Them Wild Woods: An Irish Quaker Familys Transatlantic Correspondence 1818-1877

By Ulster Historical Foundation

Educated at Campbell College, Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin, Bill Jackson retired in 1999 from a career with Oxfam, the Irish public service and the United Nations.

That emigration tore Irish families apart is a given, but rarely is the separation chronicled across three generations.

These hitherto unpublished letters describe the life of an Ulster Quaker shop-keeping family whose daughter married and emigrated in 1818. They bring out the fears of parents who will never see their child again and the preoccupations of sisters and brothers who remained behind, caring for the parents and themselves hoping just as much for material success, romance and marriage, as well as for spiritual fulfilment.

They reveal along the way the situation of Irish Friends in the first half of the nineteenth century, and the difficulties of making one’s way, whether in unsettled Tyrone or settler upstate New York.

Among other things, just about everyone who was anyone in Dungannon and its hinterland is mentioned – for good or ill. Armagh, Dublin and Lisburn also feature, as do New York, Buffalo and Collins. There is everything here, from jilting to murders, bankruptcies to fashions, potato prices to politics. The events of the times stud the background. In Ireland, visits by Dungannon’s absentee landlords, the proscription of unionist and nationalist parades, O’Connell’s trial for sedition, the possibility ‘of propelling vessels by steam’, Queen Victoria’s opening of the Queen’s College, Belfast. In America, an encounter with Napoleon’s brother, the opening of the Erie Canal, the ball given in New York for Charles Dickens, the abolitionist cause, various presidential elections, P. T. Barnum’s hoax exhibition of the ‘Feejee Mermaid’

These couple of hundred simple family letters throw a candid but sympathetic light on life as it was lived in Ulster and on the Lake Erie shore nearly two centuries ago.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ulster Historical Foundation
• Release date: Jan 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781908448187

Book preview

years.

THE LETTERS

Envoi

Margaret Pike to Anne O’Brien née Greeves

Derry Vale, 25/2mo 1818¹

I am sorry I have not had an opportunity of taking leave of thee, but since it is the case allow me thro this medium to wish William & thee all the happiness which an union of hearts & hands is capable of bestowing. I [send] with this two little shell pincushions. I shall be gratified if thou & thy Sister Mary will kindly accept them as small tokins of my affection, but not measuring it … which are so trifling, I am ashamed to present them.

A parcel is to be sent with this, which it will much oblige Wm Garratt² & me if you will take charge of to Dublin. My part of it is small, But I am afraid Wm has increased [it] to a size that will be inconvenient to you along with all your own things.

Please remember my Wm. & me affectionately to Mary & Daniel³, & also to Mary Sinton⁴, & Mary Haughton⁵, & with kind salutation to thy beloved, I remain

thy affectionate Cousin Margt⁶

The marriage certificate of William and Anne O’Brien, witnessed by William Garratt, Samuel McDonnell and Thomas Greeves

Letter 1

John Greeves sen. to Anne O’Brien

Bernagh⁷, 4th day⁸ 3 oclock

[Probably written Wednesday July 27th, 1818]

My dear Ann

We were anxiously waiting to Hear what Time you wd be in Dublin, & only Got a Letter from Dan this Minute. Thos. [Anne’s brother] sets off in the coach this Evening: he Brings a letter from me to my Br. Thomas⁹ & some other letters. I am afraid Thos. will not be in time to see thee as he only got Dans Letter to Day. We are all in Confusion, thy Mother would have wrote to thee But could not, She sends thee a small Bundle of things which she sacked them up Least [lest] they would be siezed by the officers. I Have no time to say Much, but with Ernest Desires to you may Have a safe passage, & that you may be preserved in the fear of the Almighty which is our Ernest prayer, and conclude with Dear Love to Wm & self which thy Dr Mother Join, we Bid you Affectionately Farewell from

thy Loving

Father John Greeves

The signature of John Greeves sen. This and the other signatures featured appeared in ‘Genealogical Memoranda relating to the families of Greer, Owden, Greeves, Jackson, Lowry and Bowen-Colthurst’, privately printed, 1897

Anne O’Brien née Greeves, addressee of most of the Letters and writer of a handful of them. The photo, taken some sixty years later, in 1877, was copied by Beardsley of Ithaca, NY

Letter 2

Thomas Greeves to Anne O’Brien

Grange, fourth day the 3rd of 8th mo 1818

My dear Sister

As I understand a vessel (I believe the Lucy¹⁰) is about to sail for the United States, I write thee a few lines & send them by J. G. Greeves¹¹ who is going down to Belfast this evening – altho I have little news to communicate.

When I parted with you on first day night [Sunday July 31], I went with JGG & had a supper of oysters in Bolton St [Dublin] and talked over a great many old things, in which you had a place. I intended to have spoken to Rebecca & have matters cleared up with regard to any misunderstanding, but Elizabeth would not let me: she had pulled in her horns (Elzh) said a little, & she was sorry for the manner Wm & her had parted¹² & hoped & wished them to be on good terms with her when they went to Corn Market.

I had a letter from Mary [O’Brien] last seventh day in which she thinks it doubtful whether she will be down for the Qr [Quarterly] meeting owing to their doing so much business. Dan is in Dublin this week again buying goods – but when she comes she does not expect to bring Anna¹³: she is getting teeth.

I received Wms note on second day evening [Monday 1 August] from on board the Hibernia¹⁴ at 4 oclock that morning. It was really gratifying & I let the Carlow folks know of it. JGG brought Martha McMeakin¹⁵ down & she is here these few days. He is going to take young Robert¹⁶ with him as an apprentice – there is also a Carpenter of the name of Hall who has been working at the meeting House going also.

