| Title: | John James Murphy to Martin Murphy, 23? March 1866 |
|---|---|
| ID | 4066 |
| Collection | Argentina - Murphy |
| File | murphy/41 |
| Year | 1866 |
| 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 | 939 |
| Genre | new arrivals, property laws, friends, advice on emigration, weather, war |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Flor del Uncalito My Dear Friends, It's some time since last wrote you and being very busy at present regulating the flocks for the coming year leaves me but little time to write you a long letter now. But you might think that something has happened to us out here. I have the pleasure to inform you in the beginning that we are all in the enjoyment of perfect health and getting along smoothly as heretofore. The late passengers, Moore and Neil are here with me since the 3rd of February and going on well. Paddy Egan went out with John Connor (Ballygeary). I was thinking perhaps it might be Martin Cleary that was coming, as having spoke of him in previous letters. The new place (the Caldera) has turned out excellent. It has beat us in increase though we thought we played all. As a proof of its quality, there has been numbers wanting to go medianeros (on halves) with me this year. I have accepted four, William Boggan, Joseph Murphy, Nicholas Pierce, and Mike Scallan, so that there will be almost nine thousand sheep on it this next year, beside about two thousand belong to a man that has a place on it rented for this year. We do not know as yet how the Law will course as to the selling of these lands. The Sala will soon meet and it will then likely be determined on, and it's expected that a reduction will be made in the present government prices. William and family and Kate Cormack spent two days and a night with me last week. Kate is out on a visit this last month. Her sister remained in her stead until she returns. Our increase for last year on Uncalito amounts to about four thousand. One thousand of them I sent out to the Caldera, sold (capones) about thirteen hundred, and the remainder about 4,700 remain at Uncalito with the old principal of last year 9,500 leave a principal for this year on Uncalito 11,000 to add. Dear Brother, you will have some passengers to arrange for by the Zingara's next trip. William is sending for some, Mick Browne is sending for his sister, and the man (Cullin) and his wife that you will send to me. I told Captain Stocks any passengers you choose to send I will be responsible for their passage at their arrival out here. So he will bring any you choose to send in my name. People coming out to this country it's necessary they should bring bed and bedding as it's customary in this country for every one to find their own bed clothes at least. Dear Friends, the Almighty has favoured us very much this year by sending us the rain early, particularly about here and Rojas. The camp is splendid, but farther inside they are still suffering from drought, the camps very hard and no water unless by drawing it. Had the drought continued out here we would be badly off on account of having our camp burned so early in the summer. You say in your letter that Mr. Meadows had been speaking or in other words enquiring for me. I cannot forget his kindness in doing so, neither do I nor shall I forget his kindness and generosity to me when his tenant in Crosstown, generosity unequalled by any in same county, as I considered myself undeservedly entitled to so much kindness from him. You may tell him in case you choose to show him this letter (with its many faults) that I beg his acceptance of my kindest regard and esteem, and I hope he may live many years to enjoy the comfort and happiness of his dear good family. Tell him I yet live in single blessedness, but don't know how soon I may change my life for that of a more happy one. The war is still going on but very slowly. There has been one battle lately. A good many officials and men killed on both sides but each party retained their position. It's thought the battle that will decide the war is likely to take place in a few days. It is doubtful which side will gain. I intend sending some papers by this packet also. The news is not much. I am thankful to James for the present of butter he sent me. It is still very good such as we cannot get in this country though [torn] very well secured yet the crock got broken and some of it has passed out through it a little firkin would have been more safe. I intend writing him a letter soon with some particulars of last years' account. This letter has an early date. I send it in Bs. As. with cousin Kate to send by French packet, as I intend starting for Rojas the new place on tomorrow to arrange the flocks out there for the coming year. The Zingara will likely be home about the later end of May, so when ever you think well of writing about passengers include Mick Browne's sister amongst the number. I think Betty or Elizabeth is her name. You might mention it to the father or herself to in readiness. Dear Friends, I believe I have communicated to you all I know of at present worth relating. Hoping it may find you all in the enjoyment of good health, a blessing I sincerely wish you all. Remembrances to all the little ones and I remain your sincere and affectionate brother, John Murphy |
