From: Biological Stn. Pearl Beach
Via Woy Woy
NSW

To: Miss M. C. Sadler
"White Lodge"
101 Northcourt Rd.
Abingdon, Berkshire
England

December 5, 1955

My dearest Margaret,

I am ashamed to say your letter has not yet been answered and I was so glad to have it. I'm very sorry to hear you had been so unwell and do hope you are at last quite recovered. I too have been far from well, suffering from exhaustion following influenza and then sciatica which has been very painful. I am often lame and walk with difficulty. It seems to come and go quite unexpectedly, and with other disabilities things seem to get behind so all good intentions about writing and doing things about the house are constantly postponed.

We have been busy with parties from the university nearly every weekend and six people left today. We had a 'cold snap' and fires, and there was snow on the mountains down south and northern tablelands. Fancy that for December! Rather violent thunderstorms too! The weather seems to be strange. I wonder if the activities at the South Pole have anything to do with it. If huge ice masses are broken up and float into the Gulf Stream, I should think it would bring about strange climatic changes.

You have had a very trying time, dear Margaret. I do wish we could see each other and talk about our mutual interests. Teeth are such a great trouble and I had all mine out many years ago. Regarding grandfather's Frederick Cruickshank miniature, you remember he was the artist who illustrated some of Charles Dickens' works. He would, of course, have been in London when grandfather was there, and it was painted before he came out here. I wrote to Christie's but they could not give any information but said neither picture was of much value which I am sorry to say that I do not think quite correct. However, people like that who deal in fabulous prices would not have the same valuation as we would!

A short time ago we had a talk on the wireless (repeated from A.B.C.) about Woburn Abbey. It was given by the chief steward Mr. Peter Stainer. (I think the name was Stainer, but I did not hear it very clearly.) He was talking about all the modern innovations they have installed as tourist attractions which is bringing in a lot of money so that they are able to make things pay. The innovations seemed to me to be pretty awful - of the loud speaking American type which would appeal to the 'newly rich'. However, people flock there by the thousands.

It was so good of you to send me the book about the Eden family and I am sure it will be a treasure. I am amazed that you would spend so much money on a present for me, and I am sure you cannot really afford to do it, Margaret. It should arrive anytime now. I also sent you a small book but I fear I missed the Christmas mail. It is about Flinders Chase Sanctuary and has quite a lot about our wildlife.

Just now I have another baby possum to care for. It was found on the beach, deserted, or so the story goes. When it arrived it was such a frail and frightened little creature without its proper teeth, so it had to be spoon fed. Now it has grown and is such a beautiful little creature. I am training it for liberation but keep it in a cage during the daytime to keep it safe from enemies. They are nocturnal, you know. Last night I took him for a little walk in the garden and he went into a native bush which is rather prickly but has tiny berries which he loves. I could not get him away and when I went back later there was no sign of him. This morning I was up early and there he was safe at home, curled up in his log and asleep in the cage. I am delighted to think that he is now able to look after himself. I also noticed the track of a big possum 'round the path at the house so I hope he has made friends. I would never keep birds or animals caged except to be liberated when restored to health and liberty. Canarys are an exception because they are not able to fend for themselves but of course not being native, I am never likely to have them here.

Professor Gilbert Murray is related to our Professor P.D.F. Murray, Zoology Dept, Sydney University.

I am so glad you have some information about the India Office and hope you are successful in tracing grandfather's diary sent to the Calcutta Museum. I have never heard about Mr. Weatherel and how he came to have anything to do with grandfather's things. I will copy out for you again the letter to Charles Crommelin, Governor of Bombay, and the record of his burial, extracted from Cambridge History of India [...see below].

I think I told you that the book I have, "Bombay in the Days of Queen Anne" Series 11 Vol XXII Hakluyt Society (1943), has a footnote regarding "Charles Russell the Governor's son (1701-1754) who was a colonel in the army, married a sister of John Rivett, and Chequers passed to her in succession to her sister-in-law Frances. Her son, Sir John Russell (1741-1783) was the eighth baronet... Chequers came into the possession of the children of Elizabeth Greenhill (?) who was a daughter of Governor Russell." The footnote says, "The history of the Russell family has been carefully traced in the second volume of Dr. C.R. Wilson's 'Early Annals of the English in Bengal' (Vol.11 Pt1 pp 325-333)."