Aunt Debby¹⁷ has not got married yet, but its all fixed that its to be so: the only thing that is stopping it now, is that Uncle & she has not got their accts finally settled. George [Joyce] is to settle all her own property on her. I was over there on first day week: they were well & Uncle Samuel¹⁸ was here last first day.

John is coming on pretty well at the Groceries & I trust it will succeed¹⁹. Father is very well, Mother has some slight attacks, but is full as well as when I saw thee. I think her spirits are better now that you are gone. We have been anxiously watching the wind ever since & find [it] this last week for the most part westerly, which is against you. If it’s the Lucy that has to go from Belfast yet, its well you did not go in her, as she is delayed so long. I dont know whether JGG will be back here before he returns [to New Orleans].

The crops of oats, it seems will be but light, & meal has risen a little in consequence; the potatoe crop offers well, if the frost does not come on. All the rest of thy relations are well except Aunt Molly²⁰ who has been very poorly with a cough these 2 or 3 weeks: she is at present better. Alice de Costir²¹ has got a son – Francis James – she is quite proud of it. As I write this at J Wms desk, I am not so collected as to be able to give all the information I wd wish.

A great number daily is enquiring after thee & wishing you a pleasant sail. Trade better than usual this time of year. I hear Abraham Bell²² has taken Jno Nicholson²³ apprentice. Jane Nicholson has been very poorly at Beechgrove²⁴ with something of inflammation: I believe she is now out of danger. In Marys letter she says Ben Thompson²⁵ has at last shown what he is, & has refused to leave it to the decision of two friends but will have it now to three lawers – if it’s kept as long on hands as Thos Boardmans²⁶ affair it’s hard to tell when it will be ended.

But sure Hanah Christy²⁷ is going to be married shortly, for certain I hear to Rheubon Harvey²⁸ her own full cousin. It seems its an attachment of nine years & altho Jas Christy & the young mans parents has done all they could to prevent it, its all in vain. He is not in membership [of the Society of Friends], but goes to church – it seems an unnatural alliance. We expect the quarterly meeting will be large.

There is some talk of Wm Boardman going to be married but dont know who it’s too. He has got a small two story house beside the Green. We will be anxiously waiting to hear of your safe arrival & hope you will not delay writing a single day. If I can get an opportunity, I intend writing thee in 3 or 4 weeks when perhaps I will have more news, & am with love to William

thy affectionate

Brother Thomas

The signature of Thomas Greeves

I have just had a letter from Mary saying she will be here tomorrow. I forgot to mention I went down to the quay the morning after you sailed & of course could see no sight of you & was told you had got to sea with a very good breeze & the wind was blowing very fair for your going up the channell.

John Wright²⁹                        For Anne O’Brien

Philadelphia America

Letter 3

Thomas Greeves to Anne O’Brien

Dungannon 10th mo 14th 1818

My Dear Sister

I wrote thee last week when in Dublin by the Britannia & wrote thee before that By a Vessel from Belfast, and now writes these few lines by the Glenthorne via New York, to sail in a few days, & am still without any information from yourselves how you got on, but will be expecting a letter in about 3 or 4 weeks.

I may just inform thee that Thos Nicholson³⁰ wrote to my Father from Pittsburgh, a few days ago he recd it, saying that all Wm Heazelton’s property³¹ he thought would be got, if he had a power of attorney to receive it. So Susy Douglas³² sends by the same Vessel this goes by, a power of attorney to Thos Nicholson to get the money; and in Susy’s letter of advice to Thos she has desired him to pay thee the Fifty Pounds which Billy Heazelton left thee & which I have no doubt but thee will accept of if offered. Altho I have given thee an exact acct. of the transaction, yet Father thinks it still doubtful whether Thos will be able to get the money & would not have you fully expect it for fear of being disappointed; & if its a thing that it is got, it may be several months before it.

I slept with Mary, Margt and Wm Sinton [the ‘Sinton girls’ and their brother] in their own House the three last nights I was in Dublin and helped them to purchase goods & settle out and mark them. They are glad to have a House they can call their own. Rheuban Harvey and Hanah Christy were married on last 7th day morning & drove off immediately after breakfast for his home. They were married in Tullylish church & Joseph & Mary Dawson [cousins to each other] were the only people present.

Aunt was very bad with the Quinsey [tonsillitis] when I was on … [br]oke of itself. She is now recovered of it, but is very weak. Mother can … pretty well & Father bravely. I have taken the lot of ground [around] my tenements from Maxwell McAvoy for which I am to give Twenty Guineas, and intends beginning the week after next to throw the parlour into the Shop, as we find the want of room more if possible: beside, their is a prospect of a good winters trade.

I had a letter today from J.G. Greeves³³ from L’pool [Liverpool] in which he mentions the death of his partner Jno Murdoch Jnr. at Port Gibson; in consequence of which he is to set out immediately for New Orleans. I have but little news, having written so lately – Thos McCann dropped down dead opposite to our door a few mornings ago & I believe never spoke after. Wm McAvoy is to remove to Jack Gribbon’s old House & believe that Wm & Ann Heather³⁴ … [are] getting on as well as the times will afford. Did I mention before that Thos Greer Jnr³⁵ had sent in his resignation of membership – it has not been accepted yet.

As this goes with other letters in a cover to Belfast, I must send but half a sheet to make it weigh light³⁶ – & will conclude with Dear Love to Willm in which I am joined by Aunt & Susanna, Jno & I am

thy very affect brother

Thomas

There was also a letter from Carlow for Wm went in the Hibernia. Our cousin Jack Greer that asked for Arabella Pillar³⁷ died on first day week. Second day was our fair & Susanna & Jane were saying it was that day twelve months Wm O’Brien was here & made the Mahogany yards: how soon time passes over.

