As I write you, we are on the Alexina sailing towards America. It has been a hard journey so far: The seas are rough, and the winds howl across the deck, making our journey much quicker. The winds and the rough sea have their disadvantages as well; we have been stuck in the belly of this ship for so long I think that I have forgotten what the sun feels like brushing against my skin. Oh, how I long for Ireland and the sight of green grass and the sight of a warm home… I realize though that to stay in Ireland would be to dig my own grave…
There are many kinds of people on board the ship, with many families sharing our same hopes and dreams of finding a better life in America. We are sharing our bunk with the Sullivan family - all ten of them. Their family, in combination with all twelve members of our family makes for very cramped quarters to say the least! Despite the inevitable fact of being so close together, all the time, we manage to make the best of things. The Sullivans have two children, making good companions for our James, who is often restless, form being cooped up all day.
There are many spinters on board this ship, with not much for them to do. Many spinsters, I believe there are thirty five total, help with the infants and keeping the children from reaching havoc aboard the ship. However, since the ratio of the children is nearly one child to every four adults, there is still not much to do. The number of males on board this ship is a little higher than the number of females on the ship. I do believe that there are eighty - three males to seventy females. The Alexina is by no means of a ship containing rich passengers, most of the passengers have only three and a half dollars to their last names - that is the average. We, however, are the most fortunate of the bunch, we average five pounds ahead, by no means rich, but on a ship where most people have nothing, we thank God for his blessings. There are some single people on board, mostly spinsters and laborers or farmers preparing for a new life in America.
Many has found herself employed on board the ship teaching John Melody, a twenty year old farmer, how to read and write. I think that they have taken quite a liking to each other and I am under the impression that Mr. Melody will soon be asking Michael if he could court her as soon as we reach the fair town of Boston. Mary should have no problem in finding a mate - she has quite a fortune
Well, how is Ireland? We are sorry that you could not accompany us on our journey, but with Mr. Thompson threatening to evict us, we were proposed with no other choice. I trust that you are well and as soon as we reach Boston, I shall write you again.
I shall not complain of the food on this, for at least we are fed everyday, which is quite an improvement over our rotten potatoes in Ireland. I fear that many of us have grown gangly in our trip through, but I hear in America that we shall make our fortune and grow hearty.
Your loving daughter,
Sarah Ryan
Copyright Natalie, Kelly and Anson February, 1999