Although I believed I had researched my direct ancestor Henry Templer a few years ago, I realise now that I had not thought about him very deeply at all. I knew from Andrew Templer’s very fine Templer website that he had been born into a slightly complex family. His parents were not married when he was born although they did marry when he was 3. He was one of 6 siblings all born out of wedlock to George Templer and Ann Wreyford. I have described his life in depth here.
But the main thing I really had not picked up on was how very young he was when he left England and went to Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon). He was 16 when he set out to make his fortune in distant lands.
I finally reached out to Andrew Templer who has been researching all the Templers across many lines for a very long time. And he sent me something very tantalising. It was a letter from Henry Templer to his sister Caroline. It was written when he was living in Ceylon and he was only 17. The letter speaks of lonliness and rereading letters, boredom and the strange situation in which he found himself.
And then another document which gave a summary of a number of other letters from Henry which sounded very interesting. They mentioned the Achilles and his trip. So armed with these nuggets of information I commenced a comprehensive google search and blow me down I found them. This was in early December 2023 and the letters were in a brand new archive open to the public at “The Box” in Plymouth. I was so excited that I might actually get to see these letters.
Since I had some leave owing I decided to book a day off and headed down to Plymouth which is about a 3 hour drive away from me.
I booked two slots at the archive, morning and afternoon and was able to prebook 5 letters that I would like to see. They agreed to have them ready for me. It is the first time I have actually been to an archive and it was an excellent experience. There is a car park very close to the box. And arrived about 10 minutes after the archive opened.
The gave me a locker and told me I was not allowed any bags in the research room. I was only allowed one letter at the time.
And then they handed me the first letter – complete with red sealing wax. They provided a special light with which I could take good quality photographs. And I started to read and capture the letters.
What unfolded was an honest account of a wet behind the ears young man who was heading out into the world for the first time. The letters are mainly to his father and the advice he asks for and the affection spoken is really quite sweet. He is terribly concerned about being ripped off and accounts for all his spending. And also asks for confirmation about the big decisions he is taking … which boat to book etc. All the while communicating his longing for home … even while he is still planning his trip from London.
What is especially poignant about these letters is when you realise that Henry was never ever to see his father again. George died at home in Devon few years later (1843) after over exerting himself on a hunt. Henry was also never to visit England, or his beloved Devon again. He died of a tropical diesease at the tender age of 28.
The staff at the archive were very kind and when they realised the letters were all in one folder they brought the whole folder in the research room. So I was able to look and photograph all 10 letters. And also some other letters Henry’s father George wrote to other family members. I have yet to transcribe these.
It took me the whole day with a half hour break for lunch to get to the end of them.
And then over the next few weeks a whole load more time to transcribe what I could of them. I have done my best. One of the problems is that Henry used the cross writing technique – writing on the paper both horizontally and vertically to save paper which was very expensive.
I probably should revisit the originals now that a little time has passed to see if I can decipher any more words and maybe do a little research on the names involved. But the jist of the letters is very much there and they are a great resource for anyone interested in early Ceylon.
So below is what I have. Unfortunately the archive would not allow me to show any photos of the letters I had taken to illustrate this post. They wanted to charge me a princely sum amounting to hundreds of pounds (far out of the reach of a lowly hobby researcher). So I politely declined that offer after pointing out that the library in Queensland had photocopied various documents for me no strings attached for a few dollars. More recently Cambridge University have said that for no charge they will photocopy and send me an “hours worth photocopying/research” a month.
There is clearly little rhyme or reason to the charges – I am sure the act of transcribing the letters and talking about them publicly will only benefit the Box in the long run. So I hope they change their policy at some point. For the moment the photographs will sit lonely and unviewed by any one else on my hard drive!
I have sketched a couple of them instead. To behold the pure beauty of the originals you will need to make the journey to Plymouth yourselves.
I am so pleased to have such a much fuller picture of this family and Henry’s life. They feel so much more human now. I was pleased to see the affectionate interactions between them and his clear respect for his step-mother. I had thought that perhaps the six older children were not included in family life to such a great extent once his own mother had died and his father remarried. The fact that Charlotte Kennaway’s mother Lady Kennaway bought Henry a watch speaks volumes to me about the acceptance of these illegitimate step children by the extended family. The same goes for Henry’s uncle Francis James Templer taking him under his wing. And also Charles Buller (his fathers cousin) who let him stay in his home for 6 months when he first arrived in Colombo. This acceptance was something I had not expected to see.
So at the end of the day I am very grateful to the Box and the archivists in Devon for keeping hold of this small pile of letters for me to discover. As the archivist said to me – you are probably the first person to view them in a very long time! I also very much thank the archivist at the Box for the detailed description of each letter in their catalog which made it clear to me that this was something worth making a effort to go and see!
A couple of drawings I did of the letters… they were very special
People mentioned in the letters
Uncle Francis and Aunt Ellen are George Templer’s brother and wife. Francis James Templer was the collector and government agent of Colombo (1833-1843) at this point. In 1843 he was appointed the 9th Treasurer of Ceylon. Clearly George and Francis were planning to create a coffee estate as mentioned by Henry in the letters – this was probably put to an end to because George died unexpectedly in 1843. In the last letter Henry refers to “Frank” I think this must be a reference to his uncle Francis.
Kate is Henry’s cousin who he clearly spends a great deal of time with. Kate is Francis’s daughter and Wodehouse is her husband.
