James Richey, Trenton, Kentucky, to his family, Ireland, 5 June 1820
Description
James Richey hopes that his several letters have arrived with his parents and relates news of the weather, crops and the price of supplies. He continues to live "harmony as brothers and sisters" with a newly married couple. He relates that improved land sells locally for $6 to $20 an acre but as low as $1.25 per acre for unimproved land in Missouri. In response to his parents mention of Mr Carter's family moving to the British Settlements [Canada] and returning again, he knows nothing as they never responded to his letters. Richey also approved of his brother William's enrollment in college to become a doctor as "there are many imposters at it in this country as well as every other , but a doctor coming from Ireland or England get a great name, but the former much preferred". He also advises that coming to America via Canada is the cheapest way and he gives details of the passage from Quebec, via the Niagra falls to Pittsburgh. Richey concludes that he "is in a strong Notion" to moving to New Orleans which is fourteen days journey south, as his wages don't justify him remaining here.
Title and transcript by Professor Kerby Miller. This transcript includes handwritten corrections to original transcript from PRONI, made with reference to original letters. Letter description by University of Galway.