Famished Love

Boston USA 1847

A Roisin, chara, I hope that one day you will understand why I left you in the care of my parents. You are my beautiful daughter. My little dote. I love you with all my heart. I think about you every moment of the day. I sewed your photo onto the back of my scapular. You are resting on my heart. My wish is that you will blossom and grow, be healthy and happy.

When the potatoes were blighted a second time we had hardly anything to eat. Your father, two uncles and my three sisters died of cholera in the poorhouse.The Famine raged. When you were born, your grandparents and I decided that I should board the Almira sailing from Cork to Boston. In the meantime, with one less person to feed, they hoped to survive on fish caught in Dingle Bay. Once I had earned enough money to send back they would be able to buy wheat and grain and I would return home.

I am dictating this letter to our uncle, Father Foley. Cholera, and small- pox spread on the overcrowded boat coming over. We were not permitted to sail into Boston Harbor because our boat was infected with malignant and contagious diseases. Unfortunately, I contracted cholera. I am now in Deer Island Quarantine Hospital. I have not much time to live. People are afraid to come near me.

Thank God for my Faith. Soon I will be at peace in the arms of our heavenly Father.

May God bless and keep you. Your loving mammy,

Brigid.

Please God, may Ireland soon be rid of the disease and famine. Grant my Roisin a good life. Bless my parents for loving her as much as they loved me.

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