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Eliza and John Bushelle and family
Dr GRAEME SKINNER (University of Sydney)
THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
To cite this:
Graeme Skinner (University of Sydney),
"Eliza and John Bushelle and family",
Australharmony (an online resource toward the early history of music in colonial Australia):
https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/bushelle-family.php; accessed 5 November 2024
Introductory note:
The texts given in gold aim for the most part to be diplomatic transcriptions, wherever practical retaining unaltered the original orthography, and spellings and mis-spellings, of the printed or manuscript sources. Occasionally, however, some spellings are silently corrected (for instance, of unusual music titles and composers, to assist identification), and some orthography, punctuation and paragraphing, and very occasionally also syntax, editorially altered or standardised in the interests of consistency, clarity, and readability.
BUSHELLE, John (John BUSHELLE)
(John Benjamin BUSHELL; John BUSHELL; James BUSHELL; Mr. BUSHELL; John BUSHELLE; Mr. BUSHELLE; "The Knave of Diamonds")
Bass vocalist, choir leader, professor of music, dancing, and languages
Born Limerick, Ireland, c. 1805/6; son of Benjamin BUSHELL and Margaret BUTLER
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 15 July 1828 (convict per Phoenix, from England, 4 March)
Married Eliza WALLACE, St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney, NSW, 2 May 1839
Died Hobart Town, VDL (TAS), 19 July 1843; buried 28 July 1843 [sic]
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=John+Bushelle (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
BUSHELLE, Eliza (Elizabeth WALLACE; Eliza WALLACE BUSHELLE)
(Miss WALLACE; Mrs. John BUSHELL; Mrs. BUSHELLE; Madame BUSHELLE; Eliza WALLACE BUSHELLE; Madame WALLACE-BUSHELLE; Madame BOUCHELLE; Madame WALLACE-BOUCHELLE)
Soprano vocalist, professor of music
Born Ireland, 4 February 1820; baptised Kilmoremoy parish, County Mayo, 8 February 1820; daughter of
Spencer WALLACE and Elizabeth McKENNA
Arrived (1) Sydney, NSW, 7 February 1836 (bounty passenger on the James Pattison, from Cork, 31 October 1835)
Married John BUSHELL, St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney, NSW, 2 May 1839
Departed Sydney, NSW, 27 March 1847 (per Walmer Castle, for England)
Arrived (2) Sydney, NSW, by October 1863
Died Sydney, NSW, 16 August 1878, aged 56 years [sic]
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Eliza+Wallace+Bushelle (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
NOTE (July 2018): Several Irish databases (see also Lamb, Wallace, 2012, 3), record Elizabeth Wallace's birthday as 7 February; family historians George Ryan (Dublin) and Steve Ford (Sydney) kindly inform me that the original baptism record clearly reads the "Feb'y 4th"; a few 20th-century sources incorrectly refer to her as "Isabel Wallace", thus also creating confusion with her sister-in-law Isabella Kelly
ASSOCIATIONS: Ellard family (cousins); Logan family (cousins); Leggatt family (cousins); Chester family (? cousins)
BUSHELLE, John Butler (John Butler BUSHELLE; John BUSHELLE) see main entry John Butler BUSHELLE
Musician, baritone singer, teacher of singing, rifle sportsman
Born Sydney, NSW, 6 March 1840; son of John BUSHELLE and Elizabeth WALLACE
? Married (1) Sarah SIMMONS (d. 1890), NSW
Married (2) Henrietta Marianne HEAD, Paddington, NSW, 14 July 1891
Died Sydney, NSW, 14 September 1891, aged 51
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=John+Butler+Bushelle+1840-1891 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
BUSHELLE, Thomas T. Butler (Thomas T. Butler BUSHELLE)
Born Sydney, NSW, 6 March 1840; son of John BUSHELLE and Elizabeth WALLACE
Died Sydney, NSW, 6 December 1840
BUSHELLE, Tobias Vincent (T. V. BUSHELLE; Toby BUSHELLE) see main entry Tobias Vincent BUSHELLE
Amateur bass vocalist, insurance agent, music reviewer
Born Sydney, NSW, December 1840; son of John BUSHELLE and Elizabeth WALLACE
Died Dunedin, NZ, 24 August 1889, aged "48"
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Tobias+Vincent+Bushelle+1840-1889 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
BUSHELLE, William Butler (William Butler BUSHELLE)
Born Sydney, NSW, 5 November 1843; son of John BUSHELLE and Elizabeth WALLACE
Page contents
Documentation
* John/James Bushell to end of 1837
* Reid's biography of James Bushell
* Eliza Wallace to end of 1837
Summary
John/James Bushell to end of 1837
According to the account he gave to James Reid (see here Reid's biography), and as can so far be independently verified, James Bushell (sic) was the natural son of Benjamin Bushell, of Limerick, and his wife Margaret Butler, the only daughter of Theobald Butler of Wilford Kilkenny. Sources mention the couple had a daughter Mary (b. 1799) and "youngest" son, Theobald (b.1806).
At around the age of 3 or 4, however, Bushell was adopted by his childless uncle, John Bushell, a Dublin business-man who was later in partnership in London with Myles and John MacDonnell, as "MacDonnells, Bushell, and Co."
According to a biography published in the London press after his 1827 trial (and probably based partly on his own account), he was educated, up to the age of 13 (? c.1818), at Carshalton School, in Surry, a Catholic college staffed by a community of ex-Douay English Dominican friars. He was then sent to Lisbon, though probably only briefly, to a post in an agency for his uncle's firm.
While he was abroad, however, the firm failed (? c. 1818), and at 15 (? c. 1820) Bushell returned to Ireland and lived for some time with his birth mother. There are references to a bass singer "Mr. Bushell", singing Mozart's "Non più andrai" in Dublin concerts in March 1820 and January 1821, the former a benefit for the actor and singer Jacob Hamerton (perhaps his teacher?), and the latter for the violinist and theatre musician John Fallon.
In London "in 1819" (?) he met and became a pupil of the bass singer Thomas Welsh (c. 1780/1-1848), and briefly appeared at the theatres. However, having run into insoluble financial difficulties, he came before the courts, where "Sir R. Birnie . . . admonished him, and he showed his face no more in the Green-room."
He then went to Paris (? c. 1822/3), where he was said to have gained a post with ex-Sheriff Parkins (Joseph Wilfred Parkins) as his "valet de place", but stole his watch, was convicted of theft and imprisoned for "three years" in the Prison Sainte-Pélagie. It was after his release, in "1826", that he first became acquainted with a "Frenchman" - Perren, or Perrin - with whom arrived in London. He was then accomplice with the Frenchman in several robberies in 1827. Bushell was apprehended, and tried in two cases at the Old Bailey, both heard on the same day, 13 September 1827.
Both trial transcripts name the Frenchman as Perren; but Bushell is called John in one (on which he was acquitted), and James in the other (sentenced to death, age 21).
On 26 November, along with 32 others sentenced to death at the Old Bailey that month, Bushell's conviction was respited to life transportation, a then standard commutation for first convictions for non-violent crimes. He arrived in Sydney on the ship Phoenix, on 16 July 1828 (from London, 4 March), and his Australian prison career is reasonably well-documented (the following, however, since I have yet to view the documents, only from catalogue summaries):
Assigned as a house-servant in 1829 he was described as a "good singer; he served terms at Wellington Valley (1830), but thereafter appears to have been refused leave to take an assignment in Sydney (perhaps on account of the atheistical principles Reid mentions); the Revd. John Espy Keane of Bathurst applied to have him for a servant in 1831 mentioning his musical abilities; at Moreton Bay (1831-33; where he was employed "as clerk, also excellent linguist"); and at Port Macquarie.
He was evidently settled back in Sydney by mid-1836, when he was reported in the press as singing in the choir of St. Mary's Cathedral. However, in December that year, he was granted a ticket of leave for Port Macquarie.
My thanks (2017) to Rob Wills (Brisbane, QLD) for sharing his research findings into JB's convict record, and to John Bishop (Uraidla, SA) for sharing his research findings into the Bushell family.
Documentation
John/James Bushell to end of 1837
[1806] Noel Murphy (compiler), "Pedigree sketches from the Limerick Tontine Schedule 1808" (data taken in 1806; articles of agreement signed on 2 January 1807)
[4] Benjamin Bushell, Merchant Denmark Street, Limerick, [m.] Margaret Butler, Alive. Mary Bushell, only daughter, age 7 (born 16 May 1799)
1806, birth of Theobald Bushell
[1806] Edward Walford, The county families of the United Kingdom (London: Hardwicke, 1860), 93:
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=2m_cDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA93 (DIGITISED)
BUSHELL, Theobald, Esq. (of Strandtown). Youngest son of the late Benjamin Bushell, Esq., of Limerick, by Margaret, dau. of Theobald Butler, Esq., of Wilford, co. Kilkenny; b. 1806 . . .
1814
"LONDON DIVIDENDS, Gazette, November 4", The Law Advertiser (10 November 1831), 390
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=WfQuAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA390 (DIGITISED)
23 May 1814, MACDONNELL, Myles, John MacDonnell, and John Bushell, Broad-street, London, merchants . . .
Macdonnells, Bushelle and Co.; from 1814, the partnership consisted of Myles and John MacDonnell and John Bushell
1818-21
"LINC. INN Septemb. 4. 1821, Ex parte TAAFFE and another. In the matter of MACDONNELL and BUSHELL", Cases in bankruptcy 1 (1824), 111-12
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=swY0AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA111 (DIGITISED)
In December 1818, "a commission of bankrupt was issued against John Macdonnell and his partner Bushelle"
And see also [1831] "RESULTS OF MEETINGS. November 29", The Law Advertiser 9/49 (8 December 1831), 437
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=WfQuAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA437 (DIGITISED)
1820
[Advertisement], Saunders's News-Letter [Dublin, Ireland] (15 March 1820), 3
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001057/18200315/012/0003 (PAYWALL)
MR. HAMERTON BEGS leave to acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public,
that on This Evening, 15th March,
HIS CONCERT Of Sacred and Miscellaneous Music Will take place in the ball-room of THE ROTUNDA.
Principal Vocal Performers: Messrs. Spray, Hodson, Hamerton, Weyman, Allen, Mrs. Smyth and Miss Macdonald.
Mr. Hamerton's Pupils - Master Ormsby, Master Hill, and the other Young Gentlemen of the Choir . . .
SECOND PART . . . Duett, "When thy bosom heaves a sigh;" Masters Ormsby and Hill, . . . Braham;
Song, Non piu Andrai, Mr. Bushell . . . Mozart . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Jacob Hamerton (perhaps his teacher?)
1821
[Advertisement], Freeman's Journal [Dublin, Ireland] (9 January 1821), 1
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000056/18210109/001/0001 (PAYWALL)
NATIONAL MUSIC. ROTUNDA ROOMS.
MR. FALLON Most respectfully take leave to inform his Friends and the Public, that
HIS CONCERT OF IRISH AND MISCELLANEOUS MUSIC will take place To-morrow Evening, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1821.
PRINCIPAL VOCAL PERFORMERS: - Miss Byrne, Messrs. Hodson, Edmiston, Bushell, and Bedford . . .
PART II . . . Song - "Non prui and rai Farfallone amoroso [sic]," Mr. Bushell, Mozart . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: John Fallon (violinist, theatre musician)
1827
"POLICE", London Evening Standard (7 September 1827), 3
Yesterday, John Bushell, who was committed for re-examination from this office, on Thursday last, was again brought up, when a number of tradespeople attended to prefer charges against him; the two following cases were deemed sufficient: -
On the 21st of August, he went into the shop of Mr. Jones, jeweller, No. 17, Cheapside, and selected a diamond pin, and several other valuable articles, which he ordered to be sent to his address. When the articles were carried to the direction, it was found that no such person lived or was known there; and in consequence, the goods were brought back. But on examining them, Mr. Jones found that a valuable diamond pin, worth 50l. was missing. Hearing that the prisoner was to be re-examined at this office yesterday, Mr. Jones attended, and the pin, being produced, was fully recognised by him as his property. The next case was, that of defrauding a Mr. Mainwaring, jeweller, of Chancery-lane. In this instance, as on the former occasion, the prisoner had selected a variety of articles, which he ordered to be sent to his lodgings; but the messenger found that no such person was at all known there. On hearing this, Mr. Mainwaring examined his goods, and discovered that a valuable brooch was missing. The brooch being produced at the office, Mr. Mainwaring identified it as the one he missed on the day on which the prisoner was at his shop. It appeared that this unfortunate young man was in the habit of going about attended by a foreigner, in appearance a Spaniard, committing various depredations of this sort on the shop-keepers of the metropolis. He was then fully committed.
Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 13th September 1827
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?name=18270913
[First trial] pages 45-46 (639-40) [first trial: 1628]
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?div=t18270913-40
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/images.jsp?doc=182709130045 (DIGITISED)
Before Mr. Justice Gazelee.
1628. JOHN BUSHELL was indicted for stealing, on the 15th of August, I diamond pin, value 5l.; 1 diamond brooch, value 15l.; 2 diamond rings, value 20l., and 3 seals, value 3l., the goods of John Mainwaring, in his dwelling-house.
CHARLES BROWN - I am clerk to John Mainwaring, a jeweller, of Chichester-rents, Chancery-lane. On the 15th of August the prisoner came to the shop, with another person, who seemed to be a foreigner, (as the prisoner interpreted for him.) The prisoner asked to look at some gold seals, which I showed him - he then asked to look at a diamond ring - I showed him some; he then produced a letter from his pocket, and read from it an order, which he said was from South America, and would be for three dozens of gold seals, three dozens of gold fancy rings, one diamond ring, and six pairs of brilliant ear-rings; he said Mr. Mainwaring's name was given to him by a Mr. Askill, of America, and said, "I do not know whether I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Mainwaring or not;" I said, my name was Brown; he said it was of no consequence, as we might rely upon having the order, and named the following Monday morning, at nine o'clock, to see a better assortment than I had then before me - he appointed that time himself; I showed them the whole of our diamond stock, which they seemed particularly to admire. They asked the price of various articles, and then went away; I immediately put the things they had looked at into the drawer and case from whence I had taken them, and as they did not keep their appointment on the following Monday morning, nor indeed ever came again, we had some suspicion; Mr. Mainwaring and my self took stock, and missed the articles stated in the indictment - I had shown them the pin and rings, and I am certain I had seen the other things two days before they came. I have seen the diamond pin at Marlborough-street - it is worth above 5l. The property altogether is worth 43l., at a very reduced calculation.
Cross-examined by MR. MCDOWELL. Q. How many persons had been in your shop from the time you had seen the other things? A. Probably thirty or forty - I had no conversation with the other man; they talked in a foreign language, but I doubt his being a foreigner, for he looked at a very fine sapphire brooch, and I heard the word No, from one to the other - I will not swear it was No - it seemed to be a signification of No - I do not know whether the negative term in the French language sounds like No - I did not observe any conversation between them till after they had been into the warehouse - I looked at the things - the prisoner produced the letter from his pocket; I swear he did not say he wanted the articles for the gentleman who was with him - that man did not look at more than one or two articles - I showed them some pearl suits; the prisoner immediately said, "I do not deal in that, but my friend deals largely in it" - I did not mention this circumstance at Marlborough-street, as they thought I had stated enough; that was my only reason for not stating it - I did not see to whom the letter was addressed.
JAMES HOWELL - I am shopman to Mr. Barton, a pawnbroker, of Princes-street, Soho - the prisoner came to our shop on the 15th of August, about four o'clock, and pawned a diamond pin for 3l. - he said the stone weighed three grains - he pawned it in the name of John Johnson - I have it here; it is worth 5l. 5s. in the trade, and would sell for a good deal more - I sent notice to the Magistrate at Marlborough-street, in consequence of a hand-bill.
CHARLES BROWN - This is the pin - I know it to be the same.
Cross-examined. Q. How do you know it? A. By the peculiarity of the setting, and the tint of the colour - it is set with the stem angleways, which is unusual - there are two grains, and then one, which is unusual; it happened to be the very largest pin we had, and was on a piece of velvet, with about thirty others - I did not tell the Magistrate, that the person who came with him appeared an excellent judge of the articles, nor say any thing to that effect.
The prisoner, being called upon for his defence, read a long address to the Court, respecting his having simply acted as interpreter to the other person; the particulars of which will be found in his subsequent trial, on the Seventh Day of the Session.
JANE ANN GIRAUDIR - I formerly kept an hotel in the Haymarket, and am now out of business - I live at No. 42, Haymarket; the prisoner was first introduced to me by Mr. Perren, a foreigner, whom I had known eight years ago - I had every reason to believe he was a jeweller - I became acquainted with him by his lodging at my hotel, about eight years ago - my brother was then in his employ, as an interpreter, and accompanied him to several jewellers shops in the neighbourhood - he never pawned any articles for him to my knowledge - he remained ten months at my house; he could not speak a word of English - I had seen him with several diamonds; my brother frequently went with him to jewellers' shops; he went to Paris - I have heard of him several times since - the last time I saw him was the day before the prisoner was arrested - the first time I saw him after the eight years, was when he arrived in England - he called to see me, having lodged with me, and inquired for my brother, who is now abroad - he introduced the prisoner to me as his interpreter - I have seen Perren with several articles of jewellery.
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/images.jsp?doc=182709130046 (DIGITISED)
COURT - Q. When did Perren come to England with the prisoner?
A. In June or July - he did not lodge with me then. I am not in business. I saw him every day till the prisoner was apprehended - he did not speak a word of English. I can speak French.
CLOUGH GOGIN - I am a teacher of languages, and live at No. 14, Great Pulteney-street. I know the prisoner. I have known Perren for the last two months, and think he could not speak a word of English. I have been employed to go with him to lapidarys' shops, and setters of diamonds to interpret - I did that twice - he bought nothing on those occasions, but said he would call again.
JAMES HOWELL re-examined - I saw a Frenchman in company with the prisoner on one occasion; he had some things, and gave them to the prisoner to pawn with me, one at a time; the prisoner asked more on them than I could lend, and he returned them back to the Frenchman. I think this was two or three days subsequent to his pawning the pin; one of the articles was a diamond brooch, and I think there were some rings, but I am not positive; the prisoner was alone when he pawned the brooch in the name of "John Johnson, 17, Oxford-street" - it was a diamond sapphire brooch; he had brought me something to pawn about a week before, with the Frenchman, but I did not take it in.
CHARLES BROWN - Ours was a brilliant border brooch, not a sapphire.
Prisoner - I beg to remark, that it is not usual to give the right name when things are pawned, from the reluctance persons feel to have it known they must have recourse to such means.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS - I am a pawnbroker, and live in St. Martin's-lane; the prisoner has been to our shop more than once, accompanied by a Frenchman; he once brought a diamond and sapphire brooch to pledge - the Frenchman took it from his pocket and gave it to the prisoner, who spoke English, and interpreted to the Frenchman; things were generally given to me by the prisoner, who asked the sum for them - he sometimes communicated with the Frenchman previously.
COURT. Q. When did he come to your house with the brooch?
A. About a month ago; he wanted more than I could advance on it - that was the first time that I remember;
he came the last time on the 22d of August, and offered a gold watch for 5l. I offered him 3l. -
before he would take it, he went and spoke to the Frenchman, who was at the door,
then came back and pawned it with me in the name of "John James, 18, Castle-street." I do not remember their coming at any other time.
NOT GUILTY.
Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 13th September 1827, page 55-58 (649-52) [second trial, 1639]
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?div=t18270913-51
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/images.jsp?doc=182709130055 (DIGITISED)
Before Mr. Baron Vaughan.
1639. JAMES BUSHELL was indicted for stealing, on the 22d of August, at St. Anne, Westminster, 1 watch, value 10l., the goods of James Ely, in his dwelling-house.
JAMES ELY - I am a jeweller, and live in Soho-. On the 22d of August, the prisoner came into my shop with another person, having the appearance of a foreigner; the prisoner entered first, and asked to see some gold bracelets and ear-rings, which I showed him; the bracelets were not handsome enough, and he asked to see the ear-rings, which I showed him - they were gold; he selected five or six pairs of gold ear-rings, and requested I would take them up to No. 37, Baker-street, Portman-square; he gave me the name of James Butler, and said he would undertake to say one pair would be kept, as he wanted to make a pre-
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/images.jsp?doc=182709130056 (DIGITISED)
-sent to a lady; he told me to be there between nine and eleven o'clock next morning - I had told him the prices - he liked the handsomest pair best. Before they left the shop my wife came in, and, as soon as they turned out of the shop, she said something to me - she looked and missed something.
LYDIA EMILY ELY - I am the wife of the prosecutor - I saw the prisoner in the shop on the 22d of August; he had been there about a minute when I came in; a person, having the appearance of a foreigner, was with him - they were looking at gold ear-rings, which my husband had taken out of the case to show them; the prisoner was the only one who spoke; a tray laid on the glass case, close to the prisoner, but not close to the foreigner; the tray had been drawn out, and laid on the glass case - I had put that tray to rights not half an hour before, and had seen a gold watch in it, set with turquoise on both sides - it cost my husband ten guineas - the selling price was fourteen guineas, which mark was on it; as soon as I came into the shop, the prisoner said, "Give me a piece of paper, and I will write my address," which he did; he then said, "You will be with me to-morrow morning between nine and ten o'clock, and I will promise you that one pair of the ear-rings I will keep;" they went out of the shop - the pair he thought he should keep was 10l. or ten guineas; he said he was going to make a present of them to a young lady; I suspected them, and within a minute of their leaving the shop, I missed the gold watch I before mentioned; the prisoner stood near the case - the other, I do not think, was within reach of the watch.
Cross-examined by MR. McDOWELL - Q. How long had the prisoner been in the shop before you entered?
A. About a minute, because I was in the parlour with the door open when they came in. I heard what passed, and could see what was done in the shop.
I always observe if a second person is in the shop, but being engaged in stringing coral, I could not immediately go into the shop -
I was noticing them all the time, and could see who was nearest the counter.
I could not see what he was doing with his hands certainly. I left off stringing the coral the moment they came in.
I could see that the other man did not move from the place he stood in, and it is my firm belief,
that he was not near enough to the case to touch the watch - the prisoner was close to the case - our shop is a large one -
it has been a parlour, it is on the south side of the square, next door but one to the Bazaar;
there is only one counter, which continues down the shop, and then turns the corner.
I have a full view of the counter as I sit at work - the parlour is large.
I sit at a table close to the door, in order to have a view of the shop.
I rose from my seat immediately they came in, but it was a minute before I entered the shop. I had my suspicions when they came in.
Q. The prisoner stood near the tray, of course you observed his movements very narrowly?
A. I could not see his hands - I could see his face - he had been in the shop before, and raised my suspicions before.
I could not see his hands move - he was too clever to let me do that. I endeavoured to get into the shop as soon as I could. I
did not see him remove any thing from the tray. I discovered the loss immediately they left the shop, and mentioned it to my husband -
he did not follow them - he did not suspect them before, or he might have caught them.
I looked at the ear-rings first, then looked at the tray, and missed the watch, and told my husband;
he immediately went to Baker-street, to see if such a person lived there; the prisoner had looked at the bracelets before I entered the shop;
he never spoke to the foreigner - he entered the shop first, and the foreigner close at his heels - they were together;
my attention was not directed to one more than the other - I had a full view of both of them;
if half a dozen persons were in the shop they could not get out of my view - the foreigner might be a yard from the prisoner;
he stood out in the shop, not at the counter; he only looked at one pair of ear-rings, but did not touch them - the prisoner showed them to him, and he merely nodded.
Q. Of course he stood close to the foreigner when he showed him the ear-rings?
A. No - he did not; he held them up to him. I do not believe he spoke to the foreigner at all, if he did, it was something very quiet.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS - I am a pawnbroker, and live at No. 92, St. Martin's-lane. On the 22d of August, (I think it was towards the evening) the prisoner came to our shop, and offered to pawn this gold watch - there was a Frenchman outside the door, on the steps, he wanted 5l. on it. I offered him 3l.; he said he was afraid that would not do, he would inquire; he went to the door, spoke to the person who was waiting, then came back and took the 3l.; he gave me the name of John James, No. 18, Castle-street.
Cross-examined. Q. What is the value of the watch, in your opinion?
A. I should think about 6l.; I should think that the extent at this present time; there has been no particular alteration in the value lately;
it is a common French watch; it is set with turquoise, which is a common stone; 6l. is the outside value, I supposed the other man to be a foreigner.
MR. ELY re-examined - I went to the house in Baker-street, and found no such person as Butler lived there. I paid ten guineas for the watch; they would not make the cases in this country for the money - there is a great deal of work in them - it is mine.
Cross-examined - How do you know it?
A. As well as I should know you, if I saw you to-morrow. I have had it eight years, and then paid ten guineas for it;
I think now it might be bought for eight guineas; the works are very good.
I would give eight guineas for it now, if I wanted it to sell again; the prisoner stood close to the tray;
the foreigner was as far off as I am from that lamp (about a yard and a half) - I do not think he was nearer;
he did not move but once, I believe. I did not see the watch in either of their hands;
I never said I had - there were seven on the tray, but I did not see them touch one; they did not ask to see watches.
I did not hear any conversation between the prisoner and the foreigner; it was about three o'clock in the afternoon.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS - The watch was pawned about six o'clock, as near as I can recollect.
Prisoner's Defence - Your Lordship must have remarked on the former trial, that I did not seek, in the least degree, to question the testimony of the witnesses; but, I declare to God, there is such wilful and corrupt perjury in this case, that it cannot pass without remark. I declare positively that Mr. Ely, before the Magistrate, (though not exactly under examination at the time) stated that he saw the watch in the hands of the foreigner; that
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/images.jsp?doc=182709130057 (DIGITISED)
I was near the window, and the case was about the middle of the counter, and the foreigner, being in the middle of the shop, it was impossible for me to have touched the watch. I declare he stated this to the Magistrate, though it is not in his deposition. On my former trial these persons were in Court, and as they found the Jury acquitted me, supposing I was only the interpreter, they have judged it necessary to charge their statement. The lady particularly expressed her intention of prosecuting me, and hanging me. I understand, from good authority, that the gentleman himself said he would prosecute me, and showed the most decided intention of making me his victim. When I went into the shop I spoke French from beginning to end. The prosecutor says he showed me several pairs of ear-rings and bracelets, and the lady says I was not a minute in the shop before she saw me. I trust you will consider these circumstances, and make allowance for my accomplice (as it is supposed), being absent. I shall call Norman, the pawnbroker, who will state how I appeared when he accused me of having gone to several shops; that I appeared totally innocent from my manner, and went immediately before the Magistrate; it was my own proposition; he insisted on my going out of the shop myself, while he made inquiry. I was prepared to answer this charge, but being now unprepared by this wilful perjury on the part of this gentleman and his wife, I am deprived of the means of rebutting it immediately.
MR. ELY re-examined - Q. Did you, before the Magistrate, say the watch was in the hands of the foreigner?
A. I did not; I do not believe a word was said but what was taken down in writing;
my deposition was not taken before the Magistrate, but by a clerk in an office; the prisoner was not present at my conversation;
I did not at any time state the watch had been in the hands of the foreigner, and have no idea of its ever being in his hands.
I have taken great pains to find the foreigner, thinking him the worst, he being old enough to be the prisoner's father.
I should suppose him about forty-five years old, but he took my attention very little, as he took no part in the business.
Prisoner (reading.) - At the latter end of June, on my return from France, I came by Dieppe to Brighton, on board the steam-packet. I entered into conversation with a Frenchman, who had all the appearance of a gentleman, with whom an intimacy was soon established; he told me he had already visited England, and had some acquaintances in London, but had no knowledge whatever of the English language. I immediately offered my services, and we came to London together; on our arrival we put up at the same hotel, from whence he requested me to accompany him to Giraudier's hotel, in the Haymarket, where he said he had lodged before; he then inquired for Mrs. Giraudier's brother, who had served him as an interpreter during his former stay in England, but was told that, from a situation he now occupied, he was prevented from acting in the same capacity; then, and not till then, did he propose to me to act as his interpreter, promising to remunerate me for my loss of time; I acceded to his request, and then he confided to me that he was by profession a jeweller - that his object in coming to England was to inform himself of the price of every article in that line; after which he intended to have a large quantity of French jewellery brought to England if the prices suited - thus we went about to different jewellers, where he always contrived to employ me in writing what he dictated, which prevented me from observing his proceedings: he now and then begged me to act as if for myself alleging as his reason, that a Frenchman asking the price of English jewellery, might excite suspicion, as every article was much cheaper in France than in England; and his being a foreigner would induce them to ask a larger price; this was so plausible, I did not hesitate to do as I was told. In the course of a fortnight he gave me a ring to pawn; and on expressing my astonishment at his being obliged to resort to those means, he replied, that not receiving remittances as he expected, he found himself short of money; in a word, he accounted for every thing in so natural and plausible a manner, that I am convinced any person in Court would have been deceived as I was. I shall now proceed to the cause of my apprehension. I went to Mr. Norman's with the Frenchman to pledge a diamond pin. Mr. Norman informed me he had received positive information that two persons, answering our description, had committed robberies to a large amount, and that he was obliged to ask me how I became possessed of the diamond pin. I translated what he said to my companion, who immediately took flight, while I remained astonished at his sudden departure. Mr. Norman begged me to give my name and address, which I immediately did - and said he would make inquiry if I returned in a quarter of an hour. I offered to remain while he made these inquiries; but he told me it was not necessary. I returned in a quarter of an hour, and he said, in consequence of information he had received, he felt it his duty to give me in charge of a constable; but on seeing my companion was absent, he told me to bring him with me. I went to three houses where he was in the habit of going; and not finding him there, I was going home, and, near my own door, I met Mr. Ely and another man, who called upon me to go before a Magistrate. I accompanied them without the least hesitation, and have not since seen the Frenchman.
MR. ELY - I reached a pair or two of ear-rings out of the window, and most likely the watch was taken then, as my back was turned to him during that time.
Prisoner - Both state the articles were shown to me only - consequently their eyes must be directed to me only.
JANE ANN GIRAUDIER - I live at No. 42, Haymarket. I first became acquainted with the prisoner when he arrived in England, two or three months ago; he was accompanied by a Frenchman, named Perren, who represented the prisoner as his interpreter; I had known Perren eight years ago, when he was in this country for eighteen months - he was a jeweller and dealer in diamonds, and lodged at my hotel; he did not speak a word of English, and my brother acted as his interpreter.
Q. How do you know he dealt in diamonds?
A. My brother told me so, and I have seen jewellery in his possession; my brother acted as his interpreter immediately he arrived; he has only been in this country once since.
JAMES EDDERLY - I am a tailor, and live in Panton-street. I know the prisoner, and have seen him in company with Perren, who appeared to me to be a foreigner. I have made clothes for him - the prisoner interpreted for him. I
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/images.jsp?doc=182709130058 (DIGITISED)
have seen diamonds in Perren's possession - he told me he dealt in them.
Q. Can you speak French?
A. Yes - he did not interpret between me and him. I am a Frenchman. I only know that Perren called him his interpreter.
I offered my services if he wanted any thing in a hurry; he was about forty or forty-two years old.
MICHAEL TURNER - I am shopman to Mr. Norman, a pawnbroker, of Princes-street, Soho. I know the prisoner - I was present when he came to our shop, accompanied by a foreigner; the last time he came was when Perren brought a diamond brooch; I believe that is about three weeks ago, it was the day the prisoner was apprehended - he came to the shop, accompanied by Perren, before he was taken into custody - Mr. Norman communicated to him his suspicions.
Q. Did the prisoner return to your shop in a quarter of an hour after those suspicions were communicated?
A. Yes - he returned with me; Mr. Norman sent me to inquire if he lived in Pulteney-street;
I went to his lodging, to inquire, while he remained at the shop - he heard me sent to his lodgings,
and just as I was returning the prisoner came up to me; Mr. Norman had let him go out of the shop - he returned with me to our shop.
COURT - Q. What was the charge against him at that time? A. Mr. Norman suspected him of having stolen a brooch. I heard no charge made about this watch at the time.
Prisoner - It is a French watch, and if I had had any suspicion that would have driven it away - I was led to suppose it belonged to him.
GUILTY - DEATH. Aged 21.
"OLD BAILEY. TUESDAY, SEPT. 18. SHOP LIFTING", The Morning Chronicle (19 September 1827), 4
JOHN BUSHELL, a fine, handsome, fashionably-dressed young fellow, six feet high, was put to the bar, on an indictment, charging him capitally with having stolen in the dwelling-house of Mr. John Mainwaring, a jeweller, one diamond pin . . .
The prisoner put in a written defence, in which he stated that he had been thirteen years abroad, and on coming from France by a steam-packet, he met with a Frenchman of gentlemanly exterior, named Perrin, who stated that he was a jeweller in France, and was coming to England to make purchases. Perrin employed him as an interpreter, and he was not aware that he was the dupe of a designing villain. The prisoner called the widow of an hotel-keeper in the Haymarket, who stated that the Frenchman Perrin employed the prisoner to act as his interpreter.
The pawnbrokers with whom the stolen property was pledged deposed, that the prisoner acted not as a principal, but as the interpreter or assistant of Perrin.
Mr. Justice GAZLELE summed up the case; and the Jury, after retiring for about an hour, returned a verdict of Not Guilty. There are two other indictments against the prisoner.
"OLD BAILEY, Thursday, Sept. 10 [recte 20]", London Evening Standard (21 September 1827), 3
John Bushell, who was acquitted on Tuesday last of a charge of stealing a diamond pin, was this day put to the bar, on an indictment charging him with stealing a gold watch, value 10l., the property of Mr. James Healey, a jeweller in Soho-square, on the 22d of Feb. last. The circumstances of this case were very similar to those in the other. The prisoner went to the shop of the prosecutor, in company with a foreigner, and looked at some rings, which he said were intended as a present to a young lady. After they had gone, the watch was missed. A pawnbroker proved that the prisoner and a Frenchman came to his shop, in St. Martin's-lane, and pawned the watch for 3l. The prisoner offered the same defence as in the other case, namely, that he was duped by the foreigner. Mr. Baron Vaughan summed up the evidence, and the jury found the prisoner Guilty.
"SHOP-LIFTING", Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle (23 September 1827), 2
John Bushell, a dashing young fellow, who stated he had an engagement at the Italian Opera House, and who has been in custody on various charges of robbing jewellers' shops, by going in under pretence of making purchases, in company with a foreigner, to whom he pretended he was engaged as an interpreter, was tried twice at the Old Bailey last week - in the first prosecution, for stealing a diamond pin, he was acquitted: but in the latter, for stealing a watch value 10l. from Mr. Healey's shop in Soho-square, was found Guilty - Death.
"BUSHELL, THE CONVICT", London Evening Standard (23 November 1827): [detailed biography]
It was fully expected some time before the last report was made that Bushell, who was convicted the session before last of stealing in the shop of Mr. Ely of Soho-square, a gold watch, would have suffered the extreme penalty of the law; and up to the moment the report was brought down, all the friends of Jeremiah Sullivan, who was convicted of highway robbery, were positive that it was ridiculous to entertain a hope of mercy for that prisoner. The latter convict was so firmly persuaded his end was approaching, that he actually invited all his acquaintances to attend at and witness his execution, and he had prepared to meet the expected intelligence with the air of a man who courted rather than shunned death. When he was told that his Majesty had spared his life, his resolution completely abandoned him, and he dropped on the ground in a state of perfect insensibility. Bushell, a sketch of whose extraordinary career we subjoin, and who had been given to understand, a few days before the report was made, that he was merely to cross the water, had of course to contend with no violent feelings of the kind. He received the communication with gratitude, but without surprise. Three petitions had been sent in to the Secretary of State in his favour, one of which was signed by Mr. Rothschild, Mr. Baring, and all the other merchants of great eminence in the metropolis. Bushell, who is a young man of the highest accomplishments, used every exertion as soon as he believed that his own life was safe, to render service to his fellow prisoners, wrote petitions for them, and rendered them as many little services as he could, consistently with his own desperate circumstances. Soon after the report came down, he received the following note from Keating, one of his unfortunate companions in prison.
"Dear Mr. Bushell - We have taken the liberty of writing to you, if you will be so kind as to collect a small trifle for Edward Lowe, John Keating, and Charles Smith, for to get us a pint of beer before we part this world, and we shall ever be obliged to you."
"For Mr. Bushell. North Yard."
The following notes from Powell, who was convicted of robbing Messrs. Sewell and Cross, in whose employment he had been, were received by Bushell a day or two after the report crime down.
"My dear friend - I am convinced the sheriffs are all doing their utmost for me, in conjunction with the Governor and Doctor Cotton. I should be glad to see the gentleman who said he may do me good. He will be allowed, by Stating it is my wish. My mind will not permit me to say much, but merely that I trust we shall meet again in a better world. My fellow sufferers return their kind remembrance to you and all; they are obliged for your kindness. My dear friend, I have a hope behind the grave, where I hope soon to be. Thank God, we sleep very well, even better than before, and are all in a happy state of mind, for we know we cannot go to a worse world than this. God bless you, my dear friend, and all with you, and may the close of their mortal life be as happy as that of your truly happy friend, J. POWELL.?
"Mr. J. Bushell."
"Mr. dear friend - Will you be kind enough to lend me Doctor Dodd's small work, as I have received much comfort from it. Thank God I am happy. Pray for me, as I will for you and all. Remember me to Jerry, (the convict alluded to above,) God bless him. Adieu forever, dear Bushell. JOHN POWELL."
It was evident from these and other communications, that Bushell had made a strong impression upon the minds of his fellow prisoners. His example was, we understand, calculated to serve himself in the opinion of those who are in the habit of observing and reporting the conduct of prisoners, as well as to serve the other convicts. He has complained often that be never has had a chance, since he became a proper judge of right and wrong, and that the unexpected and cruel embarrassments into which be had been plunged by circumstances over which he had no control, had cast him beyond redemption.
John Benjamin Bushell is now about twenty-four years of age. He was born in Limerick, and is the nephew of John Bushell, Esq., formerly of an eminent house in the City. It was expected, and he was brought up in the expectation, that he would be the heir to his uncle's property, which was at one time supposed to be immense. He received his education, up to the age of thirteen, at Carshalton school, from whence he was sent to Lisbon, where there was a branch of the concern, and received an allowance. The house in London failed; and as his resources in Lisbon failed with it, and he could not endure the comparative slavery of a mere clerkship, he left the latter place at the age of fifteen, and passed over to Ireland, where he lived for sometime with his mother, but he soon acted by such a manner as disgusted all his friends. He was indeed so completely abandoned by his relations, that at the age of seventeen he was obliged to take the benefit of the Insolvent Act for the sum of 5l., a debt which he had contracted with a tailor. He had often wished to try the Stage, as he is an admirable musician, and has a voice of the most extraordinary compass and tone; and after he had been discharged from prison he determined to exhibit before the public. He came to London in 1819, and was introduced to Mr. T. Welsh, to whom he became a pupil, and who had the highest opinion of his powers and taste. He soon afterwards, we understand, got an engagement at one of the principal theatres, and the papers had already began to paragraph him as a "Nonpareil," but the time between the commencement of his salary and the agreement being considerable, and his pocket being empty, an accident befel him which destroyed his prospects in the theatrical way. He not only contrived to borrow 50l. upon the strength of his engagement, but he obtained three piano-fortes, which he immediately pawned. For this he was taken before Sir R. Birnie, who admonished him, and he showed his face no more in the Green-room. After this "exposé" he went to Paris, where he contrived to get into the service of Sheriff Parkins, as "valet de place." He, however, stole the sheriff's gold watch, for which he was imprisoned three years in the Pelagie. In 1826 he obtained his liberation, and became acquainted with a Frenchman, one of the greatest judges and purloiners of diamonds in the whole country; and while he was connected with him in France, he never stole any thing but diamonds. The temptation, to a very necessitous person, was very great, particularly when he was instructed how to steal without probability of a discovery. The Frenchman used to tip his fourth finger with a clammy adhesive substance, called "Terebinthine de Venice;" and while he pointed at any particular diamond amongst those laid before him with his fore finger, he contrived to touch another with the "Trebinthine," and drop it down his sleeve. Upon one occasion he carried out of a jeweller's shop between 400l. and 500l. worth of jewels out of one case. He used also to tip a cane which had a hole in the top with the same stuff, and he always succeeded in conveying away something extremely valuable which stood at a little distance from the counter. Bushell believed for some time that the Frenchman made a fair division of the spoil with him, but from a what he afterwards heard from some of the London jewellers who were plundered by both, the Frenchman used to sack three-fourths at least. In the course of their dealings with some of the London jewellers they found that the mode of getting business adopted was not very creditable to the shopkeepers.
