VPRS 12882 Inwards and Outwards Correspondence Regarding the Ballarat Riots

Full description

VPRS 12882/P1 consists of 34 items and a list relating to the Ballarat Riots of 1854 including (e.g., inward correspondence, drafts of outward correspondence, returns, etc., and whether these are the originals or copies).

According to the header on the original list of 1855, it appears the items were compiled for the information of Robert Rede (Resident Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Gold Fields at Ballaarat). The exact purpose of this compilation is unclear and subject to further research but is thought to be related to the Goldfields Commission of Enquiry. It is thought that the items were compiled by clerical staff at Ballarat, supervised by Goldfields Bailiff John Biers, who has jotted on the original listing: The despatch or instruction brought by Captain Thomas [Commander of the military force] I am unable to find.

The list identifies each item and item number, sender and date of the item, a description of the item and a column for remarks. The latter was infrequently completed for its original purpose. It was used to note the total number of pages for each item.

VPRS 12882/P2 consists of two casualty lists prepared by District Surgeon David Williams in 1854, and one letter of commendation for his work in the Ballarat Camp and hospital signed by Robert Rede. These estrays were from the estate of Miss Edith Wight via the estate of Dr David Williams. Patricia E. Clark of Albury, NSW, provided them to PROV.