"Windsor, Hawkesbury, June 25th, 1812.My dear Madam,“The contents of this letter will surprise you. I hope that I am not the less grateful for your goodness because God has blessed me with such abundance, that I no longer require that aid from England which has hitherto been such a blessing to me. Indeed, my dearest madam, my good and early friend, I am most grateful for all your past favours, though I do not wish to tax a generosity which I donot now, in the same manner, need. May Heaven bless your warm heart, which will glow with fervent praise to God when you read this letter from your former poor servant!“Everything that I could wish for, and, oh! how much more than I deserve, have I had granted to me in this place of probation! God grant I may not set my heart too much upon their value! Dearest lady, I have men-servants and maid-servants, horses and cattle, flocks and herds in abundance. I have clothing and furniture above what you can imagine, and a house wide enough to entertain in it all your numerous family. But, more than all this, I have an excellent husband, one whose constancy from his youth has been beyond the praise which I could find language to express.“You may remember what I once told you of a young man whom I had rejected for a less worthy one. He has proved his love for me in such a manner as I am sure could never have been seen in any but the most noble of his nature. He told me in England that he would never marry any other, and through years of industry and prosperity (and as I have every reason to believe he would have done to the last day of this life) has kept himself single on my account. Did you ever chance to hear of such a case as this? When I reflect upon it, as I often do, I find it more and more wonderful.“You must remember my telling you of Mr. John Barry’s attachment to me. He left me when I lived at Nacton, and came out here among the earliest free settlers in the country, and has prospered beyond his utmost anticipations. He found me out here by accidental inquiries of my dear Mrs. Palmer, and obtained for me my free pardon. My wishes to return again to my native land became absorbed in the sense of duty and obligation to my benefactor, who, when he had obtained that pardon, gave me the option of sharing my life and freedom with him, or of being independent here or elsewhere. Noblegenerosity! Does it not win your heart? It won mine. I am his faithful wife: happy, happy, as the days are long. He is good, virtuous, amiable, and truly religious; constant in his love to God and man. I could fill many letters in speaking of his virtues; but I forget that you never saw him, though he lived upon the shores of the same river that you do.“He is very good to me, so that I want nothing more from England. How proud shall I be to send you now anything which this country produces!“Herewith I send you a sketch of my present beautiful abode, done by Mrs. Palmer. It will give you a slight idea of my situation. I send you also a present of various seeds, skins of animals (one of the ursine opossum), and dried plants, which I think will be valuable to you; and also some curious weapons and instruments of the natives, for my dear friend, Dr. Stebbing.“What a wonderful life has mine been! You only, my dear lady, know its reality. There may be others equally eventful; but how few are there who find such a place of unmerited repose as I have? My dear sister’s words often recur to my mind when she told me whom I should not marry: I wonder if she ever thought of the one I have married. There are many very excellent people in this flourishing country. The governor and his family have received us, and have been very kind to me. My dear friend, Mrs. Palmer, is now staying in my house. She is my benefactress here, as you were in England. Oh! if I could but bring you both together, and could sit quietly listening to your conversation, it would be such an intellectual treat as few could more enjoy! She is, like yourself, very clever. I believe I should die happier if I could see your dear, loved face in this land; but if that never may be, nor I see old England again, then may Heaven bless you; and God bestow His brightest gifts of grace upon you and your children!“I am this moment engaged, and lay down my pen to give directions concerning the work in that most interesting of all femaleemployments, preparing for the coming of a family of my own. Mrs. Palmer, who sees me writing these words, says, ‘How astonished you will be!’ You will rejoice in my happiness. I know you will. Forgive, dear lady, all my errors, both of the weakness of my head and heart. Give my love to all my dear friends. Any person coming to this country, with a recommendation from you to me, will find the warmest reception. In justice to my husband, I would forget what I have been, and I speak seldom of my past errors, though, before God, I never cease to lament and repent of them; and did I not know who ‘died for the ungodly,’ my grief for the past would be without consolation. Blessed faith, that teaches the contrite how to be comforted! Who can value Thee as he ought in this struggling state!“I can add but a few more words, and I do so with tears and trembling. It is not from pride of heart. Dear lady, you must judge of its propriety. I am likely to increase my family; and I would conceal from them, in future years, their mother’s early history, at least those parts which are so unworthy to be mentioned. But I feel that my maiden name cannot be forgotten in your neighbourhood. Hundreds will speak of it when you and I shall be no more. Oh that it could be represented to the world in its proper light, as a warning to that portion of my countrywomen to which I belonged, that they never give way to their headstrong passions, lest they fall as I did! But ‘the tender mercies of God are over all His works,’ and I can never magnify that mercy too much, as it has been shown to me.“If, dear lady, as years increase, our correspondence should not be so frequent, because of my altered situation in this country, do not think me proud. Your feelings as a mother will point to the nature of my own. You would not have your children know your faults. Pardon this, perhaps, my greatest weakness.“Should you ever think fit, as you once hinted in your letter to me, to write my history, or should leave it to others to publish, you have my free permissionat my decease, whenever that shall take place, so to do. But let my husband’s name be concealed. Change it, change it to any other; not for his sake, for it is worthy to be written in golden characters, but for mine and my children’s sake! And now, dear lady, farewell. God’s peace be with you! and ever think of me as"Your grateful and affectionate servant,Margaret Barry."
"Windsor, Hawkesbury, June 25th, 1812.
My dear Madam,
“The contents of this letter will surprise you. I hope that I am not the less grateful for your goodness because God has blessed me with such abundance, that I no longer require that aid from England which has hitherto been such a blessing to me. Indeed, my dearest madam, my good and early friend, I am most grateful for all your past favours, though I do not wish to tax a generosity which I donot now, in the same manner, need. May Heaven bless your warm heart, which will glow with fervent praise to God when you read this letter from your former poor servant!
“Everything that I could wish for, and, oh! how much more than I deserve, have I had granted to me in this place of probation! God grant I may not set my heart too much upon their value! Dearest lady, I have men-servants and maid-servants, horses and cattle, flocks and herds in abundance. I have clothing and furniture above what you can imagine, and a house wide enough to entertain in it all your numerous family. But, more than all this, I have an excellent husband, one whose constancy from his youth has been beyond the praise which I could find language to express.
