Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1785-[1975] (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
10pp
Context area
Archival history
PRONI provided this copy of the letter to Kerby A. Miller, from which he created his transcript. The original is held in E.R.R. Green's Ulster emigrants' letters, PRONI [reference number T1572/2].
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Transcript and reproduction of a 10 August 1785 letter sent by Andrew Martin in Pennsylvania to his father John in County Down, plus Kerby A. Miller's notes on the letter.
Per Miller: ‘When an emigrant wrote home of high American wages and good working conditions, it might reasonably be supposed that he would encourage relatives and neighbours to join him. Yet in the main emigrants were as cautious about advising others to come to America as they were unrestrained in their praise of the country. The following comment from a County Down emigrant in 1785 is typical: “I have not been at a loss for work nor lost no time since I came to America. As for encouraging any person to come here, I will not, but if any friends or acquaintances comes, I would be glad to see them.”
Paradoxical though such an attitude may seem it was prudent in the circumstances. The immigrant group had many of the characteristics of an extended family and its members were under similar obligations to a new arrival as would have been expected by a relative at home.’