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 asking advice of Augustus Bostock as to the breeding of cross bred sheep to best advantage. Plumridge states that he worked with Bostock at Coomete and was now working at Boortkoi another district property

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 letter is of historical, scientific and social significance, discussing the ways and merits of cross breeding sheep.

Physical description

Cream lined paper written in black ink. Signed and extra note in the left hand margin.

Inscriptions & markings

Sent from Marshalltown 10/01/03. Signed E Plumridge. Sent to A Bostock Marramook Woolsthorpe.