Financial difficulties of merchant mariner Captain Andrew HAIG in Hobart, VDL 1840s
Failure of the Derwent Ship Buidling Company 1841 and agent George BILTON 1840s-50s
Captains Andrew Haig & Edward Goldsmith
The story of Andrew Haig (1793-1871) and his contemporaries deserves a wider audience and greater contextual scope, given the recent opportunities for research with the digitisation (2023) of his journals subjoined to newspaper reports and archival documents of the day. Volumes 1 and 2 of his journals, held at the Archives Office of Tasmania, are available online at the house Andrew Haig built in Hampden Road, Battery Point, now a museum called "Narryna - The Merchant's House".
Captain Andew Haig's financial difficulties as a Hobart merchant are best appreciated in his own words. His journals paint a very unhappy picture of his downfall while doing business with the profiteering agents, merchants, bankers and ship owners who drove him to financial ruin. Although chiefly remembered these days as the owner of the house museum NARRYNA, Hampden Road. Battery Point (near Hobart) and a competent mariner and merchant with a warehouse at New Wharf (Salamanca Place) up to the 1830s, Haig was reduced to carting coal and water on a barge to ships moored in the Derwent by the mid 1840s.
Merchant mariner Captain Edward Goldsmith (1804-1869) is mentioned often in Andrew Haig's journals in relation to the failure of the Derwent Ship Building Company (DSBg,1841), together with another of its shareholders, merchant George Bilton, who was Haig's nemesis in business until Bilton's own insolvency and departure from the colony. If Andrew Haig had considered Captain Edward Goldsmith an ally in business during the late 1830s whom Bilton had swindled as well, by January 1843 he thought of him only as "a fairweather friend" who had deserted him.
The other bête noire in their relationship was banker Cornelius Driscoll (1782–1847). On 1 Oct 1840 (Volume 1) Andrew Haig was already defaulting on his loan of £1800 at 17 ½ % p.a. borrowed from Driscoll's newly formed Colonial Bank so he could fund his share in the Derwent Ship Building Co. By 2 Nov 1840, Driscoll had raised the interest to 20% p.a.
1840, Oct 1:
After trying in every way to get Money for the Co
I was obliged to submit to give (my Name α Biltons to Driscoll for other bills
(particulars as under) to 17 ½ per % for 2 years on £1800 or the Co.
could not meet its engagements : I have had no small share of
trouble α vexation with this Cos affairs for
nothing
1840, Nov 2:
Driscoll of the New Colonial Bank, is now lending
his Money @* 20 per % for 2 years. per Annum
When Captain Edward Goldsmith questioned these conditions and "an alledg’d deficiency in the Cos books about the money borrow’d from Driscoll" concerning the loans, Driscoll threatened to detain him, noted by Haig in his journal entries of 6 and 24 November 1842 (Volume 2). By December 1843, Cornelius Driscoll was forced to close the Colonial Bank. He sent George Bilton into insolvency by acquisition of the indentures on Bilton's warehouses on Hunter Street, and died in 1847, whereby his (Driscoll's) executors sold those properties at auction. Somehow, by sheer determination not to leave his family totally destitute, Andrew Haig avoided bankruptcy. The last journal entry cited here, dated 16 July 1852, shines with a renewed optimism that he can again raise a profit by repairing an abandoned boat called the "John" and once more relying on Captain Edward Goldsmith's generosity, "Take her to Goldsmiths Yard brush her up paint her αc sell her..." . No longer a fairweather friend, apparently.
Sea Chest. Teak & Brass in 2 parts with carrying handles
Property of Capt. Andrew Haig
Photo taken at "Narryna" Hampden Road, Battery Point, Tasmania 2014
Copyright © KLW NFC Imprint 2014-2025
While Andrew Haig sat at his desk (eg his sea chest in photo above) in Battery Point in the years 1834-1852 recording day by day in detail his deepening depression and despair as he faced down the impossibility of declaring insolvency to save his wife and seven children, on the other side of town across the harbour of Sullivan's cove, Captain Goldsmith was enjoying the fruits of his star status. Over two decades from the 1830s-1850s he was praised affectionately for his mariner skills in bringing well-heeled passengers and their luxury goods safely to the colony. He was honoured for his contributions to the horticultural advancement of the colony, he was celebrated by a playwright and roasted by a vaudevillian troupe on stage at the Royal Victoria Theatre as he sat in the audience, and he was given top billing when invited to fine dining at Government House with his good friend Sir John Franklin. He was also appreciated for his generosity in offering free passage back to England for those with depleted resources, raising subscriptions to aid their survival on arrival. Andrew Haig mentions the offer Captain Goldsmith made to take Mrs Haig and the children back to England when he felt he had reached the nadir of his existence in VDL (Feb 24, 1841).
Two men of social standing, Captain Goldsmith, the visiting merchant mariner with extensive land holdings in Kent (UK), and Captain Haig the reluctant colonist with diminishing assets and mounting debts: their experiences with Hobart's banking and merchant elite could not have differed more, although both suffered financial loss with the failure of the Derwent Ship Building Company [DSBg Co.] in 1841. Substantial losses over investment with Messrs Goldsmith, Bilton, Meaburn and Williamson had a lasting impact on Andrew Haig. His entanglement with one of its member shareholders in particular, merchant George Bilton, sent him and his family close to insolvency.
1833: Bilton-Rickett family arrives on the "George Hibbert"
The Bilton family of five children, two parents, one servant and a cousin, Miss Rickett, sailed from Gravesend on 4 December 1831, arriving at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on 27th April 1832 on the George Hibbert, Captain Lusk, master, 340 tons, 4 guns and 22 crew.
John Littlechild and his wife Mary (Rickett) Littlechild departed Portsmouth (UK) on 3rd March 1838 aboard the barque Wave, Captain Edward Goldsmith master, arriving at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) via Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) on 17th July 1838.
Mary (Rickett) Littlechild's three sisters married three brothers in the Bilton family. Her sister Elizabeth married George Robert Bilton on 2 March, 1820 (England). He was born ca. 1797, Kent, England and died, 54 years old, on 9 September 1851 soon after arrival at San Francisco, California, USA. His first wife Mrs Elizabeth (Rickett) Bilton (b.1796-1843) died on 19 February 1843, 47 years old, at Claremont, Hobart Tasmania. In some accounts, nine children were born to George and Elizabeth Bilton, and three with his second wife Mary Halstead.
This account of one of those brothers, George Robert Bilton (1797-1851), details the consequences of his dishonest conduct in business on others, notably on the fortunes of Captain Andew Haig, and ultimately on himself and family that led to his premature death.