Charles Buller – was Governor of Ceylon when Henry arrived and Henry spent his first six months living in their house. He retired shortly afterwards and returned to England. His son Arthur was married to Francis James Templers daughter. But there are other family connections too. Henry’s grandmother was Mary Buller who was Charles Buller’s aunt. So Henry’s father George and Charles were first cousins. Charles was instrumental in getting Henry a position in the Civil service. Much later Henry’s widow married another Buller cousin and his daughter Gertrude marries her mothers step son!
Sir Arthur William Buller – Charles son married to Ann Henrietta Templer. He initally had a successful career in Canada. He came out to Ceylon not long after Henry arrived in 1840. He was appointed crown attorney in Ceylon, and held this post until 1848. He was made a judge of the Supreme Court of Calcutta and served in that capacity until 1858. Buller died in April 1869 in London, after being a member of the British House of Commons for ten years.
The Whitings were a family living out in Sri Lanka. They had a young family. Eliza Whiting visits with Henry at his Station. At that point she would have had a small baby Emily Whiting and possibly been pregnant with her next one! Clearly Henry got on well with the couple as he often seems to dine with them and spent days or even weeks in their company.
Caroline Templer Henry’s sister did eventually come out to Sri Lanka and did marry an officer out there. It seems likely that she finally gave in to Henry’s request and went to “keep house” for him. Although his may have been after he married Cornelia in 1844 (or perhaps after their father died in 1843). Caroline married Edward Plunkett in Sri Lanka in 1845.
One of the few records of Frederick Henry’s brother is made in the last letter to Caroline. It says he is in Australia. I found no futher records of Frederick except that he was party to a court case in 1845 – it states he is abroad. We do know Henry’s older brother George died in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Georgy and Gussie are Henry’s stepsisters. Georgy is only two when he left and he never meets Gussie. His other two sisters Amelia and Anna are getting engaged and married in the years that the letters are written. At first he hopes Anna will come out and keep house for him but her engagement puts paid to that.
Mama is Charlotte Templer nee Kennaway Henry’s stepmother and Lady Kennaway is her mother. Mrs Acland nee Templer is Henry’s Aunt.
Letter 1: Arrival in London
Woburn Square April 21st 1839
My dearest Papa and Mamma
I have arrived quite safe and well in London after a very cold ride. Little George Buller of Pound came up on the same coach and the same seat which was very pleasant, on his way to Eton. Mr Dean drove a great part of the way out of Exeter. I stopped at Escot and ran down to the House and gave Mama’s note to young Lady Kennaway. I had only time to say goodbye and run out again which I was very glad of having the opportunity of doing. Brunshill had made my coat and trousers by the time I came. He had entirely forgotten it and could not recollect anything about it until I told him it was to cost only two guineas being so much cheaper than Silvers. He has made one much lesser cloth than you asked. I had my dinner there which saved 3 d and bought a cloth to cover my legs of him which was not open which he had of Cook. It was marked 12 Guls, gave only 10. It is a very large one and very good. I am so sorry I should have forgotten to get a bill about the steamer. I was very much cramped of time but I ought to have done, you having so expressly told me to do it. But I will not fail finding out every thing about it tomorrow morning. Mrs John Buller is such a very kind agreeable person I am a very little way from W. Footer which I am very glad of tomorrow morning. I shall do all you told me and finish my letter. My expenses up were about 13 S. Some people say the Steam coaches do not go so very fast. I say they travel immensely fast when you pass a person you cannot see whether he is a black or white man and the rumbling is tremendous. I think I had better write to Lady Kennaway myself to thank her for her kind present which I really had not time to do. I read mama’s little pocket companion which she gave to me every (?) day . I saw Mr and Mrs Vigor walking in their field just after I left you but I do not think they saw me. I was so sorry not see him but do tell him I was very much ??? for time and when I was over there I could not find him. Give my very best love to Amelia, Anna and Caroline and to Uncle and Aunt Elizabeth. Remember me kindly to Mr Vigor and family and to all the servants at home. Mrs John Buller sends her kind respects to you and Mama. I shall finish off tomorrow. Sunday 6 o’clock
The Morning star leaves Dock next Saturday 300 four Bundes??. She does not touch at Columbo nor Plymouth nor Portsmouth. The Achilles another ship sails in about 12 days and touches at Columbo. My bid is cause the passage is 6 months. I am not going down to the dock to see her til late tomorrow and will give you a correct account of the Cabin and passages. There are no cabins taken for certain as yet so that I have a choice if you would like to have a plan I could send it you but I will not today. My sofa has come I am afraid it has cost more money than it is worth, the carriage alone is more as it cost 23 for carriage. I should think it ought to be inquired into. I can ????? Is 8 times as much as it might have cost. I shall write again before I leave London and shall be very glad to hear from you. My clothes will be ready tomorrow and I shall have them to try on so if they do not fit they will be made to do so. Mr John L Buller came home just as I was going to bed. He had a n…. Bed for me in the house but took lodgings at Mrs Wakefields 27 Frances St. I am going tomorrow to the bank with Mr Buller as you directed. I hope you are all quite well. Best love to all and kind remembrances to the servants. Mary’s gloves will be of great use but as yet I have not use. Tell her they are very sailable being made by her. I have not got my dressing case yet or anything else but I have looked at many.
