A life meager in material goods and yet a life better than many in 1864

From Murder in the First-Class Carriage: The First Victorian Railway Killing by Kate Colquhoun. Page 129.

Müller, the suspect of a murder, was traveling by ship from England to America in 1864. He was a professional tailor, on the margin of respectability. He was not impoverished and did not lead the harsh lives of those in the country but it was a materially meager life compared to our circumstances today.

As can be seen from this incident. Müller is arrested on the ship and his possessions are examined by the investigating detective. Müller has already been on the ship three or four weeks.

“It was a calm process. As he escorted Müller downstairs to the empty saloon, Clarke explained who they were. Tieman then searched the prisoner, finding eleven shillings in his trouser pocket and a small key in his waistcoat.

It is the key to my box, Müller said.

Under instructions from the captain, a large black trunk ornamented with brass nails was retrieved from Müller’s berth in cabin 9. When it was brought into the saloon, the prisoner confirmed that it belonged to him.

Bending to unlock it, Sergeant Clarke threw back the lid to reveal Müller’s belongings: one or two dirty shirts and their separate collars, a spare pair of working trousers, a few scarves, a couple of brushes, a towel, an umbrella, a pair of gloves and a handkerchief. Packed on one side were the tools of the tailor’s trade: a measure and a pair of scissors or shears. There was no spare waistcoat, coat or overcoat.

That is what he had to cover his nakedness on the ship. That is what he had to start a new life in a new country. The clothes on his back, a chest, and

2 shirts
2 collars
1 pair of trousers
A few scarves
2 brushes
1 towel
1 umbrella
1 pair of gloves
1 handkerchief
1 set of tailor's tools including a measure and scissors.

The sum of his lifetime's possessions could be held in a small carry-on bag or a large purse.