Left: John Littlechild (1797-1863)
Right: Mary (Rickett) Littlechild (1795-1867}, wife of John Littlechild
Photographer: Frith Bros
Location and Date: 1858 - early 1860s, 19 Murray St. Hobart, Tasmania
Provenance: Sydney Rare Books Auctions, 2019
Source: SHIP NEWS. (1833, April 30). The Colonist and Van Diemen's Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1832 - 1834), p. 2.
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201158587
TRANSCRIPT
APRIL 27. - The barque George Hibbert, 340 tons, Capt. Lusk, from London 4th December, with a general cargo. - Passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Bilton and five children and servant, Miss McRae, Miss Rickett, Miss Mackton, Mr. McAkister, M. amd Mrs. Hackshall, Mr. amd Mrs. Gall, Mr. and Mrs. Sams, Messrs, Carland, Gardiner, Clark, Watchhurst, Day, Borden, Steel, Mr. amd Mrs. Milwood.
PORT OFFICER'S LOG
Mr and Mrs Bilton and 5 children, arrival from Gravesend on the George Hibbert, 23 July 1833
Link:https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Digital/MB2-39-1-1/MB2-39-1-1_1P190
Link:https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Record/NamesIndex/406394
1838: Littlechild-Rickett family arrives on the "Wave"
The pivotal years which would either save or sink Andrew Haig's fortunes were 1838-1841. Captain Edward Goldsmith arrived at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on the barque Wave on 7th July 1838 via the Cape with general cargo, 16 crew, and 17 passengers disembarking at Hobart. Among those passengers of significance to Andrew Haig's future dealings with George Bilton who was Captain Goldsmith's agent together with John James Meaburn for this arrival of the Wave were members of the Ricketts and Littlechild families, George Bilton's in-laws.
The Wave was a 343 tons vessel carrying 4 guns. The voyage from Portsmouth, departing on 30th March 1838 to arrival at Hobart took just under four months.
Port Officer's Log
Arrived in Hobart from Portsmouth barque Wave 17 July 1838
E. Goldsmith Ship's Master Wave 17 July 1838
Archives Office of Tasmania Ref: MB2/39/1/4 P100
Bent's News and Tasmanian Register reported that European settlers at Cape Town had suffered incursions from local "Caffres" - i.e. "Kaffirs" - the term now considered offensive which denoted Bantus in South Africa in the 18th century - and that food was extremely scarce when Captain Goldsmith touched there on the Wave in mid 1838 bound for Hobart, hoping to provision his crew and passengers.
TRANSCRIPT
Cape of Good Hope.
When the Wave touched at the Cape, for provisions, the greatest distress was experienced by the inhabitants. The devastating incurtion of the Caffres [sic], added to a bad season, had made every article of food extremely scarce; and of the few sheep, which the Wave obtained, more than half had died, before they were a week at sea. The Wave, however, spoke two brigs, from London, laden with wheat, and belonging to the same owner as that vessel, so that, with the expectation of a good harvest in December, and of more immediate supplies from England, there it no prospect of any advantage accruing from the exportation of wheat, or other articles of provisions from this Colony.
Source: Bent's News and Tasmanian Register (Hobart Town, Tas.), Friday 10 August 1838, page 4
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article233325576
ARRIVAL at HOBART
Arrived in Hobart from Portsmouth on the barque The Wave 17 July 1838
Goldsmith Ship's Master Wave 17 July 1838 MB2/39/1/4 P100
TRANSCRIPT
HOBART TOWN SHIP NEWS.
ARRIVALS.
July 17 - the barque Wave, 343 tons, Goldsmith, from London 30th March, with a general cargo, - Bilton & Meaburn, agents - passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge, Mrs. and Miss Ricketts [sic], Miss Southam, Mr. and Mrs. Littlechilde, Mrs. Grubb, Messrs. Price, Barnett, Perkins, Pooke, S. and H. Littlechilde, Howe, Brown, Beale, Atkins, and F. Tolmey. The Wave called at the Cape, from which port the brigs Alice and Shernes had sailed for this colony, laden with wines &c. previous to her departure.
Source: Commercial Journal and Advertiser (Sydney, NSW ) Saturday 4 August 1838. p.2
Link; https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226461238
Three months later, Captain Edward Goldsmith departed Hobart for London on October 10, 1838, with seven passengers - "Captain Mackenzie and Lady, Mrs Stewart, Miss Spurling, Mr H. Archer, W. Black, Mr P. Gibbs", touching at the Falkland Islands for supplies.
He arrived in London on 12th February 1839 just in time to see his dying father, Richard Goldsmith snr and sign the codicils to his father's last will and testament. Richard Goldsmith snr died on the 19th March 1839 and was buried in the graveyard of St Mary Rotherithe, known as the Mayflower Church.
The following week, Captain Edward Goldsmith submitted a report to the Association for the Colonisation of the Falkland Islands which was formed by his friend Lt. Capt. Wm Langdon in VDL and others who were urging the British government to establish a naval base and penal colony on the islands. His letter confirming the views of Association was published in the Colonial Gazette of the 6th April (and the Sydney Gazette, 27 July) , stating from his point of view the obvious need of a supply depot midway en route to the Australian colonies:
I cannot imagine how our Government could, for so long a time, have overlooked so valuable and important a place not only as a naval depot, but as a Colony and resort for our numberless merchantmen requiring supplies in that quarter....Source: The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842) Saturday 27 July 1839 p 2
Article ADVANCE AUSTRALIA SYDNEY GAZETTE.
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2544465
1839: The Derwent Ship Building Co.
By September 25, 1839 Captain Goldsmith was once again back in Hobart in command of the Wave, (AOT ref. MB2/39/1/4 P351). Within weeks of arrival he formed the Derwent Ship Building Company with Messrs Bilton, Haig, Meaburn and Williamson and purchased the land on offer at Secheron Bay with intentions of constructing a patent slip.
Messrs Bilton and Meaburn were shipping agents; Captain Haig had completed a warehouse on his river frontage in 1834, with plans for extension, and shipwright William Williamson had tendered for the construction of a dry dock. They purchased the private strip of land adjoining the stone wall boundary of the Secheron estate which included a house and premises, originally in the ownership of Henry W. Mortimer, butcher and gunsmith. William Williamson's tender was successful. He went ahead with the building of three wooden cargo schooners there between 1837-1839.
TRANSCRIPT
LAND.-The property of Mr H. W. Mortimer, sold on Wednesday last by Mr W.T. Macmichael, realized the following prices, viz.-an allotment fronting the Derwent, 115 feet, £5 5s per foot, £903 12s do do. 115 feet, £9 10s, £1092 10s; and the dwelling house and premises, £625.-Messrs Bilton & Meaburn, and Captain Goldsmith of the Wave were purchasers, and we have been informed it is their intention to lay down a patent slip, which Captain Goldsmith will bring with him next voyage.
