Series 9 - John Moore journal

38pp

Kerby A. Miller created this transcript from the original manuscript held in PRONI [reference number D3165/2].

[This series contains outdated attitudes or language that does not reflect the current views or positions of the University of Galway Library. Reader discretion is advised.]
Typed transcript of the John Moore journal, written between 1760-1770, in which Moore documents his emigration journey and decision to leave Carrickfergus, County Antrim and join his uncle, James Cobham, in America. His uncle had emigrated in 1757 and encouraged Moore to follow, which he did at age 20 in 1760 along with his sister. His journal documents his first 10 years in America throughout the 1760s, including a return journey to Carrickfergus.
Per Kerby A. Miller: 'Moore made one more, short trip to New York, from October 7, 1764, to September 22, 1765, in a vain effort to recover money from his uncle. Eventually, his uncle went bankrupt during the postwar depression, and Moore scarcely received enough money to cover his own debts to his friends and neighbors at home. Moore returned to Carrickfergus, and settled down to farming and operating the family bleach green. During 1767 his sister experienced another sever bout of insanity, and was confined for a time in Dean Swift's asylum in Dublin before recovering. In 1768 he was fortunate to receive a lifetime lease of his farm and green, for a mere €12 per year. Thus, after many trials, the journal ends on a happy note, for Moore realized that most landlords were far less generous than his (Thomas Johnson), especially in not penalizing him for the extensive improvements he and his father had made since it was first leased 35 years ago.'