The Frenchman had two desperate fellows while he was in Paris in his service, but when a grande role, as it was called, was to be played, Bushell was the man appointed to act principal character. He often passed as a Spanish nobleman, and he was present at the coronation of the Emperor Nicholas, at St. Petersburgh, where he and the Frenchman picked up a great deal of money by different plans of deception. They found very little difficulty in abstracting jewels from the English jewellers, but they found a French diamond seller, whose eyes were so quick, and whose suspicions were so much alive, that even the unrivalled French-man came off foiled. This persevering fellow, however, determined to do the shopkeeper, and he gave orders to the two assistants, to whom we before alluded, to be in readiness. The jeweller kept his diamonds regularly marshalled in a pincushion, which he used to hold up to the eyes of his customers, whose hands were not allowed to approach it. His ingenuity was beaten out by force and manoeuvre combined. One of the assistants, by the Frenchmen's direction, stood at the door with a piece of strong whipcord, while the other went into the shop, the door of which instantly closed, and asked to see some diamonds. The brilliant pincushion was produced. The Frenchman, who stood at the other side of the street, gave the signal; the fellow who stood at the door suddenly opened it, and cried out aloud, "Ha!" the jeweller started back - the pincushion instantly changed hands and disappeared, and the plundered owner found that the latch of his door was tied down with the whipcord, and that he must get through the window to follow the thieves. No person but a master could have planned or superintended the execution of such a robbery as this. The whole did not occupy more than three or four seconds. The amount to which plunder was committed by the Frenchman is known to be enormous. It is asserted that very few jewellers have escaped him. After Bushell was apprehended, he wrote to the Frenchman, charging him with having done him irreparable injury; the only answer he received was - "Terebenthine is safe."
George IV; John White et al, pardon (26 November 1827); HO 13/50, National Archives, Kew, London
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1856468
John White et al, Pardon.
George R.
Whereas at the Sessions holden at the Old Bailey in September last the following persons were tried & convicted of the Crimes hereafter mentioned & had Sentance of Death passed upon them for the same viz John White, Robert Martin, Catherine Conjuet, Harry Hale, Thomas Ferry, James Davies, George Ballard, William Cain & Henry Rogers of Housebreaking; Sophia Gunyon, William Goodrich, Charles Hendrick, Richard Barnett, Geo Nelson, James Bushell, Sarah Elliott & Thomas Knight of Larceny value £5 in a dwelling House; James Gardner of Larceny value 40/- in a dwelling House; Timothy Dogerty, William Ramsdale, Ambrose Blackford, John Riley & Edward Reed of Highway Robbery: Harry King of Robbing near the Highway: Thomas Sacket & James Langham of Robbery from the Person: William Watson, Charles Hawkins & Thomas Heffield als. Brown of Horse Sts; James Southgate of Stealing Sheep; Margaret Cavenagh & Ann Lynch of Traitorously colouring base coin; George Haig of Uttering a forged order for payment of Money & William Penny alias Buckly of feloniously being at large before the expiration of the time for which he had been sentenced to be Transported. We in consideration of some circumstances humbly represented unto Us are graciously pleased to extend our Grace & Mercy unto them & to grant them Our Pardon for the Crimes of which they stand convicted on condition of their being severally Transported to New South Wales or Van Diemans Land or some one or other of the Islands adjacent for & during the Term of their respective Natural Lives: Our will & pleasure therefore is that you do give the necessary directions accordingly: And for so doing &c., 26 Novr 1827.
"SUCCESSFUL THIEVES. COMMUTATION OF PUNISHMENT", Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle (25 November 1827), 1
John Benjamin Bushell who, it will be recollected, was convicted the Old Bailey for stealing the shop of Mr. Ely, of Soho-square, a gold watch, while acting the supposed character of an interpreter, has been respited, and is to transported for life. John Benjamin Bushell is now about 24 years of age . . . [as above Standard 23 November]
Australia (from 1828)
1828
15 July 1828, arrival in Sydney of the convict ship Phoenix
[News], The Australian (16 July 1828), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36864527
The arrival of the ship Phoenix yesterday, has put us in possession of English Newspapers to the 4th March last.
[News], The Australian (30 July 1828), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36867036
The prisoners by the Phoenix were landed on Sunday. With few exceptions they are an uncommonly healthy and robust body of men. Nearly the entire have before this time been conditionally assigned to the service of private individuals; and to persons resident in Sydney, we understand, many have been assigned.
New South Wales census, 1828, alphabetical return; State Records Authority of NSW, NRS 1272
https://www.paperturn-view.com/?pid=NDM43338&=183 (DIGITISED)
[No.] [34]64 / [Bushell] James / Phoenix / . . . Wellington Valley . . .
1829
State Archives and Records of New South Wales; Colonial Secretary's Papers; CS 29/9756, -57, -58
Also microfilm copy at State Library of Queensland; New South Wales, Colonial Secretary, letters relating to Moreton Bay and Queensland received 1830-31 [summary table of contents of] reel A2.5; see finding guide (last revised November 2013), pages 22, 23, 32
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/198015/SLQ-A2-SERIES-Roll-A2.5-2013-11.pdf
Letter from John E. Keane (Sydney), to Frederick Hely (principal superintendent of Convicts Office, Sydney), 6 [?] December 1829
Letter requesting James Bushel, Phoenix 2 [as it is] be assigned as house servant - good singer.
Letter from Frederick Hely to Colonial Secretary, 5 [sic ?] December 1829
Letter submitting application of Revd Mr. Keane of Bathurst for convict James or John Bushel / Phoenix [ref. CS 28/1197] mentions musical abilities; notes ref. CS/29/9674, CS 29/9756
Letter from John Maxwell (Sydney), to Colonial Secretary, 11 December 1829
Letter re James Bushel, Phoenix; notes ref. CS 29/9995
1830
Letter from Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to Frederick A. Hely, 2 March 1830; CS 30/161 (4/3669, page 358; reel 1044)
[Re. CS] 29/9558 [above] / No. 30/161 / Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney 2nd. March 1830 / Sir / With reference to my letter of this date No. 30/160, and more particularly in reply to yours of 5th December last; enclosing an application from the Reverend J. E. Keane for the prisoner named in the margin [James Bushel, Phoenix], I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to request that you will communicate to Mr. Keane who is evidently unacquainted with Bushel's character. the accompanying report [copy 11 December '29] from the late Superintendent of Wellington Valley stating that he professes principles hostile to the revealed Religion, and is supposed to have been active in disseminating them. / I have &, Alex. Mc. Leay / [to] F. A. Hely Esq.
ASSOCIATIONS: Alexander Macleay (colonial secretary, NSW); Frederick Hely (superintendent of convicts)
State Archives and Records of New South Wales; Colonial Secretary's Papers; CS 30/6842
Also microfilm copy at State Library of Queensland; as above
Letter from John Maxwell, Emu Plains, to ?, 23 March 1830; and notes 8 September 1830
Letter re Returns of Prisoners at Wellington Valley who may be assigned . . . Re prisoner James Bushel and character.
Notes on the above, "R. D.", 8 and 14 September 1830
Notes re [Bushell] Mentions breaking up the Establishment - directions re prisoners Fen to Norfolk Island - also mentions Eustace & Labush [also spelt Lahrbush]; notes ref. CS 30/6977
State Archives and Records of New South Wales; Colonial Secretary's Papers; CS 30/6842
Also microfilm copy at State Library of Queensland; as above
Letter from John Maxwell (Sydney) to Colonel Dumaresq, 20 March 1830
Return of 8 Eight Prisoners at Wellington Valley undeserving of Indulgence on Removal to Sydney Objections for Assignment on Removal to Sydney Remarks: George Stanley Guilford [also spelt Guildford] James Bushel Phoenix; Frederick Lahrbush, John Smith Countess of Harcourt; William Crookshanks Marquis of Hastings; Peter Fen, John Eustace John; John Wedderburn America.
ASSOCIATIONS: William Cruikshank
Letter from Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to Frederick A. Hely, 14 September 1830; CS 30/761 (4/3667, page 292; reel 1043)
[Re CS] 30/6842 [above] / No. 30/761 / Colonial Secretary's Office, 14 September 1830 / Sir, / With reference to my letter of the 10th June Last, No 30/555, appraising you that the Establishment at Wellington Valley would be shortly broken up - / I am directed by H. E. the Gov. to inform you that when the measure is effected the prisoners named in the margin [James Bushell, Phoenix; Fredk. Lahrbusch, John Eustace, John; Peter Fenn, John] now at that station are to be disposed of as follows. Viz - / Bushell to be sent to one of the Penal Settlements as an Extra Clerk / Lahrbusch to be kept at Bathurst / Eustace to be assigned, as a Labourer / and Fenn to be sent to Norfolk Island / in compliance with my Letters of the 3rd and 22nd July last, No 30/522 and 30/578 / Signed Alex. McLeay / [to] F. A. Hely Esq.
Letter from Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to Frederick A. Hely, 26 November 1830; CS 30/1006
[Re CS] 30/8499, 8682, 8770 / No. 30/1006 / Colonial Secretary's Office, 26 November 1830 / Sir / With reference to my letters of the 14 and 22 September and 14th and 16th October last, Nos. 30/761, 775, 854 and 861, respecting the removal and appropriation of the "Specials" and other prisoners at Wellington Valley: - / I am directed by H. Ex. the Gov. to inform you that Bushel is to be forwarded to Moreton Bay, Lahrbusch to be kept at Bathurst, Eustace to be assigned as a common laborer, and the other Clerks, not otherwise disposed of to be removed to Port Macquarie instead of Norfolk Island as stated in my letters No 30/834 and 30/861, - and to request that as the Establishment at Wellington Valley is to be broken up by the end of the present year, you will withdraw all the prisoners now attached to the station, with the exception of nineteen who are to remain with Mr. Bennett, in charge of the stock for the present / Signed Alex. McLeay / [to] F. A. Hely Esq.
1831
Letter from Frederick A. Hely, Sydney, to the Colonial Secretary, 11 January 1831; CS 31/334 (4/2095)
Superintendent of Conv. Office / 11 January 1831.
[To:] The Hon. the Col. Secretary
Sir,
With reference to the subject of your letter to me of the 26 November last (30/1006)
I beg leave to acquaint you that in compliance with the command
of his Excellency the Governor conveyed therein,
I have this day caused the convict whose name appears in the margin hereof
[John Bushel / Phoenix / Life] to [be] placed on board the hulk
for transmission to Moreton Bay in the ordinary service of the Crown.
I have the honor to be
Sir your obed't Serv't.
Fred'k A. Hely
State Archives and Records of New South Wales; Colonial Secretary's Papers; CS 31/811
Also microfilm copy at State Library of Queensland; as above
Petition from John Bushell (H.M. Hulk Phoenix) to ?, 1 February 1831
Petition of John Bushell [also spelt Bushel] Phoenix 1828 praying not to be sent to a Penal Settlement.
Letter from T. Macquoid (Sherriffs Office, Sydney) to Colonial Secretary, 2 February 1831, and notes
Letter transmitting Petition from John Bushell Phoenix 1828
Letter from T. C. Harrington, assistant to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to Frederick A. Hely, 8 February 1831; CS 31/105
No. 31/105 / Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney 8 february 1831 / Sir, / In transmitting to you the attached list of Forty one Prisoners, who have been forwarded by the Governor Phillip under Sentence of Transportation to Moreton Bay: - / I am directed to request that at your convenience, you will furnish the usual particulars of these men, as also of the three women named in the margin, sent to that Settlement in December last by the same Conveyance for the information of the Commandant. / In [re] Bushel Per Phoenix referred to in your letter No. 31/34 of the 11 ultimo, having been despatched to Moreton Bay in the ordinary service of the Crown, I have further to request the usual particulars of him likewise. Signed T. C. H. / [to] F. A. Hely, Esqre.
Letter from Frederick A. Hely, Principal Superintendent of Convicts, Sydney, to the Colonal Secretary; CS 31/381 (CS 31/4191; 4/2108)
[annotations] 31/4191 / 6 June 1831 / No. 31/381
Princ. Sup't of Conv. Office
Sydney 6th June 1831.
[To:] The Hon'ble The Colonial Secretary & & &
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 8th of last February (no. 31/105),
I now have the honor to transmit to you a list of the (44)
forty four Male and Female Prisoners transported on date
to Moreton Bay by the Brig Governor Phillip;
I also forward the particulars of the Prisoner named
in the Margin [James, or John Bushell / Phoenix (3)],
as requested in your letter above alluded to.
I have the honor to be / Sir Your obedient Servant
Fred'k A. Hely
Description of convicts, Moreton Bay, c.1831, page B4, entry 28; State Archives and Records of New South Wales
[Name] Bushell, John; [Native place] Alciant, Spain; [Age] 26; [Height] 6ft 0 1/4 in; [Complexion] Dark; [Hair] Dk Bn; [Eyes] Lt Hazle; [Religion] Protestant
[1831, Moreton Bay] James Laurence, manuscript biography; . . .. (ed. Wills 2015, 136)
Sang (and flogged repeatedly) Before Capt. & officers, with my Friend Bushelle. wore Irons 5 years & Nine months during my stay there
1833
State Archives and Records of New South Wales; Colonial Secretary's Papers; CS 33/02427
Also microfilm copy at State Library of Queensland; New South Wales, Colonial Secretary, letters relating to Moreton Bay and Queensland received 1832-33 [summary table of contents of] reel A2.7; see finding guide (last revised November 2015), pages 29, 30, 35
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/198075/SLQ-A2-SERIES-Reel-A2.7-2015-11.pdf
Petition of John Bushell Phoenix 1828 (20 June 1832), to His Excellency Richard Bourke (received 1 April 1833), begging consideration of his case, with 4 certificates
Re John Bushell/ Phoenix [also spelt Bushel] to Moreton Bay from Wellington Valley thence to Port Macquarie; certificates from J. O. Clunie (Capt, 17th Regt, Commandant), John Skottowe Parker (Superintendent of Agriculture), Edward MacDough ? (Barrister at Law, Hunter Street), James Laidley, 20 June 1832, to Governor Richard Bourke, with notes by Richard Bourke, 30 March 1833, 30 and 31 July 1833
Letter from Alexander Macleay, Colonial Secretary, to [? Frederick Hely], 1 August 1833; ? CS 33/69
. . . [re] 33/2427 / . . . A petition having been received from John Bushel per Phoenix at Moreton Bay in the ordinary service of the Corwn, praying some relief. I have further the honor to acquaint you that Instruction I have been given for his removal to Port Macquarie. / I have &c / Signed Alexr. McLeay
State Archives and Records of New South Wales; Colonial Secretary's Papers; CS 33/05557
Also microfilm copy at State Library of Queensland; as above
Letter from J. O. Clunie (Capt, 17th Regt, Commandant), to Colonial Secretary, 15 August 1833
"Schedule 247/33 (28 August 1833)", acknowledging receipt of letters per Isabella now ready to proceed to Sydney [ref. CS 33/14]; Para 5: John Bushell / Phoenix to Port Macquarie; employed at Moreton Bay as clerk, also excellent linguist; notes in margin; governor's decisions.
Letter from Benjamin Sullivan, Port Macquarie, 21 August 1833, to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney; 33/5586 (4/2208)
[Annotations] 33/5586 - 26 Aug't 1833 / Schedule 246/33 / 27 August 33 / No. 33/54
Police Office / Port Macquarie / 21st Aug't 1833.
[To] The Honorable The Colonial Secretary Sydney
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that His Majesty's Colonial Schooner "Isabella" having
arrived here this day, and landed the prisoners named in the margin [Matthias Yody "Malabar" (1) /
Thomas Lyons "Florentia" / Will'm Greentree "Mrq's of Wellington" /
John Cartlett "Martha" / John Bushel Phoenix (3)] from Moreton Bay . . .
I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant Benj. Sullivan, Resd't Magistrate
1836
22 May 1836, high mass, Whitsunday, St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney
[News], The Australian (24 May 1836), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36858949
The admirers of sacred Music had a rich treat in the service at St. Mary's Church last Sunday, the whole of which, we believe, was under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Spencer, who displayed great taste in his selection of the music. Part of the mass was from Magginghi [Mazzinghi], which was peculiarly pretty, and part from that splendid composer Mozart. Mrs. Rust sung two beautiful solos, one "Ave verum," arranged by Myren [sic, ?], and the "Agnus Dei," from Mozart, which she executed with her usual brilliancy and feeling. The offertory was extremely beautiful, the treble by Mrs. Rust, the tenor by Mr. Clarke, and the bass by Mr. Bushell. We have never heard this gentleman before - his voice is a very fine bass, and he sung the last mentioned piece in admirable style. We also observed Mr. Deane and Mr. Wallace in the choir, who added their valuable assistance. Mr. Cavendish presided most scientifically at the Seraphine. We observed a great number of Protestant ladies and gentlemen in the body of the Church, which was crowded in every part.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Spencer (choir leader); Margaret Rust (vocalist); Francis Clarke (vocalist); William Joseph Cavendish (organist, seraphine player); William Vincent Wallace and John Philip Deane (also assisting "in the choir"); St. Mary's cathedral (Sydney)
Ticket of leave, for Port Macquarie; 36/983 (26 December 1836), altered to Sydney (5 December 1837); State Archives and Records of New South Wales
. . . [Native Place] Alicant; [Trade or Calling] Organist also graduate (?) in Trinity College Dublin
[additional note, later] Altered to Sydney per Col. Secretary's letter No. 37/983 dated 5 December 1837
[additional note, later] Renewed vide 39/2254 dated 10th December 1839 this having been returned mutilated and cancelled.
"Tickets-of-Leave Sydney, 28 December, 1836. COUNTY OF PORT MACQUARIE", New South Wales Government Gazette 255 (28 December 1836), 986
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230673795
. . . Bushell, James, Phoenix 2 . . .
1837
Letter from T. C. Harrington, assistant to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 16 May 1837; CS 37/358 (4/3683, page 286; reel 1050)
[re] 37/2609 / No. 37/358 / Col. Sec's Office 16 May 1837 / Sir / Referring to your letter of the 13th Ultimo submitting a petition from the Prisoner named in the margin [John Bushell, per Phoenix] soliciting that his ticket of leave may be altered from Port Macquarie to Windsor, I do myself have the honor to inform you that it is understood that Bushell has lately been in Sydney, and to request that you will make enquiry and report for the Governor's information, whether this is the case, and if so, under what authority he left his district. / I have the honor to be &c. / For the Col. Sec. / (sign'd) T. C. Harrington / [to] The Principal Superintendent of Convicts
Letter from [T. C. Harrington, assistant to the Colonial Secretary], Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 22-23 May 1837; CS 37/394 (4/3683, page 311; reel 1050)
[re] 37/2609, 4658, 469 / No. 37/394 / Coll. Sec's Office / 22nd, 23d May 1837 / Sir / I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 19th instant, the one submitting a communication from the Right Reverend Dr. Polding, applying for the ticket of leave of the prisoner names in the margin [John Bushell, per Phoenix] being altered to Sydney in order to his being appointed to the situation of assistant choral Master in the Church of St. Mary, and the other explaining the circumstances under which you [? received/reviewed] the pass given to Bushell by the Police / [to] The Principal Superintendent of Convicts
ASSOCIATIONS: John Bede Polding (bishop), St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney
Letter from T. C. Harrington, assistant to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 5 December 1837; CS 37/983
[re] 37/10046 / 37/983 / Colonial Secretary's Office December 5th 1837 / Sir, / I do myself the honour to inform you that in compliance with an application from the Reverend J. McEncroe, his Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of the Ticket of Leave held by the Prisoner named in the margin [John Bushell, per Phoenix] for Port Macquarie being altered to Sydney and to request that his transfer may be affected accordingly. / I have the honor to be, Sir, / Signed T. C. Harrington / [to] The Principal Sup't of Convicts
Documentation
Eliza Wallace - 1820 to end of 1837
4 February 1820, birth of Elizabeth [Eliza] Wallace, Kilmoremoy, County Mayo, Ireland
Combined Register for the Parish of Kilmoremoy, 8 February 1820; Dublin, CofI RCB Library P188.1.2
Elizabeth daughter of Spencer & Elizabeth Wallace
was Born Feb'y 4th and Christened 8th Febr. 1820
Registered do. by me Wm. A. Smith
7 February 1836, Sydney, arrival (from Cork) on the James Pattison, of Eliza Wallace, with Isabella Wallace (wife of William Vincent Wallace), Charlotte Kelly, Spencer Wallace, Matilda Wallace, and ? Spencer Wellington Wallace; and the marriage on 3 March of Charlotte Kelly to James Cromarty, captain of the James Pattison
Return of free persons who have arrived in New South Wales from 8 January to 7th February 1836 inclusive, assisted by Bounties made by the Government on account of their passage; State Library of New South Wales, microfilm reel CY652
. . . [No.] 28 / Spencer Wallace / [James Pattison] / [aged] 41 / Musician / [Wife aged] 28 / [child male] 1 / [child female] 1 / [amount of bounty advanced £ ] 20 . . .
Assignments of female emigrants on James Pattison, February 1836; State Library of New South Wales, microfilm reel CY652
Charlotte Kelly / 25 years / Governess / [By whom engaged] Mrs. Wallace (her sister)
Mrs. Spencer Wallace / 24 years / [By whom engaged] Mr. Spencer Wallace (her husband)
Eliza Wallace / 16 years / Actress / [By whom engaged] Mr. Spencer Wallace (her father)
"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (8 February 1836), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226460680
ARRIVALS . . . James Pattison, [from] Cork, 31st October, 324 female emigrants . . .
Letter, sender (illegible, Courthouse) to Alexander Macleay, 9 February 1836, Colonial Secretary's papers; State Records Authority of NSW
Feby 9th 1836 / Courthouse
My Dear Sir, The wife of Mr. Wallace has arrived by the female emigrant ship to his surprise and satisfaction
for he neither expected her so soon of that she would come in that way.
She has come as Isabella Kelly (her own name) and Mr. Wallace is afraid it may not look well in the eyes of the public
if she remained to be landed with the other females, and has therefore asked me to request of you
to give and order to allows her to come on shore to day.
His sister Miss Eliza Wallace is also with his wife & if you can include her in the order also he'd feel obliged.
They were both supposed to come with Mr. Wallace when he left Ireland, but Mrs. Wallace fell unwell,
which prevented her from coming with himself,
though he is fearful her coming in this ship as Miss Kelly may be injurious to him.
I applaud her economy & prudence [ . . ? . . ]
In haste / Yours very faithfully [ . . ? . . ]
"MARRIED", The Colonist (3 March 1836), 7
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31717715
MARRIED. At Sydney, on Thursday, the 25th ult., by the Rev. Dr. Lang, James Cromarty, Esq.; Commander of the ship James Pattison, to Miss Charlotte Kelly.
For Eliza's activities in Sydney in 1836-37, see (passim) among complete documentation on the Wallace family in Sydney 1836-37
Documentation
Eliza and John from end of 1838 onwards
1838
Interior of St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney, by John Skinner Prout, c. 1841-44; State Library of New South Wales
http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110314974 (DIGITISED)
ASSOCIATIONS: John Skinner Prout (artist)
31 January 1838, oratorio, St. Mary's Cathedral, Hyde Park, Sydney
[News], The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (27 January 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2550730
In our advertising columns it will be seen that an oratorio will take place in St. Mary's Chapel on Wednesday next. Several professional amateurs and singers will give their assistance on the occasion : amongst them are Mr. Deane and family, Mr. W. Wallace, and Miss Wallace.
"THE ORATORIO", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (3 February 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2547119
The grand musical festival at the Roman Catholic Chapel, Hyde Park, came off on Wednesday evening last in presence of a very crowded audience numbering among them, the Acting Governor and most of the fashionables of Sydney. The principal female performers were Miss Wallace, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Clancy, and some amateurs. Miss Wallace and Mrs. Clarke sang with their usual ability, and in some pieces elicited rapturous applause. Mrs. Clancy, whom we never had the pleasure to hear before, sang with much taste and feeling; her voice, which must be very effective in a smaller room, did not however possess sufficient power and compass to enable her to do herself justice in so large a building, perched up as the performers were in the out of the way gallery in which the managers had mewed them up. A gentleman amateur sang in several pieces and was much applauded. Mr. Wallace led the orchestra with his usual ability. The performances for the evening were concluded with the National Anthem of God save the Queen, which was sung very pleasingly by Miss Wallace, the audience standing up. We have just one hint to give to the gentlemen managers of the Roman Catholic Chapel; as it is presumed that all pay alike, it follows that each has as good a right as his neighbour to take possession of whatever seat he or she may choose on Wednesday night, so far was this from being the case that several families who arrived early in the evening were prevented by the check-taker from taking possession of the vacant seats from which a full view of the performance could be obtained, and compelled to sit in the side seats where, in addition to the discomfort of the seats, the view is completely shut out by the scaffolding. In all Theatres, or places of public amusement, all who pay alike should receive alike treatment, and we trust that the managers of the Oratorio, when they again convert the Roman Catholic Chapel into a place of public amusement, will not lay themselves open to the repetition of this complaint.
"THE ORATORIA" [sic], The Sydney Herald (5 February 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12855321
A grand Musical Festival took place at St. Mary's Church on Wednesday evening last, which was attended by upwards of five hundred persons. The selection of music was from the best authors; and the professionals of Sydney, who gave their assistance gratuitously, mustered strong on the occasion. Mr. Wallace, as usual was the star of the instrumental performers, and was assisted by Mr. W.'s brother, Messrs. Deane, Cavendish, Edwards, Spyer, Josephson, Lane, and the full Band of the 50th regiment. Amongst the female vocalists we observed Miss Wallace, Mrs. Clark, and several of the Choir of the Chapel. In the vocal department of the other sex there was an evident want of tenors and counter-tenors, which were however judiciously supplied by the stringed instruments. From the short notice of the entertainment, we did not think it possible that such an intellectual treat could have been produced. Such was the effect of the performance that the audience could not be restrained from exhibiting their approbation and applause at the termination of every piece. We regret that our limited space will not allow us to enter more into detail, and do individual justice to the performers. We must conclude by saying that it was altogether highly creditable to the musical profession of Australia.
"The Oratorio", The Sydney Monitor (5 February 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32158922
WE have already noticed the Oratorio at St. Mary's Chapel, or, as it rather deserves to be called, Cathedral, in Hyde Park . . .
. . . we proceed to consider the music itself, both vocal and instrumental.
Miss Wallace, by her powerful voice, is well adapted for cathedral singing; and she sang well the whole evening.
Mrs. Clarke might have succeeded, but she injured her tones by appearing to sing under the impression, that she must always and throughout every piece, sing at the top of her voice. She executed a very difficult piece, ("Let the bright Seraphim") but it was too laboured. Had she kept her voice within commanding compass, she would have done herself and the piece more justice. Of Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Clancy, and an amateur Lady we do no know which to prefer. They do not affect execution, but their voices being soft and musical, they gratified the audience by their exertions.
But the star of the evening, was an amateur who sang bass. Even in the higher notes, this gentleman's voice is very musical. When he puts forth all his powers, it is for strength and volume like the pealing of an organ. He filled the cathedra1 as completely as an ordinary singer would fill a small room. His precision in time, and his accuracy in tune, are equal to the strength and melodiousness of his voice.
The most striking and imposing piece of the evening,
was the very short Quartette and Chorus with which the Oratorio commenced,
and which, as the opening of a sacred festival, contained words as appropriate as they are sublime;
while the music is heavenly. The words are those of the Psalmist of Israel, namely-
"The Lord is in his holy temple;
let all the earth keep silence before him."
The repetition of the words "Let all the earth keep silence before Him,"
supported by the fine full round bass of the amateur just mentioned, was enchanting.
We saw the tear stand trembling in the eye of some devotees to music who were near us;
while their lips quivered as Wallace drew his celestial bow, and their y bosoms heaved with transport.
The reason of their agitation was, not that they were gifted with a passion for music only;
this is but a corporeal sensation; but their minds were doubtless cultivated,
and their hearts bowed down with reverence and humility,
when called upon in the language of one of the first of poets and prophets to keep silence
and to feel silence before the Creator of worlds, of angels, and of men.
They felt themselves exalted [3] and dignified by this monition of the King of Israel.
They felt that even in this despised quarter of the globe, they were still members of the great family of God;
were linked to the unseen world of immortality and glory;
though for the present clothed with clay, and having "a habitation and a name" among the children of men.
An overture followed this sublime air and chorus which was in itself excellent, and beautifully executed. Then succeeded an air by Miss Wallace, as follows:-
"I know that my Redeemer liveth, and I that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that sleep."
The famous passage from Handel's "Messiah," was well executed by the powerful voice of Miss Wallace, who perhaps shines in sacred music more than in (what for distinction's sake is called) profane.
The chorus of "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" followed, which gave great satisfaction. It was full of genuine music.
A bass solo, "Jesu potissime!" [O Jesu potentissime] followed. The amateur beforementioned showed in this fine solo, that his higher notes, were as musical as his lower. In this solo he evinced his judgment, by reining in his voice, which of course he delights (for it must be a delight to him to exercise his full strength when called for) to put forth.
The trio "Te ergo quaesumus" by Mrs. Clarke, Master Deane, and an amateur, was well received, but the inefficiency of Master Deane's voice, which is not yet formed, rendered it less effective than it otherwise would have been. We mention this not as a fault, for looking to his youth, Master Deane acquitted himself admirably.
Miss --, and Mrs. Curtis then sang "Gloria in excelsis Deo," and elicited due applause. They have sweet voices.
SECOND PART.
After three quarters of an hour's rest, a beautiful Overture was executed, which gratified all amateurs present, but which not being so popular as vocal singing among the great body, the applause was not so great as this piece merited.
"Ave verum corpus natum" followed by Mrs. Curtis and amateurs, and gave much satisfaction.
Handel's recitative and air which opens his famous "Messiah" succeeded. We once heard Braham sing this, and were delighted to be reminded of that great singer by the commanding voice of Miss Wallace, who sang it with great taste and feeling. The chorus was full and complete as usual, and gave the colonists an idea of Handel's musical mind.
A trio, "O salutaris Hostia" followed, by Miss Wallace and amateurs, and was received with applause. No discordances in this trio were perceived below. Every one sang in tune, and the effect was good in proportion. It contains much rich harmony.
Mrs. Clancy sang "With verdure clad." This is a sweet pastoral air, and after our ears had been gratified with the grander efforts of musical talent, the soft symphonious strains of this piece, sung in a very sweet and chaste, though not powerful manner, had an excellent effect. The music attached to the words "here vent their fumes the fragrant herbs; here shoots the healing plant; to shady vaults are bent the tufted groves; the mountain's brow is crowned with closing woods;" rendered this piece a delicious contrast with the lofty conceptions of Handel and other great composers which had preceded.
A Duet in Latin by Miss Wallace and an amateur, and a Latin hymn by Mrs. Clancy and amateurs, closed the evening's entertainments, (except the Queen's Anthem) and gave general satisfaction.
The Queen's Anthem from some cause or other disappointed the audience. One of the defects was, the too great loudness of the singers, and especially of Mrs. Clarke. That lady seemed to be unaware of the power of the voice from the gallery of this building. The music ascends to the ceiling, (now nearly completed, and which is a complete sounding board) and pours down on the audience like a torrent. Even Mrs. Clancy, whose voice is not strong, was distinctly heard. The Queen's Anthem was the only failure of the evening.
The company, however, departed highly gratified with the evening's performances.
Owing to the badness of the times, this Oratorio was not so numerously attended as last years', and the numbers deficient included many principal families. His Excellency the acting Governor was present, but he attended as a private individual, rather than as Governor . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Edward Smith Hall (editor, Monitor)
[News], The Australian (6 February 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36856632
At the Musical Festival, last Wednesday evening, which took place at St. Mary's Church, which we briefly noticed in our last, the performance began with a quartett and chorus, "The Lord is in his Holy Temple," which though simple in its harmony, had a very pleasing effect. Miss Wallace then sang "I know that my Redeemer liveth," in a very chaste classic style; the great power of her mezzo soprano voice made every note effective; her avoiding any extraneous embellishments proved the correctness of her taste. The audience then enjoyed a treat never before given in this Colony, a bass solo, by a gentleman styled in the programme "an amateur," but we understand is choral master at St. Mary's. Mozart's sublime "O Jesu potentissime," was sung in a style that its immortal composer would have pronounced unexceptionable; he gave the opening with great pathos and a sweetness that we never before heard in a bass voice; the words "Deus noster, Deus fortes," were given with immense power, and the "Ave Maris Stella" in which the time was accelerated, displayed a combination of flexibility and tone, in the style of Lablache, by which the audience were induced to give vent to their feelings by loudly expressing their delight . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: William Vincent Wallace (conductor); the "amateur" bass mentioned in the reviews below was John Bushell; Elizabeth Clancy (vocalist); Anne Remens Clarke (vocalist); Spencer Wellington Wallace (violin); John Edwards (violin); Lawrence Spyer (violinist); Joshua Frey Josephson (musician); Band of the 50th Regiment (garrison band); Mary Curtis (vocalist); Master Deane = Edward Smith Deane (vocalist); Luigi Lablache (Italian bass vocalist active in England)
MUSIC: O Jesu potentissime (Mozart, arr. Novello) ONSITE PDF (free download)
30 May 1838, John Philip Deane's concert, saloon, Royal Hotel, George-street, Sydney
"The Concert", The Australian (25 May 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36857695
Among our advertisements of this day, will be seen Mr. Deane's bill at fare, for the forthcoming Concert, on the 30th instant, by which it appears several novelties will be presented which, no doubt, will prove an attractive draw. Miss Wallace, whose merit it is needless to notice, forms a prominent feature in the bill. Her song "'Tis the last rose of summer," with a harp accompaniment by herself, alone will be worth the money . . .
[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (30 May 1838), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226458747
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF LADY GIPPS, WHO HAS SIGNIFIED HER INTENTION OF BEING PRESENT.
MR. J. P. DEANE BEGS to announce that his CONCERT of VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (under the above distinguished Patronage) will take place
THIS EVENING, May 30, 1838, in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on which occasion he will be assisted by
Mrs. Clancy, Miss Wallace, Mr. S. Wallace, Masters John and Edward Deane, and Miss Deane.
Programme Concert. PART . . . 3. Song - Si m'analore il dio [?] - Costi - Miss Wallace . . .
8. Song - 'Tis the last Rose of Summer - (accompanied by herself on the Harp) - Miss Wallace . . .
PART II . . . 4. Song - Black Eyed Susan - Miss Wallace . . .
7. Cavatina - Vive tu - Flute obligato Mr. S. Wallace - Donnizetti - Miss Wallace . . .
"Concert", The Sydney Monitor (1 June 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32160266
On Wednesday evening, Mr. J. P. Deane's Concert, according to announcement, was held in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, under the patronage of Lady Gipps. The Saloon was filled. Among the company, we noticed His Excellency Sir George Gipps and lady, Colonel Snodgrass and lady, the Honorable E. Deas Thomson and lady, Sir J. Jamison, Colonel Shadforth, J. H. Plunkett Esq., and family, R. Therry, Esq. and lady, J. E. Manning, Esq., and family, and a galaxy of beauty and fashion. Prince Tubontutai, the Feejean Chief, was present. His hair was enclosed in a covering of Tappa, and had the appearance of the Drum major of the 50th's late immense cap, covered with a sheet of split wadding. He appeared highly delighted with the musical portion of the Concert. The overture in La Gasza Ladra, by the full band, seemed to afford him the greatest pleasure. It was curious to mark the contrast between his broad dark shoulders and the fair shoulders of a young lady, in a low dress, who sat next to him.
At eight o'clock, the Concert opened, by the band of the 50th regiment playing Weber's overture to Der Freischutz; then followed a glee and chorus, (God save the Queen!) which was received with the warmest demonstrations of loyalty. Miss Wallace sung Si m'avvalava il dio [?] - her voice displayed much compass and richness. She has greatly improved in its modulation and sweetness . . . The great novelty of the evening, however, was Miss Wallace's song ('Tis the last Rose of Summer), accompanied by herself on the harp. The beauty of the song, and the taste with which Miss W. imbued it, with the pleasing accompaniment of the harp, which is much better adapted for accompanying the voice than the piano, rendered great pleasure to the audience who were mute with delight. It would have been a great treat, if Miss Wallace had sung Savourneen Deelish, with harp accompaniment . . .
The second part opened with the overture La Gazza Ladra . . . Miss Wallace sang the beautiful English ballad of Black Eyed Susan with much judgment and feeling. Of all songs, commend us to the good old English or Irish melodies for an appeal to the homely sympathies of the heart. Miss W. has certainly much improved in the conception of this song, since we last heard her . . . Miss Wallace concluded the evening's pleasure by singing an Italian Cavatina, Vivi tu, with flute obligato by Mr. S. Wallace, in a very superior manner. The band played "God save the Queen," and the company separated, highly gratified with their evening's entertainment.
We should think it must have been matter of surprise to Sir George Gipps to have witnessed the arts of civilized and settled society, introduced and patronized in this Colony, within 50 years of its being dressed in nature's wildest garb . . .
"THE CONCERT", The Australian (1 June 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36855351
. . . When His Excellency was seated, the full band played Weber's overture to Der Freischutz . . . after which, Miss Wallace and Mrs. Clancy, supported by the vocal performers, advanced and sung God Save the Queen, the audience standing during the anthem. Si m'avvatora il dio [?] by Miss Wallace, with a pianoforte accompaniment, at once displayed the extraordinary compass and power of that young lady's voice. When led forward by Mr. Deane, she was greeted by the company, and at the close of her song, the pleasure her performance had given was again acknowledged . . . 'Tis the last Rose of Summer, by Miss Wallace, who accompanied herself on the harp, was sung by that lady with great feeling, but we would prefer hearing her in a higher key, especially in ballads which require only feeling in the performer to make them entrance . . .
No unnecessary delay occurred between the parts of the performance . . . Miss Wallace's Black Eyed Susan was well greeted . . . but the last and best songs were Mrs. Clancy's The Lass of Gowrie, and Miss Wallace's Vivi Tu by Donizetti, with a flute obligato by Mr. W. Wallace. The former was indeed rich and well adapted to Mrs. Clancy's voice, and the latter give ample scope to Miss Wallace's compass of voice, and the excellence of her execution. Mr. Wallace's flute accompaniment give a richness to the song that was delightful . . .
"THE CONCERT", The Colonist (2 June 1838), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31721078
. . . the special entertainment of the evening opened with Weber's splendid Overture in Der Frieschütz [sic] . . . The manner in which this Overture was performed was masterly, and displayed great skill and effect in the style of execution. God save the Queen was then sung by Miss Wallace and Mrs. Clancy, in a manner that elicited the merited applause of the audience. The voice of the former of these ladies is full and energetic in an extraordinary degree; and her powers of deep intonation and varied modulation, are calculated to excite the warmest admiration . . . Miss Wallace then sang an Italian song, of which the music was lofty and intricate; but we must here confess, that however much we may admire the skill and facility with which the wonderful evolutions of foreign music may be performed, we still cannot appreciate their peculiar beauties as we would those of our own national airs. We would, for our own taste, enjoy much more heartfelt pleasure from the singing of some of the most fashionable and modern English songs, interspersed with a few simple Scotch and Irish ditties . . . 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer, was sung by Miss Wallace, accompanied by herself on the Harp. This is the sort of entertainment which we love much better than all the French and Italian frippery that could be produced in this hemisphere . . . Miss Wallace in the second part of the evening's performances, sung Black Eyed Susan, in a style nearly equal to the celebrated Mrs. Wood, formerly Lady Lennox, whom we had the pleasure of hearing sing that very song . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Mary Ann Wood (English vocalist, formerly Miss Paton, Lady Lennox)
"The Concert", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (2 June 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2551285
. . . The concert commenced with Weber's celebrated "Overture to Der Frieschutz," which was well executed by the Band; but its effect was entirely lost, owing to the room being much too small: it would have sounded well in the open air. Miss Wallace and Mrs. Clancy's "God Save the Queen" was also rendered less effective a from the same cause. We did not like Miss Wallace's "Si m'avvalord il dio" nearly as well as her other performances; her voice did not appear to be as clear as usual; it was, however, applauded, and appeared to give satisfaction . . . Miss Wallace, accompanying herself on the harp, sung "'Tis the last Rose of Summer" very prettily; this young lady's voice, however, does not accord well with the harp . . .
. . . Miss Wallace sung "Black Eyed Susan" with great power; it was by far the happiest of her performances, one in which her deep rich voice had full scope for effect, and she made the most of it . . . The two last songs, "The Lass of Gowrie" by Mrs. Clancy, and "Vivi tu" by Miss Wallace, were both well executed, and made a very good winding up to an evening's amusement that seemed on the whole to be very well received . . .
"MR. DEANE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (4 June 1838), . 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12857329
. . . Immediately after the entrance of Sir George and Lady Gipps with their suite, the Concert commenced with the performance by the full band, of the overture to Der Freischutz, followed by God save the Queen, sung by the whole strength of the orchestra - Miss Wallace and Mrs. Clancy taking the principal parts. The whole audience remained standing during the performance of the national anthem, which, on its conclusion, was responded to with enthusiastic applause. The talent of Miss Wallace, as a singer, is now so well appreciated by the lovers of music here, that it is almost needless to say more than that she acquitted herself with her usual taste. This young lady's voice is also considerably improved, by having increased in volume without having lost any of its sweetness. Her Italian singing seems to us to be that with which she is herself most pleased, but, although as a manifestation of musical science and taste, it is deserving of high eulogium, we prefer the simple ballad. The song of The last Rose of Sumner, which Miss W. accompanied on the harp, was given with somewhat too much of ornament, but Black eyed Susan was all that could be wished . . . Vivi tu, by Miss Wallace, with obligato flute accompaniment by her brother, closed the vocal performance; after which the band played God save the Queen, and the company retired. The Concert was over a little before eleven o'clock.
