March

Monday 28. March 1814 !!! —
This day at 3,O'Clock in the afternoon (– just as we were taking some Soup together in the Drawing Room –) my beloved Elizabeth was suddenly taken ill with slight labour Pains, which obliged her to retire immediately to her Bed-Room, having every reason to believe that these Pains are the forerunners of her approaching Delivery. — The labour Pains continued at short intervals the whole of the afternoon, and increased very much about 9,OClock, when they became stronger, quicker – and more painful. — Between 11 & 12,OClock she suffered very much, and admitted Doctor Redfern at the former Hour to be at hand to give his assistance; the midwife Mrs. Reynolds having been in attendance all the afternoon. — Mrs. M's three last Pains were excessively severe and strong; but to our infinite joy and delight Doctor Redfern delivered her two minutes before 12,OClock at Night of a remarkable fine Boy — Dr. R. having immediately called out that it was a Boy! — This was the most joyful sound I had ever heard, and my joy was greatly enhanced on finding that my beloved Elizabeth was herself entirely out of danger and likely to do well. — As soon as the dear Infant was washed & dressed in the adjoining Room by Mrs. Reynolds, he was brought back to be presented to his doating [sic] Mother and myself! — A finer child could not be – being perfect in all his parts & limbs, a good size, a sweet countenance, and surprizingly strong and healthy. — Our mutual delight and reciprocal congratulations were inexpressible, our happiness on Earth being now complete, to which this joyful event was the only thing that was wanting. —

We happened to have a large Party this day at Dinner in honor of Lt. Governor Molle, whose Commission as Lt. Govr. of the Territory was this day read and the usual oaths were administered to him by me at Government House at 10 OClock, in presence of the Civil & Military officers of the Colony. — Thirty Eight Persons sat down to Dinner, amongst whom were the late Lt. Govr. Lt. Colonel OConnell and his Lady. — This Company only broke up about half an hour before Mrs. M. was delivered. — Col. & Mrs. OConnell slept at Govt. House, and I had the glad tidings communicated to them, and also to Col. & Mrs. Molle immediately. I sat up with Mrs. M. and the Child till ½ past 2,O'Clock in the morning, when I retired to sleep in Mrs. M's late Dressing Room. —

Wedy. 29th. March ! —
I got up at 7. – and had the happiness to find Mrs. M. and the Child well & doing well: – I wrote Notes to our Friends before Breakfast to announce to them the joyful event that has taken place.

Mrs. M. admitted Mrs. OConnell and Mrs. Molle to see herself and her dear little Boy in her Bed-room after Breakfast. — My dearest Elizabeth and her Infant continued doing well all this day – and there is every appearance of her having plenty of milk for her Boy.

Thursdy. 30th. March ! —
Mrs. M. and her Boy, continue still doing well thank God! only that now he is now and then troubled with a little griping – and uneasiness in getting up Phlem [sic] which fills his Throat at times. — Between 2 and 3,O'Clock this afternoon he had a fine suck, milk having then flowed freely from his dear mother's Breasts; which are however now much swelled & inflamed – and gives her considerable pain. —

Thursdy. [sic: Friday] 31st. March ! —
Mrs. M. has had a restless night on account of the inflammation in her Breasts – but our dear little Boy is doing [******] well – and took a good suck this morning. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Memoranda & Related Papers. 22 December 1808-14 July 1823.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A772 68-72 ff. [Microfilm Reel CY301 Frames #74-78].