Source: Southern Australian (Adelaide, SA : 1838 - 1844) Wed 6 Nov 1839 Page 3
V. D. LAND EXTRACTS
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71685631
TRANSCRIPT
SHIP BUILDING. - A Ship Building Company, composed of Messrs. Bilton, Goldsmith, Haig, Meaburn, and Williamson, are just about to commence, on the ground lately purchased from Mr. Mortimer, where an extensive and well sheltered building yard, and patent slip, are to be erected; an enterprise very much required, and deserving of encouragement. The parties are all gentlemen of practical knowledge, a qualification very much calculated to give general satisfaction, and to ensure success, for the attainment of which they have our best wishes.
Source: Classified Advertising. (1841, March 5). The Courier (Hobart, Tas.), p. 3.
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2956876
1841: The Derwent Ship Building [DSBg] Company disbanded
George Bilton acted as proxy for John James Meaburn in the dissolution of the enterprise "The Derwent Ship Building Company” dated March 3rd, 1841, witnessed by Captain Goldsmith’s neighbour in Davey St. Hobart, Robert Pitcairn.
TRANSCRIPT
NOTICE.- The Copartnership hitherto carried on by the undersigned, under the style or firm of "The Derwent Ship Building Company, " has been dissolved as on this date.Source: Classified Advertising. (1841, March 5). The Courier (Hobart, Tas. : 1840 - 1859), p. 3.
George Bilton
for John James Meaburn
Andrew Haig
E. Goldsmith
Wm. Williamson
Witness- Robert Pitcairn
Hobart Town, March 3. [1841]
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2956876
Captain Andrew Haig's investment in the short-lived enterprise "The Derwent Ship Building Company" with shareholders Captain Edward Goldsmith, agents John James Meaburn, George Bilton, and ship builder William Williamson rendered Haig and his family close to destitution. The last mention of Captain Goldmith in Volume I of Haig's Journals refers to the dissolution of the DSBg Co., his (Goldsmith's) resources depleted - "without either the Ship or funds". The ship he invested a third share in with Goldsmith and Meaburn was the Louisa, at a cost of £1525 (August 31, 1838. Vol. 1, p.80). With each year following this loss, George Bilton's double-dealing in particular sabotaged any successes Andrew Haig might have gained in profiting from the resale of merchants' cargo unloaded and assigned at New Wharf from Haig's own warehouse.
The Journals of Captain Andrew Haig
Captain Andrew Haig mentions Captain Edward Goldsmith by name as well Goldsmith's ships commanded from London - the Wave and the Janet Izat - in these two volumes. In VOLUME 1: 1834-1840 there are 11 mentions and in VOLUME 2: 1841-43 and 1852 there are 19 mentions.
Narryna Heritage Museum, Hampden Rd Battery Point
Photo copyright © KLW NFC Imprint 2016
Volume 1: 1834-1840
Source:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bb5800251f4d4e80c0eb197/t/67b00c68cdc9b1250fdf1f50/1739590777548/Haig+Volume+1+-1834-40.pdf
There are TWO sets of entries extracted here, taken from in Volume 1: 1834-1840 which are not sequential. Set A summarizes events in relation to Cpt Goldsmith, with a selection in his own words regarding George Bilton. Set B are extracts in Haig's own words. There are 4 mentions of Cpt Goldsmith by name in this volume, with an additional 7 mentions of his ship the Wave. Six extracts of the 33 mentions of Bilton allude here to his shrewdness in buying up all the tobacco, sugar, pork and selling at a profit, and corruption in knowing in advance the Government's wants.
ABBREVIATIONS
This abbreviation is frequently used : @ : to mean 'at'; also 'to'
Symbols used include α (and) , αc (etc), ye, ye (the) and ſ: the long-s,
The DSBg Co is The Derwent Ship Building Company.
VOLUME 1, SET A:
There are 11 mentions of Cpt Goldsmith and the Wave
Page 18:
1835, 8 March: Wave arrived
Page 80:
1838, 31 Aug Bought the Louisa in 1/3rds with Cap Goldsmith α Mr Meaburn £ 1525 α gave them for their
bargain £70 apiece _140_
1665 £
Terms 15 per % down the remainder @ 3 and
6 Mo with Bank Interest.
Put my Name down for 20 Shares in y
e New Marine Insce Co
Enlarging the Cottage with a view to have the
Children back from School and in treaty with Luckman
for a plot more of Ground.
No Letters by the late arrivals from my uncle
the Nautilus Female Prison Ship having arrived
direct
Page 154:
1839, 26 Sept: Wave letters
Page 155-6:
1839, 19 Oct Yesterday despatch'd the Indemnity for So Australia
having arrived the day before : No alternative owing
to the Glut of Grain in ye Market —
Shipping the first of our Oil on ye Wave @ 5/5
α 5 per %
Having taken a Share in ye
Ship building Co
making arrangements accordingly. G Bilton
Goldsmith
Meaburn
A Haig
W Williamson
The Market for every thing may now soon be
expected to fall rapidly for every thing
All kinds of Naval Stores are still very hig
Oct: shipping oil on Wave
1839, 18 Oct. HUNTS [?] per Wave
Page 184:
1840, 24 Oct: letter announcing arrival ofWave
Page 188:
1840,Dec 6
I am convinc'd there is now afavorable opening for an
establishment @ N Zealand
and should like much to go down with the Sidmouth to
see what could be done, but I fear I cannot
owing to the posture of my affairs α the
engagements under to ye DSB Co which I fear
must be dissolved : Goldsmith has come out
without either the Ship or funds —
Page 190:
1840, 29 Nov: Wave arrived from London
There are 33 mentions of George Bilton
Page 39:
1835, Nov 21
Bilton has again bought all the Pork by
the Eldon as well as the Butter, Double rose Cork, and Dunbars Pork
Page 145:
1836, 3 Feb:Memo
I am certainly what they call in this place a fool
I had only a sufficiency of Sugar to sell myself
I might then have made enquiries before I let
Bilton have it .
Wheat it is said is now up to 10/ a bushel
The fluctuations in this Market.
Query : I wanted Money : I made £20 of it
α Bilton made £50.
Page 176:
1840, 25 May: No Money. Bilton declines coming into
business again. What to do I know not.