I remain
your most dutiful and affect
son Henry Templer
Monday 4 o’clock
Letter 2: Choosing a ship
Stone Buildings, Lincolns Inn
April 25th 1889
My dearest Papa and Mama
I have been this morning to see the Morning Star. She is a very nice little ship but I think she will not do for me. She sails to Trincomalee which is on the opposite side of Ceylon and I want to go to Columbo. The Achilles the plans of which I send you goes direct to Colombo and sails the beginning for next month about a week or fortnight after the morning star which does not sail until the 1st of May. The Captains of both strongly advise me to go by the Achilles. It will save two months voyage which is a great thing. Besides 30 pounds and very likely save me from catching the jungle fever. And I shalll get there a month sooner. The ships belong to Mr Wendell who also advises me to go by the Achilles. The passage from Trincomalee to Columbo is a very unpleasant one. W. Footer says there can be no hesitation about it. Do let me know directly which you fix upon. I should certainly say the Achilles. She touches nowhere. There is plenty of light in the cabin. I am sure if it saves time and expense there can be no doubt. The Captains of both seem very agreeable men. Write directly and tell me what I am to do in London all this time. I sleep at lodgings. I think it would be a good idea if I was to go to Mrs Charlie Bullers for a little time. I have not been there yet but intend going as soon as possible. I have got the letter about my watch. I have been very busy all day about my clothes and enquiring about the ship. So I have no time to spare. I do not like the idea of staying here 3 weeks or about. I do not know what time you come up here but I suppose it will be very soon. I should like so much for you to be with me. If I had known all this I might have staid home a fortnight or three weeks longer. I do not go any distance by myself for fear of losing my way. It has been very wet all the day. I put nurses letter into the post this morning. The next letter I send shall be in a frank it is too late to go for one now and it is of consequence. I should hear as soon as possible. Give my best love and best wishes to all. Give my remembrances to Mr Vigor and family and all the servants. Kiss to little miss George and all the rest. Ann’s present has been of use already. I think the Achilles is the ship for me. Write as soon as possible to tell me what to do.
I remain
Your most affect and dutiful son
Henry Templer
Tuesday
Please do remember me to Mays S???? And tell me how you all are. If you could have your letter franked I should be very glad. All those ??? ??? soon ??? away with what I have left. Remember me also to Beckford. I must not forget him.
Note on the plan of the ship next to cabin 8:
This cabin is not taken. It is a very large one and the price is 90 Guineas which is less than the other vessel. The cabin of the Morning Star is 6 by 5.8
Letter 3: This is a letter to Charlotte Acland (nee Templer) – Henry’s aunt – sister to his father.
My dear Aunt Acland
I received your letter and the present you been so kind to give me for which I am very much obliged to you indeed. I have been to Mr Layard who is very kind hearted agreeable gentleman. He is going to introduce me to Captain McAllen who is going out with me in the same ship and to the same place and has offered to take care of me and see my luggage landed safely on shore. Little did I suspect when I left home, I should meet with a kind friend so soon. I was going in the morning …
Unfortunately I did not photograph the rest of this letter. Part of it is written by one of Henry;s cousins (who addresses their part of the letter dear mother) and talks about visits to doctors and a confinement. So Henry clearly met up with this cousin to write the letter to his aunt.
Letter 4: Letter to Lady Kennaway – Henry’s stepmothers mother
17 Woburn Square
My dear Lady Kennaway
I hope you will excuse my seeming neglect in not answering Augusta’s letter before, but I thought I might wait till I had got the watch and tried if it was good. Mr smart will… ….. fi good and says it will keep …. Time. I am very very much obliged …. for having made me such a good and useful present. I hope you will excuse my hasty visit and my not thanking you at the time but the Coach would not wait, it was at the door when I got out. I am not going in the Morning Star as I expected, but in the Achilles. It will be very pleasant for me indeed. Captain McAlpin a gentleman going out in the same vessel having offered to take charge of me. And also to see all my luggage post on shore. I hope I shall never be without a friend, there is one who I … will always be my constant friend…. Protector. Please to Mrs Nel… the Book she was so kind as… and give my kind love to Lady Kennaway, Sir John and Hugo ..arte and Mrs Newman. I do not sail for a …
Only one page of this letter is available and it is torn with some pieces missing
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Letter 5: Letter to George Templer from Henry giving details of his final preparations for departure.