Letter 4

Joseph Sinton³⁸ to Anne O’Brien

Wilksbarre, November 25 – 1818

My dear Niece

I have heard of thy arrival in Philadelphia. I am a good deal surprised that none of my relatives have written me by thee; or if they have, that their letters have not been forwarded. If my relatives in Ireland suppose I am not interested about them or indifferent about their descendants, they are mistaken. The attention I have been obliged to pay to business to make a living in a strange country, and the difficulty of obtaining safe conveyances may have made my letters arrive at long intervals, but I assure you that my relatives, my youthful friends and even the scenes of childhood are still very dear to my heart.

It will be a great satisfaction to learn what thy husbands prospects are – to what sort of business he has been accustomed and whether his expectations are likely to be realized. If his business will admit I shall be much pleased if you can both pay us a visit – the distance is only a hundred and twenty miles, which the stage runs in two days. It reaches Easton³⁹ the first day where my nephew James Sinton⁴⁰ lives, where you could rest and there some of us with a light waggon would meet you and bring you here. If there should be sleighing, you could reach here in one day without fatigue, where you will find a warm and comfortable habitation and what I hope would make it agreeable – a hearty welcome. I need hardly add that my brother and his wife join me in this invitation. I hope I shall soon have a letter from thee or thy husband.

With love to thee both, in which Jacob and Polly joins, I am

thy affectionate uncle

Joseph Sinton

Letter 5

Thomas Nicholson to William O’Brien

New York 28th 1st mo 1819

Dear Wm

I duly received thy letter & may mention in reply that I have two letters from John Greeves & S. Douglas handing me a power of atty to receive the money alluded to & also desiring me to pay Anne £50 on receipt of it. This power of attorney, I am sorry to say, is done so incorrectly & without proper signatures that it is of no use whatever; & in consequence I shall write Jno Greeves and return it by the first vessel that leaves this port for Ireland. I regret this very much and am surprised that it should happen so.

I forwarded the [thy] letter [to] Carlow the day after my arrival. I am sorry to hear that Thomas Greeves has been very poorly & feel somewhat afraid of the consequences. We are all well here.

Thou wilt remember us affectionately to Anne, J. Wright & wife, & believe me

thy truly affectionate friend

Thos. Nicholson

P.S. Tell Anne I shall not forget my promise to write to her when I have a little more to say.

Letter 6

Margaret Greeves to Anne O’Brien

Bernagh, 2 mo 20th 1819

My dear Ann

I received thy long wished for letter, for I was very uneasy about you, as we had not any but the one you wrote from New York. We received Williams on the same day, with the account of thy confinement⁴¹ and since that Mary has sent us a letter wrote by thyself a month after, by which I am glad to hear thee mended so well. Many anxious hour I have had about thee, but now I feel a good deal easier; since I hear thy friends are so kind and attentive to thee. I hope thee will discover things in thy power to make thyself agreeable to them. It’s a pitty thee could not go and see my Brothers as they wish to see thee so much, but I dont think that William would like to want thee and the child so long.

I wish I could see it but fear that will never be, but I hope you will not transport your selves where George T.⁴² is. You would find it very different. Thee is now among friends and thy relations, and kind ones too, and if you find business does pritty well, I hope you may settle near or where you are. I cant bear the thoughts of you going to them wild woods where it would be so hard to hear from you. I am afraid William will sett himself up working too hard, as I know he will do everything in his power to make thee comfortable; and it will not be in thy power to do much to help him, but I expect thee will make it thy studdy to make him happy. I know thee is good humored and not fretful, but I cannot [say] I am not fretful now, for I have fretted more since thee went away and Sister Debbys⁴³ marriage than ever I did in my life. Nor will I ever be satisfied about her taking George Gacie [Joyce]; as Jane has wrote to thee all about them I will say no more until thy Father returns from Moyallon. He went there on six day and this is first day and not home yet.

Jane is with me: she has been mostly all winter in town with [brother] John, so thee may think what a lonesome winter I have passed. But sure I am turned shopkeeper. I go in every market day all winter to help [brother] Thomas, and I can do much better than I thought I could. Thomas has put the parlour into the shop, and its a fine roomy one now; the customers are still asking for thee. Susanna is coming on finely in the shop, but is so constant in the shop that she cant get sewing: I have to make and mend for them all, for John has been poorly⁴⁴ most part of the winter, so I got little help from Jane. Thee wishes to know how my stomach is: it’s a great dail better of late, but still I have little turns of it. Thy Father has been better this winter with his back than these several years past, and looks better. He weighs 13 stone⁴⁵. Brother Billy⁴⁶ is finely; Sister Betty⁴⁷ the old thing [i.e. unchanged]: they are often asking for thee. They desire there dear love to you boath.

Betty Mullens desires to be remembered to thee. I give Betty Moors curtens to her sister Nancy last summer for she was very badly off for cloas: she has made a gown and a quilt of them. She has lost her health and not able to do much, thee may tell Betty about them. We have Maria’s hair, I think it will be the colour of thine own; be sure and not learn her bad fashions at night, the way Mary did John, to give thyself unnecessary trouble.

I expect thee will write often and let us know how you are getting on, and how the child is thriving; give our dear love to Brother Tom and wife, and thy Uncle⁴⁸ and Aunt⁴⁹ Morton; Mary Greeves and Brothers; their Aunt Sally Harpur⁵⁰ had a son died lately by a fall from his horse. Mary has been poorly this while past, something the same way she was the time of the Carlow Meeting before thee was married. Thomas and Jane has wrote thee all the news that is going, but thee knows I am bad at writing news at any rate.

