Part 9: Letters from the Goldfields - 2nd June 1897
A.S. “Buninyong”
Fremantle
Western Australia
2nd June 1897
Dear Billy,
I received a week ago your several letters from Coolgardie and
though heartily glad to hear from you, I was terribly put out about
what you say of Bern.[1] I have had
many a restless night, Billy, since I read that letter and it was a
great comfort to read in your latest that there was an improvement
there. I have written a very long letter to him, not betraying any
of your confidences, respecting this overworking business. I feel
somehow, Billy, that it’s confinement, overwork and worry that’s
all the matter with him. I sincerely hope from the bottom of my
heart that he is married now, company and bright and Bern’s as
happy as can be, but alone he seems to give way. He is of an
exceedingly sensitive nature and even a careless remark or bit of
sarcasm hurts him deeply. I am sure you have found this out as you
are entirely in his confidence and I am heartily glad that you are.
I can not ever sufficiently thank you for your kindness to me but
hope to, in some way, repay you some day. I know you have done your
best with Bern and continue to keep in his company, Billy. Cheer
him up as much as you can for my sake. We must look at the bright
side and pray to God that this may turn out brighter than we expect
and that he will be as Happy in his married life as he deserves to
be. It makes me awfully down in the dumps, Billy, I can assure you,
for I love old Bern more than anyone else on the face of this earth
and would give all to hear better news and be with him again.
I’m working hard to get home now and trust to be on my way to dear
old England by next Xmas or before if I get a chance. So please,
Billy, write me without delay c/ M. Bean, 74 Commercial Rd.,
Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria and give me latest news. I shall look
forward with great anxiety for news and of course keep this letter
strictly private. It’s a pity there is not more of Nel’s nature in
Bern, a little I mean. He is too thoughtless, Bern is too
thoughtful. May God bless him and give him health and strength is
the prayer of your ever sincere and grateful chum,
Arthur J. Baker
Kindly excuse abrupt letter, Billy, I feel greatly put out and in
low spirits. Kindly remember me to all. Arthur.
- [1] Billy had shared
his concerns about Bernard’s continuing health and emotional state.
He was concerned about Bernard’s recurring stomach problems fearing
that it could be cancer and he seems to have been concerned about
Bernard’s emotional state as well.