#52 ANCESTORS WEEK 8 - HEIRLOOM

My Heirloom

I have in my possession a Musical China Beer Tankard. 

Of course I have missed the boat on obtaining it's history. My parents are both dead and I never asked about their possessions. Life was always too busy, both for them and myself.

I just always remember it as being part of my family history. It was always there while I was growing up.

I remember it as belonging to my father. He never drank out of it, not that I saw anyway! 

But I do remember sitting on his knee as he wound it up and listening with amazement as it played Auld Land Syne.

My sisters can’t remember anything about it’s history. But to me it invokes memories of my father. I don’t know why, it just does. I only remember that my mother always told me it was his.

I have done a little research about it through “Mr Google” and I have found the following information.

There are numerous of these tankards on the web for sale and the prices vary greatly.

The Crown Devon Potteries name started in the 1870’s and closed in 1982. They made many items over the years.

The tankard is noted as being a Crown Devon Fieldings Musical Tankard circa 1930’s.

So it is not of great vintage. My parents were married in 1941, and my Mum, I think would have told me if it was a wedding present.

My Dad was a bit of a collector, and would pick things up in his daily travels as a Smallgoods Van Salesman. He would never pay very much for things as he was a great bargain hunter. Most things he collected were being either given or thrown away. I would suspect that he came by this tankard by one of these measures.

But for now it sits in my display cabinet, along with other treasures that I don’t know enough about. But even though I don’t know their full story, I do know that they were of importance, whether they were handed down through the ages or just found thrown out and given a home.

Many possessions of my parents have earned the tag, 

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” 

But for now my Dad’s trash/treasure is one of my heirlooms!

Front of Tankard

Back of Tankard

All tankards were inscribed with the same number, indicating to me that it isn't very rare!

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 22 - GLORIOUS RAIN AND GROWING LIKE WEEDS

What is that sound? Could it be? Yes it is.

Running outside, Elizabeth ignored the servant urging her to get her wrap. She revelled in the drops falling around her. She danced in the puddles with Issy. 

Rain, glorious rain! ⁠[1] 

“Where is the water coming from Mam?” Elizabeth watched Issy jumping from one puddle to the next realising her daughter had not seen rain before. 

“It’s raining me darlin', it’s from the heavens above. Our corn and wheat are getting a lovely drink.” 

It rained solidly for many hours that day. On arriving home later that night, Thomas was full of news and the benefits that the rain would bring.

In the following days the colony was indeed on a high with the drenching rains. Elizabeth was concerned though, as the river was looking very angry. It soon became apparent that even with the breaking of the drought that some would suffer. The rivers and creeks rose well above what any of the settlers had experienced before.

Thomas appeared at the door, he looks like a drowned rat, she thought as she rushed to help him out of his wet things.

“Betsey, the bridge is down. The one the convict gang has spent so much time constructing, it’s gone. The creek was flowing just too fast to contain it. The boats were swept down into the river.”⁠[2] 

“Papa, look see. Issy got mud pie for you.” Sweeping his daughter up into a hug, he knew as long as his little family was safe, everything would be alright. 

“Ugh, Papa wet!” 

With the rain came a renewed enthusiasm for planting and growing. Elizabeth supervised the growing of any seeds that she could acquire. 

The children thrived in the colony and grew like weeds. Whereas Elizabeth and Thomas struggled with the heat and blazing sun, the children seemed to go from strength to strength, with never any of the childhood illnesses that Elizabeth remembered from home. 

The seasons continued to come and go, with their own blend of difficulties and challenges. But with each passing month and year, Elizabeth found herself with more comforts, privileges and riches than she had every dreamed of. 

Strolling through the streets, as she was now able to go about the colony without escort, Elizabeth found her thoughts wandering. 

I am free woman and a partner of an Officer. I wonder what is happening back in Britain, I will never call it home again. This is home now. This is where life has given me chances. 

“Where are you three off to?” Thomas came up behind them on their walk and taking Issy’s hand from Elizabeth he promptly hoisted her up into his arms and threw her in the air.  

Yes I am exactly where I should be, smiling she tucked her arm through his outstretched arm.

_______________

1 Joëlle Gergis, Don Garden’ and Claire Fenby, “The Influence of Climate on the First European Settlement of Australia: A Comparison of Weather Journals, Documentary Data and Palaeoclimate Records, 1788–1793,” Environmental History: 1–23. doi:10.1093/envhis/emq079

2 Joëlle Gergis, Don Garden’ and Claire Fenby, “The Influence of Climate on the First European Settlement of Australia: A Comparison of Weather Journals, Documentary Data and Palaeoclimate Records, 1788–1793,” Environmental History: 1–23. doi:10.1093/envhis/emq079

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 21 - Thomas 8 December 1794

Well, thank heavens I didn’t drop this babe in the dust. But after the last couple of weeks, I think it could do me a favour and come sometime soon.

The Rowley family of Thomas, Elizabeth and Isabella set up house shortly after he showed her the newly built house.

While Thomas took himself off to the barracks, Elizabeth’s days were filled with packing and transporting their possessions to the new house. Thankfully the convict servants were able to assist her. Their male servant was quickly put to work establishing the garden, while Elizabeth and the maid set about making the stark building a home, with the limited supply of goods that they had. Isabella was constantly under foot and wanting her mother, just like any normal two year old whose mother was heavily pregnant.

On a sunny day at the beginning of December, while sitting under a tree at Kingston, Elizabeth felt the first of her pains while playing with Issy. Calling for the help she was quickly escorted inside to her bed.

While the female servant fussed around and got her as comfortable as possible, Elizabeth thoughts drifted to the birth of Issy. We did it together, no-one else was around. I guess this birth will be very different. Thomas doesn’t even know that it has begun. I wish he was here, I wish it was just the two of us again! 

Elizabeth laboured throughout the afternoon and evening. Thomas was no where to be found. The servants had sent to the barracks to let him know. Later that night just before midnight, Thomas Rowley Jnr was born.⁠[1]

In the early hours of the next morning Thomas Snr made his appearance, much the worse for ware, after a rum shift with the other officers.

“God resh youse merries, Gentlemen.
Let nothin’ youse dishmay,…"

"Thomas, Thomas, stop your infernal wailing please. Ssh, come here and meet your namesake,” hushed Elizabeth crossly.

