Volume 62: Walter Stevenson Davidson papers, 1815-1846: No. 119
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[Page 119]
4
in perfection'. Mr.Patrick Leslie was absent, however, and had gone to New England, out of the very limits of the Colony. A delay of three months occurred in consequence, during which the fearful depredations of all descriptions of property in New South Wales commenced. Mr. Patrick Leslie not returning, or being even heard of, Mr. Edward Hamilton compelled Messrs. Jones and Macarthur to proceed with the valuation in May, under the terms of the agreement, when no more than £9683 were obtained for what had been valued early in March at £14,000. Messrs. Clive and Hamilton had paid down £12,000 in England as earnest money, and I was consequently called upon to refund £2317, together with interest thereon, besides £356 6s. 8d. for Quit Rent due to the Crown, and £50 charged for the expenses of Mr. Glennie, the Valuer on my part.
"Mr. Patrick Leslie returned to the Colony on the 4th of August 1840, after having been for six months beyond its limits, and on the very same day, even before he had received my letter of the 30th September 1839 (page 116) advised bills for no less than £3000 (page 38). Another letter written on the same day (page 37,) proves this beyond a doubt, and conveys his pledge to report fully to me respecting the valuation which he states 'has been gone on with in a most extraordinary way.' To this hour, neither Report nor any information whatsoever has been afforded me. Mr. Patrick Leslie's conduct respecting the delay in the delivery of the Accounts furnished its own best commentary (at page 137.)