A large collection of letters written mainly to the eldest sons William and Frank Denison by their parents Sir William and Lady Denison and their brothers and sisters in Sydney 1855-60. There are none written when they were in Tasmania. Apart from family news, they refer to: political events; travels in New South Wales; a visit to Norfolk Island and New Zealand; news from Van Diemen's Land; Church affairs; sport; theatre and other social activities; travels in India; and Australian natural history (animals and plants) as well as containing much parental advice. Includes letters from the Duke of Newcastle and Sir George Grey, estate papers, official papers and correspondence about armorial bearings.