Henry Thomas Fox papers, [ca. 1831-ca. 1934]

MLMSS 10381

fonds

[ca. 1831-ca. 1934]

Textual Records, Ephemera, Clippings, Graphic Materials, Photographs

414089

0.16 metres of textual material (1 box) - manuscript, printed

Henry Thomas Fox, master mariner was born in Devon. He arrived in Van Diemens Land in 1840 and between 1842 and 1853 was master of various coastal and Pacific vessels based in Sydney. In later years he was well known as a businessman.
The material in these three albums was inherited by John Simeon Pierson Ramsay (1884-1981) and listed by John Pearson Ramsay (b. 1923). It includes approximately 250 documents relating to the business, family and career of Henry Thomas Fox including original letters and documents, notes and transcripts, copies of testimonials from passengers on ships commanded by Fox, poems, original sketches and watercolours, photographs, official documents and clippings. There is a wealth of information about municipal life in Sydney (Burwood) in the mid-nineteenth century. Of note is a letter from Phillip Parker King to Fox accepting an invitation to a public meeting about establishing a nautical school in Sydney. A detailed contents list with Australian Dictionary of Biography references to correspondents is located with the collection.

Reference:
Mitchell Library file

Album 1: includes original family documents including letter from Ranulph Dacre instructing Captain Fox to proceed to manila on a secret mission involving stores, 1842; a letter appointing Fox to post as marine Surveyor, 1857; cards and invitations; press cuttings about the visit of Havelock Ellis to Sydney, including a reference to hospitality provided by Captain Fox near Burwood, 1857
Album 2: includes photographs of Teignmouth and family members; testimonials; collection of letters to the editor
Album 3: includes letters regarding the proposed Nautical School; memos and notes regarding ships; wills and drafts

Copyright restrictions may apply:
Research & study copies allowed:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and courtesy copyright holder