[Bilton not wanting to deal with Haig, has no money now]
Page 185:
1840, Oct, 25:
No Sales can be effected here now. I have no
money to get on with α must in all probability
sell off and get out of business, if not ruined
entirely. I am now without a sop of ready money
for Current expenses
The trouble α Chagrin with the above, and this
Building Co of Biltons Manoeuvring, has brot on a fit of the Gout
which I first felt in
my left Great Toe joint on Tuesday last the
day after we got into the House. I am now getting better:
Jacobs Birth day having
completed his fourth year
Page 193:
1840, Dec: [large debts owing to Bilton and the bank]
This last Week : The Clarence was sold to Kelly
for£250. 340£ We had an idea of buying her for
the Co but our affairs being at a Stand still
for want of Money, we shall be under the
necessity of dissolving it. We are now
without a penny to go on with α cannot sell
either Ships or Ground
This last Fortnight has been the hottest we have
yet experienc’d in 6 y
rs α the drought very destructive
to Wheat Potatoes Vegetables α fruit
Wheat in consequence is again up to 10/ α the flour
from Rio that was sold @ 25/ is now @ 35/ brl
a month since
VOLUME 1, SET B:
By 1840 Haig realizes his lost investment in the Derwent Ship Building Company is leading him to a financial ruin, and it is affecting his health (eg gout).
Page 80:
1838 Augst 31
29th At Noon arrived the Adelaide, having been
nearly two Months on this trip and bringing nothing
back
The Hulk Duke of York sold for £25 and
the Govt Schooner new α Copper'd about 15 Tons
fetch'd 207£
Bought the Louisa in 1/3rds with Cap Goldsmith
α Mr Meaburn
£ 1525 α gave them for their
bargain £70 apiece _140_
1665 £
Terms 15 per % down the remainder @ 3 and
6 Mo with Bank Interest.
Put my Name down for 20 Shares in ye New Marine Insce Co
Enlarging the Cottage with a view to have the
Children back from School and in treaty with Luckman
for a plot more of Ground.
No Letters by the late arrivals from my uncle
the Nautilus Female Prison Ship having arrived
direct.
As I am resolved to make my uncle remittances in
some way or other, I may now probably lay on the
Louisa for London and the Brougham for Port
Philip, Keeping the latter and Adelaide as Colonial
Traders, α ye Louisa a regular Trader for London
once a Year, To do this if I cannot effect Sales
I must Mortgage.
I have now commenc'd launching out with
a view to pay my Uncle finish my house and
probably retire from business : Query Plan
of operations
Page 125:
1838Page 155:
Augst 6th
The place is now being inundated with Oil
Butts which are down to 4£ per Old
Tun and New Ones can be made
here of very superior quality @ 85/–-
Last Year about this time Oil Casks sold as high
as £15 a Ton : now the Market is glutted and I
can buy good Casks in Shooks --- @ 60/ old Tun
or 65 -- 6 Mo credit renewing the bills.
15th Cap Sn promised to lend me £2000
on Mortgage for 2 or 3 years @ 12 ½
per %
I must take it to satisfy my Uncle
by sending home money. ( See Letter of his
Per Wilmot
27 This day agreed with Kelly and Hewitt
for 100 Tuns Black Merchantable Oil
α decided on sending the Brougham home
as a remittance
31st
Bought the Louisa for
£1525 in Co with
Meaburn α Goldsmith α gave them 140
£1665
Sep 10th
There are two China Ships in the Port
just now and Tea is down to £4
Sugar about £25 —
Hambro' Pork has been tender'd to ye Govt @
4d a lb that is £3. 6. 8 per brl
On the Jury for a Week
1839 Octr 2nd
Receiv’d the Rent from Paterson due 29th
always unwilling to pay. Grumbling and
threatens not to pay until 30 days next time.
Nos veremos
8th
Rice fine Patna is now down to 3d a lb retail
α 30/ by the Bag
See arrivals of the Indus from Bombay Wheat α Rice
Marian Watson – Rice – Sydney
Galliardon Calcutta, Wheat Sugar
α Rice
And the Indemnity from Sydney – 380 Tons of
Rice —
By the arrival of the Bolina @ Launceston
a/c Sales of Oil per Brougham have arrived, but
no communication to me.
19
Yesterday despatch'd the Indemnity for So Australia
having arrived the day before : No alternative owing
to the Glut of Grain in ye Market —
Shipping the first of our Oil on ye Wave @ 5/5
α 5 per %
Having taken a Share in ye Ship building Co
making arrangements accordingly.
G Bilton
Goldsmith
Meaburn
A Haig
W Williamson
The Market for every thing may now soon be
expected to fall rapidly for every thing
All kinds of Naval Stores are still very high
Page 192:
1840
Sunday
Decr
Tuesday 8th
equal to
28/6 brl
6 continued. I am convinc'd there is now a
favorable opening for an establishment @ N Zealand
and should like much to go down with the Sidmouth to
see what could be done, but I fear I cannot
owing to the posture of my affairs α the
engagements under to ye DSB Co which I fear
must be dissolved : Goldsmith has come out
without either the Ship or funds —
Since Saturday the Wr has been excessively hot
People getting in their Hay : I bought some
flour on Saturday of ye Yankee @ 30/brl offg
5 per % for Cash : α flour of DeGraves @ £18 but
in consequence of this heat ! it cannot now be had
at that price.
I have determined on sending the Sidmth to N Zealand
and have arranged with Cap Swanston to bring up
emigrants.
9th Cap S ___ to relieve me proposes to take a Mortgage
on my property for £5000 for no particular period
@ 12 ½ per % ! but in the shape of a Cash Credit
I having submitted to him a Statement of my
affairs.
I have no money to carry on business
α get out of it I must : The Bandicoot
α Water Witch have arrived from So Australia
but no remittances . I must also get out
of this DSBg Co for we cannot get our
bills discounted one upon the other
although quite unconnected with that concern
The Emigrants are coming up here from
New Zealand.
Volume 2: 1841-43 and 1852
Source:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bb5800251f4d4e80c0eb197/t/67b00c9d29ab1059a05817fc/1739590835395/Haig+Volume+2+-+1841-43+and+1852.pdf
Above: Virtual reality imagining George Bilton's properties on Hunter Island, Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land 1828, 3D models, 360 degrees
Hobart Town in Virtual Reality, https://www.virtualhobart-town.com.au/app-1
John Stephenson, Digital Heritage Studio
Andrew Haig mentions Captain Edward Goldsmith 19 times by name in Vol. 2, each voicing greater reliance on the financial support he sought as he faced destitution. He perceives George Bilton to be a ruthless dealer in these highly complex economic arrangements, mentioned more than 70 times in the second volume.
Page 11:
1841 January 18th
It is really distressing to witness the want
of Money, Scarcely any body in common
circumstances can pay their way. Insolvencies
every day : One is worried to Death
for every small Sum that may be owing
Avoid an accumulation of small
bills at this Season (Xmas) in
future if possible.
No offers yet for any of my Landed
property as advertised
Ready money would now purchase an
estate for half its value.
Goldsmith even by having some can
discount good bills @ 15 per % which
if not due before he starts he can leave
put in the Bank for collection
Who could stand against this sudden
recal of support by the withdrawal of
all the Capital with worse than no
notice ; being run to the expense of an
establishment for such consignments
as the Whaler αc αc. αc.