“You may remember what I once told you of a young man whom I had rejected for a less worthy one. He has proved his love for me in such a manner as I am sure could never have been seen in any but the most noble of his nature. He told me in England that he would never marry any other, and through years of industry and prosperity (and as I have every reason to believe he would have done to the last day of this life) has kept himself single on my account. Did you ever chance to hear of such a case as this? When I reflect upon it, as I often do, I find it more and more wonderful.
“You must remember my telling you of Mr. John Barry’s attachment to me. He left me when I lived at Nacton, and came out here among the earliest free settlers in the country, and has prospered beyond his utmost anticipations. He found me out here by accidental inquiries of my dear Mrs. Palmer, and obtained for me my free pardon. My wishes to return again to my native land became absorbed in the sense of duty and obligation to my benefactor, who, when he had obtained that pardon, gave me the option of sharing my life and freedom with him, or of being independent here or elsewhere. Noblegenerosity! Does it not win your heart? It won mine. I am his faithful wife: happy, happy, as the days are long. He is good, virtuous, amiable, and truly religious; constant in his love to God and man. I could fill many letters in speaking of his virtues; but I forget that you never saw him, though he lived upon the shores of the same river that you do.
“He is very good to me, so that I want nothing more from England. How proud shall I be to send you now anything which this country produces!
“Herewith I send you a sketch of my present beautiful abode, done by Mrs. Palmer. It will give you a slight idea of my situation. I send you also a present of various seeds, skins of animals (one of the ursine opossum), and dried plants, which I think will be valuable to you; and also some curious weapons and instruments of the natives, for my dear friend, Dr. Stebbing.
“What a wonderful life has mine been! You only, my dear lady, know its reality. There may be others equally eventful; but how few are there who find such a place of unmerited repose as I have? My dear sister’s words often recur to my mind when she told me whom I should not marry: I wonder if she ever thought of the one I have married. There are many very excellent people in this flourishing country. The governor and his family have received us, and have been very kind to me. My dear friend, Mrs. Palmer, is now staying in my house. She is my benefactress here, as you were in England. Oh! if I could but bring you both together, and could sit quietly listening to your conversation, it would be such an intellectual treat as few could more enjoy! She is, like yourself, very clever. I believe I should die happier if I could see your dear, loved face in this land; but if that never may be, nor I see old England again, then may Heaven bless you; and God bestow His brightest gifts of grace upon you and your children!
“I am this moment engaged, and lay down my pen to give directions concerning the work in that most interesting of all femaleemployments, preparing for the coming of a family of my own. Mrs. Palmer, who sees me writing these words, says, ‘How astonished you will be!’ You will rejoice in my happiness. I know you will. Forgive, dear lady, all my errors, both of the weakness of my head and heart. Give my love to all my dear friends. Any person coming to this country, with a recommendation from you to me, will find the warmest reception. In justice to my husband, I would forget what I have been, and I speak seldom of my past errors, though, before God, I never cease to lament and repent of them; and did I not know who ‘died for the ungodly,’ my grief for the past would be without consolation. Blessed faith, that teaches the contrite how to be comforted! Who can value Thee as he ought in this struggling state!
“I can add but a few more words, and I do so with tears and trembling. It is not from pride of heart. Dear lady, you must judge of its propriety. I am likely to increase my family; and I would conceal from them, in future years, their mother’s early history, at least those parts which are so unworthy to be mentioned. But I feel that my maiden name cannot be forgotten in your neighbourhood. Hundreds will speak of it when you and I shall be no more. Oh that it could be represented to the world in its proper light, as a warning to that portion of my countrywomen to which I belonged, that they never give way to their headstrong passions, lest they fall as I did! But ‘the tender mercies of God are over all His works,’ and I can never magnify that mercy too much, as it has been shown to me.
“If, dear lady, as years increase, our correspondence should not be so frequent, because of my altered situation in this country, do not think me proud. Your feelings as a mother will point to the nature of my own. You would not have your children know your faults. Pardon this, perhaps, my greatest weakness.
“Should you ever think fit, as you once hinted in your letter to me, to write my history, or should leave it to others to publish, you have my free permissionat my decease, whenever that shall take place, so to do. But let my husband’s name be concealed. Change it, change it to any other; not for his sake, for it is worthy to be written in golden characters, but for mine and my children’s sake! And now, dear lady, farewell. God’s peace be with you! and ever think of me as
So ends the correspondence of Margaret with her mistress. That lady wrote one more letter to her, assuring her of her joy and thankfulness at her providential settlement in the land of her adoption. She told her that she had kept the early facts of her history in such order, that on some future day they might perhaps be published, but that her wishes should be strictly attended to, and her parental anxieties respected. She took an affectionate leave of her in that last letter, promising not to intrude anything of past obligation upon her notice, but leaving it entirely to her own heart to recognize any friends of hers, from the county of Suffolk, who might, either in military, naval, or civil capacity, go out to Sydney. How delicately those wishes were observed, some can well remember.
Margaret Barry lived many years at Windsor, greatly respected and beloved. She had one son and two daughters, who received the best education which England could afford, and returned to settle in their native land. Among the foremost for intelligence, benevolence, activity, and philanthropy, is the distinguished son of Margaret; and in the future history of Australia he will bear no unimportant share in her celebrity and greatness. The daughters are amiable and accomplished, and have married gentlemen of the first respectability in the country.
After fifteen years of the tenderest and most uninterrupted domestic comfort, Margaret had the severe affliction to undergo of losing her devoted and excellent husband, who died September 9th, 1827, leaving the bulkof his property at her disposal. She removed to Sydney in 1828, where she was conspicuous only for the mildness of her manners, and the unostentatious character of her habits of life.
She had a great desire that her son should settle in her native county of Suffolk, and he came over to this country with that view; and when the sale of Kentwell Hall took place, he was nearly the last bidder for it. His resolution, however, seemed to fail him at the last moment, and he did not become the purchaser of the estate. He stayed a year in England, and then returned, with a determination not to settle in any other country than his native one. He returned to close the eyes of his affectionate parent, who died September 10th, 1841, in the sixty-eighth year of her age.
