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Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, December 7, 1837

documentary heritage
  • Description

    Reporting that William Williams translation of the First Testament had been completed and was ready to be printed. The arrival of Baron De Thierry is briefly mentioned, however, Jane states that she must leave it to others to describe him and the event. In this letter Jane thanks Mrs Heathcote [Kate] and other contributors such as Miss Cooper, Miss Bernard, Miss Culshaw, Miss Pigott, and Mrs Lawson for the box of gifts, including garments, books, and newspapers.

    Janes goes on to write of the arrival and departure of various family members to and from New Zealand; Marianne Junior had gone with Mr and Mrs Marsden "to the Colony" and Edward Williams had arrived back safely, despite his ongoing illness following a fall at Waimate. The former teacher at the English boys school, Mr Bobart and his new wife Miss Marsden, are also mentioned. Finally, a note is added from Thomas Sydney Williams, thanking his aunt for the gift of the book The Peep of Day.

  • Other Id

    14408 (Presto content ID)

    MS-1991-75-719 (Reference Number)

  • Department

    Manuscripts

Images and documents

    Catalogue

    • Object Type

      manuscript

    • Name/Title
      Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, December 7, 1837
    • Primary Maker

       Algar Williams

    • Date
      1837
      1783-1963
    • Physical Description

      4pp on 1 leaf ; 250mm x 406mm Folded to 250mm x 204mm.

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

      Williams Family Papers, 1783 - 1963

    • Classification
      Holograph
    • Public Access Text

      cross-written.

      [Keywords: Correspondence, Colonialism, Missionary Women, Missionary Wives, Missionary Families, Missionary Schools]

    • 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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