Among the company we noticed, besides His Excellency the Governor, Lady Gipps, and suite - Colonel Snodgrass and lady, Hon. E. D. Thomson and lady, J. H. Plunkett, Esq., and lady, R. Scott, L. Macalister, Esqs., Sir John Jamison, Colonel Shadforth, Drs. Bowman and Mitchell, R. Therry, Esq., and lady, J. E. Manning, Esq., and family, &c. &c. &c. The Fejeean Chief, Tubontutai, was also present, and appeared to enjoy the music.
ASSOCIATIONS (performers): Spencer Wellington Wallace (flute)
ASSOCIATIONS (patrons): Elizabeth Gipps, wife of George Gipps (governor of NSW); Edward Deas Thomson and his wife Anna Maria Deas Thomson (musical patrons); John Hubert Plunkett and Maria Plunkett (musical patrons); Roger Therry and Ann Therry (musical patrons); John Jamison (landowner)
24 June 1838 (and preceding), St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney
Letter from John Bede Polding, Sydney, to Thomas Paulinus Heptonstall, 25 June 1838; ed., in H. N. Birt, "Some letters of archbishop Polding" [1], The Downside review new series 2 (21) (1902), 137-38 (see also O'Farrell, Documents, 110-11)
https://archive.org/stream/downsidereview01unkngoog#page/n172/mode/2up (DIGITISED)
. . . Under the care of Mr. Bushell our Choral Department shines brightly. We have Mozart and Haydn's music every Sunday. It is far superior to Mr. Spencer's management. I perceive the Cathedral music has been printed. There must be some that might be adapted to our service. I wish you to send me out a selection of sacred music - Mozart's Masses and Haydn's Masses I have; also three volumes of Mottets. I have not Novello's twelve Easy Masses, except the first vol. I wish to have some Masses in full score, and other pieces also for State days; and in like manner some Oratorios. You would have been delighted with the manner in which Zingarelli's Laudate was sung yesterday. Bushell has a splendid bass voice: I never heard such a voice, and he wants some bass solos. In all this matter you cannot do better than consult Novello, Frith Street, who I am certain will take the greatest interest in forwarding the work he joined with me in commencing. On SS. Peter and Paul, the children make their first [138] Communion. I regret so much I have not Manners' pretty Mottet for the occasion. Do send me a copy. Quid est homo? . . . Now let me have this supply of music without delay. A copy or two of Webb's music would be useful for country practice. Sacred Catholic music in English, if with anything. I should like to have Hymns, &c, &c. . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: John Bede Polding (bishop); John Spencer (previously choir leader at St. Mary's); Vincent Novello (English editor of sacred music)
MUSIC: Laudate pueri dominum (by Niccolo Zingarelli, ed. Novello); see also [Advertisement], The Catholic directory and annual Register for the year 1838 (London: James Smith, 1838), after page 207, advertising supplement, pages 1-12
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KaY9AAAAYAAJ&pg=RA3-PA1 (DIGITISED)
[A catalogue of] MUSIC FOR THE CHURCH, COMPOSED, EDITED, OR ARRANGED BY VINCENT NOVELLO: AND PUBLISHED BY J. ALFRED NOVELLO . . .
[11] ZINGARELLI'S Laudate, T. Solo & Chorus - 5s 0d
14 October 1838, dedication, St. Mary's cathedral, Hyde Park, Sydney
"Roman Catholic Chapel", The Australian (16 October 1838), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860138
Sunday was set apart for the dedication of this edifice which is nearly completed . . . The Bishop attended by all the Priests, richly robed, ascended the altar, and the service commenced with "Comfort ye my people", and "Every valley", by Miss Wallace. The choir has been covered in with massive cedar pannelling, which has deadened the sound considerably, and Miss W.'s powerful voice was indistinctly heard in some of the most beautiful passages. The instrument by which she was accompanied appeared out of order, and contrasted strangely with the full melody of Mr. [S. W.] Wallace's flute. The first part of the performance consisted chiefly of pieces which have been sung repeatedly, but an "Agnus Dei" (Mozart's) sung by Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Bushell and Mr. Worgan, whose voices blended most harmoniously, was a rich treat, as were also the choruses at the close of the service, which contained some beautiful fuges [sic], cleverly executed. The "Agnus Dei", however, was the masterpiece, the rich deep tones of Mr. Bushell were finely contrasted with the swelling tenor of Mr. Worgan when he took up the part, and when the three voices swelled in the body, the harmony was rich.
ASSOCIATIONS: George William Worgan (tenor vocalist)
17 October 1838, Eliza Wallace's concert ("celebrated vocal amateur" = John Bushell), saloon, Royal Hotel, George-street, Sydney
"MISS WALLACE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (12 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32161513
We hope this young lady's concert, (her first), will be patronised, as the merits of the advertiser deserve. If so, she will not need to ruminate on carrying her talents to Old England, whither, however, we feel confident, if she ever wend her way, her great vocal powers, which for strength and extent, may be called eminent, will ensure her success. But if this young lady be duly encouraged in the colony, we may hope to retain her talents; for the loss of them would be matter of public regret.
"Concert", The Australian (13 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36861937
The Musical World is on the qui vive, in anticipation of the concert, Miss Wallace is about to give. This young lady, with whose merits the public is well acquainted, independently of her talent as a vocalist, is entitled to the particular consideration of our amateurs, as it is her first attempt at entering for their amusement. The bill of fare, is not only novel, but highly attractive; the pieces selected are of the very highest order. We are led to believe that they will he executed in a style hitherto unparalleled in this Colony. Mr. Wellington Wallace's Flute, may well be called Zauberflote; his concerto will, of course, be a complete bijou. Miss Wallace has been fortunate in obtaining the assistance of a vocalist, whose singing has been compared to that of Lablache's in power, compass and style. Mr. Worgan is, we understand, a singer of great sweetness at well as a scientific musician. A Pianist, of great merit, will also make, his debut on that occasion. We wish Miss Wallace the success which her talent and the promptitude with which she volunteered her services on several charitable occasions, deserves.
"MISS WALLACE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (17 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12864756
The lovers of Italian music will enjoy a treat by attending Miss Wallace's concert at the Royal Hotel this evening. The performance will consist of three Italian airs by Miss Wallace, two by an amateur well known to the frequenters of the Catholic Chapel, a song by Mr. Worgan a professional gentleman lately arrived, a song by Miss Ann Winstanley, a solo on the flute by Mr. W. Wallace, a solo on the violin by Master Deane and several duets and trios. Colonel Wodehouse has kindly allowed the band of the 50th Regiment to attend, and they will play Auber's celebrated overture to the opera of the Bronze Horse.
[Advertisement], The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (17 October 1838), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32161546
UNDER DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE.
MISS WALLACE BEGS to inform her Friends and the Public,
that her CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music, will take place on the 17th instant, in the Saloon of the "ROYAL HOTEL;"
on which occasion she will be assisted by Mr. J. P. DEANE and FAMILY, a celebrated Vocal Amateur,
Mr. WORGAN - Mr. W. STANLEY - Mr. SIPPE - Miss A. WINSTANLEY - and Mr. WALLACE.
PROGRAMME.
PART FIRST.
1. Oyerture - Otello - ROSSINI - Orchestra
2. Trio - Notte Giorno - MOZART - Miss Wallace, Mr. Worgan, and Amateur
3. Cavatina - Una Voce - ROSSINI - Miss Wallace
4. Concerto - Pianoforte - HERTZ - Mr. W. Stanley
5. Duett - Mille Sospiri - ROSSINI - Miss Wallace and Amateur
6. Fantasia - Flute - NICHOLSON - Mr. Wallace
7. Swiss Air - MADAME MALIBRAN - Miss Wallace
8. Non piu Andrai, with full Orchestral accompaniaments - MOZART - Amateur
9. Solo - Violin - MAYSEDER - Master Deane
PART SECOND.
1. Overture - Le Cheval de Bronze - AUBER - Military Band
2. Recitative and Aria - O Patria! - ROSSINI - Miss Wallace
3. Solo - Violoncello - Master E. Deane
4. Song - I love thee ever more - Miss A. Winstanley
5. Duett - ROSSINI - Miss Wallace and Amateur
6. Song - MALIBRAN - Miss Wallace
7. Song - RODWELL - Mr. G. W. Worgan
8. Song - Largo al Factotum - ROSSINI - Amateur
9. Vivi tu - Flute Obligato - Miss Wallace & Mr. Wallace
By the kind permission of Colonel Wodehouse,
Miss Wallace will be assisted by the Band of the 50th Regt.
Tickets to be had at Mr. Ellard's; Mr. Tyrer's; and Mr. Sparkes', at the Royal Hotel;
N.B. The Concert will commence at Eight o'Clock precisely.
"THE CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (19 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32161581
The lovers of music were regaled on Wednesday evening, at Miss Wallace's concert, with a treat seldom to be met with in this colony. The bill of fare was excellent and all went off in a style highly gratifying to the audience, who consisted of the most respectable families in Sydney. The overture to "Otello," by the orchestra, and to the "Bronze Horse" by the military band, were executed in a most superior manner. A duet by Miss Wallace and an Ameteur [sic] elicited very great applause. "Largo al Factotum" was sung by an Ameteur. It was executed admirably; in fact it was a chef d'ouvre [sic]. The solo on the violin by Master Deane, and on the violoncello by Master E. Deane, were played well, but the manner in which Mr. Wallace executed his Fantasia was such, that too high an eulogium cannot be passed on it; it appeared, or rather sounded, faultless. A concerto on the Pianoforte by Mr. W. Stanley was played in a masterly style, and Miss Wallace's execution of the Cavatina "Una voce," and "Viva tu," displayed great talent. But were we to particularize each clever performance we should be tedious; suffice to say that the whole went off in the best manner, and too much praise cannot be awarded to Miss Wallace for her selection of the music.
[News], The Australian (20 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36859537
Miss Wallace's concert took place on Wednesday evening last, and, we are glad to state, that the room was crowded to excess, by a most respectable audience. The whole of the performances were executed in the first style; and it may safely be pronounced as the best concert that has taken place in the colony.
"Miss Wallace's Concert", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (20 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226460437
This Concert took place in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on Wednesday evening last; and a more numerous assemblage of respectables we never saw in this Colony met together to feed upon the sweet strains of harmony. The crowded state of the Saloon we conclude to be a good omen of the improving musical taste of our country. The Overture, (Otello,) was performed by the Orchestra with effect. The Trio, (Notte Giorno), by Miss Wallace, Mr. Worgan, and Amateur, produced merited applause, indeed, we could not but be covetous of the voices of the trio, more particularly that of Miss Wallace, which since the last time the puplic had the pleasure of hearing it, has much improved. The Cavatina, (Una Voce), by Miss Wallace was, we think, her happiest performance during the evening. Mr. Stanley, performed on the Pianoforte, A Concerto by Herz, which showed him at once to be a master of this instrument. This young performer is quite a stranger to our musical world. Mr. Wallace's Fantasia by Nicholson, on the flute, was a long winded performance, accompanied with sweet execution. For our part we would sooner have heard an old English, Scotch, or Irish air, with a few variations. Our Concert-getters-up, delight too much in execution, by the introduction of difficult variations. Miss A. Winstanley's Song, "I love thee evermore" we could not love at all - she has not yet acquired a sufficient knowledge of music to stand up as a public singer - there is no doubt her voice and execution may be very well in the drawing room, and might answer for the stage. At a Concert, the public look for something superior - and do not wish their feelings to be hurt by the uncultivated performance of a novice. We do not wish to cast a slur upon this aspirant to musical fame, but we should advise her to study hard before she again makes her appearance as a singer at a Concert. Her timidity or something equally injurious to bold execution and strength of voice, was partly the cause of her failure. The two songs, "Non Più Andria" [sic, Non più andrai] and "Largo al Factotum," by an Amateur were splendidly executed, and produced rounds of applause; the latter was a very funny affair, and was deservedly encored. Master Deane's solo on the Violin was quite a treat, and in some, parts put us very much in mind of Mr. Wallace's performance. If this young gentleman minds himself, he will soon be dubbed the Australian Paganini. His brother's performance was not so good as we have heard from him, but that may be attributed to a variety of circumstances but the right. Mr. Worgan, as a singer we think little of, and his voice is too weak for a large and crowded Concert Room. It is to be hoped that we shall have a similar treat to the above before long, if not on behalf of Miss Wallace, at least for some other talented performer, or for the benefit of some charitable institution.
ASSOCIATIONS: William Jones (c. 1790-1874, editor of the Commercial Journal)
"THE CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (20 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2547876
Miss Wallace's concert of vocal and instrumental music was held in the saloon of the Royal Hotel on the evening of Wednesday last, and passed off with the greatest eclat; in fact it was universally allowed to be the best musical treat that has ever been given to an Australian public. Miss Wallace's voice has much improved, and the manner in which her songs were received must have been highly gratifying to her. The lion of the evening, however, was the amateur: this gentleman sung two songs with great effect, and was rewarded with a vociferous encore in both. As we do not intend on the present occasion to write any thing like a critique on the performance, we shall only briefly say that - with the exception of the gentleman (Mr. Worgan) who sung and accompanied himself on the piano, whose voice we do not admire - the whole of the performers acquitted themselves admirably, and gave universal satisfaction. We must not omit mentioning that the two overtures, the first by Mr. Deane's company and the second by the 50th Band, were played exceedingly well, and were as well received. We congratulate Miss Wallace on her great success in so ably catering for the musical entertainment of the public, and trust that the patronage which has been extended to her talent and exertions will be a sufficient inducement to her to get up another concert on the same respectable footing.
"CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (22 October 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12859991
Miss Wallace's Concert, on Wednesday, was well attended, and the whole of the performances went off with considerable success. Miss Wallace herself was in excellent voice, and got through the different pieces allotted to herself with eclat, especially in the song in which she accompanied on the guitar, which was encored, and in Vivi tu, in which she was accompanied by her brother on the flute. An Amateur, well known in the musical world, sang Non piu Andrai in a very superior manner; in fact he is without a rival in the Colony, and he was received in a manner that must have been highly gratifying to him. A Mr. Stanley played one of Herz's concertos on the piano forte fairly, but nothing more. As usual, Mr. Wallace's solo on the flute was of itself worth all the money paid for entrance. By the by, we have heard that Mr. Wallace is as much master of the violin as he is of the flute, if so, at the next concert we hope he will favour the public with a specimen of his skill. Miss Winstanley sang I love thee evermore in a manner that would lead us to suppose that she will become one of the most pleasing ballad singers in the Colony. A gentleman named Worgan, who has recently arrived, sang an simple little ballad, accompanying himself on the piano-forte; Mr. W. displayed much taste, but his voice is so low and weak that, at the lower end of the room, he was nearly inaudible; but from the way in which he acquitted himself, there can be no doubt of his being an excellent musician. Two sons of Mr. Deane performed solos, the one on the violin, and the other on the violincello, in a manner which shows that as a teacher of music Mr. Deane is an adept; but Master Deane requites more practice in order to get rid of that nervousness which prevents him from acquitting himself as well us he would otherwise do. Want of space prevents us from going more into detail; but we cannot help thinking that it would be better not to select so many pieces of Italian music for a Concert in Sydney - nine Italian songs, &c. out of twelve, are too many. In London, where nineteen-twentieths of the audience at a Concert most probably understand Italian, it may be right to select Italian music, but in Sydney the case is different, for here nineteen-twentieths of the audience do not understand Italian.
ASSOCIATIONS: William Stanley (pianist); George Sippe (musician); Ann Winstanley (vocalist); John Deane junior (violin); Edward Smith Deane (cello); Spencer Wellington Wallace (flute)
21 November1838, postponed to 5 December 1838, John Philip Deane's concert, again postponed to January 1839 (see below)
[Advertisement], The Australian (20 November 1838), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36861745
CONCERT. MR. DEANE BEGS to inform his Friends and the Public, that his
CONCERT OF VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, will take place at the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on
Wednesday Evening next, the 21st instant, on which occasion he will be assisted by
Miss Wallace, Mrs. Clancy, the Vocal Amateur whose performance elicited such unqualified applause at the last Concert,
Mr. Worgan, Mr. Leffler, and Mr. Wellington Wallace.
PROGRAMME CONCERT. PART I . . . 2. Song - Il braccio mio conquise - Nicolini - Miss Wallace
3. Duetto - All 'idea di que'l metallo - Rossini - Miss Wallace & Amateur
4. Trio - The Red Cross Knight - Callcott - Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Worgan, and Amateur . . .
8. Song - I've been roaming - Pacini - Miss Wallace
9. Non piu Andrai, with full orchestral accompaniment - Mozart - Amateur.
PART II . . . 3. Duetto - Lasciami non t'ascotti - Rossini - Miss Wallace & Amateur
4. Glee - The Flocks shall leave the Mountains - Handel - Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Worgan, & Amateur . . .
6. Song - Il Soave e bel Contento - Pacini - Miss Wallace
7. Duetto - Cinque dieci - Mozart - Mrs. Clancy and Amateur . . .
9. Song - Largo Factotum - Rossini - Amateur . . .
"Mr. Deane's Concert", The Australian (20 November 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36861736
In consequence of the prevalence of the catarrh in the town, and several of the vocal performers being incapacitated from performing by its infliction, Mr. Deane has been compelled to postpone his intended concert, until a future day, which will be duly notified. Independently of the affliction of his performers, he could not have acted a wiser part, as the general illness would have prevented many of his friends attending, and would have proved a loss to them as well as to him.
[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (21 November 1838), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226460843
"DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE", The Sydney Herald (5 December 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12859166
Mr. Deane's concert, which was to have taken place about a fortnight since, and was postponed until this evening in consequence of the prevailing malady, had been postponed for another month, the disease, instead of decreasing, being rather on the increase.
ASSOCIATIONS: Edmund Leffler (violinist, not listed in the final advertisement)
1839
For all TROVE items for "Miss Wallace" and "Mrs. Bushelle" tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1839:
For all TROVE items tagged John Bushelle for 1839:
23 January 1839, Deane's concert (postponed from December), "one of the singers", "amateur" = John Bushell
"MR. DEANE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Standard and Colonial Advocate (21 January 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251535950
The musical talents of Mr. Deane, are well known to the inhabitants of Sydney. We are glad to perceive, by his advertisement, that we are to be entertained with a Concert on Wednesday next. We trust that he will receive that meed of encouragement to which his zeal, his talents, and his private worth, entitle him. We hope, for Mr. Deane's own sake, that he will not be compelled to call to his aid any distinguished amateurs whose presence may do much to prevent many respectable persons from attending, as was the case at a Concert held in the same room, not one hundred years since. We assure Mr. Deane, our sense of what is due to respectability and to our own character, will never allow us to overlook a violation of public decency. We have no desire to pry into the private affairs of any one, but when a man or a woman's own unhappy conduct has given them an infamous notoriety, the mere fact of their possessing talents, shall never save either them or their employers from our reprobation. We trust, Mr. Deane will receive these remarks in the same spirit in which they are given.
[News], The Australian (22 January 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36863327
Mr. Deane's Concert, which, on account of the prevailing sickness, has been postponed for some weeks, is to take place on the 23d . . .
"CONCERT", The Colonist (23 January 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31722428
Mr. Deane's Concert of vocal and instrumental music, postponed formerly on account of the prevalence of the influenza, comes off in the saloon of the Royal Hotel, this evening, at eight o'clock. From the programme-concert, now before us, we learn that Mr. Deane will be assisted on this occasion by the principal musicians in the colony, including Miss Wallace, Mrs. Clancy, Bushell, Morgan [sic, Worgan], Master Deane, and Mr. Wellington Wallace. The selections are admirable, and promise a rich treat to the lovers of music.
ASSOCIATIONS: The Presbyterian Colonist pointedly broke with tradition and its contemporaries by identifying Bushell by name
[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (23 January 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12856187
Concert. MR. DEANE BEGS to inform his Friends and the Public that his
CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music will take place in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on
WEDNESDAY, the 21st [sic] instant, on which occasion Mr. Deane will be assisted by
Miss Wallace, Mrs. Clancy, the Vocal Amateur whose performance elicited such unqualified applause at the last Concert,
Mr. Worgan, Master Deane, and Mr. Wellington Wallace.
PROGRAMME CONCERT. PART I . . . 2. Song - Il braccio mio conquise - Nicolini - Miss Wallace
3. Duetto - Lasciami non t'ascotti - Rossini - Miss Wallace & Amateur
4. Glee - The Red Cross Knight - Calcott - Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Worgan, and Amateur . . .
8. Song - I've been roaming - Pacini - Miss Wallace
9. Non piu Andrai, with full orchestral accompaniment - Mozart - Amateur.
PART II . . . 3. Duetto - All 'idea di quel metallo - Rossini - Miss Wallace and Amateur
4. Glee - The Flocks shall leave the Mountains - Handel - Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Worgan, and Amateur . . .
6. Song - Il Soave e bel Contento - Pacini - Miss Wallace
7. Song - When time hath bereft thee - Auber - Amateur . . .
9. Song - Largo Factotum, with Orchestral Accompaniments - Rossini - Amateur . . .
"CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (25 January 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32162668
We are happy to say for the honour of "the art divine," that Mr. Dean's concert on Wednesday evening at the Royal Hotel was attended by a room full though not crowded. The evening was delightfully cool. In consequence of an attack of the Standard newspaper on one of the singers, he was received with unusual applause and encouragement. But he was much agitated in the first duett. We appeal to the Editor, in the spirit of Him who has commanded us "not to bruise the broken reed, nor quench the smoking flax," whether the cause which we suppose this attack is intended to promote, is not injured by his endeavouring to crush a man, whose powerful talents delight thousands, as well in their psalmody and highest feelings of devotion, as in their innocent recreations, for notwithstanding we lately met in some author the remark, that music is altogether a sensual gratification, we know of none of the senses by which sentiment and imragination are so highly excited as by music, whether in our public devotions or private recreations. Well might our immortal bard in whose day music must have been in a very humble state of improvement, say, "music hath charms to soothe the savage breast; to soften rocks and send the knotted oak." A sentence which has been parodied until its intrinsic force and beauty has been, perverted to the imagination. To parody real beauty of language, is the same outrage on good taste and malty feeling, as if a ruffian were to compel a beautifull woman to submit, while with a brush, he painted her face into the form of a Scaramouch.
But, to return to the Concert. The performances are too numerous to criticise individually. Suffice Is to say, that Miss Wallace sang with great taste, great judgment, and great skill. Her voice still improves, and she has great powers. We are always afraid this lady's talents will ultimately lead her from the Colony, or that like Mrs. Kent, she will be tempted one of these days by some wicked tempter in the shape of a Benedict, to forsake the town and flee to our pastural hills and dales, and there "waste her sweetnes, on the desert air" . . . Mr. Worgan was getting on beautifully with the "White Squall," when, missing a line, and the accompaniment on the piano proceeding onwards, he spoilt the conclusion. This gentleman's voice is heard to best advantage in solos. But his pronunciation of certain words is illiterate. And this by the bye reminds us of the syllable ess which the "amateur," to our great astonishment, proununced iss. We forgot the word, but we do not forget the syllable . . .
"THE CONCERT", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (26 January 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226455962
. . . Il braccio mio conquise (Nicolini) by Miss Wallace, created such a sensation on the audience, that she alone was heard to speak. There is some thing, so remarkably rich in her voice, at the same time so powerful and well regulated, that we could fancy ourselves listening to a songstress, whose talents in the mother country, have called down upon the possessor so much commendation. We look forward to the time, when Miss Wallace shall, astonish us as Madame Catalini, and delight us after the fashion of that departed star, Madame Malibran. All' 'idea di quel metallo (Rossini) by Miss Wallace and amateur. In this duett, we hardly knew which was the better performer, Miss Wallace or the Amateur, for they sang so harmoniously, that you might fancy the voices sprang from the same fountain of music. The Amateur's voice was clearer and more at command at this, than at the last Concert. We are sure if the sapient editor of the Sydney Standard had been there, he must have felt ashamed, when he endeavoured in his journal of personalities to blast this fine voice, to prevent the public from enjoying the treat prepared for them by that respectable and indefatigable musician Mr. Deane. The Red Cross Knight (Callcott) by Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Worgan and Amateur, was very good, but the voices of the two former were drowned by that of the latter. Mrs. Clancy and Mr. Worgan, there is no doubt are very good musicians but their voices are not adapted for a Concert, where their voices are heard solus . . .
If any husband has a wife, or a wife a husband, troubled with melancholy, let the Amateur be sent for to sing Largo al Factotum, which song would make a hermit smile and skip. We are quite sure His Excellency the Governor and lady, would have been highly gratified, if they had been in the room. Some persons have whispered that His Excellency would not attend these Concerts, because certain persons were allowed to sing; for our parts we can hardly think His Excellency is quite so weak minded, as to give utterance to such feelings; if he did, all that we have to say is, that we would sooner dispence with His Excellency's company at any time than be deprived of hearing a good song, for such morality's sake!
"MR. DEANE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (26 January 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2544844
. . . The business of the evening went on in very fair style, and the performers individually received well-deserved applause. It would be futile to mention all the performances of the evening, which were well received, for all were. Miss Wallace was decidedly the favorite of the evening. This young lady's powers are of the superior order, and are daily improving . . .
"MR. DEANE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Standard and Colonial Advocate (28 January 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251536133
We had the pleasure of attending Mr. Deane's concert on Wednesday last. We were glad to perceive the room well filled; the singing of Miss Wallace was most decidedly beautiful - her voice is rich, and sufficiently powerful to give effect to those parts of a piece, requiring full expression. We are very far from agreeing with the mild review given of the performances by The Monitor of Friday last, though we agree with the justice of his remarks on the flute solos. Whoever the amateur may be, we have no hesitation in saying, that we have seldom listened to a finer bass voice, and his pronunciation of Italian is very pure. Upon the whole, we were much gratified with the evening's entertainment; and have only to express our regrets, that in a country so void of public places of rational amusement, that the few that are in being are not better supported. To concerts conducted as they are capable of being got up, no one can reasonably object . . . To return to the concert, we hope Miss Wallace will favour her admirers with an early entertainment, one that will not only exhibit her taste and skill in selecting, but one that will enable her to do justice to her own enviable powers. We see no reason why Mr. Deane and Miss Wallace may not alternately give monthly concerts, we hope they will do so, and we further hope, that at no great distance of time Sydney will be able to boast of a Music Hall, or Public Concert Room.
"TO CORRESPONDENTS", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (30 January 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226455213
"A Strict Observer of the Performance" of Mr. Deane's Concert, this day week, has been received; but, on account of its personality, and its not being in accordance with our sentiments, is in admissible. We shall have no objection to insert the communication as an advertisement . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: George William Robertson (editor, Sydney Standard) had married Augusta Mary Wright at St. Mary, Rotherhithe, on 10 May 1838, and they were only recently arrived in Sydney on the John McLellan in October 1838; he was later editor of the Gazette, resigning in March 1841, by his own account due to ill-health; but was insolvent by the end of 1841, whereafter he disappears from colonial record; having heard Bushell sing for the first time, Robertson admitted he admired the voice, if not the man
27 February 1839, Eliza Wallace's concert, saloon, Royal Hotel, George-street, Sydney
"MISS WALLACE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Standard and Colonial Advocate (11 February 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251535767
We are glad to perceive that Miss Wallace purposes entertaining the lovers of melody with a concert on Wednesday 27th instant. And that Lady Gipps intends to patronise it. This being the case, we hope it may be conducted in all its arrongements [sic] as to leave no just cause for censure. If Miss W. will attend to these friendly suggestions, she may rely upon it her concert will neither be the least attractive nor the least remunerative that have been given this season.
"CONCERT", The Colonist (27 February 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31722638
Miss Wallace gives a concert under the patronage of Lady Gipps, in the saloon of the Royal Hotel this evening. In addition to the usual attractions, Miss Ellard, a new musical star, makes her debut before a Sydney audience. The programme concert now before us gives promise of an agreeable melange. Mr. Deane and his talented family we regret to observe do not give their assistance on this occasion, owing, it is said, to a prohibition from Mr. Wyatt, of the Victoria Theatre. If it be so we must say, that the policy which dictated the prohibition was of a miserably short-sighted description. We wish Miss Wallace every success.
ASSOCIATIONS: Barbara Ellard (pianist, Eliza's cousin, recently arrived); Joseph Wyatt (theatre proprietor)
[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (27 February 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226454843
Under the Patronage of Lady Gipps.
MISS WALLACE HAS the honor to announce that her Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music, will take place on
WEDNESDAY EVENING, February 27, 1839, in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on which occasion she will be assisted
by Miss Ellard, lately arrived from England, (the vocal amateur received with such enthusiastic applause at the two last Concerts),
Mr. Worgan, Mr. W. Stanley, Mr. S. W. Wallace, and (by the kind permission of Col. Wodehouse), the Band of the 50th Regiment.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
1. Overture. 'La Gazza Ladra.' Rossini - Military Band.
2. Opening Scene from Il Don Giovanni, Solo and Trio. Mozart - Miss Wallace, Mr. Worgan, & Amateur.
3. Com dolce all alma mis, Rossini - Miss Wallace.
4. Through the Forest, Weber, Mr. Worgan.
5. Tu che i Miseri conforti, Rossini - Amateur.
6. Duett, Violin and Pianoforte, Herz and Lafont - Miss Ellard and Mr. Wallace.
7. When time hath bereft thee - Amateur.
8. Opening Scena Le Nozze di Figaro, Mozart - Miss Wallace & Amateur.
9. Solo, Violin. De Beriot - Mr. S. W. Wallace.
PART II.
1. Overture. The Fair Maid of Perth - Military Band.
2. Crudel perche finora. Duett. Mozart - Miss Wallace & Amateur.
3. Solo, Pianoforte. Herz, Mr. Wm. Stanley.
4. Song, Mary of Castle Cary, Miss Wallace.
5. Medamina il catalogo e questo. Mozart - Amateur.
6. Fantasia, Flute, Nicholson - Mr. Wallace.
7. I tuoi frequenti plapiti, Pacini - Miss Wallace.
8. My Boyhood's Home, Rooke, Mr. Worgan.
9. All Idea di quel Metalla. Rossini - Miss Wallace & Amateur.
Tickets to be had at Mr. Ellard's, Mr. Tegg's, Mr. Tyrer's, and Mr. Sparks', at the Royal Hotel.
The Concert to commence at eight o'clock.
"THE CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (1 March 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32163068
Miss Wallace's concert was well attended. The Governor, lady, and suite; Sir Maurice O'Connell, lady, family, and suite; and many of the principal families of Sydney, were present. Both Sir George and Sir Maurice were well received. The singers being few, the duties of the evening fell chiefly on Miss Wallace and the Amateur; which, on account of their superior talents, was felt to be no great loss.
Miss Wallace seems always to be improving, though this must be mere notion when the improvement supposed is not a month old. She sang with her usual force, feeling, and brilliance on Wednesday evening. Every song seemed better than the last. We think Miss W. might improve in one point - by giving a little more animation, she uses more than formerly, and we like the novelty so well, that she need not at present be afraid to give us a little more. The passions, even in a concert room, may be expressed with some degree of energy, though what is required on the stage would be considered excessive in a concert room. The last Italian duet gave the Amateur as great an opportunity of shewing his extraordinary powers for the ludicrous in Italian vocal music, as the Barber of --. He sang the English song of "When time hath bereft thee" well, but there wanted that zest, and gout, and consciousness of mastery, which distinguish his Italian singing; the fact is, this singer despises English songs too much to sing them as well as he is capable of singing them. Braham, however, did not despise English songs. He was more of an English than an Italian singer, and it was his aim, and highly to the credit of his fame as an English composer and vocalist, that he wove into our English songs and melodies the graces of the Italian school, and succeeded as far as any lover of nature might desire; for say what men will, music is perverted whenever the mind of the author is sacrificed to execution, that is, to display of mere manipular skill. Handel never erred on this head, and Mozart seldom, while Rossini has spoilt a deal of his music, by his everlasting galloping up and down the gamut. But Rossini has had his day, and a vast deal of his music will be laid on the shelf. Those portions only in which that great composer preferred melody and harmony to instrumental mechanism, will perpetuate his fame - the rest, in an improved age, will be considered trash.
Mr. Wallace is an exquisite player on the flute, but he does not play exquisitely for he destroys his beautiful and rich tones by being a slave to vain shew, in exhibiting the powers of his lungs, lips, and fingers in mere intonation. Even when he favours his audience with "Erin go Bragh" or other rich strains of real music, he destroys its character by an ad libitum at every bar, and by paying no attention to the author's time. One flourish, one "Fantasia" in a long air like this, or in as "Nanny wilt thou gang with me," or at most two, would be well enough, provided the rest were played strictly according to the Author's time, embellished with an odd appogiatura here and there, but most sparing used. But to tweedle-dum such rich and beautiful strains as these, is downright murder, and very wanton murder too. With all Mr. Wallace's skill, we defy him to play "God save the King," or the Portuguese hymn, or "Scots wha ha' wi' Wallace bled," half so well as a travelling musician. He would be sure to spoil them with his "Fantasias."
Mr. Stanley's Solo on the grand Piano was more noisy than brilliant, but displayed prodigious execution. The piece was one which could not well be spoilt, otherwise, Mr. Stanley, like Mr. Wallace, did all he could by "bounce" (as a good judge near us expressed it) to do so, by his heavy blows on the keys. We pitied the poor author. His mind, the character of the piece, was shivered into atoms by a peal of sonorous jingles. What an audience wants is, music, the soul and poetry of music, the sentiment of music, whether it be lofty, merry, pathetic, or mournful; not display. If musicians and vocalists wish to display, if they wish to shew what the human hand and fingers can perform on keys, or cat-gut, or a hollow piece of wood, let them call together an audience of their own class, professors and amateurs; and let them gallop up and down the gamut with all the vain frippery and shew they may; but do not let them demand 7s. 6d. of the public to come and listen to music, and then give them mechanical tinklings in lieu. We would rather hear an Eolian harp a thousand times; for though the strains be irregular and without order or apparent design, they are natural; full of pathos or dignity, and the most vulgar and illiterate feel their souls touched with the heavenly concords.
Mr. Worgan sings a good song, but his style of singing is not in our opinion adapted to a concert room. He is inferior to another amateur whom we saw in the room, and who assisted at the oratorios. He did not please us in the song of "Through the Forest."
By the bye. the Amateur again annoyed us by pronouncing the last syllable of all those words which end in ed and ess, id and iss. This has a horrid effect. Let us have the e fully and broadly sung out, and not clipped into iss and id. The common people say id and iss, just as they say heve for have, and hed for had. But we want the a, e, and i, pronounced according to the spelling. Miss Wallace's "Mary of Castle Carey," was beautifully executed, and not spoilt by too much "ad libitum." We hope she will not be so niggardly of her English songs. She should remember, that where one of the audience understands Italian, a score are ignorant of that singing language. We recommend that in future, a bill, and also a translation of every Italian song be given to each subscriber along with the cards. If this expense cannot be afforded, the tickets may be raised to eight shillings. We are persuaded some of the prejudices against Italian pieces will he abated, if the unlearned could know what the good people in the orchestra are singing about. To get the songs within a reasonable compass, they should be printed in very small type. And we would recommend, that the translation be introduced, not in juxta position with the Italian, but underneath each line, the Italian lines being put in italic print, and the translation in roman.
Such was the vivacity and tact of the Amateur and Miss Wallace in some of their Italian ditties, that the audience laughed heartily, though nine tenths did not know a word they sang. - But it was clear to the humble, that the subject was full of fun, and it required no great imagination for each unlearned auditor to coin in his own brain some farcical story, which became, by the animation of the singers, as true as if the thing were all printed in the mother tongue before their eyes.
"MISS WALLACE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (1 March 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12860932
We feel much pleasure in stating that this very talented young lady was honored, at her benefit concert, by the presence of a very numerous and select auditory, comprising Sir George and Lady Gipps, Sir Maurice O'connell, the Misses O'Connell, Sir John Jamison, Captain O'connell, almost the whole of the Civil Officers of the Colony, with their Ladies, a number of the Magistrates of the Colony, besides a large number of the respectable inhabitants. Sir George and Lady Gipps entered the room at a few minutes after eight, and were much applauded. The band then struck up "God save the Queen" - the company all standing, after which the concert commenced with the overture to La Gaza Ladra, by the military band. The vocal and instrumental assistance which circumstances put it not in the power of Miss Wallace to obtain was by no means so efficient as that which we have had the pleasure of witnessing, and listening to, at former concerts; still the evening's entertain ments passed off in a very pleasing style. Miss Wallace herself displayed that great musical taste, sweetness, and power of voice, which have justly acquired for her the reputation of the first female singer in the Colony. The solo, Come dolce al alma mia, was delightfully given. The opening scenes from Il Don Giovanni, and Le Nozze di Figaro, brought down (and most deservedly) great applause. Miss Ellard, daughter of Mr. Ellard, of George street, made her first appearance in public, and showed great promise as a pianist. Mr. Wallace's flute was, as usual, superb, but we would recommend him to eschew concerto playing on the violin. The hearer is reminded of his brother, and comparisons, &c. &c. He is a very fair parlour or drawing-room player - probably a good teacher - but no more.
We have not space to enumerate the whole of the performances, still less to descant on their respective merits. But there is one remark we have to make - it is this: we dislike the affectation of Italian music at concerts in Sydney - it is "caviare to the multitude," and affords not half the pleasure that well selected English songs would impart. The human voice is the most beautiful of all instruments, but it is only an instrument when the words of the singer are not understood. This is also equally true of English singing, when the singer lacks expression. One of the peculiar beauties of the singing of Braham and Miss Stephens was, that every word of the poetry could be distinctly heard - their songs were, in fact, recitals of verses in melodious tones. Once more we congratulate Miss Wallace on the full and fashionable attendance at her concert.
"THE CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (2 March 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2551019
On Wednesday evening Miss Wallace's Concert took place in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, and, as was anticipated, was attended by a numerous and respectable audience. Among the visitors were Sir George and Lady Gipps (the patroness) and suite, and Sir Maurice O'Connell, Miss O'Connell, Captain and Lieutenant O'Connell, and many of the principal families in Sydney. The performers were generally (with one exception) old favourites, and on this occasion they, as usual, appeared to give satisfaction. Miss Ellard on her first appearance was well received, and though the part allotted to her was not difficult, she gave promise as a pianist. Miss Wallace, as heretofore, displayed much musical ability and that power of voice which has procured her the reputation of being the best professional female vocalist in the Colony. In some of the pieces she drew down great applause, especially in the solo (Come dolce ale alma mia). Mr. Wallace, on this occasion, for the first time at a Concert, appeared as a performer on the violin. His performance, in our opinion, was very good, sometimes carrying us back to the days of his brother. Several excellent judges spoke well of his execution on this instrument, but it cannot be supposed to equal his performance on the flute, which is certainly unrivalled in the Colony. Mr. Worgan's voice does not appear adapted for a solo, - that sung by him was barely respectable, he would appear to more advantage as second in a duet. Mr. Worgan seems to be of the same opinion for, much to the satisfaction of the company, he did not attempt a second solo set down for him.
The amateur (Bushell) was in excellent voice; the English air - "When time hath bereft thee," was much approved of, but his performance throughout elicited well deserved applause. To continue to notice all the performers that deserved favourable notice, we should be obliged to mention each individual - we must not, however, omit mentioning Mr. Stanley's execution on the piano; for so young a man, he deserves the greatest credit; all the pieces were creditably executed, and appeared to give satisfaction. The military band of the 50th Regt, was in the orchestra, and, on the entrance of the Governor and Lady Gipps, struck up "God Save the Queen," and afterwards executed the overture to La Gazza Ladra in a very able manner. The company, who appeared much pleased with the evening's entertainments, broke up about eleven o'clock. The attendance, we are happy to say, was remunerating to Miss Wallace, who certainly deserves every encouragement.
"THE CONCERT", The Colonist (2 March 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31722651
Miss Wallace's concert of vocal and instrumental music took place at the Royal Hotel on Wednesday evening last. We were happy to see it both numerously and fashionably attended. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Gipps, Sir Maurice O'Connell, family and suite, and a host of the Sydney haut being present. We must quarrel with Miss Wallace on account of her selection - with but three exceptions, the whole of the airs, duets &c., were Italian. We have no objection to Italian music, but we hold it to be impossible that an auditory can properly relish either a song or a duet unless they comprehend the words, and we imagine that not twenty persons out of the audience assembled on Wednesday were qualified in this particular. We have seen a full Drury Lane audience in tears at Miss Stephens' singing "Auld Robin Grey;" but then, every word uttered by her was distinctly heard, and the meaning of the ballad understood. The only song of which we heard the words on Wednesday evening was, "When time hath bereft thee," by an Amateur, which was also sung with great taste.