P.M. Arrd the Truganina fr Pt Philip
The Eamont still discharging Coals
and making water.
Boyd and all of them coming
back : Wood down to 14/ there: no money
no remittances : Rumours that Garratt
α Fisher have fail’d ; if my Drafts on
them come back protected God Knows
what we shall do
Much trouble to raise the wind for the Co
Rumours about Hewitt α Warham being
hard up α that I am giving up business
Page 16:
1841
Feby
24
11 AM 25 x Goldsmith wish’d
her [Mrs Haig] to go with him
Cap Swanston Mr Kerr α about 8 others of the
Creditors have sign’d the General trust deed
the rest were call’d upon, but were absent.
I believe it is proposed that I should wind
up or rather assist in winding up the concern
I got Dr Learmonth α Mr Sloane to speak
a good word for me to Captain Swanston
Result not yet known think of writing to
Sir Jno
Mr Sloane call’d α said Cap Swanston had
no objection to my going into the Cottage
so long as the rent or interest of the Mortgage
56£ a year was paid α that he thought the
Trustees would not object inasmuch
as it was likely it would not for some
time sell for more than the Mortgage
£500. 0. 0
Excepting Lowes I have met with
Kindness α sympathy from almost
every body. He wants to do us out
of the Transfers Cargo, in which event
I shall lose a friend in Mr Spark
God preserve us from these Ground Sharks
XMrs Haig will not hear of going home
or sending the 4 eldest Girls –
So I cannot go to Sea at least on a long
Voyage α leave them here
26 Declined going into the Cottage for fear
of the Creditors thinking I was removing
clandestinely
De Graves declines signing the Trust Deed
at least until he has seen all the papers
and accounts.
Saty 27 Nothing particular done, a few Names got to the
Trust deed
Sundy 28th Miserable in the extreme. G.B in town
Page 17
Monday
1841
March 1st Went down again to the Store ; Bilton overlg
the Cos accounts.
Waited on Cap Swanston submitting to him a
proposal of compounding which he declined
G.B. wishes me to put myself in the hands
of the Auction Co
All I have yet seen sympathize with me.
Stokell they say is gone α half the Town is
ruined
I am now even more bewilder’d than
ever, I fear insolvency will be the result
after all and then my friends at home
will get nothing ; if this property is sold
subject to the Mortgage.
All my misfortunes have come upon me at
once.
2nd Having asked Cap Swanston’s opinion as
to compounding with my Creditors @ 10/
I went to the Auction Co who will
undertake to pay my Colonial Creditors
the above Sum in my putting all my
property in their Hands, Goods Ships
Houses α Lands, reserving the Hampden
Road Property, my private Traps
α Debts @ Adelaide α P
t Philip and
a few odds α ends to get on with
Lowes will not give up the proceeds
of the Transfers Cargo
3 rd
This day agreed at a meeting at
Pitcairns to dissolve the DSBg Co
My loss 550
Goldsmiths 700 α a bonus to G B of £500
W Wm
600
1850
G. Bilton undertaking to receive α pay
every thing
The Lord Sidmouth laid up
1841
March 6th Wrote to Cap Parke advising him of the
Box stating my difficulties α enclosing
an Essex £5 Note to pay Charges
Cap Goldsmith promising to deliver the same
to him.
Said I wish’d to God my family were at home
for what would become of us in this dredful
Country α that I feard I should not
easily recover the Shock I had receiv’d
I was grossly abused this day by Cap Munro
of the Transfer whose mind has been
poison’d against me ; He acknowledg’d
that it had previous to his arrival
He said that some of the Sugar had been
sold @ 20£ a Ton since he came here
It was but only the broken α rejected
bags, the purchaser of the Lot refusing to
receive them. Very like Volum
If I do not compound with my creditors
now Cap Goldsmith will be detain’d
α the Biltons Co α self done up immedly
after all I see no hope of escaping
insolvency : for I shall remain under a Cloud
as to Lowes
Spark
Milward α the So Australian
Bill α home creditors.
α lastly from the People at home –
Mean time all my ready money will be
fritter’d away, but we save something by
remaining in the House where all our traps α provisions are.
COMMENT: The issue in these entries is the fallout from Haig's investment in the failure of the short-lived Derwent Ship Building Company (DSBb Co) 1839 -1841 with Meaburn, Bilton, Goldsmith and Williamson all losing money: Goldsmith lost 700 and 500, Haig lost 600, Bilton and Williamson 600 and 1850.
Captain Goldsmith is mentioned by name 19 times
Cpt Goldsmith's ships the Wave and Janet Izat are mentioned 7 times:
1841, 14 March sailed the Wave
1842, 30 October arrived Janet Izat
1843, Dec 19 arrived Janet Izat
George Bilton and his brother John Bilton are mentioned 73 times:
Page 17:
1841, 3 March:
This day agreed at a meeting at
Pitcairns to dissolve the DSBg Co
My loss 550
Goldsmiths 700 α a bonus to G B of £500
W Wm 600 1850
G. Bilton undertaking to receive α pay
every thing
Page 21:
1841, 14 March
Goldsmith sailed on the Wave
Much ill feeling
between Goldsmith α Bilton ; the
former saying he was swindled
Page 14:
1842, 6 Nov:
Goldsmith arrived on Janet Izat
This last Week Goldsmith
has arrived in the Janet Iz
but there are no Letters from
anybody for us
Driscoll has threatend him
Mrs Haig has seen Lady Franklin and was favorably receiv’d
The Coal business is nearly done
Goldsmith has never call’d upon us
Nothing further yet from
Bilton Driscoll.
Page 132:
1842, July 2:
G. Bilton insolvent ; Receiv’d
notice from Driscoll of dishonour
of our acceptances for interest of money
Jas Murdock spoken of
Page 148:
1842, Nov 24:
On the 17th I receiv’d a Summons from Driscoll
about the 1800£ bill of the Co α interest
Bilton has played a deep Game α by some
means has got Pitcairn on his side
He sold the Spars just previous to his failure
Sinclair Williamson has poison'd Goldsmiths mind as to an alledg’d deficiency in the
Cos books about the money borrow’d from
Driscoll ; this arose with Pitcairn and
I daresay it will turn out that Blackguard Williamson had a hand in it.
Page 153:
1843, 22 Jan:
Cap Goldsmith spoke to Chapman in my favour re - re-questing him to continue me as Lloyds Surveyor, he declines doing so I may therefore give up all hopes
of retaining that birth owing to my misfortunes which continue to accumulate.
Goldsmith, Headly, McPherson, and all our Fairweather friends, have deserted us. Not one of them have paid us a Visit.
