| Title: | Kerr, John to Graham, James and Kerr, David, 1844 |
|---|---|
| ID | 4865 |
| Collection | Dear Uncle. Immigrant Letters to Antrim from the USA (1843-1852) [R.H. Roy] |
| File | roy/1 |
| Year | 1844 |
| Sender | Kerr, John |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | schoolmaster |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Perrysville, Penn., USA |
| Destination | Newpark, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Recipient | Graham, James and Kerr, David |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | nephew-uncle / brothers |
| Source | |
| Archive | |
| Doc. No. | |
| Date | |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | |
| Log | unknown |
| Word Count | 3379 |
| Genre | correspondence, politics, family |
| Note | |
| Transcript | LETTER 4 From John Kerr to James Graham Perrysville Pennsylvania, December 19th 1844 Dear Uncle, I am again anxious to hear from your "green isle of the ocean" as Moore says, and I now trouble you with the reading of a very long letter. I received your letter sent by Nancy Kyle, in October last. It was posted September 7th at a place called Locust Hill, which is not far from Pittsburgh, as I judge from the amount of postage, but where situated I have not yet found out. I wrote to you in August last, by a man who was going from this country to Ireland, and informed you that I was then at an academy near Pittsburgh. I remained there until the first of September when the session closed; soon after that I obtained a school and began to teach about the middle of October, at which occupation I still continue. I am situated about seven miles from Pittsburgh and about twenty miles from where I was last winter. I get eighteen dollars per month and I am engaged for five months from the time I began. I mentioned that I got a letter from William in April last which conveyed the same melancholy news that yours did - but I never received Uncle David's letter; I searched and enquired for it, again and again but to no purpose. It has been either lost or not right directed. Had your letter been posted in Ireland, or almost any other place in America than where it was, it would never have reached me. You forgot to put in the direction the name of the state, which is as necessary as anything else. The name of county is not sufficient, for every state is divided into counties, and there is an Allegheny county in four or five different states besides this. The postmaster, therefore, would be unable to know where to send it. Uncle David, in directing his letter, may, perhaps, have fallen into the same mistake. As it is very probable that you received my last letter I need not say anything more on this, than I said in it. I learned from your letter, as well as from the newspapers that you have had great excitement in political affairs in Ireland. I hope that the storm is now over. Since O'Connell's liberation he appears to behave better, and perhaps he will now cease his agitation. I understand he has lately manifested an inclination to give over the Repeal question, for something he calls "Federalism". I do not know what is meant by this term in Ireland; yet I believe many of the Irish Whigs intend to join him in this measure. When you write, I wish you would let me know what are the principles of Federalism, and what objects its adherents wish to carry out; for I need not inform you that I take a deep interest in every measure, and in everything for the benefit of the British people in general, and Ireland in particular - Ireland before any other country in the world. What ever may be for its prosperity and glory, I wish to be successful, and I do sincerely hope that whatever measure, or political faction may be opposed to this, or to the welfare and happiness of its people, may be trampled in the dust. I often doubt. Uncle, whether O'Connell is a designing political demagogue, or a pure disinterested patriot who desires the welfare of his country. The one or the other of these he must be - one thing I wish he was not, and that is a Catholick. We in America, as well as you in Ireland have had great political excitement, in the event of the present election of President. In the bounds of a letter I could give you no idea of the exertions of the politicians on both sides to advance the interests of their party. Long before the election, great "conventions" (as they are called) of both parties, were held throughout the country. Two of these took place in Pittsburgh last summer; one by the Democrats and one by the Whigs. On a day appointed, vast numbers assembled from the neighbouring counties and even from neighbouring states. Some came from Ohio - a distance of no less than three hundred miles. Every town-ship or town-land around Pittsburgh sent a wagon drawn by 6,8,10 and even 20 horses. One was drawn by 98 horses. In each wagon they have something to designate the principles of their party, or something to show the state of prosperity which manufacturers, agriculture, trade or commerce, would enjoy if their party would prevail. On one wagon they had a forge erected, with a blacksmith busy at his trade; on another a small ship, rigged and complete; another had a steamboat with chimneys, engine etc. - the steam up and the paddles whirling round. Some had their wagon filled with soil, with small trees, shrubs, etc. planted in it, and men digging potatoes and beets, gathering cucumbers, pumpkins, etc.; and then the numbers of flags, banners or mottoes, streaming from every wagon and carriage, hanging from every window, and extending across the street, with the firing of cannon, horsemen dashing from place to place, with the loud cheering of the men, and the noise of their drums, - gave it the appearance of the preparation for some great military engagement, or celebration of a splendid victory. The excitement spreads to every breast. The saffron daughters of the Yankee land, waving their banners from the windows, cheer on their party as enthusiastically as the men. The very children catches the contagion, and altho’ scarcely able to speak, will hurrah for Clay or Polk, as they may be taught. A number of fellows clubbed together, walks up and down the streets at night, singing songs composed for the purpose, in praise of their candidate, and sometimes will run foul of a number of another party, and have