Blearily blinking as he realised that she sounded cross, Thomas took a gulp of the night air before entering the door.

“Nows Betsey, what ever has you sounding so cross?” 

Blinking again as he reached their bedroom door, realisation hit him with a jolt as he took in the scene in front of him.

“Did I hear you say, namesake? Do we have a son?” smiling with his quirky grin, Elizabeth gave up her pretence of being angry.

“Yes, we have a bonny boy child, just a little early for Christmas though!” Handing the swaddled bundle to him as he reached the bed, I hope he doesn’t drop him, she thought wearily.
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1 Ancestry.com. Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 20 - Crook Salted Pork Again? - (Autumn 1794 - Summer 1794)

Of course it isn’t the salted pork again! You would think that I would know how to tell him this time. He is good to me, stop wishing for what you can never have, Betsey. You know he can never make you a Mrs!

“Betsey, where are you? Issy has just woken and she is fit to eat the porridge raw if we…”

“Aargh.” The guttural sounds of retching gave her away once again.

Turning the corner with Isabella in his arms he raised an eyebrow with a quirky grin.

“So does this mean what I think it means?” 

“If you mean are we having another babe, yes I am afraid so Thomas.”

“I’m not afraid of another wee babe, if it is anything like this sweet one. When do you think we might expect it?”

“Well by my reckoning I would say it might be here in time for Christmas.” 

“A Christmas present hey. So we have double to celebrate then. I am pleased to be able to tell you that yesterday I was granted another leasehold of 70 acres. We should have enough room for him.”

“And what makes you think it will be a him?” 

“I have no idea, but I reckon that there is a 50/50 chance.”

“Let’s get inside and get you two some porridge, I think I have stopped this infernal retching now.”

During the next couple of months Thomas attacked the building of the new house with renewed energy. When he wasn’t at the barracks he was at his property. He wanted them in it before the new babe arrived. She deserves a home of her own and besides I can’t see us fitting in this little place for much longer now that there is a new babe coming! 

With the approach of summer, the days were getting much hotter, with little promise of rain.

Elizabeth was lethargic with little to do. Thomas keeps telling me that there isn’t any point in sewing vegetables as we will soon be in the new place. I wish he would let me go and plant there. If we don’t have things in the ground soon, we won’t have anything to harvest. 

“Where are we going, Thomas, I don’t like leaving Issy for long. And besides that, I am tired, it is so hot. Can’t we just go back to the hut?” 

“No, Beysey, I want to show you something. It is only a little way now, you can rest when we get there.” 

That is if I don’t drop this babe here in the dust and heat! What could be so important that he insisted that we go for a walk, this far away? 

She soon noticed that the shrub was thinning out and they were approaching a clearing with a couple of buildings on the rise above where they were walking. 

Catching her breath she turned to Thomas with a questioning look. 

“Yes Elizabeth, welcome to our new home, I think I will call it Kingston.⁠[1] What say you?” 

As she stood there with  tears glistening in her eyes, her only thought was maybe me luck has changed.

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1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Land Grants and Leases, 1792-1867 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 19 - ABSOLUTE PARDON 1794

Dear Lors, me insides are churning fit to make butter. What if I don’t get it? But Thomas seems so certain, should I not worry? But what will he do if I don’t get it?

Elizabeth gave Isabella the last of her porridge. Thomas would be back within the hour to take her to the barracks. Today she would either be granted her Pardon or not.

“Elizabeth, are you ready?” he asked hurrying through the door.

“Yes Sir, we are ready to go. I just need to wash Issy’s face.”

Walking down the road in the autumn sunlight, Elizabeth made a list in her mind of all that she had to remember… 

Don’t walk with Thomas, for goodness sake don’t call him by name. Remember he is Sir! Don’t look insolent, don’t speak unless spoken to. Be grateful, be meek. Don’t let Thomas take Issy, you have to hold her, remind him that it is woman’s work. He is so used to holding her he might just forget.

“Elizabeth, what are you doing? You look like you are going to the guillotine. Stop worrying, you will get it, there will not be any problems.”

“I can’t help it Sir. I know you think all will be well but I haven’t had luck on me side before. I can’t help but think the worse. Please don’t leave me if I don’t get it. Issy and I need you Sir.”

“Elizabeth your worrying is all for naught. It won’t make any difference to me whether you are pardoned now or if you serve your full seven years. You belong with me and I am not about to leave you and Issy now. We have a future to plan and whether you are a free woman or not makes no difference.”

Walking into the barracks following Thomas, she was surprised to find that there wasn’t anyone else around. Where is everyone?

Hearing her name she turned and approached the front of the room. Major Grose was sitting in a chair behind a large table. The soldier beside him started to read.

“Elizabeth Selwyn, sentenced to 7 years transportation. Arrived 14 February, 1792, assigned as housekeeper to Lieutenant Thomas Rowley. Partitioned for an Absolute Pardon on the recommendation of Lieutenant Thomas Rowley of the NSW Corps, this day 8 May 1794. Approved Major Francis Grose.”⁠[1]

Is that all? No questions, nothing! Turning around she found Thomas grinning from ear to ear. Had it all been decided before they got there? I have me suspicions, she thought.

Retuning to their hut, Thomas was full of ideas for the future. All except a future as Mr and Mrs, she thought wistfully.

_____________
1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Convict Registers of Conditional and Absolute Pardons, 1788-1870 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 18 - Land Grants 1793

True to his word Thomas was soon showing Elizabeth his second grant of 100 acres of land within three weeks.

“Look Betsey, we will soon be acknowledged as fine landowners, I think I will run sheep. There is money to be made in wool and I am going to make it.”

No matter what happens, I am never going to be acknowledge as your wife though. Mother of your children, maybe, but wife, no, never! But I can be content with that. Me life could have been so much harder, I am lucky with me lot.

“I have decided to apply for a pardon for you. I know Major Grose well and I don’t think it will be hard to get an Absolute Pardon for you, with my influence and recommendation . As mother of my child, I can’t see any problem. What say you, will you stay with me if you get your freedom?”

In just over a year of arriving in the colony, Elizabeth was now faced with the possibility of a pardon. She found it hard to fathom how her seven years could be reduced so quickly.

“Of course Thomas, you are the father of me precious babe, besides, where else would I go?”