Page 153:
Goldsmith sailed 25 March 1843
Page 220:
1852, 16 July:
Goldsmith's yard to refurbish a boat called the John
If the Master leaves her to me Why should I not engage him or anybody else I can get hold of, take in all the Casks and Gear bot at Launceston and every thing belonging to her and proceed to Hobn with her
Accept the abandonment pay the Amount in ye Policy
Take her to Goldsmiths Yard brush her up paint her αc sell her on a/c of the Insurers or put her by Auction and let her go for what she would fetch without repair "Supposing she is got off α patch'd up here"
If repair'd at our expense it could be done for materials and Stores at least full 25 per % less at Hobart Town than Launceston. Ballast with fire Wood Pebbles Casks fill'd αc.
Source: The colonial journals of Captain Andrew Haig : master mariner and merchant of Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land.
Title of Volumes: The Colonial Journals of Captain Andrew Haig
Volume 1 1834-1840
Volume 2 1841 – 1843 & July 1852
Author/Creator: Haig, Andrew, Captain, 1793-1871, author.
Publication: Battery Point, TAS : Narryna Heritage Museum Inc., [2023]
Copyright notice date: © 2023
Physical description: 2 volumes (211 ; 231 pages) : illustrations, portrait ; 30 cm.
Two additional scripts:
REMARKS OCCURRENCES &C &C HOBART TOWN 1841 – 1843
The Haig family’s female convict servants Part 3
Link: https://www.narryna.com.au/journals-of-captain-andrew-haig
Notes from the Project's transcribers:-
Page 3:
"Captain Andrew Haig (1793 – 1871) lived in Hobart with his family from January 1835 until he died at home in Cromwell Street, Battery Point. Haig’s journals, also referred to as Memorandum Books, shine a light on some of the challenges inherent in global and inter-colonial trade in the nineteenth century. They include critiques of the activities of some of the colony’s power brokers – especially bankers, merchants and shipping agents."
Page 6:
"Captain Haig manages to find fault with almost everyone he deals with – his uncle Jacob in England who has no patience and no appreciation for how Haig is ‘slaving' to make his business a success; the local merchants – these ‘sharp rascals’ who ‘pretend friendship but do not hesitate to take me in’, a solicitor who practises ‘humbug and roguery’; his employees and the captains and crew members of his ships who are stupid, useless, drunk or trying to cheat him in some way; and of course bankers, especially those associated with the Derwent Bank (Charles Swanston et al) – ‘a proud set of greedy mean Scotchmen’."
Copyright © Narryna 2023
Link: https://www.narryna.com.au/journals-of-captain-andrew-haig
Published by Narryna Heritage Museum Inc., 103 Hampden Rd, Battery Point TAS 7004
1840s-1850s: George Bilton's grant on Hunter St.
This simplified map dated 1840 shows the line of buildings along Hunter Street at top left.George Bilton's two grants were 19 pers and 29 pers.
Map - Hobart 19 - Sullivans Cove and part of Hobart Town
Item Number: AF394/1/171
Further Description:90421
Start Date: 01 Nov 1840 End Date: 30 Nov 1840
Creating Agency: Lands and Surveys Department (TA69) 01 Jan 1804 23 Dec 1970
Series: Hobart Maps (AF394) 01 Jan 1800 31 Dec 1959
View online: https://stors.tas.gov.au/AF394-1-171
Callouts:
The two red arrows upper right on this map (below) of the Hobart docks at Sullivan's Cove indicate the two grants to George Bilton on Hunter Street.
The lower red arrow points to notes regarding the "Kangaroo" ferry wharf where Captain Edward Goldsmith wanted to build a patent slip in the 1840s. He built the "Kangaroo" instead at his slipyard on the Queen's Domain in 1854, handing over the lease to the McGregor brothers on his permanent departure in 1855.
Askin Morrison took over the operations of the "Kangaroo" ferry from Captain Goldsmith in 1857, underwritten by the colonial government.
In 1862 Captain James Taylor purchased the "Kangaroo" and sought a subsidy under contract to maintain its operations, which he managed over the next four decades, selling it to the O'May Bros in 1903. He paid the Marine Board a nominal rent in 1864 to use the former coal yard while the "Kangaroo" ran a ferry service, according to the note indicated here.
Detail of map below callouts:
Hunter Street: Two grants to George Bilton 19 pers and 29 pers [1 perch = 5.03 metres]
Commissariat wharf:
"The small building at C. and the plot of ground at D (used as a Coal Yard) now in the occupation of the proprietor of the ferry boat 'Kangaroo' handed over to the custody of the Marine Board; to remain however as at present occupied, at a nominal rent so long as the Steamer runs as a Ferry boat. CT's app.1 21 Ocr. 1864, on Master Wardens apptn of the 7th."
Map - Hobart 92 - Plan of Sullivans Cove, Hobart, showing Hunter Street Wharf, Franklin and Market Wharfs, Constitution Dock and surrounding streets
Item Number: AF394/1/93
Archives Office of Tasmania
View online: https://stors.tas.gov.au/AF394-1-93
These 3D virtual images approximate the location of George Bilton's grant and warehouses on Hunter Island, known also as the Old Wharf.
Hunter Island, Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land 1828, 3D models, 360 degrees
Hobart Town in Virtual Reality, https://www.virtualhobart-town.com.au/app-1
John Stephenson, Digital Heritage Studio
1843: Death of Elizabeth Bilton
Death from "Lingering Disease" of Elizabeth Bilton, 47 yrs old, wife of George Bilton, 12 February 1843, Hobart, Tasmania
Archives Office of Tasmania
Link: https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Record/NamesIndex/1185244
1850: Auction of George Bilton's properties at Hunter Street by executors of Cornelius Driscoll's estate.
Founding director of the Colonial Bank in 1840, Cornelius Driscoll (1782–1847) was forced to close the bank in December 1843 through internal dissesion of its shareholders. Andrew Haig wrote in his journal entry dated 6 November 1842 that Driscoll had threatened Captain Edward Goldsmith who had accused Driscoll of shortfalls and other irregularities in the loans to establish the failed Derwent Ship Building Co. He summoned shareholders Haig and Bilton for defaulting repayment to the bank, sending Bilton bankrupt. Driscoll took over the indentures on Bilton's properties at Hunter Street as a consequence; his (Driscoll's) executors on his death sought their sale in 1850 as decribed in the following notice of auction:
George Bilton's insolvency and auction of properties, November 1850:
INSOLVENCY DEBTS
INSOLVENCY CASES
For hearing before Edward Macdowell, Esq., the Commissioner of Insolvent Estates.
THURSDAY, 18th APRIL.
George Bilton, adjourned special meeting for proof of debts.
Source: Courier (Hobart, Tas.), Wednesday 17 April 1850, page 2
TRANSCRIPT
SALES BY AUCTION.