Fourth day

I have just got the stairs on the lodge and beautiful day it is, though hard frost. I am often thinking how thee bears the cold and keeps the child warm. Sister Mollie⁵¹ has been but twice here all this winter. Though the forepart was very fine, there has been good dail of rain lately. Thy Father returned from Moyallon 2nd day: he spent evening with Sister Debby – she says she is quite happy and content. What Jane wrote thee about them, dont write anything about it to my Brothers for fear they might write about it to Brother Sam: he is very angry about the talk and if he thought we would write about it he would be more so. Thy father’s and my dear love to William, John and Ann Wright, George and Jane V[alentine]⁵². With a large [share] to thyself I am

An etching of John Morton, from A History of the Bank of North America, by Laurence Lewis Jr., Philadelphia, 1882

thy ever aff Mother

Margaret Greeves

The signature of Margaret Greeves

Letter 7

Jane and Susanna Greeves to Anne O’Brien

Berna 3 mo 3th 1819

My dear Sister

Agreeable to thy request I begin to write thee a long letter, not doubting but it will be very acceptable as thine and Williams was, which we received on fifth day week. We are all rejoiced to hear that thee has added to the name O’Brien and that thee is recovering so finely. William mentions that you intend calling her Maria. I approve of thy choice and so do we all but my Aunt Molly: but I dont much wonder at that as there are so many of our relations called Mary, she says. She thinks Mary a much softer name. Perhaps I may have the pleasure of seeing her sometime but I doubt it is not very likely. I often wish I could get a peep at you. I think if you have got into a house of your own that you will live very comfortable; I wish I was with you for a while, I could help thee to nurse Maria but thee is too far away for that now; however it cant be helpt, so must be content.

I was glad to hear that our relations in America were so kind and took so much notice to you – however thee is no affront to them. But it is best thee is not depending on them, as they might soon tire of thee. We were very uneasy about you, not having got a letter but the first, but we knew that you arrived safe: that was one comfort.

It is time I would begin to tell thee how we are getting on since thee left this. I am not sure whether John had open’d shop or not before thee went away, but thee wishes to know how he is getting on. I believe he is as well if not better than we expected. I am for the most part in town: as thee knows, a shop does not do well without a second person in it, if one was doing ever so little. My Mother is very lonely now, as she has none of us with her except William⁵³ who is not at school now. My Father teaches him himself – the Master could make no hand of him; Mary & Dan wanted us to send him to Carlow to go to school to Michael Clarke, but I believe my Mother wont let him go. She thinks he and Thomas Sinton⁵⁴ when they would get together would torment Mary so much that she would be glad to send them home again.

My Aunt Debby was married in ninth month last. I was in Moyallon when George came first to see her, and I staid near a month, and it was concluded they would be married before I left it – tho he was only four times to see [her] the whole time I was there. I think that she was very easy persuaded. They had a very merry wedding; Susanna and I were asked but my Mother would not let us go, and I was not sorry at it; they sent us gloves and part of the brides cake. She went home in a few days afterwards. She came to see my Mother before she was married and George came to see her, but when my mother heard the day he was to come she would not stay in the house, but went to Derry Vale with Thomas, John and Susanna who were invited for dinner; leaving no one at home but my Father, Aunt Molly, Aunt Debby and William, I being in Moyallon. I think that was a cold reception for him after him coming so far. They have not quit selling spirits yet, as they were to have done when my Aunt would go home; but they have made great alterations in the house since she went home, but had the most of it alter[ed] back into the old way again as they found it did not answer – it was reported that Georges wife haunted him untill they had to alter it again, but I blieve there was no truth in it. My Mother has neither written to nor seen her since she was married, but Mary O’Brien went to see her when she was here; she thought it was the least she could do after her being so kind the last time she was in the North; my Aunt seems quite content and happy. Some of her relations about there continue to visit with her still. Jane Sinton⁵⁵ lives on with my Uncle and they have got Abby Pilkington for a lodger. She is sister to Margaret but I suppose thee know her – she is a pleasant old body. It is a pity Margaret and she cant agree, as I think she might have room for them both.

Hannah Christy of Laurence town is married to her full cousin Rhuben Harvey⁵⁶. It vexed her poor father greatly but it seems they have been attached to each other these twelve years, so it is no wonder that she refused so many offers. Sally Greer⁵⁷, Jonny Greers⁵⁸ daughter of Grange, lives with James now as house keeper and he had Mary McDonnell⁵⁹ there spending the winter. She was part of the way going to the South of France – the Doctors thought it would be of use to her – but the vessel was drove back by contrary winds; and her friends advised her not to go, so she returned and the time she was on the sea was of use to her, so that she has been a great deal better ever since. Was it not a wonderful undertaking for her that was not expected to live a month? One would think that she might recover yet after all her dying.

The last letter I had from thee, thee wished to know whether John Corroren⁶⁰ and Jane McConnell⁶¹ were married: they were not then but are now. Jane was left us: when she was married she was not the girl we took her to be at all. We found out John was robbing us after she was gone; and we heard it went to her Father’s. When we found it out my Father turned John off, and went and spoke to Jane and her Mother about it, but they of course denied it; in about a week afterwards they were married, so if we were inclined to think her innocent before, that convinced us she had a hand in it; her sister Molly never spoke to her since, nor even went to her father’s: she lives in my uncle Billy’s. Still they would not like to part with her now since poor Sarah Rodgers is dead. She died about 12 weeks ago: her sister Mary has been at Grange since a month before Sarah died, but is going home again [via] the Lisbourne meeting which is first day week. My Aunt Betty will be very lonely when she goes, being always accustomed to somebody in the house with her.

