4010. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, 28 April 1823
MS: National Library of Wales, MS 4813D. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.
I learn that this system of transportation is carried on by the parish authorities:
that at which has been done for the poor emigrants is paying their passage to Quebec – (3£ per head was the passage money in the Maria) & that with the exception of a very few cases where two or three pounds have been given, they are left entirely to their own resources when they arrive in America. Indeed the reason assigned for not giving them money has been because they should come back.
My information states that the number of persons departed here from Cumberland in the course of last year was 106, – & in the present 95. but this does not include those who went from Carlisle. And probably at least an equal number are Scotch, from the opposite xxxx & coast of the Solway. In the instances which I have been able to ascertain the emigration has taken place from the more thinly peopled parts of the county. The parishes of Abbey Holm & Bolton are specified.
It is very evident from these proceedings that the poor will gladly come into <any> reasonable & compassionate scheme for their removal to Canada, & that the Parishes will not, if they transport them in this pityless manner at so much cheaper a rate. Which bad as it is has been going on for several years.
Other vessels are expected to call at Whitehaven for passengers of this description, & in this case am promised farther intelligence if more is to be obtained.
God bless you
RS.
Keswick 28 Apr. 1823.
