| Title: | McIlrath, James L to McIlrath family, 1861 |
|---|---|
| ID | 4485 |
| Collection | The McIlrath Letters: A family history in letters from New Zealand to Ireland (1860-1915) [Bassett, McKee et al.] |
| File | mcilrath/4 |
| Year | 1861 |
| Sender | McIlrath, James L |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | emigrant |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Gisborne, New Zealand |
| Destination | Killinchy, Co. Down, Northern Ireland |
| Recipient | McIlrath family |
| Recipient Gender | male-female |
| Relationship | son-parents |
| Source | |
| Archive | |
| Doc. No. | |
| Date | |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | |
| Log | unknown |
| Word Count | 367 |
| Genre | arrival, account of passage |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Gisborne. April 21st 1861 Dear Father Mother and Brothers, I write at this time to let you know that we landed safe at quarantine station on the 12th of March after a long but safe Passage of 94 days but owing to smallpox being on board we were detained at this place 80 miles from Melbourne up to the 6th of April which being fourteen clear days without a case the passengers and crew had all to be vaccinated and some revaccinated before leaving this place. And we are happy to say that we escaped this sickness and enjoyed the best of health since we left home with the exception of a few days sea sickness. We had fine times when we were in quarantine fine houses and nice wee friendly beds to lie in or run them about when we pleased. But we left it on Saturday evening the 6th of April and they landed us at Melbourne about 12 o'clock that night we went to lodgings and stayed in Melbourne until Tuesday when we started for the country and travelled about 27 miles from Melbourne, it being the commencement of winter and the dullest season of the year so we thought it better to engage with a farmer until we would know a little about the country so James he engaged with A. W. Kavanagh, and W.J. Alexander and me with the next neighbour A.W. Townsend, and William Martin our old mate with a man not a mile off we can see each other every evening if we like. I can say little at present as we know very little about the country yet. Write as soon as possible and let us know how all our neighbours and friends are getting on. I believe you had a severe winter since we left, let Mr Alexander's people know that William is well and if convenient Mrs Martin, Newtownards know that William Martin is in good health. Our best wishes to all our neighbours and friends. No more at present but shall ever remain yours affectionately J.& H. Mcllrath When you write direct your letter to Gisborne Post Office Australia to the care of Mr Michael Kavanagh. |