PURSUANT to the proviso for that purpose contained in an indenture oí mortgage bearing date the 24th day of July in the year 1843 and registered the 7th day of August in the same year and made or expressed to be made between Andrew Crombie therein described as of Hobart Town in Van Diemen's Land solicitor and Joseph Gellibrand Jennings therein also described as of the same place banker of the first part George Bilton therein also described as of the same place merchant of the second part Robert Kerr therein also described as of the same place merchant (permanent assignee of the insolvent estate and effects of the said George Bilton) of the third part John James Meaburn therein also described, as of Hobart Town aforesaid merchant of the fourth part and Cornelius Driscoll therein also described as of Hobart Town aforesaid banker of the fifth part. Notice is hereby given that default having been made in payment of the principal and interest moneys secured by the said indenture it is the intention of the executors under the will of the said Cornelius Driscoll to SELL by PUBLIC AUCTION the land and hereditaments thereby mortgaged and which land thus intended to be sold is described in the said indenture as follows (that is to say):
"ALL that ALLOTMENT or PIECE of LAND situate and being in Hobart Town aforesaid, containing twenty-nine perches or thereabouts, and bounded on the South-West by sixty links and one half link along Hunter Street, on the North-West by three hundred, links along another allotment now or heretofore occupied by or belonging to the said George Bilton, on the North-East by a South-Easterly line, and on the South-East by a South-westerly line of three hundred and twenty links extending to Hunter Street aforesaid, together with all buildings thereon erected."
And notice is hereby given that such sale will be effected by Messrs. HAY & IVEY of Hobart Town aforesaid Auctioneer on TUESDAY the fourteenth day of January next ensuing at their sale rooms situate in Elizabeth-street in Hobart Town aforesaid at two of the clock in the afternoon of that day - Dated this eleventh day of November 1850.
WM. Geo. HARRIS, Of Stone Buildings, Attorney for the Executors of the said Cornelius Driscoll. 2700
Source: Classified Advertising (1850, November 13). The Courier (Hobart, Tas.), p. 3.
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2961822
Title:Stoney, H. Butler & Wood, A & Smith, Elder, and Co. (1856). Old Wharf, Hobarton
National Library of Australia
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135883974
1850: George Bilton and son Thomas Haig Bilton to San Francisco
George Bilton voyaged to San Francisco with his son Thomas Haig Bilton in 1850. On his father's death within a year of arrival, Thomas Haig Bilton went to the Californian goldfields, then Washington and Virginia before settling in the Riverina district of NSW. In this letter to the Editor published in the Hobart Mercury, 3 June 1921, Thomas Haig Bilton reminisced:
Source: OLD TIMES (1921, June 3). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 8.
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23516353
TRANSCRIPT
OLD TIMES To the Editor of "The Mercury."
Sir, - Please allow me to correct an error as to our united ages, not individually mentioned in the report of the laying of the Soldiers' Memorial foundation stone at Sorell. Mr. Crocker and I are each 86 this year, born in 1835, I in June, he in November. Mrs. Reardon is 89 years old, but there are two older members of our family both over 90. I was born at Beaulieu House, corner of New Town and Augusta-road, subsequently the residence of John Swan and H. R. Brent, and have a keen recollection of everything since I was five years old. My uncle, Henry Bilton, of Claremont House, came out first, and being an importer, lived at Rock House, which I well remember. The steeple of St. George's Church was partly built and finished in my time. T. D. Jennings had a cooperage at the corner of Liverpool street. Crisps had a timber yard opposite Hofwyl House; James Bouwrick's school, where I was. My father had a store on the old wharf, and afterwards on the new, near Aiken, Morrison, Ker, Bogle, and Co. We went to San Francisco in 1850, when I went to the goldfields. Altogether I was four years in Washington and Virginia, California, City Mountain, and twenty years engaged in pastoral pursuits in the Riverina. Richard Leven and Sons had their drapery establishment at the corner below "The Mercury" office, subsequently the original Hutchins School, where I was a scholar under the Rev. J. R. Buckland.
- Yours, etc.,
THOMAS HAIG BILTON. Sorell.
Source: OLD TIMES (1921, June 3). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 8.
Link: https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23516353
Addenda:
1. Bill of exchange made out to Cornelius Driscoll
Van Diemen’s Land Commissariat Office Bill (Third) of Exchange 1842
To C (Cornelius) Driscoll for One Hundred Pounds
Source: Sterling and Currency
This bill was issued at a time of monetary upheaval in Van Diemen's Land. Bills of exchange are of interest to collectors as they one of the few forms of “circulating” paper currency from Australia’s colonial days that remain readily available. Such notes were largely used in commercial transactions between merchants, and as such vary quite widely according to:This particular third of exchange was made out to Cornelius Driscoll, who at the time was "...a founding director and first manager of the Colonial Bank. It started at a time of great financial difficulty and although Driscoll won a small share of the government account, the bank was forced to close in December 1843 through the internal dissension of its shareholders. Contrary to general expectation nearly all the subscribed capital was realized and Driscoll obtained the confidence of the public for his integrity and ability. In January 1845 he became an original trustee of the Hobart Savings Bank."The endorsement by Driscoll on the back of the bill clearly shows that these bills of exchange were not just records of specific transactions between wealthy members of the colony at that time, but also acted as a medium of exchange.
- The date they were issued;
- Where they were issued;
- Their value; as well as
- The merchants and government officials who were involved.
2. Captain Andrew Haig: a history as told in the 1950s.
Former Honorary Adviser in Australian Bibliography to the State Library of Tasmania, W.E.L.H. Crowther, presented an account to the Royal Society of Tasmania in 1971 of Captain Andrew Haig's worries and woes in Hobart during the years 1835-1844. Crowther drew liberally from a press article written by Amy Rowntree in 1957 (Saturday Evening Mercury Jan. 12, 1957 p.4.).
MISCELLANEOUS VOYAGES - INTERCOLONIAL AND ON THE HIGH SEAS, ESPECIALLY FOR WHALES by W.E.L.H. Crowther, F.R.A.C.P.
Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, Volume 107.
TRANSCRIPT
Section V: Captain Andrew HAIG (1793-1871)
TRADING AND EXPLORING FROM INDIA TO THE WESTERN COAST OF N. AMERICA AND VAN DIEMEN'S LAND. 1816-1870.
INTRODUCTION
For this outline of Capt. Andrew Haig in Hobart Town, the writer has drawn heavily on an account of his career in Tasmania by Miss Amy Rowntree (Saturday Evening Mercury Jan. 12, 1957 p.4).
