
tutions he contributed handsomely to the " Volun-
tary fund " that was subscribed during the
existing war, while his superior understanding
and probity caused his advice to be sought by
those who found pleasure in the exciting turmoil
of political affairs.

A natural unbending love of truth gave to him
a pride of demeanour, and also abhorrence of
secrecy that was carried into the minutest details
in the government of his family; thus however
young a child might be it was allowed to remain
in the apartment while important matters of
business were discussed, or subjects of grave
political importance canvassed. On the suscepti-
ble mind of youth this must have produced a deep
impression, more especially as, when the child was
seen to be attentive, its opinion was asked.

One day this high minded man introduced to
his house a poor maimed soldier whom he attended
with respect and affection, and calling his children
pointed out what obligations they were under to
this veteran ; he having fought the enemies of
England amid the perils of sea and land, and

MRS. CHISHOLM. 3

sacrificed his limbs, that they might live in ease,
comfort and security at home. This old soldier
excited the curiosity of the children by descrip-
tions of other countries, the beauty of the scenery,
the excellence of climate, the abundance of food,
the advantages that would accrue by the posses-
sion of those paradises as colonies, and the for-
tunes emigrants might reap. This event, and
family correspondence with some American set-
tlers set the busy mind of the infant Caroline, the
heroine of these pages, to ponder over the subject,
and its effects are thus recollected and described
in a letter to a friend in Sidney.

"My first attempt at colonization was carried
on in a wash-hand basin, before I was seven years
old. 1 made boats of broad beans ; expended all
my money in touchwood dolls ; removed families,
located them in the bed-quilt, and sent the boats,
filled with wheat, back to their friends, of which I
kept a store in a thimble case. At length I up-
set the basin, which I judged to be a fac simile of
the sea, spoiled a new bed, got punished, and
afterwards carried out my plan in a dark cellar,
with a rushlight stuck upon a tin kettle ; and,
strange as it may seem, many of the ideas which

4 MEMOIRS OF

I have since carried out first gained possession of
my mind at that period ; and, singular as it may
appear, I had a Wesleyan minister and a Catho-
lic priest in the same boat. Two of my dolls were
very refractory, and would not be obedient ; this
made me name them after two persons I knew
who were always quarrelling, and I spent hours in
listening to their supposed debates, to try and find
out how I could manage them : at length I put
the two into a boat, and told them if they were
not careful they would be drowned ; and having
landed them alive, I knelt down to pray to God
to make them love each other."

An early loss of her father caused the education
of the mind of the youthful Caroline to devolve
upon her mother, who was left in easy circumstan-
ces, and fortunately being a woman possessed
of surprising resolution, acute perceptions, abund-
ant humanity and a firm reliance on the love of
God, the lessons taught ripened those extraordin-
ary mental powers of her daughter so admirably
befitting to the great works of her future destiny.

The Me of a young country girl presents but
few points of interest. The sphere is prescribed
within a narrow compass, still an isolated active

MRS. CHISHOLM.

niind will in some manner develope its vital
powers, and we find that the practical benevolence
of visiting the poor and the sick, of advising and
soothing the distressed, shed a lustre around the
girlish days of this noble woman.

When about twenty years of age the subject of
these memoirs married Alexander Chisholm, an
officer of the British army. There existed in the
young couple a sympathy of disposition most
remarkable, and thus the husband has ever most
ardently reciprocated all the philanthropic aspira-
tions of his wife.

DEPARTURE FOR INDIA THE BARRACK ROOM

SCHOOL OF INDUSTRY YOUTHFUL COMMITTEES

ECONOMY BENEVOLENCE NOBLE SUBSCRIPTIONS

ORPHANAGE RULES ADDRESS INTERNAL ECO-
NOMY LESSONS.

Captain A. Chisholm, of the Madras army, arid
his wife, about two years after their marriage,
sailed for India, and it was here that first were
begun those practical public works that have so
eloquently appealed to the feelings, and done
honour to the heart and understanding of Mrs.
Chisholm.

The language and scenes of a barrack room are
decidedly unsuitable to the ears and eyes of
female youth. Familiarity with licentious and
profane expressions, and indecorous conduct must
obliterate all delicacy of mind and action. Moral
torpitude ensues and vice loses its horrors. What

MRS. CHISHOLM 7

other result would be expected but that which did
occur to the poor creatures? In budding wo-
manhood the playthings of passion, in their youth
loathsome and abandoned, and in their prime the
tenants of a premature tomb. Their lives dis-
graced humanity, the object of existence by them
was unfulfilled, and they perished lost to the
merits and rewards of their sacrificed Redeemer.

The fashionable excitement of life allowed few
of their own sex, placed in happier circumstances,
even to cast a thought upon these sacrifices to
man's selfishness. Ladies shrank from entertain-
ing such a subject in their minds, and if they did
they feared the derision and scorn that would be
levelled at their sympathy. God in his wisdom
has given superiority of moral courage to some
minds, an enduring love of their species, and firm
reliance in Christian truth. Mrs. Chisholm indig-
naiit at the degradation of her sex resolved to effect
a reform, but with a discrimination, unoffensive-
ness and completeness peculiar to herself. Deter-
mined to commence at the root, that no further
growth should take place, she proposed to form a
girl's school of the children and orphans of the
soldiers, in which education should be blended

B

MEMOIRS OF

with the duties of housekeeping. The room ac-
corded for this purpose was in the precincts of the
barracks, which Mrs. Chisholm soon discovered
would prevent, from its immediate contaminations,
her ulterior views. The neighbourhood was dense
and unhealthy, notwithstanding which, as the
humane founder of the project was acting from the
purest motives, seeking no vain-glorious applause,
but devoted to carrying out in sincerity the objects
undertaken, and stating that as she had taken
upon herself the sacred dutieg of a mother to the
girls she must personally watch over and direct
their actions ; therefore, this noble lady, with her
worthy husband, removed from their comfortable
habitation to a district where, from dread of infec-
tion, many families of their acquaintance refused
to visit them. The utility of the establishment
becoming apparent it was shortly afterwards re-
moved to a distance where really commenced
"The School of Industry." The matron selected
was an excellent housewife, and considered more
suitable from not being able to read or write, as
the responsibility of the reports consequently
entirely devolved on the pupils. A committee
was formed of the little girls, who deliberated

MRS. CH IS HOLM. 9

and arranged the duties to be performed.
Arithmetic and writing were learnt by keeping
a strict account of the expenses and consumption
of every article. The receipts and disbursements
of all food, utensils, clothing, firing, wages, the
duties performed, and incidental occurrences
were all minutely recorded. The stores were
given in charge to another set, some enacting
the part of vendors weighing out and setting
down the price per lb. and gross amount of
all the items. Thus there was practical shopping
and shopkeeping. The tiny members of the
committee consulted on the kind and quantity
of food for each day's requirement ; the loss sus-
tained by boiling, baking and roasting ; all articles
being carefully estimated : a girl by this mode of
procedure knew what amount of provisions
would be required in a family of three or thirteen,
giving reasons for such calculations, and also the
cost, hence the income necessary under such cir-
cumstances. They superintended and assisted in
every domestic duty and thus resulted practical
housekeeping.

When sickness afflicted any of them the causes,
symptoms and cure were regularly registered,

10 MEMOIRS OF

befitting the pupils for the duties of the sick
room.

When food was left from the meals it formed a
subject for consideration whether too much had
been cooked or it had not been relished. A test
of a few days corrected the error, if one : then
the little conclave debated how the food could be
most satisfactorily used on the morrow or the
same day here was a lesson on economy or in
what manner it could be nicely dressed up to give
to some poor or sick person thus the divine
attribute of charity was indelibly implanted on
the fair mind of susceptible childhood.

Eagerly were those valuable housekeepers
sought for as servants and as wives of non com-
missioned officers. While many youthful but
deficient helpmates of the soldiery beseeched to
be admitted that they might participate in the
advantages of such instruction.

Proud are we to record, and honourable is it to
the Madras presidency and officers of our brave
Indian army, that the then secretary, Mr. Cha-
mier, took a lively interest in forwarding this
valuable school ; Sir Frederick Adams, the gover-
nor, subscribed 20. and in five days 2000 rupees

MES. CHISHOLM. 11

were raised by a few officers and gentlemen in
order to render effective the plan of Mrs. Chis-
holm. This institution was the commencement
of what is now an extensive orphanage, rearing in
industry, and protecting in virtue, those who have
lost the guardianship of parents who have fallen a
sacrifice to the glory of their country.

Considering the rules, the moral lessons, and
the details of the system by which " The School of
Industry " was governed, not only in the light of
a curious document, but as a valuable model for
carrying out similar institutions in an economical
manner, we are pleased to have it in our power to
give insertion to an authentic copy of the regu-
lations. Be it remembered that a useful and
virtuous direction of the mind of female youth tells
powerfully afterwards on society, for the true
education of future generations is ever centered in
the maternal parent.

12 MEMOIRS OF

THE FEMALE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRY,

FOB THE

Hattgfttera of lEtiropean

THE chief object of this Institution is to enable
such European Soldiers as may feel disposed to
remove their children from the Barracks and
Putchery Lines. A House for their reception is
to be procured in Black Town, Madras, where the
children will be instructed in reading, writing,
arithmetic, needle-work, and domestic manage-
ment. Their religious instruction and moral con-
duct will be made an object of particular attention.

KULES.

I. Each child is to come provided with two
plates, one cup and saucer, one knife and fork,
one table and tea spoon, one drinking mug, and
one common box for clothes.

II. Each child is to be furnished with a
separate bed, they are to be clothed in one uni-
form dress (after they have worn out such clothes
as they may have brought with them to school)
and to have one goneral mess.

MRS. CHISHOLM. 13

III. They are to get up at an hour so as to
be able to take some recreation in the cool of the
morning, either on the Beach or Esplanade, they
are first however (after having washed themselves)
to say a short prayer, and after they have come in
to say their regular morning prayers, and then to
have their breakfast. The children are to be
assembled for prayers and meals by the ringing of
a bell. They are never to go out without being
accompanied by either the mistress or matron of
the school.

IV. No child is to be sent or allowed to go to
the Bazaar. No male visitor is to be permitted
into the school without the sanction of one of the
managers.

V. A child can at any time be withdrawn
from the school, but will not afterwards be re-ad-
mitted on the establishment.

VI. Parents who may have a daughter in this
establishment may, during illness, send any of
their younger children, on paying the expenses of
their food.

VII. Infant children will also be received
from the Regiment Hospital a few hours daily, as
the main object of this school is to teach girls the

14 MEMOIRS or

domestic duties according to the station in life
they may expect to move in.

OFFENCES. PUNISHMENTS.

For telling an untruth. To forfeit five tickets,
and to be kept for that
day separate from the
other children in the
school-room that visitors
may at once kflow the
offender.

For stealing, and how- The same punishment
ever trifling the offence, as ahove.

Second offence. Black bracelets in

addition.

In breaking crockery, No punishment
if immediately acknow-
ledged, but if discovered To forfeit three tickets,
afterwards by the mis-
tress or matron.

Parties to the conceal- To forfeit one ticket ;
merit. for conniving at trifles

may in time lead to
great crimes.

MRS. CHISHOLM. 15

If discovered quarrel- To be put on low diet
ing or fighting. for a day, the same

punishment for all con-
cerned.

If sulky for six hours Low diet double the
or a day. time.

Any girl who refuses Not to partake of the
to assist in making a same,
pudding.

If any part of the The girl to be imme-
dress is torn at play. diately sent into a room
to repair it.

A black book is to be kept, into which all offen-
ces and punishments are to be entered by the
mistress, the offenders are to be made to affix
their names thereto. This book to be shown to
every visiting member.

ADDRESS TO BE READ BY THE MISTRESS.

