Lot 4273

Description

Van Diemen's Land, Bank of Van Diemen's Land cheques made out and signed by James Kelly 17th October 1829 £97.8.6 to J.T.Cotticott Esq; 11th Dec 1830 £15.0.0 to Mr Thos. Lucas these two with B.V.D.L. on left margin; 16th Nov 1833 £10.0.0 to Michael Common; 23rd Nov 1833 £5.0.0 to Thos Bisley, these two with Bank of V D Land on left margin. Fine- good very fine. (4)

James Kelly (1791 - 1859), sealer, pilot and harbourmaster, born in Parramatta, travelled extensively including some of discovery, including circumnavigation of VDL, and discovery of Port Davey and Macquarie Harbour. He was appointed as pilot and harbourmaster on the Derwent and later as pilot he was engaged in whaling and with additional land ownership, became an important citizen in Hobart. He suffered some personal and shipping losses in the 1830s, the period of these cheque forms, and by the 1840s with the depression his losses were heavy forcing him to assign his property to creditors. He went back to work with the port authorities but died suddenly in April 1859. He was regarded as the 'father and founder of whaling in Tasmania'.