William Williamson, Bonus Prairie, Belvidere, Boone Co., Illinois, to Hugh Williamson, Ahory, Richhill, County Armagh, 27 November 1843
Description
Excellent letter. William is in good spirits, and begins by joking about people at home. He provides long, detailed descriptions of the soil, the methods of prairie farming, wheat sowing, harvesting, raising potatoes, etc. Also, detailed description of the best ways for poor Irish immigrants to commence farming--on shares, as William is doing with his brother John-although John has left Illinois to visit a friend in Alabama, where he may also invest in land. William also gives detailed information on clothing recommended for Irish immigrants, and on the cures for rattlesnake bites.