Philip's Final Journey

 1895 11th December Philip was admitted to the Government Asylum for the infirm and destitute Parramatta.

In June 1896 Philip informed the Illawarra Mercury that Messrs Angus and Robertson have made him a satisfactory offer for the publication of his poems. It would seem that this unfortunately did not eventuate, for whatever reason. 

'Mr Philip Lorimer whose poetry is familiar to readers of the Mercury informs us that Messrs Angus and Robertson have made him a satisfactory offer for the publication of his poems which he has accepted. We sincerely hope the financial result will be such as enable our old friend to pass the remainder of his years in comfort.’

1896 3rd of June letter from Philip to Mr Button from Unanderra Post Office

Dear Mr Button,

The Roll of M.S.S. you will receive along with this I think I have made a good hit as far as quantity goes- if you would like me to read forward I could do so before you take them to press- preamps this plan is the best- just as you like- after this please forward them when completed to Post Office Unanderra- and the postage will be paid here- Yours to death Philip D. Lorimer

1896 15th July letter from Philip to Mr Button from Post Office Unanderra. This letter refers to Mr Buttons preparations of the booklet Gems we know in Illawarra.

Dear Mr Button,

The proofs reached me all right 1 mistake Butcher Bird Song 1 ditto InKnow a place 2 do in Unanderra And what I see in Macquarie Pass no mistakes. The proofs are as I received them and I am pleased with them after you look to these corrections- I suppose now you will get this tomorrow and you can let me have the printed poems the day after- do try to do so- with kind regards I am yours faithfully Philip D Lorimer

1896 5th October letter to Mr Button from Asylum Macquarie Street Parramatta

Dear Mr Button,

When you can please call to see me- I will not be allowed to go out of this until you come and see me- so try to so so- soon- for I hardly know how dull I am. Yours truly Philip D Lorimer

1896 19th November letter from Walkers Hospital Concord Parramatta River

Mr Button,

I have just received a letter from Rev. H. Gainsford telling me that he left the book with you so that now it is so near that I may expect to have it shortly. Will you address it- with the above address and send it onto me- and you will greatly oblige- my malady is greatly getting better, though I know that I never can be the same Old Phil. With many thanks for past favours I am yours faithfully Philip D Lorimer

Soon after this he was taken ill, and once more was offered a home in Sydney. He however obtained admission to Walker's Hospital at Concord where he was very comfortable. Philip though was not satisfied until he had procured his discharge. He longed to get out into the wild bush and there he hoped that death would find him. Even as he had written a few months before at Middle Crossing.

The end was now not far off. 

Feeble though he had become, Philip journeyed to Parramatta again. Attacks of severe rheumatism came upon him and, in a short time, on the 5th of November 1897, the restless soul passed away to its Maker, and ‘Nature's Own' was ‘restored to her.' 

The wearied body was laid in the Rookwood cemetery. 

Over the grave a monumental cross had been erected bearing his name, the dates of his birth and death, and these beautiful words : —

" AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT.” HE BRINGETH THEM UNTO THE HAVEN WHERE THEY WOULD BE.

1897 5th November death of Philip Lorimer at Rookwood Asylum and laid to rest in the Rookwood Cemetery Sydney with a monumental cross over his grave bearing the words.  

The cross and monument one source claimed were donated by a local newspaper.

Another source claimed they were ordered and supplied on request of Philip’s sister Charlotte Russell and arranged by Mr William Reid Russell, a relative of Phillip’s, being Peter Nicol Russell’s nephew. (The son of Peter’s brother John). 

It was also claimed that Mr William Russell paid for Philips maintenance, and soothed his last days in every way.

The grave of Philip Durham Lorimer is at Zone B Section CCC grave number 2205 Rookwood Cemetery. 

Clearly from the Death Certificate following, and generally from much correspondence, and many newspaper entries, Philip very sadly, died very much alone. 

It would seem that the only family member, even though indirect to be there at his time of ultimate need, was his nephew in law William Russell as witness together with Henry Stephen Shepherd Bond a city Accountant and friend. 

His brother Peter, and family it would seem, also were not there for Philip as would have be noted and recorded as Peter would have been a witness on the certificate.

Philip was clearly an outcast, and was wanted to be forgotten. 

On his certificate his age is wrong at 57. He was 54. 

His occupation was wrong listed as a printer? He was a writer.

His religion was wrong as Anglican? Philip was Presbyterian. Was he buried against his religious will? 

They even spelt his name wrong on the certificate, ‘Phillip’.

1898 24th August letter from Will Russell to Mr Button from 97 York Street Sydney

Mr Button Argus Office Parramatta

Dear Sir, I duly received your letter of 22nd instant with enclosures and it is really very kind of you to write so fully about poor old Philip Lorimer, and also to send me what verses you had of his. 

I am sure his sister will be delighted to receive them and I will forward the poetry on by next Tuesday's mail as I was unable to write yesterday- I will also send on your letter so that Mrs Russell may read what you say about her brother. 

On her behalf I sincerely thank you for all your kindness and Mrs Russell will no doubt on receiving my letter write you herself thanking you – 

I remain yours faithfully W.R.Russell.