My dear little Girls,

It is my wish that you should have read to
you once a month the list of punishments. The
rod in appearance is quite frightful and I think

16 MEMOIRS OF

you will have the same opinion of it, and I trust
you will look upon the Bracelets with a determi-
nation never to wear them. It is, I assure you,
much easier to be good than to be bad, and you
must be the one or the other. It will be a very
shocking thing and would distress your parents
and friends to see your name in the Black Book.
If you tell lies, I fear you will soon learn to steal,
for one generally follows the other; and if you
steal sugar and little things, I fear you will in
time steal broaches, and I dread to think what
your end may be. But I hope better things of
you, and fully expect you will pay great attention
to the good instructions you receive, and be really
good girls. But if you are idle you cannot be
good. I therefore hope you will be industrious,
this will be setting a good example to the natives,
for let me tell you, and I speak the truth, that
there is no situation in life in which you cannot
do some good. I wish you never to forget how
kind your parents are to place you in a situation
where you are not surrounded by vice and wicked-
ness. They are now giving up some of their
comforts to add to yours, and it is not enough
that you love them and feel grateful, but you

MRS. CHISHOLM. ]7

must show your gratitude by your good conduct,
and learn to be useful now, that you may here
after be of real use to them, and perhaps in their
old age ; think if your mother should be ill, how
happy it would make you to be able to nurse her
and make her nice jellies, and light puddings, and
do all that was required for her. You cannot, my
children, think how dearly a mother loves, and the
comfort she would feel in having a daughter for a
nnrse, and you must learn to do those things
before you can have this pleasure, and you have
now the opportunity. Think too how rejoiced
your father would be to see you do all this, and
how much such conduct would repay him for
having given up his Arrack allowance to make
you a good and dutiful girl. I wish you also to
consider how proud your parents will be of you, I
fancy I already hear your father say, in honest
pride, that my girl can keep accounts, cook a
dinner, and she is only fourteen years of age ;
and your mother says, yes, and make a shirt and
cut it out as well if not better than I can. That
you will be able to do these things I fully expect,
and I have no doubt but you will have a great
pleasure in doing so, and your being able to do

18 MEMOIRS OF

them will give you a proper feeling of pride and
independence, that is, if your parents should die,
you would be able by your good conduct and
management to support yourselves and little bro-
thers and sisters, for God will never forsake the
good. Before I conclude this, I must again
refer to that frightful Rod, that shocking Black
Book, and those ugly Bracelets, and as I think
you will, with pride becoming soldier's daughters,
consider it a disgrace that they should be seen.
I will promise you, that if at the end of one year
the Rod has never been used, that you shall have
a day's holiday to bury or burn it, and that you
shall invite your parents to be present on the
occasion, giving them cake <X:c., made by your own
hands. When the Rod is fairly out of the house,
the Rewards will be distributed, and the ladies
and gentlemen who have so kindly supported this
institution shall be invited to attend at the distri-
bution of the prizes, and you will know how
necessary it is that the Rod should be removed
ere this could take place. Your united good con-
duct could also remove the Bracelets and Black
Book. Try then, my dear little girls, to be good,
never tell lies, never steal the smallest thing,

MEMOIRS OF 19

never fight and quarrel, and never make use of
bad words, and obey and do what you are told,
and you will then be the pride of your parents, a
credit to your religion, and the admiration of all
your friends.

TO THE MATRON AND MISTRESS.

You must never forget that children are early
lovers of justice, and that peace and harmony can-
not dwell where favouritism reigns. In this
establishment, much will depend upon your con-
duct, as children learn more from example than
precept. They are generally close and faithful
imitators of those they reside with, and will judge
by your acts and not by your professions ; they
will in the twinkling of an eye discover whether
the way to your favor is the high road of sincerity
or the bye path of hypocrisy and dissimulation,
and will either love and respect you, or fear and
despise you. If you rule justly, you will find it
easy to govern; encourage . them to be kind to
each other, and lovers of peace ; reprove them for
their faults privately, and if possible without the
knowledge of each other; never bring up old

20 MEMOIRS OF

faults ; be just and impartial in the distribution
of tickets; and enter faithfully into the Black
Book all punishments and the cause of them,
and if you should have any particular complaint
against any one of the children, report the same
to the Managers that they may direct you how to
act. You are not to use the Rod except you
have permission of the visiting Manager. It will
however be better that the children should not
be aware that it is necessary for you to obtain
this permission.

EXTKACTS FROM THE ASSISTANT HOUSE-
KEEPERS ACCOUNT BOOK.

Breakfast ready at half-past seven.

Weighed the bread and meat, found them
correct.

Gave out of the stores, 3 measures of rice, J Ib.
tea, lib. sugar.

Extra, % spoonfuls of barley to make barley
water for Mary McMillin, who is not very well.

There are only 20 measures of rice remaining
in stores.

MRS. CHISHOLM. 21

For dinner, boiled Eemarks, rice too
mutton, curry and rice, much boiled.

At two o'clock, made Mary McMillin a cup of
Tea. She is now much better.

As there was some cold meat left, and a small
quantity of rice which would not keep until to mor-
row, we made it into pish-pash and gave it to the
poor blind woman.

The tea leaves were given to the other poor
women as usual.

The tea kettle wants repairing.

Paid the butcher's bill, 4r. la. 6d.

Mary Smith, 13 years,

Jane White, 12 years,

June 1st, 1836. Kitty McCarthy, 8 yrs.

Assistant
House-
keepers.

Questions to be answered by Mary Smith.

Jane White.
Kitty McCarthy.

How long was the rice boiling ?

By referring to the accounts, I find there ought
to be five pounds of sugar in stores, how do you
account for the deficiency ?

What have you done with the butcher's receipt ?

What use did you make of the boiled barley
after draining of the water ?

VISIT TO AUSTRALIA HIGHLANDMEN CAPT. CHIS-

HOLM LEAVES FOR INDIA MORALS SIDNEY EVILS

TO BE CONQUERED PERILS OF FEMALE EMIGRANTS
EMIGRANT'S BARRACKS MEETS WITH FLORA
COMMENCEMENT OF A HOME.

In the career of usefulness, sketched in the
previous chapter, was Mrs. Chisholm employed
until 1838, when, for the benefit of her hus-
band's health, with her infant family she left
India, to visit the more salubrious climes of
South Australia and Van Diemen's Land. To-
wards the end of the year she landed at that great
field of her philanthropic exertions, Sydney. The
first objects that came under her notice, and were
benefited by her benevolence, were a party of
Highland emigrants who had been sent to the
shores of a country where the language spoken
was to them strange and unknown, and without a

MRS. CHISHOLM. 23

friend to assist or guide them in that path of
honourable labour which they desired. As a
temporary means of relief Mrs. Chisholm lent
them money to purchase tools and wheelbarrows,
whereby they might cut and sell fire-wood to the
inhabitants.

The success of this experiment was gratifying
both to the bestower and receiver, in the one it
revived drooping hopes, the other it incited to
larger enterprises of humanity.

In January, 1840, Captain Chisholm had to jom
his regiment in India, but it was considered more
prudent for the health of the family that they
should remain for some time longer in the more
favourable climate of Sydney. While the devoted
and noble minded husband urged his beloved and
courageous wife to carry out those views over
which they had pondered for the reformation of
evils detrimental to morality, the success of the
colony, the honour of their native country, and
to the mission of man on earth.

Many now living may remember the laxity of na-
tional morals in our country during the reign of a
former monarch. The roue was then a character
extolled, envied, and glorified. In every large

24 MEMOIRS OF

town the sustaining of this character was the bu-
siness of many men's lives, who were either high
in station, wealthy, or nearly related to others who
were so. Crimes were perpetrated that would
now cause a man to be abhorred or stand at the
bar of justice. Marriages had to have the inde-
cent excitement of a flight to Gretna Green,
disgusting elopements were fashionable, and wo-
men considered mere automatons of dress and
passion. Female intellect was derided and
shunned, that this " noblest work " of nature
might be continued in slavish animal degradation.
Morality rejoices then in the brilliant and elevat-
ing change effected by the glorious example of a
female monarch, as now the domestic, social, and
intellectual virtues are cultivated, reverenced
and esteemed as a duty that womankind not only
owes to herself but to society.

It cannot therefore be a matter of wonder that
this miasmatic moral depravity was wafted to our
colonies where it could riot even more freely, from
being less likely to receive public censure and
exposure than at home. Painful is it to think
that the unprotected children of poverty or of
crime were deemed the rightful spoil of degraded-

MRS. CHISHOLM. &

minded men, while the lax morality of the colony
rendered them callous to feeling, to honour, and
manliness.

The narratives of the treatment of females emi-
grating to the shores of the New World, that
reached this country were very sparing, and by
interested parties asserted to be exaggerations or
falsehoods, whioh for the satisfaction of conscience,
was readily admitted as the most probable repre-
sentation.

Let us then lift the veil and see the state
of Sydney when Mrs. Chisholm arrived there, and
the hydra corruption with which in her love of
her species, and dependence on the Almighty, she
nobly dared to grapple and destroy.

At the government depot in England, writes
Mrs. Chisholm, " we find congregated together bro-
ken up families ; young couples without children,
or single young women, perhaps perfect strangers
to all around them; each party leaving behind
them in all probability, parents, brothers, sisters,
&c., without almost any hope of re-union ; here is
a mass of human beings inwardly lamenting their
separation from those most dear to them ; they go
on board under harrowed feelings, and the young

26 MEMOIRS OF

women are placed under the care of a matron,
who is viewed as a very subordinate character.
These are trying situations for human nature, and
a dangerous position for young women to find
themselves in, for amongst these there exists no
common feeling except that of perfect indifference
to each other, the innocent and the helpless
stand there exposed to the wiles of the snarer.
Who has not been shocked by the frightful details
we have read in the public papers, how orphan
after orphan had been victimised on board emi-
grant ships by men calling themselves Christians ;
how modest maidens have been brutalized over
and insulted by those whose peculiar duty it was
to protect them."

Upon the voyage being completed, continues
Mrs. Chisholm in her appeal to the clergy of Syd-
ney, " one of the most serious evils I know is the
practice of young women being allowed to make
engagements on board ship. Some families of
high respectability do engage servants in this way ;
but I also know that some people, of the very-
worst character, go there and engage servants
servants ? No ! They are not required as ser-
vantsthey are not wanted to work. Many have

MRS. CHISHOLM. 27

I known who have been taken to houses of the
worst character the first day of their arrival. Shall
this evil continue ? God forbid ! The latter go on
board ship with impunity: how can the captain
or surgeon be expected to know them? They
judge from appearances. A silk dress a little
talk about attending church on a Sunday, and the
poor girl gets high wages leads an idle life
visits the theatre dresses well, and leads some
of her shipmates into the same hands. Some say
it is the duty of the clergy to prevent this system
others say, of the ladies : that it is a duty that
ought to be met few will deny."

This was a monstrous, overgrown evil for a
woman single handed to contend with, but like a
good Samaritan Mrs. Chisholm went amongst the
helpless and gave them advice, the captains and
agents she besought to act with caution and hu-
manity, and sacrificing every domestic comfort and
privacy when she saw a poor creature amid dangers
and ruin she took her to her own house ; having
as many as nine at one period there, sheltered
and protected. Still the benefit capable of being
effected was so trivial to the magnitude of the
evil, that she saw it was far beyond her limited

8 MEMOIRS OF

means, in fact, it was a national work. A stran-
ger and uninfluential, she found her appeals
must be comparatively disregarded. A circum-
stance at length took place which made her
determine at all risks of ridicule and painful
public indifference to commence in earnest her
mission of mercy and charity. We prefer giving
the history in the simple, unaffected language of
Mrs. Chisholin's narrative.

" On my first visit to the emigrants* barracks,
which was about five in the evening, my attention
became fixed on a young and beautiful Highland
girl (in tent No. 1) ; the arm of a gentleman was
round her waist. I am a great admirer of beauty,
and her style pleased me exceedingly. On my
two following visits, I still saw the same gentle-
man; I observed too, a little extra finery on Flora.
I could not make out the name of the gentleman ,
but I cautioned the poor girl's mother, and bade
her beware. The poor woman said, 'there was
no fear of Flora, for her head had never rested
but on her mother's hearth.' She was all inno-
cence the mother all hope. The following day,

I made a few purchases in Mr. 's shop, in

George Street, when the same gentleman I had

MRS. CHISHOLM. 29

seen with Flora entered; an elegant woman
hung* on his arm. I enquired his name * the
lady was his wife.' I still doubted : I went to
the next shop ; I enquired, whose conveyance is
that ? still the same name : I no longer doubted
his intentions. The following evening, seeing
him in a tent with Flora, I made enquiries if
any ladies felt an interest in these young crea-
tures, or afforded them protection ? I was told,
there was a committee, but the ladies never
visited the institute, or in any way interfered;
and after many enquiries, I was obliged to leave
Flora to her fate.

From this period I devoted all my leisure time
in endeavouring to serve these poor girls, and
felt determined, with God's blessing, never to
rest until decent protection was afforded them.
In January, 1841, I wrote to Lady Gipps, and
from that time I never ceased in my exertions.
I knew that every ship's arrival would increase
the necessity for such an institution. I felt con-
vinced the evil which struck me so forcibly would
soon be made apparent to the good people of Syd-
ney ; and I felt assured that the God of all mercy
would not allow so many poor creatures to be lost,

30 MEMOIRS OF

without disposing the hearts of the people to unite
and save them. I now considered the difficulties,
and prepared the plan : for three weeks I hesi-
tated, and suffered much. I was prepared to
encounter the opposition of some, the luke-warm-
ness, or the actual hostility of others, to the plan
I might suggest. I saw I must have the aid of
the press ; for I could only anticipate success by
soliciting public sympathy for the cause I had
undertaken, notwithstanding which, as a female
and almost a stranger in the colony, I naturally
felt diffident. I was impressed with the idea,
that God had, in a peculiar manner, fitted me for
the work ; and yet I hesitated. About this time,
several young women, whom I had served, advised
others to write to me. I did all I could to aid
them in their prospects by advice, or recommend-
ing them to situations ; but the number increased,
and I saw that my plan, if carried into effect, would
serve all. My delay pressed on my mind as a
sin; and when I heard of a poor girl suffering
distress, and losing her reputation in consequence,
I felt that I was not clear of her sin, for I did not
do all I could to prevent it.