17 Woburn Square
My dearest Father
I am sure you will be happy to hear that I have been introduced to Captain MacAlpin who is a very kind and useful person to me, he told me that I must not think him an unkind fellow if he sometimes reproves me for doing wrong. He says that he has had experience and knows what is right. He is besides being kind and friendly, a religious man which is a very desirable thing, he told me if he could be of any use to me organising my chest or anything else I had just on board if I would tell him he would do it for me. He is about 40 years old and has plenty of books which am welcome to read. Captain Lagarde one of Mr Layard’s (friends?_ is going out also. But not with me, he is going over land, he could have gone with me if the people of the ship had not told him they should not sail for 3 weeks or a month. I am to sail about the 10th. I thought it better to remain here instead of going unto Devonshire. I had fully made up my mind to come back to you. Before I enquired about the dates of sailing and then I thought it too short a time as it could only be for two or there days. There is only one reason why I should not like to come down which is I should be obliged to leave a second time. I am going tomorrow to Mr Glubbs (because Mr and Mrs Buller are going to Charlton for a change of air for the children who are just recovering from the measles) and also in order that I may spend the last Sunday in a house where it is kept properly, else I should go to Mrs C Bullers. I am going there on Tuesday or Wednesday. Mrs J Buller will not let me go till tomorrow because I may be with them as long as I can. I could not have come to people who are more kind. I have everything I want and they do all they can to make me comfortable, they beg I will come here before I go and leave all my things here while I am away. Mr Layard is gone to the country and I dare say he will call upon you. I asked him to do it, if he went to see Aunt Buller and gave him your direction, he tells me the people in Ceylon wear hats and not caps. Hats I think he told me he got here in Bond Street and cloth jackets also but I think I have enough. I wore my coat for the first time on Monday at dinner at Mr Hayne’s, the only inconvenience I found in it was finding the pocket. In the evening we went to the Hay market theatre. I do not want to go again just directly. I never suffered so much from headache in my life, the next day I was fit for nothing. A London life would not suit me at all, I never go to bed later than ten the same as at home and get up at I/2 past 8. W. Former has been very kind to me in showing me about the place but now I go by myself . Charles Buller is …. me Lord Normanby’s letter after Friday that is an awful day for the ministers. It is very probable they will go out. Whether they do or not I am to have my letter, his own letter to Mr Heacut Mackenzie, the governor will be of service to me and I am to have a letter of introduction to the Governors Lady from Mrs Bullers governess. I shall be glad when I am gone the anxiety and uncertainty is very wearing This I expect is very little to what I shall have some future day. You have the names of the Passengers, there are no Ladies. I wish there were some, the Captain is a very kind hearted agreeable man, middle age. There was a bag of coffee for you that came home the other day from Uncle Francis in the Iris. I have been on board her and had a glass of wine with three different captains. Cast Harewood of the Iris, Captain Duncan of the Achilles, my Captain and Linton of the Morning Star. Mr Porter told me about the coffee, a person who knows Uncle Francis. I have a letter of his for Uncle Francis. He has asked me to come to his house before I go and have a chat with him. The weather is very hot here. When I am settled I will describe my cabin to you.
Give my kindest love to all home, I should like so much to see you all again. Remember me most kindly to Mr and Mrs Vigor and William. Does poor Mr barker seem to feel his loss as deeply as ever. Kind remembrances to the servants and other people I know. Does miss Rendle the Baker ever ask after me, she used to after Fred. I think Charles at Ceylon is very likely to come home. It appears so from his letter to mr Layard his health seems to be very bad. Mr and Mrs J Buller send their best regards to you. I have nothing more at present to say. What I have told you is very little. I have not begun my journal yet but as soon as I am on board I shall.
The nail I am afraid will come off. One side of it is split more than half way down. I could cut it off but am afraid to. It could be a long job I think.
I remain
your ever most affect and dutiful son
Henry Templer
Thursday 2nd 1839
Ps I have written to Lady Kennaway and Aunt Acland thanking them for their presents.
Letter 6: On board the Achilles
Achilles May 12th 1839
My dearest Father
After a journey of 2 hours and a half by the steamer. I am safe on board, every thing at present is in a ?? and confusion. I think we shall not sail till tomorrow. Mr J. L. Buller came down with me and has seen my cabin, he thinks it is very comfortable and snug and I can assure you I think it is grand. I hope I shall find it so. This is the commencement of my journal I hopes I go on with it, it will improve more and more and will daily become more interesting at present it is a complete piece of patchwork something like most of my letters. I am sure if you delight to read my letters as I do your handwriting you must experience unspeakable delight. Your letters are everything to me. There is only one Bill of any sort that I have left and that is a washing bill, a shirt and stockings which I have had washed two or three times. I did not know the amount that is the reason I left it.
May 23rd
The day is very fine much better than I expected. My cabin now begins to look a little comfortable, the things are put a little in order.I have bought this morning a night lantern so that I may burn candles without being in fear of setting the ship on fire. Indeed it would be no joke to do so because there is a magazine of powder just under us. I think about a ton of it. We should look very odd if any fire did come near it. Before I bought my lantern I had nothing but a common open candlestick which the mate and passengers did not like me to use. And the ?? Accident should I have done so.
There are six passengers Captain McAllen, Doctor Beaston, Mr Allen, Mr Truncal and a little boy whose name I do not know who is going out to the Governor. They all seem to be very pleasant people. I am not the youngest, there are two younger than me. We have a cow, en sheep, nine pigs and plenty of geese, ducks and chickens. 15 sailors, Captain and Mate. I have not got my hats but I can get them out in Ceylon but not as cheap as in England. We are still laying off Gravesend where I suppose we shall be for some hours. I am almost afraid my paper is too think and Ink too light. At present my head is all in a whirl and I dare say it will not be long before I am sick. I do not mean to say I shall be so today but in two or three days. Wa re sailing away at this moment at a fine rate and shall very soon be at the shore. We shall anchor there for tonight.
The Pilate is such a funny looking little wretch I made a very good dinner and am quite ready for my tea. I have not been able to read as yet but as soon as I have every thing straight I shall commence a regular course of study. I have no latin book and only one Greek Testament but plenty of English books and a chess board and men Mrs Charles Buller gave me. They were exceedingly kind to me all the times I was with them. I do not much like the thoughts of leaving England still I am glad we have made a start, being kept in suspense so long is no pleasant thing. I am quite tired of it. I dare say I shall be able to get a sight of Devonshire and shall long to go on it. Every place near home I can picture in my mind the house, garden and walk where I was with Hasworthy cooking the night before I cam away. I fancy I see it all before me. Now I may consider myself to be on the sea…. Months. Give my very best love to Mamma and …. Tears and relation and to Mr Vigor and family, Kind sentiments to Mr Phillips and other people in the town. I do not forget any of them. I cannot write any more tonight. Tomorrow morning I will get up and finish it, My other letters I hope will be a little better than this.