Thomas has had not a letter from J.G. Greeves since he sail’d for New Orleans yet, but is expecting one every day. Doctor Dicksons [Dr John Dickson MD, LMS] son John went with him but left his wife behind him in Cork at her Father’s. I blieve he was very poor when he went away, he was so extravagant. They had but two letters from Mary [Dickson] since she arrived in the East Indies: she is not married yet. Susanna and I drank tea at the Doctors on seventh day evening was a week, and they were asking for thee and said they were glad to hear that thee liked America so well; and Sally [Dickson] said she wished greatly to have seen thee before thee left Dungannon, but did not hear it untill a few days before thee was married. She desired me give her love to thee the first time I would write. I think her a very affectionate girl: she seemed to be very fond of thee.

The Doctor was attending Mary Garratt who was confined about three weeks ago: she had been very poorly ever since, but is a little better these few days. She has got a young daughter she calls Margaret Amelia. I believe it is thriveing finely. Mary Heazelton has also got a daughter about the same time [as] thee, she calls Hulda for Hulda Nicholson. It is a fine little thing; her father in law, old Ned, is dead: he died about two months ago. Old Nancy was near dead too but is a good deal better (if she had died it would have been no great matter). Saml & Susie live in Cullenegrew⁶² still. Susan is home from Newry and is making straw bonnets – she can make them very neatly. They have poor Neddy Heazelton with them these two months: he is wrong in the head again: poor man, it is a great pitty of him, and them with him. He has not forgot the guinea he gave thee to keep for him yet, and says he never got the worth of it and is talking of it almost every time he sees any of us. They have to keep him chain’d still as they could not manage him without it.

Lucy Locke⁶³ returned from Dublin the week before last: she says she never was so tired of it before; she was glad to get out of it, she says. She seen the Sintons the day before she left it and they were very well. They opened shop in tenth Month and is getting on very well so far; they had not William⁶⁴ long: he was married two or three months ago to Anna Jackson, Susie Jackson’s daughter. They were married in church. They lives in the house with her Mother within a few doors of where the Sintons live in Corn Market. It is very pleasant for them to have William so near them – as they can have him when ever they want him. I blieve he is growing more settled now since he has got married; he and Rebecca are as good friends as ever (I suppose thee heard of them not being friends)⁶⁵.

The Webbs⁶⁶ have met with a great loss, in the death of Anne Sparrow⁶⁷: she died of a Typhus fever near two months ago. It is a great pity of Francis: he had opened another shop, but since Anna died he has given them both up & is going to Wexford to live with his Mother. Rebecca has got his house in King Street and has left her own; her sister Mary and her husband from Lisbourne has opened shop in her [Rebecca’s] house, so there has been great alterations in a short time. I wish poor Francis may not regret haveing left it, and he doing so well; but he never liked Dublin.

Lord Northland is dead⁶⁸: he was ill a long time, but was able to be down for breakfast the day he died. They kept him near a week but buried him very shabbily. They had but six scarfs and a nasty old hearse, after him leaving a hundred pounds to be laid out at his funeral: but it seems they thought it better to lay it out in clothes for the poor, which they did. But I think they might have done both and I blieve they would, only for his son Charles⁶⁹ who made the most of everything he could, as he was to get whatever would be over after paying the legatees; he even sold the hens and turkeys; was not that a scandalous thing for a Lord’s son, but I blieve he does not much care what he does so [long] as he makes money.

Thomas Knox, 1st Viscount Northland

Amelia Blately [Blakely?], widow Blately daughter, is married to a man of the name of Bucannon [Buchanan] from … . Very few are sorry she is left Dungannon, for she was not at all liked. Widow Truman Joe Shaw is married also, to a cousin of Billy Cross: it was not quite a year after her husband died to she was married. I think she soon forgot him. Betty Grimes is not married yet: she lives in Edward Shaws of Castle Caufield as cook. She wished very much to have went to America with you, but as thee did not write for her, she did not say much about it. I am almost sure that she would go now if thee wrote for her, that is if she would get leave. It would be very pleasant for thee if thee had her, if she would not get proud like the other Irish girls when they get to America.

The Nicholsons⁷⁰ and us are as good friends as ever: Anna, Hulda and Charlotte⁷¹ slept all night in Thomas’s on second day night last; it is very pleasant for us to be intimate with them as they are very agreeable. Jane has been in Lisbourne the most of the winter at James N. Richardson’s⁷² but came home on third day last as James was coming with an American friend who was at meeting on fourth day. I wish Aunt Morton would take a notion and come over to Ireland to see us, as she be travelling about, but I suppose she will never come now as she did not come before this.

It is very pleasant for thee to have Cousin Mary Greeves⁷³ so near thee: I suppose she goes out to see thee some times. Please give my love to her: I like her from the description thee gives of her being so kind to thee. She could not be more so if she was thy sister, nor James thy Brother.

I think thee has come on as well as thee could have expected in a strange country. All thy friends there have been so kind to thee. I think I see thee and thy little daughter and thee nursing her: kiss her for me: dear knows if ever I will have the pleasure of doing it myself. I have some of her hair carefully laid by and I think it something like thy own. I often, very often, think of you. I dont think that thee is an hour out of my thoughts the length of the day and is very often dreaming about thee. It was first day week was twelve months, that Brother William and thee and I staid at Berna, it being the first day before you were married. I little thought it would be the last first day that I would spend with thee as in all likelihood it was; thee does not like to hear of how badly we thought of thee going to America so I will say nothing about it.

My father is returned from Moyallon: he went there on sixth day for the first time this year and a half. He seen my Aunt and he says she looks fat and well and was never more happy in her life. She is to come to see us when Uncle George gets his ploughing done, so as he can spare her a horse. My Mother desires me tell [thee] not to say anything to my Uncle Sinton (if thee sees them) about the alterations and what is said about Georges wife, as they might write to Uncle Sam and say something about it, and he would know it came from us and he would be very angry with us, as he is with other people for talking about it.