The overtures by the military band of the 50th Regiment were performed well, especially that which preceded Part II. The opening scene was not to our liking; the bass voice of the Amateur was too powerful for Mr. Worgan, and who it struck us was also a little out in the harmony. Miss Wallace deserves considerable praise for her execution of Rossini's celebrated "Tu che i Miseri conforti." It was sung with great taste - the accompaniment was excellent. Mr. Worgan cannot sing a ballad - his voice is any thing but melodious, and his cadences any thing but tasteful. Mr. Wallace cannot be compared to his brother as a master of the violin, although no one could find fault with his performance, it wanted that wonderful brilliancy which his predecessor had at his command; the variation on the bass violin was admirably executed. Mozart's duet, "Crudel perche finora," 'by Miss Wallace, and the Amateur, was good as far as the singing was concerned, but it is too scientific to please those whose knowledge of music does not extend to the masterpieces of Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven.
We have to speak in the highest terms of Mr. W. Stanley as a piano-forte player, he is evidently a perfect master of the instrument, and his performance was not more rapturously applauded than it deserved. Of Miss Ellard's (the new debutante) capabilities we are not prepared to speak, as Mr. Wallace appeared to have nearly all the playing to himself, in his duet with that lady; we are, however, inclined to augur favourably. We think Miss Wallace failed in the lovely ballad "Mary of Castle Cary," this sweet song requires simplicity, and not the meretricious ornaments of the Italian school. There is a story in the song, but Miss Wallace would not let us know the nature of it. Her brother's flute fantasia was, as all his performances on that instrument are, delightful. The company departed apparently highly pleased with the evening's entertainments, and Miss Wallace has, we think, ample cause to congratulate herself on the manner in which her concert was attended. - Correspondent.
"THE CONCERT", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (2 March 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226455149
We have not room to notice, at much length, Miss Wallace's Concert, which took place on Wednesday evening last. It was well attended by the aristocracy of the Colony, and their fair partners. As a matter of course, His Excellency the Governor, and lady, who patronised the Concert, were present; besides His Excellency the Commander of the Forces, and his lovely daughters, Sir John Jamison, and most of the Military and Civil Officers that wished to show their loyalty (not love of music) were present. As to the performances, we have not room, as above stated, to enter into minute particulars: suffice it to say, that the company, if not pleased with the exertions of the songsters, were at least with themselves. In future, however, we should recommend Miss Wallace, or any other professional, when a Concert is again got up, to adopt simplicity, and throw aside that mechanical performance of up and down the gamut, like wild fire, which calculates rather to astonish than please the hearer. Old English, Irish, and Scotch airs, would pay better - let it be tried.
"MISS WALLACE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Standard and Colonial Advocate (4 March 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251535888
Most sincerely do we congratulate Miss Wallace on the success of her Concert which took place on last Wednesday evening. The presence of their Excellencies the Governor and Sir Maurice O'Counell, with their respective suites, naturally drew a very respectable audience to the Saloon. Miss Wallace needs no commendation from us the good taste of the audience abundantly testified their admiration of her sweet performances. The Amateur as a man of true musical science, would rank high in any civilized nation, here he can have no rival. Miss Ellard's performance was exquisitely beautiful and elicited much and deserved applause as did the violin solo by Mr. S. W. Wallace. He will excuse us for saying, we think, his flute solo was rather too long, his execution was certainly clever - but flourishes e ad libitum, however, they may show off the performer, too often destroy the pleasing effect of the melody - more especially to those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the science of music. We hope, Miss Wallace, will again indulge us at no very distant period.
ASSOCIATIONS (patrons): Maurice O'Connell (commander of the forces, NSW) and Mary O'Connell (musical patrons)
10 March 1839, St. Mary's cathedral, Hyde Park, Sydney
[News], The Australian (12 March 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36859554
The French Company of Comedians make their first appearance on Friday. The report of judges who have witnessed their capabilities is highly in their favour, and of one, (Madame Gonton [sic]), we can personally speak. This lady assisted in the choir of St. Mary's Cathedral, on Sunday, and with Miss Wallace, executed a duet which had an astonishing effect upon the audience. Her notes are sound and brilliant, and powerful, and her expression is marked with feeling; - her enunciation was remarkable for distinctness; but we could not judge of her execution which is reported to be good. The duet excelled any thing we have heard in the Colony. Miss Wallace's full Contra Alto blending so brilliantly with the soprano, as to form a beautiful unity of volume which came without blemish on the ear. If the rest of the company are any thing equal to Madame Gonton, they cannot fail to meet with encouraging support.
ASSOCIATIONS: Madame Gautrot (vocalist), who with husband Joseph Gautrot (violinist) had just arrived in Sydney with a small French operatic troupe
[Advertisement], The Australian (23 March 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860034
MR. & MISS WALLACE.
IN compliance with the desire of their numerous Friends, having now removed from Parramatta to Sydney,
have the honor to announce, that they propose giving Instruction in their respective branches of Musical Education,
at their house. No. 2, Elizabeth-street North, or at the residence of the Ladies and Gentlemen who may favor them with their commands.
Miss Wallace gives Lessons in Singing, the Guitar, and Pianoforte; and Mr. Wallace on the Violin, Pianoforte, Flute, &c.
Schools attended on the usual terms.
N. B. - Pianofortes tuned by Mr. Wallace.
24 April 1839, St. George's day ball, Court House, Surry Hills
"ST. GEORGE'S BALL", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (20 April 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226456706
It is, finally decided to hold the Ball, to celebrate the St. George's day, in the new Court House, Surry Hills, on Tuesday next. Although the walls will not he quite finished, yet the flooring will be completed, for which purpose fifty men are now hard at work; and there is no doubt the dancing will not be the less spirited, and the company less joyous, because the walls will exhibit a dingy and unfinished appearance. The delightful vocalist, Miss Wallace, we understand will be in attendance, to warble for the pleasure of the company, to diversify the evening's amusements.
26 April 1839, the Gautrots' first concert
[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (26 April 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12858967
GRAND CONCERT. M. & MME. GAUTROT HAVE the honor to announce that their CONCERT will take place on
FRIDAY EVENING, April 26, 1839, in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on which occasion
His Excellency the Governor and Lady Gipps, His Excellency Major-General Sir Maurice O'Connell, K. C. H., and Lady O'Connel have kindly signified their intention of being present.
Monsieur and Madame Gautrot will have the valuable assistance of Miss Wallace, Mr. W. Wallace, Mr. W. Stanley,
and the Amateur whose performance at the three last Concerts gave such satisfaction.
By permission of Colonel Wodehouse, the Band of the 50th Regiment will attend.
PART 1 . . . 1. Duet, from Tancredi," Ah, se de mali miei," Rossini - Miss Wallace & Madame Gautrot
2. Song, "Some love to roam" - Amateur . . .
4. "Black-eyed Susan." - Miss Wallace
5. "Eh ben per mia memoria," from the Gazza Ladra - Madame Gautrot and Amateur
6. "Dall 'Asilo della pace," Costa. - Miss Wallace
7. "Suoni la Tromba," from I Puritani - Miss Wallace and Amateur
8. "Non pui Andrai," Mozart, accompanied by the full band - Amateur
PART II . . . 2. Trio, "Fatal Moment! Cruel Mystere," from "Robert le Diable" - Miss Wallace and Amateur
3. Song, "The Spring time in coming." - Miss Wallace
4. Duet, "Care Zitelle," Curcio - Madame Gautrot and Amateur . . .
6. Duet, "All'idea de quell Metallo," Rossini - Miss Wallace and Amateur . . .
8. " Largo al Factotum," Rossini. - Amateur . . .
"THE CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (29 April 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28653643
Monsieur and Madame Gautrot gave a Concert of Vocal und Instrumental Music, in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel, on the evening or Friday last. It was patronised by their excellencies Sir George Gipps and Sir Maurice O'Connell; and was not only numerously, but, also, respectably attended. The room was nearly as full as it could conveniently hold. "Music has charms to to sooth a savage breast," says Congreve, in that piece of fustian called The Mourning Bride. It has also "charms" for the intellectual and the fair. And here we may remark, in reply to those who say that dramatic representations of a superior order will not "take" in Sydney, that at our Concerts are to be round congregated whatever of rank, intelligence - aye, and let us add, female elegance - in town or near it. Why is this? Because, there is a taste, even in New South Wales, for amusements superior to those which the theatre affords. We have been in many places of public amusement at "home" - as British Colonists fondly designate their native country - and have never witnessed an auditory more generally respectable and orderly than that of which, on Friday night, we formed one. This is creditable to the increasing respectability of the Colony; and deserves, therefore, to be recorded.
Of the Concert itself we have little to say - save that, altogether, it was a very pleasing evening's entertainment . . . Miss Wallace surpassed herself: we have seldom heard her to more advantage. Her song of Black-eyed Susan was beautifully given, the singer seemed to feel the sentiment of the song, and imparted a corresponding feeling to the auditors . . .
We do not know that we have much more to say on the subject of this Concert, save to observe, that the Amateur delighted the audience, for a concert singer, however, we are of opinion that he enacts too much. His splendid burritone voice [sic], however, (as, indeed, the voices of all the singers) was much impaired by the construction of the room, which is not all fitted for a Concert-room. The voice is, in a great measure deadened in it. The over-hanging orchestre, in which the military band was stationed contributed much to prevent the sound from spreading . . .
"The Concert", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (29 April 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32163862
The concert given by Monsieur and Madame Gautrot, was crowded. The most respectable families were present. The Governor and family entered the room early, and his arrival was announced by the performance of the King's Anthem, at which the Company rose and remained standing until its conclusion. The lady of Sir Maurice O'Connell and family were also present . . . Madame Gautrot's voice mellowed every tune she sang, so that the last sung was the best. In the first songs, her voice was harsh, and she was not always in perfect tune. Her voice seems more powerful than Miss Wallace's, but we do not think it is really so, if the latter chose to put forth her strength. We remember her opening piece at the Concert, when her tones filled St. Mary's Cathedral, and almost vibrated on the ceiling and seats. Madame's voice is too loud for a room. At the Opera house she might excel Miss W. unless the latter (which we believe she could do,) sang strongly in proportion to the extent of the house . . .
"Black-eyed Susan," was beautifully sung by Miss Wallace, but she could have sung it better if she had had as much practice as Incledon had in this, his most celebrated of Ballads. Miss Wallace with good taste made no gamut display in this song, which would have been downright murder; for simplicity of style is its soul and character. But while she sang it chastely, she might have dwelt on the pathetic closes with more effect. An ad libitum on single notes, and an appogiatura or two; a dwelling lingering intonation, as if the singer could not part with her feelings, has always a fine effect in pathetic songs. Barring this (it is not a fault - it is is only an omission,) nothing could be better. We have heard Incledon sing this song. It was one which Braham could not sing. But Miss Wallace can sing it; and she will by practice render this song an exquisite treat to all lovers of nature and real music. We hope it will be given next Concert . . .
What renders "the Amateur" so great a favourite? Doubtless his voice is as good as any instrument of brass or wood. But the organ of Haerlem, if played by turning a handle, would inspire no one. It is the enthusiasm, the inspiration of the Amateur, that impelled a wearied audience to encore him in his inimitable "Largo al Factotum," and which ravished them in his "Non piu Andrai."
Miss Wallace improves in something every time we hear her. Naturally extremely modest, even to bashfulness, she has overcome nature, and is now animated in her gesticulation and motions, which gives her singing additional interest. She may venture to sing, generally, (in a full room as least,) a little louder. The medium between Miss W. and Madame's would be that, which would suit the full room of Friday . . .
"CONCERT", The Sydney Standard and Colonial Advocate (29 April 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251536034
. . . We shall not draw comparisons, for they are odious. We admired Madame Gautrot, and we were as on former occasions delighted with our prime favourite Miss Wallace. What we so much admire in Miss Wallace, is her perfect freedom from affectation and studied effect, which often disgusts us with those of equal and, perhaps, superior pretensions. The performances altogether were highly creditable; but we shall never give our unqualified approbation to any species of public amusement which cannot he conducted without exceptionable aid. Talent is no substitute for moral worth; and we beg distinctly to be understood that we condemn, in the most unqualified sense, the countenance given by persons who ought to know better, to parties who do not deserve it.
ASSOCIATIONS: "exceptionable aid" = Bushell's; the celebrated organ of the Grote Kerk (St. Bavo's), Haarlem
"CONCERT", The Australian (30 April 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860947
. . . In the opening of the concert, Madam Gautrot labored under extreme lassitude (the result, as we understand, of severe previous indisposition) and we were apprehensive that she would not recover her energies during the evening. Luckily however, the attack was but transient. She soon rallied and throughout the rest of the entertainment, sang with her usual excellence and effect. The trio between this lady, Miss Wallace and the amateur was remarkable for the richness of effect produced by the capabilities of the voices respectively, and the full sustained harmony throughout the piece . . .
"THE CONCERT", The Colonist (1 May 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31722996
. . . The style of Madame Gautrot is, of course, ex-officio operatic; but her manner is amiable, unaffected, and lady-like. Her slight failure towards the close of the first piece, which she performed with Miss Wallace, was owing to a feeling of faintness which came over her, and to which, we regret to say, she is constitutionally liable. The applause of the audience, however, on perceiving the situation of the lady, gave loud and gratifying proof of their satisfaction with what she had performed. It struck us that Madame's and Miss's voices did not exactly harmonize in their tones throughout this piece. The one seems to be the very opposite of the other, and would require several intermediate voices of different tones to form a concord between the two extremes. This discrepancy was not so observable when the rich mellow tones and powerful intonation of the amateur absorbed the disunited strains of the ladies in the trio which they performed . . .
As to Miss Wallace, we are really at a loss how to speak in terms of moderation, and at the same time do justice to her merits.
Miss Wallace is deservedly a favourite with the Australian public; and that of itself bears high testimony to her talents;
and she would, laying partiality aside, be no less popular and admired in any other province of the empire in which there was an English, a refined, an enlightened public to appreciate her performances.
Miss Wallace is not only a talented, but a very interesting young lady;
her manners are prepossessing, and foreign from silly affectation, but sustained in all her public appearances with ease and self-possession unallied in,
the slightest degree to anything like the pertness of vanity, or assuming boldness.
Miss Wallace is indebted to nature for her looks, her manner, and her talents;
to speak in homely phrase, she is a girl of decided genius in the musical profession.
When first we heard Miss W. sing, we could not believe that so young and delicate-looking a creature could naturally have such an unusually deep-toned a voice for a female;
we really ascribed it all to affectation or to an injudicious straining after tones beyond the natural compass of her voice.
But those who have known her from her childhood say, that her extraordinary powers of intonation are constitutionally her own -
they are, as well as her other musical capabilities, the unacquired, the unpurchased gifts of nature.
No doubt, her facility and grace in vocal execution, together with every other theoretic and practical accomplishment connected with the science of music,
are all the acquisitions of art; but art without the inspiration of native genius is of no avail in
Untwisting all the charms that tie
The hidden soul of harmony.
The highest excellence of art which genius alone can exercise, is to conceal art; and in this excellence Miss W. is universally acknowledged to be accomplished.
The only defect which we could notice in her performance of those foreign airs was,
that in some passages she occasionally seemed not to understand or feel the sentiment of the piece,
and hence her singing lost the life and zest which it might otherwise have displayed.
In singing an English song, her eyes beam with feeling, and her voice is full of expression.
Music is essentially the language of feeling and of impassioned sentiment;
and when associated with poetry or articulate speech, it ought, if composed under the genuine inspiration of these feelings,
be strikingly indicative of them, and performed likewise in such as manner, as to accord with tie language to which it is applied,
in order to inspire the bosoms of the audience, as if by magic sympathy, with the very feelings that gave birth to the song.
Unless this be the case - unless the vivida vis animi, the deep emotion of the soul, be felt and displayed,
the most sublime or affecting music will fall short of its effect, and when associated with a foreign language, be but a dead letter to those who do not understand it.
We do not mean to say, that Miss W. does not understand, and express with feeling, what she sings, when performing those Italian pieces.
On the contrary, we observed several passages in which she was quite alive to the spirit of the piece, and did it admirable justice in the execution.
But as we have said already, it is in her English airs that she displays most feeling, and not only most delights her auditory,
but appears to best advantage as an accomplished and fascinating songstress. It is in these she pours
The mazy-running soul of melody
Into her tuneful voice.
Her Black-eyed Susan, for instance, is a piece in which she displays both heart and soul, and identifies herself, in short, with the heroine of the song.
We do not wonder at this being a favourite song of Miss W.'s, for besides its tenderness and beauty,
together with its long-standing and unabated popularity, its music is of such a nature as to suit the cast of her voice,
and gives her scope for the display of its deep tones and varied modulation.
Her Spring Time is Coming, was also a sweet song, and was rapturously applauded by the audience;
and her own dress, with a wreath of roses encircling her brow,
gave her the interesting appearance of a very appropriate personification of the Season whose charms she was celebrating.
The third vocal performer was the amateur; and as music, and that alone is our present theme, we must, and do willingly accord our unqualified approbation of his talented performances and successful exertions to entertain the audience of this Concert. Indeed, without him, we do not know what the Concert would have been. The ladies, no doubt, might have sung solos, or duets, but the TRIO which they sting with the amateur, was worth them all. Not that he had all the credit, but that his capacious voice was necessary to bring into full add harmonious concord, the peculiar difference of voice and tone so observable between the ladies. The Amateur was the Magnus Apollo of the Concert; Madame Gautrot was the Cecilia, and Miss W. was the Polyhymnia of the night. The Amateur's voice is a deep, powerful, and flexible baritone. From their analogy we would almost venture on a piece of musical nomenclature, and call the voice of Miss W. a female baritone. This may be absurd; but at all events she showed the almost masculine powers and capacity of her voice in the duets Suoni la Tromba and All 'idea de quel Metallo, which she sang with the Amateur, and was not one whit behind him in comparative power and energy. The distinguishing characteristic of the Amateur's singing is energy of expression. He is evidently no novice in the Italian school of music, for he speaks the language with distinctness and familiar rapidity, that indicates proficiency. We have been told by an excellent judge, that his voice and style, of singing have a strong resemblance to Porto, the once-famous bass singer of the Italian Opera House, in London. The Amateur had two triumphant performances in the course of the evening, for both of which he was encored; the first was the song, "Some love to roam," and last of all his "Largo al Factotum," which surpassed all his other performances in bold and masterly execution, coupled with animated zest and appropriate action. The English song was of that manly and enthusiastic description that sweeps you along in joyous rapture. It is somewhat of the same cast as "Away, away, to the mountains brow," and resembles it pretty much in its music. The gentlemen from the bush, or such as love a woodland life, could not but adopt this song as their own. It seems likely to become a favourite in this colony . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Mathieu Porto (bass vocalist, active in England from 1823); see Theodore Fenner, Opera in London: views of the press, 1785-1830 (Carbondale and Edwardsville: Southern Illinois University Press, 1994), 189-90
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=hOMA5RMyI4IC&pg=PA189 (PREVIEW)
MUSIC: Some love to roam (by Henry Russell, first published 1836)
2 May 1839, marriage of Eliza Wallace and John Bushell, St. Mary's cathedral, Sydney
Register of convicts' applications to marry, 1839; State Records Authority of NSW
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1504/images/30514_081751-00341 (PAYWALL)
[date of permission] [23 April 1839] / Bushell James alias John / 34 / Phoenix / TL / Bachelor / Approved
Elizabeth Wallace / 20 / D[uchess of] Northumberland [sic] / Free / Spinster /
[Clergyman] F. Murphy St Mary's Chu. / [date of transmission] 2d May
Marriage of BUSHELL, JAMES and WALLACE, ELIZABETH (BDM NSW, V1839392 90/1839)
"AN HARMONIOUS UNION", The Colonist (15 May 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31723074
Miss Wallace, the talented vocalist, entered into an harmonious union, or, in other words, has been united in the sacred bands of wedlock, with the celebrated amateur who performed at the late grand concert with so much eclat.
ASSOCIATIONS: Francis Murphy (clergyman)
June 1839, race week concert, court house, Maitland
"Maitland. MAY 27", The Australian (1 June 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36859285
. . . During the race week, Mrs. Bushel (late Miss Wallace) purposes giving a concert in this town; our worthy Police Magistrate has granted the use of the Court House for that purpose. We have every reason to anticipate the lady's reception will be as cordial as possible, and that she will be perfectly satisfied with the share of patronage that the Maitland folks will bestow on her. The celebrated Amateur will also have the honour of appearing on the occasion. The arrangements are under the direction of that talented vocalist.
Letter from Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 25 and 29 July 1839; State Records Authority of NSW, CS 39/587 (4/3687, page 73; reel 1052)
[re] 39/7943 / No. 39/587 / Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney 25th, 29th July 1839 /
Sir, / I do myself the honor to inform you that in compliance with an application forwarded by the
First Police Magistrate, from the individual named in the margin
[James Bushell, per Phoenix, holding a Ticket of Leave],
His Excellency the Governor has given permission for Bushell to appear at the Theatre at Concerts, but not at plays.
I have &c.
E. D. T.
[to] The Principal Superintendent of Convicts
ASSOCIATIONS: Edward Deas Thomson (colonial secretary, NSW)
21 August 1839, concert, "Mr. and Mrs. Bushell" [sic], at James Aquinas Reid's benefit for the Association for the Relief of the Poor, Old Court House, Castlereagh Street, Sydney
"CONCERT IN AID OF THE POOR, AT THE COURT HOUSE", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (21 August 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226456729
Dr. Reid has issued forth a very promising "Bill of Fare." Report speaks highly of Dr. Reid and his family's musical talent, who appear on this occasion. We are also to have the pleasure of hearing our celebrated Amateur and Mrs. Bushel in several favourite songs, both English and Italian, beside many other novelties. It being for the benefit of the poor, we hope to see a full room on the occasion.
[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (21 August 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12864741
CONCERT, For the Benefit of the Distressed Poor.
DR. REID RESPECTFULLY informs the Public, that he will give a
CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music, in the Old Court-House, Castlereagh-street,
on Wednesday, 21st August, the proceeds to be handed over to the Committee of the Association for the Relief of the Poor.
Programme. PART I . . . 4. Recitative and Air - Fortune's frowns - Mrs. Bushell - Rossini . . .
7. Song - The Wolf - Mr. Bushel - Shield.
8. Chorus of Warriors - Away, away, the sword is drawn - C. M. v. Weber.
PART II . . . 4. Duetto Buffo - Pa-pa-pa - Mr. and Mrs. Bushell - Mozart . . .
8. Chorus and Solo - Spring is come and the wars are all over - Mr. Bushell - Reid . . .
"Concert", Australasian Chronicle (23 August 1839), 1s
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726296
Dr. Reid's Concert took place according to announcement on Wednesday,
on which occasion a most numerous and brilliant assemblage was present . . .
Fortune frowns - Mrs. Bushell is a very powerful singer, and we could listen to her for ever and a day; but if she expects any mercy at our hands,
we advise her strongly to discard nineteen twentieths of her embellishments, and to keep her eye upon the bars;
and then if Rossini won't do, why, just put Rossini on the shelf, and take down Mozart . . .
The Wolf. What would we not give for Mr. Bushell's voice?
This piece was deservedly encored . . .
We pass over the others to come to the last Solo and Grand Chorus, which we believe are from a new opera by Dr. Reid. These pieces are of such a character, both as to their merit and the manner in which they were performed, as would have fully atoned for all the rest had they been deficient, but were a most pleasing termination to a performance in which, throughout, there was much to praise and little to blame. After all, as we have said, we chiefly value it as the introduction of a peculiar style of music among us, which we are in hopes to see widely cultivated.
"DR. REID'S CONCERT", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (24 August 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226455068
. . . We have heard it is the intention of Mrs. Bushell to give a concert at the Victoria theatre, in a few days. It is understood she will be assisted by all the vocal and instrumental talent in Sydney.
"DR. REID'S CONCERT", The Colonist (28 August 1839), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31723606
Contrary to anticipation, the weather was fine, and the Old School room was crowded. His Excellency Sir George Gipps and Lady Gipps, the Colonial Secretary and Lady, the Attorney-General, and a large party of ladies and gentlemen, Sir John Jamison, and a number of other distinguished members of our community, were present . . . Mrs. Bushelle was warmly greeted on her appearance, and, as usual, highly delighted the audience . . . Mr. Bushelle was received with the usual applause . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: James Aquinas Reid (musician, since May, organist and director of music at St. Mary's); William Augustine Duncan (editor, the Chronicle, and fellow member, with Bushell, of the choir of St. Mary's); George Gipps (governor of New South Wales) and wife Elizabeth Gipps
MUSIC: The wolf (by William Shield)
Royal Victoria Theatre, from Joseph Fowles, Sydney in 1848; State Library of New South Wales
http://digital.sl.nsw.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?embedded=true&toolbar=false&dps_pid=FL3325946 (DIGITISED)
ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Fowles (artist, publisher)
11 September 1839, Eliza Bushelle's concert, Royal Victoria Theatre, Pitt-street, Sydney
[Advertisement], The Australian (24 August 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36862803
CONCERT. Royal Victoria Theatre.
MRS. BUSHELLE, (late Miss Wallace,) has the honor to announce, that her Concert will take place,
at the Theatre Royal, on WEDNESDAY, the 11th of September. She will be assisted by Monsieur and Madame Gautrot, Mr. Deane and Family, Mr. S. W. Wallace,
Mr. Leggett, and all the Theatrical Band, and Mr. Bushelle.
A communication will be established between the Boxes and the Pit, and the Orchestra erected on the Stage.
The Programme will be published next week.
ASSOCIATIONS: Thomas Leggatt (musician, married to Eliza's cousin, Susan Ellard)
"CONCERTS", Australasian Chronicle (10 September 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726398
We believe we need hardly call the attention of our musical friends to the Programme of Mrs. Bushelle's Concert, announced for tomorrow evening. It contains so much of what is, solid and perennial in music, mixed up with so much that is popular and fascinating, and there is such a combination of talent engaged for the occasion, that we are confident all that is musical and all that is fashionable in our City will not fail to present themselves on the occasion. We were happy to observe that the Governor in Council, in replying to the characteristic objections of Mr. Jones to the grant towards the Mechanics' School of Arts, mentioned concerts as a kind of amusement worthy of liberal encouragement. This was a sentiment worthy of an enlightened statesman; and we trust those who are interested in the prosperity of our colony, will not fail to encourage a taste which will do more to humanize society than any other.
"To-morrow's Concert", The Australian (10 September 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860119
We never remember having been present at any musical entertainment from which we derived greater pleasure than we experienced on Friday evening during the general rehearsal for Mrs. Bushelle's Concert, at the Theatre. The orchestral accompaniments - on a very large scale - were marked by a precision exceeding our most sanguine expectations. Monsieur Gautrot certainly realises our beau ideal of a leader, as he possesses brilliant execution, promptness in detecting and correcting error, and above all, professional enthusiasm. Mr. Wallace's flute accompaniment to Madame Gautrot, in the "Rossignol," was very fine - as was his violin in the other accompaniments. We admired the contrast in the style of the several pieces executed by Madame Gautrot and Mrs. Bushelle, who seemed animated by an ardent, though generous feeling of emulation, to display the beauties of their respective schools, and that they are above the professional jealousy so evident in our community. Mr. Bushelle's Italian Buffo Song, is in the style, though, in our humble opinion, superior to "Largo al Factotum." Nothing can equal the power, spirit, and comic effect with which "the amateur" executed it. We were sorry we did not hear his English songs, as our taste is not sufficiently refined to give the preference to Italian music.
If Concerts can once be established on a scale that will allow all classes to be present at them,
it cannot fail to exercise the most salutary influence on the manners, and even the morals of this rising Colony,
and serve as an antidote to intemperance and libertinism.
For what can elevate the soul, and serve as a connecting link in social intercourse, more than a love for music?
Advance Australia! has always been our watchword and motto - and in the full spirit of that principle,
we hope our countrymen will repel, by their attendance on this occasion, the charge of indifference to harmonious sounds.
The spirited proprietor of the Victoria, with his usual liberality, spares no expence to fit up the pit, with every regard to the comfort of his patrons.
This is the more admirable, as a narrow minded man would imagine that Concerts were injurious to the drama.
We heartily congratulate him on this proof of disinterestedness, combined with a judicious appreciation of the ultimately favorable result to which such a line of conduct must lead.
We sincerely wish the hopes of all parties may be realised; and are happy to perceive that Mr. Deane,
with a feeling highly creditable to him, has put off his "Soiree" for the present, lest it should clash with Mrs Bushelle's Concert.
We hail the omen of an amicable termination of differences which, though slight in themselves,
cannot fail to be a great drawback on the success of the object we have in view -
that is, exciting a love for the most delightful of the fine arts.
"Thus then combining,
Hands and hearts entwining,
Music inspiring,
Unity and joy _____."
[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (11 September 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12859455
ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE.
MRS. BUSHELLE, (late Miss Wallace), begs to inform her Friends and the Public, that her
CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music, will take place at the Theatre Royal,
THIS EVENING, the 11th instant; she will be assisted by Monsieur and Madame Gautrot, and Mr. Bushelle;
Mr. W. Stanley, Pianist; Mr. S. W. Wallace; Mr. Peck; Mr. Leggatt; Mr. Wallace, Senior; Mr. Sippe; Mr. Curtis; and all the Theatrical Band,
and by kind permission of Colonel Wodehouse, the Band of the 50th Regiment.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
Overture to William Tell, Rossini - Full Band
1 - "Suoni la Tromba," Grand Duet from the Puritani, Bellini - Mr. & Mrs. Bushelle
2 - "Al dolce Canto [Contento]," with variations, as sung by Madame Catalini, Rode - Madame Gautrot
3 - "Now with grief no longer bending," as sung by Mrs. Wood in Cinderella, Rossini - Mrs. Bushelle
4 - "Some love to roam," Russell - Mr. Bushelle
5 - Solo, Violin - Monsieur Gautrot
6 - Duet "Ah sede Mali miei, Rossini - Madame Gautrot and Mrs. Bushelle
7 - Concerto Pianoforte, Herz - Mr. W. Stanley
8 - "Povera Signora," by particular desire - Madame Gautrot
9 - "Miei rampolli femminini favorite," Buffo Song, as sung by Signor Lablache, in the Cenerentola, accompanied by the full Band - Mr. Bushelle
PART II.
Overture to the Barbiere de Seviglia.
1- "The Rossignol," Song, (Flute Obligato by Mr. S. Wallace) Lebrun - Madame Gautrot
2 - "Suona din din," duet, from Zauberflote, Mozart - Mr. & Mrs. Bushelle
3 - Flute Solo, Tulou - Mr. S. W Wallace
4 - "Il mio tesoro intanto," Song, Mozart - Mrs. Bushelle
5 - "Dunque io sono," Duet, Rossini - Madame Gautrot and Mrs. Bushelle
6 - "To Norma's arms," Song, Bellini - Mrs. Bushelle
7 - "Let o'thers rejoice," Song, Russell - Mr. Bushelle
8 - "Black-eyed Susan," by particular desire - Mrs. Bushelle
9 - "Rule Britannia," Madame Gautrot, who will endeavour to sing it with English words.
The Pit will be elegantly fitted up with covered scats and will communicate with the Boxes.
The Orchestra will be erected on the Stage.
Tickets to be obtained at Mr. F. Ellard's; Mr. Tyrer's; Mr. Spark's, Royal Hotel; Mr. Aldis's, George street; and Mr. Ellard's, Pitt-street, next the Theatre.
Boxes and Pit, 7s 6d ; Upper Boxes, 4s; the Gallery will be closed.
The Concert will commence at eight o'clock precisely.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor (13 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32165535
This Concert, which took place on Wednesday evening at the new Theatre, drew a full house, and must have rewarded the talented giver more liberally than any concert given before in this colony. It was well got up, and we understand the manager went to the expense and trouble of a dress rehearsal; in London quite common, but in this colony unknown. The performers shewed they had exerted themselves to please the public, but the pieces generally were not musical, and no execution, in our opinion, could make them so. Mr. Bushelle's "Miei ram polli femminini", gave that gentleman an opportunity of shewing his talents for Italian comic song. His performance of it was past praise; we never heard any thing so true to time and tune, yet so rapid, so varied, and so ridiculously comic. We had intended to go into a lengthy criticism on this concert, but a cough and a lingering fever compel us to lay down the pen.
"CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (13 September 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726416
We are none of those who go to Concerts, merely with a view of spending an idle hour or banishing ennui; we look upon the cultivation of the divine art, particularly in this Colony, as a great national affair, and an object worthy of the attention of the legislature, and of the public individually and collectively. The time we trust is not far distant when Australia will occupy a high place among the nations of the earth, and if the fine arts, and more particularly music, were found to advance the objects of the legislators of antiquity, while music was in a rude and infant state, how much more beneficial must its effects in modern times be, now that it has arrived at a degree of sublimity and perfection which it requires a constant contact with to believe to be human or possible? With these thoughts in our mind, we proceeded to the Victoria Theatre, on Wednesday evening, which we were pleased to see so neatly fitted up for Mrs. Bushelle's concert. His Excellency the Governor (who is becoming we think, deservedly popular) was present, with Lady Gipps, and nearly all the beauty and fashion of Sydney. The concert was, we should think, one of the best that has ever been given in Sydney . . . We were much pleased with Mrs. Bushelle's singing generally, it was a decided improvement on her performance at Dr. Reid's concert; but we could not comprehend a note of her Black-eyed Susan," which she sung in common time instead of3/4, in which we had always heard it. Mrs. Bushelle's Italian songs were well sung, but we have still to complain of these spurious embellishments. - Depend upon it the composer is the best judge in these matters; and although the public may call for these absurd ornaments and applaud them, music suffers, and so must, ultimately, the musician. It is for excellent performers like Mrs. Bushelle to lead public taste, not to follow it. Mr. Bushelle was, as usual, admirable. We doubt if Lablache himself, could sing "Miei rampolli femminini" better. Mr. Bushelle is a decided favourite, and ought to be so; he has great command of a powerful voice, and is possessed of much good taste. But we are bound to say, that this taste was completely at fault in the selection of bushranger songs, for a concert patronized publicly by the Governor of this Colony. In an opera these things are all well, but a moment's reflection will convince Mr. Bushelle that they were ill-chosen on the present occasion . . . Upon the whole, though the style of this concert is not our favourite style, we were highly gratified by the performances, and we hope soon to hear all parties again, particularly the Bushelles, et notre cher Monsieur Gautrot père.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (14 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226455348
This musical treat took place at the Victoria Theatre, on Wednesday evening, to a full house. The several performers both vocal and instrumental created in the breasts of the audience a satisfaction and pleasure, never before equalled in this part of the globe. The "Overture to William Tell," the introductory performance, was executed in beautiful style, but a portion of the effect was lost, in consequence of there being no kettledrums, cymbals, &c.; the same, in some respects may be said "or sung" of the Overture to the "Barbiere de Seviglia," which introduced the second part of the evening's entertainment. "Al dolce Canto," sung by Madame Goutrot [sic], with variations, produced a feeling of general admiration; we cannot say much of the variations; the song itself was "sweet," but the variations are too much like the violin and flute solos, all up and down the gamut, to produce any effect upon the audience - save wonder - at the extraordinary powers of the human voice. This lady also sung with great correctness "Povera Signora," "The Rosignol," and to crown the whole "Rule Britannia," which the audience would have repeated dispite her French pronunciation of English words; the defect, however, had rather a pleasing effect than otherwise.
Madame G- also sung with Mrs. Bushelle the two following duetts "Ah se de Mali miei" and "Dunque io sono;" and so beautifully did their voices blend in some parts that we could almost have fancied that the music came as if by enchantment; we therefore will leave the warblers to settle between themselves, which was the better songstress, as we are incompetent to judge. Mrs. Bushelle, we are happy to observe, has greatly improved, both in the tone of her voice, and its management, which was proved beyond a doubt in the following songs: - "Now let Love benignant smiling;" "II mio tesoro intanto," "To Norma's Arms," and "Black Eyed' Susan;" this last difficult song was gone through by this favorite with apparent ease, but yet although well sung, we have no doubt she will be better able to give it every effect after more practice; the other pieces it would be unnecessary to say more of them than they called down "thunders of applause."
Mr. Bushelle 's powerful voice was heard to great effect in the Theatre. He sung the following life imparting solos: - "Some love to Roam," "Miei rampolli Femminini," "Let others Rejoice." The following duets were also sung in which Mr. B. took a part "Suoni la Tromha," and "Suona din din;" assisted by Mrs. B., and "Dunque io sono," assisted by Madame Goutrot. Most decidedly we preferred the duets sung by Mr. and Mrs. B. as their voices, no doubt from undisturbed practice, seemed to blend with more correctness and softness than did the tones of Madame G. and Mr. B. in the last duett, "Dunque io sono;" yet the execution in this was beyond our praise.
The "Concerto Pianoforte," by Mr. Stanley, was a grand performance, and unquestionably the best we have heard him make. His touches both piano and forte are those of a master of the instrument, calculated to penetrate the very soul of harmony. The "Flute solo," by Mr. S. W. Wallace, introducing the popular air of "Twas within a mile of Edinbro' Town," was a sweet display on that instrument, and approached very near to Nicholson's perfection.
Among the visitors present we observed Sir George Gipps, Sir John Jamison, and most of the leading gentlemen of the metropolis, who appeared, as well as the company, to be highly delighted with the whole of the performances. There was one singularity we noticed, being seated immediately under the front of the boxes: when Mr. Bushelle was singing his solos the reaction of his voice in certain notes appeared to create a chorus of corresponding tones, which descended with pleasing effect as if he was joined in his songs by other persons in the boxes.
"CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette (14 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2537065
The Concert of Mrs. Bushelle came off at the Victoria Theatre on Wednesday evening, and, as was expected, drew a full house. The programme was extensive, but all went off well; it is impossible that all can be noticed. The Ballads were very prettily gone through by Mrs. Bushelle, and the song, "Some love to roam," by Mr. Bushelle, was loudly encored. According to the announcement "Rule Brittania" was performed, and the Solos attempted in English by Madame Gautrot, and in a manner to elicit much applause. The instrumental portion of the Concert was very ably sustained principally by Mons. Gautrot and Messrs. S. W. and W. Wallace, and Stanley. His Excellency attended the Concert, it is said, unexpectedly, and was warmly received.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Colonist (14 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31723704
Of course we were highly delighted. So we believe was every body. Unfortunately we are not au fait in Italian music, and cannot therefore justly appreciate the exertions which were made by the performers. We wish the bills would set us forth a due share of English, and Irish, and Scotch. We think this would please every body. Mrs. Bushelle's English was encored, so was Mr. Bushelle's, and so was Madame Gautrot's Rule Britannia. The appearance of the house was splendid, and the arrangements reflect great credit on the managers. We like this mode of getting up a Concert; it shows a generous sympathy amongst the professors which does them honour, and the public are more gratified by these real treats, than by catches of songs here and there in this room and that, and evidently got up, with party feeling. Again we say, let the members of the musical profession unite. In unify is strength, and they will find their own benefit in the result. This has not much to do with Mrs. Bushelle's Concert, but we cannot help expressing our wish for a better feeling towards each other in the profession.
Amongst the performances of Wednesday evening, we must notice first, the Overture to William Tell, which was rapturously received; then came an Italian Duet from Il Puritani, which we certainly admired very much, although not able to comprehend all its alleged beauties. Madame Gautrot was kindly welcomed. This was her first appearance since her trip to Hobart Town. We were glad to see her looking so well. Mr. Gautrot's solo on the violin was exquisite, so was Mr. Stanley's concerto on the pianoforte. Mr. Wallace's solo on the flute was as usual a beautiful specimen. "Some love to roam" is a decided favorite, and Bushelle did it ample justice. Madame Gautrot sang "Povera Signora" by desire, and was obliged to repeat it to satisfy the audience. "Black Eyed Susan" and "Rule Britannia," the former by Mrs. Bushelle, and the latter by Madame Gautrot, concluded the second part of the Concert, and ended at a little after eleven. The Governor waited till the end, and every thing went off well, as in fact the exertions of those concerned fully deserved.
"CHIT CHAT", The Colonist (18 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31723729
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle cleared £140 by their Concert at the Theatre. - Miss Fernandez gives a Concert on Friday at the Old Court House, and pays Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle £15 for their professional assistance. Miss Fernandez is a stranger; we hope the public will treat her liberally as she deserves. She has spared no expense in getting up this, her first Concert, and we understand she is a first rate pianist. [OMEGA]
ASSOCIATIONS: Lucy Knight Fernandez (pianist)
MUSIC: ". . . bushranging songs" = Some love to roam (by Henry Russell, the reviewer, W. A. Duncan, referring to Bushelle's convict status
20 September 1839, Lucy Fernandez's concert
[Advertisement], The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (20 September 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32165608
UNDER THE DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE OF LADY GIPPS, LADY DOWLING, LADY O'CONNELL, MRS. DEAS THOMSON, &c., &c., &c.
MISS FERNANDEZ has the honor to announce that her CONCERT will take place in the OLD COURT HOUSE,
THIS EVENING, the 20th September, when she will be assisted by MONSIEUR and MADAME GAUTROT,
MR. and MRS. BUSHELLE, and a most efficient Orchestra . . .
