Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Circular Quay from Dawes Point fortifications with the ships Haddon Hall (closest to camera), La Hogue (in front of Customs House) and Aviemore (second from left), in port

Circular Quay from Dawes Point fortifications with the ships Haddon Hall (closest to camera), La Hogue (in front of Customs House) and Aviemore (second from left), in port

1873
Glass photonegative

This view from Dawes Battery, past Campbell’s Wharf to Circular Quay, can be dated to early-mid September 1873, as the Haddon Hall from London is loading for San Francisco at Campbell's wharf. Behind it is Aviemore and the ship in the background, in front of Customs House, is La Hogue. Both Aviemore and La Hogue left for London on 13 September 1873. Sadly, this must be one of the last photographs taken by Merlin. He contracted pneumonia and died a fortnight later, aged 43, on 27 September 1873.

From the Australian Town and Country Journal 28 August 1875

The contrast between what may now be seen at the Circular Quay and what was seen on the same spot by Governor Phillip, in 1788, is calculated to give rise to feelings of great interest. During the interval of eighty-seven years, a spot on which a white man had never before placed his foot has been changed to a great mart of commerce —a solitary wilderness has given place to a scene of busy activity; the depressing features of savage life have been borne down and displaced by those of civilisation and commerce. [Australian Town and Country Journal 28 August 1875]