Documents

Lot 1917    Session 8 (2.30pm Wednesday)    Documents

Estimate $500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $700

VAN DIEMEN'S LAND, a 2-page letter to Major Schaw, Chief Police Magistrate, Richmond by William Gangell of Pittwater (see footnote), relating to the infidelity of his second wife Mary Gangell (nee Leigh), a convict transported for larceny with a life sentence, who had obtained a Ticket of Leave, and requesting assistance to curtail her scandalous behaviour of having an affair that was affecting him and their children, signed by William Gangell. Ink faded with age, otherwise fine and a rare and historic document written by the first man to be married in Tasmania.

William Gangell, a former Royal Marine, arrived in Australia on duty with the ship, HMS Calcutta, carrying free settlers and convicts. One of these free settlers was Ann Skelhorn whose husband had died on board ship and Gangell had been assigned to look out for her welfare and that of her 4 year old daughter.

A relationship developed and they were married on 18 March 1804 at Sullivan Cove camp by Reverend Robert Knopwood and with Lt Governor David Collins in attendance. This was the first marriage in the new settlement at Sullivans Cove, later Hobarton and then Hobart Town, and is recorded as the first marriage in Tasmania.

They had four children together as well as Ann's young daughter. When Ann died at the age of 39, Mary Leigh was indentured to Gangell as a convict/servant. She was 20 and he was 40 but they developed a relationship, were married on 25 January 1819 and had 11 children. The marriage was a difficult one and on two occasions Mary absconded and was committed to prison for three months on each occasion.

Mary's records in England state that she was of 'bad' character and was sentenced to death. However, her sentence was remitted to transportation 'for the term of her natural life'. It appears from the above letter that she had reverted to her 'bad' character and deserted her husband and their large family.

Research indicates that Mary Gangell was granted a Ticket of Leave in 1845 but in William's letter dated November 17, 1843 he states, 'I have to inform you that my wife Mary Gangell has obtained a Ticket of Leave'.

With research.