I have suffered very much from sea sickness and could not send my letters before because I was in bed when the Pilate left. There is a boat coming off now and I hope this reaches you safe. I remain your affect and dutiful son
Henry Templer
Tender love to all at home. I cannot stay to write any more
Letter 7: From Sri Lanka just after Christmas
January 2nd 1840
My dear Father
I am afraid I shall not be able to write to you by the weekend as there is no office notion about the postage so you could not hear so regularly. The Jungle life is not what I like. You may live by yourself for 3 or 4 months without seeing an European. A person that is to live in the jungle ought to be married or a man that is no so fond of society. I am in very good health better than I have been since I landed. The hot months are just beginning and I feel them a little. Spent a very pleasant Xmas at Uncle Francis ??? ??? a family party. I like Uncle Francis and Aunt Ellen better every day. They are extremely kind to me and so are the ??? I am sure you will like him. Kates little boy (you may call him big now) has taken a great fancy to me, everybody says he is exactly like me. I was at a ball on the 31st December at the Pencils and danced in the New year. How different Xmas is now to what it used to be I remember what great Xmas’s we used to have at Uncle Johns at Chudleigh but those days we all ???/ I will wish you a merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Mr Edward Meryard came out a few days ago he seemed to know about Torquay and that neighbourhood and also about the Kennaways at least he told me all about them. Mr Layard and part of her family are going home and Mr and Mrs ??? who was here died a short time ago. If ever you meet them they will tell you how completely on ?? Is a great friend of mine. I have taken a great fancy to her. She always answers me very nicely. I shall ??? My best epistle to you. May god help you my dear father, Believe me too ??
From your most dutiful and affect son
Henry Templer
My dear sisters
It is very seldom I write to you I have just returned from a wedding and seen a happy pair set off. The Lady came out from England a fortnight ago to be married. They had been engaged 9 years and they had not seen each other for that piece of time. I think I might give you a companion in a few years time to get me a wife. I should not like to live here for 14 years without a companion to comfort me like Charles. It is very extraordinary what an affection children made for me. Mary was very fond of me, young ladies too the same. It is quite ridiculous this story in which the little girls flirt with me. I hope soon to hear that Amelia is married and Anna is engaged. Is ??? ??? married yet or likely to be, pray give my love to all that family. I find the people here are not so stiff and formal as they are in England. The balls here are very pleasant but there are not many ladies and what there are, are mostly married. I am getting thinner. It is not enough to win any lady although there are some people who are very fat. I think Anna when I get a situation you could come out and keep house for me. Miss Christina Mapleton is married to Mr Horkins and came here a few days ago in the Sir Edward Paget on the way to ???? and I near saw her. You cannot think how annoyed I feel. I might have heard of you. Mr Mergant a young man who came out on the same ship told me today. He seemed to like her very much. I danced until 4 o’clock in the morning on the 1st. I hear of you from Aunt Ellen and Kitty every month or nearly so, or from Charles. I think Charles is exactly like his brothers. He is a Buller all over in manners but a kind hearted person I never met ??. I hope you can see him next year and then you will hear all about me. I miss you. I am very keen to see you (and meeting again). I am getting very hale like every body else, no person can keep their colour here exerts the wife’s. We had a large party last night of 24 out of which 21 were Layard’s. Charles made a speech he was very nervous, in fact there are very few people who are not, I am getting very much so, the climate affects ones nerves very much, Frank often talks about you Amelia he is a very agreeable young man, got plenty of gab gift. I do not know what I should do if I did not see him sometimes. He explains …???… anything. I am still growing and I can make a man in time, when at Kings Kendall how you all used to laugh at me about being so small. You used to call me Jeremy Riddler and little son. I think the next time we meet which I hope we shall soon some fattie face or ou will call me elephant.
