Elizabeth Macarthur's Letters

John Macarthur has long been considered a leading figure in early Sydney colonial history however recently attention has been directed towards his wife, Elizabeth, highlighting her role in the partnership.

In the novel, A Room Made of Leaves, Kate Grenville used Elizabeth as the major character. Another recent book featuring Elizabeth is Elizabeth & Elizabeth by Sue Williams - a novel based on the lives of Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie in the colony, especially their roles as wives of two powerful men. 

When researching records for A Room Made of Leaves, Kate Grenville came across a selection of letters that Elizabeth Macarthur had written to her family in England about her life in New South Wales. An edited selection of the letters is included in the book, Elizabeth Macarthur's Letters, along with brief analysis by the editor explaining what was happening when the letters were written.

This compilation not only shows an aspect of the life and relationship between Elizabeth and John but more importantly, for those of us interested in this period of history, adds context to what was happening in the colony at the time.

It has long been known, by observing reports of his actions, that John Macarthur was often a ruthless and conflicted man, however the correspondence shows John's mental deterioration, including behaviour towards his family, towards the  end of his life. It is perhaps fortunate for the colony that Elizabeth was there to keep the family together and to oversee the running of the family properties when her husband was absent.