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An American merchant in Europe, Asia and Australia A series of letters from Java, Singapore, China, Bengal, Egypt, The Holy Land, the Crimea and its battle grounds, England, Melbourne, Sydney, Etc, Etc
An American merchant in Europe, Asia and Australia A series of letters from Java, Singapore, China, Bengal, Egypt, The Holy Land, the Crimea and its battle grounds, England, Melbourne, Sydney, Etc, Etc

An American merchant in Europe, Asia and Australia A series of letters from Java, Singapore, China, Bengal, Egypt, The Holy Land, the Crimea and its battle grounds, England, Melbourne, Sydney, Etc, Etc

Author (1829-1904)
Publisher
Date1857
Object number00004369
NameBook
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 193 x 140 x 38 mm, 0.55 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis book contains a series of letters by an America merchant who visited Europe, Asia and Australia. George Train was a prominent businessman who travelled the world investigating and following financial opportunities. Train's published account of his experiences in Australia and Asia was so popular his publisher commissioned him to undertake a similar project in Europe. This book contains details of life in Australia during the 1850s including insights into the gold rush.HistoryBoston-born George Francis Train was one of many Americans that were lured to the Australian gold rush by business opportunities. Though outspoken in his political views, Train was more interested in his business enterprises. He once stated that he was in Australia to carry on business, not to lead revolutions. Just before the Eureka uprising, the dissident miners called for him to send them $80,000 worth of Colt revolvers to Ballarat. Train declined as no payment was included with their request. Within days he had leased six wagons to the government, to transport troops to Ballarat where they attacked miners at Eureka. Train's published account of Australia predominantly focused on life in Victoria and also described the impact of other Americans in the colony. SignificanceThis book highlights the conditions of life in Australia during the 1850s and the presence of American merchants in the colony. It portrays an American view of Australian life, in particular their experiences on the Victorian gold fields.