Horatio Gordon Robley's (1840-1930) correspondence with John Cuthbert Adams (1854-1932)

Datec. 1923 to c.1929Reference NumberAms 261Collection SummaryScraps of letters: correspondence with J.C. Adams, notes from book by J. Featon, sketches (including moko designs, plan of Tauranga pā). Robley was a remarkably prolific correspondent. He sent his many New Zealand friends a constant stream of letters, decorated envelopes, annotated sketches, illustrated postcards, newsclippings, photographs and miscellaneous items.DescriptionHoratio Gordon Robley's (1840-1930) correspondence with John Cuthbert Adams (1854-1932), including sketches and references to Pukahinahina (Gate Pā) and anecdotes about his sketches.

Scraps of letters (six archival pages) written by Horatio Gordon Robley that give an impression of the nature of his activities and concerns from the period between his retirement 1887 and his death, 1930. He was an artist, correspondent, collector, soldier, and one-time resident of New Zealand as a Lieutenant in the 68th Durham Light Infantry.

Amongst General Robley's several correspondents in New Zealand were Hori Ngatai, Gilbert Mair, and John C. Adams.

A peculiarity of Robley's correspondence in his retirement was that he usually wrote on scraps of paper torn off the bottoms of inward letters. Frequently he would decorate envelopes and enclosures with Maori designs.

Correspondence with J.C. Adams includes:
- sketches of moko and carving designs
- a sketch of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā) with notes about changes made to the site when it became the Gate Pā military redoubt

Letters discuss:
- aspects of the Tauranga campaign
- Robley's efforts to despatch his drawings via steamer to Auckland/London
- reference is made to local Maori involved in the campaignCreatorRobley, Horatio Gordon 1840-1930 Matthews, Claud Leonard 1877-1967LevelCollectionExtent1 folder containing 6 manuscripts, double-sidedSystem of ArrangementIt is believed that the arrangement reflects the order in which they were received.LanguageEnglishTe Reo MāoriSourceshttps://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/roble.....f thirty years and after.Transcripts

Archives

Notes, sketches and snippets of letters from Robley, H.G. to Adams, J.C.

Notes from Featon's book "The Waikato War 1868-4" with anecdotes added by Robley.

Letter of thanks from Lt.Col.C.L. Matthews of the 68th Durham Light Infantry to Major Genl H.G. Robley

Caption sketch of Gate Pā, 1864.

Small newspaper cutting attached to an explanation of 'Pataka' and a detailed history of Tama-te-kapua, who was the commander of the Te Arawa canoe.

Letter from Robley to J.C. Adams with reference to the publication of various illustrations of Robley's.

Letter from Robley to J.C. Adams giving an impression of the nature of his activities and concerns between his retirement and his death.

Sketch by Robley looking West from Eastern side of Gate Pa battleground

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightNo known copyrightAccess ConditionsNo access restrictions apply to this collection.

Relates To

PeopleRobley, Horatio Gordon, 1840-1930Adams, John Cuthbert, 1854-1932PlacesTauranga (New Zealand)EventsBattle of Gate Pā (29 April 1864)Other Item(s)Scribbles and scratchings (Horatio Robley in Ams 261): The Past and the CuriousWalker, Tim. (1985) "Robley : Te Ropere, 1840-1930".KeywordsHistory, Gate Pā (N.Z.), Battle of, 1864 Tattooing, Personal narratives - Manuscripts

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Horatio Gordon Robley's (1840-1930) correspondence with John Cuthbert Adams (1854-1932)