Extract from a letter from David McConnel to his brother James, dated 17th January 1846.
Dear James,
…………..You have no idea how dull it is, here at the settlement; the place is more destitute of amusement than any place I know almost; it is too hot to make excursions; there are no literary excitements, so if I could not find some occupation here, I should suffer considerably of ennui; the society here I do not admire; & in this country good society is generally very proud, & reserved; most of the people have not been very well off at home, & have become more wealthy & looked up to here & there has been little or no restraint to their pride, which shows itself to an amusing extent in Sydney. & astonishes all new comers.
…………..You have no idea how dull it is, here at the settlement; the place is more destitute of amusement than any place I know almost; it is too hot to make excursions; there are no literary excitements, so if I could not find some occupation here, I should suffer considerably of ennui; the society here I do not admire; & in this country good society is generally very proud, & reserved; most of the people have not been very well off at home, & have become more wealthy & looked up to here & there has been little or no restraint to their pride, which shows itself to an amusing extent in Sydney. & astonishes all new comers.