| Title: | A Irish Schoolmaster's Letter |
|---|---|
| ID | 2270 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Reily, Charles Lewis/2 |
| Year | 1749 |
| Sender | Reily, Charles Lewis |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | schoolmaster |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | unknown |
| Destination | unknown |
| Recipient | Colonel William Johnston |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | not acquainted |
| Source | D 3561/A/18: Papers of Prof. E.R.R. Green Deposited by Dr.P.R.Green. |
| Archive | The Public Record Office, Northern Ireland. |
| Doc. No. | 9310434 |
| Date | 24/08/1749 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Action By Date Document added by C.R., 15:10:1993. |
| Word Count | 699 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | (Copies of emigrant letters collected by and sent to ERR Green as part of his research project on emigration) [The following is the English translation of a letter written in Latin and published in a book 'An Irish Schoolmasters Letter' (pages 191 and 192) ADDRESSED: To Collonel [Colonel?] William Johnston at his house at ye; [the?] Mohawk Castle (Translation) Sir I should be led to believe that men of learning interest you. On this account I write in this manner. I was honored [honoured?] by your message sent to Charles Clinton Esquire; and, in response, inform and assure you that the pleasure of a rare friendship exists between our parents, and I have a regard for anyone who is descended from your father, Mr. Christopher Johnston, who lives near Dunshaghlin [Dunshaughlin?]; that I should greatly rejoice if I were capable of serving or being useful to you in any way. Meanwhile, sir, I regret that, though I crave the honor [honour?] of familiar acquaintance with you, still circumstances are such that they do not permit me to follow the accustomed usage of good manners of coming to see you for the sole purpose of visiting. Nevertheless, it will always be especially pleasant to me to hear of your health, for the reasons mentioned, and how (as you are wont to do) you adorn and honor [honour?] our country, and I congratulate [-faded-] you on your abilities. The teaching of youth now consumes my time, at a place named Goshen, which I have the privilege of leaving at the end of a quarter; so the articles of agreement provide. Eight weeks from this time will end the contract in this place, for I made my agreement with these people before I heard from you, Mr.Clinton or anyone else. But if, however, since your fame has come to my ears, you would enjoy the desired visit (as it is promised), if it would suit you that I should visit you at the end of seven or eight weeks, signify your wishes to me by letter as quickly as you #PAGE 2 conventiently can, and I shall attend you with the greatest pleasure and promptness. Send your commands to me, addressing your letter to either Mr.John Colden, residing at Albany, or his brother, Alexander Colden, a leading resident of Newburgh in this region - either one of them will readily forward your letter. The sooner I received your letter the more delighted I should be, on the ground I shall act, so disposing matters as to be with you at once on your direction. Till that time I remain Your humble Servant and affectionate compatriot Charles Lewis Reily P.S. Your sister was married to my school fellow, William Fitzsymons, a merchant at Athboy. My brother was best man to your brother. Your father, brother and sisters were well when I sailed. Give my respects to Robert Adams, James Rogers, Peter Crotty & Erwin and all other Irishmen in that place. N.B. I shall not make a new agreement until your opinion reaches me; and I beg that it be made known to me as soon as may be. Thank Heaven! I am able to practice various arts, such as the construction of all kinds of carriages, both for gain and pleasure; in addition, many other things which I amuse myself in solitude; then again, if at any time fatigued, with playing various musical instruments, now with bagpipes, now the German flute, then the hautboy, then the violin - with other things when, as I engage in recreation, I relax my mind. [The following postscript was included on the page with the Latin version and is written in 18th century English] P.S. I shall greatly rejoice to be honour'd by a letter from yu [you?], if yu [you?] think convenient So to doe [do?] yu [you?] may direct to me as afforsd [aforesaid?], or to ye [the?] Care of the Honourable Cadwallader Colden at Coldengham in ye [the?] Highlands or any other proper way yu [you?] think, The Sooner yu [you?] acquaint me of yr [your?] Desire the better for I couldn't understand yr [your?] intentions by Mr.Clinton or by James McCloghery, If yu [you?] think convenient when I goe [go?] up I'll Carry some tools with me to make yu [you?]; a Four wheeld [wheeled?] Chair or any Other pleasure carriage yu [you?] please; Banaght Lath gu veke, meh, hu. 3 #PAGE 3 I send this Letter to Captain Ross to forward to yu [you?]. Goshen August ye [the?] 24th :1749 I'll also if yu [you?] please bring with me all my musical instruments Fiddle German flute Hautboy & Bagpipes 3. Gaelic for : A Blessing to you until I see you. |