Since the first publication of theLife of Margaret Catchpole, many have been the correspondents who have addressed the author upon the subject of her life and character. Many have been the inquiries made concerning her, and many things, which the author never heard of her, have since come to light. They would fill a volume. The author has no intention of inflicting any further pain upon the sensitive minds of some, who, in writing to him, have quite overlooked the idea that he, the author, had any sensitiveness whatsoever. He has no intention of reviving any feeling of the past, respecting what may or may not be mere local descriptive scenic representation; but there are certain moral representations which the author gave, both of her early respectability and character, which he deems it but a mere act of common justice to her memory to substantiate, and thus furnish the only defence which can ever be in his power to make against those who accused him of wilful misrepresentation. Though all the documents relating to this extraordinary female are duly filed and preserved,—and her own letters in her own handwriting have been transmitted for inspection to several inquirers,—there are some facts which may be interesting as proof positive of theassertions contained in the narrative. To a few of such the author now refers the reader.
The first is a letter from the Reverend William Tilney Spurdens, formerly head-master of the Grammar School at North Walsham, Norfolk; a celebrated scholar, the translator of Longinus, the early and beloved tutor and friend of the author. This gentleman had an uncle at Brandiston in Suffolk, with whom he used to stay, and to that uncle and to Peggy’s aunt he refers in this letter.
North Walsham, 30th Oct. 1846.My dear Friend,“I cannot delay to put you in possession of my ‘love-passages' with your heroine, albeit, at this present writing, suffering much pain from asthma and chronic bronchitis, which are both aggravated by our foggy air for some days past.“In my early childhood I had an uncle, an aged widower with no family, who did me the favour of being very fond of me. He had one domestic in his house, and another out of it, the former a female, the latter a male. The former rejoiced in the name of Nanny, I suppose there was another postfixed to it, but of this I am not cognizant: but Nanny had a niece, or cousin, or something of the kind, namedPeggy Catchpole; and whenever the old uncle’s favourite paid him a visit, the maid’s paid a visit to her, 'for,’ as Nanny used to say, ‘it was so comfortable for thechildren, like; and the little dears helped to amuse one another;' and so it was that Peg and I walked together, played together, and slept together.“I wish I could give you dates, which are the sinews of history, you know. There is one event which my mind connects very exactly with this period, and which will afford you one date. Peggy and her young swain were going on philandering at supper, at the time of the loss of theRoyal George, at Spithead. The newspaper came in while my good relative was playing a hit at backgammon with his neighbour, the doctor,as was their frequent practice; and by dint of spelling, and a lift or two over hard words, I read to them the mournful narrative. For this I received sixpence, and laid it out in figs, of which Peg and her swain each ate so many as to make themselves ill.“Now all this would unquestionably have been forgotten, had it been made fresh in the memory from Peggy’s subsequent career. Whilst she was in Ipswich Gaol I made interest with the personage, then usually called ‘Old Rip,’ to see her, intending to give her money. I must then have been a young man. She, however, would not know anything of me—in fact, ‘cut me:’ and so I kept my money. But I afterwards learned that Ripshaw would not have permitted it to be given! ‘And that’s all.'“I am afraid that, with all the exuberance of your imagination, would be puzzled to concoct a chapter out of this.“I am beginning to long for our young friend’s visitin order to [ ] my introductionto your other heroine."Meanwhile I am,"My dear Sir,"Yours very truly,"W. T. Spurdens."
North Walsham, 30th Oct. 1846.
My dear Friend,
“I cannot delay to put you in possession of my ‘love-passages' with your heroine, albeit, at this present writing, suffering much pain from asthma and chronic bronchitis, which are both aggravated by our foggy air for some days past.
“In my early childhood I had an uncle, an aged widower with no family, who did me the favour of being very fond of me. He had one domestic in his house, and another out of it, the former a female, the latter a male. The former rejoiced in the name of Nanny, I suppose there was another postfixed to it, but of this I am not cognizant: but Nanny had a niece, or cousin, or something of the kind, namedPeggy Catchpole; and whenever the old uncle’s favourite paid him a visit, the maid’s paid a visit to her, 'for,’ as Nanny used to say, ‘it was so comfortable for thechildren, like; and the little dears helped to amuse one another;' and so it was that Peg and I walked together, played together, and slept together.
“I wish I could give you dates, which are the sinews of history, you know. There is one event which my mind connects very exactly with this period, and which will afford you one date. Peggy and her young swain were going on philandering at supper, at the time of the loss of theRoyal George, at Spithead. The newspaper came in while my good relative was playing a hit at backgammon with his neighbour, the doctor,as was their frequent practice; and by dint of spelling, and a lift or two over hard words, I read to them the mournful narrative. For this I received sixpence, and laid it out in figs, of which Peg and her swain each ate so many as to make themselves ill.
“Now all this would unquestionably have been forgotten, had it been made fresh in the memory from Peggy’s subsequent career. Whilst she was in Ipswich Gaol I made interest with the personage, then usually called ‘Old Rip,’ to see her, intending to give her money. I must then have been a young man. She, however, would not know anything of me—in fact, ‘cut me:’ and so I kept my money. But I afterwards learned that Ripshaw would not have permitted it to be given! ‘And that’s all.'
“I am afraid that, with all the exuberance of your imagination, would be puzzled to concoct a chapter out of this.
“I am beginning to long for our young friend’s visitin order to [ ] my introductionto your other heroine.
There is no need to concoct a chapter out of this letter. It is the genuine offering of a kind heart and clear head, and sufficiently explains the purpose in view; viz. that Margaret was regarded in her early career with respect and pure affection, by one who sought to relieve her in her distress, and in a day of degradation and adversity owned her as his early playmate, and would have ministered to her necessity. Both, I trust, are now awaiting that final day when the cup of cold water, given with a good heart for Christ’s sake, shall meet with a blessed reward.
The second letter is from a gentleman in Lincolnshire, a solicitor and banker, and speaks to the career of that brother Edward who is mentioned in the narrative.
"Alford, Lincolnshire, 10th Dec. 1846.“Sir,“I have lately read theLife of Margaret Catchpole, and was deeply interested in it. Her brotherEdwardwas several years in the preventive service in this neighbourhood, at Sutton-in-the-Marsh, about six miles hence, where he died and was buried a few years ago.“I often saw him in his rounds on the sea-coast, and have had conversations with him. He was rather a tall person, and of stern manners. I could readily obtain a copy of the inscription on his grave-stone, which refers to his former residence at Ipswich, and forward it to you, should you wish it. His widow, who was a Norwich person, still lives in this neighbourhood."I remain, Sir,"Your very obedient servant,"Henry T. Bourne."Rev. Rich. Cobbold"Wortham Rectory,"Diss, Norfolk.“P.S. Since writing the above I have heard that Mr. Edward Catchpole became a decidedly religious character for the last few years of his life, and died a very happy death.”
