| Title: | A S Woodburn, Canada, To Annie H Mayne, Belfast. |
|---|---|
| ID | 3413 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Woodburn, A. S/55 |
| Year | 1897 |
| Sender | Woodburn, A.S. |
| Sender Gender | female? |
| Sender Occupation | unknown |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Ottawa, Canada |
| Destination | Belfast, N.Ireland |
| Recipient | Magee, Annie H. |
| Recipient Gender | female |
| Relationship | cousins |
| Source | T.2284/1/9: Presented by Dr E R R Green, Manchester University History Department, Manchester 13. #TYPE EMG A S Woodburn, Ottawa, Canada, To Mrs Annie H Mayne, Belfast. 6th November 1897. |
| Archive | Public Record Office Northern Ireland. |
| Doc. No. | 8809187 |
| Date | 06/11/1897 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | 28:09:1988 GC created 25:07:1990 SB input 23:08:19 |
| Word Count | 826 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Ottawa - Canada Novr. 6th 1897. Dear Cousin Magee Your kind and unexpected letter came duly to hand, and I was very much pleased indeed to hear from you, and to hear something of the family & cousin whose memory il [I'll?] cherish for his many good deeds, which I have heard from across the Atlantic. My brother Thomas, who visited Belfast twice, often spoke of cousin William, who seemed to follow closely the footsteps of his honoured father. I think I remember seeing him (William) in his fathers house in Belfast before our family sailed for Canada. He was some years younger than me (now in my 66th year) and my recollection is that in 1841, the date of our leaving for Canada Uncle had but two children, the eldest, I think, being your dear respected husband, William Erskine Magee It's a long time to look back to, but there are some occurances of the time that I remember well. One of these was Uncle Alexander taking me by the hand one Sunday morning down to the Shipping docks, while he visited the Sailors, and talked with those who would listen, and also distributed tracts from one vessel to another. I noticed that some of the Sailors would hide behind the ropes and the goods on deck, while others would gladly welcome the visit. Such, I suppose would occur to-day, should the same bene- factor appear on the scene but the same thoughtfulness is doubtless expressed to-day by others for the Sailor as by he who was regarded at the time, as a pioneer in the Tract[asiau?] movement. Well speaking of my Uncle's kindness of heart, as exhibited in his connections with religious, and philontranthopic institutions reminds me of his ever thoughtful consideration for my dear Mother, his only sister, after we came to this country. His letters and papers were exceedingly welcome, for when we came to Canada newspapers were few and letters from home a blessing. We lived in a new country where the people lived generally a mile apart. Separated by great forests and un-improved roads. Not one family in perhaps twenty ever got either got letter or paper, and the "Belfast News letter"and the "Northern Whig" were loaned and read in the whole [?] pleasant. Fancy the postage on a letter in those days fifteen pence, and to-day five cents! At date spoken of we had to travel eighty miles to the town and post office - to-day the postal service in the country is excellent, post offices existing every two or three miles, while in Ottawa (there Bytown) our mail is delivered at the door. Bytown in '41 had about 4000 inhabitants, and now the figure is 53,000 - and as you are doubtless aware, our city is the Capital of the Confederated Province of British America - half a [?] having the small province of New- foundland, which has so far kept out of the Union. Ottawa is really now a very progressive little city and is not a bad place to live in, altho' [although?] when compared to your "Queen city" of the North our "Washington of the North" is but a small place. One feature of progress, however beat you in - that is, the general use of electricity. Most of the houses are lit by that light our street cars run all over the city and much of our mill and shop machinery is driven by that subtle power. Thanks for this to the Great Chandlier Falls on the Great Ottaws river which flows by the city - But as you will probably not feel much interested in such ancient history I must change the Subject. I was very sorry to hear that Carsin Lowrey's daughter, who had but last year I understood started out on a University career, was still unwell and so seriously. Mrs L. some weeks ago informed me of the fact of the illness but I had hoped that it was but temporary. I sincerely hope to hear soon of my second cousins con- valescence and final recovery. Would that I were near her bedside to tell her of Canada, its loyalty to Britain and its progress towards Nationality with the many little incidents which I could dwell upon of family history and life in Young Canada. But this I presume cannot be altho' [although?] I have en- tertained hopes of being able some day before I go hence to see Ould Ireland and perhaps Kiss the blarney- Stone - Well, dear cousin and newly- found friends, I must now be brief, for I fear I have diverged from my intentions to write you a few freindly lines. To yourself and family and to Mrs Nilson and Mrs Lowry I send my warmest greetings. I ahave had several nice letters from both cousins since Uncle died, and and regret that business engagements interferred with corrospondence however meantime with kind love to all I am Dear Annie [Art Newbourn?] Envelope Mrs Annie H Magee 26 Ulster Place Donegall Pass Belfast Ireland |