a real fight with stones, clubs, etc. - not often with their fists as Irishmen do. Yet I must give the Americans the credit of being a very peaceable people, although at each of the conventions at Pittsburgh there were upwards of 10,000 people, yet I did not see a single fight. Large poles, some two or three hundred feet high, are erected in conspicuous places throughout the country, with a streamer waving from the top and with the name of the candidate of the party painted on it. There were three candidates for the Presidency, this election, Henry Clay, the Whig, James K. Polk, the Democrat and James Bitney, the abolition candidate. After all, however, Polk the Democrat, has been elected. This choice in my opinion, shows a great want of discernment in the American people; and it likewise shows how far political prejudice will carry mankind into error. Folk's election has, I fear, struck a fatal blow to the interest of the slave, has given a deadly stab to the cause of freedom; with all their boasting pretensions to the cause of liberty, and their love of independence, the Americans show no more readiness to grant that blessing to others which they boast of exclusively enjoying themselves, than the most tyrannical nation on the earth, if it be opposed to their own sordid interest. The great principle in political matters which secured Folk's nomination by the Democratick Party and indeed, which secured his election, is the annexation of Texas; or rather the stealing of Texas from Mexico. Now any one who laments the condition of the poor slave, one who is not dead to all the feelings of humanity, who cannot but pity the stripes and tears of the poor unfortunate negro, who loves his country more than his own selfish interest, would, by every lawful means in his power, have opposed Polk upon this principle alone. That the annexation of Texas would bind the fetters firmer upon the slave, and that it will delay the emancipation of the negro, there can be no doubt. But it will do more than this. It will tend to perpetuate still longer a curse upon the land - a curse which will endure for ages, and which this country, and all others that have traded in human beings, will feel with terrible severity. That every land in which slavery was allowed has met with a reward due to such a crime, the history of the world attests; and that this country now feels the bad effects of slavery, no-one, who has been where it exists, can with candour, deny. The annexation of Texas will throw great weight of influence into the southern states, and by causing 2 or 3 representatives to be sent to the legislature of this country it will bring the affairs of the nation to be controlled by a clan of unprincipled slaveholders, who care nothing of the interests of the north, and who most bitterly detest any one who would even wish to see the negros free. The new party, called the Native Americans, whose object is to before they become citizens, from 5 years to 21, is rapidly increasing. Although this party is to be blamed for its conduct at the Philadelphia riots, yet I have nothing to say against its principles. The party, however, which claims my sympathy, and which would obtain my support, if I had any to give, is the Abolition, or Liberty party - that is, those who wish to abolish slavery. They are increasing slowly, but steadily. You may think from this letter that I am become somewhat of a politician: it is true I read the papers and I take an interest in some party affairs although I take no active part. I cannot consider this my country until I become naturalised - but you know my determination on that subject. I will consider myself a subject of Queen Victoria, and I have no wish to renounce my allegiance - no I never would, and I cannot but despise the man who, for mere gratification of vanity in being able to say he has a vote, would stand up and abjure his country for ever; even more, would take every opportunity of expressing his contempt for the land of his birth: who despises, or at least pretends to despise, the people, the government, or the country; who will abuse the (3 or 4 words at the top of a page in the original letter are indistinct) the malice of the Yankees, and will ridicule the other to gratify their pride -1 say, such a one, I despise, I detest. I saw the Belfast "Northern Whig" lately, and I think from it that there is a real railway mania in Ireland. It had a long article on the respective merits of Dundalk and Newry as a terminus for the Enniskillen Railway. I do not know which has the best claim but it appears that they will have each a railroad, one of which will destroy the other; so much capital wjll thus be lost. What a melancholy thing it is to consider, that there is so little unanimity among the people in Ireland. They might learn by dear bought experience to sacrifice their own private interest, to that of their country, and receive more benefit at last. Let me know when you write if the project for a railroad between Belfast and Ballymena succeeded -1 hope it has. I often wonder why some of those enterprising capitalists do not invest some of their money in a woollen or hardware manufactory; or some such as they have in England - it would surely succeed. (A middle portion of this letter is missing) Your letter gave me entire satisfaction on matters of which William's letter left me entirely ignorant. It was well written and you do not know what gratification one here receives in receiving a letter well written and which gives all the news. You know I like to hear from Ireland often and I hope you will not neglect to write. I still continue well without pain or ache, and I hope you all enjoy the same blessing. I send my love to Uncle David and I wish very much he would write to me when this reaches you. I will write the next letter to him as I have not sent him one yet. But when I write one to you I consider myself addressing you all. But I wish him to be sure to write - oh I know he won't refuse when he remembers how long we were bedfellows together. Although I am far away, I do not forget my friends in Ireland, especially him. Give my regards to Uncle Samuel and to Aunt Hessy, Uncle and Aunt in Liskinie, to cousin Elizabeth and to sister Elizabeth and to all my brothers; I wish them to be good boys and to study hard. Tell James not to neglect Grammar and