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Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, July 9, 1844

documentary heritage
  • Description

    Janes writes of the lack of correspondence she had received from friends and family in New Zealand and abroad. She attributes the reduction to the lack of vessels arriving at Poverty Bay, due to the number of ships wrecked along the Eastern Coast (for the lack of safe anchorage), as well as the stagnation of trade at Port Nicholson and Auckland. She goes on to write of her children, Mary and James, and their little flower garden.

    She also writes of William Williams need of an assistant, and lists the abundant jobs that could not be attended in his frequent absences. Jane shares the news that Mr Brown had been appointed Archdeacon of Tauranga, and goes on to comment on the Bishop Selwyn's ability to do his duties. Finally, she enquires after the progress of the Westhorpe Church and comments that her family had now lived in New Zealand for eighteen years.

  • Other Id

    14417 (Presto content ID)

    MS-1991-75-728 (Reference Number)

  • Department

    Manuscripts

Images and documents

Catalogue

  • Object Type

    manuscript

  • Name/Title
    Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, July 9, 1844
  • Primary Maker

     Algar Williams

  • Date
    1844
    1783-1963
  • Physical Description

    8pp on 1 leaf ; 246mm x 403mm Folded to 246mm x 202mm.

  • Language
    English
  • Collection
    Algar Williams
  • Level of Current Record
    Child
  • Is Part Of

    Williams Family Papers, 1783 - 1963

  • Public Access Text

    cross-written.

    [Keywords: Correspondence, Colonialism, Missionary Women, Missionary Wives, Loneliness]

  • Subject Notes
    Jane Williams (nee Nelson � 1801-1896) was the wife of William Williams, and a force for Missionary work in her own right. Trained as a school teacher, she taught Maori women and girls the art of domestic 'English' life. During her husbands frequent absences, Jane managed the day to day running of their mission. She is remembered as a bright, intelligent, courageous and cheerful soul.
    [Further reading: Faith and Farming: The legacy of Henry Williams and William Williams. pg. 275]
  • Last Update
    07 Jul 2023
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