"Alford, Lincolnshire, 10th Dec. 1846.
“Sir,
“I have lately read theLife of Margaret Catchpole, and was deeply interested in it. Her brotherEdwardwas several years in the preventive service in this neighbourhood, at Sutton-in-the-Marsh, about six miles hence, where he died and was buried a few years ago.
“I often saw him in his rounds on the sea-coast, and have had conversations with him. He was rather a tall person, and of stern manners. I could readily obtain a copy of the inscription on his grave-stone, which refers to his former residence at Ipswich, and forward it to you, should you wish it. His widow, who was a Norwich person, still lives in this neighbourhood.
“P.S. Since writing the above I have heard that Mr. Edward Catchpole became a decidedly religious character for the last few years of his life, and died a very happy death.”
From the same gentleman is the memoir here inserted of Margaret’s brother Edward, obtained from an authenticated source, the substance of which is given in a note, page 294.
“Mr. Edward Catchpole was born near Ipswich in Suffolk, in the year 1778. Of his early days we know but little; he was led to choose a sea-faring life in preference to any other line of business; he served an apprenticeship on board a merchant ship. Some time afterwards he became mate on board theArgusRevenue Cutter, of Harwich. Whilst in this service, a most interesting circumstance occurred, which deserves to be noticed. Sept. 18th, 1807, theArgussucceeded in rescuing an English coal-brig from theStar, French privateer. Having put some men on board the brig, elated with success, they go in pursuit of the privateer. They soon fall in with her, and a sharp engagement ensues, and at 10 o’clock at night the captor was captured; they came to close quarters, and, owing to the great disparity in numbers, the privateer having eighty-six men, and the cutter only twenty-seven, they were boarded, overpowered, taken into a French port, and sent to prison. Mr. C. was about seven years in a French prison. Frequently his expectations were raised by hopes of liberation, an exchange of prisoners was often talked of, but still they were kept in bondage and suspense. A favourable opportunity occurring, he made his escape,and came over to England.His arrival at home was so sudden and unexpected to his wife, that he seemed to her almost like one come from the dead. Subsequently he was appointed chief officer in the Coastguards; his last station was at Sutton-in-the-Marsh, in the county of Lincoln; there his health failed, and there he finished his earthly course, and made a good end. His conversion to God was most satisfactory. In his affliction the Lord graciously supported him, he had a hope full of immortality, and his end was peace. He died on the 17th of December, 1836. He changed mortality for life. He was interred in the churchyard at Sutton, and a stone has been placed at the head of his grave, with the following inscription:
IN MEMORY OFEDWARD CATCHPOLE,A NATIVE OF IPSWICH,IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK,AND LATE CHIEF OFFICER OF THECOAST GUARDSTATIONED AT THIS PLACE,WHO DIED DECEMBER THE 17TH, 1836,AGED 58 YEARS.
As some correspondents have actually accused the author of producing before the public a fictitious character, and in terms of unmeasured reprobation told him plainly that they understood there never was such a person as Margaret Catchpole in existence, the author here gives a copy of the document signed by her judge, the Lord Chief Baron Macdonald. This document was not obtained until after the publication of the work. The original is preserved in the Corporation Chest at Ipswich.
Copy of a Certificate from the Right Honourable Lord Chief Baron Macdonald, to exempt from all parish offices, for having prosecuted Margaret Catchpole at Bury Assizes, Aug. 11th, 1797.“These are to certify, That at the delivery of the Gaol of our Lord the King, of the County of Suffolk, holden at Bury St. Edmunds, in the County aforesaid, on Wednesday, the ninth day of August instant, before me, whose name is hereunto subscribed, and other his Majesty’s Justices, assigned to deliver the aforesaid Gaol of the Prisoners, therein being Margaret Catchpole, late of the Parish of St. Margaret, in the Town of Ipswich, in the County aforesaid, single woman, convicted of feloniously stealing a Gelding, of the price of twenty pounds, of the goods and chattels of John Cobbold, on the twenty-third day of May last, at the Parish aforesaid, in the Town and County aforesaid; and that the said John Cobbold was the person who did apprehend and take the said Margaret Catchpole, and did prosecute her, so apprehended and taken, until she was convicted of the Felony. Therefore, in pursuance of an Act of Parliament made in the tenth and eleventh years of the reign of his late Majesty king William the Third,intituled, An Act for the better apprehending, prosecuting, and punishing of felons that commit burglary, housebreaking, or robbery, in shops, warehouses, coachhouses, or stables, or that steal horses; I do hereby further certify, that by virtue hereof and of the said Act of Parliament, he,the said John Cobbold, shall and may be, and is hereby, discharged of and from all manner of Parish Offices within the Parish of St. Margaret, in the Town of Ipswich aforesaid, in the County aforesaid.“In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven."Ar. Macdonald.”
Copy of a Certificate from the Right Honourable Lord Chief Baron Macdonald, to exempt from all parish offices, for having prosecuted Margaret Catchpole at Bury Assizes, Aug. 11th, 1797.
“These are to certify, That at the delivery of the Gaol of our Lord the King, of the County of Suffolk, holden at Bury St. Edmunds, in the County aforesaid, on Wednesday, the ninth day of August instant, before me, whose name is hereunto subscribed, and other his Majesty’s Justices, assigned to deliver the aforesaid Gaol of the Prisoners, therein being Margaret Catchpole, late of the Parish of St. Margaret, in the Town of Ipswich, in the County aforesaid, single woman, convicted of feloniously stealing a Gelding, of the price of twenty pounds, of the goods and chattels of John Cobbold, on the twenty-third day of May last, at the Parish aforesaid, in the Town and County aforesaid; and that the said John Cobbold was the person who did apprehend and take the said Margaret Catchpole, and did prosecute her, so apprehended and taken, until she was convicted of the Felony. Therefore, in pursuance of an Act of Parliament made in the tenth and eleventh years of the reign of his late Majesty king William the Third,intituled, An Act for the better apprehending, prosecuting, and punishing of felons that commit burglary, housebreaking, or robbery, in shops, warehouses, coachhouses, or stables, or that steal horses; I do hereby further certify, that by virtue hereof and of the said Act of Parliament, he,the said John Cobbold, shall and may be, and is hereby, discharged of and from all manner of Parish Offices within the Parish of St. Margaret, in the Town of Ipswich aforesaid, in the County aforesaid.