April 7th
I am sorry I have not send this letter before but I think I sent another in its stead. You will no doubt be amused at reading over these letters. I am very much so at times although they are my own composition. I always write the first things that comes into my thoughts and when I read them over I am very much astonished I could even write so much. Mama had a great fanny for reading my letters at home, perhaps these will amuse her. At all events I hope they will – My style of writing has altered a little since. I wrote the first part of this letter
your affectionate brother
Henry Templer
April 7th 1840
Outside it say’s “Hal’s letter”
Letter 8: Letter about possible appointments
My dearest father
The Governor has received the letter from Lord Byrd about employing me and he has promised Francis and Charles that he will attend to my interests during his absence but it is impossible to say whether he will trouble himself about it. He is such an odd being. Connections ??? is everything and of others he has nothing to say to him. If it is left entirely to his Excellency and if he does not feel disposed to do anything for me I am no better than I was before. Uncle Francis is trying to get that letter filed and then it could be as good as an appointment. As yet it is not and I am sure I do not know whether it will be. You said Arthur Buller was coming out and he would be able to do something for me. I hope he will be but I do not know how he can exactly. If he does anything it should be done before he leaves England because the ???? Advocate has something to do with the Civil Servants ?? will move. I am daily writing to be moved. As regards wages it will be £100 a year, Most of the young men are getting this off estates and all my friends are wanting me to go also and if I can get in on the same terms as the officers it will be the best thing I can do. They have £100 to begin and the increase every year of £5 pounds when the estate comes into being when a percentage is given out of the produce. On a large estate that would pay ???illy
All announcements about what I am to do will be made I think before Charles goes home. For family news ?? Is not ??? Aunt Ellen that they are all pretty well Kate and Wodehouse are gone to their estate and Uncle Francis went up to look for some Coffee land and so is Charles. But you know I suppose that Charles is not a partner with you and Uncle Francis. I hope he may succeed in his coffee. He has begun. I shall be so glad when you and Uncle Francis begin, the sooner the better. You said Amelia would be married soon. I hope she may be. I shall be so very glad to hear of it and Anna is engaged congratulate her. God bless them and make them happy. Caroline I suppose is quite an accomplished person with all the activities at one to Pudd??? and now the sooner she comes out to Ceylon the better. Pleased shalll I be. Do send her out she will I am sure be happy and so pleasant for me to have a sister here. I spent the new year at Uncle Francis, there was a ball ??? At the assembly but such a stylish affair. I should have been much better planned, Dinner included at Molle. I am so sorry to hear of poor Georges’s illness. Let me know a place where he is now and in what ship that I may write to him. I am glad to hear little Georgy and all who ?? are so well and I hope they may remain so. Here cholera is at an end. I am Healthful today. You sound rather alarmed about it. ??? to them most of the people here. It confined itself mostly to the natives. Some soldiers died of it but not here around but have a feeling that it may be now over next. We have thank God all ??? ?? ?? how with agent to ??? ??? ???? altogether ??? Charles £5 and not I fear have none before he leaves because it is uncomfortable for me to live on £5 a year with that I could not even get curry and rice. I have now nothing more to pay. Do give my kindest love to dear Mama and sisters and kind regards to all ?? ??
Your ever affectionate and grateful son
Hal Templer
January 11th 1840
Letter 9: Letter about life in Sri Lanka
My dearest father
I will send you a copy of the journal I kept the first month
October 21 – Got up at 7 studied ??? ??? ??? a chicken beatten by one of the coolies which died in 3 ??? Next to the Barceau which was not a very good one. The Admiral bought two gaslights
22 ??? ??? ??? dined at Kates and talked over the concerns of early days
23 Dined at Mrs Whitings – Celia has sailed 61st each headed for England
24 Next to some horses. A great deal of thunder and lightening and rain in t he morning
25 Heard that I was appointed to the Celinese ???? At ?? Perrocori
26 Going to Catalina associated ??? ??? in the morning
27 Sunday at Catalina
28 ??? down from Catalina at 6. Had a very pleasant travel. Arrived at Colombo at half past ten as the sun setting. Catalina is a very pretty place, plenty of rain for about 9 hours on Tuesday night. Birkledge going to lecture the Clergyman. Dined at Mrs McKienys sadly Aunt Ellen Poorly
29 Thunder and lightening and rain fell night, did not ride in the morning. Dined at Mrs Layards
31 Rode in the seaside. See the Cirencanon Greed ????????
Attended the Embassy for the 1st time to begin work – Uncle Francis, Frank and ?? ?? the carte col ???. Heavy rain for 2 hours. Introduced to the Governor and his wife. Mr and Mrs Gibson dined with us.
2 Nothing practically Gibsons and Scabbard’s dined with us
4. Rode into the Port to see the officers detailed fin fell – none like an awkward squad fifteen officers
5. This day is not like it is is England nothing to ??? ??? it
6. Dined at the Lazard’s and met the Meryards
7. Took a ride in the carriage. Rode Bullers large grey – pulled my hair. Dined alone.
8. Took a ride in the morning. Went into Court. Mr and Mrs Whiting dined with us after dinner went the Theatre. The acting is very comical. It is got up by the soldiers and is a very good thing as it keeps them from getting drunk which they otherwise would.
10 Went to the Pillah church and heard the Bishop preach
11 Got wet going to the embassy sennaical piece till half past 6, dine with Mrs Whiting and came home at 12 o’clock
12th went the Pisces in Ceylon Society meeting. Heard Buller’s voice but not his words did not see his face which the young ladies love to see ?????????
The Bishop made a very good speech and about an hour after called into a fainting fit which he is very subject to. He is a very weak man, sometimes he can ??? Faint for 3 and 4 hours
13 Went to a wedding the first I ever went to. Niece of Layard ’s were married to Mr Butlins. She is a very ??? ???? My friend I am sorry to say is gone to England. I did not kiss the bridesmaids as I ought to have done. They are rather too stiff to be fond of kissing and I accordingly left it alone
16th Found out my boy had robbed me of my clothes. Had his house searched. Found them. Put him into custody. Had a large party in the ??? ??? a very fete and ??? One.
22nd Rode out to the ??? ??? the coffee Uncle Francis and then rode back again
23rd went to Cave Island enquired after Mrs Merrison who is very ill. Saw Kate. Called on Mrs Owen Gleniul. Kate is the …. ???? dined alone
25 dined at the Governors, Meed the Fudle, Neus, Fielder – a very stupid party – Late Bombay arrived
26 Got weak in the evening. Mrs Steward Daniel with me and after dinner I went to the Whitings and spent a very pleasant evening
27 Had a good ride in the evening with Mrs Maynard. Dined at Whitings
28 Wet day could not go out in the morning. Dined with Caulfield who I think Anna knows. He told me he had met her in London. ????
