Description Rev John William McKenzie

187 Albion St. Surry Hills, Sydney N.S.W.

Aug 31st 1882

My Dear Sister Bella

It seems a very long time since i've either heard from or wrote you, so I must see and get a letter ready for you by first mail. Altho we have been here over a week nearly a fortnight I have not mailed any letters for Nova Scotia. Letters go much quicker by San Francisco than by London so I am waiting for the S. F. mail which is to be made up in a week. I think it only goes once a month. I mailed letters at Cape Town

so you have probably arr heard of our safe arrival that far. We had a very find passage to Australia, with the exception of a few days when past the Cape, during which it blew very hard. We made the trip in about forty five days. We were very much disappointed that we could not go ashore at Cape Town. I was very anxious to set foot on the great continent of Africa. But small-pox was raging there, so we were prevented from going ashore. I dare say it was just as well for we cannot keep to far away from that dire disease. Any ships that call there now are put into quarintine when they arrive here. Jessie and Norman were vaccinated in Nova Scotia, but Morrison was not, so we have had him vaccinated on board. Unfortunately, however, it did not take, altho it was done twice. Jessie is back again with the Ellas and getting of very well.  She is much more contented that she was there before. Mrs. Ella says she will be quite quick to learn.

Norman misses her very much, and at times bursts out crying because he can not see her. He and Morrison, if spared will be company for each other in the Islands. Jessie often said "I wish I had some one to play with me." We had a great difficulty in keeping her away from the natives, being so lonely. You know Joseph and Arthur were between her and Norman, and they took sick when very young. Then Norman was too small to play with her when she left the Islands. Amanda misses her very much for she was a great help in keeping baby. She always kept him at meal times. My health since I arrived in Sydney had been very poor, better indeed than it was in Nova Scotia. The winter there was too severe for me. It is just pleasant here now as winter is just over and the hot weather has not set in. The dust, however is beginning to be very disagreeable on the streets for although they are constantly at

work watering them, they dry up so fast that clouds of dust rise i a few minutes after. 

The Dayspring leaves here for the Islands on the 20th of Sept, so we have about two weeks and a half to remain here yet. She is not getting away soon as I expected her to do when I left home. Something has detained her in the group.  I had a letter from Effie since arriving here. Was sorry to hear that dear mother was not well. She did everything in her power to benefit my health when I was at home. She gave me a glass of milk three times a day, and s-eh milk.  No money could buy it out here. Was glad to hear that you were very well. Hope you many live in the smile of our Heavenly Father. May His everlasting arms be around you. Was very sorry that I had not opportunity of seeing your husband. Give him our kind regards.

I remain your affectionate Bro. John W.

My address is c/o Rev Dr Steel, Sydney, Australia