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Letter addressed to James Backhouse and George W Walker by convict 'WM'

Date1838

Object number00046746

NameBooklet

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 180 x 120 x 9.5 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionJames Backhouse and George W Walker from England had been on a religious visit to the South Sea Islands and published an address to the convicts of New South Wales. The address was read to the prisoners on Goat Island during Sunday services. This letter is a grateful response to Backhouses' and Walkers' relgious efforts and the original letter is said to have been found in the bible of the priest who had delivered the sermon. HistoryJames Backhouse and George W Walker from England had been on a religious visit to the South Sea Islands and published an address to the convicts of New South Wales. The address was read to the prisoners on Goat Island during Sunday services. This letter was a response to that address, thanking the authors and encouraging them to continue with their religious work. The author of this letter goes on to relate his previous sins and how he is now at peace even though a prisoner. The letter is only signed WM. The prisoners on Goat Island were employed in quarrying stone and building a powder magazine on the island. SignificanceThis published letter from a New South Wales convict was