Merab Hancock Gordge, widow of Samuel Gordge (following his "drowning" - see previous post), petitioned the South Australian Governor for financial assistance so she and her two children could relocate to Sydney to join family. (See first image.)Also attached are the records of the court discussing her destitute situation. You will note it says: "she is only 35 years old and is strong; the "____" and only two children is capable of earning a good living." (I wonder if such a response would have been sent to any of today's single moms?!) (See second image.)
Finally, on September (?) 15, 1854, the court sends a kind reply that the "SA Governor cannot comply with your request." (See third image.)
FYI - To read the images, just click on them to expand them.
Thanks to Russell and Pamela Smith of Australia for sending these documents to us (on January 20, 2001). I know -what took me so long to post these!
