John Hern

A letter from John Hern's to his prospective step-daughter Katie seeking reconciliation, written shortly before his marriage to Elizabeth Louse Fisher (nee Harbroe).

As the time draws near for your mother to leave you for a little while I thought perhaps the event might make you feel sad and I feel it my duty to try to cheer you and explain my feelings in the matter.

No doubt at times you have thought me cruel unkind and passionate and not without good reason, but Katie this is not my true nature it is loving and affectionate and always will be towards anyone belonging to you.

I have always admired and respected you and felt so grieved that you were cool towards me for such a long time. I think you might have forgiven me long before for the unkind words I used towards you however it shall never happen again. And I must ask you not to look upon me in the usual light of a stern Stepfather but as a kind and affectionate brother who will protect and shield both you and your sister at all times. Not merely because of your sex to require protection but more on account of my great attachment to you all. This feeling is so strong that I look upon you almost as my own flesh and blood, and again never for a moment think that I would not like you to make my house your home.

Most sincerely, Katie I assure you, I should feel grieved and so should your mother if you ever allowed such a feeling to exist, let not the home be broken up only removed. We have lived together very happily at times in the past and I am sure we can do so again.

When you and Doll are absent I shall always feel anxious as I know too well what a cold cruel deceitful world it is. I have seen so much of it therefore Katie come and live with us and let me prove to you what I have written. You must not refuse, it would be unkind and wicked to do so. The change will do you good. I am sure and I will do all I my power to make you comfortable and happy, I am not rich but I possess a kind heart. In the meantime God bless you all and believe me to be the most sincere and loving friend you possess.

P.S. Since writing I have heard you are sick and feverish. I am very sorry Katie and sincerely hope you will soon get better. I have sent you some quinine which kindly take as its sure to do you good being pure quinine. Only a few days ago I cured a feverish person here with it. I have sent you six doses take two times a day between meals with a little wine. Should this not do you good I will send some more or some Citrate of Iron and Quinine.

"After my Grandfather Alfred George Fisher died in London, my Grandmother, Elizabeth Louise lived for some years at Maitland N.S.W., but eventually moved to the Richmond River, where she married Mr. John Hern, Manager of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited at Woodburn. Incidently, John Hern was a brother of the famous painter Charles Hern, who for some time was a tutor to the Royal Family in Art. I have several copies of his paintings in my home. Mr. Hern later became Manager of the George Street West branch of the same bank, which position he held until a visit to England, after which all trace of him was lost."