“In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven.
"Ar. Macdonald.”
The author now approaches a most painful, and yet he trusts a pleasurable, duty. Painful, because his own mind and that of others have been excessively hurt by a misconception of the identity of that Margaret Catchpole whose life he has written, and pleasurable, because of the opportunity afforded him of contradicting the fact so often asserted, that Mrs. Reibey of New Town, Sydney, was the identical Margaret Catchpole.
The relatives and friends of that highly-esteemed lady, lately deceased, will be glad to read a letter from the late Bishop of Australia, written to one of his clergy, the Rev. H. D. D. Sparling, of Appin, New South Wales, the good Bishop himself, as well as hundreds of others, having been deceived in that identity from a strange but very simple mistake, viz. that of two places bearing the same name in England, though one be in Suffolk,—Bury, and the other in Lancashire—Bury.
Hence originated the grand mistake concerningMrs. Reibeywho emigrated fromBuryin Lancashire, and Margaret Catchpole, who was tried at Bury in Suffolk. It appears from original letters in the possession of the author, and from Mrs. Reibey’s herself, that Suffolk was totally unknown to her. She was very justly hurt at presents being sent to her, under the idea that she was that poor girl, whose correspondence and gratitude to her benefactress, the late Mrs. Cobbold of Holywells, showed her to be honest and exemplary. She was justly hurt, because therein was the supposition that she had been tried and convicted as a felon, and was transported for horse-stealing.
The friends and relatives of Mrs. Reibey, as well asall Christians, will be glad to read theamiable Bishop’s letter;and even the author, whom it condemns, gives it to the public, because his own heart is in full accordance with the charity therein breathed; and he is even more anxious to turn the hearts of that lady’s relatives in gratitude to that spirit and testimony which this good man gives of all the branches of their respectable family.
Notwithstanding the remonstrance conveyed in the Bishop’s letter, concerning the publication of the Life of the real Margaret Catchpole, over which the author hadthenno more control than he now has, he cannot help here expressing his gratitude to all those who, viewing the narrative in the light of truth, and intention on the author’s part to convey a moral and spiritual warning and lesson in an easy and instructive style, have written to him letters of approbation.
The Bishop’s letter, whilst it will animate the hearts of Mrs. Reibey’s real relatives, will also speak equally kindly to the descendants of the real Margaret Catchpole, and will be the author’s best proof of his desire to convey the Bishop’s love to them along with his own. The wildest olive, when grafted into the true stem, must be productive of good fruit.
Mrs. Reibey, a high-spirited, romantic girl, from the neighbourhood of Bury in Lancashire, of good family, with friends and relatives of England’s noblest merchants, conceived the idea that she should be happier in our distant colony than in the Mother Country. She left England very young, and, like many of her sex, succeeded in proving that her enterprising spirit was not unrewarded. She lived respected by her family and friends in England, and although mistaken by the good Bishop himself, yet noble testimony is borne to the excellence of her character. She was a clever woman of business, and of a noble disposition. The author can only hope, that all her relatives and friends who have written to him will thus accept at his hands the apology for all the mistakes that have arisen; whilst, at the same time, he rejoices to keepconcealed the name of Margaret’s real descendants until they shall themselves divulge it.
"Sydney, 18th April, 1845.“Reverend Sir,“I was very much vexed to learn from your letter of the 15th inst. the course which it is intended to be taken with reference to the publication named in the Prospectus which you forwarded, and which is now returned. My opinion entirely coincides with yours and Mr. Hossall’s as to the inexpediency of such an undertaking. It would be cruel even to the individual, whoever it may be, to have early offences thus placed permanently on record as a memorial of shame and cause of annoyance to her younger and perfectly innocent connexions. Indeed, if the party meant be the one whom allusions in your letter lead me to conjecture, they who would suffer in their feelings are not only innocent, but praiseworthy in a very high degree for exertions in the cause of religion, and of the Church of England, scarcely to be paralleled by any instance I have ever known. The Bishop of Tasmania would regret equally with myself, perhaps even more, that any pain should be occasioned to parties so worthy of respect. If my conjecture be right, I happened once to be in circumstances which placed other members of the same family (young females just attaining to womanhood) under my close and special attention, and I can truly testify the impression by me was, that they were in character and deportment altogether unexceptionable, and in habits of devotion very exemplary. Others I know, are regarded by the clergyman of their parish as among the best instructed and sober-minded of the communicants in his church.“My acquaintance with Mr. Cobbold is not such as I think would justify my taking any step which would so carry the air of remonstrance as that of my writing to him would.“It appears to me that as you have, through various circumstances, been brought into correspondence withhim, it would be more proper that you should make a statement of the true facts, and of the view which is taken of his proposal. At the same time, if you think it would strengthen your case if he were acquainted with my sentiments, I can have no objection to your communicating them; as all my statements to you upon the subject have been in accordance with them, and expressive of my satisfaction at witnessing the exemplary conduct of the individuals whom I suppose to be alluded to."I remain,"Reverend Sir,"Your very faithful servant,"W. G. Australia."Rev. H. D. D. Sparling"Parsonage, Appin."
"Sydney, 18th April, 1845.
“Reverend Sir,
“I was very much vexed to learn from your letter of the 15th inst. the course which it is intended to be taken with reference to the publication named in the Prospectus which you forwarded, and which is now returned. My opinion entirely coincides with yours and Mr. Hossall’s as to the inexpediency of such an undertaking. It would be cruel even to the individual, whoever it may be, to have early offences thus placed permanently on record as a memorial of shame and cause of annoyance to her younger and perfectly innocent connexions. Indeed, if the party meant be the one whom allusions in your letter lead me to conjecture, they who would suffer in their feelings are not only innocent, but praiseworthy in a very high degree for exertions in the cause of religion, and of the Church of England, scarcely to be paralleled by any instance I have ever known. The Bishop of Tasmania would regret equally with myself, perhaps even more, that any pain should be occasioned to parties so worthy of respect. If my conjecture be right, I happened once to be in circumstances which placed other members of the same family (young females just attaining to womanhood) under my close and special attention, and I can truly testify the impression by me was, that they were in character and deportment altogether unexceptionable, and in habits of devotion very exemplary. Others I know, are regarded by the clergyman of their parish as among the best instructed and sober-minded of the communicants in his church.