During the season of Lent of that year, I suf-

MRS. CHISHOLM. 31

fered much; but 011 the Easter Sunday, I was
enabled, at the altar of our Lord, to make an
offering of my talents to the God who gave them.
I promised to know neither country nor creed, but
to try to serve all justly and impartially. I asked
only to be enabled to keep these poor girls from
being tempted, by their need, to mortal sin ; and
resolved that, to accomplish this, I would in every-
way sacrifice my feelings surrender all comfort
nor, in fact, consider my own wishes or feelings,
but wholly devote myself to the work I had in
hand. I felt my offering was accepted, and that
God's blessing was on my work ; but it was his
will to permit many serious difficulties to be
thrown in my way, and to conduct me through a
rugged path of deep humiliation. I may here
remark that, with one exception, every person I
wrote or spoke to on the subject acknowledged
the need of such an institution ; promised to sub-
scribe when one was established, though with few
exceptions, all declared they thought the thing
impossible. I determined on a visit to Sydney,*
and on my arrival there, I requested two friends

* Mrs. Chisbolm resided at Windsor.

32 MEMOIRS OF

to call at the Herald office; both refused. I
went myself, and am glad of this opportunity to
acknowledge the attention I met with, and the
support the proprietors of that journal gave me
indeed, to the press of Sydney I feel indebted,
and thank them sincerely for their support.
From his Excellency's letters, and what he said,
I came to this conclusion, that, under existing
circumstances, he would not refuse me, though he
would rather not grant my request. I knew I
had an able general against me, and that much
caution, patience, and temper, were necessary on
my part. I was advised by a friend to form a
committee immediately a thing easier said than
done ; but I was not certain of his Excellency, the
governor, giving me the use of a part of the immi-
gration barracks, and as I had more than forty
letters in my possession, detailing the miseries of
some of the young women then in Sydney, I had
determined, as the forlorn hope, to publish these ;
and ten of them would, I knew, be sufficient to
cause a feeling on the minds of the public, which
would have raised funds at once : but I was told
their publication would injure the colony, and I
had no wish to do this, for I feel an interest in

MRS. CHISHOLM. 33

its prosperity, and should have lamented making
a passing and transient distress known in Eng-
land, when I was certain there would be no neces-
sity for this measure.

I waited on the ladies who now form the com-
rnittee, viz. Lady O'Connell, Lady Bowling,
Mrs. Eichard Jones, Mrs. Roger Therry, Mrs. W.
Mackenzie, Mrs. J. Wallan, and Miss E. Cham-
bers ; and it is pleasing to be able to state, that
not one refused me all expressed themselves as
feeling an interest in the work.

LUKEWARMNESS AND OPPOSITION SAVES FLORA

FROM SUICIDE EESOLVES TO PERSEVERE INTER-
VIEW WITH THE GOVERNOR DESCRIPTION OF THE

HOME OUTGENERALLING THE RATS PERSONAL

SACRIFICES STATE OF DESTITUTION.

Thus did this excellent lady labour to arouse the
public to a sense of justice and humanity on behalf
of helpless females, and project plans to efface a
stain and disgrace on the colony; the response was
but feeble, private interest did not exist to quicken
into action, and man is proverbially selfish in his
deeds. Still the nucleus was formed, additional
names added weight, and a distinct plan traced
out ; action and energy were now the chief powers
to be exercised to bring the scheme into useful
operation, when private interest, jealous prejudi-
ces, and weak-mindedness, privately and publicly
assailed the plan as a wild hallucination. The

MRS. CHISHOLM.

ardent grew cool, the friendly frigid, and the "first
promised supporters withdrew their pledges."
Bigotry, that can no more comprehend trje life
giving impulses and ardent aspiration of the true
spirit of Christianity, than the crippled Chinese
female the elastic spring of the mountain habitant,
was effectively at work as the tool of the base and
hypocritical, and by it the unthinking and weak-
minded were easily deceived, and truth distorted.
The opposition raised, though it did not daunt the
spirit of Mrs. Chisholm, relying as she did on the
divine nature of her work, yet it harrassed and
wearied out her body. Even the humane and
pious, erring in judgment, advised her to relin-
quish her intention. Thus worn out, she resolved
to retreat to her cottage at Parramatta, that by
prayer and contemplation she might strengthen
her mind to firmly proceed in her good work,
when the following circumstance, as related by
herself, took place.

" I started in good time, as I thought, for the
Parramatta steamer ; indeed, I was so certain of
this, that although a friend overtook me in
King-street with a conveyance, and told me he
should be only just in time, I refused to ride ;

36' MEMOIRS OF

I wished to be alone for a few minutes; I was
aware I had been much tried, and I knew a few
minutes alone would give me time to soothe my
feelings, and meet my friends at the steamer with
spirit perhaps I did not walk so quick as usual,
at all events I was too late. I then walked to-
wards the Flagstaff.

Near Petty's Hotel, I caught sight of a frail
beauty; her dress told her fate; she evidently
knew, and wished to avoid me ; I was determined
to overtake her ; I was able to do this, for I hur-
ried onward ; I laid my hand on her arm, and
the wreck of my Highland beauty stood before me.
Alas, how different from the lovely girl she once
was ! the ruddy rose of the Highlands was
changed for the tinge of rum: she had been
drinking, but well knew what she was about.

" Tell me where you are going ? "

" To h ! " was the answer

I continued to walk by her side : she became
insolent ; but I was determined not to leave her.
She made for Lavender's Ferry, and said, "my
mis.tress lives over there." I said, I will go to
the other side with you, as I want to say a few
words to you. She was unwilling; but I per

MRS, CHISHOLM 37

sisted : we crossed over ; I felt certain, from her
manner, she meditated suicide ; I passed to the
left of her, and bade her sit down. I knew the
circumstances of her family well, and my first
question was of her mother.

"Did you see your mother die?" (I knew she
did not, for her mother consented to her remain-
ing in service in Sydney.)

"No."

" She died happy." No reply.

" Are you a mother ? " She seized my hand
and placed it on her heart. " God is merciful ! "
she shook her head.

I saw a letter in her bosom ; I drew it out, with
her nodded consent. It was from her brother ;
he felt her disgrace ; he taunted her with being
the first in the family who had known shame

" I loved ***** better than any, save "

And again she shook her head.

" Your brother loves you even now."

" No, no."

" Were there any in your family who ever com-
mitted murder ? "

She shook with horror.

"Then why will you?"

38 MEMOIRS Otf

" It's there I meant to drown myself," pointing
to a distant spot; "It's there we met often, and
there I would die ! "

I did not lea\e the place until, with subdued
feelings, I heard her vow never to attempt self-
destruction, I procured her lodgings ; my spirits
returned ; I felt God's blessing was on my work.
From this time, I never thought of human help ;
I neglected no steps to conciliate ; I increased my
exertions ; but from the hour I was on the beach
with Flora, fear left me."

Sir George Gipps, the governor, looked on the
plan with doubt and suspicion. He thought Mrs.
Chisholm was some wild enthusiast, and paid the
least possible attention to her letters. The news-
papers, wondering, doubting, and hesitating, dis-
cussed the proposition. The clergy considered
the object laudable and praiseworthy, still they had
doubts of the power and object of the promoter ;
but as the extent of moral good to be effected
became apparent, and an appeal being made to
them, through the press, they heartily responded,
all denominations vying in assisting the indefati-
gable lady.

Mrs. Chisholm persevered nobly ; and at length

MRS. CHISHOLM. 39

the governor grudgingly granted an interview to
the " lady labouring under amiable delusions."
A. philanthropic lunatic was a rarity, perhaps an
excitement.

" I expected," said sir George Gipps, when re-
lating the story to an English friend, " to have
seen on old lady in white cap and spectacles, who
would have talked to me about my soul. I was
amazed when my aide introduced a handsome,
stately young woman, who proceeded to reason the
question as if she thought her reason, and expe-
rience too, worth as much as mine."

At one of these interviews, after Mrs. Chisholm
had explained what she wished and intended to
effect by her Emigrant's Home, Sir George re-
marked, " I believe you have overrated the powers
of your own mind, and believing so, and also in
your disinterested views, I think it right to tell
you."

Sir George at last, on receiving a guarantee
against the government being put to any expense,
granted the use of a government building. It
consisted of a low wooden erection. The room
appropriated to Mrs. Chisholm 's own occupation
was not more than seven feet in length and
D

40 MEMOIRS OF

breadth, without afire-place. She was compelled,
when requiring a cup of tea, to send for water
to a public boiler, in which hundreds of kettles
had been dipped. At length a prisoner, engaged
in the government printing office, brought a
kettle of boiling water every morning.

Mrs. Chisholm writes, "in acknowledging
this boon, I would thank lady Gipps for her kind
and generous support ; she strewed a few flowers
in my path I knew them by their fragrance, and
I thanked God she had a woman's heart ! But I
must take possession of my office. On closing
the door, I reflected on what I had been compel-
led to endure for forty nine square feet. My first
feelings were those of indignation that such a
trifle had been so long withheld ; but better feel-
ings followed. I determined to trust to Provi-
dence, to increase its size, and prove my useful-
ness. I soon observed, to do any good, I must
sleep on the premises ; and as soon as Mr. Mere-
weather was aware of my determination, he gave
me the best room then vacant. I cannot say
vacant, for it was used as a store room. This
was, however, cleared for my accommodation ; and
having been busy all day, I retired wearied to

MRS. CHISHOLM. 41

rest. My courage was put to the proof at starting.
Scarce was the light out, when I fancied, from a
noise I heard, that dogs must be in the room, and
in some terror I got a light. What I experienced
on seeing rats in all directions, I cannot describe !
My first act was to throw on a cloak, and get at the
door with the intent of leaving the building. My
second thoughts were, if I did so, my desertion
would cause much amusement, and ruin my
plan; I therefore lighted a second candle, and
seating myself on my bed, kept there until
three rats, descending from the roof, alighted
on my shoulders. I felt that I was getting
into a fever, and that in fact I should be very ill
before morning but to be out-generalled by rats
was too bad. I got up with some resolution :
I had two loaves and some butter (for my office,
bedroom, and pantry were one); I cut it into
slices, placed the whole in the middle of the
room, put a dish of water convenient, and with a
light by my side, I kept my seat on the bed read-
ing " Abercrombie," and watching the rats until
four in the morning. I at one time counted
thirteen, and never less than seven did I observe
at the dish during the entire night. The following

MEMOIRS OF

night I gave them a similar treat, with the addi-
tion of arsenic ; and in this manner I passed my
four first nights at the Home."

After a time, four rooms of similar size to that
named, were added, and thrown into one for the
Home.

" My plan was to have apartments near the
office for my children, but this did not answer
at night I must be in the Home. I gave up one
child, although I could keep two with me ; but I
found the elder a source of so much anxiety that
I consented to part with him. I knew under the
honest care of Miss M. Galvin, of Windsor, they
would be well fed, and kindly treated, and I
could still keep one, my youngest. Some sick-
ness among the children in the tents told me
plainly my duty, still I would not, could not part
with my dear boy. A lady, whose esteem I
value, told me I ought not to risk my child's
life ; that I must give up my Home, or my selfish
feeling for my child : I was aware of the truth
of the observation, but refused. At night, as
was usual with me, I saw the girls after they
retired to rest. Ninety-four were in the Home ;
I asked if they had any place to go to if I turned

CHISHOLM. 43

them out ; not one had a place of shelter. On
my return to the office, I found a poor woman
waiting for a white gown, to make her dead bairn
decent. I went into my room, packed up my
little fellow's wardrobe, and the next day he was
at Windsor. This was the last sacrifice it was
God's will to demand.

After obtaining possession of the building,
which I named the ' Female Emigrant's Home,'
I appealed to the public for support : after a time,
this appeal was liberally met. There were neither
sufficient arrangements made for removing emi-
grants into the interior, nor for protecting females
on their arrival. A few only were properly pro-
tected, while hundreds were wandering about
Sydney without friends or protection, great
numbers of these young creatures were thrown
out of employment by new arrivals. I received
several into the Home, whom, I found, had slept
out many nights in the government domain, seek-
ing the sheltered recesses of the rocks rather than
encounter the dangers of the streets. It was esti-
mated that there were 600 females, at the time I
commenced, unprovided for in Sydney. I made
an offer to the government of gratuitously devot-

44

MEMOIRS

ing my time to the superintendence of a Home of
Protection for them in the town, and also to exert
myself to procure situations for them in the
country.

SINGULAR ADVENTURE RESTORATION OF A SISTER

TO A BROTHER'S LOVE AND STATION IN SOCIETY

STORY OF THE FAMILY SENDS FEMALES INTO THE

COUNTRY FUNDS OF FEMALE EMIGRANTS WATCH-
FULNESS AND ITS REWARD SORROWS OF THE HEART

SOOTHED RESCUE OF A GIRL, AND THE GRATEFUL

BOATMAN.

