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 relates to the earliest recollections of Augustus Bostock and relate to land of the Western district from Camperdown, Darlington, through to Grasmere, Rosebrook and Yambuk. He writes about the terrain, vegetation and stock.

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. As Augustus Bostock arrived in the district in 1845, this is one of the earliest accounts of the district.

Physical description

Cream sheet newsprint quality, typed in dark blue.

Inscriptions & markings

Dated 23rd Oct 1912, Augustus Bostock to G B Palmer of Terang.