| Title: | John James Murphy to Martin Murphy, 20 March 1864 |
|---|---|
| ID | 4042 |
| Collection | Argentina - Murphy |
| File | murphy/17 |
| Year | 1864 |
| Sender | Murphy, John James |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | cattle breeder |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Uncalito, 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 | 1001 |
| Genre | homesickness, cattle breeding, weather |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Uncalito Dear Brothers, Sisters and Friends, As not having written by last packet I cannot for a moment think of letting this opportunity pass without opening to you my heart and concerning with you by the only means now left me. Were I only to mention how often my recollection flee to the society of my dear friends in Haysland, I am sure I might with justice say that there do no day pass without me visiting you, these and these only are the recollections that help to console me when oppressed with the thoughts of being thus separated from those friends that has so deservedly enjoyed the tenderest feelings this humble heart possesses. The thoughts of once more seeing you, either in this counttry or in that (as God may feel disposed to permit) will help to shorten the time of its arrival, and level the rugged road of life to the completion of that happy period. In every other respect (but these above mentioned), I must say I am extremely happy. I enjoy good health, and I hope this, as also all other letters will continue to find all friends at home in the enjoyment of the same Blessing, for which we hope to be over thankful to the God of Mercy that has been so extremely kind to us. Dear brother, before entering in to other topics, I wish to convey to you that it’s my wishes that you should live happy, comfortable, and independent. You have no need to depend on Haysland for means to do so, as I know how hard it is to live comfortable in a farm of land. But you know that the money I left in your charge is at your service, and that I would sooner see the last farthing of it spent, than to know you need it. If the National Bank of Liverpool appears safe, you would do well to be prepared to meet every call they make. And if you are short of funds, either for that or any other purpose, don’t neglect letting me know in time. If God is pleased to leave what he has already given me, I am sure neither of us may want, and I hope He may give us the Grace to make use of it as He desires. Dear Friends, Although this has been the worst year ever Englishmen witnessed in this country as regards the seca, which you must have already seen the awful description of it in the papers, yet our flocks did exceedingly well, considering the large stock we had, and when the drought set in, which the following is a simple account of. When I arrived out to Uncalito, I was surprised at the great changes that time and Nature had produced, mart particularly in the growth of the trees in the mount (plantation), as also the camp much improved, and decorated with 15,835 sheep, 10,500 of which is mine, the rest belongs to the posters in charge, each having his own respective part. They señaled (marked) for the year ending 1863, 5,389 lambs, and the total increase for same year over the principal of same year 4,208. There is of that increase 2,700 fall to my part, the rest to the men in care. The largest of the flocks has been relieved by James Murphy and Nick Pierce removing with this part to William’s camp, the former on his own account renting camp with a principal 1,190. The latter as a medianero with William taken with him 450, he being on thirds with me. There is now in the Rincon flock 2,257 on thirds with Gregory Scallan, and has put in two years of the three, in which he has them. Though we have been lucky as to not having to remove our flocks, yet we cannot say that we are also fortunate in being blessed with the fine rains that has fallen in many other parts of the country. The rain here in summers are very uncertain, and generally fall in showers lasting from an hour to three, passing through a part of the country, leaving it flooded perhaps a mile wide. And quarter of a mile to either side not a drop felt. The neighbour’s house in which I live (though being fortunate in other respects) yet had the misfortune of missing this that was this year so much needed. Though having fallen within a few miles on every side of us. We are still drawing water for both sheep and horses. The latter are the only animals now hard up for something to eat in order to be able [to] do their work, which on account of drought is heavy, with the disadvantages of having to be corralled at night, lest they be stolen, as no horses are safe now. Patt has also rented camp from William, and is about to move his part to there. George Furlong is to take charge of them on thirds. He take 1,590 sheep without his 1/5 of the increase on Uncalito for his services which remain here & amounts to about 600 for the year ending. Peter Cormack and Frank are going on well. They both wish to be remembered to you all. Say something of Frank’s mother in your next. Katy Cormack sent home 8 £ to her father by last packet. I want you to send me out an iron plough. Get it made on the smallest scale possible, and so as it can be taken apart and put together after getting it out here Let it be worked, so as it will appear second-handed, as articles that has been used pay no duty here, which is ver high otherwise. Send also ½ Dr Mettle socks with it, one dozen is sufficient, as we can get them made here. All here send their love and please accept also that of your Dear Brother, John Murphy |