There are a great many desired me give there love to thee, the first time I would write. I begin with all the Shaws⁷⁴ of Dree, Maria and Eliza Shaw, Lucy Locke and Jane Bullache⁷⁵ all Uncle Billys family, Thomas Malcomson, Betty Mullen, Jenny McCan, Mary Courtney and Biddy and a great many others I cant remember. My Aunt Molly desires me give her dear love to thee and tell thee that she often thinks of the pleasant days thee and she spent together down at the sea and wonders if thee ever thinks about them. I blieve I have written every thing that I can think of and I dout thee cant make any sense of it, as I have been many a time to it and from it since I began. Thee must make it out as well as thee can and excuse it, as sometimes I would forget what I was writing about when I was called from it. William and Susanna desires me give their dear dear love to thee. I am not sure whether Susanna will write now or not as I have written all the news, but if she does not, will the next opportunity. I think thee cant complain of this not being a long letter, so will conclude with dear dear love to Brother William and Maria and blieve me to be, my dearest Anne, as ever

thy truly affectionate sister

Jane Greeves

P.S. I expect thee will write to me every opportunity as I intend to do: be it ever so little, it will be acceptable to thine &c

JG

Dear Sister

I intend writing thee a long letter the next opportunity. I would have written now, only as Mother, Thos & Jane did, they have left me no news. I may tell thee that Mr Roach is left town. He is gone to Dublin: there was great talk about L Locke & him but now since he is gone that put an end to it. He used to ask very often for thee – and also My Uncle over the way, M[axwell] McEvoy. I may tell thee he has got an increase to his family, the Girl that lived in the house with him has a son to him. I hear that it is very like him: so there is My Uncle for thee – but that is but a small blemish in a young man’s character.

Mr Egan was asking for thee the other day: he was glad to hear thee was well. I think it is time for me to say something about thy little daughter: by all accounts it is beautifull but as beautiful as it is, I hope it will grow tall and slender than its name sake Rosa Fagin⁷⁶. Be sure & write me soon & tell me all about her & how thee likes nursing. Thee never mentioned in any of thy letters about going to meeting or if there was many friends. I hope we will live to see each other yet: I long to see thee & thy little daughter. Tell brother William to write to me & I intend writing to him. Give my dear love to him & am glad to hear he is growing so fat. I am with love to Mary Greeves & Maria, & accept a large share thyself & believe me, Dear Anne,

thy affectionate Sister

Susanna

P.S. Peggy Roberts has taken a house a few doors above Moran & is carrying on the stay making business as usual. Adieu Dear Sister adieu,

thine

SG

Letter 8

John sen., Thomas & Susanna Greeves to William & Anne O’Brien

Bernagh 4th mo 13th 1819

Dear William

I thought it might be some gratification to you to have a few lines from me, as there is an oportunity by the [Delaware] bound from Newry to Philadelphia that is expected to sail the 20th inst. By the Different Letters you have written to Carlow and here giveing us the agreeable Inteligence of your safe arivall, with an account of your Reception amongst your Relations in Philadelphia, as also account of Anne’s Confinement, all of which is truly acceptable, we were glad to hear Br Thos & his wife took so much Notice to you, having no doubt but it was agreeable to poor strangers in a strange land, where there is little but strange faces to be seen as well as the Different manners of the people to what you have been accustomed to. It was also agreeable to hear thou got so soon into Employment, as I believe there is many that goes to America that is put to hard before they get into Business. We are anxious to hear how you have got over the winter; was thinking the frost wd be so severe that thee could not follow thy Employment; and I believe it generaly holds 3 months, which is a long time to us that is not accustomed to such long & severe winters.

It is now time to give you some little account about us here: indeed my inability is so bad for writing that I Hardly can scrape much together, but will Leave the Remainder of the sheet for Thomas to fill up. My Daughter Mary [Daniel O’Brien’s wife] hath been very poorly Good Deal of the winter & Spring but is got better; & Dan hath been verry ill with cold he got in Dublin lately, which I believe confined him some days to his Bed, but is Getting better slowly. Their Daughter Anna is ill with Ulsers in her Eyes: Something like small pox, it hath not got in the sight yet. She hath been Blistered⁷⁷, they are a good deal alarmed about her and is Talking of sending her to some of the surgeons in Dublin. We in Bernagh is pretty much as usual in our health, frequently complaining – the forepart of the winter here was the warmest and mildest I ever Remember until the turn of the year. Since that we had Good Deal of Rain but little or no frost or snow; the fore part of the last mo was fine and Dry, that a good Deal of farming has got done. The weather is now much changed for the worse with a little frost at Night & rain in the day. The provisions here is pleanty and cheap, the Linen trade is very bad: the poor is hard put to, owing to the Badness of the times, for when the Linen is low all other Business in General is Low in proportion. There are great numbers of people gone and going to America this spring, but most of them sails for the British Settlements [Canada] owing to the cheapness of the passage, which is not more than the one half to the United States.