“My acquaintance with Mr. Cobbold is not such as I think would justify my taking any step which would so carry the air of remonstrance as that of my writing to him would.
“It appears to me that as you have, through various circumstances, been brought into correspondence withhim, it would be more proper that you should make a statement of the true facts, and of the view which is taken of his proposal. At the same time, if you think it would strengthen your case if he were acquainted with my sentiments, I can have no objection to your communicating them; as all my statements to you upon the subject have been in accordance with them, and expressive of my satisfaction at witnessing the exemplary conduct of the individuals whom I suppose to be alluded to.
Mrs. Reibey is no more, and the author acknowledges the receipt of very satisfactory letters from her and her relatives, all conveying their free pardon for any unintentional pain, which might have been given to an innocent and praiseworthy individual, but assuredly they did not endure, and never could endure, the pangs which the author himself received at the very thought of giving pain to others.
He ever did admire the conduct of his mother towards her erring servant, believing it to be as magnanimous and Christian-like as that of the Bishop towards her supposed relatives, and though circumstances compelled the prosecution in question, and the very prevalence of the crime at the time made it too notorious to be disregarded,—the years of intercourse, and passing presents to and fro, between the prosecutor and the prisoner, made too deep an impression upon the young heart of the author to be obliterated even in these his old days.
He cannot help thinking that the removal of thecardwhich was placed at the foot of the “Manura Superba,” the first Lyra Pheasants sent from that country to England, as a present from MargaretCatchpole to her mistress, and presented by Mrs. Cobbold’s eldest son to the Ipswich Museum, simply because it stated the fact of her transportation, was, however kind in intention, a mistake in point of judgement. The object of all records of crime ought to be taken as warnings to others; though the simple fact of such birds being sent as a grateful present from a once poor transport, proves that the heart was not totally devoid of grace, and that we should ourselves be more glad to see such a noble token of love, in the days of poverty, than the most splendid monuments of accumulated wealth.
One duty only remains for the author, and that is the last and very simple one of gratitude to the memory of those who loved his mother, as well as to those living who were subscribers to the monument placed in the Tower Church, Ipswich, to her memory. That duty is simply to record the inscription engraved upon it; and the author does so, because, as years increase, so much the brighter in his mind is the memory of the talents and virtues of the departed.
AS A PUBLIC TESTIMONY OF RESPECTFOR EXALTED TALENTS AND UNWEARIED EXERTIONIN THE CAUSE OF BENEVOLENCE AND CHARITYTHIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED BY THE GENERALCONCURRENCE OF AN EXTENSIVE CIRCLE OF FRIENDSTO THE MEMORY OFELIZABETH COBBOLDTHE BELOVED WIFE OF JOHN COBBOLD, ESQ.OF HOLYWELLSSHE DIED OCTOBER XVII, MDCCCXIVAGED LIX
Rectory, Wortham, Oct. 21st, 1858.
FOOTNOTES:[1]Poems by Mrs. Elizabeth Cobbold, with a Memoir of the Author.Ipswich: Printed and sold by J. Raw in the Butter Market, 1825.[2]The three most talked of books by Elizabeth Cobbold were:—The Mince Pye, an Heroic Epistle, humbly addressed to the Sovereign Dainty of a British Feast, by Caroline Petty Pasty, 1800.Cliff Valentines, 1813.An Ode to the Victory of Waterloo, 1815. The suggestion is made in theDictionary of National Biographythat she was descended on the mother’s side from Edmund Waller the poet, but this is exceedingly improbable.[3]Dr. Spencer Cobbold, of Batheston, Somerset, a grandson of Richard Cobbold, and the son of T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D. (1828-1886), the distinguished helminthologist, who was the youngest F.R.S. of his day. He had made some original investigations concerning Entozoa, and was the author of many books on “Parasites" and kindred subjects.[4]At the Tower Church. He lived at St. Margaret’s Green.[5]Public Men of Ipswich and East Suffolk, by Richard Gowing. Ipswich: W. J. Scopes, 1875.[6]The following books by Richard Cobbold are in the British Museum Library:—Valentine Verses, or Lines of Truth, Love, and Virtue1827A Sermon on Matthew xiv1829The Spirit of the Litany of the Church of England.A Poem1833The History of Margaret Catchpole, a Suffolk Girl.2 vols.1845Mary Anne Wellington. A Soldier’s Daughter, Wife and Widow.3 vols.1846Zenon the Martyr.3 vols.1847The Young Man’s Home, or The Penitent’s Return1848The Character of Woman.A Lecture1848A Voice from the Mount1848A Sermon on Genesis i. 31849Conversations between J. Rye and Mr. Parr1848The Comforter, or Short Addresses from the Book of Job1850A Father’s Legacy.The Proverbs of Solomon in Prose and Verse1850Freston Tower, or The Early Days of Cardinal Wolsey.3 vols.1850Courtland: a Novel. By the Daughter of Mary Anne Wellington. 3 vols.1852The Union Child’s Belief1855J. H. Steggall. A Real History of a Suffolk Man1857Canticles of Life1858[7]The Secretary of the Borough of Ipswich Museum and Free Library.[8]The punishment of death for horse-stealing was abolished in 1832, but in 1833 a little boy of nine who pushed a stick through a cracked window and pulled out some painters’ colours worth twopence was sentenced to death. Since 1838 no person has been hanged in England for any offence other than murder. See Spencer Walpole’sHistory of England from the Conclusion of the Great War in 1815.[9]The writer of these pages, one of the sons of that excellent woman, was born on the 9th of September following.