Edmund F. Du Cane - Letters [M835], 1851-1856

M 835

fonds

Canberra : Australian Joint Copying Project, [19--]

432414

Microfilm : M 835

microfilm reel 35 mm

Military officer and prison administrator. Obtained a commission in the Royal Engineers in 1848, and in 1851 was sent to W.A. to superintend works for the convict establishment. Later he acted as visiting magistrate of convict stations in the colony and became known for his progressive attitude. He returned to England in 1856 and later became Chairman of Directors of Convict Prisons, Inspector General of Military Prisons and Surveyor-General of Prisons

16 letters from Sir Edmund DuCane in Western Australia to his mother and brothers, Arthur and Richard. The first letters were written on Board the Anna Robertson, one describing in detail shipboard life. Other letters describe details of social life and the settlements at Perth and Guildford. Events recorded include the Governor's expedition in Feb. 1852 to Champion Bay, the wreck of the Eglinton in Sept. 1852 and rumours of the cessation of transportation in 1853. His letters include sketches of settlers and officials, aborigines, buildings and animals. Includes DuCane's personal views of the convict system, such as the labour problems he faced when building the bridge over the Swan River at Guildford

Filmed as part of the Australian Joint Copying Project by the National Library of Australia and the State Library of New South Wales
National Library of Australia holds microfilm master
Available for reference
Australian Joint Copying Project handbook. Part 8 : Miscellaneous [M series], Entry 49, p. 33
Australian Joint Copying Project miscellaneous series M835
Microfilm copy of originals held in private ownership