I have tried to get Dr. Wilson's book but it seems unobtainable here. That may give us the full name of our great-great grandmother and also show if that is the way the name Crommelin is handed down in the Duke of Bedford's family. You should be able to trace it right out in the old copies of Bourkes Landed Gentry, or some other of the general records. There are also the connections of the Frankland family. There is also some slight connection between our family and the grandaughter of Oliver Cromwell, viz Catherine Crommelin b. 3 Aug. 1614. Mr. Abraham de Deuxvilles of London and their daughter Elizabeth married Mr. Mars and had a son Nicolas who married a grandaughter of Oliver Cromwell. I have heard that Cromwell was so hated that their name was changed by some of the descendants but I don't know if this is true. There is a lately written Life which may give details of Oliver's grandchildren and their connections.

I really must stop or this letter will be overweight, as indeed it would be if it carried all my loving thoughts and wishes for you wrapped in its folds. I hope you have a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year, Margaret, and that you will be feeling stronger. Is there anything you would like me to send you from here? Have you plenty of warmth? Ever your loving cousin, Minard.

Miscellaneous Notes...

Copy of letter in possession of Evelyn Crommelin, "Brightlands", Shortheath, Farnham, Surrey, England. She was the widow of Colonel Clarence Yule Crommelin (1860-1936).

Letter from Daniel Crommelin of Amsterdam (1707-1789)
to Charles Crommelin, Governor of Bombay (1717-1788)


Daniel Crommelin

Amsterdam
1st February 1745

Sir,
Our kinsman Mr. John Peter Blaquiere, residing in London, acquainted me some time in September last that Capt. D'Abbadie enquired by your order about your family. To meet your desires I have the honor to advise you that your uncle Adrian is dead, as can be seen by the enclosed letter of your kinsman Mr. [Annibal] Roux, a worthy young gentleman, and by the enclosed account of the genealogy of the family Crommelin which is one of the ancient families of refugees in Europe, consisting of above four thousand souls. [Annibal Roux married Francoise Crommelin, sister of Mark Anthony Crommelin.]

The branch of Peter Crommelin and Mary Desormeaux are most all in the magistracy of the City of Haarlem. Benjamin Crommelin, son of Samuel Crommelin and Madeline Testart, is now General in the service of the States General, and the greatest part of the rest of the family are merchants established round about the world.

I was born in New York in America and am the son of Charles Crommelin (who married Anne Sinclair), who was son of Daniel Crommelin and Anne Testart. I am Merchant here, and established 9 years ago. I have had 6 children with Mrs. Mary le Plastrier - 3 boys and 3 girls, two of which are dead but I hope with God's blessing in May next to have 5 again.

I would be very pleased if you will honor me with a few lines and if I can do you any service here or elsewhere. Pray dispose of me who remains, with respect, Sir, your most humble servant. (signed) Daniel Crommelin
To: Mr. Charles Crommelin in Bombay.

Indian Monumental Inscriptions Vol. 1 Bengal. List of inscriptions of historical interest, Index IV.
Charles Crommelin. Old English Cemetery Kalkapur. Serial No 688 P.No180. "To the memory of Charles Crommelin who died on 25 Dec. 1788, aged 81 years."

Cambridge History of India Vol.V. Page 249
"Raghimatt Rao made overtures to Crommelin then Governor at Bombay." "The incident is important. It deliverately introduced the English as arbiters in Maratha affairs." "A deciding factor in the consolidation of the British power in India (1761).

Charles Crommelin, son of Marc Antoine Crommelin and ... Russell was born at Bombay 27 June 1717. He married Mary Arden of Bridgenorth, Shropshire. Marc Antoine Crommelin b. Lyons, France (Lords Journals XVIII P.42764). Married Francoise Seignoret. Was naturalized by Act of Parliament (No 94.4.5 Anne 1706) Session book 683 P40 (Duplicate in Bath Roll Skin 6).