[10]All traces of Edward Catchpole having been lost, the author is obliged to Henry T. Bourne, Esq., of Alford, in Lincolnshire, for making known to him, since the publication of the work, the circumstances which are here briefly narrated.Edward Catchpole went into Lincolnshire, and resided some time at Sutton-in-the-Marsh. He was always fond of the sea, and for some years became mate of theArgusrevenue cutter. In this vessel, he was present at the rescue of an English coal brig, from theStar, French privateer; and having put men on board the brig, sufficient to carry her into port, he pursued the privateer, brought her to close quarters, and having only twenty-seven men on board the cutter, he was overpowered, and at ten o’clock at night compelled to surrender, as the privateer had eighty-six men against him.This was on the 18th September, 1807. He was made prisoner, and having spent seven years in confinement, he made his escape, and reached home in safety.He was afterwards appointed chief officer of the coastguard, at Sutton-in-the-Marsh, in the county of Lincoln. Though a very brave man, and a steady officer, he did not appear to have any very serious notions of religion, until he was compelled by a serious wound to keep at home. It was the blessing of God to him, and others, that this accident happened to him, for his mind appears to have been awakened to a deep sense of his past sins, and his soul very much aroused to inquiry, by the kindness of an excellent neighbour, who dressed his wounds for him, and did her best endeavours to pour in consolation upon his broken heart.He became sensible of his need of a Saviour; and never after forsook the help he found in his necessity, but became useful and exemplary, and even the means, by the blessing of God, of saving others of his comrades and companions. He died on the 17th of December, 1836, after affording to all around him, a Christian example of patience under suffering affliction.He was interred in the churchyard at Sutton, and a stone at the head of his grave contains the following inscription:—IN MEMORY OFEDWARD CATCHPOLE,A NATIVE OF IPSWICH,IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK,AND LATE CHIEF OFFICER OF THECOASTGUARDSTATIONED AT THIS PLACE,WHO DIED DECEMBER THE 17TH, 1836,AGED 58 YEARS.Sutton-in-the-Marsh, Jan. 1847.[11]The specimens in question may be seen distinguished by a label attached to them with the following words:—Manura Superba."Lyra, or Botany Bay Pheasant."These beautiful birds were sent to the late Mrs. Cobbold, of the Cliff, by Margaret Catchpole, a female servant, who stole a coach-horse from the late John Cobbold, Esq., and rode it up to London in one night. She was in the act of selling the horse when she was taken. She was in man’s apparel. She was tried at Bury in 1797, and received sentence of death, which sentence, owing to the entreaties of the prosecutor, was changed to seven years’ transportation; but breaking out of gaol, she was afterwards transported for life."Presented to this Museum by R. K. Cobbold, Esq.”
[1]Poems by Mrs. Elizabeth Cobbold, with a Memoir of the Author.Ipswich: Printed and sold by J. Raw in the Butter Market, 1825.
[1]Poems by Mrs. Elizabeth Cobbold, with a Memoir of the Author.Ipswich: Printed and sold by J. Raw in the Butter Market, 1825.
[2]The three most talked of books by Elizabeth Cobbold were:—The Mince Pye, an Heroic Epistle, humbly addressed to the Sovereign Dainty of a British Feast, by Caroline Petty Pasty, 1800.Cliff Valentines, 1813.An Ode to the Victory of Waterloo, 1815. The suggestion is made in theDictionary of National Biographythat she was descended on the mother’s side from Edmund Waller the poet, but this is exceedingly improbable.
[2]The three most talked of books by Elizabeth Cobbold were:—The Mince Pye, an Heroic Epistle, humbly addressed to the Sovereign Dainty of a British Feast, by Caroline Petty Pasty, 1800.Cliff Valentines, 1813.An Ode to the Victory of Waterloo, 1815. The suggestion is made in theDictionary of National Biographythat she was descended on the mother’s side from Edmund Waller the poet, but this is exceedingly improbable.
[3]Dr. Spencer Cobbold, of Batheston, Somerset, a grandson of Richard Cobbold, and the son of T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D. (1828-1886), the distinguished helminthologist, who was the youngest F.R.S. of his day. He had made some original investigations concerning Entozoa, and was the author of many books on “Parasites" and kindred subjects.
[3]Dr. Spencer Cobbold, of Batheston, Somerset, a grandson of Richard Cobbold, and the son of T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D. (1828-1886), the distinguished helminthologist, who was the youngest F.R.S. of his day. He had made some original investigations concerning Entozoa, and was the author of many books on “Parasites" and kindred subjects.
[4]At the Tower Church. He lived at St. Margaret’s Green.
[4]At the Tower Church. He lived at St. Margaret’s Green.
[5]Public Men of Ipswich and East Suffolk, by Richard Gowing. Ipswich: W. J. Scopes, 1875.
[5]Public Men of Ipswich and East Suffolk, by Richard Gowing. Ipswich: W. J. Scopes, 1875.
[6]The following books by Richard Cobbold are in the British Museum Library:—Valentine Verses, or Lines of Truth, Love, and Virtue1827A Sermon on Matthew xiv1829The Spirit of the Litany of the Church of England.A Poem1833The History of Margaret Catchpole, a Suffolk Girl.2 vols.1845Mary Anne Wellington. A Soldier’s Daughter, Wife and Widow.3 vols.1846Zenon the Martyr.3 vols.1847The Young Man’s Home, or The Penitent’s Return1848The Character of Woman.A Lecture1848A Voice from the Mount1848A Sermon on Genesis i. 31849Conversations between J. Rye and Mr. Parr1848The Comforter, or Short Addresses from the Book of Job1850A Father’s Legacy.The Proverbs of Solomon in Prose and Verse1850Freston Tower, or The Early Days of Cardinal Wolsey.3 vols.1850Courtland: a Novel. By the Daughter of Mary Anne Wellington. 3 vols.1852The Union Child’s Belief1855J. H. Steggall. A Real History of a Suffolk Man1857Canticles of Life1858
[6]The following books by Richard Cobbold are in the British Museum Library:—
[7]The Secretary of the Borough of Ipswich Museum and Free Library.
[7]The Secretary of the Borough of Ipswich Museum and Free Library.
[8]The punishment of death for horse-stealing was abolished in 1832, but in 1833 a little boy of nine who pushed a stick through a cracked window and pulled out some painters’ colours worth twopence was sentenced to death. Since 1838 no person has been hanged in England for any offence other than murder. See Spencer Walpole’sHistory of England from the Conclusion of the Great War in 1815.
[8]The punishment of death for horse-stealing was abolished in 1832, but in 1833 a little boy of nine who pushed a stick through a cracked window and pulled out some painters’ colours worth twopence was sentenced to death. Since 1838 no person has been hanged in England for any offence other than murder. See Spencer Walpole’sHistory of England from the Conclusion of the Great War in 1815.