With the appointment of Major Francis Grose as Administrator to the colony after the departure of Governor Arthur Phillip in December 1792, the NSW Corps were given more and more power. The trading of rum for services proved to be a lucrative prospect for many of the soldiers.⁠[1]

I am not sure why we are getting so many provisions and rations these days. But I am not going to question it. I will do or take whatever is set before me in order to feed me love ones and keep a roof over me head. Why shouldn’t I get some easy livin’ for a change. Baby Isabella is starting to crawl and is forever covered in dirt from the floors. Wouldn’t it be grand to not have to constantly clean her up after a play on the floor. What wouldn’t I give to have a house of me own?  

“Betsey, you are miles away, pour me another rum and come sit with me awhile. I want to tell you about the house. I have been told that I am entitled to two convicts as servants for a period of two years. It will give you some help in the house when it is ready as well as an outside worker. What say you to that?"

_________

1 Hitorial Records of New South Wales Vol.II - Grose and Patterson 1793-1798, Edited by F.M.Bladen , Barrister at Law, Sydney: Charles Potter, Government Printer 1893

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 17 - ORDINARY DAYS (Summer 1792 - Autumn 1793)

I never knew I could love someone so much. She is so tiny, so perfect, Elizabeth sighed with exhaustion gazing at her new born babe. 

Thomas had stepped up and taken control of things during the birth. I can't believe he did as I told him. Everything. He did everything I told him quickly and efficiently thank heavens, just like the soldier he is!  

Elizabeth was soon back on her feet and relished the role of motherhood. Baby Isabella gives a purpose to me days. I need to keep me little family together and keep Thomas interested and wanting to keep us around. 

The New Year came and went, along with the continuing dry weather. Thomas still persists in his talk of farming being the future for getting ahead. But is it all just a big dream? 

With the changing of the seasons, Elizabeth found herself with more energy. She revelled in the autumn days, spending much time in the outdoors with Isabella, tending the garden to give them extra food, but it was a major job with the heat and drought.

“Elizabeth, Elizabeth, where are you?” bellowed Thomas coming around the side of the hut. Stopping at Isabella’s basket, he was just about to scoop his daughter up in his arms, when he noticed Elizabeth giving him a stern look. She had spent most of the afternoon walking and rocking her fussy babe to sleep. The last thing she needed at the moment was for him to wake her!

“Sssh, Thomas, I have only just got her to sleep. Whatever has you so excited”? 

Linking her arm in his, she guided him to their chairs set up under the trees. From here they would get the last of the autumn evening breeze, before the sun settled.

“Betsey, I have a surprise, the best of news, you are never going to guess.”

“Well if I am not going to be able to guess, I expect you had best tell me,” she replied with a smile.

“I have been granted today a leasehold on 2 acres of land for 14 years. I have to pay 2 shillings and 6 pence a year for it.⁠[1] It is my start to becoming a landowner, yes this is only the first. I will build you a fine house and I promise you this is only the start.”

Well, a land owner, as well as a fine Lieutenant soldier. As long as he always comes home to me I don’t care how much land he has. He is kind and loving. I never thought I would have this much and a babe into the bargain. 

Sitting with him in coolness of the silent evening, her thoughts drifted back to that day, the day he saw me on the Pitt!

__________

1 State Records Authority of New South Wales; Registers of Land Grants and Leases; Series: NRS 13836; Item: 7/445; Reel: 2560

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 16 - ISABELLA (Novembr 1792)

Elizabeth groaned in her sleep as a wave of pain engulfed her.

What was that? She moaned, now fully awake, pulling herself upward looking out the window. Sighing she realised with a pang that Spring was almost done and they would soon be coping with the sticky wet heat of Summer in the new colony.

There it is again, clutching her belly as the pain radiated through her lower body, she tried to move off the bed.

Oh, Lors above, could it be me time? It could be I suppose, but how do I know? When the pain subsided, Elizabeth made her way outside.

Thomas was nowhere to be seen, but that was not uncommon. He tended to leave early these days and had taken to leaving her asleep. She had protested, but he insisted that he could get breakfast at the barracks. As she had also taken to being sick again at the smell of cooking food she had accepted his offer gratefully.

Later that morning Elizabeth was surprised to find that she had not had anymore twinges for some time. I guess I have nothing to worry about for now. It probably was just something that I ate yesterday. Her day continued like any other day, but she found herself tiring quickly with each passing hour.

Supper is ready, now all I need before I seek me bed, is for him to come home, so I can feed him and clear away for the night.

“Elizabeth, I am as hungry as a mongrel cur and I could eat a horse,” Thomas growled as he entered the door.

Quickly moving to the bed to help him take off his boots, she stopped in alarm as a sudden gush of water hit the floor.

Oh my, this is how it started with Mam, she thought as she grabbed the cloth off the table to mop up the puddle.

He looks like a stunned fish, I guess he has never seen a babe being born before. Well I hope he can help me or get someone who can.

“Thomas, I don’t think I have time or the strength to help with your boots,” she groaned as an overwhelming wave of pain surged through her belly. Grabbing the back of the chair she doubled over gasping for breath.

In one stride, Thomas was at her side and lifted her over to their bed. “What should I do?”

“Well, here's the rub, I haven’t done this before, so I don’t really knoooooow,” she screamed as another pain surged through her body.

“I’ll go into town and get help, shall I?”

“No, don’t leave me, I can’t do this on me own, it hurts, oh Lors’ it hurts,” she gasped again, clutching his arm in panic. 

"I have helped me Mam when it was her time, so I hope I can remember what needs doing."

“I think it’s coming, oh God I hope so, because I think me insides are ripping apart.”


Shortly after in the inky darkness of the 19th November 1792, Isabella Rowley made her way into the world.[⁠1]

Thankfully for both of them, Isabella made it into the colony without too much fuss. They would have coped as best they could.

What the new parents were feeling at the time is pure conjecture. No doubt Thomas was at a loss of what to do or say. If he was indeed at the birth of his first born, it would have been an eye opening experience for him. 

Elizabeth I feel would have taken each experience in her stride. As she was to prove through the years to come, was her way.
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1 Ancestry.com. Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Compiled from publicly available sources. Retrieved April 15 2015.

#52 ANCESTORS WEEK 7 - VALENTINE

VALENTINE

Two hundred and twenty six years ago on 14 February 1792 a Valentine’s Day story of a unique kind was ignited.