29 Had a tolerable day and a very pleasant ride with Miss Whiting and to play Canasta and dined at their house
27 Been into the jungle to concerecete got on very slowly came home on ???
28 Spent the Xmas with Uncle Frances had two days family parties- This is the end of this part of the year. Now for my history in March and April. It is short and sweet. Received a letter from George on the 31st march. Appointed as acting custom master at Ballepitty Moderah on the 17th March 1840. Went to Galle on my way down, stopped at Catalina with the Whitings and had a very ??? ??? visit. Eliza came to my station, slept there one night and went on to Halle and staid there a couple of days with the Mecc??’s and came back again to Ballepitty Moderah where I ?? hard at work with Proctor, when I went to Catalina and staid four days with the Whitings. The four happiest days I have spent for a long time, While there’re had a trip up the sial and into the Generals bungalow and the botanical gardens. Came back to my station finished my work for this season and went to Galle for a day. We went to Church and felt very shy at being stared at by so many young Coolies as there was not one of whom I know they were all taking a peep as if I had been a monkey. Perhaps they were not much out of there ??? Not many people at Galle. and news. It went well ???? Ly kind to me and have offers to come and stay a week or fortnight at any time I like and the Whitings have loved the scene. On their way to Galle they breakfasted with me and also on there ??? From this you can see that I have not forgotten your request entirely Although I do not keep a complete journal yet occasionally I write down what has happened lately.??? Are ???? there marriages on foot and settled I believe. I am not of the happy party although people talk of my going to be married and laugh at me about it.
March 12 1840
I must not forget dear Amelia’s birthday give her my kindest and best love and I only wish I could kiss her once more. I wish her many many happy birthday and may every happiness and comfort attend her. For the last few days nothing has occurred. I am living quite alone and have no business. I shall now write a few lines to Mama and believe me wish to be your most affectionate and dutiful son
Henry Templer
My dearest Mother
Very few of my letters have been addressed to you but this one I cannot let go without thanking you for the many affectionate ones I have received from you. By this time I hope you are recovered from your ailing and all the party little George is still well and as funny and happy as ever and I only hope she may con be so. I is very little I can say about her but I think much more than I write. The finger the so often concerns you of is not right yet and I do not think the nail ever will be. I suffer no inconvenience over it. The cheese came out all safe but did not last long after landing, they spoil very fast. If ever you send me anything do not let it be a cheese. I do not think they are so much prised as you imagine. Boats are very often sailing from this for England and much do I long every time to return once more to see my dear and affect friends. Now that I am alone from the world they are very often and I may say ever in my thoughts. There must be some delay I think in sending your letters because I have only received two since I left England and that is now exactly a year. I did write something about you neglect of courtesy in all my letters but now I find it all wrong. Many many thanks to you all for writing to me and I can assure you it is the pleasure and happiest temperance to read over your letters and all the others. I must beg you in this letter also to write to Uncle Francis. I am afraid I never can sufficiently thank him for his kindness to me. He has taken a very great interest in my future happiness and has done and is still doing every thing he can to promote it. Charles has been very kind to me. I lived with him for 6 months during which time I can safely say he never said an unkind work to me. I am indebted to both of them more than I can express. I wrote a letter to Lady Kennaway but I do not know whether it is gone. I sent it to Colombo. I do not think it was a very satisfactory one. I must now stop my scribblings and fill up this piece of paper by Monday. My kindest and most affectionate love to my dear sisters one and all and Uncles, Aunts, cousins and the whole lot and kind remembrances to all of whom I know – particularly to the Vicors and Bierlly and I must not forget Mary and the S??? Susan I suppose has left if not tell her I like Ceylon better than London. May God bless you all. I am my dear Mother your ever affectionate son
Henry Templer
Ballepitty Moderah
May 18th 1840
Gill has sent best love to all
Direct to me Columbo as usual, my station is Called Ballepitty Moderah
My dearest sisters
I will fill up this by telling you that I am going to Columbo for the birthday ball where I shall dance as much as I can. I often think of my dancing to “Baby like his Parrot” or some name of that sort. Frank is an odd chick he will make you laugh when you see him. He is always in good spirits nothing puts him out of temper. Kate is lovely too but generally speaking when we get together we are very sober. I am longing to see Gussie. I hear so much of her I think you will like Aunt Ellen very much and Wodehouse in my opinion they are two very kind agreeable people. I am as fat as ever notwithstanding the hot climate, Anna you may rely upon it I shall not go elephant shooting for a year or two. At present I have not too much courage and that is dangerous sport. We are obliged to go within ten feet of them and should the gun misfire or he see me before I fired he would kill me for a certainty. I wonder so few accidents have occurred. God bless you my dear sisters
Your affectionate and loving brother
Henry Templer.
