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Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, June 12, 1848

documentary heritage
  • Description

    Asking for history, grammar, geography, and spelling books suitable for her two young daughters, Marianne and Caroline. Jane writes that they had begun to require a good deal of attention and that her other daughter, Jane Elizabeth, had become instrumental to their instruction, especially given her patient but firm temperament. Jane sent five pounds for the purchase of the books and tells Catherine to treat herself with any surplus.

    Jane goes on to enquire after her old friend Mrs Gordon, who she feared had become displeased after Jane discouraged her sons from coming to New Zealand. She goes on to comment that she hoped the Gordons had not got the idea that missionaries had become against colonization. Finally, she asks Catherine to forward to New Zealand any short ends of coloured worsted or wool. She writes that it was prized to the excellent Maori mat manufacturers, who worked it into the boarders.

  • Other Id

    14432 (Presto content ID)

    MS-1991-75-743 (Reference Number)

  • Department

    Manuscripts

Images and documents

Catalogue

  • Object Type

    manuscript

  • Name/Title
    Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, June 12, 1848
  • Primary Maker

     Algar Williams

  • Date
    1848
    1783-1963
  • Physical Description

    7pp on 1 leaf ; 198mm x 257mm Folded to 198mm x 129mm.

  • 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 Wives, Missionary Women, Missionary Families, Turanga, Dixon, Marianne Brown, Mrs Gordon, Maori Arts, Turanga]

  • 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 Dec 2023
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