I write these few lines hoping they find you all in good health, as I thank God I am at present. My dear father, I must tell you that this is a good place and a good country. If one place does not suit a person, he can move to another and find what pleases him.
But there is one great difficulty, especially in the frontier towns and cities where most of the new immigrants arrive. Many people come here without enough money to travel farther into the country. Because of that, they must stay in cities like New York, where there are too many workers and not enough jobs. This has caused less demand for labor and a great reduction in wages.
For this reason, I would advise no one to come to America without some money left after arriving. You need enough to travel west if you cannot find work right away. But any man or woman without a family would be foolish not to come to this plentiful country where no one goes hungry or naked. Still, I must tell you there are many dangers and hardships in coming here. Yet, as the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Fortune favors the brave. Have courage and prepare yourself to come the next time Mr. Boyan sends out another group. Come all together and say farewell to the land of our birth.
I hear sad stories of how things have grown worse there, of misery, oppression, and ruin of every kind. That news makes me very sorry. Because of it, I send you twenty dollars, or four pounds, hoping it will help you until you can make plans to leave that place for good. Nothing would make me happier than to see you all here together, where you would never want for a good breakfast or dinner.
Bring as many tools as you can, for they cost nothing to bring. Tell Mother to bring all her bedding, the kettle, and the oven with handles. Do not forget the smoothing irons. When you are on board ship, bring some good flour and arrange with the cook to prepare it for you for a small price. Also bring a little whiskey to share with the cook or sailors; it may help you along the way.
As for Mary, tell her not to worry, for I will have a silk dress, a bonnet, and a veil waiting for her. For Ellen, I will also have something fine. So no more at present from your ever dear and loving child.
Margaret McCarthy.