I like to imagine that it went something like this….

Shading her eyes at the brilliant sunshine Elizabeth wondered how she would ever get use to this incessant heat. Her clothes stuck to her as sweat trickled down her back.

Remembering her time on the Pitt, she was thankful that Lieutenant Rowley had taken her under his protection and away from the rest of the convicts. Her duties had been simple and keeping the Lieutenant company, as he liked to call it wasn’t a hardship to be endured.

After six and a half months that time was now at an end. We will be docking shortly and I will be going with the rest of the convicts to wherever they are taking us. Oh, I wish I could stay on this stinking ship with Thomas.

Back in her irons, she was herded up to the top deck with the surviving convicts. Shuffling slowly as the irons now chafed her, she made her way to the marshalling area. At least the last 6 months with Thomas has kept me out of these dam irons.  

Thomas hadn’t even said goodbye this morning. I guess for him it is just another day. But today will be the day that I return to the life of a convict. Today I will be locked up again. No more freedom of being Lieutenant Rowley’s servant. No more protection.

The soldier directing 'the who went where' was reading from his book. I better listen now and stop wool gathering. Could she have heard right?

"Elizabeth Selwyn, sentenced for 7 years, assigned as housekeeper to Lieutenant Thomas Rowley."

Snapping her head up in surprise she saw him. Waiting. Watching. He motioned for her to come.

Hurrying as best she could, she was soon at his side getting her irons off. 

So, he hadn’t said goodbye, because she wasn’t going anywhere but with him. Housekeeper, yes sir, I can do this!
______________

Backstory

Elizabeth Selwyn a convict committed to seven years transportation for stealing clothes, stepped foot on Australian soil, on 14 February 1792.[⁠1]

She had been on board the Pitt for 6 and 1/2 months.[⁠2]  It is unknown what her experiences of that trip were. She didn’t keep a diary, she didn’t get into trouble so no records of misconduct were kept and no log books of the voyage survived.

Lieutenant Thomas Rowley was also on the Pitt for the voyage and was to take up duties with the NSW Corps.⁠[3]

Thomas died in 1806 leaving her joint beneficary in his will along with his five children to her.⁠[4]

Elizabeth died in 1843 after seeing her children go onto being free settlers of some note.⁠[5]

Records over the years show Elizabeth as being a partner to Thomas Rowley who she was assigned to as housekeeper when she arrived.⁠[6] 

Thomas’ will also shows her having five children to him from 1792 to 1803.⁠[7]

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1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806- 1849 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 5, 19-20, 32-51); The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England. Retrieved May 20 2016

2 MARION STARR,, Unhappy Exiles Convicts of the Pitt and Kitty 1792, Australia 1016

3 MARION STARR,, Unhappy Exiles Convicts of the Pitt and Kitty 1792, Australia 1016

4 Ancestry.com. London, England, Wills and Probate, 1507-1858 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: London, England, Wills and Probate. London, England: London Metropolitan Archives and Guildhall Library Manuscripts. Images produced by permission of the City of London Corporation Libraries, Archives. Retrieved June 10 2016.

5 Ancestry.com. Australia, Death Index, 1787-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Compiled from publicly available sources. Retrieved June 1 2016.

6 Ancestry.com. 1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (Australian Copy) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: New South Wales Government. 1828 Census: Householders’ returns [Population and Statistics, Musters and Census Records, Census, Colonial Secretary] . Series 1273, Reels 2551-2552, 2506-2507. State Records Authority of New South Wales. Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia. Retrieved June 10 2016.

7 Ancestry.com. London, England, Wills and Probate, 1507-1858 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: London, England, Wills and Probate. London, England: London Metropolitan Archives and Guildhall Library Manuscripts. Images produced by permission of the City of London Corporation Libraries, Archives. Retrieved June 10 2016.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 15 - STITCHING AND THOUGHTS(Winter 1792)

Things settled down into a form of routine, over the next few months.

Elizabeth was alone a lot of the time. Thomas’ duties kept him busy for long periods and she was left to herself for much of the time.

She would have experienced many hardship in the fledgling colony, but with the prospect of a babe in the summer and the protection of a man who showed her kindness would have hopefully made her situation more bearable.

The sun settled early with the wintery days and Elizabeth looked out her precious window into the deepening shadows of early twilight. 

Jumping at the noise of the door opening she was surprised to find Thomas entering. She had’t heard him approaching, although it is a wonder that I did’t with the wobbly boot he seems to have on.

"Sir, sit down and let me take your boots off, you must be frozen with that bitter wind coming off the harbour.”

The scent of rum permeated the room, it must have been a slow day at the barracks today, she thought.

“Erlizabeeth, don’t you think it is time that youse, started calling me by me name? Youse can leave the Sir business, for when we are in company," he managed to slur before collapsing on the bed. 

Well, I’ll be!  Here I have been calling him Thomas in me thoughts for so long now, I guess I never thought he would want it too.

“I can have your dinner on the table in a minute Thomas, just let me pop outside and get us some out of the pot on the fire.”

When she came back in, it was to find Thomas snoring on the bed, dead to the world in a rum induced sleep.

Oh well, the more for me. I guess I can have the evening to myself, she thought closing the door on the bitter wind and night air.

Sitting down in what she thought as her little bit of luxury, Elizabeth remembered the day after she had told him of her condition. Thomas had shown up with some fabric and a needle and thread which he had traded for some of his rum. Rum was becoming more and more of a commodity in the colony. So now she was able to renew a skill she could remember her Mam teaching her a long time ago.  She spent many an evening with a needle in her hand. 

England seemed so very far away, I wonder if anyone from home remembers me? I don’t think I will ever get back there. Once this babe arrives I will become part of this country for all time. Patting her growing belly, a free settler, that’s what it will be called, she smiled at the thought. I can feel this land taking possession of me thoughts and soul each passing day,

Sighing in contentment she picked up her needlework and continued with the stitching for her new free settler.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 14 - STILL SAFE (Feb/Mar?? 1792)

“I’m sorry Sir, I don’t know how it happened, I mean I know how it happened, I just don’t…”

“Elizabeth, stop blabbering and just breathe and drink your tea.”

Tea? He has made me tea? Lors above, whatever is the world coming to?

