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| Gates of Mitchelstown Workhouse, Cork, Ireland |
May 1864
Mitchelstown, Cork
Dear Grannie and Pa, I hope this card sees you both well.
I have made up my mind, I am going to Australia. Mama, of course, is wailing.
Mitchelstown continues to recover from the famine but it is 12 years since and there is nothing for me here. The workhouse continues to house as many as it will hold and there is little hope of finding work that will sustain all but the most meager of lifestyles.
I have heard reports of wealth aplenty from across the world, extravagant stories of gold discoveries in and around Ballarat in Victoria, Australia. It is said to be the world's richest goldfield where you can simply pick the gold up on the streets.
So to Australia I must go and seek my fortune. Please help mama to understand and give my love to all.
Your loving grandson, James.
Mr and Mrs John Williams
Drishane, Cork
These are fascinating letters and historically important because so little survives of how ordinary people felt about the famine and its impace in Mitchelstown. I'm the historian of Mitchelstown and was wondering if you would be in a position to send me copies of the original for display in the local library. Fascinating reading. Bill Power
ReplyDeleteBill, please email me at peta.sweeney@gmail.com
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