Thomas D. Bottomley, Sydney, to William Bottomley (19 pp.), 16 February 1853-22 February 1853

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Their father's death; wise decision of William Heap to leave Elizabeth at home until he has settled in the colony; expects to see William and his daughters in Sydney; John returns to England on the Templar; Geelong; Williamstown; Melbourne and the inhabitants of that city - Sydney has a better class of people and is quieter; the diggings which are a lottery; geological site of gold finds, which have puzzled scientists; men have left good situations to go to the diggings and new arrivals have sold their clothes to reach them; no work for young office workers but plenty for labourers; uncertain economic state of the colony; there is no hydrophobia despite a great dog population in such a hot climate; climate of Sydney and Melbourne; good prospects for emigrants with experience but the idea that gold is to be picked up without trouble is a false one; still hopes to do some good for himself [In the addition of February 22:] Has heard from Charlie Heap in Melbourne who went aboard the Barrackpore to find his weeping father and sister who told him of the death of William Heap; the death of William Heap at sea on the Barrackpore - the family are making enquiries about Sydney; John is going into the bush as a shepherd.

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