PROGRAMME. 1ST. PART . . . 1 - "Care Zitelle," Florio, Duet - Madame Gautrot and Mrs. Bushelle.
2 - "Hours of Rapture," Lee, Song - Mrs. Bushelle . . .
5 - "My Heart's in the Highlands, Phillips - Mr. Bushelle . . .
6 - "Lasciami," Rossini, duet - Madame Gautrot and Mrs. Bushelle . . .
2ND. PART . . . 2 - "Non piu Andrai," Mozart - Accompanied by the full Band, Mr. Bushelle . . .
5 - "Fremar Vonce," Cemorosa - Mrs. Bushelle.
6 - "Crudel Perche," Mozart, Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle.
7 - "Largo al factotum," Rossini - (by desire) Mr. Bushelle.
FINALE - "God save the Queen," full Band.
Colonel Wodehouse has kindly allowed the assistance of the Band of H. M. 50th Regiment.
"Miss Fernandez' Concert", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (23 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32165636
This lady's Concert was held in the Old Court House, Castlereagh-street, on Friday, and we were happy to see a full room . . . That Madame Gautrot can sing well, we admit; but that she does not do so, so often as she might, we venture to affirm. Her voice is naturally powerful, yet she strains it till she screams. And this is not necessary with Mrs. Bushell for a coadjutor, for the latter is inclined to sing under her full voice. Madame Cautrot too still bores us with the gamut. The people are weary of these rapid ups and downs, which may be very clever, but have not a bit of music in them. What the public want, is music, not the gamut.
Mrs. Bushelle sang as sweetly as ever. Her first song for so large a room was not loud enough. She mended this in her subsequent pieces. Mrs. Bushelle never strains her voice. She always prefers to be in strict tune to mere effect. We hope this lady will add to her popularity by omitting in her Italian pieces, all those unmusical and wearisome flourishes of the gamut, which spoil both English and Italian singing. The public are quite tired of them. They have now become a complete bore. They were very well at first to "astonish the natives." But the natives having now been sufficiently astonished, their astonishment has degenerated into ennui, and the moment the gamut singing commences, that moment the claps cease, yawning commences, and people look at at their watches . . .
Mr. Bushelle did not seem in such good spirits as usual; nevertheless he sang "My heart's in the Highlands," with much feeling. Let him not think he cannot sing English songs. He can sing them as well as Italian, if he will but give his mind to them. He was deservedly encored in "Non piu andrai."
"Hours of rapture," was well sung by Mrs. Bushelle; but the song itself has little music in it, and therefore elicited little applause . . .
"MISS FERNANDEZ' CONCERT", The Australian (24 September 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36861109
This Lady's Concert went off with great eclat, and we feel much pleasure in congratulating her upon her successful debut before the Australian public. Most of the rank and beauty of Sydney graced the Concert-room. Among others, we noticed His Excellency the Governor, Lady Gipps, and Suite, Sir James Dowling, Lady Dowling and Family, Lady O'Connell, Miss O'Connell, Sir John Jamison, Mr. Plunkett and his Lady, and in short nearly all the elite of the place. The various professionals executed their respective parts in a style at least equal to the performances of our former concerts. The opening duet by Madame Gautrot and Mr. Bushelle, was very tastefully sung. "Una voce," by the last named lady, was also executed in a capital style, and the following duet by her and Mrs. Bushelle was a beautiful piece, delightfully performed, and left us in doubt which of the fair songstresses most to admire. The air (in the second part), by Madame Gautrot, was a very elegant one, to which that Lady did ample justice; and the same remark fully applies to the succeeding Italian song by Mrs. Bushelle. Mr. Bushelle sang in his accustomed style of excellence - the song "My Boyhood's Home" (substituted for "My Heart's in the Highlands"), is a pleasing ballad, though in our opinion, not quite adapted to Mr. B's powers; but his "Non piu Andrai " (which produced a hearty encore,) and "Largo al Factotum" left us nothing to desire. In the duet "Crudel Perche," by Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle, neither she nor Mr. B. appeared to us to enter into the spirit of that exquisite production . . .
[2nd review from a correspondent:]
. . . Mrs. Bushelle's "Hours of rapture," enraptured every one, though somewhat tamely accompanied. We think it the best song we have heard her sing; this lady is making rapid strides to perfection, and she bids fair to eclipse any female we ever heard in the Colony. Her rich beautiful voice, and classical method will place her in the first rank of vocalists. Madame Gautrot sang too loud in her Italian duet - we like her better in French music. But our favorite of the evening, was Rooke's "Boyhood's Home," which we heard for the first time. It was executed by Mr. Bushelle with consummate art, softened down by the most heartfelt expression and manly pathos ever thrown into a song. His Italian songs drew down, as they always do, "thunders of applause." - From a Correspondent.
"Miss Fernandez' Concert", Australasian Chronicle (24 September 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726487
2 October 1839, George Peck's farewell concert
[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (2 October 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226455641
GRAND CONCERT. UNDER DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE.
Mr. PECK BEGS to inform his Friends and the Public that he will give a
GRAND MISCELLANEOUS CONCERT of Vocal und Instrumental Music, at the Royal Victoria Theatre,
PITT-STREET, THIS EVENING, October 2nd, when he will be assisted by the entire musical talent of Sydney,
being his FAREWELL BENEFIT CONCERT prior to his departure for England.
The Instrumental and Vocal Departments will be upon the most extensive scale, comprising upwards of Seventy Performers . . .
PROGRAMME. PART I . . . Song - Mr. Bushelle - "King Death," accompaniments full orchestra - Neukomm . . .
Glee - Five Voices - "Blow gentle Gales," accompaniments full orchestra - Mrs. Bushelle, Mrs. Clarke, Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Worgan, and Mr. Griffiths - H. R. Bishop.
Grand Duet - Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle - "Let the Trumpet sound," with full orchestra and cornet a piston obligato, by Mr. Leggatt - Bellini . . .
PART II . . . Ballad - Mrs. Bushelle - "Mary of Castle Carey," (by particular desire) . . .
Favorite Buffo Song - Mr. Bushelle - "Miei Rampolli," as sung by Signor Lablache, in the Cenerentola, which was received with unbounded applause on its last performance - Rossini.
Comic Glee (Finale to the First Act of Guy Mannering) - Five Voices - "The Fox jump'd over the Parson's Gate" - Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Bushelle, Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Worgan, and Mr. Griffiths - Bishop . . .
"MR. PECK'S CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (4 October 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32165787
ASSOCIATIONS: George Peck (violinist)
"MR. PECK'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (7 October 1839), 1 supplement
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28653803
5 and 8 October 1839, country concerts, Windsor and Parramatta
[Advertisement], The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (2 October 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32165751
MONSIEUR AND MADAME GAUTROT Have the honor to announce to the Inhabitants of Windsor and its Vicinity, that their CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music, WILL take place at the COURT-HOUSE, WINDSOR, on on SATURDAY EVENING NEXT, October 5, at Half-past Seven o'Clock precisely. They will be assisted by Mr. and Mrs. BUSHELLE; Mr. EDGERTON; Mr. W. STANLEY, Pianist: and (by the kind permission of COLONEL BAKER,) the Band of the 80th Regiment . . .
[News], The Australian (3 October 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36859381
Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle, on their return from Madame Gautrot's concert at Windsor, intend giving a musical entertainment in the town of Parramatta. They will be assisted by Monsieur and Madame Gautrot and several other professionals. We have every reason to expect the residents of Parramatta will extensively patronise this species of amusement. The bill of fare is of a superior description.
"To the Editor of the . . .", Australasian Chronicle (8 October 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726583
SIR - I beg leave to enclose you a report of our concert, which took place last evening.
The first performance of the evening, was an overture by the 80th regiment, admirably well played.
Then followed a duet by Madame Gautrot and Mr. Bushelle, au clair de la lune, which, considering the quality of Madame Gautrot's voice, was tolerably well sung.
"Black-eyed Susan," by Mrs. Bushelle, was tolerably fair.
Song, by Madame Gautrot, "Una Voce." was anything but pleasing; the quality of this lady's voice is so truly unmusical,
that, were it not for her execution, it really would be painful to sit and listen to her.
My "Boyhood's Home", was heavy, and seemed ill adapted to Mr. Bushelle's voice.
"Non piu Andrai," - this song is a fine composition, and was admirably well sung by Mr. Bushelle;
it appeared the only thing of the evening that his voice was adapted to.
To enter minutely upon every thing, would be only taking up too much of your valuable time.
Suffice it to say, we were much disappointed, after reading such extolled praises in one or two of the Sydney papers, of the talent of your Sydney vocalists.
I can assure you we have many ladies here, whom I have frequently had the honour of hearing;
whose voices and style will bear comparison,
with those ladies of whom it has been asserted that they might sit unbonnetted in any part of the world.
Perhaps the reporter meant that they might sit as lookers-on only. -
I am Sir, yours,
A Lover of Music.
Windsor, Oct. 6, 1839.
[We think the above criticism by far too severe; but as it contains much truth, and is evidently the production of a person of taste, we do not hesitate to insert it. - ED.]
"CONCERT AT PARRAMATTA", The Colonist (12 October 1839), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31723835
The concert was not numerously, but very respectably attended, which may be attributed to the very short time allowed for circulating the information as to the when and where. The pieces were well selected and appeared to give general satisfaction, with the exception of the overtures by the military band, which were as bad and discordant as it is possible to imagine. Bushelle's Largo al factotum, which was given with his usual judgment and spirit, seemed to please the most; next to which, was Mrs. Bushelle's sweet ballad, Mary of Castle Carey, and Madame Gautrot's petit chanson comique, Povera Signora. Mr. Stanley played Hertz's variations on Non piu Mesta, on the pianoforte, in a masterly manner, and Mons. Gautrot, an air and variations on the violin, by Rode, in a manner worthy of a disciple of the school of the charming Viotti.- Correspondent.
ASSOCIATIONS: Samuel Edgerton (bandmaster of the 80th); Band of the 80th Regiment (Stanley's regiment)
"THE OLD THEATRE", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (26 October 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2547379
The preparations for converting the old theatre, in George street, to a Concert-room, or place for a public assembly, are rapidly going on. It is calculated the room will be sufficient to contain about six hundred persons, and will be ready to be opened on the first day of the New Year; for which occasion it is engaged for a concert by Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle. The seats are so arranged that they can be removed and the place converted into a dancing-room.
13 November 1839, the Gautrots' city concert
"CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (29 October 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726743
We perceive, that Monsieur Gautrot will give a concert at the Royal Hotel, on the 23rd [sic] proximo . . . We would in particular suggest that compositions of standard merit may be selected for Miss Fernandez's Piano, for M. Gautrot's Violin, and for Mr. Bushelle's admirable open diapason.
[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (13 November 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22645591
GRAND CONCERT. MONSIEUR AND MADAME GAUTROT have the honor to announce that their
CONCERT will take place on WEDNESDAY EVENING, Nov. 13, in the SALOON OF THE ROYAL HOTEL.
Monsieur and Madame GAUTROT will have, on this occasion, the valuable assistance of Mrs. Bushelle,
Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Worgan, Miss Fernandez, Mr. S. W. Wallace, Mr. Peck, Mr. Leggatt,
Mr. Deane and Sons; and, by permission of Colonel Wodehouse, the BAND OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT will attend.
PROGRAMME. PART I . . . 1. Trio - "'Mid these shades?" (from Il Crociato) (Meyerbeer) - Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle and Mr. Worgan . . .
3. Song - "As burns the Charger" (Shield) - Mr. Bushelle.
4. Song - "Fatal Goffredo" (Donizetti) - Mrs. Bushelle . . .
6. Duet - "Se a caso Madama" (Mozart) - Madame Gautrot and Mr. Bushelle.
7. Song - "The magical Maydew" (Irish Melody) (Lover) - Mrs. Bushelle . . .
PART II . . . 1. Duet - Opening Duet of "Le Nozze di Figaro" - Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle . . .
4. Song - "Qui sdegno" (Zauberflote) - Mr. Bushelle.
5. Song - "The Macgregor's gathering" - Mrs. Bushelle . . .
8. "Laughing Glee" (Martini) - Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle and Mr. Worgan . . .
"M. GAUTROT'S CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (15 November 1839), 1s
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726856
. . . The best executed vocal pieces were Shield's "As burns the charger," and Lover's "Magical Mildew" by Mrs. Bushelle - "Le plaisir du rang supreme," by Madame Gautrot, and a Duett from Figaro by Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle. Martini's "Vadasi via di qua" was by far too melancholy. Mr. Worgan should never attempt to laugh, for he is a "melancholy man" . . .
"MONSIEUR GAUTROT'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (18 November 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12857551
This description of entertainment has been so multiplied of late, that with all the ingenuity we may be supposed to possess, with all the fancy in which we may indulge, we can write nothing new upon so stale a subject. The last concert was a mere ditto of those which preceded it. Besides, it was too long; some persons think they never have enough of a good thing. The concert was insufferably long - it was tedious. Of the Italian and French music we shall say nothing; because we again enter our protest against its introduction into concerts performed before a Sydney audience. The audience was not very numerous on Wednesday evening; but we would venture a wager that not one out of every fifty persons present understood a word of many of the songs to which they were treated by Madame Gautrot and Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle. Why not treat the audience to English songs? These concert-giving people are creating a false taste in the Colony. If they had a grain of sense, they would know that Italian and French songs are not such as ought to be introduced to concerts here. But the truth is, that the motive power is to be found in affectation. We cannot particularise the performances . . . Mrs. Bushelle, whose talent and artlessness of manner have won for her the especial favour of the public, acquitted herself to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Bushelle's powerful voice was not heard to effect on this occasion. The songs chosen by him were particularly heavy . . .
Ticket-of-leave passport, for Parramatta, 4 December 1839; State Records Authority of NSW
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1781/images/41727_329496-00497 (PAYWALL)
No. 39/395 / 4th Dec'r 1839 / James Bushell / Phoenix . . . /
Allowed to travel between Sydney and Parramatta for six months
"GRAND CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (6 December 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726982
We perceive by an advertisement in this day's paper, that Mrs Bushelle is about to give another concert at the Theatre. We hope she will be as successful on this occasion as last. To ensure this it will be well to attend carefully to the selection of music. Let feeling and taste, not mere mechanism prevail.
Ticket of leave, for Sydney, 10 December 1839, CS 39/22554; State Records Authority of NSW
TICKET OF LEAVE. No. 39/22554, 10th December 1839 / Prisoner's No. - 28/1197 / Name - James Bushell / Ship - Phoenix 2 / Master - Cuzens / Year - 1828 / Native Place - Alicant / Trade or Calling - Linguist / [Trial] 13th September 1827 / Sentence - Life / Year of Birth - 1805 / Height - 6 feet 1 inch / Complexion - Dark ruddy / Hair - Brown to Grey / Eyes - Grey / General Remarks - None
[Additional note added later] Reported to have Died at Hob. Town V. D. Land (whither he had permission of the Govt. to proceed) on 28 July 1843. See Col. Sec. Letter No. 43/229 dated 10 Aug't 1843.
18 December 1839, concert, Royal Victoria Theatre
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (11 December 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32166554
Mrs. Bushelle's Concert, we trust will be well attended. The vocal talents of this lady are of the first order, and we trust she will prove at the coming Concert, that she has not thrown away all her studies on Italian music, but exhibit her capacity, by depth of feeling, and rigid adherence to the notes of the author, to do justice to the pethos [sic, pathos] and soul of the numerous composers, ancient and modern, of English, Scotch, and Irish songs. There is no Italian music superior, and little so good, as the poetry and sentiment of British balads [sic] being taken into the account.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Colonist (14 December 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31724206
We beg to call the attention of our readers to the programme of the Concert announced for next week by Mrs. Bushelle, so deservedly a public favourite. The selection is such as must please all tastes - English, Irish, Scotch, and the lovers of the far fetched beauties of Italian music. The exertions of Mrs. B., to please her audience on every occasion when she has appeared before them deserve a return of liberal support.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (17 December 1838), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2544749
We have been requested to contradict a misstatement which appeared in the Monitor of yesterday. Mrs. Bushelle has no intention of postponing her Concert, advertised for to-morrow evening. The programme is before us, and the selection has been made with the usual good taste of the fair vocalist; we only regret the introduction of Italian songs, because few, very few, in this colony we fear are capable of appreciating their merits. Without wishing to disparage the vocal performances of other public singers we have no hesitation in saying that Mrs. Bushelle, for sweetness of voice, absence of all professional affectation, deep feeling, and soul-soothing pathos, stands unrivalled among the fair competitors for St. Cecilia's chaplet.
[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (18 December 1839), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226457049
Royal Victoria Theatre.
MRS. BUSHELLE BEGS to inform her Friends and the Public, that her
CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music, On the same extensive scale as her last one,
will lake place at the Theatre Royal, on WEDNESDAY, the 18th [sic] December.
She will be assisted by Madame Gautrot, Miss Deane, Mr. Bushelle and Amateurs;
Monsieur Gautrot, Mr. S. W. Wallace, Mr. Leggatt, Mr. Deane, Mr. Worgan, Masters J. and E. Deane,
Mr. Wallace senior, Mr. Sippe, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Walton, several Amateurs, all the Theatrical Band, and, by permission of
Colonel Wodehouse, the BAND of the FIFTIETH REGIMENT.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
Symphony, (Beethoven) - Full Orchestra.
1. - Trio, "Fatal Moment," (Meyerbeer) - Mad. Gautrot, Mrs. Bushelle, and Mr. Bushelle.
2. - Grand Air, from the "Pre aux Clercs," with Violin Obligato by Mons. Gautrot and full orchestral accompaniments - Mad. Gautrot.
3. - "Lo! the factotum of this gay place, I come!" adapted from the Italian - Mr. Bushelle.
4. - Song, "Mary of Castlecary," a Scotch air - Mrs. Bushelle.
5. - Flute Solo (Nicholson) - Mr. S. W. Wallace.
6. - "Dunque io sono" (Rossini) - Mad. Gautrot and Mr. Bushelle.
7. - "Savourneen Deelish," an Irish air, accompanied by herself on the Harp - Mrs. Bushelle.
8. - Fantasia on, the Airs of "La Vestale," executed on the Violin by Mons. Gautrot.
PART II.
Overture of the "Marriage of Figaro," (Mozart) - Full Orchestra.
1. - The celebrated Polacca from "I Puritani," Solo and Quartet, with full orchestral accompaniments - Mrs. Bushelle, Mr. Leggatt, Mr. Worgan, and Mr. Bushelle.
2. - Ma vicille Tante Maugerite - Mad. Gautrot.
3. - Grand Fantasia for the Pianoforte on the Air "I tuoi frequenti," (Sowenski) - Miss Deane.
4. - The favourite Song, " Miei Rampolli," as sung by Signor Lablaehe - Mr. Bushelle.
5. - "Black Eyed Susan," an English Ballad - Mrs. Bushelle.
6. - "The Soldier Tired," with new orchestral accompaniments by Mons. Gautrot - Mad. Gautrot.
7. - "The Groves of Blarney," an Irish Melody, with the original "Ulla goane" - Mr. Bushelle.
To obviate the disappointment experienced by many families last Concert,
Mrs. Bushelle will feel obliged by an early application for Private Boxes at her residence, Castlereagh-street North; lately occupied by Mr. Sydney Stephen.
Tickets to be had of Mr. F. Ellard, Mr. Tyrer, Mr. Sparks (Royal Hotel), and Mr. Aldis, George-street;
Mr. A. Ellard and Mr. Cruickshank, Pitt-street; and at Mrs. Bushelle's residence, Castlereagh-street.
A communication will be established be tween the Boxes and the Pit, which will be elegantly fitted up.
Boxes and Pitt, 7s. 6d.; Upper Boxes, 4s. the Gallery will be closed.
The Concert will commence at a Quarter past Eight.
"Mrs. Bushelle's Concert", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (20 December 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32166645
This Concert was well attended, although the "Victoria" was not full. The boxes ware fuller than the pit. The latter was too bare of visitors to render this concert so profitable as the last. We would recommend the room in Castlereagh Street for concerts. The public like a room, better than the theatre. It is more suitable; and the concert visitors can see each other, and converse more freely; which is half the pleasure of all public entertainments. For want of footlights, the faces of the singers could not be seen. They were thrown into the shade by the candles behind. The singers could not see the music for want of a better light; Madame Gautrot had to bend to see her music, which attitude is an obstruction to the play of the lungs. The theatre seemed not sufficiently lighted. Perhaps the lamps were not so well cleaned as they should have been, or the oil was inferior. But the absence of the foot-lights may perhaps better account for this deficiency.
Mr. Bushelle's songs were alone worth all the money. Nay, his last song "The Groves of Blarney" was worth seven shillings and sixpence in itself to those who never heard it before, and a crown to those who had. He was deservedly and rapturously encored. Encores were the order of the evening, which shewed the excellence of the singing. We never heard Mrs. Bushelle in better voice. "Savourneen Delish" and "Castle Cary" were sung with her usual sweetness and were encored. But it is high time this Lady gave us other home songs. These have now had their day, and a year hence it will be time enough to renew them. There are scores of English, Scotch, and Irish songs, as good as these, and which Mrs. Bushelle can sing as well. This concert, like all the rest, lasted too long by an hour. The first and second parts should have contained three pieces less each. It wearies both the singers and the audience to listen in one evening to seventeen pieces of music. A dozen would be enough for the money, and the people would go away with a relish; whereas, now, they become satiated, and retire froth the musical feast as the glutton retires from a dinner of four courses.
Mr. Wallace favoured the audience with his exquisite tones on the flute. Nothing can exceed the melody of this gentleman's notes. They are melodious in the highest degree from top to bottom. But this is all we can say. Mr. Wallace plays without feeing, and he murdered poor "Robin Gray; it was not the author's "Robin Gray," it was Mr. Wallace's; and not at all equal to the real "Robin Gray." He lengthened some notes, tortured others, made ad libitums were there were none, and omitted those that are set down by the author. Mr. Wallace plays the flute like an automaton. Mrs. Bushelle would sing with double effect, if she had Mr. Bushelle's feeling, but this lady evidently strives to give energy and pathos to her manner and tones, and the intention gives satisfaction, and makes up for nature's deficiency. But Mr. Wallace plays, as if he thought that provided he makes his instrument "discourse most excellent notes," he has done all that is required of him. And if his flute were played by machinery, we should be perfectly satisfied; but being played by a human being, who is supposed to have feeling and understanding, and poetry, and sentiment, it falls lifeless on the ear, and we cannot possibly clap; though, we admit, the notes, in themselves, are all that a flute can be made to do.
Monsieur Gautrot played with his usual judgment, but the pieces chosen by him were common-place, and he gave us no home airs to vary the monotony of the unmeaning music forms the contents of solos in general. The orchestra wanted strength. Mad. Gautrot sung the air "Pre' aux Cleres" in a very superior style, because she sang it plainly, and without straining her voice. She was beautifully in tune in this piece. It may prove a useful hint to those who give concerts, to commence the evening's entertainment with the most lively songs, and the best of the other songs in the programme. The first instrumental and the first vocal piece at this concert were but little applauded, and the company in consequence fell into a lethargic state. It is hard to raise the spirits when once depressed. If this concert had been opened in the vocal branch by "The Groves of Blarney," and been made shorter by five or six pieces; we have no hesitation to say, that the company would have been in high spirits, not only (as they were) when they came away (though a third of the company had departed before "The Groves of Blarney" was sung), but during the whole of the evening.
"Mrs. Bushelle's Concert", Australasian Chronicle (20 December 1838), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31727070
This concert went off exceedingly well, as far as regards the vocal performances. There were among the pieces chosen a considerable sprinkling of Scottish and Irish melodies, which, as national melodies, are certainly at least equal to those of Switzerland, or even Italy itself. With this admission, we enter our decided protest against the clamour that has been raised by our contemporaries against the performance of opera music. "Give us," they say, " English, Irish, and Scotch melodies these we understand." Now it may be very true that they do not understand learned music, - we know it is true; but what follows, - just this, that they are unable to direct public taste in this matter. What would our contemporaries say to a writer upon public education who, after pointing out the importance and utility of studying the rule of three, should immediately proceed to denounce geometry and algebra, as things useless and unintelligible, because, forsooth, he is not initiated into their formulae. Just as absurd is the outcry against the music of the opera. No one doubts the beauty of the national melodies of Scotland and Ireland (England has none) - they are admirable as mere ballads; but surely it is preposterous to say that music shall stop at this, and that the almost supernatural breathings of a Mozart and a Hadyn [sic] shall not be studied - soaring, as they do, almost as far above mere pastoral music as the heavens are above earth. On the other hand, we must say that our professional performers are to blame for creating this disgust at the higher branches of music. They have generally selected the most unmeaning and outrageous fooleries of the Rossini school, in order to exhibit their dexterity of manipulation, or flexibility of voice. Did opera music consist only of such trash, we should say, "by all means, let them be discarded, and give us national airs; but knowing, as we do, the immense treasures of ennobling music that may he found in the works of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Gluck, Weber - to say nothing of the numberless composers of the pure Italian school - we must protest equally against the usurpations of the balladmonger, and the worse - the tenfold worse - usurpation of the fantasia style.
Having made these remarks, we must give Mrs. Bushelle great credit for her endeavours to please all parties, as well as for the manner of her performance. "Mary of Castle Cary" was exceedingly well sung (though badly accompanied); so also was "Savourneen deelish;"but "Black-eyed Susan" was entirely out of time. This song should be sung in a marked 3/4 time. Mrs. Bushelle sings in in common time, with the accented notes dotted. Mr. Bushelle got on gloriously with his translation of "Largo at Factotum," which is really more creditable to the adapter than we expected. There was nothing very particular to commend or blame in the other performances, excepting the intolerable length of the thing tacked to the murdered "Auld Robin Gray." The house was respectably filled, as it should be; so we bid Mrs. Bushelle goodbye for the present, hoping to hear her again soon after she shall have sung joyful lullabies in her retirement.
ASSOCIATIONS: ". . . in her retirement" - she was more than 6 months pregnant with the twins who were born on 6 March 1840
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (25 December 1839), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12856037
Concert has followed so close up on concert lately, that really we find it difficult to think of anything to say upon the subject.
What can we say, after having noticed the abilities of the same performers, and the character of nearly the same music, so repeatedly and so recently?
At the last concert there were more English songs - a decided improvement upon former concerts.
Mrs. Bushelle delighted the audience with the ballads Mary of Castle Cary, Savourneen delish (accompanied by herself on the harp),
and, what we have ever considered her most effective English song, Black-eyed Susan - she gives that song with a pathos which we have never heard surpassed.
She seems to feel every line of it. Nothing could be better than the manner in which she "makes sound an echo to the sense," in the lines,
"quick as lightning, quick as LIGHTNING.
On the deck he stands."
Years, long years, have passed - years before (judging from appearance) Mrs. Bushelle was born - since we heard Incledon,
the greatest of all English ballad-singers, sing Black-eyed Susan;
but we pledge our word that he sung the passage of which we have made mention precisely as Mrs. Bushelle does -
that is, he conveyed from it the same idea of fervid impetuosity and swiftness of motion which Mrs. Bushelle used her utmost excertions to convey.
The powerful voice of Incledon electrified his hearers; but what we mean to say, is, that Mrs. Bushelle reads the passage we have quoted precisely as Incledon did.
But Mrs. Bushelle's merit does not consist merely in her musical acquirements and musical skill.
Other singers possess more - much more - of both.
But she possesses that which mere mechanical musicians lack - EXPRESSION. But we must pass on.
Madame Gautrot afforded just cause to sustain the opinion we have formed and expressed of her. With a pleasing appearance, she brings a powerful voice, and, evidently, very considerable acquaintance with musical science. She sang that showy but meagre composition of Arne's - The Soldier tired - with very great power. It is somewhat long since we heard Miss Deane, and we congratulate her on on her improvement as a pianiste. Let her practise with assiduity for some twelve months longer and we predict that she will become one of the best players in the Colony. The tones of Mr. Wallace's flute - especially the lower tones, were delightful; but he very much marred the effect of that beautiful air, Auld Robin Grey, by encumbering it with embellishments; or we should rather say, what he meant for such, but which we call disfigurements. Monsieur Gautrot delighted all hearers by his chaste and elegant playing on the violin; and, to say nothing of his Italian songs.
Mr. Bushelle made the audience go into a laughing fit by his singing the Groves of Blarney. We have nothing more to say of the concert, except that there was too much of it; it was too long - since writing the above notice, we read an article on the same subject in the Monitor - one which occupies the most prominent place. The writer says that Mrs. Bushelle, in her singing, wants feeling. What does he mean by feeling? What a careless use of words some persons make. They seem to think that the same word has only one application - they never investigate its shades of meaning. As applied to singing, it means expression and full understanding of the subject of a song. We have quoted a passage from Black-eyed Susan, illustrative of Mrs. Bushelle's feeling (in our sense of the word). Now for another. Does the writer remember the indignant tone in which the words, "false traitor to thee," were given in the Mary of Castle Cary? Wants feeling, indeed! She does not want understanding; and that's the most essential matter.
ASSOCIATIONS: Rosalie Deane (pianist); Humphrey Walton (viola player); Charles Incledon (English vocalist)
Reid's biography of John Bushelle (based on information received 1839-40)
James Aquinas Reid, "James Bushelle", biographical sketch, from information gained from subject in Sydney, 1839; written up by Reid ? on Norfolk Island, c. 1840-43; State Library of New South Wales MS DLMSQ 168, item 4 (Norfolk Island convict papers, ca. 1842-, collected by Dr. J. A. Reid)
http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110363610
NOTES: Among the set of manuscript convict memoirs, apparently most or all collected by James Aquinas Reid while he was an Assistant Colonial Surgeon on Norfolk Island (1840-44) and now at the State Library of New South Wales, Reid's own short biography of Bushelle is a valuable record. Since Bushelle was never at Norfolk Island, Reid presumably wrote it up later from notes he took direct from the subject while they were both engaged in the choir of St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, in 1839 or very early 1840. Reid gave Bushelle's forename as James, as do half of the documents concerning his conviction. My thanks to Robert Wills for first bringing this document to my attention.
[1] James [sic] Bushelle
This man was the son of Benjamin Bushell of Limerick in the Kingdom of Ireland merchant; and of Miss Butler, of a respectable family in the County of Tipperary. He had an uncle Mr. John Bushell, who went early in life to Spain; and succeeded in forming a commercial establishment in Alicant and other parts, of considerable importance. On revisiting his native country about the year 1800 after an absence of many years, he formed a commercial connection with the Mr. MacDonnells of Dublin, then at the head of the commercial body in that city; and established the very respectable firm of MacDonnells, Bushell & Co. of Broad-street Court, London; at the same time keeping up the several establishments in Spain, as branches of the London House. This firm were agents for Several Banking Houses, and commercial firms in Ireland; and because of their Honorable dealings, of great eminence in the mercantile world. Mr. John Bushell having married a Miss Lynch of Galway, after a romantic and a [2] protracted courtship of twenty years; being both rather advanced in years, and no prospect of a family; in consequence he sent for his nephew James from Limerick, then a child of three years old, this was about 1812, to educate him and rear him up as his intended heir. With this view, he spared no expence in giving him the best education which London could afford; and having resided in Queens Square, Bloomsbury, he had an opportunity of moving in a genteel circle of professional and commercial neighbours; and of cultivating and improving his manner.
When James had arrived at a certain age, his indulgent uncle, not wishing to spare any expence in giving him a polite, as well as a solid education, sent him on a tour to the continent, to acquire that finish and easiness of address peculiar to France & Italy; he also provided him with means to employ the best masters in music and polite literature; he soon became a proficient in music, and spoke and wrote [3] the French, Spanish, Italian, (and German) languages, (correctly and) fluently with the (accent ?) of a native, and acquired some other accomplishments.
In the course of his travels, he met a Frenchman, who noticing the youth and good address of the young Bushell, immediately fixed his eye upon him, as a very likely person to prove a useful companion in his future pursuits. This man was a broken down gambler, who had spent a fortune at hazard in Paris; and now was in quest of other games, to replenish his coffers; he easily inveigled Bushell under large promises, to adopt his schemes; after some further unsuccessful efforts at gambling, he persuaded (him) Bushell to accompany him to London; to cheat the Diamond merchants, by substituting mock, in room of real diamonds; by dexterity and by attaching gum to their fingers. He spoke to Bushell in the shops in London, in German; and introduced him as a Polish prince; and that [4] he himself was his Tutor. They carried on a successful trade for some time; but were at length discovered; when the Frenchman fled with the booty, and left Bushell to bear the burden of several prosecutions for stealing Diamonds, upon which he was found guilty; and forwarded to N.S.Wales for life.
Upon arriving at N.S.Wales he was forwarded with other Specials (a name given to educated convicts) to Wellington Valley, a distance of about three hundred miles from Sydney in the interior; where they were obliged to proceed on foot through a bush road; so unlike the mode of travelling he was accustomed to in Europe; and held under a very strict surveillance. In this solitary residence, his youth and acquirements enabled him to bear up under his great reverses, but after some time, when that establishment was broken up, to make way for an aboriginal establishment; he was recommended for the most distant penal settlement, Moreton Bay; [5] five thousand hundred miles from Sydney on the northern coast, subject to all the horror of the most rigid penal discipline; his overseer having reported him of being possessed of atheistical principles, and therefore unfit to be suffered at large in the colony.
Here he was under the necessity of drawing upon his [???] acquirements to obtain some relaxation; the military officers in charge of the settlement, hearing of his knowledge of music and the languages, gladly availed themselves of this opportunity of irksome leisure, to impose themselves; he became a great favourite, and taught them music, dancing, drawing, fencing, and French, Italian, Spanish, and German languages to their great delight, better than those branches could be taught in London at the public schools. He now made a happy exchange, from an excess of severity, to an excess of kindness: a convincing proof that a penal settlement is not, nor ever was, what it is intended to be, a place of [6] of reformation of convicts. [A]fter remaining here a considerable time, he was recommended by the officer in charge as deserving of some indulgence; whereupon he was removed to Port Macquarie, formerly a Penal Settlement, but thrown open to settlers, where there was still kept up an Establishment for Invalid Convicts, and for specials, which gave it the appearance of a demi penal settlement, with a Police Magistrate, and an Ironed Gang, [ ? ] the streets of the Town. Here Bushell commenced instructing the Young Ladies both married and single, in music, dancing, French and Italian, and shortly established a social intercourse among the newly arrived Emigrant settlers, hitherto strangers, who met occasionally to enjoy the pleasures of a German waltz or a Spanish quadrille in this recent excavation from the Forest; where hitherto the sound of music, or the voice of merriment, had never been heard, [7] where no sounds, but the cooee and howlings of the Black Man, the groans of the convict under the excruciating lash, or the creaking of the wild cockatoo, ever pierced the skies, or disturbed the ambient air.
He was soon after [ ? ] to a settler about seventy miles distant in the Bush, to instruct his young family; where he remained until the period of eight years were expired when by the regulations he became entitled to a Ticket of Leave; for the purpose he obtained a pass to proceed to Sydney, where he fell into good practice as a musician; he became leader of the choir at St. Mary's Cathedral; taught music in private families, and instructed the military bands. He got certificates of good conduct from all those persons; but Governor Bourke would not grant him that indulgence; having referred to his character on the books, and found the charge of atheism, affixed to his name, he was therefore [8] obliged to undergo a further probation of twelve months at Port Macquarie, under strict surveillance over his conduct. After this period he returned to Sydney, and resumed his former occupations; and appeared as an amateur in several concerts where he established himself in public estimation, as a vocal and instrumental musician.
When he obtained his certificate he married Miss Wallace, a vocalist of some celebrity in Sydney, together with whom he now enjoys a high reputation as a musician among the Sydney public.
It remains now to shew how this young man got the odious epithet of atheism attached to his name. It seems that on becoming acquainted with the Frenchman mentioned above, that wily politician found that he could not make his dupe subservient to his views, without first sapping the foundation of religion; he then might [ ? ] himself could he but accomplish that, he could have him [9] at his [ ? ]; for this purpose he set his hellish engines to work to accomplish that detestable object; in the polite and fascinating language of France and Italy, he infused into his unsuspecting [ ? ] that French philosophy best known in England as French principles, meaning these poisonous seeds disseminated by Voltaire and his school, [ ? ] upon [ ? ] upon religion, and government, which [ ? ] in the anti-Christian conspiracy, and in [ ? ] the Altar and the Throne. Bushell spoke freely upon these subjects among his companions, and hence this most unpleasant appellation. It would however be a gross libel upon education to suppose that it leads to atheism; when the contrary is known to be the fact - true science and religion go hand and hand; because they are indisputably founded upon truth itself, from which source they each derive their information; for which reason they uniformly concur in confirming each other; it is when education received a wrong bias, by losing the [ ? ] of religion [10] or, being as in the present instance, undermined by peculiar principles, that [ ? ] becomes a prey to atheism: and scoffers therefore take occasion to conclude that education is inimical to religion, and leads to Atheism! whereas nothing can be more [ ? ] than such an unsupported conclusion!
1840
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1840:
For all TROVE items tagged John Bushelle for 1840:
[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (6 January 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28653887
FIRST-RATE ESTATES, Freehold and Leasehold . . .
to be Sold by PRIVATE CONTRACT . . . LIST OF THE PROPERTIES . . .
Castlereagh-street . . . No. 18 - House let to Mr. Bushelle, at £100, worth £125 per annum. Yearly rent, £100 . . .
January and February 1840 - comparisons
[News], The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (13 January 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32166874
The Cecilian Monthly concert was held on Wednesday eveneing in the Court-room, Castlereagh-street, and was well attended . . . The songs were all good, and the amateur who sang "Some love to roam" will not not come short of Mr. Bushelle in English songs, if he take lessons from a good master; for his voice is melodious and powerful and he has energy. He may make, by study, a first rate singer, but he requires, of course, what all proficients go through, study . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Cecilian Society (organisation); the amateur in question was perhaps James Waller
"MRS. CLANCY'S CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (26 February 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32167330
We are happy to see that this Lady intends to dissipate, as far as lies in her power, the present dullness of the town, by giving a concert on the 4th March. Mrs. Clancy's voice is not equal in power, nor does she come up in execution to Mrs. Bushelle or Madame Gautrot; but in English songs, Mrs. Clancy shines. There are some English songs, in which she cannot be excelled by either of these ladies. Her voice is singularly sweet. We remember her singing a pastoral, from Haydn, at the Oratorio, at St. Mary's Cathedral, in a very beautiful style.
ASSOCIATIONS: The author of both the above notices, Edward Smith Hall, is referring to Elizabeth Clancy's performance of With verdure clad (Haydn, from The creation) at the oratorio in January 1838
6 March 1840, birth of John Butler Bushelle and Thomas T. Butler Bushelle, Sydney, NSW
Bushelle John B NSW BDM 953/1840 V1840953 133; Bushelle Thomas T NSW BDM 954/1840 V1840954 133
"Birth", The Australian (10 March 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860399
On the 6th instant, at her residence, Castlereagh-street North, Mrs. Bushelle, of two sons.
"ADVERTISEMENT", The Australian (10 March 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860405
Our readers will perceive under the head of "Births" that the musical world has just received a valuable accession. Mrs. Bushelle, our Australian "Malibran," has presented her celebrated "Amateur" with two lovely boys. Oh, Gemini! If it be true that children inherit the qualities of their parents, what happy results may we not anticipate from this event. Having made inquiries we are happy to announce that Mrs. Bushelle and her offspring are doing well. May St. Cecilia propitiate the Guardian Angels to watch over and protect her most distinguished votary!
ASSOCIATIONS: Maria Malibran (vocalist active in Britain)
Letter, from Colonial Secretary, to [? Principal Superintendent of Convicts], 31 March 1840; State Records Authority of NSW, CS 40/447, 186
[re] 40/6309 31 March 1840 / No. 40/447 continued from folio [prev.] /
For a Conditional pardon / James Bushell - per Phoenix (2) /
May be allowed the indulgence applied for, on 26 December 1840,
provided his conduct be good in the mean time.
His Petition is herewith transmitted to you that you may bring it forward at that time with your further [? approval]
Butt of ticket-of-leave passport, 1840, for James Bushell; State Records Authority of NSW
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1781/images/41727_329497-00093 (PAYWALL)
No. 40/256 / 24th June 1840 / James Bushell / Phoenix / 1828 / . . . Ticket-of-leave No 36/2051 /
Allowed to travel between Sydney & Parramatta for six months . . . in lieu of 39/395 dated 4 dec. 1838 Expired
"CONCERT", Commercial Journal and Advertiser (8 April 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226456752
Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle are preparing for a grand concert, under the distinguished patronage of Lady Gipps and Mrs. Deas Thompson, which will take place in the Victoria Theatre, immediately after St. George's Day.
[Advertisement], The Australian (2 May 1840), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36862715
MRS. BUSHELLE begs to announce that she will shortly give a CONCERT,
under the patronage of Lady Gipps, Lady O'Connell, Lady Dowling, Mrs. Deas Thomson,
Mrs. Plunkett, Mrs. Hely, and several other Ladies of distinction.
Particulars in a future Advertisement.