One evening, says Mrs. Chisholm, just after the
opening of the Home, a gentleman of most serious
demeanour called : he handed his card, and said,
as his visit was to do good, no apology could be ne-
cessary. He commenced by saying, women were
creatures of impulse and feeling; he admired
their virtues, but deplored their want of judgment
and stability. "You are doing wrong, ma'am
you are sending souls to perdition ! to send girls
to the country is monstrous. I am an old colo-
nist, a man of experience, the father of a family ;

46 MEMOIRS OF

you do not know the country the people are worse
than barbarians, they are monsters." I told him
I had visited Goulbora and Port Macquarie, and
I saw no danger in either. " Bad places, ma'am >
Bathurst and Yass are horrible if you only knew
half the horrors of these places ! but see (he
dragged out a roll from his pocket) read these,
rna'am." I found his packet consisted of extracts
from the Sydney papers, giving an account of all
the murders and outrages for years past. " Read
these and abandon your country plan" Seizing
the papers, he walked up and down the office.
''If you do not, I will publish the whole yes,
2,000 copies I will let the people of England
know what they may expect if they send their
daughters to New South Wales." His step be
came more hurried, and I really thought him mad,
and quietly removed the pen-knife and ruler. I
knew that even madmen will sometimes fall into
the same pace as their keepers, I therefore joined
him in his promenade, and he soon kept pace
with me. I asked him what was to be done with
the girls in Sydney, that there was not honest
employment for them, and that many were losing
character. " Human depravity the want of

MRS. CHISHOLM. 47

God's grace, or rather, the want of gospel preach-
ers." I ventured to ask what church he attended ;
he acknowledged he had been under the ministry
of five, but, according to his opinion, they were
not faithful preachers. I promised to look through
his horrid collection; and so far yielded to his
earnest entreaties as to tell him I would seriously
consider what he said ; at the same time I told
him, if I failed, my failure would be a valuable
appendage to his book ; for, that the fact being
proved that girls lost character in the country,
would strengthen his argument.

" Yes facts are stubborn things, Mrs. Chisholm,
I once had a sister, but she is dead worse than
dead ! " He paced the room. " I did not mean
to tell you this a villain, a convict, ruined my
sister ! "

" Does she live in sin ? "

" I believe not."

"Is she in poverty?"

" She is, and justly deserves it."

" That is not the doctrine of the gospel ; have
you seen her lately ? "

" Not during the last four years."

" Have you given her any pecuniary assistance
during that time ? "

48 MEMOIRS OF

" Yes."

"How much? "

" I think seven pounds."

" Where is her seducer? "

" In Van Dieman's Land."

"Have you the means to aid her? for if she
does not live in sin, it is your duty ; who knows
but this night she may he in want ? "

" She brought it on herself."

" Where does she live ? "

"In street."

I told him that his pride would be brought low
that she might do something to bring him to
public disgrace. I spoke of his mother his
father and I saw home feelings were doing their
work. I determined on taking advantage of his
feelings. I put on my cloak and bonnet, and
opening the door, said, this is the moment, the
night, for a work of mercy. I shall go and see
your sister ; you must go too.

" But see, it rains."

Now as I stood as fair a chance of a sprinkling
inside the building as out, it was no great sacrifice
to me ; and I pointed out the advantage of a night
that kept the careful at home. He followed, and

MRS. CHISHOLM. 49

in less than forty minutes we were at Alice's door

She occupied the half of a kitchen, in street ;

she had been washing, but was then at her needle ;
and as she sat, looked respectable ; her face bright-
ened as I spoke of giving her work. I questioned
her as to her circumstances ; her tale was soon
told : she struggled hard to pay her rent, and to
keep herself and child decent.

I asked if she was married ?

"No; but if I could get to Van Dieman's
Land, George would marry me."

" Have you no friends ? "

-No."

"No relations?"

"Yes, a brother" in alow voice "an only
brother."

There was a movement from the door ; nature
had done its work. I retreated, that I might be
no restraint on this happy reconciliation; my

feelings could not be explained. Mr. came

out.

" Have you given her any money? "

" No ; how much shall I give her ? "

"All you have in your pocket I see it's
all hers give her 10. You must not break

50 MEMOIRS OF

God's blessing ; devote it to her ; pay her pas-
sage ; employ some friend to see her married ;
stock a nice farm ; in fact, you must make a de-
cent woman of your sister."

I continued to talk to my silent companion ;
he saw me, to the Home door ; he shook hands
with me, and so fervent was his acknowledgment,
that my fingers ached for an hour afterwards,

I think I shall not give offence by stating a
few particulars of Mr. . He was the gentle-
man of the family ; he had received a good educa-
tion ; he had a little money ; he and his sister
came to the colony on the death of their mother.
Alice was a humble and affectionate girl ; she
acted as his servant ; they did not even dine
together ; she was contented, and he was happy :
he was getting on. He kept a ' * government man "
that could read and write never was a servant
more attentive to his mistress ; but still, to use
Alice's words, " I never had a thought of him
then." About this time, making butter paid
remarkably well ; Alice was a good dairy woman ;
the brother was tempted to take a farm, and send
his sister to it ; the " government servant " ac-
companied her ; true, the brother did intend to

MRS. CHISHOLM. .51

send a man and his wife to her aid ; but the but-
ter came regularly ; it sold well ; and he forgot is
duty hence her ruin ; his long resentment fol-
lowed ; his change from one religion to another
for it has been wisely ordered, that a heart full of
resentment shall never find peace."

Seeing this gentleman aiterwards, he said to
Mrs. Chisholm, that he had come to the resolution
never to cut out extracts from newspapers, or
visit a philanthropist with money in his pocket.

This recital beautifully illustrates the active
works of mercy and charity which Mrs. Chis-
holm was ready to seize every opportunity of
practising. While the mi 3 id naturally reverts to
the history of sympathy and affection to the sinner
that is recorded in the acts of our divine Teacher,
d,nd from which the Christian mind derives its
impulse.

It having been the custom for gentlemen and
idlers to frequent the emigrant's barracks, Mrs
Chisholm found it a task of some difficulty and
delicacy to stop this practice, and have only one
place of ingress and egress instead of many.
Those points, however, she succeeded in accom-
plishing.

52 MEMOIRS OF

"Although the Home was crowded/' says Mrs.
Chisholm, I could not get a girl to go into
the country r-I found it necessary to go first
myself. A party promised to he ready, hut their
fears overcame their good resolutions, and I had
the dray to send away empty (this I kept a secret.)
I had ninety-six on rations, a serious number;
however I ordered two drays the next day, and
sent them off in spirits. The inmates of the
Home being most suited to rough country work,
I proceeded into the interior, to form committees,
and to establish country "Homes," taking, in
some cases, parties of females with me; When I
commenced taking them up the country, I had to
meet, in the first instance, their travelling expen-
ses, which were afterwards refunded. The inha-
bitants of the district cheerfully supplied them
with food ; the committees afforded them protec-
tion and advice. I took them to Campbell-Town,
Maitland, Liverpool, Paramatta, and Port Mac-
quarie. The first parties of young women varied
from fifteen to sixty in number. I went from
farm to farm, getting them places in service. I
quickly disposed of the first venture, and then
returned to Sydney, after having made arrange

MRS. CHISUOLM. 53

ments for the establishment of country depots.
I also got married families to promise shelter and
protection to such young females as might re-
quire it.

Soon after the opening of the Sydney Home, I
received sixty-four girls from ships then in har-
bour, and all the money they had amounted to
fourteen shillings and three half-pence ; twenty-
two had no money ; several two-pence ; others
four-pence. These girls I sent into the country,
The majority are married, and not one lost her
character."

One evening when Mrs. Chisholm was taking
her rounds to see that all was right outside the
establishment, she saw a party of men trying to
conceal two girls. She immediately went to the
young unthinking females and asked them if they
had friends in the colony, and as they had not,
desired them to go into the Home. One only
did so. In a few minutes Mrs. Chisholm and the
girl went back to induce the other to leave the men,
when they were surrounded by the rough lawless
looking fellows. They stated they had come to
her to apologize, that knowing she did not get a
penny for all her labour, and did it only for the

54 MEMOIRS OF /

/

good of the girls, they were /not the men to
obstruct her in her endeavours, and then bid her
good night. One of these men afterwards came
and privately besought Mrs. Chisholrn to save a
young girl who was in danger, She did so the
girl got well married and thus the adventure of
that night was the means of enlisting others in
her virtuous mission.

No one ever undertook a voluntary unthankful
and gratuitous duty upon themselves, and exe-
cuted it with more personal sacrifice, careful
watchfulness, and humanity, than did Mrs. Chis-
holm in carrying out the intention of the Homes.
Those whom she had under her protection, had a
maternal and friendly eye ever upon them, never
would she sleep away from her flock, if a barn
floor or the bush was their portion, she cheerfully
partook of its inconveniences ; and her regard for
their feelings was beautifully illustrated by her
custom, when all were supposed to be asleep, of
gently entering then: dormitory. If she saw a
closed eye, which by its tremulous motion, betrayed
it was not sleep that hid the orb below, or the
cheek glistened with recent tears, Mrs. Chisholm
would affectionately whisper to the party to rise

MRS, CHISHOLM. 65

and follow her to her little apartment. The
source of woe was enquired into, perhaps some
near or dear relative in afar off land, or feelings
lacerated by separation from the, object of the
heart was the tale recounted. They were
soothed and comforted hope was held out and
the will of God shown in the steps of humankind.
The very opening of the mind to one who breathed
words of sympathy gave courage and ease to those
who knew not of a friend before to whom they could
unbosom the secret turmoil of their feelings, and
they entered with spirit and confidence on their
future career.

We cannot forbear relating another instance of
the watchful zeal with which Mrs. Chisholm pro-
secuted her good work. A vessel arrived and it
was mentioned that a beautiful young girl had
attracted much notice on board ; when the females
came to the Home, one was missing from those
who had left the ship this proved to be the
favourite. Mrs. Chisholm then learnt that the
ship's boat had been seen hovering about, and
she immediately engaged one in the harbour and
proceeding to the place which she suspected as the
niost likely resort, and there discovered the misled

56 MEMOIRS OF

girl. She told her if she returned at once she would
not be missed, and avoid such a disgrace. The
girl hesitated, her companion was insolent, but
Mrs. Ghisholm was firm, and threatened exposure
in the public press he quailed at the mention of
the press. May the press of Sydney long maintain
its power and preserve its influence ! Each paper
has its own interest ; each editor his own opinion ;
but in the exposure of villany in any moral
movement, they are one.

" I went to the girl," says Mrs. Chisholm,
"led her on towards the boat, and desired her to
get in willingly, that the man should suppose it
was entirely her own will. I was hastening along
when the man who had been with the girl fol-
lowed and said, " I must have one word with you;
that poor girl is innocent and good do you
believe it?"

"I do."

" Then may God bless you ! "

He assisted me into the boat, and was soon
out of sight. I landed at the jetty, and on offer
ing the boatman his hire, he refused, to accept it,
in a manner at once respectful and grateful.

" You do not know me, ma'am, but I know you;

MRS. CHISHOLM. 57

and may my arm wither from the socket, if ever
I touch money of yours.' 1

" Why, I have never seen you before who are
you ? "

" Flora's cousin."

Alas, poor Flora ! many loved you.

REGISTRY OFFICE FOR FARM LABOURERS WANT OF

WORK PROCEEDS WITH MEN UP THE COUNTRY

PEOPLE SETTLED WAGES MAKING FINE LADIES

MODE OF ENQUIRING MRS. CHISHOLM IN THE BUSH

GRATITUDE DISSATISFACTION OVERCOME IN-
CONVENIENCE OF FAME.

While the affairs we have narrated were proceed-
ing in favour of the destitute females, Mrs. Chis-
holm did not loose sight of the interests of the
male emigrants. She found many arrived quite
ignorant of the manners and customs of the
colony, and were therefore, in many instances,
imposed upon. Frequently the agreement was
that wages had not to commence until the arrival
of the employed at the place where he had to la-
bour, which might be a three weeks journey ; the
luggage was heavily charged for conveyance ; per.
haps the food supplied was innutritions, while the

MRS. CHISHOLM. 59

poor man was liable to be discharged at a mo-
ment's notice, the verbal arrangement being often
disputed. To check this evil Mrs. Chisholm com-
menced a registry office for servants, having a
printed form of agreement. This document was
signed by both the employer and employed, and
kept at the office. A duplicate being given to
both parties. On this was stated the wages, the
day of their commencement, the notice to leave re-
quired to be given, the supply of flour or of corn,
fresh or salt meat, and other particulars. This
new system was not at first liked, but as both
master and servant perceived their interests were
served, they readily availed themselves of the bond.
Out of all the agreements made ten only were ever
disputed, and they were arranged by a reference
to the original documents At the time labourers
were required in the interior there were numbers
idle in Sydney, supported at the expense of the
government. Things wore a serious aspect, mis-
chief-making parties, for some paltry gain, fed the
spirit of discontent. The Irish lay in the streets,
looking vacantly, and basking in the sun. Apart
from them, Englishmen, sullen in feature, sat on
gates and palings, letting their legs swing in the

60 MEMOIRS OF

air. Another group was composed of Scotchmen,
their hands thrust into their empty pockets, sus-
piciously glancing at every thing and every body
from beneath their bushy eyebrows. Mrs. Chis-
holm ventured to produce a change, she provided
for the leaders first, showed how she desired to
be the friend of the industrious man, and went
with numbers in search of employment, far into
the country. She undertook journeys of 300
miles into the interior with families ; and the
farther she went the more satisfactory was the
settlement of the parties accompanying this brave
lady.