“Now as you have so kindly informed me you are going to have a babe. Is that correct?”

“Yes Sir, I am fairly sure that is what is happening, I haven’t had my bleed of late and I have been awful sickly. I don’t know what else it could be, but maybe the salted pork, or, or it could be something that I got on the boat. Or, or…”

“Elizabeth, calm yourself. Yes I think you may be right, I think having a babe might be the answer, but I am sure we will know definitely soon enough.”

“I can have me things packed in no time Sir, can I keep this gown, Sir? I know you said it was mine last time, but do you still mean it now?”

“Elizabeth, what are you talking about? You aren’t going anywhere. I may not be able to marry you, but I can still keep you under my protection and for all intent and purposes, you will still be my housekeeper. We rub along nicely together don’t we, I don’t want you to go.”

With that Elizabeth burst into tears as she ran out the door again, for another appointment with her favourite bush!

Thomas sighed and took himself off to the barracks for his guard duty. He knew that it wouldn’t be easy but he also knew that he had gotten used to having the slip of a girl around.

Returning to the hut Elizabeth realised that Thomas had left for the day. She realised that she had been given a gift. A gift of respectability. Thomas as an officer is not able to marry me, a convict. But he is going to keep me.  Blind eyes are being turned everyday to relationships between soldiers and convicts. 

I guess I just need to keep him interested and wanting me around. I can’t bring this babe up on me own. I don’t want me babe to be taken away. I don’t know how to be a Ma. But I guess I will just have to learn. 

I can do this!

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 13 - NOT THE SALTED PORK! (Feb/Mar?? 1792)

Today is the day! Thomas has been granted a hut. We can get out of this tent.

Packing his possessions, so as to be ready when he returned, she thought, I wonder if I will ever have possessions of me own? 

It didn’t take long to set up the hut, as they didn’t have much to show for their time in the colony.

It was just one room, but it could be divided to accommodate living and sleeping arrangements. I will still be cooking outside but we have a solid roof over our heads. I have windows as well, I can open them to let in fresh air. 

They sat over the rum Thomas had bought home with him, before opening the windows to the night sky and watching the moon travel over their hut before they drifted off to sleep.

The next morning she woke with a start and rushed out the door, making her way to the bushes past the campfire.

Holding her hair away from the bush, another wave of dry retching overtook her. Surely I can’t have anything else to bring up! How long will this last? How will I tell him? 

“Elizabeth, where the hell are you? Where is my breakfast?” bellowed Thomas, from inside the hut. Wiping her mouth on her sleeve, she hurried to get back inside.

“It won’t be long Sir, just had to use the privy,” she replied, as she came around the bush swallowing the bile in her throat again. On entering the hut she had to steady herself against the door. Just breathe, I can’t tell him yet, I don’t want to leave ’ere.

“Elizabeth, what is wrong?” asked the Lieutenant. “You are pale and I think you have been doing more than just relieving yourself.”

I should have been more careful, he didn’t want a babe! Could I get rid of it? How could a convict bring up a baby without a father? He will send me to the factory.

“I’m with child!” she blurted, running back out to her favourite bush! So much for breakfast! 

Rising with a look of confusion Thomas followed. It wasn’t long before he found her, on her knees, behind an innocuous spindly bush. It was the guttural retching sounds that gave her away!

Approaching slowly, his nostrils flared with the acrid scent of vomit. Stopping away from her, breathing through his mouth, he called, “Are you all right?”

I’m just dandy! Do I look all right? Here I have just ‘shot the cat’ and you are asking me if I am all right, you great oaf?
“Yes, I am fine, I will be back directly and pour your tea.”

“Take your time Elizabeth. When you come in, I think we need to talk” he replied, retreating to the hut.

Blinking on entering the room after the brilliant sunshine of the late March day outside, Elizabeth noticed the teapot, two dainty cups - where had they come from? - and a bottle of rum on the table. Sipping from his pannikin of rum,Thomas looked up motioning to her to sit across from him.

“Well Betsey my dear, I gather we have a situation to attend to? Do you want tea or rum?” he asked gently with a smile.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 12 - THE EARLY DAYS (1792)

The days morphed into a string of endless hard work and hunger.

It was all she could do to keep the dust out of his clothes and to keep the food in their bellies. Thomas seemed to be constantly on duty and away for long periods of time.

I hope we get out of this tent soon and into one of them huts, they are building up on the hill, Elizabeth thought on a daily basis. Thomas keeps telling me that we will have our own dwelling soon. I hope he is right, a place to tend to the garden and grow things, would be good. 

The rations in the colony were reduced regularly. Elizabeth was challenged many times with the task of feeding them both, but it was a challenge that she relished and a challenge she rose up to.

If I wasn’t with Thomas, I don’t think I would have lasted this long. She had seen the treatment meted out to the single female convicts and she knew she was better off with the protection of her Red Coat.

This country is so dry, does it never rain? This harsh land has taken so many in the last couple of years. I hope the building of the Tank Stream finishes soon. If it does rain Thomas reckons it will provide us all with a reliable water storage in the dry times.

While she tended the fire and stirred the stew for supper, Elizabeth was assailed with waves of nausea. Running over to the edge of their camp she found herself hurling up much of her lunch.

Well I know that last bit of salted pork was just about to turn, but I didn’t think it had already!

Returning to the camp fire she resumed her stirring of the stew.

I hope he is home soon and not in his cups, she thought giving the stew a vicious stir.  It will be as tough as old bags soon and not fit for eating.

References 
The History of Sydney: Early Colonial Sydney, http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/history-6-early-col.html

STARR, MARION, Unhappy Exiles Convicts of the Pitt and Kitty 1792, Australia 1016

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 11 - VALENTINE'S DAY (1792)

“Stay here Elizabeth, I need to report to my commander, and get my orders. I will also find out where I will be quartered,” Thomas ordered before he left her in the shade of a tree, after disembarking.

Where would I go, she thought? All around her was blinding sunshine and bush, dirt and tents. Realising that the guards were approaching she noticed that chains were being taken off most of the convicts. They were a superfluous piece of equipment now. There was nowhere to escape to. The landscape was enough of a deterrent on it’s own! The bush was almost certain death.

Returning a couple of hours later, Thomas stirred Elizabeth from her rest. Sweat was glistening on her skin.

