Letter to Chin Ah Quan
Date Published
: Literary
: AI
Found in the deceased estate of Chin Ah Quan who died in Cossack, WA in 1885 - this is one of the earliest surviving remittance related letters in Australia.
Letter to Ah Quan
久違綠範，時切遐思。比維均叔起居迪吉，近佳多勝，為慰。
前月中為須，乃昨四月三十日得接來輸僑悉一切。
但從前月中旬已經付上一函信內言明式十五元並夾青布三足。
另付銀二元俱已收到，可無庸尊慮。
茲特再付一函仰照察。
令業玖叔公年登耄耋，衰頹不堪。
久為子者宜及時孝養。尚獲餘年，早圖歸計，理宜切愛日之思。
毋致抱終天之恨。
可也並冀早日寄銀回家，以免叔公掛心。
率油數行奉覆。希為鑒察。
茲值初夏寒熱不時。伏冀善自調攝。
諸維珍重。不宣。
再者叔公出月已有信付回知也。
Left margin:
均祥叔父覽
Signature area:
姪 陳子超 頓首
(several red seals)
A rough AI inspired translation is:
After a long separation we often think of you. We trust that Uncle Gwan Tiong is in good health and that everything nearby is going well, which brings us comfort.
In the middle of last month you requested certain things.
Yesterday, on the thirtieth day of the fourth month, we received the remittance you sent and everything arrived safely. However, earlier in the middle of the month you had already sent a letter stating that fifteen yuan had been remitted together with three lengths of blue cloth. In addition two yuan in silver was sent, which has also been received in full, so you need not worry.
We now send another letter for your attention.
Uncle Suung Dok has already reached very advanced age and is quite frail. As a son it is proper to support and care for him while there is still time. If he may yet enjoy some remaining years, it would be best to make plans early to return home. One should cherish the days remaining and not allow a lifelong regret to arise. We also hope you will send money home soon so that Uncle will not continue to worry.
These few lines are written in reply; please take note.
At present it is the beginning of summer and the weather alternates between cold and heat. Please take good care of yourself.
With respectful regards. Nothing further to add.
Also, Uncle sent a letter earlier this month and it has already been forwarded to you.
Respectfully,
Your nephew
Chin Tsz Chiu
Source: Ah Quan - AU WA S2323- cons5795 1885/15 (WA State Archives)