"When the public had an opportunity of judg-
ing of the effect of my system," writes Mrs. Chis-
hol," " they came forward and enabled me to go
on. The government contributed, in various
ways, to the amount of about 150. I met with
great assistance from the country committees.
The squatters and settlers were always willing
to give me conveyance for the people. The
country people always supplied provisions. Mr.
William Bradley, a native of the colony, author-
ized me to draw upon him for money, provi-
sions, horses, or anything I might require, but

MRS. CHISHOLM. 61

the people met my efforts so readily that I had
no necessity to draw upon him for a sixpence.
At public inns the females were sheltered, and I
was provisioned myself without charge : my per-
sonal expenses during my seven years' service
amounted to only 1. 18s. 6d.

As numbers of the masters were afraid, if they
advanced the money for the conveyance by the
steamers, the parties would never reach the sta-
tions. I met the difficulty by advancing the fare,
confiding in the good feeling of the man that he
would keep to his agreement, and to the princi-
ple of the master that he would repay me. Al-
though in hundreds of cases the masters were
then strangers to me, I only lost 16. by casual-
ties. At times, I have paid as much as 40. for
steamers, and, from first to last, in following
out my system, I have been the means of settling
11,000 souls. The largest number that ever
left Sydney under my charge, at one time, was
147, but, from accessions on the road, they in-
creased considerably. The longest journey of
this kind occupied five weeks; three weeks of
which were passed on the road.

The rate of wages for a single man averaged

MEMOIRS OF

per annum, with weekly rations of flour
9 lt)S., meat 10 Ifos., tea 2oz., sugar llbs. A
married man and his wife, with one child, 25.
per annum, and weekly rations of, meat 18 fbs.,
flour 20 flbs., tea 4 oz., sugar 3 Ibs.

I established a female registry office in Sydney
where all persons that required service used to
attend in the morning, from ten till four. My
first endeavour was always to get one female
servant placed in a neighbourhood, and having
succeeded thus far left the feeling to spread.
With some persuasion I induced a man to take a
servant, who said that it would be making a fine
lady of his wife. The following morning a neigh-
bouring settler said, 'You are quite upsetting
the settlement, Mrs. Chisholm ; my wife is un-
commonly cross this morning, and says she must
have a servant, and I think she has as much right
to one as others.' It was among this class that
the girls married best. If they married one of
the sons, the father and mother would be thank-
ful ; if not, they would be protected as members
of the family they slept in the same room with
their own daughters. I have been able to learn
the subsequent progress in life of many hundreds

MRS. CHISHOLM. 63

of these emigrants. Girls that I have taken up
the country, in such a destitute state that I have
been obliged to get a decent dress to put upon
them, have come to me again, having every com-
fort about them, and wanting servants. They are
constantly writing home to get out their friends
and relatives."

Of the system pursued by Mrs. Chisholm, the
colonial emigrant agent says, " I do not think a
better plan could be adopted than that one pur-
sued about the end of the year 1841 and beginning
of 1842, during a great influx of emigrants.
Advantage was taken of return drays, by means
of which they were removed, in small numbers at
a time, and at a very moderate expense, into the
inland districts. To districts on the coast they
were sent by steamers, and were, in the first
instance, committed to the care of the police
magistrates, and subsequently received into
' Homes,' specially provided for the purpose, and
supported partly at the expense of the districts,
and partly by contributions from the government."

It is curious to observe in the above evidence
the official manner of hiding the short comings of
government, and by implication, seizing upon any

64 MEMOIRS OF

credit that arose from a sound plan. Honestly, he
should have said that these Homes had been
established, and the emigrants distributed, from
the arrangements, and by the personal labour, and
pecuniary risk of Mrs. Chisholm, and that the
only assistance from government was a tardy con-
tribution of 150., or about one- tenth of the total
expenses.

The following extract from a circular will give
an idea of the business-like style in which Mrs.
Chisholm went to work ;

Jamieson Street, Sydney, Oct. 21s/, 1841.

" Sir, I am endeavouring to establish a ' Home
for Female Emigrants,' and, as my first object is
to facilitate their obtaining employment in the '
country, I shall feel obliged if you will favour my
intention (should you approve of the same) by <
giving me the information I require regarding
your district ; and any suggestion you may think '
useful will be considered a favour.

"1st. Whether girls who at home have merely
been accustomed to milk cows, wash, and the
common household work about a farm, would
readily get places? at what wages? and how
many do you think would, in the course of the
next two years, be required ?

MRS. CHISHOLM. 05

" 2nd. Good Servants, such as housemaids and
cooks, the rate of wages ? and the probable num-
ber required for the same period ?

" 3rd. Married couples with small families, say
two or three children, ditto ?

"4th. Could employment and protection be
found for boys and girls from seven to fourteen
years of age ?

" 5th. Have you had opportunities of observ-
ing if the young women can save any part of
their wages? for they are generally of opinion
that nothing can be saved in the country, every
article of wearing apparel being so much dearer
than in town.

"6th. What would be the cheapest and best
way of conveying the young women to your
district ?

" I have to observe that the servants will be
classed according to their qualifications, and dis-
tributed fairly, so that those who are absent will
have an equal chance of getting a good servant
with those who are present."

In 1842, we find in one of the Sydney journals ;
" Mrs. Chisholm, the undaunted and enterprising
bush pioneer writes : ' I wish you would use your

66 MEMOIRS OF

interest to try and borrow a horse and covered
cart for me. I require the cart to sleep in at
night, and carry little children by day ; I have a
saddle-horse for my own use. I have now pro-
vided for seventy families ; the weather is, how-
ever, very changeable, and I require a covered
cart to enable me to continue my exertions.' "

It was during one of these journeys that a
gentleman travelling came up to a party of emi-
grants camped on the side of a swampy ford. He
found Mrs. Chisholm employed in effecting the
passage of the women and children; she made
her docile horse cross the ford with two children
at a time, slung across his back hammock-like,
encouraging him with her voice each time until
all were safely landed. She had previously ridden
thirty miles in search of employment for the
parties.

On one occasion, arriving at a particular loca-
tion and finding the surveyor's work incomplete,
Mrs. Chisholm at once took the chain in hand
and divided off the plots as well, for all practical
purposes, as if performed by the most scientific
man of business.

At another time she writes, " When we landed

MRS. CHISHOLM. 67

from the steamer and entered into the bush, we
found there was 110 water. I had thirty women
and children in the party, all tired, hungry, and
thirsty, the children crying. Without saying a
word, I sent one of my old bushmen off on horse-
back three miles to get enough of milk or water
for the children. In the meantime, some of the
emigrants came up and said, in a discontented
tone, * Mrs. Chisholm, this is a pretty job, what
must we do ? there is no water.' I knew it would
not do for them to be idle ; anything was better
than that in their frame of mind ; so partly judg-
ing from the locality, I said to them without hesi-
tation, 'If you will dig here, I think you will
find water/ Directing the tools to be got out,
they immediately set to work, and providen-
tially, they had not dug many feet when they
came to water. This had such an exhilarating
effect upon their spirits, that they instantly threw
off their coats, began to dig two other fresh holes,
and did not leave of till moonlight."

On one of her first journeys, she was met by a
discontented party of emancipists, shepherds, and
shearers, of the district, who said, " we believe
you are a very good sort of a person, Mrs. Chis-

68 MEMOIRS OF

holrn, and have great respect for you; but we
cannot allow emigrants here to lower our wages."
Her answer was, " I hear you want wives, is that
true?" The reply was a universal "Yes."
" Then, don't you see, I can't send single girls
into a district where there are only bachelors.
Let me fix a few married families down on the
different stations, and I will send to them decent
single lasses that you can marry."

This settled the question : a government offi-
cer on the same errand would have been mobbed.

At one station, where a female was in charge,
the utmost alacrity was shown in providing for
the party, and Mrs. Chisholm was informed there
was a nice snug bed-room made up for her.
" My good neighbour," replied the lady, " I must
sleep where my girls sleep."

Accommodation was then made in the large
room of the house, and all slept under cover.
Breakfast was ordered at five o'clock, as Mrs.
Chisholm always found the advantage of an early
start. On demanding her bill she was told it
was at the door, on reaching, which she found a
strange horse, ready saddled. " Where is Cap-
tain?" the name of her favourite horse, which

MRS. CHISHOLM. 69

is well known all over the colony, demanded the
lady. " I have sent him on early this morning
to the next station that he might have a rest,"
replied the female inhabitant of the bush : " and
there are some provisions to help yourself and par-
ty on the road ; as to payment, we are all in your
debt, your good actions pay us all." This kind-
ness was of frequent occurrence, and displays the
feeling of the settlers.

Difficulties had frequently to be met by policy.
A large party of men, on one occasion, hung sadly
behind, she saw discontent on their countenances,
and that the slightest spark would cause an explo-
sion and countermarch of the whole. Affecting
not to perceive it, she told them they must feel
fatigued but that soon they would have a rest and
something to eat. Then leading them about two
miles out of the road they arrived at a station.
The bushman preferred plenty of food. " Well,"
said Mrs. Chisholm, " while the meal is being
made ready, let us have a little chat."

" Who owns that corn in your barn ? "

" Why, ma'am, who should but me ? "

" Who owns the house ? "

" It's mine "

70 MEMOIRS OF

" How many cattle do you call your own ? "
" Sixteen cows, five hundred sheep, and eight
horses."

" What will you get for your corn ? "
" Why, there it is, if any body wants it I'll sell
it: I have plenty of every thing, I don't want
money. I have been free four years ; I have
gained what I have by my own work, and there's
not a man in all your party, if he choses, but may
do the same."

The food was eaten with a relish ; ail were in
high spirits ; and after starting the difficulty was
to keep up to them, so eager were they to proceed.
The inconvenience of fame is sometimes felt,
thus : on arriving for the first time in a remote
district, a rough bushman came up and said,
" Well, Mrs. Chisholm, I have been waiting for
your coming some time, here's this new fash-
ioned machine of mine somehow wont work."
Mrs. Chisholm declared her inability to rectify it ;
the bushman was incredulous, but upon being
assured this was the fact he went about saying to
his neighbours that he thought nothing of Mrs.
Chisholm, whom people said could do all things
and everything, she could not direct how hia

MRS. CHISHOLM. 71

machine was to be mended, so was no cleverer
than other people. Mrs. Chisholm felt this
was injurious to the prestige of her renown, and
as she " ever stooped to gain all sorts of know-
ledge " that is, if she had work to be done
by a blacksmith or carpenter, she saw it done,
and enquired the reason for various operations,
therefore, on returning to Sydney she took care
to learn the mechanism necessary for the repairs
of the implement in question, and visiting the
district in about three months afterwards, she
was able to direct the necessary repairs. " Aye,
that's it, I knew if you would try you could do
it every body said so of Mrs. Chisholm," cried
the delighted bushman, and she was reinstated,
in the mind of the rough countryman, as the
presiding genius of Australia.

WOULD BE GOVERNESSES FALSE PEIDE CAUSES

VICE TO BE PEEFEBED TO INDUSTRY MISFORTUNE

OF BEAUTY LITTLE SCRUB THE HAPPINESS OF

SOMETHING REPULSIVE HOW OPINIONS DIFFER

RESPECTING SERVANTS AN EASY LIGHT PLACE

FIRST REPORT OF THE HOME.

Of the singular and presumptuous ideas of emi-
grants we have an interesting account portrayed
by Mrs. Chisholm in her " Pictures of Australian
Emigrants."

Many applications were made by young women
who professed to be governesses, but were utterly
incompetent for such a situation. Among others
came M R , who offered herself as nur-
sery governess ; and whom Mrs. Chisholm found
could neither write, read, nor spell correctly. The
following dialogue, exemplary of profession and
practice, too common in all societies, took place.

MRS. CH1SHOLM. 73

" Can you wash your own clothes ? "

" Never did such a thing in my life."

" Can you make a dress ? "

-No."

-Cook?"

" No."

" What can you do ? "

" Why, ma'am, I could look after the servants;
1 could direct them : I should make an excellent
housekeeper."

" You are certain ? "

" Yes, or I would not say so."

"Do you know the quantity of the different
ingredients wanted for a beefsteak-pie of the size
of that dish, and a rice pudding of the same size ? "

" Oh no, ma'am that's not what I meant : Pd
see that the servants did it ! "

" But there might be great waste, and you not
know it ; besides, all, or nearly all, the servants
sent to this colony require teaching.

Nothing, observes Mrs. Chisholm, but my faith
in Providence, that there must be a place fitting
for every body in society, enabled me to bear
such inflictions ; this faith made me labour in
seeking some suitable employment for each, and

74 MEMOIRS OF

had I not possessed it, but turned them out, their
fate would have been inevitable and horrible.

Our next extract is illustrative of higher class
would-be governesses.

** B was entered as a governess ; I wa&

glad of this, for I had then several applications
from the country for governesses, : she was a pretty
girl, too ; and I knew, when pretty girls have no
money no friends Sydney is a very bad place
for them. There is nothing so unpleasant as to
question a young lady as to her competency. She
could teach music, French, drawing, &c. ; she
was satisfied with the salary, and her testimonials
were first rate.

" You say you can teach music ? "

"Yes, Ma'am."

" You thoroughly understand it ? "

" Most certainly."

" One of your pupils is nine years of age. How
long do you think it will take her to get through
Cramer's Instruction Book? "

A pause.

" Perhaps you have not seen it ? "

" No, ma'am ; but I was very quick myself
I have a good ear for music.