“Come, I have been given a tent. I have to report for duty this evening, so you will need to set up camp quickly, if I am to eat before I go.”

Lors above, I don’t know how to put up a tent.

Thankfully Thomas knew how and proceeded with this occupation while Elizabeth started a fire and prepared a meal from the rations that he gave her.

Over their joint meal Thomas explained, “The colony have been sorely disappointed with the arrival of the Pitt. They were expecting a lot more provisions and what has arrived only adds to the current store rations for a further 40 days.⁠[1] This place needs to be farmed Elizabeth, there could be great things happening in this new land. Land will be the key, yes land is the key.”

Elizabeth smiled and nodded, it wasn’t her place to have an opinion. She was just content that she was safe with someone she had come to know.

“What is the date Sir?”

“Why Elizabeth, it is the 14th February, 1792. Now there’s a date to remember for sure. We have arrived in this new land on Valentine’s Day. Will you be awake when I come home I wonder?”

I don’t know what Valentine’s Day is, but if the master wants me awake when he comes home I will be. 

The sun took a long time to set after Thomas left. The noises of the new colony ensured that Elizabeth was awake when Thomas returned. It had been impossible for her to sleep, what with each new unknown sound and the relentless heat that didn’t go away with the setting sun.

She felt him join her in the makeshift cot that she had assembled on the dirt floor.

“Elizabeth, why did you leave the dress I gave you behind in the cabin today?” he asked nuzzling up to her.

“I didn’t think it was mine to keep, I thought I was going back to the convict gang,” she replied turning over to look at him.

“Silly girl, why would I do that?”

Drifting off to sleep later in the arms of a snoring Red Coat she reflected, I guess there won’t be any bed bugs out here, but I hope there aren’t any other crawly things more bitey.

_________

1 STARR, MARION, Unhappy Exiles Convicts of the Pitt and Kitty 1792, Australia 1016

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 10 - THE ARRIVAL (1792)

Sweat gathered in places Elizabeth never knew she could sweat!

How can a body endure this heat and moisture? Me skin is always wet and me clothes always feel as if they are sticking to me. Even me precious air coming in through the porthole doesn’t refresh me, it is always hot and I never feel refreshed after me sleep.

Elizabeth jumped as a voice spoke from behind her at the door. “Elizabeth, please pack my belongings and your own, we will be docking at Sydney Cove today. You will need to rejoin the other females on deck when we dock. I will be busy all day so I won’t be down again.”

So the time has come.

I am to leave him and go back to me chains and whatever fate has in store for me. Pack me things. What things? I have been with him for nearly six months and he still doesn’t know that I have naught, other than the dress he gave me.

Elizabeth dragged her feet as she approached the other females gathering on the deck. One of the guards approached her with a smirk and quickly put her chains on again, while also giving her a quick smack across the face for good measure. Well I suppose I should have expected that.

Suddenly she jumped as overhead there sounded a bang as the guns rang out. Thomas had warn me last night that there would be a 13 gun salute when we approach the harbour. What was the point?

Standing near the rail, shading her eyes, Elizabeth was amazed at all the sights vying for her attention. If only it wasn’t so blasted hot. The view shimmered in the heat haze, but she was struck by the brilliant blue of the sea. Where are all the buildings? I thought there would be more buildings. So many tents and rough huts. Not like England at all. Breathing erratically, she realised that this was a very different place from her homeland.

Orders were given for disembarkation. Shuffling behind the other female convicts, she found herself herded like sheep on one side of the deck, while the men were on the other side.

The soldier was reading out from a large scroll. I had better pay attention or risk another cuff across the face from the guard.

Then she saw him, her Red Coat, and heard the soldier read, “Elizabeth Selwyn, sentenced for seven years, assigned to Lieutenant Thomas Rowley, as Housekeeper.⁠”[1]

Grabbing her cloth bundle, she hurried to his side. Not a free choice, but I can do this. If I had a choice though, I would choose him!

___________

1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806- 1849 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 5, 19-20, 32-51); The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 9 - THE PITT (1791-1792)

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Elizabeth woke to find a dress on the end of her cot and Thomas sitting on the chair watching her.

“Sorry Sir, I overslept. What is this?”

“Don’t worry Elizabeth, you haven’t overslept. I got that dress from one of the other soldier's wives, I thought you might like to change out of that one of yours.”

A new dress! Well not new really, but better than the rags I have on now. 

“Thank you Sir, I appreciate it. Do you want me to go and get your breakfast Sir?”

As the Lieutenant’s servant, she was now allowed some freedom on the ship. She could go to and from the galley but that was all. Thomas insisted that at all other times and everywhere else she was only to accompany him. At all other times she remained in the cabin.

Life onboard the Pitt soon became routine for Elizabeth. Her days consisted of keeping Thomas company and very few other duties. For the first time in her life she did’t have to worry about whether she would eat at the next mealtime. For the first time in a long while she had three meals a day.

Since leaving Yarmouth Roads, Plymouth they had being sailing for a month. There were cases of smallpox amongst the convicts and she was grateful that she was no longer amongst them. They had not long ago left St Jago and had been becalmed for a couple of weeks. Deaths were a daily occurrence, but funnily enough none of these, this time were convicts. I guess there is something for being confined to the ship, we don’t get to bring back any of the stinking illnesses, like the others do. 

Thomas said we were now low on water, so the Captain was going to head to a place called Rio de Janerio. We will be staying there again for a couple of weeks. It is hard to believe that it is now nearly November and we had been on the Pitt since July. I would like to get off this ship, but I don’t want to go to no prison. I wonder what the prisons in the new land will be like.

“Elizabeth, come up on deck with me, I need to walk off this inactivity,” Thomas was at the cabin door beckoning her to follow him.

“What’s wrong Sir, can I help?”

“Yes you can walk and talk with me, I have been cooped up listening to twaddle for over an hour now and I need distracting” he replied.

“Do you know it is nearly December Sir, how much longer before we get there, do you think?”

“I am not sure Elizabeth. There isn’t very far to go, but the weather isn’t looking good, I think there are storms brewing, that the Captain is worried about.”

Over the next few weeks the weather did indeed turn bad. Gale force winds plagued the vessel, with many of the convicts now being affected with illnesses. But still they sailed on.

