| Title: | J A Smyth, Ontario, to J J Smyth, Castledamph |
|---|---|
| ID | 2736 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Smyth, James Alexander/23(2) |
| Year | 1898 |
| 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, John J. and wife |
| Recipient Gender | male-female |
| Relationship | son-parents |
| Source | Copyright Retained by Mr & Mrs J Smyth, Castledamph, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, castledamph@btinternet.com |
| Archive | Mr & Mrs J Smyth, Castledamph, Plumbridge. |
| Doc. No. | 0502012 |
| Date | 23/04/1898 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Document added by LT, 16:02:2005. |
| Word Count | 855 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | [Front of Envelope] Mr John J Smyth Castledamph Plumbridge Co Tyrone Ireland [Stamped] ESSEX ONT AP 25 98 ONT [Written in lighter writing One from You and Me James A Smyth Essex Co Canada Mr J J Smyth Castledamph Plumbridge Co Tyrone [Back of Envelope] [Written on Back] James Smyth Essex County Ontario Canada James Smyth May 7th 1898 Arrived Saturday May 7th 1898 [Lots of Numerical Calculations] May 7th 1898 [Stamped] HAMILTON APL 25 20 -0 1898 [Stamped] WINDSOR AM AP 25 1898 NEWTOWNSTEWART AM 9 15 MY 6th [98?] [Page 1] Essex Ont April 23/98 Dear Parents I received your letter a few days ago, and I received the money order all right [alright?]. I think that picture of John, is very good. He might have buttoned all the buttons of his vest but I suppose he was in a hurry. I sent you a few newspapers yesterday after I got through reading them. As are [sic] perhaps already aware off [of?] the United States and spain are at war, and may perhaps by this time have engaged in a naval battle in which [Page 2] all the latest Naval inventions will be put to practical use. I have no doubt the [rupture?] of the diplomatic relations between United States and Spain surprised all the nations of the earth although such a state of affairs gradually made itself apparent to all of them. There is no telling where this war may end, Spain, I See, has not consented to stop privateering, so that if England s commerce is injured in any way that will throw England in with United States against Spain Then there is a possibility, by accounts, that France and Austria may side with Spain. [Page 3] United States fleet has seized two Spanish ships already I am waiting for the result if the two Naval fleets come in contact. The majority of Eng. [English?] speaking people are in sympathy for [sic] the United States this may be because of their interest and friend s and relative s in United States, but I believe war could have been avoided and I am sure Spain was almost compelled to go to war. The U.S. alternative for Spain to get out cuba and cuban waters within a certain time would certainly have been [humiliating?] for Spain to comply with without [hating?] Uncle Sam s strength and war like powers [Page 4] However war is declared now and they must fight to a finish and Spain although in a bankrupt state will probably show good courage. Pres [President?] MacKinley [McKinley?] yesterday signed the Bill asking for 125000 Volunteers. All their regular army has been shipped south during the latter part of last week. The troops up here at Detroit left on thursday and was a sad parting with with [sic] wives and family etc there will be a lot of them wont come back. There [They?] are listing them as fast [as they?] get men. Some Canadians are going over and [Joining?] the Army. [Page 5] However I think I would wait until war broke out in my own country before I would go. There has been a great deal of talk late year as to the results of the use of all the new inventions no case of war so that oeople will have an opportunity likely of seeing the result. If these large naval warship get put down there will be great loss of life and also of money. The torpedo boats and such like will be [brought?] into use for the first time. I don t know whether you people in Ireland [are?] [Page 6] as much excited over a war as the people of this country. Excitement, of course, is very high in Uncle Sam s land and there is also great excitement Right here in Essex. Newspapers sell as quick as they reach town. There is a Lady in town whose husband is an officer on board the Warship Ohio. (i.e. One of the best ships now in the blockade at Havanna [Havana?]) This letter seems to be all war new s and I hardly know what else to say. This is first week of School after holidays. I spent the holidays at Woodslee Uncle and all the folks are [f?] well. I think Uncle will profit by the war as wheat [Page 7] is going up in price and he has a good deal to sell. I am glad to know you got all or almost all of your road money this time. John, if he intends getting some business, should keep a watch out for an opening or opportunity. I think I shall not ask any more aid from you after July, If I pass then I shall Go to Modal [Model?] School for three month [sic] and then try and get a place as teacher, I shall try and make enough money during holidays to keep me during those three month [sic]. If I fail for my second I shall try and get some [Page 8] situation or employment until Xmas and then come back again and try once more, I am bound to get a second if I do have to try for it twice Spring is a little slow about comming [coming?] out in full force here. The weather is not very warm yet though before July is out it will be too much So [Must?] [sic] all the oats are sown, and ploughing for corn is going on No more at present Yours J A Smyth [James Alexander?] Smyth N.B. The papers I sent you yesterday [contain?] all the [latest?] war news up to noon yesterday J.A.S [James Alexander Smyth?] Transcribed by Elizabeth Prentice |