MRS, CHISHOLM. 75

* What book did you study from ? "

" I learnt singing and music at the same time."

" Tell me the name of the first piece you
played ? "

** Cherry ripe."

" The second ? "

" Home, sweet Home."

" The third?"

" We're a' nodding."

I said no more about music. I gave her a
sum to do in addition ; and she made a total of
sixteen pounds five shillings come to eighteen
pounds four shillings. Now this girl, I after-
wards ascertained, at home had lived in a family
as nursemaid, and washed the clothes of five
children every week ; but she was a pretty girl
somewhat of a favourite at sea ; I removed her
the following day far from any pernicious
influence.

One girl, having health and strength, had
refused five situations ; at last I thought I had
suited her. She was to live in a settler's family
and teach five children to read and write ; she
was not required to wash the children ; but as the
good and thrifty woman kept no servants, she

7 MEMOIES OF

was to wash her own clothes (or pay for the same
out of her wages,) make her own bed, and clean
her own room : the good woman also said, she
would teach her anything she knew, but ask her
to do nothing. I thought there could be no
objection to this ; but when I told her, once a
week she must scour her own room (the best in
the house) when I said this she burst into a
passionate flood of tears ; the degradation was
more than she could bear ! I thought it then my
duty to refuse her the benefit of the Home. In
less than three months this victim of false pride

was living ; anything rather than work :

I have since regretted I did not give her one
more trial.

" Pretty girls," writes Mrs. Chisholm, " no
matter what their qualifications or characters,
were difficult to dispose of ; they are not, it ap-
pears, liked as servants, though they are preferred
as wives.

Mrs. , wanted a servant ; I sent one

a good servant girl, and a very beautiful girl, I ac-
knowledge. I thought the place would suit her
no son in the house no nephews cook mar-
ried groom married quite a safety. In less

MRS. CHISHOLM. 77

than an hoar the girl returned, with the following
note :

" My dear madam,

What can you be thinking of, to send
such a handsome girl to my house ? Heavens,
the place would be beset ! besides, I do not like
such showy women in my house ; send me a
plain, homely looking girl, and oblige yours, &c."

I always found it wearisome work to get pretty
girls off ; but after much patience, and many dis-
appointments, I generally succeeded. Some ladies
were easily pleased ; but I had one I could not
suit. She would go to a girl :

" Can you make up a room very neat ? "

" Yes, ma'am "

" Can you cook?"

" Yes, ma'am "

" Can you work well at your needle ? "

" I can do plain work neatly."

Looking at her from top to toe after a pause
" Ah, you won't do ; it's a thorough servant
I want."

Day after day did she repeat this ; and, when
it had occurred for at least the twentieth time, I
went into my own room, mustered over in my

fS MEMOIRS OF

mind her different objections to different girls,
and came at last to a conclusion and a decision.

The same evening I received a cargo of sixty
girls, one of them a parish pauper, her hair not
combed, her face not washed ; her clothes looked
as if she had first jumped into, and then slept in,
them ; her features and figure quite justifying the
name she had earned from her shipmates of
"Little Scrub." A gentleman who was present
at the time said, " I suppose you intend her for
the bush?" I answered, "There is a place for
every body in this world, and I think I have had
one waiting for her several weeks past." On the
following morning the fastidious lady came, and
I saw at once that, while reviewing the late arri-
vals, her eye fell with peculiar complacency on
Little Scrub.

Being rather afraid that I could not keep as
grave a countenance as the gravity of the affair
required, I thought it best to call her into my
own room, and told her that I had a girl that
would suit "not a good servant, but a good
girl." I then called in Little Scrub, and the
following dialogue took place

" Can you wash ?"

MRS. CHISHOLM. 79

Staring wildly. "Wash, marm ! "

" Can you cook?"

*' Cook, marm!"

" Can you make a bed ! "

" Make a bed, marm ! "

" Will you do all that this lady bids you ? "

" Oh ! yes, marm."

The lady looked at the poor girl with the scru-
tinizing and pleased air of a connoisseur in front
of a fine dusty picture, and her countenance
glowed with satisfaction.

" I will take the girl," said she ; "I dare say
she will turn out a good servant. Oh, Mrs. Chis-
holm, you've not been long in this colony : it
takes years to know it. You will make the agree-
ment for six months. (With a deep sigh.) Oh,
it is such a comfort to have something a little
repulsive ! "

Mrs. Chisholm's favourite axiom, or faith in
Providence, " that there must be a place for every
body " seems borne out by the contradictory
opinion of mistresses in regard to the same ser-
vants; thus one writes, " I received last week the
servant you sent me ; when I saw her I was
astonished how you could have selected such a,

80 MEMOIRS OF

person for my family. She has, as I fully ex-
pected she would prove herself, an idle, lazy,
dirty, insolent, girl." Another place was procur-
ed for this same girl, and four months afterwards

her new mistress writes ; " As , whom

you were so kind as to send to us, has conducted
herself remarkably well, I am induced to trouble
you again on the subject of servants. Our house-
maid is about to leave us, Mrs. would rather

trust to your selection than her own."

The next example proves how much depends
on temper : a lady writes :

" I don't think it possible you could have seen
the girl you sent me. I have had great experi-
ence ; have had numbers from the factory, but,
in all my life, I never met with any person who

tried me as did. I was incessantly

talking to her t but it was of no use : and, as I
cannot be everlastingly teased, I returned her to
you. She is slow at her work ; abominably filthy
in her habits ; and was, to me, most insolent. I
would not keep her for nothing."

This girl's next mistress, some months after-
wards, writes, " I send in for medical

advice ; she has hurt her hand ; if you will allow

MRS. CHISHOLM. 81

her to sleep a night or two in the Home, I shall
consider it a favour. I shall also feel obliged if

you will send me a girl to assist at her

work until she gets well ; for we have found her
such a deserving good girl, we would gladly do all
in our power for her. With our best thanks for
your kindness, I remain, &c., &c."

A lady writing for a servant says, "As I keep
two other servants, I have put on a piece of paper
all this girl will have to do ; and you must read
it over, and explain every part of it, so that there
may be no mistake afterwards. * * Mine is a
very easy, light place." The duties referred to
are: "To be dressed at half-past six; the hall
and steps to be cleaned by half-past seven ; the
breakfast to be ready by eight ; three beds to be
made by nine ; walk with the children till ten ;
needlework until eleven ; to cook the children's
dinner, and have it ready by half-past twelve;
then she will have to dust the dining-room out,
(and once a week to clean the windows) this she
can do well by a quarter-past one; needlework
till three; lay the cloth; wait at table. Now,
she has nothing to do with washing the dishes,
only the glasses, though I give her till half-past

82 MEMOIRS or

four; then she can take the children out; give
them their tea, wash them, and put them to bed
this will be over by seven, when she can amuse
herself with needlework. Of course she takes the
entire charge of the children's clothes, which, 1
have a right to expect, should be kept in good
order. I am no way particular what religion she
is, but she must attend family prayers I would
not take her else. Say wages from 10. to 14. ;
but this I suppose I must leave to you."

A summary of the benefits derived from the
Sydney Female Emigrant's Home is thus stated
by Mrs. Chisholm in the first report published of
the Institution.

Since the establishment of the institution, 735
young women have been provided with situations,
at wages varying from 10. to 18. a year. Of
this number 291 have been distributed in the
country districts, of whom only 211 had been in
service at home; 108 were orphans who had
received their education in charity schools ; 394
were Roman Catholics, 107 of whom could read,
whilst 81 could read and write : 238 were Pro-
testants of the Established Church ; of these 42
could read, and 35 read and write, and 103 were

MRS. CHISHOLM 83

Presbyterians, 35 of whom could read, and 21
read and write: total number of Irish, 516;
English, 184; Scotch, 35. To the number of
131 was taken by parties who never before kept
servants ; 13 have broken their agreements, whilst
26 employers have broken theirs ; 8 have had char-
ges of drunkenness brought against them, two of
which were proved ; 5 were charged with thefts,
none of which could be substantiated : 2 were guilty
of insolence : 1 obtained a situation by a false char-
acter, and 19 were removed from their situations
by the secretary; 13 left their places without
giving notice ; 17 were discharged without notice
by their employers, and 2 after eight o'clock in
the evening without any charge being proved
against their characters ; 19 left their places with
proper notice, and have not been paid their wages ;
in Sydney 8 1 have changed their situations ; in
the country 1 1 ; pecuniary assistance has been
afforded to 47 persons, and 263 have received
donations of provisions. The amount of subscrip-
tions received is 156. ; the expenditure, 154. ;
cash in hand, 2. ; subscriptions due, 41, ;
debts none."

THE DO NOTHING EMIQEANTS CONDESCENDING TO

TAKE A COUNTRY MAGISTRACY A PLOUGHMAN

TURNED GENTLEMAN A PAUPER WITH A COMPLI-
CATION OF DISEASES HOW HE IS MANAGED AND

PASSED OFF.

Having given a few characteristic anecdotes of
the females whom Mrs. Chisholm had to manage,
we will now exhibit the other sex. The " do-
nothings " or " black-rihand gentry " are a class
which, Mrs. Chisholm says, " are numerous ;
amongst them men are to be found, who enter
themselves as clerks or tutors, who are as ignorant
of the duties of one as they are incapable of filling
ohe office of the other. Some of these men by
dint of impudence, push themselves into a little
consequence on board ship. When they appeared
at my office, I instantly said, * are you one of the
emigrants, per ship ? ' Their usual hesitat-

MBS. CHISHOLM. ^5

ing answer was, 'I came by that ship.' (They
wished to lead me to suppose they paid their
own passage, or, if I would oblige them by taking
them as cabin passengers it would be as welL)
' What situation do you want ? ' '0 ma'am,
I'm in no particular hurry ; I'm on the look
out for a government situation ; I have some
very good letters ; I have one to the attorney-
general ; and I expect he will offer me the clerk-
ship of the bench ; I am told it is a very fair
thing to begin with.' Another told me he ex-
pected Mr. Thomson would make him an out
country magistrate. ' Why, I am certain Mr.
Thomson never promised you that.' 'No,
ma'am ; but all I want is a note from you, just
to say that Td take it, and I am sure he would
give it me.' I told him I had no interest in
that quarter, and if I had I would not recom-
mend any person for a situation he could not fill
I gave him good advice ; told him he must work ;
that it was the only certain way of getting on in
this country."

This class, observes the discriminating lady
" seems to be manufactured on board ship : as
soon as they land in Sydney, they go to a dra-

86 MEMOIRS OF

per's shop, and purchase two yards and a quarter
of black riband ; this is put round their necks
sometimes a spy-glass is suspended ; this is, how-
ever, rare a dressing-case key, with a silver
top, is the favourite trinket of these fashionables.
I expose this foppery and vanity, as it proves
that there is as much vanity in one sex as the
other Finger rings are much worn by this class,
and if they can meet with a cheap signet ring,
they are delighted. The wife of one of this class
of men told me, that her heart was nearly broken
by her husband's crank ways ; that, at home, he
was obliged to work hard for nine shillings per
week, and keep his family out of the same. ' He
can plough, ma'am, and delve, and do all kinds of
work; but he seems to think the government
will make him a something out of the common
way. 1 She begged me to try and persuade him
to take a place where they might do well, and
urged me to keep her application a secret ; ' For
I know, ma'am, he'd be the death of me, if he
knew I told you he was a poor man at home.'
A passenger on board ship, with a kind intention,
gave this man his cast-off ship clothing, and I
believe he had received three pounds, a few days

MRS. CHISHOLM. 87

before he left home, for some services at an elec-
tion ; the fine clothes and money did him harm.
It is almost impossible to serve such a man if he
has two shillings in his pocket. The following
morning I sent for him, told him I had a situ-
ation that would suit him ; he expressed himself
thankful to hear it what was it ? ' An overseer
at a bachelor's station ; you will have twenty-five
pounds per annum, and full rations for your wife
and three children.' * What shall I have to do ? '
4 Work ; there are sixty cows ; two men are on
the station these you must look after ; and there
is a small farm and garden as the latter is near
a township, the vegetables sell well ; you are al-
lowed what you require for your own family ; your
principal work will be in the garden and on the
farm. You can plough, I should say, judging
from your looks ; you have worked hard, and will
find this place easy/ * I don't think I would
mind taking a situation as head superintendent,
if you have one on your books.' The settlers of
this country are clever, shrewd men ; they sel-
dom engage a newly arrived emigrant, for they
require men of colonial experience, and they gen
erally take them from their working overseers
6

00 MEMOIRS OF

'So, you do not intend taking the situation I
have offered you?' ' Certainly not.' "

A pauper who had been sent out never appeared
in the office until he had been three months in
the colony ; nor would he then, but that he was
struck off rations and turned out of the tents ; he
then came to me, looking as idle, miserable, and
wretched as he could make himself.

" If you please ma'am, I want relief."

"What relief?"

" I am turned out, and I have four children,
and nothing to eat."

" Where are you going to stay ? "

" With a shipmate."

" Come to me every morning at seven, and I
will give you rations for your family until you get
work."

" Oh, ma'am, I can't get work ! "

" I will find you work in two days."

" Thank you! Heaven bless you! but I am
not well enough to work. I was thinking of
going to the hospital ; but I am a little afraid of
the doctors here not understanding my complaint.