Geography and if he be pretty well acquainted with them, he might give Elizabeth a lesson every day. Give my best respects to all old acquaintances and neighbours and tell Alex Black that 1 will write to him in 2 or 3 months. I got four Warders, a Bristol (English) paper and three Belfast Chronicles, which last were dated after your letter. I received no Chronicle prior to your letter. I sent you more than a dozen newspapers, and I sent one to A. Black and one to Mr. Rodgers; but the postmasters here say that half the newspapers which are posted here for Europe are not sent there. He says that if they were taken together there would be a perfect ship load. I have sent a letter with this one to Mr. Rodgers. I now make room here for a few lines to William which can be either copied and sent to him, or if you choose you may send him the whole letter. This letter is very long and you will be tired out with reading it. I will send you papers about the elections etc. They will give you the movements of this country about Texas and Oregon; both of which the democrats want, although the Whigs are opposed to Texas and not much in favour of taking Oregon. The English should lay a firm hold on it, for it belongs to them in just right. Send me papers. Believe me, ever your affectionate nephew to death. John Kerr. Dear William, I fill out my letter to Uncle James with a few lines to you. I learn by your letter which I received on 27th of April last that you are in the police. I think your situation by no means a bad one; it is indeed better than you could have got in this country. Had there been the least prospect for you here, I would certainly have written for you, but for every situation in this country, as well as in Ireland, there are plenty of applicants. I have been obliged, you are aware, to support myself by teaching school, and when all is counted up, you are able to save more money than I am, and to have more time to yourself; besides, I venture to say that your employment is more pleasant. Now how do you employ your spare time? I know not, but I hope you spend it usefully. I will however tell you how I would employ it. I would buy books and learn - study all the time I had. I would commence and learn Latin, Greek and Mathematicks etc. I would pay some person to hear my lessons, if I could get anyone. Be assured that the best way you can spend your time now, the best way you can lay out whatever money you may make, is to obtain an education. This will stand you in good stead, when all other things fail, and besides, it can never be lost to you. If you want to emigrate, take a good education with you, rather than a thousand pounds. Even if learning should bring you little pecuniary advantage, it is itself worth the time and application spent in its pursuit. All the time I have to spare I devote to the study of Latin, Greek and Mathematicks. I am now prepared for college and would be able to graduate in any college in this country in two years or three at the farthest. All this I have done myself, without receiving pecuniary aid, to the amount of a penny, from any person in America. You can do as much, and even more. You have more time, and better opportunity. I now go seven miles once a fortnight to say my lessons - you see I must exert myself. Indeed, William I believe that, a man's fortune is placed, to a great extent, in his own hands. The secret of the prosperity of almost all who have done well in this country is, that they have been forced to exert themselves. A foreign land especially America, is the place to teach a man energy, a quality that a great many people in Ireland want. What do you think now? Will you up and be doing, or spend you time in useless amusements? Study will be irksome at first, but custom will render it delightful. Determine to overcome everything, and you will surmount all obstacles. You should pay more attention to your composition, and when you write even a letter, first sketch it down upon a piece of paper, correct it, then copy it off. You should look over your grammar again, and when you write me again let me see an improvement in your style. Read Blair's lectures abridged. My letter is now full and I must close -I want you to do one thing - join the Tee Total Abstinance Society. Though the intemperate may jeer, and the worthless may scoff, have as much independence as to disregard them all - be a man - have nothing to do with the accursed thing - dash the cup from your lips, and determine - resolve - with that resolution, which anyone deserving the name of a man should have, that you will never taste it again. What misery has not intemperance brought upon man? Another thing I would wish you to take my advice in, and although I am young I can give this advice bought by experience - never learn to smoke, chew, or snuff tobacco - never take a pipe in your mouth, if you do, you have learned to smoke. What a vast amount of money poor Ireland pays for this unwholesome weed. Another thing remember - keep no bad company. It has broken the neck of millions and done worse, it has ruined their souls, forever. You may ask if I follow this advice myself. I answer. I have not tasted anything that could intoxicate, for more than two years, and as to bad company I do avoid it, and am determined ever to do so. The last that I have to say is; Attend meeting every Sunday, and remember that you have to die. These remarks, you may think, come with bad grace from me; but William, I regret the follies of my boyhood. Attend to the advice of your Uncles. No more. Believe, I am still, and ever shall be, your affectionate brother. John Kerr. To Uncle David, P.S. When you write, let me know the population of Ireland, as returned by the last census, also the number of Protestants and Catholicks, likewise the population of Belfast, Dublin, and Cork and Limerick. I have no way of obtaining the census of Ireland here, and I am curious to know. I wish you would send me the Northern Whig and Ulster Times, and one of the Belfast Newsletter. I like the Whig or liberal papers. Write and send some papers before I leave this neighbourhood. I think I will go next summer some place to study. Direct; J. Kerr, Perrysville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania (mind Farewell. J. Kerr. and put no Pennsylvania), United States, America. envelope on your letter. |
