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Jonathan Smyth, Philadelphia, to his father James Smyth and family, Moycraig, County Antrim; in care of the Moss-side postmaster, 24 September 1845
Luaigh an doiciméad seo Amharcóir IIIF
Bailiúchán Smith/ Smyth Letters
Title Jonathan Smyth, Philadelphia, to his father James Smyth and family, Moycraig, County Antrim; in care of the Moss-side postmaster, 24 September 1845
Description Jonathan Smyth writes to his parents of his "very pleasant passage" from Liverpool on 25 August and arrival in Philadelphia on 14 September — losing one sail in a "very hard breeze" and later enduring four feet of water "all over the deck" before the main sail gave way "it went all into the air in pieces". While many on board were singing, dancing or praying, Smyth read the bible with "the young girl" and sang the 107th psalm but confessed to having "never felt troubled or pain, I put my trust in the Lord...I have never been happier in all my life than I have ever been since I left you". He wonders how his brother James did not content himself in America [unlike him] as Smyth claims he 'would not take a good reward and return to Ireland". He is working well with his"kind" brother Robert and likes his new "very industrious" wife. [Robert Smyth adds a postscript to the letter addressed to his mother stating that Jonathan lives happily with him and will care for nothing while taking his advice and sending thanks from his wife for the present she received. He also cautions his sister Mary Jane that "there is as good people in Philadelphia as in Mosside and enough to save it according to her saying respecting Sodom and Gomorrah"].
Date 24/09/1845
Date Issued 27/03/2023
Cineál Acmhainne Text
Archival Record Id p155/1/3/1
Publisher University of Galway
Extent 2pp
Topic Smith/ Smyth Letters
Geographic Philadelphia (city),Philadelphia (county),Pennsylvania,United States,Moycraig Hamilton (townland),Antrim (county),Ireland
Temporal Nineteenth century,Eighteen forties
Genre Transcript
Note Title and transcript by Professor Kerby Miller. This transcript includes handwritten corrections to transcript from PRONI, made with reference to original letters. Letter description by University of Galway. The names Smith and Smyth are used interchangeably in this series so both are quoted.
Creator / Author Name Jonathan Smyth/ Smith