| Title: | Eliza Fitzgerald, New York, to Mary Fitzgerald Cahill, Quebec. |
|---|---|
| ID | 1051 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Fitzgerald, Eliza/36 |
| Year | 1847 |
| Sender | Fitzgerald, Eliza |
| Sender Gender | female |
| Sender Occupation | seamstress |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | NYC, New York, USA |
| Destination | Quebec, Canada |
| Recipient | Fitzgerald Cahill, Mary |
| Recipient Gender | female |
| Relationship | sisters |
| Source | Emigrant Letters of the Fitzgerald Family, Co.Tipperary, 1829-1907. Copyright reserved by Edwina Goddard, 750 San Fernando St., San Diego, CA 92106, USA. |
| Archive | The Ulster American Folk Park. |
| Doc. No. | 9511118 |
| Date | 28/09/1847 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Document added by LT, 29:11:95. |
| Word Count | 732 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Old Irish Letters Letter from Eliza Fitzgerald, at Rochester, New York, 28 September 1847 To her sisters, Mary Fitzgerald Cahill and others. Addressed: Mr. Michael Cahill, c/o Messers Lemesiure & Co., Quebec. Postmarked: Rochester, Sep 28 ( very faint ); Quebec, Oct 6 ( faint ) Gray paper, with maker's embossed mark, folded, ceased, strained, in fair condition, sealed with what appears to have been black sealing wax. Rochester September 28 1847 My Dear Sisters You surely must think that I too am gone to my long home in not writing to in so long a period. I thought all summer I could get time to go to Quebec but now I find I cannot go as my time has been limited. I only had the month of September to settle my poor brothers affairs. I left New York the first week of September and then I thought I could settle my affairs in a few days but I found it more difficult than I expected. When I got to Albion I went to the cemetery he was buried, I being accompanyed [accompanied?] by a gentleman of Albion. When he showed me the grave of my only brother none but the just God of Heaven could realize my feelings at that moment. However I had to bear up my loss with the hopes of meeting his pure spirit in the realms of bliss when we all must one day appear to give an account of every [---?] ward. I found my brothers means better than I thought I would. He had been sick pretty much all winter but not confined to his bed. But one week he raised blood the week prior to his death. He died in full possesion [possession?] of his senses. He never left any commands for me. The priest from Lock Port was with him the night before his death. His funeral expences [expenses?] was [were?] paid up. They charge very high for every thing [everything?] where he died. He had money enough to pay all. But 12 dollars I paid of his bills. I got his clothes books watch and miniture [miniature?] which is my greatest comfort Now my dear sisters I have the most of my trouble, his corpse being laid in a Protestant burying ground. I did not think right to have left so I had box made and the coffin put in and brought by land to Rochester, a distance of 35 miles. I came by boat and got here an hour before the corpse. I went immediatley for to purchase a lot in the Cathalick [Catholic?] burying ground which I got a handsome lot of 16 feet square. By that time the corpse was at the door and I got a carriage with 2 friends of my brothers and went to the grave yard and had him entered to my satisfaction. I have been detained a few days to have a head stone cut which I now have done and put at his head. It is a very handsome marble. I had it cut by his employer. He only charged me 26 dollars. It has been valued at fifty. The inscription is this: Patrick Fitzgerald Born in Ireland June the 10, 1823 Died at Albion, New York March 27, 1847 this tribute is erected by his sister Eliza May he Rest in Peace. Amen. Now my sisters you will say I had my share of trouble. You cannot concieve what I suffered both in body and mind. I had a severe cold but thankful I feel better. I have been prevailed on by some friends of my poor brothers to visit them but I cannot stay long as I go home in a few days. I have met with some kind friends out here. Its certainly gratifying to hear my brother spoken off in the manner he is by every person who knew him. His exemplary conduct, his devotion to his religion and country has him dear to every true heart but none shall regret him as I do. My only comfort is gone to the God that gave him. I dont wish you to write home about his death. It would certainly kill Mother. I think its better she should not know it. Your affectionate sister, Eliza. ( On margin ) Let me know how Mr. Cahill is. ( On opposite fold ) I wish you would write to me next week as I shall be in New York by Sunday. Direct to me N York [New York?] and send me some news to cheer me for its much wanting and if any person came out ( On other fold ) and where my sister Judy is. You never send [sent?] me her address. I have just come back from planting some trees near my brothers grave. Its a beautifull [beautiful?] spot [of?] [earth?] bid it forever. This letter is in the possession of Edwina T. Goddard ( Mrs. W. R. Goddard ). 750 San Fernando Street San Diego, California 92106. A miniature (Daguerrotype) is also in her possession and believed to be the one mentioned in the above letter as being of Patrick Fitzgerald. |
