| Title: | William Murphy to Martin Murphy, 20 July 1862 |
|---|---|
| ID | 4029 |
| Collection | Argentina - Murphy |
| File | murphy/4 |
| Year | 1862 |
| Sender | Murphy, William |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | cattle breeder |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | San Martin, Salto, Argentina |
| Destination | Haysland, Co. Wexford, Ireland |
| Recipient | Murphy, Martin |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | brothers |
| Source | |
| Archive | |
| Doc. No. | |
| Date | |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | |
| Log | unknown |
| Word Count | 896 |
| Genre | weather, new railway, prospects, family |
| Note | |
| Transcript | San Martín, Salto Dear Brother Martin, It’s now some time since I heard directly from you and full time indeed that I should think of dropping you a few lines in the hope of receiving the like from you in due time. I’ve the pleasure of informing you that all friends ere are well and going on well. This winter has came in most favourable. In the month of March sheep-farmers were quite down in spirits from the bad appearance of the camps, but we have been favoured with plenty of rain with mild weather up to the end of June, so that the pasture got strong and beyond the danger of injury by the severe frosts which have now set in. I think we can count on this winter being favourable than I have thought. It is our due for I do assure you these years past were severe enough, and many have been at great losses. This country has got quite a bright appearance, and it’s the firm opinion of all that many years will see it enjoy the same tranquillity if blessed with a lasting peace. By the end of a few years we will expect to travel to Buenos Aires the most of the distance by train. There has been proposals made to extend the one on this side, and others for commencing new ones. Buenos Aires it’s thought will be the Capital although the bill has to be read. It’s thought we can count on carrying it through. I suppose you now and then see a paper from Buenos Aires, our invincible “Standard” I hope you have the pleasure of seeing for it gives a full and true account of everything most interesting to foreigners in this country and their friends in the old land. Dear Martin, I suppose you know the whole particulars about the place I am now living in. I’ve got some hard knocks from John. I may have merited them and if I have it, [it] has been by looking too much to his interest in expecting a more favourable time to send his money. And to the advice of our nearest friends that the ounces “must come down”, before God I can declare that the idea of keeping back his money to lay it out to my own benefit never once crossed my mind. Nor had I the remotest thoughts of buying land until the 11th or so in the month of February, nor then until I weighed well the difficulties I was liable to meet with against the many advantages in my favour by buying an article that at any moment I can make sale of to advantage even a few days after I settled for it. I could have disposed of it at 70,000 gains. It’s as good land as there is to be got found, well watered and suitable for sheep. My flocks are doing very well. Before I part with the land I will first sell my sheep to a tail. But I’ve got hopes of being able to rise money on it. If so, I shall be all right for the sheep will give me much more than will cover the interest and expenses. For instance, ask James what his brought for the last two years. And you will have an idea of what is to be made by sheep. I managed John’s flocks to the best advantage I could, and I hope he will be satisfied with the changes made, for I looked to his interest in ____ by me leaving Uncalito. I’ve made more room for John on it to get along. Patt has for the first time every prospect of doing well. Out of 17 [torn] sheep he has on first lambing 492. For his time with sheep he has been very unlookey [unlucky] but I hope the change is now for the better. Mary’s sister is with her yet and I suppose will remain until shearing to go to town. Cathy Cormack has been more than fortunate in obtaining one of the best situations in town, where many young women for some years in the country are many months during the year out of situation owing to their having to leave them. She is very comfortable, has 200 $ per month, a good room to herself, her choice of having a good companion, and so well liked by her Mrs (who is gone to England), that she has already received a present from her. She is looking very well and gets good health, hoping to wishing to be remember to all I remain your dear brother, William Murphy P.S.: I did not think I was so near the end of my paper. I hope Margaret will not think bad of me [for] not mentioning her, but although I name you it’s meant for her also. I was sorry to hear of Uncle John’s death. I hope they are all well. Will you tell John if he has got about 2 £ convenient, gives it to Matty Pierce of the Barracks? If not convenient, let him not give it. Also if convenient to James Murphy father, of Ballygeary, from 5 to 30 £ he will do a great favour to James but to me not the least. W. M. |
