| Title: | J. A. Smyth, Canada to B.M. Smyth, Co Tyrone |
|---|---|
| ID | 2761 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Smyth, James Alexander/35 |
| Year | 1899 |
| Sender | Smyth, James Alexander |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | student |
| Sender Religion | Protestant (Methodist) |
| Origin | Essex Co., Ontario, Canada |
| Destination | Co. Tyrone, N.Ireland |
| Recipient | Smyth, Bella M. |
| Recipient Gender | female |
| Relationship | siblings |
| Source | Copyright Retained by Mr & Mrs J Smyth, Castledamph, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, castledamph@btinternet.com |
| Archive | Mr & Mrs J Smyth, Castledamph, Plumbridge. |
| Doc. No. | 0401016 |
| Date | 23/06/1899 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Document added by LT, 20:01:2004. |
| Word Count | 433 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Front of Envelope Letter addressed to < Miss B.M.Smyth Castledamph Plumbridge Co. Tyrone Ireland STAMPED (Torn) [Woodslee?] Written in Ink. Arrived 6th July 99 Back of Envelope STAMPED Newtownstewart AM 5 Ju 6 99 Written in ink Arrived July 6th 99 J J S Essex Ont [Ontario?] June 23 1899 Dear Sister, Your letter of June 10th. To hand today, and as usual I am glad to know that you are all in good health. I must say I am sorry to know of the accident which has befel [befell?] Matthew Smyth. It must have been a serious broken leg or otherwise the [bone?] is not much good when he has to go to the infirmary. I expected that Archibalds death would cause somewhat of a stir regarding the disposal of his wordly treasures and perhaps the end is not yet. I see you have a long way to go to cut your [turf?]. It is too bad but I suppose you cannot help that I notice also the girls have gone(you say to) spread them, vast differences in this country. You could not get girls to do that kind of work either for love nor money, such, are the different occupations in different countries. I am glad to know that the band has begun practising. If they only knew the value of it I doubt not but that they would practise more and agree better. A good player in a brass Band has very little trouble in getting a position in this country, because a preference is always given to a man who could aid the band in the place where he is going. Now a knowledge of the flute leads the person to understand a more difficult instrument, so much easier. I may get you a Fife and Drum music Book some day and send it to you. I see some that contain an easy and nice selection of times. The tunes they play there are all old and specially suited for 12 July celebrations. You should have these suitable for [xmas?] etc. selection of waltz tunes and so on, I would like if it is possible for the Band Boys to get their pictures taken on the 12th. I wish they would do so if possible. I was at a picnic at Amherst bay some 20 miles from here yesterday with Essex Brass Band. We got 2 each for the day. [Swore?] drummers are in good demand if good and play correctly by note. If John is good he should learn it that way and keep practicing at it. I have no time to practice as I would loose it on my school work. I suppose there is some truth in the idea about looking for a hoard of money. I thought you knew I had a second class [Hon?] professional last year. I have that now and will for all time to come. I can teach on that in this country at xmas, and if I pass now again I cant begin to Xmas. If I dont pass it does not make any difference. I can begin teaching any how at same time and this years study will not be last. I dare say I could pass your examination over there dead easy. This years study especially suited the work required over there and that was one reason why I went this year, I shall have to begin teaching here on a salary of about $325, up to $375 or about £65 to £70 in your money per year. And there is usually about 2 months holidays in summer. July and august There are two of the boys that were going to school last year who failed on their seconds went teaching and they are getting $325 or $350. One of them Hill. Cooke has the south Woodslee school, that is counted a small salary in this country. The reason why I cannot teach is that I have not attended modal yet and I must go there a while to get instructions in the art of teaching. etc. I suppose you do not know what the Eden school is worth. I may go down to Woodslee tonight and so I shall be able to tell them concerning the [----?] of [A?] [Duncans?] death. (p.s. I almost forgot I would need some money pretty soon if you can afford it. I shall be leaving here in about 3 weeks so I shall pay up all bills - J.a.s) [James Alexander Smyth?] I see you are having picnics over there now, now the only trouble with you folks in Ireland is that you do not go out enough and see something $26 is a cheap excursion I wish we could get a few here for that. When we get a good one it cost about 12 shillings. You should take in a few of those [evening?] [excursions?] and see more of the country. And the people [&?] their manners and so on. I think I have written enough now. If you can read it at first sight you are all right James A Smyth |
