This is a copy of the letter from Nathaniel Lucas to his father in Surrey, held in the Mitchell Library.

It is believed, and indeed proof has been found, that the letter was actually written by Olivia and the handwriting has been compared to that of Olivia, and it was found by experts to match. Nathaniel wrote with a very business-like style rather than how this letter was written.

Sydney:Norfolk Island.

New South Wales.

20th Oct: 1796

Dear Father,

After so long an absence, an account of my state of health and situation will no doubt be pleasing to you, and I have the pleasing satisfaction to acquaint you that me and my family are all in perfect good health and thank God and my own industry are very comfortably situated. My Family at the present time consists of my wife and four children, two boys and two girls. I had the unspeakable misfortune to lose two twin girls by an accident which could it be reprsented in a proper manner, would awaken the most tender feelings and melt the hardest heart into sympathy. It was by the fall of a Pine Tree which stood near my house which burried my lovely infants in the ruins and almost my worthy partner who merely escaped with her life, for she was dragged out into a situation in which her life was despaired of. Oh! Father I am not able to express the poignant grief I felt on this very shocking scene without dwelling long upon the subject together with the variety of misfortunes liable to those who transgress the Laws of their Country. I can now with truth assert that I Have surmounted them all and with the Blessing of God I hope that in the course of two years to return to my native Country with a competency for Life. I am Master Carpenter of this Island for which I receive a salary of Fifty Pounds per annum. I have two Freeholds consisting of 75 acres of Land. I should be wanting very much to Gratitude if I did not acquaint you that my present good fortune is to be imputed in a measure to the humane goodness and assiduous respect of Left: Gov: King who has ever promoted my interests since my residence on this Island. Perhaps it will not be un-entertaining to you to give you some account of this Island which I believe to be one of the most fertile in the world. It produces two crops in the year; one of Wheat and Another of Indian Corn. The crops of Wheat is rather precarious on account of the variance of the Climate. Potatoes and Vegetables of all kinds are produced in great abundance and will grow in any month of the year provided there is a little rain when planted. 

The wheat harvest generally commences about December, which is for the most part excessive hot, often accompanied with thunderstorms - the Indian Corn is usually planted in June and January. This island produces several kinds of fruits, watermelons, bananas, a rich and ...?... (bright?0 red berry called tomatos or goozeberries, a native cone which grows upon vines. Grapes, figs, apples, lemons, and various other kinds of fruits coming to great perfection. Fish of excellent quality are plentiful on this coast, hogs are bred here in great quantities, poultry without...?... quantity of sheep and goats. I had the ....?.... (honour?) under the direction of Lieut. Gov. King to construct a water mill for the government and a windmill on my own estate.

I have permission from His Honor Lieut. Gov. King fro you or any of my friends to wait upon him who will afford any necessary assistance you may require.- Do not fail in embracing the first opportunity in writing to me, remember me to all my family and friends and relations. Farewell and may God almighty bless you.

from

Dr father

Your affectionate son

Nath Lucas

P.S. remember me to my Brothers and Sisters and to all Enquiring friends and any one of my relations may wait upon Gov. King, who will acquaint you particularly of my Situation

Spelling mistakes are as in the original letter.