2.04 Coming to America

2.04 Coming To America

Dear Friend,

I made it to America, safely. After boarding the ship in Queenstown, the voyage was crowded and dirty. Most of the time, I kept my scarf over my mouth to avoid catching disease. The sound of the machines weren’t the most comforting, and there were people coughing and hacking, it was insufferable. However, I made it. But that was only the beginning of my journey. Once I climbed out of the steerage and off the ship, I was met with the view of Ellis Island, New York. My view was short-lived as I was faced with hordes of people, other immigrants I suppose. I met some from Northern and Western Europe. Shortly after getting off the boat, I was checked for disease by doctors, then questioned by officials. Just like the rest of the new-comers. Thankfully, I passed both examinations, unlike some of them, and was now a free “American”. I guess you can call me that. Some time had passed and I settled into an Irish community, then a neighbor got me a job at a factory sewing clothes. The pay is enough to keep me on my feet, and the community gives me a sense of home. They speak Gaelic and we share some of my favorite meals. It was all very welcoming. It’s not so bad here after all, aside from being homesick and having no relatives here with me. Promise of pay where I could save up for my own house, I couldn’t miss out on that. This might all sound great, but Ireland will always be my home.

Best regards,

your friend.

P.S. I enclosed some photographs of Ellis Island.