Susanna Douglass⁷⁸ sent a power of Atty to Thos Nicholson to recover her brothers property that is in Pittsburg; and if he can get it he is authorised to pay Anne 50 pounds bequeathed to her by her Cousin Wm Heazelton, and I Have no doubt but Thos will do his utmost. We heard he called to see you on his way from the Western Country. In his letter to me last summer dated Pittsburgh he Mentioned the property to be all forthcoming, amounting to nearly 2000 Dollars. Our Relation Edwd Heazelton hath been confined at Saml Douglass’s this several months with his old complaint of Insanity. We think him something better. The family hath had a very Troublesome time of it since he took so ill. His sister Susy D still keeps in a delicate state of health. Mary Heazelton died about 2 weeks ago, consequently her anuity will fall to Susy D, if not taken from her by Law by the Representatives of [Hamilton] Hall⁷⁹ who Wm got 200 pounds from in his Life time. I suppose you still Remain in John Wrights, which was a Happy Circumstance to get such agreeable Lodgings. Please give our Love to him and his wife altho’ I never had the pleasure of seeing them. I think Ann mentions in some of her Letters that you had thoughts of Taking Up house some place Near Germanstown: please let us know in your next Letter or whether you had thoughts of Removing to the Western Country, which wd be a long Travel & I have know Doubt wd be attended with Heavy Expence.

Have you seen any of the Sinton family yet? As I understand Br Jo was Expected in Philadelphia this winter. Thy Mother and Jane wrote about 1½ months ago, it was to go by way of New York. Thos had several letters from John G. Greeves since his arrival in New Orleans: he mentions the trade is remarkable bad and Many faylors [failures]; he mentions carpenters wages about 15 Dollars per week, but the country is very unhealthy. Please give our Dr Love to Brother Thomas & wife, and when you writes wd be glad to know her Name, but thinks its Mary [née Emlen] – and Remains with Dr Love to Ann & self which thy Mother joins

thy affect Father

John Greeves

Dungannon 4th Month 13th 1819

Dear William

I had the pleasure about six weeks ago by a vessel from Belfast to New York in which I acknowledged the rec’t of thine giving the pleasing acct of Anne’s safe accouchement. Since which we are without any of your favors but as the Ceres is soon expected from Philadelphia, we daily expect letters from you, which at all times is a great gratification to us & I hope we may always be able to get letters from you with as much facility. But if you should happen to go to any of the back settlements I’m afraid of it, & we would rather you would stay among your relations, if thee finds it will answer.

If I can credit the account I see in the Newspapers of a new discovery in navigation, by propelling vessels by steam, we may calculate on receiving any communication by sea in a certain time, as if by a mail coach. The particulars or rather the description of the aparatus is not published yet, but the inventor (a young student⁸⁰ in Glasgow or Edinburgh) has obtained a patent for it. It’s wrought by steam, & no weather can affect it, and may be attached to any vessel: besides there seems to be little or no danger of accident. In short I think it says too much to be true & if it is true & it comes into use, dont be surprised if you see me paying you a visit one day or other. But in the present mode there is too much risk to run for a trip of pleasure, for me ever to be able to persuade my Mother to let me go; indeed excepting a tradesman, without a person has plenty of money, it seems as if a person can make it out nearly as well in Ireland. To be sure they may make it out here, but not be able to leave anything to their offspring if they ever should be blest with so endearing a gratification; as to myself, it seems if I was doomed to live out a solitary existence with the application of an old batchelor.

I have had four difft letters from Jno G Greeves, the last one dated the 21st of 2nd mo by the Parker & Sons⁸¹ which which arrived at Liverpool in 31 days, the shortest passage ever known. He mentioned his intention of writing you. By all his letters he says trade is very bad: the market is much glutted with all kinds of european goods.

Tell Anne since I wrote last I had two interviews with Betty Grimes about going over to you. She would like it much, but having lent her Father some money could not get going till next spring; & I think … [if it?] would come to the push, her relations would try to prevent it. However she says she would be resolved & not let any of them hinder her. She is living these some months back with Edwd Shaw of Castle Caulfield at 5 gs⁸² p. year. I told her there was some danger of you going back into the country, which she seems to have no objection to, provided she was with Anne. So untill we would know this & she know of some acquaintance going, she would be undetermined untill spring & whether she could be depended on even then I cant say. Anne Green, who I wrote Anne abt before, seems full as anxious for going & as Anne knows her, she can write what she thinks about her.

We are anxious to hear from you: it seems so long since you wrote. I purpose setting out for Dublin on the 23rd and not returning untill after the yearly meeting, where I expect to meet with many of our acquaintances. The Sintons are getting on as well as the times will admit of & seem to enjoy a House of their own much. Every one almost has been complaining of trade & altho it has not been so good as I expected at Easter, we had no reason to complain; but now that this set time is over, I fear we will have little to do. The Grocery business is doing as well as I expected. He [brother John] has got seeds & timber also to sell.

Believe me thy afft brother

Thomas Greeves

My dear Sister

Least you may not have a letter of so late a date as this one from Carlow, I may just mention what I understand is shortly to take place there: John Waring⁸³ and Sally Haughton are to be married; & Lucy & a young man of the name of Thompson – the latter I understand are to go immediately afterwards to America; also that thy sister Sally Murray⁸⁴ has got a son, & trade there as here is dull. Wm & Anne Heather, at least the latter, are well but Billy is complaining sometimes & I believe leads her full as uncomfortable a life as he did in Rathangan. Jas [Nicholson] & Nancy seem to live agreeably now but they cant [get] her money from Tommy [Greer], which must inconvenience them. Anna [Nicholson] is at present on a visit with her Uncle Clibborn⁸⁵ in Banbridge, & Jane at James Richardsons, so that there is only Huldah & Charlotte⁸⁶ at home. James still speaks at meeting & once or twice lately did not miss Ahab & Jezabel⁸⁷. Tommy seems to be a contentious, perplexing man⁸⁸ for like Lucifer when he was cast out of heaven for impropriety, he would not do good himself, but also prevent others from doing so. Now (I suppose) since he can find no ground of an action at Law against Jn Hogg, he is making sluces below Jonathon’s green, which if he goes on with, will prevent Jonathon compleatly from working in the time of a flood. Consequently he will have to bring an action against him. As this was only began last week, I would not wish thee to be speaking of it; & Aunt tells me Uncle Morton used to be a favorite with the Greers & they with him, & it would not do to be telling him.