[9]The writer of these pages, one of the sons of that excellent woman, was born on the 9th of September following.
[9]The writer of these pages, one of the sons of that excellent woman, was born on the 9th of September following.
[10]All traces of Edward Catchpole having been lost, the author is obliged to Henry T. Bourne, Esq., of Alford, in Lincolnshire, for making known to him, since the publication of the work, the circumstances which are here briefly narrated.Edward Catchpole went into Lincolnshire, and resided some time at Sutton-in-the-Marsh. He was always fond of the sea, and for some years became mate of theArgusrevenue cutter. In this vessel, he was present at the rescue of an English coal brig, from theStar, French privateer; and having put men on board the brig, sufficient to carry her into port, he pursued the privateer, brought her to close quarters, and having only twenty-seven men on board the cutter, he was overpowered, and at ten o’clock at night compelled to surrender, as the privateer had eighty-six men against him.This was on the 18th September, 1807. He was made prisoner, and having spent seven years in confinement, he made his escape, and reached home in safety.He was afterwards appointed chief officer of the coastguard, at Sutton-in-the-Marsh, in the county of Lincoln. Though a very brave man, and a steady officer, he did not appear to have any very serious notions of religion, until he was compelled by a serious wound to keep at home. It was the blessing of God to him, and others, that this accident happened to him, for his mind appears to have been awakened to a deep sense of his past sins, and his soul very much aroused to inquiry, by the kindness of an excellent neighbour, who dressed his wounds for him, and did her best endeavours to pour in consolation upon his broken heart.He became sensible of his need of a Saviour; and never after forsook the help he found in his necessity, but became useful and exemplary, and even the means, by the blessing of God, of saving others of his comrades and companions. He died on the 17th of December, 1836, after affording to all around him, a Christian example of patience under suffering affliction.He was interred in the churchyard at Sutton, and a stone at the head of his grave contains the following inscription:—IN MEMORY OFEDWARD CATCHPOLE,A NATIVE OF IPSWICH,IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK,AND LATE CHIEF OFFICER OF THECOASTGUARDSTATIONED AT THIS PLACE,WHO DIED DECEMBER THE 17TH, 1836,AGED 58 YEARS.Sutton-in-the-Marsh, Jan. 1847.
[10]All traces of Edward Catchpole having been lost, the author is obliged to Henry T. Bourne, Esq., of Alford, in Lincolnshire, for making known to him, since the publication of the work, the circumstances which are here briefly narrated.
Edward Catchpole went into Lincolnshire, and resided some time at Sutton-in-the-Marsh. He was always fond of the sea, and for some years became mate of theArgusrevenue cutter. In this vessel, he was present at the rescue of an English coal brig, from theStar, French privateer; and having put men on board the brig, sufficient to carry her into port, he pursued the privateer, brought her to close quarters, and having only twenty-seven men on board the cutter, he was overpowered, and at ten o’clock at night compelled to surrender, as the privateer had eighty-six men against him.
This was on the 18th September, 1807. He was made prisoner, and having spent seven years in confinement, he made his escape, and reached home in safety.
He was afterwards appointed chief officer of the coastguard, at Sutton-in-the-Marsh, in the county of Lincoln. Though a very brave man, and a steady officer, he did not appear to have any very serious notions of religion, until he was compelled by a serious wound to keep at home. It was the blessing of God to him, and others, that this accident happened to him, for his mind appears to have been awakened to a deep sense of his past sins, and his soul very much aroused to inquiry, by the kindness of an excellent neighbour, who dressed his wounds for him, and did her best endeavours to pour in consolation upon his broken heart.
He became sensible of his need of a Saviour; and never after forsook the help he found in his necessity, but became useful and exemplary, and even the means, by the blessing of God, of saving others of his comrades and companions. He died on the 17th of December, 1836, after affording to all around him, a Christian example of patience under suffering affliction.
He was interred in the churchyard at Sutton, and a stone at the head of his grave contains the following inscription:—
IN MEMORY OFEDWARD CATCHPOLE,A NATIVE OF IPSWICH,IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK,AND LATE CHIEF OFFICER OF THECOASTGUARDSTATIONED AT THIS PLACE,WHO DIED DECEMBER THE 17TH, 1836,AGED 58 YEARS.
Sutton-in-the-Marsh, Jan. 1847.
[11]The specimens in question may be seen distinguished by a label attached to them with the following words:—Manura Superba."Lyra, or Botany Bay Pheasant."These beautiful birds were sent to the late Mrs. Cobbold, of the Cliff, by Margaret Catchpole, a female servant, who stole a coach-horse from the late John Cobbold, Esq., and rode it up to London in one night. She was in the act of selling the horse when she was taken. She was in man’s apparel. She was tried at Bury in 1797, and received sentence of death, which sentence, owing to the entreaties of the prosecutor, was changed to seven years’ transportation; but breaking out of gaol, she was afterwards transported for life."Presented to this Museum by R. K. Cobbold, Esq.”
[11]The specimens in question may be seen distinguished by a label attached to them with the following words:—
Manura Superba."Lyra, or Botany Bay Pheasant.
"These beautiful birds were sent to the late Mrs. Cobbold, of the Cliff, by Margaret Catchpole, a female servant, who stole a coach-horse from the late John Cobbold, Esq., and rode it up to London in one night. She was in the act of selling the horse when she was taken. She was in man’s apparel. She was tried at Bury in 1797, and received sentence of death, which sentence, owing to the entreaties of the prosecutor, was changed to seven years’ transportation; but breaking out of gaol, she was afterwards transported for life.
"Presented to this Museum by R. K. Cobbold, Esq.”
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:The intent of the corrections listed below is to restore the text to the author’s intent, as best as that can be surmised. Usually, a space is left where a missing character should have appeared. Spelling varies and has been retained, with the exceptions noted below.p. 108["]Why he has got”p. 150and be industrious[.]p. 171they treat me scurvily[?/!]p. 264Did you ever see a better shape[?]p. 310the escape of any prisoner from the g[oa/ao]lp. 415in order to [] my introduction: missing wordp. 417and came over to England[,/.]p. 420Bishop[s'/'s]
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
The intent of the corrections listed below is to restore the text to the author’s intent, as best as that can be surmised. Usually, a space is left where a missing character should have appeared. Spelling varies and has been retained, with the exceptions noted below.