Sydney, Tuesday morning, July 19/98.
Yesterday I set out early, 9:30 tram. The weather wasn’t promising, & occasional disturbances did occur during the day, but not preventive. I viewed about the city, called in & saw Mr. McLean, got a “Mail”, dined, then took the 1:30 boat for Watson’s Bay, half hour’s steaming, rather slow boats run there, it being the furthest away from Sydney & not a great traffic. It is situated on the outer cliffs of the harbour & a splendid sea view [5:73] is seen from the tops of the great high cliffs over hanging the roaring sea. There’s a battery on one of the points which looks across & commands the entrance to Port Jackson (on the opposite side of the entrance are much higher cliffs. These points on either side, over 3 miles wide, are called the “Heads”). A fine lighthouse is on the cliff at Watson’s Bay, & this I ascended & had a magnificent view both of the ocean, harbour & bays with their numerous pretty residences, & also of Sydney looking up the harbour. The weather was fine during my excursion, so I enjoyed the trip. I got back about 20 to 4, had a wash & afternoon tea, did a little shopping, views of Sydney &c., then took tram for 27 Norton St., Leichardt, where I arrived at 5:30 & found Mr. Tolson at home. They welcomed me very kindly. We had high tea at 6 & afterwards till 8:50 chatted about things in general, my tour, & soon the time rolled away quickly & with many messages for Harrogate & yourself, we bade good night as we hoped to meet in the “old country” early next year. Mr. Tolson set me to the tram stage & saw me safely in, & I got home just at 10 o’clock.
Now, this is “mail” day & I will post when in the city. The beautiful floating palace, P&O “India”, which is a sister ship to the “China”, was laying at the wharf where the Victoria was when last I passed that way, & this letter goes with the Victoria. She left here last Saturday, 16th, & gets these letters at Albany, her last port of call in Australia homeward bound. As I told you, I leave here tomorrow 4 p.m., & all well, will be in Auckland next Sunday (Tweedmouth Feast), towards night & from whence my next letter will be mailed. Kisses for my lovely Comely & sweetest love to you, & my compliments & respect to our mutual friends. Good morning!!
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