Lot 2980

Description

Van Diemen's Land, bills of exchange, four different types, Hobart Town and Campbell Town (3), 1836-1838, one to Robert Pitcairn, two to Henry Hopkins and one not legible, all signed by James Hamilton; another for The Colonial Bank of Australasia, Traralgan, Victoria, 31 Dec 91 to pay messrs Mudie & Co in London. Very good - very fine. (5)

Robert Pitcairn was a lawyer from Leith in Scotland who arrived at Hobart Town in 1824 as a settler. He was an active campaigner for the cessation of transportation to Tasmania.

Henry Hopkins arrived at Hobart Town in 1822 and in the same year was the first wool buyer in the colony. In 1835 he built Westella, a great stone house in Elizabeth Street which stands today. He was independently wealthy and in 1849 he became a leading member of the Anti-Transportation League. Henry had many other credits and achievements, too many to mention here.

James Hamilton was a merchant in Campbell Town.

With research.