This file is comprised of copies (handwritten and typed) of letters written by the Atkin family to Mary Anne Ruck. Newly weds, Robert and Mary Atkin, together with Robert's sister Grace Atkin and his mother Alice Atkin arrived in Brisbane on the vessel the Wansfell on 23 March 1865, from England. The vessel left on 11 November 1864. They travelled by steamer to Rockhampton and eventually settled at Herberts Creek about 100 km from Rockhampton. The letters cover the time in Central Queensland, before moving to Brisbane.

There is an exercise book of handwritten copies of the letters with the cover missing and bottom and side edges appearing to be burnt; 18 leaves of photocopies of typed copies of the letters rom 1865 to 1867 [?], with handwritten annotations in red pen; additional 5 leaves of photocopies of typed copies, no annotations with the title on the cover page 'Copies of letters written to Mrs. Ruck from Queensland 1865-1867 Mary G. [sic] Atkin, Robert L. Atkin, Grace I. [sic] Atkin'; 7 leaves handwritten notes about the letters; 'The Wansfell' (1 leaf printout from The Courier, 1865 Mar 24); 2 leaves (plus title pages) about the Wansfell (photocopies from 'Log of logs : Vol. 2' by Ian Nicholson).