Letters from James from London to brother John in V.DL. dated 30 November 1822 - 15 October 1823 about business prospects and settling in V.D.L.: thanks for letter from Madeira, sending newspapers and W. Scott novels, prices at Liverpool for hides, sperm oil, seal skins, wool; trouble in New Zealand and muskets going out to natives (possible profit?); sending consignment of harness for working horses and oxen on their joint account; McIntosh's ale; shipping of merinos, garden seeds, printed cottons etc., ? horses for saddle and draught; shipping; would there be any money in an exhibition in London of "handsome natives of Australasia .. . decorated with all their war-like habiliments"? (30 Nov. 1822); regards to Sandy [Alexander B. Spark]; son born 23 Jan. 1823 and christened James on 25 Feb. A. Knight proxy for John as godfather, Maria Neve godmother (31 Jan., 31 Mar.1822); the old folks at Nairn; house sold and furniture packed for shipment (3 July 1823); introduction to Commissary Hull (31 Dec. 1822); Mr Gellibrand applying to be Solicitor of Crown in V.D.L. (3 July 1823); no chance of recovering his lost hearing in this country, severe winter trying (31 Jan. 1823); choice of land - grazing and near water for
shipment and fishing - Mr Lord suggested between Macquarie and Relief rivers or St Pauls district, rent house in Hobart for family, Fraserburgh lad, Gray, engaged as cooper - friend Reid wanting him a berth (24 mar. 1823)(24 Mar. 1823; chartered "Heroine" (320 tons, Captain Ostler) with James Hammond (brother of friend William Hammond the "Ironrnan" - not in good health and lately married without consulting family) and Thomas Knight, loaded with cargo, stores and 50 passengers (including J. Williamson and sister), bringing iron, saddlery, harness, cheese, butter, oil, paint, blankets, clothing, stationery, umbrellas, ladies' straw bonnets, prints [cotton] and Manchester goods, window glass, iron hurdles for sheep, rum, brandy, soap, 4 merino rams from Wiltshire and ewes (2 tooth), besides own furniture of considerable value, and servant maid (Sept.Oct, 1823); Maria Neve engaged to Thomas Hammond (brother of James and William) a surgeon of about 30 years.