" What is it ? "

" It's called a compleracation."

MRS. CHISHOLM. 89

"Dr. Hamett would cure you in a week."

" Would he though, really : you see, ma'am, I
am very weak."

"Very?"

" Very; I require something strength'ing."

" Dr. H. has great faith in blisters ; they are
said to be the best things in your complaint."

" Ah ! but I could not bear them : you see,
ma'am, they would throw me into a fever that
is the worst of my complaint, what does me good
one way, does me harm another."

" But with low diet there would be no fear of a
fever, I will write you a note to Dr. ."

" Why, no ma'am ; I'll wait a day or two, thank
you Are there any parishes in this town ? "

44 Several."

" Will you please to tell me where the parish
officer lives ? "

" There are no parish officers."

" Do you say so, ma'am ? (A long pause.)

Where is there a vestry ? for you see, ma'am, I'll
never be able to do without a little relief. Have
you a benevolent society here ? "

"Yes."

41 Do they give relief? "

90 MEMOIRS OF

"Yes."

" Will you please to give me an order? "

" You are not old enough by twenty years."

" Oh, ma'am, cannot you do something for me?
Do you not know any kind people who will help
me with a trifle ? "

After trying his patience for some time longer,
I gave him two days' provision for his family, and
told him I would try and find an easy place for
him. A few days after this he came, and renewed
his demands in the following manner :

" If you would only give me six shillings for a
pair of shoes."

" I will the day you are engaged. Nowhere
is a little coffee for you, and here is a needle,
cotton, and thimble for your wife, to mend your
coat ; you must come to me to-morrow, at nine,
and I will give you a waistcoat and shirt."

I then spoke to him about a shepherd's life ;
told him of the flocks that belonged to men who
came here without a sixpence. I gave him a
sheet of paper and pencil, and told him to go
home and calculate what he could save in five
years. I was glad to observe his step was quick-
ened: the following morning he was punctual,

MRS. CHISHOLM. 91

I had a new loaf, quite hot, some tea, sugar, a
beef-steak, a few pounds of potatoes these were
in a basket.

" That's fine beef, John-^-it is for your break-
fast."

" Do you say so, ma'am? Well, I am lucky."

"You must get a good place to-day. Now
here is sixpence; go and get shaved and your
hair cut ; and here is twopence you are obliged
to buy water here; and, as soon as you come
back, you can take the basket, for I have some-
thing else for you yet."

In less than half an hour he returned, quite
another man; and, as I reminded him of my
promise to give him the six shillings, he went off
in high spirits ; and at half-past ten John Bald-
win sat in the office as a candidate for work.
Though the improvement was very great, still he
had an idle look : I therefore sent to Thorp's for
one of their cheap neckerchiefs, and I must con-
fess I never laid out one shilling and threepence
better. The office was crowded when Number
Five entered'; in a loud voice, he talked of the
dreadful times ; cheap labour ; still he wanted a
few shepherds ; but he was on the look out for a

92 MEMOIRS OF

bargain a cheap bargain. I could perceive John
view him attentively, and then cast a wistful eye
at the money that lay on the office desk. At
last, Number Five praised John for his apparent
anxiety for work : he blushed at the compliment ;
and, as I saw it was likely to be a bargain, I
went into the room (it might be that I felt
guilty of using a little starch, or my dread of the
ridiculous, that made me retreat to where I could
see and hear without being observed). My suc-
cess pleased me, for I was certain Number Five
would make John earn his wages and fit him for
making an honest livelihood in future ; and I, at
the same time, knew he had half a lawyer to deal
with. I returned to the office, entered the agree-
ment at 18, per annum a man and his wife for
18. ! I could see Number Five was delighted ; so
was I, for methought what a change, what a bless-
ing for his family, that he has come to a country
where there is no home for the idle : what an
advantage to his children ! This man has been,
at the time I write, some months with his master,
and if he turns out well, I shall 'be bound to
acknowledge that even grinders may do good. I
may also remark, with reference to these idlers,

MRS. CHISHOLM. 93

that when the men in barracks were ordered by
the emigration agent to work in the domain, nine
came to me very sick: Would I give them a
ticket to Mr. McLean, to say they were unable
to work? * No ; but I will to the doctor.' They
were not quite ill enough for that, and therefore
returned to their work."

A CHAPTER ON WIVES THE PLANS OF A MOTHER

TO HAVE HER SON MARRIED NO BOUNCE THE

BUSHMAN'S LETTER FOR A WIFE HOW TO SELECT
A GOOD WIFE SEARCH FOR "A PERFECT BLESS-
ING " STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A WIFE

MODE OF SUPPLYING WIVES MATRIMONIAL EXCUR-
SIONS.

If there be one point that we admire more
than another in the feeling that prompted Mrs.
Chisholm to her Christian deeds, it is that in
which she desired the fulfillment of the law of
nature and the commands of God by promoting
marriages, and the delight expressed in seeing
man blessed with an ample offspring, as holy writ
breathes forth a hope he will be. We feel the
utmost loathing of the brutal doctrines of heart-
less economists who in their blasphemous lan-
guage dare to term the " olive branches " sent in

MRS. CHISHOLM. 95

the love of Providence to his creatures "incum-
' hrances "

" I should not feel the interest I do in female
emigration," says Mrs. Chisholm, " If I did not
look beyond providing families with female ser-
vants If I did not know how much they are
required as wives, and how much moral good they
may spread forth in society as wives.

When I saw his Excellency regarding the
establishment of 'The Home,' I observed that
there were many hundreds more females in Syd-
ney than were registered, and that if they were
protected on their arrival, and sent into the
interior, in six months many would be married.
His Excellency exclaimed with some astonish-
ment * Am I to find the settlers wives ? ' "

What his Excellency thought was not his duty
Mrs. Chisholm considered hers.

The following story is an amusing instance of
a good hearted, illiterate woman, in simplicity of
mind speaking her private thoughts ; Mrs. Chis-
holm writes, " I had one very beautiful girl; she
could read and write well, was of an amiable tem-
per, and willing to take advice : I provided her
with a situation ; she was returned to me solely

06 MEMOIRS OF

on account of her good looks. I was at a loss
what to do with her : being afraid to allow her to '
go out for exercise, I was obliged to limit her out-
goings to attendance at church on Sundays. She
was the daughter of a lieutenant, who had spent
twenty-four years in the service of his country :
and he having a large family and limited means,
sent one of his treasures to seek an independent
livelihood abroad. Providence provided for her
in an unexpected manner. A very respect-
able woman, a settler's wife, waited on me for
advice ; she was one of those sensible, shrewd
women, that help to keep a home together. She
told me she had five boys and a girl, none of
whom could read or write, and that she wanted a
teacher.

" My eldest boy, Jack, ma'am," said she, "is as
fine a young man as you would wish to see, only
he is too wild : he is past learning ; but the
others are willing enough." At this time, I had
three of these helpless creatures, just referred to,
that I wished to provide for ; but I told the wor-
thy woman was so good tempered, that she

would suit her best, if she did not mind her
being handsome.

MRS. CHISHOLM. 97

1 Has she any bounce about her ? "
* " None."

I went into the room with her; as her eye rested
on -, there was a look of satisfaction, followed
directly by one of deep thought and reflection.
There was something so intelligent of a deep emo-
tion in her mind flitted across her countenance,
that I became curious ; she left the room ; and on
returning to the office, said, "I'll see you again
at five o'clock, ma'am; but don't let the girl
engage, any how: a thought has come into my
head I must think over." At five she came.
"Now, Mrs. Chisholm, I would like to tell
you my plan Do you see, says I, if any gal
would keep a man at home, it would be the crea-
ture I saw this morning: now says I, tho'
Jack's not taken to drink, yet he's uncommonly
fond of company, and is for going to every horse-
race he hears of; and I expect, some time, he'll
make a very foolish match, wi' some one more
ignorant than he is : yet, ma'am, tho' he can
neither read nor write, he's uncommonly 'cute.

Now, I think, if I take home, she'll tempt

him to stay at home ; and then, when I see he's
taken, and his heart is touched, I shall call him

98 MEMOIRS OF

on one side bounce a bit, and say ' 111 have no
fine ladies living wi' me.' This opposition will
make him more determined ; then, in a day or
two, I'll cry a bit about it he's kind-hearted,
and can't stand that: then he'll come coaxing
me, and 111 consent, and talk over the old man ;
and the clergyman shall settle every thing, and
it will be a good thing for us all, ma'am." 1

consented to arrange with , who should be

ready the next day : she was engaged as a teacher
for one year, salary 16.

Although Mrs. Chisholm received hundreds
of applications for wives, she would not make
matches; but placed single girls as servants or
teachers with families, in districts where wives
were most wanted.

On one occasion, says Mrs. Chisholm, I receiv-
ed a letter from a man who wanted a wife. I
found he was well known to several persons as a
man of integrity. He stated it would be a seri-
ous thing to visit Sydney for a wife : first, a
loss of time ; second, money ; and, after all, per-
haps not be suited. His letter, interested me ;
and I determined on trying to serve him ; I give
his epistle verbatim et literatim, that the reader
may judge for himself:

MRS. CHISHOLM. 99

"Reverend madam, I heard you are the best
to send to for a servant, and I heard our police
magistrate say, it was best to leave all to you;
and so I'll just do the same, as his honour says
it's the best. I had a wife once, and so she was
too good for me by the far, and it was God's will,
ma'am ; but I has a child, ma'am, that I wouldn't
see a straw touch for the world ; the boy's only
four yeare old : and I has a snug fifty-acre farm
and a town lotment, and I has no debts in the
world, and one teem and four bullocks ; and I'se
ten head oh cattle, and a share on eight hundred
sheep, so I as a rite to a desent servant, that can
wash and cook and make the place decant; and
I don't mind what religion she bey, if she is
sober and good, only I'se a Protestant myself;
and the boy I have, I promised the mother on
her death bed should be a Catholic, and I won't,
anyhow,have any interferance in this here matter.
That I do like in writing nothing else, I wouldn't,
mam, on any account in the world, be bound to
marry ; but I don't wish it altogether to be left
out. Ill ge her fourteen wages, and if she don't
like me, and I don't like her, I'll pay her back to
Sydney. I want nothing in the world but what

100 MEMOIRS OF

is honest, so make the agrement as you like, and
I'll bide by it. I sends you all the papers, and
youl now I'm a man wot's to be trusted. I
sends you five pounds ; she may get wages first,
for I know some of the gals, and the best on um,
to, are not heavy we boxes ; and supposing any-
thing should happen, I would not like it to be
said she come here in rags. I wants, also, a
man and his wife ; he must be willing to learn to
plough, if he don't now how, and do a good fair
day's work at anything : his wife must be a
milker, and ha dustrious woman ; I'll give them
as much as they can eat and drink of tea and
milk, and, whatever wages you set my name
down for, I'll be bound to pay it. With all the
honer in the world I'se bound to remain your
servant till death."

There was something, remarks Mrs. Chisholrn,
in the character of this honest bushman, during
his colonial residence, to admire ; he had gained
his freedom, sent home money to his parents, and,
during a long and tedious illness of twenty
months, had attended his sick wife with pa-
tient care. Who would not get up an hour ear-
lier to serve such a man ? I did, for I knew that

MRS. CHISHOLM. 101

early in the morning is the best time to choose a
wife. I went first into the governess-room all
asleep; I unlocked the Home-door some dressed,
others half-dressed, some too very cross : I have
often remarked, that early in the day is the best
time to judge of a woman's temper; but I wish
this to be kept a secret. I remained half an
hour in the Home; I then went through the
tents, could not suit myself, and returned. At
the Home-door, I found a girl at the wash-tub ;
she was at work with spirit ; she was rather good
looking, very neat and tidy. I went into my
office, and ascertained that, on board ship, her
character was good. I desired the matron never
to lose sight of her conduct, and report the same
to me. Day after day passed, and I was at last
fully determined to place her within reach, of my
applicant in the bush, that is, in a respectable
family, in his near neighbourhood; but I was
able to arrange better, for I found that, amongst
the families wanting situations, there was one re-
lated to her. I immediately engaged them as the
bushman's servants ; they were a respectable cou-
ple ; the man a very prudent person. I told them
to take the girl with them, and get her service

102 MEMOIRS OF

near them, and on no account to allow her to live
with a bachelor. I gave the girl three letters to
respectable ladies, and she was engaged by one

the fourth day after her arrival at . About

a fortnight after, the bushman wrote to thank me
for sending him the married couple ; and con-
cluded by saying, "With regard to that oilier
matter, upon my word, you have suited me ex-
actly ; and, as soon as our month is up, we is to
be married."

I received, says Mrs. Chisholm, forty-one appli-
cations of this Idnd; but the above is the only
girl I ever sent into the country with a direct
matrimonial inte ntion .

The following is another specimen of an earn-
est appeal for a better half.

13th December, 1844.

