Actually, disappearing is a family trait. Daniel The Smuggler left the family home in Singapore at 18 (actually, mum kicked him out for wild behaviour). He probably disappeared for years while playing pirate. Then his brother Henry Charles, the Chief Clerk of the Court in Singapore disappeared overnight in 1856 with his family (to avoid gaol for unpaid debts and stealing the court’s trust funds). He turned up at Macao, an escape later revealed to be financed and orchestrated by brother Daniel.
Years later, when Henry had become a lawyer in HK and settled his debt with Singapore, Daniel Edmund, my great grandfather and Daniel Sr’s eldest, articled with Henry, became a lawyer, worked at it for years and hated every minute, then on May 30, 1890, he was a no-show in court and was never heard from again. His wife and 3 kids were hung out to dry (I believe they were in England at the time). I don’t know how they survived. Oh, did I mention…Daniel took the trust funds from his law practice with him. Do you suppose he secretly conveyed money to the family? I’d like to think so.
And finally there’s Gus (Daniel Augustus Frederick Caldwell, 1873-1940). Gus was a ladies man. Hung out in the trendy neighbourhoods of London (Strand) and then found himself in Singapore, probably leaching off family there. All my family knew was that he apparently disappeared into the jungles of SE Asia. Years went by and then finally his sister Rose Mary (my grandmother) received a letter from him.
Let me see if I can dig it up…. yes, here it is. Prior to this, in 1926, Gus wrote Rose Mary a short note inviting her to write back if she was interested in hearing his news. Rose Mary did write back. She had not heard from her brother in at least 6 1/2 years and no doubt had thought him dead. Here is Gus’s response.
Who’s who:
5 Mount Sophia, Singapore
6th September/26
My dear Rosie,
Many thanks for your welcome letter received today. It came a day or two after my birthday as we have not heard from each other for such an age. I must also thank you for the snap of yourself which I was pleased to get.You do not look very well but what matters as long as you feel fit.
I am so pleased to learn that the dear old mater is still alive and well enough to go to the Movies! I shall write to her by this mail also as I am having half a day off for the Races. I am sorry the Earthquake in Japan caused you any loss but I hope now that Sid is making a start for himself but all serious losses will be recovered in due time, provided the Soviets will allow British trade to be carried on. Fancy little Vi spliced! Good girl, I wish her all the best of luck for the future, and that of her husband. Any retinue yet? Send snaps as they turn up!
Marie and I are both OK and have 3 girls and a boy. We lost our dear Vera aged 9 months a few days after arriving in Canton. Edna is 6 1/2 years old, Laura 4 1/2, Allan 16 months, and our dear baby Rita 2 months 10. You see we are kept busy looking after the youngsters and providing for them. We will send you snaps as soon as we get some taken.
I joined a Dutch Company about 2 years ago upon my arrival from China and I am pleased to say I am getting on well and have done very well for them.
We had a terrible time in Canton some months before we left as the Chinese became so anti-foreign and even life was insecure. This country has always been a lucky place for me and I do not intend returning to China again. I only hope the everlasting heat will not chase me out of the country as it did before after being a planter for 7 years. I have been out East for 20 years without a real change but seem to be pretty fit all the same and looking far younger than my age 53!
Marie has not been to England for many years but we all hope to pay a visit to the Old Country one of these days.
I had a wonderful experience in the Philipines after I left Japan, where I was exploring with some Americans and British for Guano, which we found in enormous quantities in deep caves within Cliffs in Luzon. The trouble in China put an end to our efforts as this was the market we intended for our stuff. It was nerve ruining business to be pulled up and down the face of cliffs several hundreds of feet, and then exploring the Caves where there were millions of bats which attacked us with fury. We eventually took electric lighting plants up with us and gas masks, as the smell of ammonia suffocated us, and the darkness was awful.
What is Carruthers doing at Home? I hope he is getting on well and that Rene and the children are well too. You do not give me any news about Millie and George. Where are they and what are they doing? Please let me have their address as I should like to write to them. Where is your eldest son? [Frank] Is he still in Japan?I never hear from Bernard [Gus’s son] but I suppose he is still in Java tea planting. My mother-in-law and her son left for England a few months ago and are staying at Hamstead. He is a planter and we expect him back in November ____ after his holiday. We are staying at present with Marie’s Uncle and Aunt. They have a beautiful house and grounds but we shall probably take another house of our own near the sea early next year.
I am pretty busy what with one thing and the other, as I am trying to make some money for the future, but it is difficult to save. Do you ever see or hear anything of Bee. Please do not mention anything when [or] if you see her. The past is the past and I did my best, but the position was hopeless.
Well dear no more now, we must keep in touch with each other as life is shortening. Give my best love to Mater and tell her that although she is out of sight she has never been out of mind, as I have always prayed for her, but I am a terrible corespondent.
With best love to all and trusting to hear again from you soon,
Your affectionate Brother,
Gus
I myself, I am pleased to report, have not as yet disappeared, despite the temptation from time to time. Son Robin is clearly afflicted with the same gene and disappears routinely to various parts of the world. He expects to leave again shortly to the wilds of northern Canada.
Speaking of Robin, I asked him today what the state of Daniel and Mary’s graves were. He said Mary’s had been completely redone and was in perfect shape and that Daniel’s was in good shape, needing only a bit of cosmetics. Although one must take Robin’s view of perfection with a grain of salt, it doesn’t sound like they’re falling apart. Anyway, I’ll check with Sharon in HK and see what’s up.
I’ll let you know how the Chelsey visit goes.
Cheers, Peter