Irish Prerogative Intestate Administration:

  • Administration of the goods of Abraham Crommelin, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Merchant, was granted to Anne Crommelin, the widow 1 Sept. 1772.
  • Administration of the goods of Mary Crommelin Devry-Aghye (?), Antrim, spinster, was granted to Nicholas Crommelin and de la Cherois Crommelin, the brothers & Dec. 1775.

Marriages in magazines:

    Exshaw's Magazine:
  • Abraham Crommelin Esq., Lisburn, to Miss Catherine Laurent 3 Apr. 1763.
  • Abraham Crommelin Esq. to Miss Anne Carden of Lismore Aug. 1768.

Dublin Marriage Licenses:

  • Samuel Crommelin of Dublin...to Maria Belcastle of St. Nuchans, spinster, 17 Feb. 1701.
  • Abraham Crommelin of Lisburn, linen/drapery, to Catherine Laurent of St. Michans, spinster, 31 March 1762.
  • Abraham Crommelin of Lisburn, Co. Antrim, merchant, and Ann Carden of St. Annes, spinster, 11 Aug. 1768.
  • Poyntz Stewart of Dublin, Esq. to Anne Crommelin of the parish of St. Mary, Dublin. Widow, 29/6/1776.

Dublin Freeman Roll, 1706:

  • Lewis Crommelin, merchant, by grace special.

Smiles History:

  • Madeline C. daughter of Louis C., married Captain de Berniere "Gentlehomme d. aupres d. Alencon, Jean Antoine de Berniere a Tufnza(?), officer who served under the Earl of Galway in Spain. He lost a hand at the battle of Almanza. His son was a Captain in the 30th Foot. His grandson, Henry Abraham Crommelin de Berniere was a Major-General in the British Army and his great grandson married to the sister of the present Archbishop of Canterbury, rose to the same rank."

From the Salisbury & Winchester Journal: Feb. 17, 1812 No. 3915, Vol.77

  • "On 5 July last (1811) was married in Bengal at the house of A. Roberts Esq., Thadgeree Mordaunt Ricketts Esq. of the Hon. Compys. Civil Service, 3rd son of the late Gov. Ricketts, to Maria Elizabeth, daughter of C.R. Crommelin Esq."
  • James Arden Crommelin 1801-1893. Lieut-Colonel Engineers, b. Calcutta 2 Feb. 1801. Cadet 1820. Admitted 24 Nov. 1821. Ensign (3) Lieut. 1 May 1824. Capt. 12 Jan. 1834. Major 22 Oct. 1841. Retired 1 Jan. 1843. Hon. Lt. Col. 28 Nov. 1854. d. 30 Jan. 1893. Bapt. Calcutta 1 Mar. 1801 son of Charles Russell Crommelin BCS and Ann his second wife. Half brother of John Dethick Crommelin qv married Darjeeling 20 Aug. 1851 Mary Ann Rejendra. Ed. Harrow, England, entered the school 1814/15, left 1816/17. Addiscombe cadet 1817-9. Services first Burma war. Lieut. Engineers (India medal) Adjt Engineers 1823-30. In the service of the King of Oudh(?) 16 May 1828 to 3 Ap. 1829. Furloughed 12 Feb. 1830 till 6 Mar. 1833. Executive Engineer Dum Dum Div., 19 Oct. 1833. Leave to Cape 18 Mar. 1837. Supt-Engr. N.W.P. 10 Mar. 1841 till retirement.

Harrow School Register:

  • James Arden Crommelin, b. Calcutta 2 Feb. and there Bapt. 1 Mar. 1801. Colonel Bengal Engrs. Married a Nepalese and had 6 daughters.
    • 1st b. 20 July 1850, m. 14 Feb. 1870 Dr.M. at Barrackpore Rev. George Francis Popham Blyth, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem and the East.
    • 2nd Charlotte Emilia b. 14 Nov. 1852. m. 1 June 1870 Rev. Wm. Sadler, Rector of Dumbleby and had 5 children.
    • 4th Cecilia Louisa m. Hy. Parker.

I think your grandfather [James Arden Crommelin] had a very fine record and what a wonderful age he lived to be! Do you remember him?