"News and Rumours of the Day", Australasian Chronicle (5 May 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31728207
. . . Several ladies of distinction have presented Mrs. Bushelle with a harp, as a testimony of the high esteem which they entertain of her musical talents . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Elizabeth Gipps (wife of the governor); Anna Maria Deas Thomson (musical patron); Mary O'Connell (musical patron); Maria Plunkett (musical patron); Georgina Hely, widow of Frederick Hely (former superintendent of convicts)
26 May 1840, concert, Royal Victoria Theatre
"CONCERT", The Colonist (23 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31725085
Mrs. Bushelle's concert will take place at the Theatre on Tuesday night next. This concert is given under the patronage of Lady Gipps, and several others of the beau monde, and we have no doubt the theatre will present a splendid appearance on the night of the concert. It has been put off and delayed for some time in consequence of the illness of Mr. Gautrot, and we are sorry to say that he is unlikely to be able to play on Tuesday night. The Deanes and Wallaces, Mr. Leggatt, and Mr. Worgan, are on the list of performers, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle, and several other amateurs have offered their services. Altogether a treat may be anticipated. Most of the pieces selected are Italian, but those who want to hear "the Groves of Blarney," may do so and one or two English songs.
[News], The Australian (23 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36861680
Mrs. Bushelle, we are glad to perceive, is on the point of re-appearing on Tuesday next. This lady is deservedly a favorite of the public, and we trust that her concert will be as amply attended as she could wish. Looking to the list of patronesses who support her on this occasion, she has no right not to expect a crowded and fashionable auditory. The programme of the concert is very attractive. The air "Suoni la Tromba," from I Puritani, is celebrated throughout Europe; it is one of the two gems in that celebrated opera of poor Bellini's. On this occasion the pit and boxes will be let at the same price, and will be connected by a staircase.
[News], The Australian (26 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36862489
We are glad to hear that a great number of tickets have been already issued for Mrs. Bushelle's Concert which it is expected will be amply attended as arrangements have been made to make the pit equally commodious with the boxes. Indeed in Europe, the pit, both at the opera and the theatre, is the part always selected by the fashionables and amateurs. We wish Mrs B. every success.
[Advertisement], Australasian Chronicle (26 May 1840), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31728346
CONCERT.
Under the patronage of Lady Gipps, Lady O'Connell, Lady Dowling, Mrs. Deas Thompson, Mrs. Plunkett,
Mrs. Hely, and several other ladies of distinction.
MRS. BUSHELLE has the honour to announce, that her Concert will lake place
on TUESDAY, the 26th instant, at the Theatre Royal;
she will be assisted by Miss Deane, Mr. Worgan, Mr. Deane and Sons,
Mr. Leggatt, Mr. Sippe, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Walton, Mr. Parbury, all the members of the Theatrical Orchestra,
Mr. Wallace, Mr. W. Wallace, and Mr. Bushelle.
Several amateurs have also kindly offered their assistance.
PROGRAMME. - PART I.
Overture - Full Orchestra
1. Duet - Suoni la Tromba, from I Puritani, (Cornetto Obligato Mr. Leggatt) Full Orchestral Accompaniments - Mrs. & Mr. Bushelle
2. Song - When the sigh long suppressed - Auber - Miss Deane
3. Song - When time hath bereft thee - Orchestral Accompaniment - Auber - Mr. Bushelle
4. Song - Come innocente giovane - Donizetti - Mrs. Bushelle
5. Solo - Violin - De Beriot - Mr. W. Wallace
6. Aria - Sento destarma in seno (as sung by Signor Tamburini, in the Schiava in Bagdad) Full Orchestral Accompaniments - Mr. Bushelle
7. Bravura - To Norma's Arms - Full Orchestral Accompaniments - Belllini - Mr. Bushelle
8. Solo - Pianoforte - Herz - Miss Deane.
PART II.
Overture - Full Orchestra
1. Comic Duet - Ai capricci - Rossini - Mr. & Mrs. Bushelle
2. Song - The Mocking Bird, (Flute Obligato, Mr. W. Wallace) - Bishop - Miss Deane
3. Buffo Song - Mieri rampoli (as sung by Signor Lablache in the Cenerentola) - Mr. Bushelle
4. The celebrated Polacca, Solo and Quartett, Son vergin vezzosa - Bellini
Mrs. Bushelle, Mr. Leggatt, Mr. Worgan, Mr. Bushelle 5. Solo - Flute - Mr. W. Wallace
6. The Groves of Blarney, (an Irish Melody, with the original Ullagoane) - Mr. Bushelle
7. The Land of the West, (accompanied by herself on the Harp) - Lover - Mr. Bushelle
8. Lo ! the Factotum of this gay place, (by desire) Rossini - Mr. Bushelle.
The Pit will be elegantly fitted up with covered seats, and will communicate with the Boxes.
The Orchestra will be erected on the stage.
Tickets to be had at Mr. Ellard's and Mr. Tyrer's, George-street; Mr. Curtis, Hunter-street;
and at Mrs. Bushelle's, Castlereagh-street North.
Pit and Private Boxes, 7s. 6d.; Upper Boxes, 5s.; Gallery, 2s. 6d.
The Concert will commence at Eight o'clock.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (27 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32183329
We are glad to state that Mrs. Bushelle's Concert, last night, was well attended; the house being comfortably full in every part. Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle were in excellent voice; Mr. Wallace's Solo on the Violin was an exquisite performance, and Miss Deane, as usual, displayed wonderful execution on the Piano. Altogether, the Concert went off extremely well, with nothing to find fault, and much to admire. The Chief Justice, and family, the Colonial Secretary, and Lady, and Attorney General and family were present. Neither the governor nor Sir Maurice O'Connell attended. The Concert seemed to give general satisfaction, and broke up at eleven o'clock.
"(From a Correspondent)", The Australian (28 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36861534
We were, present at Mrs. Bushelle's concert on Tuesday evening last, and were gratified at witnessing such a numerous and respectable auditory assembled to hail the re-appearance of so universal a favourite as is the lady in question. We shall beg to make a few remarks which have forcibly occurred to us, assuring, however, the parties in question that these hints are meant in the kindest possible feeling towards them. With respect to the programme on this as well as many similar occasions, we are quite convinced that we express the popular sentiment when we suggest, in lieu of so much Italian music, it would be highly desirable to insert a larger proportion of our own national melodies. The simple and beautiful ballads and glees of old British masters would more aptly and effectively appeal to the feelings of our Sydney audiences, than so much foreign embellishment, which is ill understood, and, sooth to speak, not always understood. The charm of music is only powerful when it touches the sensibility and the heart. But, how can people feel what they do not comprehend? If a distinct idea is not conveyed, the musical effect produced is but as the "idle tinkling of cymbals."
But even granting that it is judicious to introduce so many Italian songs, we cannot but protest against the choice lately displayed. We will grant Bellini the praise of being, at times, a beautiful writer, but his works are very unequal. Of this very opera of Il Puritani, from which the two best passages were extracted for Tuesday's performance, the greater portion is absolutely worthless. That Bellini right have done better things had his life been spared there is no doubt, but it is unwise to repeat, over and over again, these extracts from Il Puritani which have been heard already usque ad nauseam. Again we would sincerely be thankful if our colonial corps musicale would neglect the meretricious school of Rossini, who did incalculable harm to the cause of music by his dangerous genius. He gave rise to a most pernicious succession of imitators (such as Donizetti) who imbibed the faults of the master without any of his redeeming brilliancy.
If we are to have Italian or German music let us revert to the pure and genuine writings of Hadyn, Mozart, Weber, and Beethoven. Let us be presented with the exquisite and impassioned passages, the chaste and tender cadences, the genuine and sustained magnificence, of such operas as the Zauberflote, the Euryanthe, the Fidelio, or the Oberon.
In speaking of the manner in which the music was executed, we may generally remark that Mrs. Bushelle exerted herself successfully to please her friends. She seemed, however, we regret to say, to labour slightly under indisposition. Her voice, which is very sweet and flexible in a room, is, we have often thought, scarcely strong enough for a theatre. Mr. Bushelle was very effective in his comic songs, the giving of which is obviously more agreeable to him than the performance of those of a tragic nature. He was frequently encored, and attracted great applause in the favourite air of the Groves of Blarney. It is a pity that Mr B. never met with the celebrated words written to this air, by Power, describing Queen Victoria's "Coronation," as the original poetry is "something musty." Miss Deane performed a solo of Herz, which is well known. This young lady has considerable powers of execution on the pianoforte. We could, however, gladly hear her draw out more expression from the instrument. It is true that Herz is one of the most heartless of composers, and therefore perhaps the task would be difficult. May we venture to say that the young lady's personal toilette might be improved under the skilful eye of a tasteful "modiste."
We shall conclude by wondering what has become of our old favorites Mrs. Clancy and Madame Gautrot? A concentration of talent would have been desirable, and these ladies would have added much to the effectiveness of the evening's amusement, which, however, we are bound to add, afforded us, on the whole considerable gratification.
"CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (28 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2549416
Mrs. Bushelle's concert came off last night - we were happy to see so respectable and numerous audience honour Mrs. B. with their presence; all the elite of Sydney were present; the performances on the whole were very good, except that we did not think the orchestra as powerful as usual, particularly the bass. Mrs. [sic, Mr.] Bushelle's "When time hath bereft thee" was sung with great taste and feeling, but his "Groves of Blarney," and "Lo the Factotum" were a great treat, and were deservedly enchored and applauded. Mr. Wallace's solo on the violin was splendid, and an evident improvement. Miss Deane's pianoforte was a rich treat, going through the beautiful, brilliant, and rapid passages, with such confidence and grace as to elicit the applause of the whole house. Mrs. Bushelle, as usual, sung most sweetly, even the ladies were pleased to express their admiration of her really enchanting voice. The concert was over a few minutes after eleven.
"MRS. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (29 May 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31728368
This was in every respect one of the best concerts that have been given in the colony, whether as regards the selection of music-the performances, or, what is equally creditable to the performers and the public, a full and fashionable house. In the first duet we were afraid Mrs. Bushelle's voice had suffered from want of practice, (although few ladies have at once so many motives to sing) but we were soon set at ease by the delightful manner in which she performed the "Innocente giovane," and still better her part of the duet "Ai capricci," and Lover's "Land of the West." Mr. Bushelle was not so happy as usual in his "Factotum," but he was glorious in "The Groves of Blarney," "Miei rampolli," "Ai capricci," and "When time hath bereft thee." The two last he may consider like the others as part of his stock, to be drawn upon when required. The Instrumental department was rather indifferent, but Mr. W W. Wallace's solo on the violin almost reconciled us to him as a musician. Certes, Mr. W. has an acute ear, and if he could musater a little more fire and feeling, would be an excellent musician. Miss Deane ran over a few of the absurdities of Henri Herz with, wonderful dexterity. Upon the whole we were highly gratified by the performances, and glad to see a lady who so well deserves patronage as Mrs. Bushelle liberally supported.
June 1840, concerts at Maitland and Penrith, NSW
"COUNTRY NEWS", The Australian (13 June 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860590
Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle gave three concerts (two at the Rose Inn, and one at the Court-house), assisted by Mr. and Miss Deane, which were well attended, and seemed to give general satisfaction. Mrs. B. was in fine voice, and her singing was enchanting. "The Land of the West" produced a most rapturous encore; for, independent of its beautiful melody, its appropriateness to the westernites made them listen to it with much rapture. Mr. Bushelle's Largo, and several other Italian airs, were well sung, but his powerful voice was lost, the room being too small for him; however, the "Groves of Blarney" made every one laugh - and as laughing was the order of the night, he had to repeat it. Miss Deane executed a difficult concerto on the pianoforte, in good style, but her voice was not so good as was expected - she sang very correctly, but not very pleasingly - the contrast between her and Mrs. Bushelle was too great. Mr. Deane played a solo on the violin with much taste.
"News of the Day", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (15 June 1840), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32183511
Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle have recently been entertaining the inhabitants of Penrith, by Concerts of Vocal and Instrumental Mussic, at which the inhabitants crowded the Concert Rooms.
8 July 1840, John Philip Deane's concert, Royal Victoria Theatre
[Advertisement], The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (8 July 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32183809
ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. GRAND CONCERT.
UNDER THE DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE OF LADY GIPPS, LADY O'CONNEL, MRS. DEAS THOMSON, MRS. GIBBS, AND OTHER LADIES OF DISTINCTION.
MR. DEANE begs to inform his Friends and the Public, that . . . his Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music,
will take place at the THEATRE ROYAL on WEDNESDAY, July 8th, 1840.
He will he assisted by MRS. BUSHELLE, MADAME GAUTROT, MISS DEANE, MRS. CLANCY, MR. BUSHELLE, MONSIEUR GAUTROT, MR. WORGAN,
MR. WALLACE, MR. E. DEANE, MR. SIPPE, MR. CURTIS, MR. WALTON, MR. PARBURY, MR. J. DEANE, of Parramatta;
All the Members of the Theatrical Orchestra, and several Amateurs who have kindly profferred their assistance.
Leader of the Orchestra, Mr. Wallace. Conductor, Mr. Leggatt.
PART I . . . 1. Duet - Serbami ognir - Rossini - MRS. BUSHELLE AND MRS. CLANCY
2. Song - My Boyhood's home with Orchestral Accompaniments Rooke - MRS. BUSHELLE [sic] . . .
6. Song - Basta Miei Cari - MRS. BUSHELLE . . .
PART II . . . 1. Duette - Ai Caprici - MR. AND MRS. BUSHELLE . . .
5. Song - King Death With Orchestral Accompaniments - MR. BUSHELLE.
6. Song - Lo! Here the Gentle Lark, Flute Obligato, Mr. S. W. Wallace - MRS. BUSHELLE . . .
8. Glee - "The Chough and Crow," - MRS. BUSHELLE, MRS. CLANCY AND MR. BUSHELLE.
9. God Save the Queen. (Chorus) MR. BUSHELLE . . .
"MR. DEANE'S CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (9 July 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31728671
We have just returned from this concert, and have only time to say that it went off with great eclat; that Mesdames Gautrot, Bushelle, and Clancy, were in excellent voice; that Miss Deane was better by far than ever on the piano; that Mr. Bushelle was delightful; that Monsieur Gautrot's and Master Deane's fiddles were in good tune; and that all would have been well but for certain stupid rascals who had got themselves perched among the gods aloft, and who took it into their heads to encore everything; in consequence of which his Excellency the Governor took his departure in the middle of the second part; and we lost the "Chough and Crow," and one or two other pieces. We were exceedingly pleased to find so full a house, and to see his Excellency, Lady Gipps, and the members of our colonial court in their proper places.
"CONCERT", The Colonist (9 July 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31725248
Mr. Deane's Concert, last night, went off much better than expected, considering the unfavourable state of the weather. The vocal performances of Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle were as usual good, as was that also of Madame Gautrot . . .
"CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (10 July 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28651864
Mr. Deane's concert in the Victoria Theatre on Wednesday, went off remarkably well. The house, notwithstanding the weather, and the state of the streets, was very nearly full. We have not space to enter into a lengthened detail of the performance, but will merely observe, that Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle and Madame Gautrot were in excellent voice . . .
"CECILIAN CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (7 August 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12865229
This concert was held on Wednesday evening in Castlereagh street, and was well attended . . . This so- ciety, by continual practice, will gradually excell all temporary Concerts. The vocal Department will nevet be equal to what Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle can produce, but some of the amateurs are the pupils of Mr. Bushelle, and in one year or two there will be a vast improvement in the vocal performances of the Cecilian. Mrs. Clancy was in excellent voice; when this lady is in health and nerve, her notes are very sweet and true, and she effects no ad libitums, which Iovers of real music are right glad of.
25 August 1840, high mass at St. Mary's cathedral, before procession to the site for St. Patrick's church
"ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH. THE CEREMONY OF LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE", Australasian Chronicle (27 August 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31729072
This interesting function was performed on Tuesday. By ten o'clock, a. m., the cathedral of St. Mary was densely filled, the children and the members of the society occupying all the galleries . . . The Rev. F. Murphy, the president of the Society of St. Patrick, formed for the building of the new church, celebrated high mass coram Pontifice . . . The Lord Bishop was present on the pontifical throne . . . The music was of the first order; the Deus Meus, sung by Mr. Bushelle, and the Laudate Pueri of Zingarelli, were particularly distinguished by their full and exalting effect. At about half-past eleven the procession began to move . . .
5 October 1840, Spencer Wellington Wallace's benefit, Royal Victoria Theatre
[Advertisement], The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (5 October 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32185626
21 October 1840, opening of St. Matthew's (Roman Catholic) church, Windsor
"OPENING OF ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, WINDSOR", Australasian Chronicle (27 October 1840), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31729642
Wednesday last having been the day appointed for the performance of this solemn function . . . At eleven, a.m., the procession moved from Mr. Brady's house - first the band of the 80th regiment . . . the procession being closed by the bishop. The band drew up by the side of the church door, the children proceeded to range round the sanctuary with their banners . . . The choir of St. Mary's Cathedral, conducted by Mr. Bushelle, occupied the right transept, and the military band the left. The sacred music of the great Italian and German masters, to which the seraphine formed the accompaniment, was executed in a style of grace and power worthy of its high character. We never heard the choir including Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle, Madame Gautrot, Mrs. Curtis, &c. &c. - to greater advantage. The opening and closing pieces of the full band, were also fine specimens of instrumentation, and gave a frame of fulness and a richness of effect to the whole . . .
"SAINT MATTHEW'S, WINDSOR", Australasian Chronicle (29 October 1840), 2-3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31729673
Copy of a Letter written by a gentleman residing in the neighbourhood of Windsor to a Protestant friend in Sydney.
DEAR SIR - You ask me if I was led by curiosity to attend high mass in the Catholic church of St. Matthew, in Windsor, on the 21st ult. I trust I was led there by a better spirit than curiosity, although I candidly acknowledge I entered the church with certain feelings (having been brought up a Protestant) . . . [3] . . . The music was very grand; Mr. Bushelle and the band of the 80th regiment attended divine service, also the officers of the 80th, with a number of respectable Protestant families. I was present at vespers (seven o'clock), the scene was imposing; the greater part of the service was performed by the bishop, vicar-general, and priests, in full chorus; their voices were accompanied by a fine mellow-toned seraphine, presented as a gift by his lordship to St. Matthew's church . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Mary Curtis (vocalist); Band of the 80th Regiment (military band)
30 October 1840, the Gautrots' farewell concert, Old Court House, Castlereagh-street
[Advertisement], Australasian Chronicle (29 October 1830), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31729654
MONS. and MAD. GAUTROT
have the honour to announce that their
LAST CONCERT will take place at the Old Court House, Castlereagh-street,
Tomorrow (Friday), the 30th October, 1840.
Programme. Part I . . . 1. Duet, Semiramide, Mrs. Bushelle and Madame Gautrot . . .
3. Song, "The Wolf," orchestral accompaniments, Mr. Bushelle . . .
7. Cavatina, "Se Romeo," arranged for a full orchestra by Mr. Leggatt, Bellini, Mrs. Bushelle
8. Favorite song, Mr. Bushelle.
Part 2 . . . 3. Buffo duet, Mrs. and Mr. Bushelle . . .
5. Song, "Sweetly o'er my senses," Mrs. Bushelle
6. Duet, "Barber of Seville," Madame Gautrot and Mr. Bushelle . . .
8. Celebrated buffo song and chorus, "Papuccie," Pacini, arranged with full orchestral accompaniments by Mr. Leggatt, Mr. Bushelle . . .
6 December 1840, death of Thomas T. Butler Bushelle, Sydney, NSW
Bushell Thomas T BDM NSW 656/1840 V1840656 132; 2099/1840 V18402099 132; 249/1840 V1840249 114
"DIED", The Colonist (10 December 1840), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31726017
On Sunday, the 6th instant, in Castlereagh-street north, T. T. Butler, the younger twin son of Mr. Bushelle, aged nine months.
December 1840, birth of Tobias Bushelle, Sydney, NSW
Bushell [sic] Tobias NSW BDM 818/1840 V1840818 133; 128/1840 V1840128 61
1841
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1841:
For all TROVE items tagged John Bushelle for 1841:
"THE GRAND ORATORIO", Sydney Free Press (3 July 1841), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226357084
. . . Of Mrs. Bushelle, we are happy to say that her late residence in the interior seems to have restored her to nearly her former vigour of health, and that with her physical strength her voice has resumed its original capacity and energy. The opinion, we understand, which Nathan entertains of this lady's powers and talents as a vocalist, are highly flattering; and we could observe the feeling of worthy pride and well-merited gratification with which the composer rose and bowed to the audience, in acknowledgment of the deep admiration with which they received and encored her performance of his own sublimely pathetic melody of "Jephtha's Daughter." In that admiration, so far as the performance of the talented vocalist was concerned, it was obvious that Nathan himself most enthusiastically concurred; and we do not remember that we ever heard any vocalist sing with a more faithful and unaffected sympathy in the inspiration alike of the Poet and the Composer. The melody is one of deep and thrilling pathos, and the chaste, and impressive execution of Mrs. B. told with deep dramatic effect on the feelings of the audience, evincing as it did in no ordinary degree, that lively and natural appreciation of the subject, which is itself the nearest akin to the genius that originally conceived it, and without which the conceptions of genius can never be adequately expressed.
[Advertisement], Australasian Chronicle (5 August 1841), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31732492
TESTIMONIAL to MR. and MRS. BUSHELLE . . .
NOTICE - On Wednesday evening next, at Seven o'clock, another meeting will be held at the usual place.
It is requested that such of St. Mary's congregation as appreciate the kind and gratuitous services of Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle,
in the cathedral church, will not neglect this opportunity of testifying their approbation of such services.
"FAREWELL CONCERT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (21 September 1841), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2554515
The musical world will perceive by advertisement in another part of this day's paper, with deep regret, that Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle's farewell concert takes place to morrow evening at the Victoria Theatre. The programme is of the most attractive and select description, containing all the popular and eminently successful pieces with which Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle have charmed the lovers of harmony, at various times. His Excellency the Governor, Sir Maurice O'Connell and many other distinguished personages in our colonial community, will honor the entertainment with their patronage, and it is confidently expected that the gentry of Sydney will testify, by their liberal support on this occasion, their taste in appreciating, and liberality in rewarding the musical excellencies of their old favourites, whom they will not have an opportunity of hearing again in public. We believe Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle proceed to Hobart Town before Christmas, and thence to South America, or India. Wherever they go, we are confideitt they take with them the best wishes of their Sydney friends and admirers.
Unseen documentation, VDL (TAS) [? Reel 1053]
Application to be allowed to go to VDL for 6 months to give concerts, permission sought and obtained from governor of VDL and permission extended to remain a year.
Approved 4 October 1841 and granted 1st Feb. 1842
Thomas Trood, printer and stationer, invoice, to John Bushelle, 8 September to 22 October 1841; John Bushelle, insolvency papers; State Archives and Records of New South Wales
1842
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1842:
For all TROVE items tagged John Bushelle for 1842:
In the insolvent estate of John Bushelle . . .", New South Wales Government Gazette (8 March 1842), 392
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230661039
In the Insolvent Estate of John Bushelle, of Elizabeth-street, Sydney, Professor of Languages. WHEREAS the Estate of John Bushelle was, on the 28th day of February, 1842, placed under Sequestration in my hands by order of His Honor Mr. Justice Barton, I hereby appoint a Meeting of the Creditors of the said John Bushelie to be holden at the Supreme Court House, Sydney, on the 10th day of March, at Ten o'clock in the Forenoon, for proof of Debts, and election of a Trustee or Trustees, and for direction of distribution of proceeds of Insolvent's Estate, the same not exceeding £100; and unless at the said Meeting it shall be shewn that the goods and effects of the Insolvent exceed £100, the said Commissioner will summarily proceed to rank the Debts which shall be then proved, and to direct the proceeds to be distributed by the Trustees accordingly. - Dated this 7th day of March, 1842. WILLIAM H. KERR, (1059) Chief Commissioner of Insolvent Estates.
"INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS", The Sydney Herald (2 April 1842), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12874490
LIST OF TRUSTEES IN INSOLVENT ESTATES WHO HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED [Insolvent] John Bushelle [Trustee] R. M. Pite.
"ABSOLUTE PARDON . . . Sydney, 14th April, 1842", New South Wales Government Gazette 30 (15 April 1842), 396
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230661096
ABSOLUTE PARDONS, Dated 1st February, 1841 [? recte 1842] . . . Bushell, James, Phoenix 2, 1828 . . .
Bushelle sworn and examined by Mr. Pite, before his Honor Mr. Justice Burton (5 May 1842); John Bushelle, insolvency papers, 1842; State Archives and Records of New South Wales
Bushelle sworn and examined by Mr. Pite.
Compromised for his benefit so far as having has an advance of £30 from Mr. Knight
I have preformed at the Royal Theatre & have agreed with Mons. Gautrot to [? ] part of proceeds after all expenses are paid
It is an undertaking with Mr. Gautrot: I have written agreement I am to have 2/7 of the proceeds.
Before his Honor Mr. Justice Burton
May 5th 1842
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales, the petition of John Bushelle to the Honorable Mr. Justice Burton (12 September 1842); [affidavit] (14 September 1842); John Bushelle, insolvency papers, 1842; State Archives and Records of New South Wales
To the Honourable Mr. Justice Burton of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
The Petition of John Bushelle Teacher of Languages and Music of No. 14 Philip Street, Sydney, now an Insolvent.
Most respectfully sheweth
That Your Petitioner sequestrated on the Twenty Eighth day of February One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Two
That at the first meeting of Your Petitioner's Creditors he informed them that he had entered into an arrangement with Mr. Knight of the Victoria Theatre for eight weeks at a salary of Sixteen Poudns per week for the musical services of Your Petitioner and those of Your Petitioner's Wife, Your Petitioner undertaking to provide suitable dresses for the Characters they might be called upon to personate during that period - Your Petitioner also agreed to pay weekly instalments of Five Pounds until Thirty Six Pounds advanced by Mr. Knight to Your Petitioner for the support of himself and family previous to the commencement of the aforesaid engagement should be repaid -
That your petitioner offered to pay from the remaining Eleven Pounds per week left at his disposal Five Pounds weekly during the Term of Your Petitioner's engagement which offer was accepted by Your Petitioner's Creditors and Mr. Pite Trustee to Your Petitioner's Estate was appointed to receive the said Instalments. -
That Your Petitioner had paid Twenty-five Pounds in this manner when he was summoned before Your Honor by the said Trustee to shew cause why Your Petitioner should not be imprisoned until his debts were paid, on which occasion Your Honor, of the representation of the said Trustee that a delay had occurred in the payment of the Instalments of the preceeding week, issued a warrant for the incarceration of Your Petitioner to be suspended on condition of Your Petitioner's paying into Court every Monday Five Pounds -
That this order was complied with until the expiration or Your Petitioner's engagement, which engagement Mr. Knight declined renewing as it was originally entered into by that person solely as the means of ensuring the ruin of a rival Manager which he hereby effected -
That the said Trustee subsquently declared a dividend in your Petitioner's Estate, and has since conscientiously declined enforcing the Warrant well knowing that Your Petitioner's weekly earnings have not averaged Three Pounds, and that they are likely to diminish rather than increase from the pressure of the times on the only class likely to encourage a Teacher of Italian Vocal Music -
That your Petitioner from the great influx of Musical Professors whose claim to patronage are considered paramount to those of Your Petitioner, is prositively unable to earn sufficient to support his wife and children, but he anticipates that by making a professional tour to Van Diemens Land and Port Philip for the purpose of giving Concerts he would not only obtain enough for this own and their support but would be able to pay his Creditors a large portion of their claims in less than six months, whereas by continuing to reside in Sydney he must become again insolved -
That Your Petitioner consequently solicits that the Warrant now in the Chief Commissioner's Offcie be discharged on the accompanying affadavit and attestation, and
Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray -
John Bushelle
Dated at Sydney this twelfth day of September, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Two
[Affadavit] John Bushelle Teacher of Languages of No. 14 Philip St. Sydney maketh oath and saith that since the expiration in May last of an engagement with Mr. Knight of the Victoria Theater of the same place he had not upon average earned more than Three Pounds per week.
That such a sum in insufficient to support himself and family, and quite inadequate to the maintenance of those appearances so essential to his success, and
That should the prayer of the annexed Petition be denied he the said depondent sees no other prospect but that of being again insolved.
John Bushelle
Sworn before me at my office this 14th day of September One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Two
[signed] William H. Kerr
Letter, from John Bushelle, Sydney, 12 September 1842, to J. McLean, Sydney; CS 42/6955 (folded inside 43/5647) (4/2634.2)
[annotations] 42/6955 - 42/10109 - 12 September 1842
14 Philip St. 12th Septr. 1842
[To] Captn. MacLean
Principal Superintendent of Convicts
Sydney
Sir,
I beg you will be good enough to obtain for me
His Excellency the Governors sanction to my proceeding
to Hobart Town and Launceston for the purpose of giving Concerts
as the only means of relieving me from
the embarassment consequent on the pressures of the times.
I am an Emancipist and am anxious that the permission should be for
at least six months.
I remain / Sir / Your most obedient / and much obliged / Servant
John Bushelle
[verso] 12 Sept. . . .
James Bushell per Phoenix (2) arrived in 1828,
was allowed a "Conditional Pardon" on 26 Dec. 1840 . . . 13 Septr. 1842.
Recommend that Bushelle should be allowed to proceed to
Van Diemen's Land for Six Months
14 Sept. 1842 . . . J.McL
Letter, from J. McLean, Sydney, 16 September 1842, to Colonial Secretary, Sydney; CS 42/6955 (folded inside 43/5647) (4/2634.2)
[annotations] 42/695 - 19th Septr 1842
Respecting obtaining permission for Jno. Bushelle to go to Van Diemen's Land
Principal Superintendent of Convicts Office
16th September 1842
Sir,
In transmitting to your the enclosed decision of His Excellency the Governor,
on an application from the man named in the margin [John Bushelle, per "Phoenix"]
for permission to proceed to Van Diemen's Land he being the holder
of a Conditional Pardon, I have the honor to request
that you will be pleased to take the necessary steps
for obtaining the permission of Sir John Franklin
to Bushell proceeding to the Colony under his Government.
I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedient servant,
J. McLean
[Annotation]: Write to the Govt. of V.D.L as herein suggested -
stating however that Bushelle is a person well known in Sydney as a Public Singer
and that his Wife (a person of great respectability)
is also a Public Singer of great talent.
[initials ? G. S.] Sept. 19.
Letter, from W. Elyard, assistant to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 20 and 21 September 1842; CS 42/259 (4/3689, page 449; reel 1053)
[re] 42/6955 / No. 42/259 / Col'l Sec's Office, Sydney 20/21 Septr. 1842 / Sir / In reply to your letter of the 16 inst. No. 42/159, I do myself the honor to inform you that a communication has been made to the Colonial Secretary at Hobart Town inquiring whether Lieut. Gov'r Sir John Franklin has any objection to permission being given to the individual named in the margin [John Bushell, Phoenix, holding a Conditional Pardon] to proceed to Van Diemen's Land for a period of six months / I have &c./ (Signed) W. Elyard Jr. / [to] The Prinp'l Sup'ent of Convicts
"Miss Hinckesmann's Concert", The Sydney Gazette (15 October 1842), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2557569
. . . The duet which [Eliza] sang with Mr. Bushelle, "Quanto Amore", was spirited and melodious in the extreme, and excited in the audience an enthusiasm almost equal to that animating these incomparable singers. Mr. Bushelle had a deafening encore in that delightful song from "Amilie," "What is the spell?" Every word appeared to come from his heart; his intonation was pure, and the bright eyes of his fair auditors were suffused with "liquid diamonds", at his warm eulogium of "woman's love". His "Madamina" was splendid, and his Irish serenade irresistibly comic; it sent the audience away in high glee.
Letter, from G. T. W. Boyes, Hobart Town, 17 October 1842, to E. Deas Thomson, Sydney; CS 42/8413 (folded inside 43/5647) (4/2634.2)
[annotations] 42/8413 - 11th Nov. 1842
Relative to granting Jno. Bushelle permission to go to Van Diemen's Land
Van Diemen's Land / Colonial Secretary's Office / 17 October 1842.
[To] E. Deas Thomson Esqr. / Colonial Secretary / New South Wales
Sir,
I am directed by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Franklin to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 20th Ultimo, requesting to be informed
whether His Excellency has any objection to permission being granted to a person
named Bushell (holding a Conditional Pardon)
to proceed to this colony for the purpose of giving concerts,
and in reply I am to inform you that His Excellency has no objection
to such permission being granted.
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / Your most obedient servant,
G. T. W. Boyes
ASSOCIATIONS: George Boyes (public servant, musical amateur)
Letter, from W. Elyard, assistant to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 14th November 1842; CS 42/318 (4/3689, page 476; reel 1053)
[annotations] 42/8413 / No. 42/318
Col'l Sec's Office Sydney
14th Nov'r 1842
[to] The Prin'p'l Superin't of Convicts
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 16th September No. 42/157, I do myself the honor to inform you that
Sir John Franklin has no objection to the Individual names in the margin
[John Bushell, per Phoenix] to proceed to Van Diemen's Land,
and I am directed by His Ex'cy the Gov'r to request that you will apprise him accordingly,
and that the permission is to extend to a period of six months
I have &c.
W. Elyard, Jr.
Letter, from Edward Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary, Sydney, to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, 22-23 November 1842; CS 42/323 (4/3689, page 478; reel 1053)
[annotations] 42/8413 / No. 42/323
Colonial Secretary's Office Sydney 22d, 23 Nov. 1842
[to] The Pric'l Superintendent of Convicts
Sir, / With reference to my letter of the 14th inst. I do myself the honor to request
that you will transmit to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts at Hobart Town,
the usual particulars of the individual names in the margin
[John Bushell, per Phoenix], who has received permission to proceed to Van Diemen's Land,
and that you will also apprise that officer when Bushell leaves Sydney.
I have &
E. Deas Thomson
Van Diemen's Land (December 1842 - September 1843)
13 December 1842, John Bushelle, arrival, Hobart Town, VDL (TAS)
"Domestic Intelligence", Colonial Times (13 December 1842), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8753171
ARRIVAL [13th]. - The schooner Waterlily, Munro master, arrived this morning from Sydney, the 3rd instant, with a cargo of cedar, sugar, &c. Cabin passengers - Sir James Dowling, Chief Justice of New South Wales; Mrs. Brewer, Miss Palmer, Mr. Greig, Mr. Bushelle . . .
1843
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1843:
For all TROVE items tagged John Bushelle for 1843:
24 January 1843, Eliza Bushelle and children, John and Tobias, arrival, Hobart Town, VDl (TAS)
"SHIP NEWS", Colonial Times (31 January 1843), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8753288
JAN. 24. - Arrived the schooner Waterlily, 155 tons, Munro master, from Sydney 16th instant, with sundries. Passengers - Mrs. Evans and child, Mrs. Bushelle and two children, Mrs. Griffiths . . .
[Advertisement], The Austral-Asiatic Review, Tasmanian and Australian Advertiser (27 January 1843), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232481069
Vocal and Instrumental Music.
MR. & MRS. BUSHELLE WILL give their CONCERT of VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC early in February, of which full particulars will be published next week. They also beg to inform the Gentry and Inhabitants of Hobart Town and its vicinity, that, intending to remain some time in the colony, they purpose giving lessons in the following branches of education:-
MRS. BUSHELLE:
English and Italian Singing, The Pianoforte and Guitar.
The latter instrument on a principle by which a competent knowledge of this fashionable medium of accompaniment can be easily attuned in three months.
MR. BUSHELLE:
The Elocution and Grammatical Construction of the French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese Languages. Italian and English Singing.
Mr. Bushelle, having obtained the second prize for Declamation at the Royal Conservatory of Paris in 1824, and assiduously studied the Languages and Singing during a residence of sixteen years on the Continent and in the Peninsula, respectfully, though confidently, solicits a share of patronage for his system of instruction, tested by many years' experience in the tuition of the leading families of New South Wales;
Any communication left with Mr. Davis, at his Fancy Stationery Warehouse, Elizabeth street, or directed to Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle, 37, Brisbane-street, or Prospect Lodge, Hobart Town, will be promptly attended to.
January 27.
"MR. AND MRS. BUSHELLE'S GRAND CONCERT", Colonial Times (21 February 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8753343
The lovers of good music - and who is not - were gratified last Friday evening with a display of harmony hitherto unrivalled in this colony. Great expectations had been formed as to the abilities of Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle; but, great as they were, they wore amply fulfilled, and those abilities were well exerted to please a very numerous and - for Hobart Town - a fashionable audience. We must introduce the lady first. The characteristics of Mrs. Bushelle's voice are great sweetness and flexibility, with a good compass, her lower notes being full and rich: although not what is called a powerful singer, the melody and expression with which she executes her performances amply compensate for a quality of a more strong but less impressive description. Thus, in her first piece, the trio from Rossini's Maid and Magpie, the exquisite feeling and pathos with which she so melodiously pourtrayed the several emotions which are supposed to conflict her bosom, betokened that Mrs. Bushelle, to her other qualifications, added that most essential requisite of a singer, but especially of a dramatic singer, a feeling in, and sympathy with, the author. Indeed, in all her concerted pieces, Mrs. Bushelle displayed talents and capabilities of a very high order; and although, in one or two instances, the music was rather recherche, yet still the fair songstress carried the attention and delight of the audience with her, and drew down very great applause. Excellent as is Mrs. Bushelle as an operatic singer, her forte, we think, does not lie in that department of the art; this opinion, we conceive, will be borne out by those who heard her "Black eyed Susan," which she sang with an expression we have never witnessed in this colony; the ballad, beautiful in itself, was rendered infinitely more so by Mrs. Bushelle's pathetic, simple, but exquisite performance. Her "Wanted a Governess" was also skilfully given, although in a very different style, amidst the most rapturous applause. We sincerely and heartily welcome Mrs. Bushelle amongst us, and hope to hear her "warblings sweet" again and again. If we might advise, we should recommend Mrs. Bushelle, at her next concert, to select pieces of less difficulty and execution, and to adopt some of the more simple productions of Mozart, Rossini, and other Italian composers, not forgetting our own esteemed masters of the art, whose melodies cling round our memory with the tenacity of old and dear friends. We now come to Mr. Bushelle, and thank him most cordially for a very pleasant evening. Mr. Bushelle is one of the best English Buffo singers we have heard for a long time; his voice is a powerful bass, round, flexible, and agreeable, which all bass voices are not; his enunciation - a great virtue in a Buffo singer - is good and distinct, and it is very clear to perceive that he feels what he sings, and that, therefore, he would constitute an excellent actor. His Largo Factotum, the celebrated Buffo song from Rossini's "II Barbiere di Seviglia," was given with a degree of spirit and vivacity which we have only seen excelled at the Italian Opera; it is an old affair, and has been hammered at by numerous performers, good, bad, and indifferent, but it was so well sung by Mr. Bushelle, as to call for a loud encore, which the singer complied with, and pleasingly varied the performance by an English version of the words, a very pleasant mode of proceeding in such matters, whether legitimate or not; and on another occasion, after singing "Miei Rampolli," and being called upon for a repetition, he treated his audience with a laughable Irish song in the true Hibernian style. In short Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle greatly exerted themselves, and were rewarded by the rapturous plaudits of a very full house. The concert went off remarkably well, and we must not omit to award well-merited praise to our old favourites, who all contributed very materially to the entertainments of the evening. Mrs. Stirling was as sweetly melodious as ever, and Messrs. F. and J. Howson were in excellent voice and humour. "Take now this ring" was beautifully sung by Mrs. Stirling and Mr. J. Howson, and was welcomed with the cordiality due to a favourite. We find we have omitted to mention "The Coronation of Queen Victoria," sung by Mr. Bushelle, with a trombone obligato accompaniment by Mr. J. Howson; if laughter and applause be any test of approbation, of a verity both performers have reason good to be pleased; the concluding "Why weren't you there?" called down shouts of merriment, and many a pretty mouth was relaxed into something more than a genteel smile at this laughter moving song. The orchestra was excellent, and played the various overtures in splendid style; indeed, we rarely witnessed a more harmonious entertainment, harmonious in every way, the performers exerting themselves to please the audience, and the audience willingly testifying their approbation by ready and rapturous applause. We sincerely hope we may have many such Concerts.