Letter 10: Letter to Caroline
To Miss Caroline Templer
Ballepitty Moderah
August 2nd 1840
My dearest Caroline
Knowing how much you prize those letters that are addressed to you I will give you one for your oneself in return for the many kind and affectionate ones you have written to me which are prized very much by me and which I often read over with the greatest pleasure. I have just read the one you wrote on Christmas Day and have laughed most heartily at the first part of it. Now I will tell you a little about myself. I am now living in a small cottage by the roadside with no European nearer than 20 miles. I see nobody but black people. I have no work to do, and a gentleman at large which does not suit my taste. I quite envy poor Frederick who certainly has endured very many hardships but he has employment. It is too hot to go out in the middle of the day, so I am obliged to stay indoors. The largest room in my house is as big as the little bedroom George used to sleep in. There are three rooms – one I use as a drawing and dining rook, one as bedroom and the other as Pantry. I have 40 £’s a year which I manage to live upon as well as I can and do very well upon it but I am expecting in a few months to be appointed to another station on 100£ and then I shall do very well. You think how very kind Uncle Francis and all the others have been to me. They have given me everything I wanted and treated me as their own child. I was certainly in hopes you were coming out and I was very much disappointed to hear that you were not. I am sure you would have like it. Kitty has such a nice little boy. I m sure you will be very fond of him. He has taken a great fancy to cousin Hal and so has cousin Hal to hi. I had such a delightfully long letter from Fred which I send home to Papa in case you have not heard. His is a hard life notwithstanding I would go there if I could but I am very well off where I am. He had to sleep poor fellow for 4 months in the open air and I have not had to sleep r minutes. Australia is a different country to what it is represented as you will see by his letter. I have been staying at Gale with the Stewarts who are very kind to me. There is not I can safely say one person I know who is not very kind to me and I only hope I shall never give them cause to make them otherwise. I had a regular scraping at a little boy I had a few days ago he had not dirty little wretch washed himself for 4 months so I took him down to a well and made him wash himself and how do you think he rubbed the dirt off his back. Why by rubbing himself against a coconut tree the same way a sheep does against a post Oh there are dirty people and great rogues. Fowls are very cheap only 6d. each that is the very largest. If they were dear I do not know how I should live it is the only thing I have eaten since I have been here. I am sorry to hear of the deaths of so many Newton people whom I know. When Kate read your letter she began at me directly wanting to know who the young lady at Miss Sweeting·s was and Miss Rendle. Pray remember me to them all most kindly and tell them I have not forgotten them. How I should have liked to have been at your birthday party. I would have danced but I still hope the time will come when I shall be at one of your birthday parties but then how everything will be changed. What a difference a few years makes in a family. Your birthdays are never forgotten by me nor are those of any of my relations. I have been at a great many Balls and Parties but all that sort of thing is dying away very fast. I hope your health is better than when I left. I expect to hear every day of Annie’s arrival. She ought to be here now or in a day or two. I am very anxious to see her in order that I may know how she left you all. I am not otherwise than when I left England but I think a little taller and still dressed in the boyish dress that Mama is so fond of the jacket and turn down collar but the innocent locking cap is changed for a hat, when I go to Colombo. How does your garden get on. The one you asked me to put the bones round which I am sorry to say I did very unwillingly and many times have I thought of it since. If I were home now I would do it my dear sister with the greatest pleasure and with all my heart. I have not seen such a thing as a garden since I left England. One day Charles Buller went with me to see Miss Layard’s garden and when there I asked where the garden was he said why this is it do you not see it it was nothing but half a dozen large trees and I would much rather have seen 2 or 3 Elm trees. Charles I think will be astonished when he sees an English garden. Tell me what ship George is to sail in this next voyage whether the same or another. I have seen Mr Stewart he gave me letter of Introduction to(?) and like him very much. Have you seen the little dancing (?) lately.
Great many of the natives have what is called elephantiasis which is a leg without any exaggeration as large a gatepost, exactly like an elephants and not a bit smaller. I hope Louisa I should say Miss Vigor is all well again. Pray give my kind love to Mr. Vigor and c. No doubt he will be very glad to see George. How is Leah and when to be married very soon I hope. I am rather pale but very well all the Ceylon people are so. When you see Mrs Bickford tell her I wished to be remembered most kindly to her and to the 2 Miss Bickfords. Send me something when you have an opportunity of your making never mind how small a gift. Mary’s gloves are in my chest and never do I see them but I think of her and remember the morning she came in to me and said Mr. Henry, I give you a pair of gloves which I hope you will find useful. I know you like giving messages so please tell her that I have not forgotten her kindness to me in former days at Kingskerswell when she used to come in at eleven at night and tell Miss Lewis that it was late and time for me to go to bed. I suppose Miss Georgy can dance now and talk. I should give a great deal to hear her. I am afraid this is not so amusing a letter as mine used to be especially when read by Mama. I must now wind up by sending my kindest and most affectionate love to my Father and Mother and sisters, kind remembrances to the servants and people of Newton and may God ever bless you my dear Caroline and give you health and happiness and now accept the kindest love of your ever affectionate brother
Henry Templer
So what happened next? Well Henry’s father died in 1843 which must have been a terrible shock for Henry. And then his sister Caroline did indeed travel out to Ceylon presumably to live with Henry. She married a soldier in Edward Plunkett in 1845 in Sri Lanka.
Henry married Cornelia Bagenall in 1844 at Galle – she was a half Spanish(Basque)/half Irish local girl who had been living in Sri Lanka since the age of 8. She had been orphaned at 13 but had lived with older siblings in Colombo.
Henry was promoted to Police Magistrate at Matale just outside the town of Kandy in the centre of the Island. They had 4 children in quite quick succession: George William, Gertrude Mary, Edmund Reginald and Charlotte Emily (Emma).
As I said earlier Henry died of a tropical diesease in 1851 in Matale. His wife took the children and moved to France and later England. Both sons chose to return to Sri Lanka after they were educated in England. George William to join the Civil Service and Edmund Reginald to work in the Tea industry and Civil Service (he was a Pioneer in the department of Works). Some of Henry’s descendents lived in Sri Lanka right up until in the 1960’s if not later.
I am unaware of any that are still there maybe this post will find some!
Here is what I have in terms of a family tree for Henry:
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