Was Patrick Leslie of Warthill A “Remittance Man”?

As I was working on editing the book The Leslie Family in the Antipodes, I wondered if Patrick and his brothers Walter and George were sent to Australia as “remittance men”.  During the University of Aberdeen course on the Scottish Diaspora, I learned about remittance men in the 1800s. This term referred to a person, typically from Britain, who was sent to live abroad—often in colonies such as Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. They received a letter of introduction, a kit of supplies, and regular financial support, or remittances, from family back home. This “sending off to seek your fortune” arrangement was usually made quietly to discreetly remove individuals who were considered troublesome, embarrassing, or otherwise problematic, often due to scandal or failure to meet family expectations. The money sent to them was intended to keep them away and provide for their living expenses in their new location.

Based on the contents of The Leslie Family in the Antipodes book and my reading of letters from the Wardhill Estate archives, Patrick and his brothers were not remittance men. Patrick’s older brother inherited the estate and the younger brothers took advantage of opportunity presented by a relative Walter Davidson. Patrick and his brothers were ambitious, well-respected gentlemen who saw opportunity in Australia. Their story highlights how Leslies impacted Australia, achieved success, and left descendants in Australia and New Zealand.