Dear Madam. Matrimonial engagements, at
all times, require and demand mature delibera-
tion, and should not needlessly and thought-
lessly be entered upon, even with a prior know-
ledge of the party how much more then does it
call for when coupled with a perfect ignorance of
the person and qualifications of your future com-
panion through life. Such then is the present

MRS. CHISHOLM. 103

case, and 1 hesitate not, with the most perfect
confidence, and a firm reliance on your experi-
ence and discriminating judgment, to throw my
fate in your hands, and entreat your kind offices
in the obtaining for me a suitable companion for
life, in other and plainer words " a wife." With
reference to my character, position, and prospects,

I respectfully beg leave to refer you to Mrs. ,

to whom I have the honour of being known, and
I trust they will prove satisfactory, If, dear
madam, you will be pleased so far to oblige me,
I doubt not my happiness will be accomplished,
as there must be many worthy young women in
Sydney, in every way qualified to render connu-
bial ties what it is intended to be a perfect bles-
sing. The kind of person I would most desire
would be a young woman, between the years of
25 and 35, English, clean in person, neat in
habit, mild in manners, and an accomplished
needlewoman, my late wife being a most excel-
lent sempstress. With renewed apologies, and
a request that you will favour me with an answer,
I am, dear madam, your most obedient servant,

We will give one more instance, more espe-

H

104 MEMOIRS OF

cially as it illustrates the indefatigable labours of
the benevolent lady in the wild bush of Australia.
When travelling with a large party of emi-
grants while they were sleeping in carnp as
Mrs. Chisholm entirely depended upon the set-
tlers for food for her party, she was to be seen
at the dim break of day in her gig, driven by a
prisoner from Hyde Park Barracks, going about
to collect from the settlers food for the breakfast-
ing of her party. On one occasion, just as she
came to a solitary part of the road, near a val-
ley, she heard a man shouting to her, " Stop,
stop ! " A stout, rough bushman, clearing a few
bushes at a leap, placed his hand on the horse's
head, and said, "Are you Mrs. Chisholm?" " Yes:
what do you want? " " Want want why, what
every man like me wants when he sees Mrs.
Chisholm. Come now, do look up that hill, and
see that nice cottage and 40 acres under crop ;
and I have in it 20 hams and flitches of bacon,
and a chest of tea, and a bag of sugar ; the land
is paid for, and the three cows ; Oh, it would do
you good to see the cows ; " and then pulling out
a roll of papers, continued, " See, what a character
I have got from the magistrates in charge of the

MRS. CHISHOLM. 105

district; and look here, ma'm, at this roll of
notes these are the things to hasten the matter
and get over difficulties with the clergyman
come now, Mrs Chisholm, do be a mother to
me, and give me a wife ; the smile of a woman
has never welcomed me home after a hard day's
work you'll have pity on me you don't mean
to say no ; you'll never be so cruel as to say no ?
It makes a man's heart light to look at your
camp. Now, you don't mean to say you have
not got a nice girl from Tipperary. Never mind
the breakfast ; I could keep the whole party for
a week ; and what peace of mind it would be to
you to know what a kind husband I shall make
one of your girls.' 1

" It was upon the principle of family coloniza-
tion," says Mrs. Chisholm, " and actuated by
such feelings, that I carried out my matrimonial
excursions in the Australian bush.

I, at times, took a number of single young
females with me, in company with emigrant
families, but then I allowed no matrimonial en-
gagement to be made on the way, at the same
time I took care to place the young women in
situations from which they might, with that con-

106

MEMOIRS OF

sideratiou due to the feelings of woman, enter
with propriety and respectability into the matri-
monial state."

CONVICTS BLESS GOD THEIR CHILDREN ARE NOT IN
ENGLAND PLEA FOR THEM TO HAVE THEIR WIVES
HOSPITALITY MORAL SENSIBILITY A REFORM-
ED LONDON PICKPOCKET GOD'S POLICE EARL

GREY'S CONSENT, AND CAPTAIN CHISHOLM'S BENE

VOLENCE LAND TICKETS DECENCY IN INTER-
MENTS " UNFORTUNATES."

Among the people in Mrs. Chisholm's field of
labour were many who had been convicts, termed
in the colonies " emancipists," one writer in
speaking of this class says, " Nothing struck me
more in the colony than the good behaviour of
men who had been convicts ; and I was continu-
ally inclined to ask * Why have these men been
transported ? ' " The emancipists were often to be
met with in the bush, living in a horrible state of
bachelorism, having sufficient means to support
their wives and families who were, most probably,

108 MEMOIRS OF

either in abject poverty or burdens on their
parishes in England. Others again were living
with women and having families while their
wives were at home, but had no means of reach-
ing those to whom, at the altar of God, they had
plighted their troth.

In a letter on " Emigration and Transportation
relatively considered," by Mrs. Chisholm, ad-
dressed to earl Grey, we get a vivid picture of
the emancipist.

" Often, my lord, have I heard the emancipist,
at family prayer, return thanks to Almighty God
that his children were not in a country where
they might be tempted by hunger to perpetrate
crime.

In all the systems, and every system which
has hitherto been tried, I do not, as far as my
observation has gone, see much to approve ; on
the whole, I am bound to say, that the ease with
which men can earn a living honestly, has done
more for the reformation of the prisoner than any
other observable cause. One of the most demo-
ralizing evils of the old system, has been the
separation of men from all domestic influence
rending for ever asunder the links of nature

MRS. CHISHOLM. 109

The spirit of British justice never contemplated
to sever for ever those whom "God had joined
together ; " nor is it in accordance with the dic-
tates of religion and pure morality, that such a
state of things should exist, as to doom men to
be for years incarcerated together by hundreds,
like a menagerie of wild beasts, or to live a soli-
tary hopeless life in the bush ; but so it is, thou-
sands upon thousands are thus victimized, and
destined to undergo all the frightful and deterio-
rating effects of this more than savage life.

Painful experience then has, by this time, ex-
emplified to Her Majesty's Government the fright-
ful consequences attending the aggregation of so
many men in a state of close and galling bond-
age in Norfolk Island, Port Arthur, &c. If those
unhappy victims to a principle promulgated but
too successfully by a modern popular author, and
who, I hesitate not to say, iniquitously tried to
depreciate and thwart the decrees of Providence
in the propagation of the human race, be so far
sunk in the scale of humanity as to give but lit-
tle prospect of their reformation ; yet I have
every reason to hope, that their truly lamentable
condition may excite your lordship's commisera-

110 MEMOIRS OF

tion, and dispose you to co-operate with those
good Christians and philanthropists who in all
faith believe that while there is hope of heaven,
there is hope on earth ; so that those who have
escaped and I am happy to think, vast numbers
have escaped this ' evil communication,' and
have gained through the force of an innate virtue,
and the interposition of a merciful Providence, a
respectable position in the ranks of social life ;
may receive from the hands of Her Majesty's
Government that moral consideration, that degree
of justice, which their domestic wrongs require.

No individual, perhaps, has had so many op-
portunities as I have had of becoming acquainted
with the people of New South Wales. Wander-
ing for hundreds of miles in search of suitable
homes and eligible employment for the emigrant
families and ticket-of-leave men, I had been ac-
customed at nightfall to find shelter at the nearest
hut ; as one of the family I have shared in the
hospitality of all classes, whether rich or poor ;
consequently, I have had opportunities of gaining
an intimate knowledge of the peculiarities and
feelings of the people, and these justify what
might otherwise appear uncalled for my record-

MRS. CHISHOLM. ilJ

iug here my humble testimony to the sterling
worth and exemplary conduct, as a body, of the
emancipists of New South Wales. At a time
when slander outruns truth and charity, as re-
gards the moral character of that people, I must
honestly tell your lordship, that as parents, their
extreme nay, I must call it, nervous anxiety,
regarding the moral and religious welfare of their
children ; the efforts they make to educate them ;
the miles they travel to attend a place of wor-
ship on the Sabbath ; their deep sympathy for
the unfortunate; their Christian liberality and
charity; their open-hearted hospitality, have
endeared numbers of them to my remembrance.
Amongst this class it may be truly said, 'the
schoolmaster is abroad.' I only wish that the
noble lord who has immortalized this saying, had
the domestic opportunities I have had of witness-
ing the efforts made by this class. When en-
gaged at one time in providing for some emigrant
families in the interior, I was accommodated at a
farm-house, where both the heads of the family
happened to have been sent out by Her Majesty's
government ; neither could read or write. Here
I found a man engaged as teacher ; certainly not

112 MEMOIRS OF

the person you would wish to see" trusted with
the tuition of a promising young family of boys
and girls. Their parents, a few weeks previous
to my seeing them, had sent a few bushels of
wheat to market, just to find them tea and sugar,
until they could go to Sydney to sell their regu-
lar crop; they sold to the amount of 35s.; six-
teen shillings of this sum were expended on books
and stationery for their children. The books
were handed to me by the mother, who remarked,
" they cost a good bit, but we could not do better
we our money." One of the books was the life
of ; the hero of this tale distinguished him-
self by his prodigies of adroit exploits in Newgate
and its environs, a wild story of facts and fic-
tion. I remarked that I had been informed it
was .a dangerous book ; that it made what was
bad look like good ; was particularly enticing to
youths of a certain turn of mind. " Now do you
say so ? How glad Jack will be you called
what a Providence ! " and before I could even be
aware of her intention, it was in flames on their
hearth-stone. It never entered into her mind it
could be exchanged, re-sold; that my opinion
might be wrong ; but, at the mere mention of

MRS. CHISHOLM. 118

apprehended danger, the book was destroyed.
It was dashed into the fire, as if a venomous rep-
tile had clung to a part of her garments. Is not
this, my lord, a bright example for imitation?
I knew an emancipist father refuse his daughter
in marriage to a respectable emigrant, until he
had paid some debts he had contracted before he
emigrated ; he was willing to pay the sum out of
the portion he intended for his daughter, remark-
ing, " Their prosperity would be greater, when
no man could say they had wronged him." This
scrupulous regard for property was entertained by
a man who was once a notorious London pick-
pocket. A pick-pocket! yes, we must not
scorn or think lightly of those who have returned
from the path of evil to the course of rectitude.
I crave your lordship's patience a little longer ;
for while I love to linger on those little domestic
incidents those traits and fruits of returning
irirtue, and like to point them out to others as
matters deserving their pious contemplation, I
wish to bring to your lordship's notice one of
those facts which ought to appear to the moralist
and philanthropist, as one of paramount interest.
Shortly before I left Sydney, the father of a large

114 MEMOIRS OF

family came a journey of upwards of a hundred
miles to see me. The object of his mission was
a serious one. If, my lord, you are pressed for
time, lay down this letter, for the prayer of his
request deserves a tranquil moment ; one that I
would like you to think about, when, having for
a time bid adieu to the cares of State, you seek
the solace of domestic society ; his prayer is one
that I would like to cling about your heart, as
one of your own household honey-suckles. It
must not meet you at your office ; but you must
take it with you wherever you go. I would fain
obtain for it a clinging place in your recollection,
that when you think of your own dear ties, the
wish of the emancipist father should present it-
self to your remembrance. He sought a wife for
his son! a girl of good fame! "If," said he,
"you could only get me a good girl; if I could
see my son married to a good woman, then I
should die in peace."

You have heard enough, my lord, of the hor-
rors that have resulted from the Penal system ; a
system which has doomed thousands and tens of
thousands to the demoralizing state of bachelor-
ism. Calmly consider the evil which has thus

MRS. CHISHOLM. 115

been created, and in common justice to the vir-
tuous part of the community there, remedy it, by
giving a due encouragement to a respectable sys-
tem of female emigration.

They are a class of men sensitively alive to
virtuous marriages in their families, for no one
more fully appreciates virtue than the reformed,
* * If Her Majesty's government be really
desirous of seeing a well conducted community
spring up in these colonies, the social wants of
the people must be considered. If the paternal
government wish to entitle itself to that honoured
appellation, it must look to the materials it may
send as a nucleus for the formation of a good and
a great people, For all the clergy you can dis-
patch, all the schoolmasters you can appoint, all
the churches you can build, and all the books you
can export, will never do much good, without
" God's police " wives and little children good
and virtuous women.

We may here state that, following up this pub-
lic letter to earl Grey, by repeated personal appli-
cations at Downing street, and presenting a list
of women, the wives of convicts holding tickets of
leave in New South Wales, desirous of joining

116 MEMOIRS OF

their husbands, the government yielded. Captain
Chisholm becoming individually responsible for
expenses incurred by them. The poor people
came, many from Ireland, to Woolwich to be
shipped off in the female convict ship, they were
there met by the kind and warm-hearted lady and
her husband their necessities supplied, and by the
generosity of Mr. Silver and Mr. Robert Brooks,
of Cornhill, clothed. Arrangements were made
for their reception in Sydney, and the inhabit-
ants there viewed the measure as one beneficial
to morality, consistent with humanity, and the
most sure way of making steady, virtuous, and
devoted citizens of the men.

When Mrs. Chisholm was on her journeys on
humanity's behalf, she discovered that many poor
people buried the money they had saved as a mode
of security. She therefore, through the press, pro-
posed that the colonial government should issue
land tickets representative of the value of five
shillings and a pound, that these should be offer-
ed to working men in exchange for their then
useless money. That the funds accumulated
from this source should be applied to assist the
emigration of industrious people desirous of set-

MRS. CHISHOLM. 117

tling in the colony, and that the tickets be re-
ceived by the government in payment for land.
The Sydney papers do not state whether this ex-
cellent suggestion was "ever carried into effect.
But we suspect that it was not from the contracted
views generally taken of l