"MR. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Courier (24 February 1843), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2953122
At an early hour on Friday evening last, the continued rolling of carriages towards the Victoria Theatre bespoke that the enticing programme - the merits of which had been so liberally discussed during the day - had produced the wonted effect, and at about eight o'clock the interior of the building presented a scene of profitable animation, beyond what could have been anticipated even by Mr. Bushelle's most sanguine well-wishers. So crowded were the boxes, that many of the gentlemen were under the necessity of taking seats in the pit, which was more select on this than on most other occasions. With the overture to "La Gazza Ladra" began the first division of the entertainment. The addition to the theatrical orchestra of several musicians from the 51st band had, it appeared to us, an effect rather prejudicial than otherwise, for though each performer undoubtedly possessed his individual merits, yet, as the augmentation lay principally in the wind instruments, the sounds from which are the most penetrating, it was at times somewhat difficult to trace the leading violin through its various themes. Mr. Deane certainly exerted himself to the utmost, but it is too much to expect a single performer, however great his talent, to resist the drowning of some fifteen others. An equipoise of instruments is one of the main desiderata in this kind of music, though but too often lost sight of when reduced to practice: for instance, in those numerous passages in which the clarionet is made to follow the flute in lower thirds, Serjeant Ravelyn completely overpowers the latter instrument by his unblended strength of tone, whilst Mr. Duly, junior, in each flute solo which falls to his share, exhibits his impression that the more the speed the greater the effect, at times almost transforming an intended andante into an allegro, notwithstanding the numerous checks which we have observed him to receive at the hands of the leader. The trio from Rossini's "Maid and Magpie," certainly introduced Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle to the public in an advantageous light. The lady, in addition to a rich and scopeful tenor [?] voice, possesses a tact which seems rather intuitive than attributable to that practice, without which the powers even of a Malibran would lose a great portion of their merit, when applied to a diversity of compositions. It is evident that for Mrs. Bushelle nature has accomplished much; her range of notes is as extended as the tone peculiar to each is rich and easy. With advantages such as these it may be supposed that the movements best adapted to this singer are of the slow kind. Here the senses revel in a mellowness and accuracy of intonation beyond anything that we have as yet heard in this colony; but when, passing on to accelerated time (where flexibility forms a requisite as imperative as is a proper quality of sound,) Mrs. Bushelle exacts from her voice an execution beyond what her apparently limited degree of exercise will sanction, we found that, almost unobservable though the imperfections may be to a cursory listener, there remained something to be wished for in the shape of clearness. In the higher cadences, some notes of which were, on more than one occasion, sung too flat. Mr. Busheiie's voice partakes rather of the baritone than of the bass; for, though its extent reaches the limits prescribed to the latter, yet, by being forced, the lower notes become deprived of the sonorous tone which forms an enviable characteristic in this singer's middle octave. In the trio above-named he entered well into the spirit of the composition, but appeared certainly more at home in his display of "hate, indignation and fury," than of the tender passion, in his expression of which he seemed led away by an overstretched pantomime, occasionally bordering on the burlesque. Mr. F. Howson, on whom devolved the completion of the trio, did full justice to his part; indeed, the general effect was good throughout. "La Tremenda," from Bellini's "Romeo and Juliet," was, without a doubt, Mrs. Busheiie's best attempt during the evening; she most effectually moulded her voice to the ideas of the composer, and seemed, as her confidence increased, to imbibe a better share of spirit. Her "Wanted a Governess," though most unmeaning os a piece of music, appeared, through the pleasantry of the words, to afford general amusement, and was, rather unconscionably, called for a second time. Mrs. Bushelle good-naturedly complied, though, to all appearance, much fatigued by her long continued exertions, and succeeded in making the most of her task. - We do not remember a greater treat than was afforded by the production of "Black-eyed Susan;" the transitions from the lower to the higher octaves produced an admirable effect, through the clearness with which they were executed, whilst throughout the song all was ease and nature. It is evident from the manner in which Mr. Bushelle disposed of the buffo song, "Lo I the factotum of this gay place I come," that his favourite and best-adapted strain savours of the comic. To a great fluency of tongue and vivacity of style he joins gestures, at times the most ludicrous, whilst his stentorian lungs allow an audible articulation of the words, even in so large a space, without prejudice to the music. Without entering on a seriatim review of the many pieces composing the programme, (the doing which would entail too lengthy a paragraph,) we have noticed the main features which, in our opinion, characterise the merits and demerits of these effective additions to the professionally musical portion of our community. Touching the other vocal performers we shall say but little, as most of the pieces introduced were of those which have on several previous occasions been produced to the public, and met with comments at our hands; the only new ones were "The Land," sung by Mr. F. Howson, in which half the effect was lost through slowness of time during the two first verses, and too great an apathy during the storm imitation. And the "Merry days when we were young," sung by his brother. The latter composition, perhaps too ineffective in so large a space, is not without its merits, and was neatly gone through. As Signor Carandini's powers of vocalism are, if ever they existed, now decidedly bygone, we think he should not again expose himself to the suffering which he evidently underwent whilst singing "Che Veggio," with Mrs. Stirling, nor the public to the painful task of hearing such ineffectual attempts. Mrs. Stirling did not appear to less advantage for being placed in contrast with an imposing rival, for whilst her greater precision in some instances held out an apology for a voice less powerful, we think that no one could have helped noticing the unpretending and good-humoured manner in which she laid herself open to the parallel. To conclude, we have no hesitation in affirming that the entertainment afforded on that evening by far eclipsed any of the sort ever offered within these shores, as well for good order and arrangement as for the general success in the performance, and we rejoice in the knowledge that Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle's labours have not proved fruitless.
Letter, from G. T. W. Boyes, Hobart Town, 9 March 1843, to E. Deas Thomson, Sydney; CS 43/1996 [folded inside 43/5647] (4/2634.2)
[Annotations] 43/1996 - 16th March 1843 / Respecting John Bushelle remaining in Van Diemen's Land / . . . Approved March 16 . . .]
Van Diemens Land / Colonial Secretary's Office / 9th March 1843.
[To] E. Deas Thomson / Colonial Secretary / New South Wales
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you, that the individual named in the margin [John Bushell],
who has been permitted by the Government of New South Wales to proceed to the Colony for six months,
for the purpose of giving Concerts, has applied to be allowed to remain in Van Diemen's Land
until the end of the present year.
As the man in question has, since his arrival, conducted himself in a very orderly manner,
His Excellency Sir John Franklin will have no objection to his remaining in this Colony during
the period he has solicited if His Excellency Sir George Gipps should think proper to approve
of his request being complied with.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant
G. T. W. Boyes
"BUSHELLE'S MUSICAL SOIREES", The Teetotal Advocate (10 April 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228138693
These inimitable vocalists, gave their second Concert on last Thursday. We remarked among the audience at least two-thirds of the families who were present at their first Concert. "The land of the West," - "Away, away to the mountain's brow" - "The Polacca of Bellini," by Mrs. Bushelle, and "My boyhood's home" - "The Buffo song," from Cinderella," and "The Coronation of Queen Victoria," by Mr. Bushelle, have established their claim to the title of the first vocalists of the Southern hemisphere. They give another Concert on Tuesday, the 11th instant, as our readers will perceive by their advertisement in another column. A family ticket, to admit five, only costs one Guinea, and children under twelve pay half price. Nobody ought to miss the opportunity, of hearing them, as no such treat may again present itself.
A burletta in one act, by FOCH [Henry C. O'Flaherty], written expressly for the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney, July 31st 1843
Play submitted for approval by H. C. O'Flaherty. An adaptation of W. T. Moncrieff's Tom and Jerry; or, Life in London (1821); State Archives and Records NSW; play enclosure to CS 43/6965; covering letters with CS 43/6965 in [43/4562.2] (microfilm copy SR Reel 2256; play at [SZ60], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 29); see also Pelosi, Plays submitted for approval
https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Public%20Access/Plays_Submitted_for_Approval.pdf
And see modern edition, in Fotheringham 2006 (ed.), Australian plays for the colonial stage, 73
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=2mIYkb8NaXYC&pg=PA73 (PREVIEW)
[At a meeting of the club] . . . I suppose Joe Bushon is busy tonight and wont be here [;] never mind . . .
This play script, though refused permission for production by the Colonial Secretary on the grounds that it was libellous, briefly mentions both the long since departed William Vincent Wallace, "our Australian Paganini" and his brother-in-law Bushelle, as "Joe Bushon". Fotheringham wonders why Bushelle was not present; the reference was clearly written while he was in Hobart, and before news of his death arrived in Sydney. Fotheringham mistakenly refers to Eliza ["Elizabeth"] as Bushelle's "second" wife.
ASSOCIATIONS: Henry Charles O'Flaherty (writer, musician, actor)
18 July 1843, death of John Bushelle, Hobart Town, VDL (TAS)
Deaths in the district of Hobart, 1843; Tasmanian names index; NAME_INDEXES:1185532; RGD35/1/1 no 1690
https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD35-1-1p184j2k (DIGITISED)
1690 / 18th July / John Bushelle / male / forty eight years / Teacher of Languages / Dropsy / [registered] 21 July
Letter from J. E. Bicheno, Hobart, 19 July 1843, to E. Deas Thomson, Sydney; State Records Authority of NSW, CS 43/5647 (4/2634.2)
[annotations] 43/5647 - 2 August 1843.
Report of death of John Bushelle.]
Van Diemen's land / Colonial Secretary's Office / 19th July 1843.
[To] E. Deas Thomson Esqr. / Colonial Secretary / New South Wales
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 22'd November last,
in which you stated that His Excellency Sir George Gipps had
permitted John Bushelle, holding a Conditional Pardon,
to proceed to Van Diemen's Land for Six months
for the purpose of giving concerts,
I have now the honor to inform you that the man in question
died last night at his residence in Campbell Street, Hobart Town.
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / Your most obedient servant,
J. E. Bicheno
Convict deaths' register, 1843; State Records Authority of NSW
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/8992/images/41787_329128-00023 (PAYWALL)
Bushell John / Phoenix / [buried] 28 July [1843] / v. D. L. / Held C. Pardon
"MR. BUSHELLE", The Courier (21 July 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2952414
It is our painful duty to announce the death, which happened on Wednesday last, of this talented individual, who so recently enlivened the feelings of all who heard him at the concerts yet fresh in the public mind. The late Mr. Bushelle was a man singularly gifted by nature with talents, which, under a prudent restraint in his earlier days, would, doubtless, have placed him in an enviable, if not elevated, sphere. His curtain has fallen to rise no more in this world of mingled woes and joy. We turn with increased sadness to behold the forlorn situation of his widowed wife, who now demands the sympathy, nay, more, the substantial relief, of the public. Already a subscription has been commenced; and with the unostentatious benevolence which seems to characterize this community, been promptly attended to. We hear it is also in contemplation, shortly, to get up a theatrical benefit for Mrs. Bushelle; and we feel quite sure that the services of the whole corps dramatique will be cheerfully yielded to assist the generous efforts made in her behalf.
"DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (3 August 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12420717
At Hobart Town, on Wednesday, July 19, Mr. John Bushelle, recently of Sydney.
"MR. BUSHELLE", The Sydney Morning Herald (4 August 1843), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12420918
Reprints Hobart Courier obituary above
Colonial Secretary, letter no. 43/229 (10 August 1843)
[Unseen . . . reporting John Bushelle's death]
"DIED", Australasian Chronicle (5 August 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31740740
At Hobart Town, on Wednesday, July 19, Mr. John Bushelle, recently of Sydney.
21 August 1843 (postponed from 14 August), benefit for Eliza Bushelle, Royal Victoria Theatre, Hobart
[Advertisement], The Courier [Hobart] (4 August 1843), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2952362
ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE, Campbell Street.
For the BENEFIT of the WIDOW and FAMILY of the late Mr. BUSHELLE.
Mrs. Clarke having kindly offered the use of the Theatre for a Benefit in behalf of the Widow and Family of the Late Mr. Bushelle,
of Sydney, and having tendered gratuitously her valuable services for the occasion,
which has been in the most handsome manner spontaneously responded to by the ladies and gentlemen of the establishment;
the public (whose sympathy is strongly appealed to) are respectfully informed that on
MONDAY, the 14th Instant, A series of Entertainments will be produced,
the particulars of which will be duly announced.
Early application for Boxes is requested to be made at the Theatre.
Tickets may be obtained of Mr. Tegg, Book seller, Elizabeth-street;
Mr. Davis, Stationery Warehouse, Elizabeth-street; Mr. Haynes, Pastry-cook, Murray-street; and at Buckingham House.
[Advertisement], The Courier (18 August 1843), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2952290
"THE THEATRE", Colonial Times (22 August 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8753864
We are happy to announce that the Victoria was literally crammed last night for the benefit of the widow and family of the late Mr. Bushelle. We have not room for particulars, further than to state, that the singing of Mrs. Carandini was of a most superior order, and unexpected as such a treat was, the audience were not more pleased than astonished. We must not omit mentioning a circumstance which does equal credit to the head and the heart of Sir Eardley Wilmot, and will be most gratifying news to the colonists - viz.; that fifty tickets were purchased for the benefit of the widow, by his son, Mr. Wilmot, who was present during the whole of the performance.
"THE THEATRE", The Courier (25 August 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2952270
On Monday evening last, to a crowded house, the benefit of Mrs. Bushelle took place. The first piece, "John of Paris", went off very indifferently. Neither in the incidents or the play itself, the dresses, or the scenery, and, we may add, the performances of the various parts, was there aught to induce us to comment in flattering terms upon its selection. The dances introduced in this piece were certainly pleasing, and tended to relieve the monotony of the whole. Next came the Musical Melange, in which the star was the young debutante, Mrs. Carandini, who, for the first time, appeared on the stage, and if great applause be to her an encouragement to proceed, it will not be the last. Her voice is not only of great compass, but possesses, also, much sweetness - qualities not often combined. Her first song, "Woodman, spare that tree", is more calculated for a baratone [sic] or bass voice than for a female singer. But without further alluding to the taste which dictated its selection, still, as affording an opportunity to judge of the depth of voice, no song, perhaps, for that purpose could have been more happily chosen. Under able tuition, a voice of such compass, uniting with its strength such flexibility and sweetness, could be raised to a high standard of appreciation, and by diligence and patience, by time and favouring circumstance, we may find in Mrs. Carandini a successful rival to any competitors for musical fame, at least in these colonies. An object of equal interest, though of a different nature, was Mrs. Bushelle, who, for the first time since her melancholy bereavement, appeared in her professional capacity. Her first song, "Di tanti palpiti", was probably the favourite with the audience, sung, as it was, with Mrs. Bushelle's accustomed intonation and strict pronunciation. We can scarcely add to the fame of Mrs. Bushelle by speaking of the exquisite execution of the songs by her of that evening; but it must be some source of satisfaction to her to find that the public have sympathised with her distress, and have so substantially manifested their disposition to alleviate it. Too often in the encouragement of talent "the word of promise is kept to the ear but broken to the hope"; but of the taste and generosity of the citizens of Hobart Town it cannot be said that they leave the exercise of such theatrical or musical talent as exists among them unrewarded. The voluntary act of Mrs. Clarke and her company, in extending to Mrs. Bushelle a benefit, shows a spirit of kindly sympathy with a distressed professional which is highly commendable, and at the next season we hope for the increased prosperity of Mrs. Clarke and her well-conducted company.
4 September 1843, general company benefit, Royal Victoria Theatre, Hobart
"THEATRE", The Courier [Hobart] (1 September 1843), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2952217
The Victoria will be opened on Monday evening next for the general benefit of the ladies and gentlemen belonging to that establishment. On this occasion Mrs. Bushelle, who is desirous of making a return to the corps dramatique for their services on a former occasion, and also is about to depart hence for Sydney, will make her farewell appearance . . .
Sydney (September 1843 to March 1847)
13 September 1843, Eliza Bushelle and children, return to Sydney, NSW
"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVED", The Australian (15 September 1843), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37115437
Sept. 13. - The barque Cressy, 720 tons, Mollison, master, from Hobart Town the 6th. instant, with sundries. Passengers: J. Lawrence, Esq., R.N., surgeon. Lieutenant Deering, 99th regiment, Quarter-master Macdonald and family, Mr. Simmons, Mrs. Bushelle and family, fifty rank and file of the 99th regiment, seven women, and four children.
"MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE", The New South Wales magazine 1/11 (November 1843), 634-35
https://www.nla.gov.au/ferguson/13295438/18430000/00010011/51-60.pdf
https://www.nla.gov.au/ferguson/13295438/18430000/00010011/61-70.pdf
5 November 1843, birth of William Benjaming Bushelle, Sydney, NSW
Bushelle William B NSW BDM 608/1843 V1843608 134
"BIRTHS", The Australian (11 November 1843), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37118427
On Sunday the 5th instant, Mrs. Bushelle of a son.
1844
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1844:
1845
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1845:
27 January 1845, death of William Benjamin Bushelle, Sydney, NSW
Bushell William BDM NSW 21/1845 V184521 115
"DIED", The Australian (28 January 1845), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37155761
BUSHELLE, William Benjamin, youngest son of the late Mr. John Bushelle, on the 27th instant, aged fifteen months, after four months illness, at the residence of his mother, 213, Castlereagh-street, Sydney.
17 September 1845, John Philip Deane's concert, Royal Hotel, Sydney
[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (15 September 1845), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12882167
ROYAL HOTEL. CONCERT. MR. DEANE begs most respectfully to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Sydney and its vicinity, that he intends giving a CONCERT OF VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC At the Royal Hotel, George-street, on WEDNESDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER, 1845 . . . PART II . . . 6. "The Gondolier's Song," (composed by Mrs. Bushelle). Mrs. Bushelle . . .
1846
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1846:
1847
For all TROVE tagged Eliza Wallace Bushelle for 1847:
27 March 1847, farewell performance
"THE VICTORIA", The Australian (27 March 1847), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37129077
This evening, in addition to the performances previously announced, the lovers of a good song, will have an opportunity, for the last time, of hearing Mrs. Bushelle in Sydney, her departure for England being fixed to take place in the Walmer Castle; Mrs. B. is to sing three of her best songs, - The Land of the West; Black Ey'd Susan; and, Now with Grief no longer bending. Her brother, Mr. S. W. Wallace, who sails in company with his sister, is also to perform on his violin for the last time. The piece he has selected for the occasion is the Solo, - Le Romantique. We may here state the circumstance of Mr. Wallace having been called upon by the audience on Thursday evening, to favor them with a farewell solo on his flute, to which solicitation he responded by giving a few of his best fantasia flourishes, introducing Auld Robin Gray, and the Coolun, and closing with, The Girl I've left behind me.
27 March 1846, departure of Eliza Wallace Bushelle "and child" (?), and Spencer Wellington Wallace, for London
"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE", The Australian (25 March 1847), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37127190
VESSELS FOR LONDON. . . . The Walmer Castle will clear at the Customs this day or tomorrow, and sail positively on Saturday morning. The following are the names of her passengers: - Cabin - Sir Thomas Mitchell, Mr. Tooth, Mr. J. Mackintosh, Mr. S. Spyer, Rev. Mr. Scanlan . . .; Intermediate - Mr. Wallace, Mrs. Bushelle and child, Mrs. Davis, and Miss Bayley; Steerage - . . .
"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE", The Australian (30 March 1847), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37127860
SAILED. MARCH 27. - The ship WALMER CASTLE . . ..
Australia (1847-1863)
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales, In Equity, In the matter of John Butler Bushelle an Infant, Petition of Mrs. Cruickshank for the appointment of A. T. Holroyd Esq. as Guardian; State Records Authority of NSW
[date on wrapper] 28 Sept. 1853
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales,
In Equity
In the matter of John Butler Bushelle an Infant
To the Honorable Sir Alfred Stephen Knight, and the Honorable John Nodes Dickenson and Roger Therry, Chief Justice, and Puisne Judges, of the said Court
The Humble Petition of Zophielle Cruickshank, the wife of William Cruickshank, on behalf of the said infant
Sheweth,
That John Bushelle the father of the said infant died at Hobart Town in the Colony of Van Diemen's Land on or about the nineteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty three leaving Elizabeth Bushelle his widow and two infant sons, that is to say the said John Butler Bushelle and Tobias Bushelle him surviving.
That the said Elizabeth Bushelle [1v] left this Colony for England some time in the commencement of the year one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, leaving the said infant John Butler Bushelle with your Petitioner and the said Infant Tobias Bushelle with Mr. Timothy Marr of Sydney.
That the said William Cruickshank, the husband of your petitioner, left this colony on or about the month of January one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
That the said John Butler Bushelle has been residing with your Petitioner ever since the departure of his said Mother from the said Colony and has been maintained, clothed and educated by her and at her sole expense.
That Your Petitioner has heard nothing of the said Elizabeth Bushelle, the mother of the said Infants, for six or seven years last past.
That the said John Butler Bushelle attained the age of thirteen Years in or about the month of March last.
[2r] That Your Petitioner has obtained for the said Infant John Butler Bushelle a situation under Mr. William Weare Davis, the Government printer, and that it is requisite and necessary that the said infant should be apprenticed to the said William Weare Davis until he shall attain the age of Eighteen Years.
Your Petitioner has been advised that it is requisite and necessary that a Guardian should be appointed for the purpose of apprenticing the said Infant and Arthur Todd Holroyd Esq., Barrister at Law, has consented to act as such Guardian if approved of by this Honorable Court.
Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays this Honorable Court will appoint the said Arthur Todd Holroyd Esquire or some other fit and proper person to be Guardian of [2v] the estate and person of the said Infant John Butler Bushelle, and that your honors will make such further or other order in the premises as to your Honors shall seem meet.
And Your Petitioner will ever truly be
[signed] Z. Cruikshank
William Teale
Solicitor for the Petitioner
ASSOCIATIONS: William and Zophielle Cruikshank
Europe and America (1847-1863)
"MISCELLANEOUS", The Musical World (18 September 1847), 609
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=FJMPAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA609
MR. W. VINCENT WALLACE the favourite composer, returned from Vienna the week before last to London, to take back with him his sister, a soprano of great promise, who has been singing in Southern America with immense effect. Mr. Wallace, who had gone to the Austrian capital to prepare his opera of Matilda of Hungary, about to be produced at the Imperial Theatre, and was very busy in the arrangements required for the transferring of his last operatic work from the English to the German boards, no sooner heard of his sister's arrival in London, than he hastened to meet her and take her back with him to Vienna. Miss Wallace will appear as principal soprano in Mendelssohn's Elijah about to be produced in Vienna.
"MUSICAL", Hampshire Advertiser (20 November 1847), 2 [reprinted from The Musical World]
Wallace's opera of Maritana is about to be produced at Vienna, the principal parts sustained by Mdlle. Meyer (a pupil of Mendelsshon), Mdlle. Helreih, Herren Relscehsky and Staudigl. The composer has written a new scena and chorus for the last act, of which report speaks highly. Miss Wallace, the composer's sister, has made a great impression on the Viennoise, and is expressly engaged to sing at a grand concert before the Emperor and the Court. She is also engaged to sing at a concert to be given on the 8th of December, by the Brothers Helmesberger, the violinists; and subsequently at Parish Alvars's concert. She is next engaged to lend her vocal aid to a concert about to be given by Madam Schutz Oldose, prima donna to the Court of Austria; and finally purposes giving a concert on her own account.
1848
"SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY", The Musical World (12 February 1848), 107
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA107
We observe that after a long interval, occasioned we understand by some points of difference between Mr. Surman, the conductor, and the Committee, the concerts of this Society recommence on Thursday next, with Haydn's Creation. Miss Wallace, who is engaged as soprano, is sister to Mr. Wallace the composer of Maritana, and has sung, we are informed, very successfully in various parts of the Continent, gaining laurels, especially in the severer school of German vocalization. This will be her first appearance before an English audience, and a decided hit is anticipated.
"MUSIC AND THE DRAMA", The Athenaueum (19 February 1848), 196
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KJVHAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA196
. . . we turn with pleasure to speak of the appearance of Miss Wallace, (sister of the composer), who sang, for the first time, in "The Creation," on Thursday. This lady has a good soprano voice, - powerful and rich rather than flexible. But her obvious timidity makes it desirable that she should be "remanded" for a future hearing ere the Critic pronounce a final opinion on her "present state and future prospects."
"MRS. BUSHELLE", The Sydney Morning Herald (29 February 1848), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12897159
Our celebrated songstress (Mrs. Bushelle) is about starring it on the Continent, by the following extract from the Musical World of a recent date. Mrs. B. makes her debut in her maiden name (Miss Wallace), and comes from South America! "Mr. W. V. Wallace, the favourite composer, returned from Vienna last week to London, to take back with him his sister, Miss Wallace, a soprano of great promise, who has been singing in South America with great effect. Mr. Wallace had gone to the Austrian capital to prepare his opera of 'Matilda of Hungary,' to be produced at the Imperial Theatre, and was very busy in the arrangements required for the transferring of his last operatic work from the English to the German boards, and no sooner heard of his sister's arrival in London than he hastened to meet her and take her to Vienna. Miss Wallace will appear as principal soprano in Mendellsohn's 'Elijah,' about to be produced in Vienna." Another London paper also says, "A sister of W. V. Wallace, the composer, is shortly to make her debut at Vienna. She is said to have a wonderful organ."
"MR. WILLY'S QUARTET CONCERT", The Musical World (3 March 1848), 151
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA151
The concert of this talented violinist should have occupied a place in our columns before this, but for the unavoidable interruptions which pertain to all weekly journals, especially to one constituted like ours, and over which we possess hardly any controul. Mr. Willy's concert took place on the 23rd ult., at Erard's Harp Rooms, Berner's Street . . . Miss Wallace's vocalisation was a masterpiece of art. Handel's song ["Comfort ye my people", and "Every valley"], though written for a tenor, afforded Miss Wallace scope to exhibit the unusual compass of her voice and display its quality and tone to great advantage; while in the recitative we had an admirable foretaste of those declamatory powers, which we feel assured will render the fair artiste one of the brightest ornaments of the English stage. Miss Wallace was accompanied on the pianoforte by her accomplished brother, Vincent Wallace - need we say with what effect . . .
"M. THALBERG'S [CONCERT]", The Musical World (11 March 1848), 170
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA170
Exeter Hall was crowded to excess on Monday evening, M. Thalberg having announced his concert to take place, and it being the first appearance of the celebrated pianist these three years . . . Miss Wallace, in "Black-eyed Susan," showed herself no less competent to interpret simple strains with purity and truthfulness, than to express the classical with vigor and power . . .
"MRS. ANDERSON'S CONCERT", The Musical World (3 June 1848), 360-61
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA360
. . . [361] . . . ["Qui la voce", Bellini] . . . Miss Wallace's splendid soprano voice was heard to great advantage in Grisi's air from Puritani. This lady is undoubtedly an admirable artist, and has a very superior style. We hope ere long to have the pleasure of recording her triumphant success on the stage . . .
"MRS. BUSHELLE", The Sydney Morning Herald (15 June 1848), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12909075
This vocalist is, in the Observer newspaper, of the 13th February, announced, under the name of Miss Wallace, to sing on the 19th of that month in Handel's [sic] Oratorio of "The Creation" at one of the Sacred Harmonic Society's concerts.
"MESSRS. HENRY AND RICHARD BLAGROVE'S . . .", The Musical World (15 July 1848), 461
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA461
. . . ["Though clouds by tempests" Der Freischutz] . . . Weber's romance was sung by Miss Wallace with fervid expression.
"CONCERTS", The Musical World (5 August 1848), 525
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA525
Mr. H. J. St. Leger gave a Soiree Musicale on Monday, at 15, Saville Row, the residence of James Yeareley, Esq., which was well attended . . . Among the vocalists were Madame Sabatier, the Misses Emma, Rosina, and Victoria Collins, Miss Dulacher, Miss Bassano, Mr. T. Williams, and the Signori Gardoni and Coletti; and among the instrumentalists, Mademoiselle Hélene Stoepel (piano) . . . Mr. Vincent Wallace (piano), and M. Remusat (flute) . . . Miss Wallace sang "Qui la voce," and produced a great effect by the ease with which she overcame the bravura passages, and the delicacy with which she delivered the piano phrases. Miss Wallace has a soprano voice of power and clearness, and is altogether an accomplished vocalist.
"THEATRE ROYAL, CONVENT GARDEN", The Musical World (30 September 1848), 625
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA625
Mr. Bunn has published his prospectus, and certainly a formidable array of talent is presented therein. The prospectus begins by stating that "the theatre will open for the usual winter season on Saturday, October 7th". . . Among the soprani we have the following names: - Mdlle. Nissen, Miss Romer, Miss Wallace, Miss Nelson, Miss Messent, and Madame Stoltz . . . Miss Wallace is sister to Mr. Vincent Wallace, the composer, and will make her first appearance on the English stage. This lady has already won our high regards as a brilliant concert room singer, and we have on several occasions borne testimony to her excellence as a vocalist. She has a fine toned, clear soprano voice, with a rich middle voice, a rare addition to a high soprano, and which has apparently been carefully trained and cultivated. From what we were enabled to judge of Miss Wallace in a concert-room, we are inclined to think she will prove greatly successful on the stage. Mr. Bunn displayed his usual operatic tact in engaging the services of Miss Wallace . . .
"THEATRE ROYAL COVENT GARDEN", Morning Post (10 October 1848), 3
THEATRE ROYAL COVENT GARDEN . . . The opera selected for the occasion was Vincent Wallace's popular Maritana, in which his sister, Miss Wallace, made her debut in the character of the Zingara maiden. This lady has been heard at several concerts with good approbation, and great hope was entertained that she would prove an efficient prima donna. Her voice is a mezzo-soprano of good quality and ample range, reaching from D below the line to F in alt. Her execution is facile, and her divisions managed with clearness, but she lacks ai present brilliancy and spontaneity. At moments her intonation seemed to suffer from the nervousness consequent upon a first appearance before a strange audience. She acted with considerable self-possession, but wants the grace of action and of movement which stage habit can alone impart. Her reception was exceedingly genial, and considerable applause attended her exertions during the course of the opera. The pretty air, "Scenes that are brightest," and the final rondo were encored . . .
"COVENT GARDEN THEATER", Evening Mail (11 October 1848), 1
The English opera season commenced last night [Monday 9th], with Mr. Wallace's Maritana, one of the most popular productions during Mr. Bunn's management of Drury-lane. The most interesting circumstance on the occasion was the debut of Miss Wallace, the composer's sister, who, though she has sung at concerts, is entirely new to the stage. Her voice is not very flexible, but it is of good quality in the middle and lower regions, while the upper notes are not always reached without an effort that compromises intonation. Her execution is generally neat, and within what seems to be the natural compass of her voice she is agreeable vocalist. Her aria in the third act, "Scenes that are brightest," and her finale were both encored, the latter, however, not without an opposition, which nearly ended in a disturbance. The partisans of the encore were a decided majority, and succeeded in bringing Miss Wallace before the curtain amid loud acclamations. Another debutante was Miss Nelson, daughter of the popular composer, who appeared in the small but effective character of Lazarillo . . .
"COVENT GARDEN", The Athenaueum (14 October 1848), 1034
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KJVHAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA1034
. . . There have been sundry débuts this week . . . That of Miss Wallace in "Maritana" must be laid by for further consideration . . .
"THE THEATRES. COVENT-GARDEN", Illustrated London News (14 October 1848), 10
. . . On Monday, it was Miss Wallace who came for the first time on the English stage as Maritana; and Miss Eliza Nelson as Lazarillo, the part formerly sustained by Miss Poole. No vocalist ever presented herself with greater sympathy in her behalf than Miss Wallace. As the sister of the composer who has given to the world one of the most charming operas ever written, there was an evident anxiety that her success should be decided; but at the end of the opera, after making every allowance for the nervousness of a début, there could be but one opinion, namely, that the attempt was a mistake. Between room singing and stage singing there is a notable difference; but it is inconceivable to us, how, for one moment, it could have been imagined that she possessed qualifications to take the lead as a prima donna. Miss Eliza Nelson is very young, very pretty, very timid, and very awkward, but she has a mezzosoprano voice, the lower notes of which are good, and there is some promise about her . . .
ASSOCATIONS: Eliza Nelson, daughter of Sidney Nelson, later in Australia as Mrs. H. T. Craven
"THE DRAMA. COVENT-GARDEN", Bell's New Weekly Messenger (15 October 1848), 5
. . . the opening opera was not one of those well calculated to display the great resources of the theatre as at present constituted. The Maritana of Wallace, though embracing some charming melodies and excellent instrumentation, is more adapted a small than a large theatre, from its paucity of grand concerted pieces and chorusses; still the agreeable romanza, "Pretty Gitana;" the graceful air, "There is a flower that bloometh;" the martial strain, "Let like a soldier fall;" "Scenes that are brightest;" the quaint and pretty "Turn on, old Time" and the fanciful "'Tis the harp in the air," will always be to certain extent popular . . . Miss Wallace, the debutante of the evening, is a sister of the composer, and her voice is a mezzo soprano ranging perhaps from C to C, the upper notes being the worst, and the lower notes moderately firm and good; like most mezzo sopranos forced into the soprano range, the upper notes ate not very agreeable: her execution is, at the same time, very uncertain, her intonation being frequently deficient, and her style might be improved; so that, although she won an encore in "Scenes that are brightest," and also in the finale, still there was nothing to found any decided success upon, and she has much to learn before ahe can look forward to any great decree of popularity . . .
"COVENT GARDEN", The Newspaper (21 October 1848), 344
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=Ygs-AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA344
THIS theatre was opened on Monday week by Mr. Bunn, who has taken it for the purpose of making another experiment in "Opera," with the aid of the "Royal Italian" musical staff. The pieces presented on Monday were Mr. Wallace's "Maritana" and the ballet of the "Amazons." The opera was performed in many important respects with the same cast with which it was originally produced in 1845, viz., Mr. Berrani as Charles II of Spain, Mr. Harrison as Don Caesar de Bazan, and Mr. H. Phillips as Don Jose. The part of Maritana, originally performed by Miss Romer, was on this occasion the medium of introducing for the first time Miss Wallace, the sister of the composer . . .
"MUSIC AT BRIGHTON", The Musical World (4 November 1848), 717
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_PksAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA717
A Capital and well-ordered Concert took place at the Town Hall on Wednesday, October the 25th, which was fashionably attended. The singers were Miss Wallace, sister the popular composer, Miss Kell, Herr Muller, Herr Goldberg, and Herr Wehle . . . Miss Wallace sang Bellini's "Qui la voce," with considerable brilliancy and produced a great effect on her hearers. She was equally happy in "Scenes that are brightest;" which won a deserved encore. A song, and a pretty one, too, composed expressly for her by Herr Schmidt, (with horn obligate) by Jarrett, was immensely applauded. Miss Wallace has made a highly successful debut at Brighton . . .
"MRS. BUSHELLE", The Melbourne Daily News (29 November 1848), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225706720
"Mrs. Bushelle", Bathurst Advocate (2 December 1848), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62044969
The following is extracted from the Musical World:
Exeter Hall. - Haydn's Oratio [sic], The Creation, was performed on Thursday evening by the Harmonic Society. The performance was in every degree excellent. The great novelty of the evening was the appearance of Miss Wallace, sister to the popular composer, Vincent Wallace, who made a decided hit. This young lady has been for some years in Austral! where she created an extraordinary sensation, singing in all the favourite operas of the modern school. We are not much inclined to subscribe to transatlantic opinions on the merits of an artist; we must, however, acknowledge the truth of the American! reports in the present instance. Miss Wallace is really a true artist. She has a splendid soprano voice, clear, brilliant, powerful and flexible, and sings with irreproachable taste and judgment. Her voice, too, has considerable compass, and may be said to unite the two registers of soprano and mezzo soprano. Miss Wallace, we understand, is a first-rate dramatic artist. We are not unwilling to give credit to this, as the criticisms we have read in the journals of her vocal powers are by no means overrated. Miss Wallace made the greatest hit we have witnessed for many years at Exeter Hall. In her first song, "The Marvellous Work" she was enthusiastically cheered, the whole audience being driven from their propriety to give vent to their feelings in the heartiest applause. "With Verdure clad" was deliciously given, and again called for the loudest demonstrations of the audience. Her singing this most exquisite air proved beyond all doubt her musical feeling, as well as her musical powers. It was worthy of the greatest vocalist. Miss Wallace achieved a triumphant success; and the Sacred Harmonic Society may rejoice at having found so rare and gifted a songstress to fill the part of first soprano. But, according to all accounts, the arena on which Miss Wallace is to achieve her greatest fame will, be the stage. We have immense hopes of of Miss Wallace's dramatic success from what we heard on Thursday evening. There is much in her singing that evidences a fitness for the stage. Her face and figure are also in her favour; the one having much expression the other much grace. We shall be delighted to see Miss Wallace make her debut in opera. The principal vocalists engaged with Miss Wallace were Messrs. Lockey, H. Phillips, and Leffler, all of whom acquitted themselves to admiration, Mr. Lockey especially, on whom the most onerous portion of the vocal music devolved, Mr. Tolbecque led the band, and Mr. Miller presided at the organ. Mr. Perry appeared for the first time as conducter. At the beginning of the evening there were loud cries for Mr. Surman, the late conductor, which, however, were instantly quelled. - [We hope the editors skill exceeds his knowledge of geography: we should like to see the American reports of Miss Wallace's performances in "Austral."]
1849
"LONDON THEATRICALS", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (17 February 1849), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59768500
After the flattering opinions which we have read in the English Press respecting the musical abilities of Mrs. Bushelle (once again Miss Wallace) we were extremely surprised to find this piece of criticism in the "John Bull" of the 14th October . . .:
. . . [Mr. Bunn] opened with Wallace's 'Maritana', an opera of some merit certainly, but so hackneyed and threadbare as to have lost all its attraction. There was, consequently, a very indifferent house; and the audience did not find the triteness of the piece relieved by its manner of performance. The character of the heroine, which formerly belonged to Miss Romer, was given to Miss Wallace, a debutante, whose appearance was all but a failure. As an actress her qualities amounted to "nil;" her voice, naturally good, was unformed; and her execution distressingly imperfect and uncertain . . .
"MRS. BUSHELLE", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (24 February 1849), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article705248
Covent Garden - that palace of a theatre - was opened on Monday evening, October 8th, by Mr. Bunn, for English opera and ballet. "Maritana" was judiciously chosen for the début of Miss Wallace, who, although possessing many of the requisites for a first-rate singer, is deficient in soul. The word may be deemed indefinite by some, when presented to the eye, but will be felt as a truth by all who heard the debutante. At the same time first appearance may be completely over-ruled by further presentations and more familiarity with a London audience. - Lady's Magazine.
[3 mentions], The Athenaeum (26 May 1849), 552
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=NopUAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA552
"MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTS", The Dramatic and Musical Review (16 June 1849), 187-88
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=tRcOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA187
Miss MESSENT gave a morning concert, under the most distinguished patronage, on the 31st ult. The programme was most unexceptionable - several of the celebrities of the season, and a number of select vocalists, were its exponents. Mr. Sims Reeves, Herr Pischek, Messrs. Burdini, Bodda, Herbert, Miss Lucombe, the Misses Pyne, Miss Dolby, Miss Wallace, Madlle. Nissen, Miss Kate Loder, Mr. Rockstro, and M. Sainton. The clever and accomplished beneficiaire gave "Se crudeie" in an artistical and unexceptionable style; she was encored in a duet with Pischek. Mons. Sprenger and Mr. W. V. Wallace were the accompanyists.
At Willis's Rooms, on Friday, the 8th, Mr. Frank Bodda gave a soiree musicals, under distinguished patronage. The Misses Pyne, Miss Birch, Miss Messent, Miss Bassano, Miss Wallace, Madlles. Nissen and Graumann, Miss Kate Loder, and Madame Goftrie; Messrs. Bodda, Ciabatta, Cellini, Brandt, Chatterton, and Jewson, most effectually carried out a somewhat [188] lengthy programme, in which it is regretted room could only be found for the works of two English composers. The beautiful trio, "Remorse and dishonour," from Wallace's opera of "Maritana," was well sung by Miss Wallace, Herr Brandt, and Frank Bodda, and highly appreciated . . . The room was crowded.
"MUSIC. CONCERTS", The Illustrated London News (21 July 1849), 42
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KtBCAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA42
M. de Kontski, the violinist, gave a matinée musicale, on Monday, at Mdme. Dulcken's residence in Harley-street . . . Mdlle. de Meric, one of the most beautiful contraltos now on the stage, Miss Wallace, who shines in a concertroom, Signori Gardoni, Tagliafico, and Tamburini, were the vocalists.
Madame de Lozano, an accomplished vocalist, particularly in the airs of her native country, Spain, gave her annual concert, on Monday, at the Hanover Rooms, assisted by Madame Annette Lebrun, Mdlle. Graumann, Miss Wallace, Miss Andrews, Madame Lemaire, Herr Schönhoff, Mr. Malwatsch, &c. Benedict, Wallace, and Pilotti were the conductors.
Miss Wallace, the sister of Vincent Wallace, the composer, has given a matinée musicale at the Beethoven Rooms, assisted by the Misses A. and M. Williams, Bassano, Messent, Lucombe, Messrs. Reeves, Lockey, Herr Schönhoff, and Herr Formes; with Mdlle. Stöpel, Madame Goffrie, and Mr. Wallace, as pianists; M. de Kontski, as violinist; and Mr. Jarret, horn, solo instrumentalists; and Lavenu and Signor Orsini, conductors. Miss Wallace is heard to the greatest advantage as a concert-room singer.
