know it is the best thing any man can do & the Sooner the[y] do it the better for
Emigration is SO rapid here and the Country Settling SO fast that it is thought land will rise
considerably dont be alarmd at the Journey for the same god that protects you on land
his protection is every where & the Journey is pleasant.
I cant recollect any more particulars to tell you at present your letters comes on without
delay
the postage dont come to much it is only fifteen pence and I would not begrudge
twice the sum This day I recvd a Letter from Samuel Hall
he is well and is doing
business for imself at St Stephens near New Orleans about Twenty days journey from this
give my best Respects to Cousin Singleton and John Jackson tell them I cam glad
the[y] have made it off & that I recomend them to Come to this Country & begin the
world write soon and let me know any particulars that is through the country &
something about the Dublin folks if you know anything about them
& Let me know if
you have any Idea of Leaving Ireland for I am sure there is nothing in it very inducing to
you if I thought you were a mind to try it soon I would write a little more particulare
on the mode of Traveling for Two famileys could travel nearly as cheap as one. excuse
these fiew lines as I am in haste
Remember my love to all my brothers & sisters and all
enquiring friends in the Kindest manner & I remain D' Father & Mother yrs truly
James Richey
James Richey, Trenton, Kentucky, to his parents, Ireland, 13 August 1819
Description
James Richey relates to his parents of news of mutual acquaintance in the Montreal, but James wants him to quit the "British Settlements" which he despises and come to America. Richey wants his brother William to make the journey to the United States as he knows that 'an English teacher here is worth £80 a year and a classical Teacher about Twice the sume if he is approvd. of". He also asks his father to consider emigrating there also with his family and 'enjoy the privilages of a free people [...] fradulently taken from us by force and arms'. Richey advises him of the benefits of America for farming considering that "the longer you stay where you are the worse" and that single people who can afford the passage should not be afraid of travelling with 'not more than a Dollar [...] as a fellow will put his hand to anything he can get work if he will do it". Richey gives news of 'some of his adventures" after he landed in Philadelphia, finding work with a merchant Mr Broaddus, who treated him as a brother, "I went up to him with my hat in his hand as humble as any Irishman [...] put on yr hat said he. we are all a free people here". Richey noted that "There are but few Methodists in this part of the country" so he instead went to a "Presbeterian meeting house" and hoped that this letter would be used as a means of encouraging his acquaintances to emigrate. He concludes by again recommending his family leave Ireland noting that two families could travel together nearly as cheap as one.