We have had a great stir here these few days in consequence of McGlown, who thee may recollect beat Billy Heather, being under sentence of death in Carrickfergus gaol for conspiring to murder his master, who he lives with beside Belfast, of the name of Greenlaw. But one of the gang having discovered on the rest, they were taken before they got their intention executed, which was one of the most diabolical attempts Has been known for a long time. His master was a batchelor & had his sister living with him, & he was to have rode up to the Hall door with a blank letter directed for Greenlaw about nine oclock at night and when he would come to the door to receive the letter he was to have knocked his brains out, then to strangle his sister.⁸⁹ It was at first expected he would have got off for transportation, but his character was so very bad nothing could save him. His corpse came home on first day night to Killyman to his Fathers & its astonishing how many went to meet it. I suppose the crowd reached fully two miles long, he was interred in the chapel yard yesterday & had an uncommon large funeral.

What does thee think of Maria Malcomson⁹⁰, who was going to run off, as report says, but others say he was going to take her against her inclination. But I have occasion to believe the latter not to be true: however it’s kept very quiet he[re] & it would not do for it to come to A Bell’s ears. The young man talked of was a pedlar of the name of [Andrew] Todd who thee may recollect to have bought goods from me many a time. He is tall, but nothing at all about him that a person could call attracting: of late he has dressed very fine & was as auctioneer; it seems he is a relation of Verners⁹¹ and he expects to get into the revenue. They did not get running off & I hear she is now on a visit at Rathfriland.

Jane McMeakin⁹² has got a respectable situation in England as tutoress & Martha one in Dublin as House keeper. Robt. [McMeekin] does not lead Mary one bit better life than he used. Wm & Jane Douglass are well & she had a daughter some time ago. Uncle Billy & Aunt Betty are well and desire their loves to you. Ellen Allen breathed her last about a week ago of consumption & has left twelve children to deplore her loss. I dont know whether I ever wrote thee of Uncle⁹³ Johny Christy death: he died of a very malignant … at Lawrancetown, the latter end of last year. Mary McDonnell is still alive & her health, I understand, is much improved. Jo Miller’s daughter Mary has got married. Eliza Shaw is going to Dublin to stay some time with her sister Locke⁹⁴. I have written thee all the news I could collect & hoping to hear from thee soon, may conclude by saying we are all in our best fashion, and am with Dear love to Wm & thee in which I am joined by Aunt & Jane & Susanna & John – also all the Shaws, L Locke, Jane Bullocke & many others I dont recollect, who desired their …

thy very afft brother

Thomas

Susanna will finish … give my love to uncles & aunts Morton & Greeves & Jas, Mary & Henry⁹⁵ also Jno & Anne Wright.

My dear Sister

As Brother Thomas has left a vacant Place, I thought a pitty not to write to thee – not that I have much to communicate but as I know it will be acceptable. I hope before this reaches thee, thee will have got sister Janes letter which contains a good deal of news. As Thomas & my Father has picked up all the news I am at a loss what to write. In the first place I may tell thee that we are all well and is glad to hear thee is so content. I hope Maria is thriving well. I often, verry often, think of you. I wish thee would write to Jane & I soon, & if thee could send us a few heads of Indian corn it would be verry acceptable. Mary Nicholson sent over some & a few shells to her sister Ruth & her cousins. I did not drink tea at James Nicholson since the night Wm & thee & us all were there untill lately; nor at Jonathon Hoggs, only on first day evening last. There was not any company there so of course Eliza was very free & Agreeable, much more so than the evening she left me at the kitchen fire to warm myself.

I had a letter from sister Mary last week: she expects to be confined about seventh month. She wants my Mother to go up but I do not know whether she will go or not as Jane is constantly in town: for since John got seeds to sell, it takes two to mind the shop. Mary will be very much disappointed if she does not go. Little Anna has been very ill with sore eyes: she was blistered behind the ear and when Mary wrote she had taken of[f ] the blister & she thought she seemed better. I suppose Thos wrote about John Waring⁹⁶ & S Haughton⁹⁷, so thee sees I have not any chance for John, as you used to be laying him out for me. I think Mathew Jinkeson has a mind to live an old bachelor if he lives on, as he is likely.

Brother Dan talks of coming down to see us soon: but on account of Mary being poorly he could not get so soon as he expected; but as she is finely again I hope he will soon come. I do not know whether he will bring any of the children with him or not. I wish very much to see Anna. I hear she is so fine a child: if my Mother had her she would not feel so lonely. She comes in as usual every market day: she can do a great deal better than she did at first, but now since the hurry of Easter is over she will not be in so often.

I wish we could get a peep at thee & thy little daughter: when thee writes, let us know if she is quiet & how thee rests at night. I hope thee did not learn her as bad fashion as John O’Brien had. I think Wm is a second Dan O’Brien about his child. I think I never seen such men, they are so indulgent. Indeed I think it is happy for Mary & Thee that met with such husbands. My Aunt Molly desires her dear love to thee & William & also sister Jane, & believe me as ever, dear Anne,

thy ever loving and affectionate sister

Susanna

PS Jinny still lives with us & she desires to be remembered to thee. Give my dear love to my dear Brother William: I hear he is getting fat since he went over.

Thomas Greeves                  (For Willm O’Brien)

54 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia

America

Letter 9

Thomas Nicholson to William O’Brien

New York 5th mo 1st 1819

Dear William

I send thee herewith a letter which I reced a few days since from Belfast & ship Jno Dickinson which came to Abm Bell’s