Later that day Elizabeth found herself at her little window again. I don’t think I want this time to end. How will I fare when we dock in the new colony. What will happen to me? I suppose I will be back in chains. 

“Elizabeth, what are you looking at? You spend so much time at that porthole, I sometimes wondered if you will try squeezing through it to freedom.”

“Don’t be daft Sir, where would I go, I can’t even swim. Oh look, look, is that land in the distance.”

“Yes it is, we are coming into the Bass Strait and that is the little Island at the very south of the new land. It won’t be long now, a few weeks at the most. We will sail from here up the east coast and should be at Sydney Cove by mid February. We will soon be off this wretched boat and I will be back at my duties, thank heaven.”

But what of me? Elizabeth turned away from her precious fresh air, afraid that she would soon be denied it’s promise.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 8 - THE BARGAIN (1791)

Hurrying through the passage way she ran into the Red Coat, waiting for her.

“Tell me about yourself, what’s your name?” he asked.

I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t quite this.

“Elizabeth Selwyn, Sir. I think I am about nineteen and I am being transported ‘oer the seas, for 7 years. I stole some clothes Sir. I’m scared Sir.”

Fidgeting where she stood Elizabeth’s thoughts wandered down paths she had never explored before. He is looking me over like a piece of meat for the Sunday roast. But he doesn’t look mean and he sure looks good!

“Well Elizabeth, I have a proposition for you. I am bored and need some company. I also need someone to look after my things on this journey. I will expect you to keep my cabin tidy, my clothes respectable and share my bed and my days when I desire. In return I will protect you for the rest of the journey and you will not have to go down below to the hulls again. I am a gentleman and will not harm you in any way. What say you, is it a bargain?”

Well blow me down! I hadn’t seen this coming and he wants me to answer him now. How do I pass this offer up? He could just take me, without any deals. 

She had seen other women taken upstairs at the whim of officers and seamen, who had coin to grease the guard’s palms. If I say no he will just find another, should I say no?

Looking him straight in the eye, her answer came before she could give herself more time to think.

“Yes, sir,” she said in a rush.

“Come, follow me and I will take you to my cabin,” turning he headed up the ladder. Hurrying after him, Elizabeth hoped that she had made the right decision, but what choice do I have?

Entering the cabin she noticed the two cots on the wall, a chair and a tiny table. But it was dry and it’s saving grace was a tiny window that could let in the air. Air, glorious air. I can endure anything with fresh air each day. I wonder why he has a cabin with two cots?

“Elizabeth, my name is Thomas Rowley, I am a Lieutenant of the British Army and I am also going to the new colony, where I will be joining the NSW Corps. My time is my own until we get there, apart from a few meetings with my superiors at different intervals. I hope we can rub along well together. But for now, put those things down and come over here.” Shortly after Elizabeth was left in the cabin to tidy up his possessions. 

Well, if that is a taste of my duties for the rest of my time on this stinking ship, I guess I can manage!

He had told her that when not with him she would be confined to the cabin.

That suits me just fine, at least I will be away from all them eyes and there is always me little window.

28 DAY WRITING CHALLENGE DAY 7 - ONBOARD ENCOUNTERS (1791)

Sharing a hammock with three others wasn’t quite what I had in mind! But tis better than the floor with creepy crawlies running over me. How did these creatures get on board anyhows?

Elizabeth spent most of her time below decks in the hull of the boat. The convicts were supposed to be allowed up on deck for a short period each day, but it usually depended on their guard's mood.

It is the same today as all the other days. I can feel his eyes following me wherever I go. Who is he? He has a red coat, he must be an officer. He is a bit handsome.

“Get yourselves below decks, time’s up. Enough air for today,” yelled one of the guards, accompanied by a swift kick to one of the other convicts. Elizabeth hurried past him to avoid the same fate. 

I couldn’t ever get too much air, she thought, oh, I wish I didn’t have to go back down. Taking a big gulp of the sea air and filling her lungs, it was almost as if she hoped to breathe freshness into the dark, stale and musty space where she spent so much of her time.

How can this ship stay upright with so many of us on it? The Captain said there was 402 of us, let alone the crew and their wives. Why would anyone board one of these ships voluntarily? I guess they have their reasons, not like the rest of us, with no choice.
————

Lieutenant Thomas Rowley had a fair bit of time on his hands. Being part of the NSW Corps bound for Australia, left him with few duties while onboard. He was restless and in need of diversion. The last two months onboard were taking their toll on his nerves.

Taking his daily exercise around the deck he found himself watching the female convicts again.  It helped with the endless monotony of the ship board life.

That slip of a girl shows promise. After all, my cabin will surely be a step up from the hulls so to speak! I will speak to her tomorrow, how hard can it be?

______

Whatever is happening? Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Elizabeth peered over the sleeping figure beside her.

From the chink of daylight coming through the opening to the hull she noticed a commotion near the doorway. The guards were coming in with someone else.

It’s him!  Her Red Coat Officer.  She gave herself a shake, her red coat indeed! Holding her breath as they approached  she felt stirring beside her in the hammock.

“You there, get your things and come with us,” sniggered the guard, while the officer with him, held a kerchief over his nose.

Scrambling out of the hammock, she found herself the object of much speculation. It didn’t take long to gather her possessions, she only had a shawl and boots.

As she followed with her heart beating fit to burst, she wondered what's in store for you now, Elizabeth?

Writing the Family Saga - Flash Story 5

Bang, bang, bang! It’s still dark! Who could be at the door? Rubbing her eyes Louisa grabbed her housecoat, rushing to open the front door. A policeman stood on the verandah.

Dear God no! It can’t be John, can it? Grabbing hold of the door frame her legs began to shake uncontrollably.

“Mrs Engstrom, there has been an accident, John is in hospital, you need to come quickly.”

“I won’t be more than two minutes, Officer,” turning on her heel, she rushed down the hall to throw on her dress and coat.

Listening to the policeman on the journey into town, Louisa’s gave up trying to keep her tears in check. John had been clearing the building site. While carrying wood he had slipped in the mud, crashing down the incline, with the roughly hewn wood going everywhere. By the time his employer had reached him, he was screaming in pain with a large piece of wood sticking out the side of his face. He thankfully, lost consciousness, before being taken to the hospital. [1]

Not mincing his words the officer explained the piece of wood had torn his jaw and cheek, causing him to lose a lot of blood.