In the period 1835-1838 Haig had built the freestone fronted house in Hampden Road, later called "Narryna" and now the Van Diemen's Land, Memorial Folk Museum [sic - i.e. in 1955]. In June 1824 Haig, then a merchant and ship owner at Calcutta, had, on a trading voyage by the brig Snipe to the west coast of S. America, touched at Hobart Town. He stayed only a few days but was apparently attracted by the prospects of the little settlement, and purchased the allotment on which "Narryna" was later built. He also acquired part of Cottage Green (Knopwood's Estate). This area, plus the allotment, carried his land down to the new wharf frontage, where in the late 'thirties his warehouse was built. The fine two-storey, freestone-fronted building, now 103 Hampden Road, is still in good preservation ....
Period 1834-1837. Volumes IV and VB
Volume IV commences as a journal of the voyage of the Sir John Rae Reid, Andrew Haig, Master, on passage from the United Kingdom to Hobart Town. The first 4-5 pages have been cut out and the stubs remain. Haig would appear to have gone to the United Kingdom after his Mauritius visit (Vol.III) and probably his uncle, Mr. Jacob Mill, provided the ship, the Sir John Rae Reid, and its cargo, so that Haig might commence anew in business at Hobart Town.
The log opens on Dec. 4, 1834, with the sighting of Tristan da Cunha - some 70 days from the dropping of the pilot at the "Downs". Haig estimates arrival at his destination in 120 days, but records that the main topmast is badly sprung and is thus obliged to carry less sail. As the end of the year approaches, he balances the items of his possessions and values his assets at £10,110. 6.6. against which he owes some £5,460. Of actual capital at his disposal there appears to be very little.
On Jan. 20, 1835 the ship arrived safely at Sullivan's Cove, V.D.L., 17 weeks from St. Catherine's Dock and 116 days from the Downs. Unfortunately, Haig found his warehouse unfinished.
The following pages of the journal are concerned with Haig' s prospects and possible ways to earn a living. He appears to have drifted into the position of merchant and shipowner without sufficient capital to make his plans effective.
On April 11, 1835, Haig's wife bore him a daughter to be called Jane Mill, presumably after Haig's uncle and benefactor, Jacob Mill. June to .July 1835 was a major whaling season and Haig alludes in notes for that year to the loss of James Kelly's brig, with her cargo of oil. Apparently he had missed a chance for a good deal with Kelly for this oil. Haig mentions also a missed deal with Watson (a prominent ship builder) for certain salvage from the wreck of the George III. During this period also he plays with the idea of sending his small ship the Vansittart to the Pacific Islands after pigs and such island produce as tortoise shell.
Financially, in 1835, Haig did not prosper. He finished the year in a state of deep depression, reflecting sadly on missed opportunities and poor prospects.
Period 1836-1838. Volume V
By May 1836 Haig had settled with his family in his store on the New Wharf as his freestone-fronted house in Hampden Road had yet to be built. Then, by September, a "persecution phobia" had gripped him in regard to his business associates. He indicates Mr. Bilton especially, but is equally bitter about the Scottish members of the community, whom he regards as antagonistic to both himself and his interests. In Oct. 1836, Haig records the departure of Governor Arthur on board the Elphinstone,"amidst the groans, hisses and cheers of the populace".
In January of the next year, Haig notes the arrival of Sir John Franklin and the attendant celebrations. Then in March he records the sale of the Vansittart to the Government for £900. In August, mention is made of his purchase of the Adelaide from Captain Swanston, Mr. Gellibrand and Mr. Batman. After purchase Haig had to postpone her first trip to Port Phillip because the fore-end was found to be defective. Also the bottom of the vessel had to be patched with 32 sheets of copper, a new topmast provided and caulking and other repairs carried out. After this the Adelaide joined another of Haig' s vessels, The Lady Franklin in the Port Phillip trade.
During 1837 Haig got away his ship the Sir John Rae Reid (his principal asset) on a venture to Albany, Calcutta and thence to England, where her owner, Jacob Mill, Haig's uncle, caused her to be sold at Liverpool. The venture made a loss and Haig estimates his personal loss because of the sale of the vessel at £500 per annum.
Period 1838-1840. Volumes IV, VA and VB
In this period the sad story of Haig's endeavours to make a success as a merchant, agent and shipowner, is continued. He finds himself completely without friends, with no help from his fellow Scots in the community, his scanty capital tied up and a series of bad debts.
He seems to have a part interest in a number of ships, though any profits came from the trade of small vessels to Albany, W. A., Adelaide and Port Philliip. He did fit out a sperm whaling venture in the Lord Sidmouth after that ship had lain idle for several years. The venture seems to have been financed by his uncle, Jacob Mill, and London friends, but it was a failure. Haig complains of the poor quality of the Master and his crew and this vey possibly was right. Everything in such ventures did depend on these factors, and especially on the mates and boatsteerers the Captain selected.
Further to this failure, Haig's transactions in small landed properties in Hobart Town did not succeed and his new free-stone fronted home in Hampden Road, completed in October 1840 added to his liabilities. His family, by 1840, of seven small children, a son and six daughters, were, of course, too young to be of any help. In fact they were a cause of much expense. Indeed it was only in the latter part of this period when Haig approached Captain Swanston of the Derwent Bank for advice, that matters became a little easier for him.
Period 1841-1843. Volume VI
The journal of this period concludes the memoranda books of Captain Haig. It is harrowing indeed to read. The Colony was, itself, desperately insecure politically and with its trade. Bay whaling was less and less profitiable and indeed the constant killing off of the cow whales had almost stopped their annual migration. Sperm whaling was not really established in the community and the changeover from the assignment system to the Probation Stations had not helped production or trade. In this depression, which also affected the other colonies, Haig found his own position impossible.
He was without help locally, nor did assistance come from India or England. His large family did not permit him to go to sea again himself as Master of a vessel, and he found himself alsmost destitute. Mr. Pitcairn, his lawyer, does not seem to have been of much assistance. Haig wished to meet his creditors, but also to keep intact his home and some land to provide for his wife and children and so could not declare himself insolvent.
His whaler the Lord Sidmouth was a constant liability, and his smaller ships carried very little. He found himself reduced to two flat bottomed barges with which he contracted to carry ballast for ships, and watert to fill their waters casks; also he had an occasional job of surveying a ship on behalf of Lloyds. Somehow he existed.
The journal comes to an end in 1843 with Haig still in difficultiies. He was to live in spite of his complaints of poor health until he died in 1871. Little is known about the last 30 years of his career; only a rare mention in the daily press. The rest is silence.
Transcribed from pp 41-42 below:
Source: Crowther, WELH (1973). A survey of the ships' logs and journals and maritime material in the State Library of Tasmania, Part III.
SECTION V: CAPTAIN ANDREW HAIG (1793-1871)
University of Tasmania. Journal contribution.
Link: https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.107.33
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