| Title: | Alexander [?] to James [Stavely?] |
|---|---|
| ID | 10 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Alexander/36 |
| Year | 1860 |
| Sender | Alexander |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | unknown |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Ship Swafia (Liverpool-Queensland, Australia) |
| Destination | Ballyboyland, Co. Antrim, N.Ireland |
| Recipient | poss. James Stavely |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | friends |
| Source | D 1835/27/5/3: Deposited by Greer Hamilton and Gailey, Ballymena |
| Archive | The Public Record Office, Northern Ireland. |
| Doc. No. | 9309329 |
| Date | 01/12/1860 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Action By Date Document added by C. R., 01:09:1993 |
| Word Count | 1239 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | 9204025 D 1835/27/5/3 Presented by Greer Hamilton and Gailey. Solicitors, High Street, Ballymena, County Antrim. The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. D 1835/27/5/3. Letter from Alexander [?] on board the "Swafia" Mailship, from Liverpool to Queensland, to "dear James" [possibly James Stavely, Ballyboyland]. On Board "Swafia" Mailship from Liverpool to Queensland December 1 1860. My very dear James, Our mutual friend William Kirkpatrick will have advised you of my safe arrival in Liverpool, at one o'clock yesterday. The previous night was dis[------?] and the "Waterloo" for speed and accommodation is rather behind the age. Mr Peoples, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, kindly Mr Peoples, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, kindly met me at the boat, and interested himself very much in getting me an mim [and Mim?] safely conveyed to Harrington Street. The day was "dirty" as the night had been however time was short and I endeavoured to [------?] it. Before going to Mr. J C's house, I went with W.P. [?] and visited a family for some years in connexion [connection?] with my family in St. John. I refer to a Cabinet Maker - Mr. Wallace, and his #PAGE 2 wife and children now residing in Liverpool. They gave me a cordial welcome and it was a source of regret to all that our interview was necessarily so short. Returning to Mr. JC's office I went home with him to [----?]. Shortly afterwards he and I started to make some calls. We first visited Robert A. Shunn and Son to the sixth Mayor of Slany [?], [----?] of his Sisters - most amiable young ladies - reside with him. They received me most affectionately. How much affection; shall I not call it love. They accompanied us to the house of another Sister, Mrs. Robert Patterson, where two other Sisters [------?] unmarried, reside. My old and valued friend William Shunn was sent for. As he resides at a short distance from his children, he came at once and I found myself in the midst of a greatly attached family group, where a day and even days could have been most pleasantly spent in bringing up, it might be for pleasure or it might be for pain, the recollections of other days. I feel grieved because that I had not an opportuntiy of at least exchanging kind wishes with Dr. [Doctor?] [?] John [-?]owie, Mrs. Maria Wilson, the Riffands, and other old friends but under the circumstances this could noot be done ..... I stopped last night with William Kirkpatrick, had breakfast there at 7 o'clock then to the office, then with the luggage to the Fender [?] for the Mail Steamer. We had called yesterday at Mac Ivers office, and got the ticket for Boston. This man of business, Mr. Burgess, kindly promised as there were a few births [berths?] secured to get me or [---?] me one of the first Saloon State Rooms. This he did on board, through the kind introduction of Mr. Kirkpatrick today. I do not expect any one will interfere with my appartment [apartment?], and it is A.1. containing a full length sofa, two mirrors, and every thing a [as?]comfortable, as even you could desire. We seem to have some fifteen or twenty respectable men in the forward Cabin. There are four of these I already recognise to be Ship Masters, and whilst I write they are spinning a [-----?] good yarn. One belonging to Yarmouth [--?] has been from his wife and family since January. Another proposes that he should have a second marriage and send him some of the short cake. Our [----?] is most bountifully provided for. Roast Beef, Roast Pork, Beef Steak and for dinner today Lobster - [-----?] - Apple sauce and such like fixings for Tea. Our Saloon is about double the length of that in the "Waterloo", but only about half the breadth. The "Swafia" is certainly a maginficent Steamer. The discussions respecting her today go to say that although scarcely so fast, she is in any other respect equal to any other on the line. I feel that I am too particular in my details and at present a few lines will wind up my remarks. This night is dark and stormy. I now write #PAGE 3 at 8 o'clock, and although unaccustomed to sea sickness I could with a very slight effort out [sic] myself in this unenviable position. My dear James I have had a "Malliture [Multitude?] of thoughts" since we parted respecting the dearly beloved friends. Soon to be left behind It will not require absence to make the heart grow fonder. You have all laid me under unspeakable obligations by the innumerable acts of kindness since I arrived in my native land. If my deep felt gratitude is worth any thing - friends in Glengall Place Belfast - Church S. [?] Ballymoney - and though last not least Lavin Cottage, have it in a superlative degree. I could scarcely say who has been most kind and attentive but this I believe could have been more of my loved relatives could have been more so than they were [sic]. I hope it is not to much to hope that I may see you all again. [------?] is still dear to me very dear to me. "When I roam whatever lands I see my heart untroubled [?] [-----?] turns to thee". Under any circumstances, if spared in health I expect to re-visit my native land in four or five years. I think that no consideration will ever induce me again to attempt crossing in any other than a Mail Steamer. You cannot conceive how fully every arrangemnt is made here for the comfort of passengers. We have two Gentlemen, acquaintances of Mim [?] from New Brunswick. One James Smith, Builder of the "Marco Polo" - is in the first, another Mr. Smellie is in the second Cabin. Whether we leave at Halifax or go on to Boston, if safely carried over, will depend on the state of the weather and the then mode of transport in the provinces.... I cannot now write connectedly and will just in conclusion jot down a few scattered thoughts. My regret now is that I was able to make such a feeble return to you and the other attached relatives for your valuable kindness. I hope however to give you all as you have given me some more substantial memorial of my gratitude than I can put on paper. Our Brother Mr. Hugh Hamilton kindly sent with me a C[---?] for Margaret for which I feel very thankful although I have failed to acknowledge in [-------?] terms. Your own gift to her will likewise be regarded on the other side of the Atlantic with much interest and respect. Ann's blanket or rug or whatever you call it is a much appropriate [?] gift, it will give me comfort when in need of more heat either by night or by day. -- Should I get home safely our wife and bains [babes?] will be delighted to see me, and oh how much more than ever will they delight to speak of friends and relatives they have never seen, from present memorials of their affection, and all their kindness to me. #PAGE 4 We are not parted from the friends we love Because between us rolls the broad salt sea Parting is of the heart and not of space! Advise friends of my departure. love to your family, to relatives in Ballymoney and Lavin Cottage, especially to my ever dear parent, I cannot add. Farewell! A word that must be and has been A word that makes us linger Yet Farewell -- Your ever affectionate Alexander |