Four days later, in great agony, John gave up his battle.[2] Louisa never left her son’s side.

I should never have let him take that job. I should protect my children! He was only fourteen years old.

Tears streaming down her face, she clung to his hand. Oh my dear Johnny. Now I have to bury you too, beside your father and step-father!

Reflective Statement

I tried to write this story with Louisa’s voice at the forefront. I am not sure that I have succeeded.

I still find that I struggle with tenses and I must admit that I changed words ending in “ing” to ending with “ed” many times.

I found an article on the Trove website reporting on this tragic accident, in 1890. I wove my story from this information. My great Uncle was the fourth eldest of eight children to a twice widowed mother.


[1] Gunnedah. (1890, March 1). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 15. Retrieved May 27, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71108542

[2] Australia, Death Index, 1787-1985 for John Brandt (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), http://www.ancestry.com.au.

Writing the Family Saga - Flash Story 4

Surely the boat would be better than this hell hole. We have been crammed in here for so long, I have forgotten what month it is!

Elizabeth’s nostrils twitched with the stale smell of tobacco and rum emanating from the gaoler coming down the passageway.

“Wake up you scraggily wenches, it’s time to go. Your next ‘ome will be on HMS The Pitt. Yer, got first rate digs,” he said, spitting on the floor as he entered, “now ‘urry up, you’ll be marching to the harbour.”

Shivering in her skimpy rags, with water running ankle deep in the gutters, she sighed as the eery silence of the early morning fog engulfed her. I have never been on a boat before, I ‘ope our lodgings are better than the gaol.

Her hopes were soon dashed on arriving at the wharf.

Climbing down the ladder, I gagged as the overwhelming stench and damp hit me. At least we have hammocks, even if I have to share, it’s better than the floor. Her chains clinked in time to all the others. So much for our first rate digs! This is going to be a long voyage!

Lieutenant Rowley walked up the gangplank. I hope I have a decent cabin.

“Boy, where’re you taking my things?” calling after his batman.

“Lieutenant, your cabin is this way please.”

Hmmp, cramped but better than I expected. Where is that wailing and smell coming from? Holding his kerchief to his nose and rubbing his hand over the mattress, he sighed, this is going to be a long voyage!

Reflective Statement

I struggled big time this week to choose my e-tivity. After much deliberation, I realised that I was thinking too broadly and trying to cover too much.

When I remembered to focus on just one incident, I was able to tackle this e-tivity, with a bit more confidence.

I still had to 'kill some darlings' in my efforts to describe two different accounts of my great, great, great grandparents arrival on the ship that would bring them to Australia.

Writing the Family Saga - Flash Story 3

Dry retching again, she held her hair away from the bush. She couldn’t have anything else to bring up, she thought! When does this stop? How would she tell him? 

“Elizabeth, where are you, where is my breakfast?” bellowed the Lieutenant coming toward the kitchen.

Wiping her mouth on her sleeve, she scurried through the back door, just before he entered the kitchen.

“It won’t be long Sir, I just stepped out to get the eggs,” she replied, swallowing bile again. Just breathe, she thought, I’m not ready to let him know, I don’t want to leave ’ere.

Placing his plate on the table she found herself remembering the day The Pitt sailed into Sydney Cove.

Seven years transportation, was a long time, she would never see her family again. She felt him watching her as soon as she came on the deck with the others. It sent a shiver of fear down her spine. Names were being read out by a scrawny soldier standing near the gangplank. Fate had been kind to her that day, she hadn’t expected to leave the boat as housekeeper to Lieutenant Thomas Rowley!

“Elizabeth, what is wrong with you?” asked the Lieutenant. “You are miles away, it’s not like you to be wool gathering.”

She should have been more careful, she thought, he didn’t want a babe! Could she get rid of it? How could a convict bring up a baby without a father? Now he would send her to the barracks, as she deserved.

“I’m with child!” she blurted out as she burst into tears, running out the door to her favourite bush!

Reflective Statement

I chose to write this story as it is the beginning of my Family Saga in Australia.

I can only imagine what it must have been like for Elizabeth, to find herself pregnant to Thomas only a month after being assigned to him and arriving in Australia.

I am finding that I like writing dialogue as I think, it is an outlet for my overactive imagination! I am also finding that although I want to stay true to facts that I have found, I am definitely enjoying the Creative Non- fiction genre!

Week Six Flash Story

My Photo 

The boys and I are ready. Mr Kent will be here to take our photograph soon. I will finally have a record of my success. Something to hand down to my children and hopefully their children. I have never had my photograph taken before.

The three trucks sparkled in the sunlight. They had been washed and polished until they shone with the combined effort of Samuel and his team.

SS Briggs Contractor - Roselle was painted on the side of each of the three trucks.

Just think, it was only last week that I had been running the business with horses and drays. Now here I am the owner of these fine new trucks.

This type of advertising is the future . My business will prosper with this advertising promotion. 

****

Now approximately ninety five years later, I ponder this professionally taken photo in my possession, taken in circa 1920 by Milton C Kent.

My research and University courses have shown me the importance of this photo. I need to release it from the cluttered drawer and get it in a frame on my wall.

Obviously it meant a great deal to my Grandfather, although I don't remember my mum ever talking about it.

I wonder if the Great Depression proved the downfall of his business. History was to prove that things didn't go well for Samuel.

Week Five Flash Story

THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN HIS EYES

JOHN 

As he arrived at work covered in mud from the walk in the rain, he couldn't remember a day of his fourteen years, when he hadn’t been working.

He wondered what it would be like to go to school, to have holidays, to play footy with mates.

At least he got a pay packet each week, which was better than working for Mother at the Inn for nothing. Instead of giving all he earned to Mother, he longed to buy little Ethel something special. A little sweetie from the General Store would put a smile on her face.

John loved to see that smile. But there hadn't been much to smile about, after Father died seven years ago. Then the death of Step Father two years later.

But work he must and if he must, he might as well get on with it.

When returning from lugging another load of wood inside for the cook, he slipped in the mud and came crashing down with the roughly cut wood going everywhere. He heard screaming and realised it was coming from him. That couldn't be a piece of wood sticking out of the side of his face could it? 

He lost consciousness.

Four days later John gave up his battle with pain. Another life ended too soon.