Autumn, 1904

Autumn, 1904

Thurso, Scotland

Dear Jean;

It seems I am to leave Scotland as well!  Rory’s uncle has a large sheep ranch in Australia, as you know, and a few weeks ago we got a letter inviting us to emigrate there.  Uncle Franklin wants Rory to become his partner, as he is growing old, and take over from him when he is no longer able to work.  We talked and talked about it.  I could see how eager Rory is for new adventure, and to be truthful, I find the whole idea very exciting! 

Now Hinny, don’t fret over wee Mary, I’ll not take her out of this country!  She is going to live with your mother and her Uncle Henry and go to school in Wick.  They are very excited about the prospect, and in the spring, when we leave for Australia, she will go to her Granny.

Last week we went to the steamship agent’s office and managed to get some brochures about Australia.  It seems to have a very interesting past, since for many years convicted people were shipped there instead of sending them to jail.  Although there are a few towns, much of the colony is sheep and cattle ranches.  There is a lot of desert, and it gets very hot and dusty.  There are a lot of very strange animals there, seen nowhere else on Earth, such as Kangaroos and Koala Bears.  Enough wild game that no one ever has to go hungry.  Imagine, just walking outdoors and shooting dinner right there on the spot! 

We both think we will do well at being sheep ranchers.  Jimmy will grow up in a country where he can become anything he can set his mind to.  It looks like a bright future for us, in a new land.  Imagine, you are at the top of the world and soon I’ll be at the bottom!

Everyone is well here.  Your mother sends her love, as do I.

Heather