Historical information

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. He was involved in many aspects of life in the Western District, racing, cricket, and social activities to name a few. This letter is concerned about the price and numbers of sheep sold at the time and is one of a number of letters between A Bostock and E H MaCartney who was manager of Delatite station Mansfield.

Significance

This is one of a number of documents which relate to the Bostock family who were one of the most important pioneering families of the Western District. They owned and leased various properties around Warrnambool and were involved in many aspects of social and business life. The document itself is indicative of its time and provides an insight into the importance of the wool industry, social contacts and customs at the time.

Physical description

Cream lined paper written front and back in black pen. Notes added vertically down one side of front and back.

Inscriptions & markings

Delatite Mansfield 1st July 1900. Signed G Macartney.