ASSOCIATIONS: Lewis Henry Lavenu (conductor)
"MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTS", The Dramatic and Musical Review (September 1849), 235
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=tRcOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA235
Miss HENRIETTA DAVISON's soiree musicale was held on the 30th ult., at Blagrove's Rooms, Mortimer-street, in the presence of a well-filled room. She was assisted by Miss Wallace and Madame Oswald; Messrs. T. Williams, E. Hart, Schiinhoff, Muller, Gollmick (piano), Lidle (violoncello), R. Blagrove (concertina), and H. Blagrove (violin). Miss Davison is a vocalist of ability; her singing is marked by taste and expression; she introduced two ballads by Lachner and Krebs, and assisted in Barnett's exquisite trio, "This magic-wove scarf." Miss Wallace gave the Page's opening song, from "The Huguenots," with dramatic effect . . .
"MRS. BUSHELLE", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (8 December 1849), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59769889
The admirers of this clever artiste will be glad to hear of her steady and successful progress in London. By lately received papers we find that she gave a grand concert at the Beethoven Rooms, Harley-street, in July last. A numerous and fashionable audience attended; and Mrs. Bushelle was assisted by the chief vocal and instrumental performers of the season. The leading journals speak in high terms of the whole arrangements.
USA from 1850
Madame Wallace Bouchelle, New York, c. 1850; lithograph by Francis D'Avignon (1813-1861) after a daguerreotype by Philip Haas
1850
District of New York, Port of New York, 18 May 1850 . . . manifest of all the passengers taken of board the bark Kathleen . . . from Rio de Janiero
Mad. E. Wallace Bushelle / 26 / Female / Artist / Great Britain / . . .
Miss Helena Stoepel / 21 / Female / Pianist / Germany . . .
[15 June 1850], Vera Brodsky Lawrence, Strong on music 2: reverberations, 1850-1856, 106
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA106 (PREVIEW)
1851
"GRAND CONCERT OF W. VINCENT WALLACE", The Evening Post [New York] (18 April 1851), 2
We call the attention of our readers to the programme of the forthcoming Grand Concert of the eminent composer, violinist and pianist, W. Vincent Wallace. It is one of the most attractive, in every respect, that we have seen for a long time; there is nothing poor in it; the music is good, and the classical selections of the very highest character. Wallace himself, is a universal favorite in this city, and is looked upon as among the greatest players of the age. This, his first appearance in six years, will assuredly be a triumph. Madame Bouchelle also, it is believed, will at once take first rank among vocalists. There seems to be no difference of opinion respecting her talents . . .
[22 April 1851]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 182
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA182 (PREVIEW)
[26 April 1851]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 148
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA148 (PREVIEW)
"MUSIC", The Literary World (3 May 1851), 360
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=rDsZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA360
. . . the concert given by W. V. Wallace last week at Tripler Hall, made quite an event for the time being. Though consisting almost entirely of the composer's productions, the programme was interesting, as it included also a genuine pleasure for the lovers of classical music, viz. Spohr's Double Quartet. This exquisite composition was, however, only partially given, commencing with the lovely slow movement, but it was very well played by Mr. Wallace and his assistants, and formed, therefore, the greatest attraction of the evening. Madame Bouchelle, a lady who sings ballads with some taste, and clearness, was the principal vocalist.
[EWB concert, Chinese Rooms, New York, 10 June 1851]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 183
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA183
. . . "Cradle Song" [Wallace] . . . was one of the sweetest things we have ever listened to. It touched the maternal bosom in a tender place, and made many a mother's eye glisten with emotion . . . (Mirror, 11 June 1851)
Cradle song [Sweet and low], as sung by Madame E. Wallace Bushelle, words by Alfred Tennyson; music by W. Vincent Wallace
(New York: William Hall & Son, [1851])
http://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/066/029
[25 June 1851]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 144
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA144 (PREVIEW)
"ORATORIO OF ELIJAH", The Literary World (5 July 1851), 13
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=rnNPAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA13
It was our good fortune to be present on Wednesday evening at the performance by the New York Harmonic Society of this celebrated Oratorio . . . The principal solo parts were sustained by Madame E. Wallace Bouchelle, Miss Leach, and Messrs. Leach and Arthurson . . .
[29 November 1851]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 204
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA204 (PREVIEW)
1852
[28 February 1852]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 239
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA239 (PREVIEW)
[1 March 1852]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 310
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA310 (PREVIEW)
[16 March 1852]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 303
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA303 (PREVIEW)
"Music in New York", Dwight's Journal of Music (22 May 1852), 53
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gG4-AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA53
. . . A complimentary concert to a very deserving artist - the Contra-bassist CASOLANI - filled Niblo's saloon one evening and deployed a host of various talent . . . Young BBAHAM sang several of his English ballad-songs with good effect. But Madame BOUCHELLE - forgetting who had sung before her, and how - ventured upon Casta Diva. Madame Bouchelle is not equal to Casta Diva. It is a very remarkable fact, if she does not know it; and if she does, her singing it is the more remarkable. It is to be said, however, that she was disappointed in the presence of an artist who was to assist her, and was therefore obliged to substitute the Aria for the song allotted her. But it was a great error of judgment to select Casta Diva . . .
[29 May 1852]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 251
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA251 (PREVIEW)
The men of the time; or, Sketches of living notables (New York: Redfield, 1852), 523
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=nLBRH5ADiEAC&pg=PA523
WALLACE, WILLIAM VINCENT . . . His sister, Madame Bouchelle, is a soprano singer of considerable celebrity.
1853
[19 January 1853]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 332
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA332 (PREVIEW)
"Musical Matters", The Musical World (5 February 1853), 81
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=YVVGAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA81
New York. - Private Charity Concert. A most laudable enterprise on the part of the ladies of New York, was successfully accomplished in the charity concert at Niblo's Saloon last Saturday evening, at which Madame Sontag was the presiding spirit of melody . . . a house was secured in the First Avenue, near 14th street, where such destitute persons could be accommodated, and supplied with work . . . In aid of this project, then, application was made to the charitable heart of Madame Sontag, who, in connection with Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Vincent Wallace (the latter as accomplished an artiste as her husband is a composer) their sister Madame Bouchelle, Madame Pico Vietti, Signor Rocco, Mr. Frazier and Mr. Eben, composed the attractive list of performers . . .
1854
"Musical Intelligence. DOMESTIC", New York Weekly Review (30 March 1854), 106
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=m-4qAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA106
NEW-YORK. ALMOST nothing has transpired since our last. Two or three complimentary concerts have been given, one of the most successful of which occurred last week at Niblo's Saloon, in honor of Madame BOUCHELLE, sister of W. V. WALLACE, and at which both the eminent composer and his wife, together with other artists, assisted. Notwithstanding the prevalence of a March storm at the time, the hall was filled with a brilliant and enthusiastic auditory. The piano-forte duet, performed by Mr. and Mrs. Wallace was greeted by the wildest demonstrations of delight, as was also Wallace's Second Concert Polka. Altogether, the affair was highly creditable, both to the assistant performers and the fair beneficiary of the evening.
[Concert, in aid of a "Destitute Family", Stuyvesant Institute, 28 January 1854]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 497
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA497 (PREVIEW)
Mrs. Bostwick, EWB, Caroline Lehmann, and members of the Grisi-Mario Opera Company
[Concert, ladies of Calvary Church tribute to Madame Wallace Bushelle, Niblo's Salon, 22 March 1854]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 498
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA498 (PREVIEW)
EWB was the solo soprano of Calvary Church (Fourth Avenue, between 21st and 22nd Streets); WVW appeared; and his brother-in-law Frank Stoepel sang a ballad composed by EWB
Louis Jullien's concert, The Tabernacle, New York, 3 May 1854; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 510
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA501 (PREVIEW)
Benefit for the New York Fire Department; as well as EWB, assisted by Mrs. Chrome, Miss Behrend, and Paul Jullien
"The Musical Congress in New York", Dwight's Journal of Music (24 June 1854), (8)-9
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=iYpMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR34
The Crystal Palace, last week, was the scene of a remarkable event. It was our good fortune to be present, and we shall treasure the recollection among our most gratifying musical experiences. The opening Concert of Thursday evening, which was the "Congress" par excellence and the only one that we attended, was indeed a wonderful combination of a magnificent spectacle, of the ne plus ultra of Jullien-Barnum clap-trap, and of sublime musical effects, such as have never before been listened to on this side of the Atlantic . . .
See also Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 462, 469
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA462 (PREVIEW)
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA469 (PREVIEW)
"Public Amusements", The Courier [Hobart, TAS] (6 October 1854), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2240661
AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE WITH A NEW NAME. - We observe by the New York papers that Mrs. Bushel [Bushelle] (formerly of Sydney), sister to Mr. V. Wallace, is singing in America, under the name of Madame Wallace Bouchelle.
"New York", Dwight's Journal of Music (14 October 1854), 14
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=X4I_AAAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PA14
Mr. APTOMMAS gave a Harp Soirée last evening in Dodsworth's Hall, assistsed by Mme. WALLACE BOUCHELLE, and Messrs. TIMMS and ALLAN DODSOWRTH.
[Concert, benefit for St. Stephen's Church, Academy of Music, 14 December 1854; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 497
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA497 (PREVIEW)
1855
[Concert, Dodsworth's Rooms, New York, Saturday 22 December 1855]
"MUSICAL GOSSIP", Music Review and Gazette (15 December 1855), 414
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=pGcPAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA414
Mr. EISFELD will give his second soiree at Dodworth's on Saturday evening, assisted by Mr. H. C. Timm and Mad. Wallace Bouchelle. Mad. Bouchelle will sing an aria by Mozart, and a ballad by Mr. Eisfeld . . .
"MUSICAL", The Criterion (22 December 1855), 123
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=vY4eAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA123
Theodore Eisfeld, as the lovers of classical music in this city are well aware, is giving a series of musical soirees in the comfortable saloon of Dodworth's Academy in Broadway. Saturday night it rained, and it was foggy, and it was damp, and generally uncomfortable, but notwithstanding, the second soiree of the season was well attended by perhaps the most truly refined and intellectual audience in the city. There were no snobs present; white kids were ignored; every one there came to listen, and it was an agreeable contrast to the whispering and giggling that is continually going on during the Academy of Music performances, to note the rapt attention, and delighted silence of Mr. Eisfeld's audiences . . . The vocalist of the evening was Mrs. Wallace Bouchelle, who song a recitative and aria of Mozart's, "Ch'io mi scordi di te," and a ballad composed by Mr. Eisfeld. This lady has a powerful voice, the lower notes being very full and agreeable, but the upper register is harsh and unpleasant. The aria of Mozart was an ambitious attempt, and somewhat beyond the capabilities of the performer, but in the ballad of Mr. Eisfeld's ["O come to me my darling love"] she sang with great taste and expression, and was much applauded . . .
[Concert, Dodsworth's Rooms, New York, 16 May 1856]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 784
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA784 (PREVIEW)
Concert at Dodsworth's Rooms, with E. Wallace-Boushelle, Richard Hoffman, Karl Wels, T. F. Bassford, and Emilio Halma; in part 1 EWB sang Grand scene from Der Freischütz (Weber), and song "Go, go, thou restless wind (Wallace); and in part 2, song "The rapture dwelling" (Balfe) . . .
[Karl Wel's annual concert, Dodsworth's Rooms, New York, 23 May 1856]; Lawrence, Strong on music 2, 740
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=gMxQrkQTLHYC&pg=PA740 (PREVIEW)
As well as EWB, co-artists were Gottschalk, Bernardi, Aptommas, and the Mollenhauer brothers.
[New York, 2 May 1858];
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=OZ-w73LrAQIC&pg=PA216 (PREVIEW)
[New York, 11 July 1860];
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=OZ-w73LrAQIC&pg=PA383 (PREVIEW)
A tribute concert to Vincent Wallace, who was back in NY on a visit; unclear whether EWB arrived with him, or not
Sydney from 1863
Roger Therry, Reminiscences of thirty years' residence in New South Wales . . . (London: Sampson Low, Son, and Co., 1863), 113
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=RikXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA113 (DIGITISED)
. . . Bushell - known by the sobriquet of the "Knave of Diamonds" - was a convict of very varied accomplishments. He spoke German and French as fluently as English. His knowledge of German facilitated the commission of the fraud for which he was transported. Personating a Prussian baron, well moustached and disguised in suitable costume, he gave an order to an eminent jeweller (Hamlet) to provide him with diamonds of the value of several thousand pounds. Whilst the order was in progress of execution, he gave another order to a jeweller to provide him with lowpriced imitation diamonds, and to prepare a box similar to the one containing the pure ones. Afterwards, by extraordinary dexterity, on the occasion of one of his visits to Hamlet, he contrived to substitute the mock box for the real and valuable one, and with it escaped to the Continent, where he was detected with either the diamonds or the proceeds he obtained from the pawnbroker to whom he had transferred them. I have not met with a report of Bushell's trial, but this is the tale of his adventures current in the Colony. Bushell had a voice almost equal to Lablache, to whom in size and person he bore a strong resemblance. He was the principal singer for many years at our theatres and concerts in Sydney. There, he made a respectable connexion by marriage, and led, I believe, a reputable life. He died a few years ago in easy circumstances . . .
[Review] [from the Athenaeum], Empire (23 April 1863), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63130793
[Review], "MR. THERRY'S BOOK", Empire (27 April 1863), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63130946
[Review], "NEWS AND NOTES BY A SYDNEY MAN", The Courier [Brisbane, QLD] (1 May 1863), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3163031
. . . But to return to Mr. Therry. One of the stories he takes up is that of the late Bushelle, the eminent musician, who married a sister of Mr. Wallace, the eminent composer. In a smart review which appears in this day's Empire, the following remarks occur, and I am sure that they will meet with the approval of every manly mind:
"Here is the history of a man whose life appears, on Mr. Therry's showing, to have been an atonement for a solitary offence. In this city, at this moment, there are two young men of blameless life, just commencing a struggle with the world, who are the sons of this person. Hundreds here only know them as the orphan children of an accomplished musician. Mr. Therry, in the last moments of his life, esteems it a matter of imperative duty to proclaim that they are the off spring of a well known criminal."
NOTE: The writer, William Wilkes, is evidently complaining on behalf of Bushelle's two sons, John Butler, and Tobias Vincent.
"NOTES ON MUSIC. To the Editor", The Sydney Morning Herald (7 August 1863), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28621602
SIR, - . . . I have heard enthusiastic amateurs recall with delight the performances of Cavendish, of Horncastle, of Mrs. Bushell, and of Vincent Wallace, and I have sometimes wondered what those artists' sensations would be could they now visit us once more . . .
[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (3 October 1863), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13093344
"MUSIC AND DRAMA", The Sydney Morning Herald (21 October 1863), 16
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13093110
. . . On the 8th instant, the Philharmonic Society, which has lately been re-organised, gave their first concert of the season - the most noticeable feature in the announcement being the re-appearance of Mrs. Bushelle, after an absence of many years, and though she still sings with artistic elegance the fullness of youth has departed from her voice . . .
[Advertisement], The Round Table [New York] (6 February 1864), 97
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=1XlNAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA97
NEW MUSIC. SONGS . . .
Our Banner Floats Proudly, words by Mrs. Col. M. M. Van Borren; music by E. Wallace Bouchelle . . .
DODWORTHm No. 6 Astor Place
"SYDNEY PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", Empire (11 March 1864), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60581746
. . . This was followed by the magnificent cavatina from the "Huguenots," "Nobil Donna a tanto onessa," splendidly sang by Madame Wallace Bushelle, to whose voice time has been more than usually kind, and who sang the scena so well as to be recalled when she substituted "The rapturous dwelling," from the "Maid of Artois," and being again encored sang "La Colosa," a Spanish romance . . .
[Advertisement], Empire (2 August 1865), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64141949
. . . The ORPHEONIST SOCIETY has most kindly volunteered a
GRAND MISCELLANEOUS CONCERT, in aid of the Funds for the restoration of ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL . . .
Song - "THE DESTRUCTION OF ST. MARY'S" (Mr. G. F. Jackson) Written by G. F. JACKSON, composed by Madame E. WALLACE BUSHELLE,
expressly for this occasion . . .
"CONCERT", The Sydney Morning Herald (3 August 1865), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13116930
"SYDNEY", The Musical Times [London] (1 November 1865), 167
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=NFpGAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA163
. . . ON the 1st August, the Orpheonist Society gave a concert at the Masonic Hall. The programme was of a miscellaneous character, and the performers consisted principally of the pupils of Madame E. Wallace Bushelle, whose talent as instructress, and skill as a musician, are well known. Two of the ladies particularly distinguished themselves; and the gentlemen, especially the tenor, gave great promise of future excellence. Mr. Callen conducted with his usual precision . . . CONCERTs have also been given in the suburban districts of Balmain, Newtown and Cook's River, which appear to have been called into existence by the diffusion of the cheap editions of the Standard Works by Messrs. Novello and Co.
"MUSICAL NOTES", Round Table (16 September 1865), 29
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=-XlNAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA29
William Vincent Wallace, who has been ill in Paris since December last, is recovering. His physician has sent him to the Pyrenees. His wife, so well known here as Madame Bouchelle-Wallace, is with him.
Clearly a confusion
"Nos. 253-4. W. VINCENT WALLACE", The Autographic Mirror (4 November 1865), (79)-80
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=0PNJAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA80
. . . About the middle of last month Wallace was taken to the house of a friend, the Chateau de Bagen, in Haute Garonne. Virtually he never left his bed, even on the journey, for he was removed in a recumbent position by easy stages. Here in the Pyrenees the last prostration overtook him, and the issue was too plain to be further mistaken. His nephew, Mr. J. B. Bushelle, was sent for, and arrived in time to receive his last breath.
"SYDNEY", The Musical Times (1 March 1866), 251
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=p1pDAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA251
. . . MADAME E. Wallace Bushelle (sister of the late composer Vincent Wallace) gave an "Exposition of Vocal Art," in the form of a Concert, at the Freemasons' Hall, on the 18th December, in which the whole of the music was executed by her own present and past pupils. A large and fashionable audience attended.
"SYDNEY", The Musical Times (1 June 1866), 319
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=p1pDAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA319
. . . A CONCERT was given on the 26th of February, by Madame E. Wallace Bushelle, at the School of Arts, in which her skill as a musician and instructress were very ably displayed by the large number of her pupils who assisted at the concert . . .
[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (18 May 1878), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13422399
"DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (19 August 1878), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13415532
BUSHELLE. - August 16, at her residence, Victoria-street, Madame E. Wallace Bushelle, aged 56 years.
"Elizabeth Bushelle d. 16 August 1878", NSW death registration (29 August 1878) 1878/1575
Elizabeth Bushelle / [date of death] 16 August 1878 / [place] Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW / Professor of music / Female / 58 / [Father] Wallace / Bandmaster / [married] Sydney [at age] 18 [to] John Butler Bushelle / [children of marriage] John Butler, Vincent Tobias, living; 1 female deceased / [informant] S. M. Mowle, friend, Waverley Street Bondi / [cause of death] disease of liver and heart / [length of illness] 18 months / [medical attendant] Dr. Schuette / [last seen] same day / [place of burial ] R.C. Cemetery Necropolis / [Undertaker] James Curtis / [Witnesses] Patrick Kirby, William Hyde / [Registered] 29 August 1878, Sydney
ASSOCIATIONS: Stewart Marjoribanks Mowle (informant, friend)
"NEWS OF THE DAY", The Sydney Morning Herald (30 August 1878), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13418482
"OBITUARY: MADAME WALLACE BUSHELLE", The Sydney Morning Herald (30 August 1878), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13412811
The death of this lady, which took place suddenly on the 16th instant, has removed from our midst one of our oldest and best-known musicians. The deceased lady was the daughter of Mr. Wallace, for many years bandmaster of the 29th or Queen's Own Regiment, and sister of the late Vincent Wallace, the eminent composer. The last named having received the appointment of organist at the Roman Catholic Church of Thurles, and teacher of music in the Rosaline Convent there, placed his sister under the charge of the Sisters of the convent. At ten years of age she was able to play difficult airs on the violin, and possessed remarkable vocal ability. This talent she perseveringly cultivated, and those who remember Sydney some thirty-five years ago, may recollect her appearance at public concerts in company with her brother and Mr. John Bushelle, the latter of whom she subsequently married. At the early age of 21 she became a widow, and returning to Europe with her brother, was engaged by Mendelssohn to sing in the "Elijah " at Vienna. After fulfilling a series of engagements in Europe and America she again came to Australia about the year 1864 and settled here as a teacher or music. In this capacity she was remarkably successful, and as she was a strict grammarian, her pupils were invariably turned out well grounded in the rudiments of the art. To her tuition most of our accomplished lady amateurs are indebted for their skill as vocal musicians. The concerts which she periodically gave, assisted by her pupils, will be remembered with much pleasure by those who had opportunities of attending them. Ill health and the infirmities of age lately precluded her from following her profession, and hence her name has been little heard of in public. She died very suddenly in the end of some affection of the heart, at the age of fifty-six years.
Later recollections
"A WIFE'S CONSTANCY: A Touching Romance Related by Alice Dunning Lingard", The Providence Sunday Star (20 April 1882), 3
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mOZcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=blkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7300,5026131
"A WIFE'S CONSTANCY", The Daily Astorian (10 May 1882), 1
http://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn96061149/1882-05-10/ed-1/seq-1/
It was in the green room of the opera house that I learned, from the lips of Alice Dunning Lingard, the thrilling history of Madame X. and her husband.
"Mrs. Lingard," said I, "judging from the little interpolation I heard you sing last evening during the play, I should judge you to be the possessor of a very fine voice. How is it that you do not exercise your voice more, and why have you not chosen the lyric instead of the dramatic stage?"
"Ah, that is easily explained," replied the charming lady. "You see, since my earliest childhood, I have been thrown among actors and actresses. In fact, I have grown up on the dramatic stage, and although I was told long ago, and repeatedly during late years, that I possessed a fine singing voice, I yet lacked the opportunity to cultivate it to the extent required to fit one for the operatic stage. Nevertheless, when an opportunity presents itself, I generally take advantage of it. During out last visit to Australia, I took some lessons from the celebrated vocal teacher, Madame X., a sister of the late Vincent Wallace, the composer of "Maritana" and "Lurline." She resides in Sydney and enjoys a very large patronage.
"Speaking of Madame X.," continued Mrs. Lingard with animation, "reminds me of a story of the most startling and thrilling nature, which will interest you, I'm sure."
Flattered with the prospect of hearing something of unusual interest, - for such I knew it would prove, judging from the animated expression on my fair entertainer's handsome face, - I assured her of my unqualified curiosity and undoubted pleasure, whereupon she proceeded as follows:
"Madame X., you must know, was in her youth a prominent singer of the Royal Italian opera in London, and her husband was one of the leading tenors. Both not only enjoyed fine reputations as singers, but also stood very high in certain social circles of the haute volee of London. One day the husband entered a renowned jewelry establishment and requested to be shown a collection of valuable brilliants, as he desired to make a purchase. The dealer, knowing the man, and aware of the high position he held, and also knowing that the celebrities of his calling will purchase only the very finest articles in jewelry. produced several caskets containing a fortune in diamonds. After examining all with the care of a connoisseur, he selected several of the finest stones. The dealer placed those so selected in a separate casket, and the signor requested that they be set aside until his return in the morning as he had not his check-book with him just then. This was agreed to with alacrity on the part of the dealer, who courteosly bowed his distinguished customer out. During the course of the following day, a cab drew up before the jewelry establishment and the occupant proved to be the negotiator for the diamonds. Without leaving the carriage, X. signaled to the jeweler, and, in a hurried manner, asked to look again at the casket of brilliants which he had selected the day before. The request was made with the apology that he (the purchaser) was in a great hurry to meet an engagement, or he would not thus trouble the jeweler to come out of his shop. The dealer speedily brought out the casket, which the purchaser placed on the cushion beside him and drew a check for the amount - £20,000.
"He was in the very act of writing the check, when a stranger rushed up in a very excited manner, hurriedly excused himself to both gentlemen for interrupting them, and then whispered a few words to the occupant of the carriage. The latter, with nervous haste and with every appearance of intense excitement, returned his check-book to his fob, precipitately handed back the casket to the dealer, and saying that something serious had happened which required his immediate attention, he gave the driver the signal to whip up his horses. The vehicle swiftly disappeared around the corner, and there was nothing left for the astonished dealer to do but to return the casket to its place, and to await a call from the purchaser later in the day.
"The day passed, however, without any sign of the customer's return. A second and a third day went by without any message from him. The disappointed dealer became curious and somewhat solicitous, and his anxiety was not by any means lessened when the papers announced the sudden and mysterious disappearance of Signor X., or the Royal Italian opera.
"Up to the time of this announcement of the signor's disappearance, the diamond merchant had thought but little of the casket, and it had remained in its place unopened. Like a flash, the idea darted into his head that he ought to have examined the treasure. He now opened the casket, and judge of his consternation when he found it empty! Instantly the scene which had occurred at his door three days previous, came to mind, and the truth was now quite evident: he had been robbed of twenty thousand pounds in diamonds!
"Losing not a moment, the startled jeweler communicated the affair to the police. Detectives were immediately sent out, and these tracked the fugitive to Liverpool, where he had embarked on an outgoing ship bound for America. Arrangements were effected for the pursuit, and the robber was intercepted on his landing at an American port. He was brought back to London, where he was tried with his confederates, found guilty, and condemned to servitude for life in the penal colonies of Queensland.
"Of course the trial and verdict, in consequence of the high social and professional standing of the principal in the affair, caused immense excitement, not only in London, but on the continent as well.
"Some few weeks afterwards, Madame X. suddenly disappeared, and no clue to her whereabouts could be discovered, in spite of the searches of relatives and friends, and nothing was known of her for many years.
"Now," continued Mrs. Lingard, "comes the romantic part of the story, It appears that a certain law existed, and probably still exists, granting to a real estate owner in the penal colonies the right to choose a servant from among the inmates of the prison, the masters becoming surety for the good behaviour of servants thus obtained. Now mark what followed - and my fair narrator's eyes sparkled with interest - "now mark what followed: Many months - perhaps a year - after Signor X. was sentenced, a lady applied to the governor general of the penal colonies, stating that she had purchased ground, upon which she had built a cottage, and she now desired a man-servant to do her gardening and other work about the house. The lady was of such imposing bearing, and she was so evidently in earnest in her intentions, that the permit was granted. As she proved herself a property-holder, no objections could be made. She was shown through prison after prison, but found none among the inmates who suited her, until she suddenly was confronted by the celebrated diamond robber and ex-primo tenore of the Royal Italian opera in London.
"Whatever he inward emotions may have been, she stifled and supressed them. After a moment's hesitation and apparent investigation, she intimated that this was the man she wanted. Arrangements were accordingly effected, and the lady and the servant departed. Is it necessary of the to state that Madame X. and he husband were reunited? They lived together for many years very happily, I understand, seeming to the world to be mistress and menial, but being in reality man and wife.
"For nearly 20 years the two unfortunate ones enjoyed each other's companionship, and who knows but they were happier by far than many men and women we meet daily with all the outward indications of happiness and contentment.
"After the death of he husband, Madame X. made herself known and re-entered public life as a teacher of vocalizaton. Little by little he sad history became known, and it was while I was her pupil, that I learned it."
Thanking Mrs. Lingard sincerely for the real pleasure, though a melancholy one, which she had given me by the recital of this romance, I bade her God-speed, as her company was to leave on the early train the following day. - Denver Inter-Ocean.
ASSOCIATIONS: Alice Dunning Lingard (actor)
"THE MELBOURNE STAGE IN THE FORTIES. To the Editor", The Argus (2 June 1890), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8609486
SIR, In the last number of the interesting articles by "J. S." on "The Melbourne Stage in the Forties" reference is made to a Mrs. Wallace. I think the lady alluded to must have been Miss Wallace, sister of William Vincent Wallace. She was for many years the leading soprano in Sydney, and possessed a voice of marvellous compass and power. She could run up and down from E flat below middle C to E flat in alto without any perceptible break. She was married to Mr. Bushelle, who was a great basso, having a voice which in the opinion of many musicians was equal to that of Lablache. Wallace's brother, Wellington Wallace, was a great flautist. I do not think he was married, but if he was his wife did not appear as a public singer [Curtis is wrong; Caroline was a stage singer]. The father of the Wallaces was living in Sydney. He had been a celebrated bandmaster and organist in Dublin. He was an Irishman of Scotch descent. The Wallaces were frequent visitors at my father's house, and as a boy I knew them all well. William Vincent Wallace was a great violinist as well as composer. I was present at his farewell performance in Sydney, when he played one of Paganini's solos on one string - Yours, &c., J. H. B. CURTIS. May 31.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Henry Curtis, son of Mary Curtis, who sang with the Bushelles at St. Mary's in the 1830s; but in fact Curtis is incorrect; in the Mrs. Wallace referred to in the letter he was responding to was Caroline Wallace, wife of Vincent and Eliza's brother Spencer Wellington Wallace, who was active in the theatres at Melbourne and Geelong in the late 1840s; there is no record of Eliza ever having visited or sung in Melbourne.
Recollections of the Cruikshank family and their connections with the Wallaces and Bushelles
"RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS. BY (THE LATE) J. E. RICHTER", Sydney Mail (18 June 1913), 8, 9, 46
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158476427
[8] Shortly before his death, which occurred at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, recently, Mr. John Ernest Richter, the well-known Australian explorer, prepared for the "Mail" a lengthy budget of Reminiscences, the first instalment of which is here published. Mr. Richter, who arrived in Sydney, at the age of two, 71 years ago [1842], had an adventurous and varied career in Australia and New Zealand, and his recollections will deeply interest members of the younger generation as well as the older residents, some of whom will doubtless be able to recall many of the incidents related in the articles . . .
[9] . . . IN [Castlereagh] street was established in 1835 the business of James Norton, solicitor, who carried it on until his death, when his son, the late Hon. Dr. Norton, M.L.C., succeeded to the practice . . . The influence of James Norton with some of the Maori chiefs who were brought from New Zealand in 1839, and the promptitude with which he prepared the deeds for land purchased in large blocks by settlers from Sydney, really helped largely to secure to Great Britain the colony of New Zealand, at a time when that country was trembling in the balance . . . THE writer was well acquainted with one purchase from the chief, Tewaiki, better known as "Bloody Jack," of a block of 20 miles square (400 square miles) for a few whaleboats, guns, fishing tackle, flour, etc., in value about £70. This block was sold to Thomas Jones, who was then a wine and spirit merchant in Bathurst-street, Sydney. He was a brother of David Jones, the founder of the large drapery business still carried on in George-street . . .
[9] WHILE on this theme it may be mentioned that there was then in the office of James Norton, as chief clerk, a Mr. Cruikshank. He was one of the three who purchased a 7000-acre portion out of Jones's block, and lost both the land and the money spent in carrying out the conditions of improvement. For this purpose he had taken in partnership Mr. Bessant, who was to reside upon and improve the land. Cruikshank would probably have been granted 100 or 200 acres had he subsequently applied for it. Jones bought the large block for material that cost him about £70, and resold three 7000 acre pieces out of it for £70 each, also giving no better title to the purchasers at second hand that what he had himself. In 1849 Cruikshank chartered a vessel to take a cargo of flour to San Francisco. He was never afterward heard of. It was thought that, after realising on the cargo, he had met his death in some mysterious way, such occurrences being rife in California at that time. In 1833 Mr. Cruikshank married a young Englishwoman emigrant at Sydney. After marriage Mrs. Cruikshank carried on a residential boarding establishment in a house situated in Jamieson-street, whereat a young man named Vincent Wallace became a resident for several years. He was a gifted Irishman. and had just come from Tasmania, where he had been reconnoitring for an opening in the sheep-farming industry. Not being suited in this direction, he came to Sydney, and in 1836 appeared before Sydney audiences to delight them with his unique and able performances on the violin. It was in Jamieson-street where the greater part of his beautiful opera "Maritana" was composed, an opera that will always remain a standard work so long as music hath charms. In connection with the composition of this opera a curious and pathetic story, which has never been narrated in print, was told by Mrs. Cruikshank to the writer.
A New Wallace Anecdote.
IN pursuance of the sheep-farming industry still, Wallace had made terms with a squatter for 12 months to obtain experience of the industry at his station on the Maneroo, near Cooma. Previous to going on the journey per mail coach, Wallace by invitation stayed overnight at the squatter's residence, a few miles out of Sydney, and played a number of pieces on the piano for the delectation of the company present - pianos were scarce and dear in those days, £100 often being given for a very ordinary instrument at auction sale - winding up the entertainment by rendering in his best style two of his own arias from "Maritana." Now, it so happened that the squatter had a 15-year-old daughter who was also an adept in matters musical. She had been ill for several months, but was now convalescent, though yet too weak to leave her bed. During conversation her name or illness had not been mentioned, and, so far as Wallace was concerned, he was unaware of such a person being in existence. Her bedroom opened on to the sitting-room where the company had assembled, and she had opened the door to the extent of three inches in order the better to hear the music. She was acquainted with most of the selections rendered, and had played some of them herself; but the last two were new to her. These she committed to the storehouse of her memory. Wallace left next day, and was absent for the stipulated time. During his absence the young lady had practised on these new arias until she could reproduce them perfectly. After 12 months Wallace in returning to Sydney again approached the squatter's residence. It was a calm evening in the summer-time. Drawing towards dusk the notes of the piano floated in the welkin. He stopped to listen. Yes, they were his own two pieces that were so well rendered. His brain was soon awhirl. How came it all to pass? How did the pianist come by those arias? Visions racked his thoughts and assumed this form: - That the manuscript of the opera "Maritana," which he had left in the care of Mrs. Cruikshank at Jamieson-street during his absence had been stolen - had been taken to London and published, or possibly published in Sydney - that the person now playing his pieces was playing them from a printed copy, which probably was for sale at the music shops in Sydney and elsewhere! If so, he was a ruined man!
[46] WALLACE depended on the opera yielding enough to give him a good start in life, and now those hopes were dashed to the ground - for from what other source could the pianist have obtained the score? As he neared the house, his heart in palpitation, the squatter came out on to the verandah and greeted him effusively. Among his first acts was to introduce Wallace to his beautiful daughter, and when explanations followed, describing how she had come by the two pieces he had heard on nearing the house, a load of doubt and fear was lifted from his mind, and all was well again.
Production of the Opera.
THE writer does not recollect when the opera was first produced in Sydney - 1843, probably [sic]. It was first heard at the old Victoria Theatre in Pitt-street, the site of which is now occupied by the drapery house of Hordern Bros. This theatre was first opened to the public in 1838. His sister, then or afterwards Mrs. John Bushelle, was in the cast [sic]. The opera met at once with an enthusiastic reception. Wallace and some of the actors were located in Spencer's Hotel, opposite, at the time, and it was said that the composer was so far in arrears of his work that he had to work day and night in transcribing the score for the use of the other musicians, the opera having not yet been published. Later the opera was produced at the same theatre in 1849 by John and Frank Howson, Signor and Signora Carandini and daughters, one of whom afterward became Mrs. Stewart, the mother of our incomparable Nellie Stewart. Wallace left Sydney about 1844 [sic, 1838], and never returned. Mrs. Bushelle also left, but returned to Sydney in 1864 [sic, 1863], and carried on her profession as teacher of music until she died. "Maritana" was first produced in London in 1845. After that it was presented by Wallace at the principal towns in the Spanish republics of South America. It being a drama with a Spanish setting and character, Wallace was there worshipped almost as a god. He then went to San Francisco, where he carried on his profession until he died in 1867 [sic]. His son, of the same name, also died in San Francisco in 1895 [sic]. His widow died in 1901 in Dublin, where another son was engaged in the Charter House. One of his sisters was married to a man named Clancy, in New South Wales, whose whereabouts or descendants, if any, have not been traced to satisfaction. There are other relatives still resident in the State, descendants of Mrs. Bushelle.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Ernest Richter (author)
ASSOCIATIONS: William Cruikshank (Crookshanks / Cruikshank / Cruickshank / Crickshanks) was born in Birmingham, England, c. 1808; sentenced, Southampton, England, 28 February 1825, 14 years transportation; arrived Sydney, NSW, 3 January 1826 (per Marquis of Hastings, from England, 19 August 1825); in 1830 he was serving his sentence at Wellington Valley, NSW, where he probably first met John Bushelle; he married Zoephielle [Zophiel] Bloomfiled (c. 1810-1892), Sydney, NSW, 27 June 1836; she was daughter of William Bloomfield (d. Molong, NSW, 1852) and Frances Meares; c. 1840 William was a law writer and agent of Pitt Street, Sydney; [Advertisement], The Colonist (18 December 1839), 4: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31724218; he is named as one of the ticket vendors in advertisements for Eliza Bushelle's concert in December 1839, see: [Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (18 December 1839), 1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226457049); on William's interest in Jones's NZ block, and later in the Californian diggings, see [Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (26 August 1840), 1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12865427; "Shipping Intelligence", Australasian Chronicle (29 December 1840), 3: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31730301; and Reminiscences of the early settlement of Dunedin and south Otago (Dunedin: J. Wilkie, 1912), 111: https://archive.org/stream/reminiscencesofe00duneiala#page/111/mode/2up; "California", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (13 February 1850), 4: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article696446; when Eliza Wallace Bushelle sailed for England in 1847, she left her eldest son John Butler Bushelle in the Cruikshanks' care; in 1853, having heard nothing from Eliza in the meantime, they petitioned the Supreme Court of NSW to arrange and apprenticeship for John with the government printer (see Documentation here); in 1891 John Butler Bushelle bequeathed the use of 3 Paddington properties to Zophielle Cruikshank; she died the following year; as reported in her death notice, Zophielle was the niece of the late Stephen Evangelist Bloomfield (d. Woollahra, 1891), see also: "DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (24 March 1856), 8: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12980952
Bibliography and resources (see also Wallace family bibliography)
Therry 1863
Roger Therry, Reminiscences of thirty years' residence in New South Wales . . . (London: Sampson Low, Son, and Co., 1863), 113
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=RikXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA113 (DIGITISED)
ASSOCIATIONS: Roger Therry (lawyer)
Jones 1881
"The Biographer. William Vincent Wallace, the composer, BY ALCIPHRON JONES", The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (19 March 1881), 446
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161882969
Mr. Wallace was at this period [1836-38] in excellent health . . . He was so intent on his professional engagements, and the all absorbing theme of his soul, that he could not find time for the instruction of his sister and younger brother, but his wife (nee Kelly) was an excellent performer on the pianoforte, and had a fair knowledge of vocalization. She gave the rudiments of a sound musical education to both Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Wellington Wallace. The former, about this period, married Mr. Bushell, a professor of languages, of music and singing, and who was probably the most distinguished man in personal appearance that ever trod the streets of Sydney. He was six feet three inches in height, upright in gait, with dark hair and large luminous gray eyes that looked almost black in the shade; and he had a voice said to be equal to that of Lablache, whom in many other respects he resembled. It was to his tuition his wife was indebted for the musical finish which characterised her for years, both as a vocalist and a pianiste . . .
Brewer 1892
F. C. Brewer, The drama and music in New South Wales (Sydney: Charles Potter, 1892), 56-57
https://archive.org/stream/dramamusicinnews00brew#page/56 (DIGITISED)
Vincent Wallace brought out his sister, Miss Wallace, as a vocalist at the concerts given in 1836. Miss Wallace (better known as Madame Wallace-Bushelle) was without doubt the finest of all sopranos that had appeared in Sydney; so well cultured as to become the exponent of many of the brilliant arias of Rossini, Bellini, Weber, and other celebrated composers. Her voice was a pure soprano, clear, flexible, and expressive she was very popular and a great favourite with the ladies, who presented [57] her with a magnificent harp. From the concert-room Miss Wallace rose to an operatic prima donna in Sydney; and after the death of Mr. John Bushelle, senr. (who was a very fine basso), went to England, a widow of 21, and for many years appeared as the heroine in her brother's operas; she also visited America, returned to Sydney in 1861, and devoted herself to teaching singing, for which she was thoroughly competent, having herself studied while in Europe under good masters. Many of the best amateur lady singers during the last twenty-five years were her pupils. Mrs. Wallace-Bushelle died a few years ago. Mr. John Bushelle, her son, was an accomplished singer, with a fine low baritone, and up to the tine of his death was well known as taking a leading part in oratorios and concerts when his health would permit.
Birt 1902
H. N. Birt, "Some letters of archbishop Polding" [1], The Downside Review new series 2 (21) (1902), 137-38
https://archive.org/stream/downsidereview01unkngoog#page/n172/mode/2up (DIGITISED)
Orchard 1952
W. Arundel Orchard, Music in Australia: more than 150 years of development (Melbourne: Georgian House, 1952), 21-28, 51, 63, 91, 123
https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.28983/page/n43/mode/2up (DIGITISED)
Hughes 1987
Robert Hughes, The fatal shore: a history of the transportation of convicts to Australia, 1787-1868 (London, Sydney: Collins Harvill; New York: Knopf, 1987), 438-39, 637 note 46, 656 ("James Bushelle")
Wills 2015
Rob Wills, Alias Blind Larry: the mostly true memoir of James Laurence the singing convict (North Melbourne: Arcadia/Australian Scholarly Publishing, 2015), 136-9, 214, 265, 339-40, 342
Crowe 2015
Noelene Beckett Crowe, "Eliza Wallace Bushelle", Mayo Genealogy Group; Irish Community Archive Network, 2015
© Graeme Skinner 2014 - 2024