Newspaper Comments:2

Introduction

After the initial emigration rush of the late 1820's (from which some newspaper comments mentioned a return flow of disappointed emigrants)the 1830's seemed to be much quieter, possibly dampened by conflict in Canada in late 1830's. However emigration again peaked in the 1840's - the 'hungry decade' made famous by the massive flux of Irish refugees fleeing starvation due to the potato blight of 1845/7. The same blight also affected the Manx.

The early 1840's also saw a large group emigration of Mormon converts from the Island - this topic is considered elsewhere.

Extracts

Manx Sun May 29th 1827

'About 1200 principals have left the Island' - I have not found the actual entry - this was referenced in the Manx Museum catalogue and is to be checked further.

Manx Sun May 8th 1835

On Monday last 17 parishioners of Ballaugh left for the United States and we understand that several others are proposing to emigrate this season

Manx Sun April 28th 1837

Several families from Kirk Michael and Ballaugh came into Douglas to take passage for America and we learn that many more are proposing to.

Manx Liberal 29 April 1837

Yesterday about 100 individuals, chiefly from the parish of Ballaugh, arrived in Douglas on their way to the United States By the steam packet they sailed [sic] to Liverpool where they will embark for New York and then proceed to the city of Buffalo (nearly 350 miles) by the Great Western Canal.

Manx Sun May 19th 1837

Catherine and Jane of Ramsey sailed for Liverpool with 26 passengers for America.

Manx Sun May 1st 1840

Five carts laden with emigrants luggage arrived in Douglas this day from the North of the Island. The owners intend going to America and will leave by the steamer this evening.

Manx Sun March 26th 1841

On Friday last about 69 persons from the north part of the Island took their passage by the Queen of the Isle on their way to Rochester U.S.

Manx Sun March 19th 1842

Symptoms of an emigration epidemic have begun to show themselves in several parts of the Island. Some under the influence of Joe Smith & Co.; land speculators; and others inspired with a possible hope of finding in a distant clime a maintenance which their utmost labour scarcely suffices to procure for their families.

The fools who form the 1st class are deserving of sincere pity, of the later class we regret the cause of their departure from their native soil, and hope that they find in the far west, their visions of independence and comfort realised.

Manx Sun April 4th 1842

We understand that no fewer than 190 emigrants chiefly from Jurby and Ballaugh are about leaving this Island for the United States. A vessel from Liverpool has been chartered for the express purpose of taking them out and was expected at Ramsey either today or tomorrow. (Herald 6th Inst)

Manx Sun March 1st 1848

EMIGRATION, - Several families left Ramsey last week by the Mona's Isle, for Liverpool, with the intention of emigrating for America. We understand that several families in the northern parishes intend leaving their native home for America and Australia this Spring

Manx Sun - February 7th, 1849

NOVEL EXPORT TRADE. - A novel species of trade, or more correctly, the initiatory step towards creating one, was attempted the other day from this Island to the United States. We have transmitted to America at different times a vast number on' small farmers, and industrious agricultural labourers. Now, it appears, we are employed in the shipment of the seeds and implements necessary to the pursuit of their useful avocations. Mr. Quirk of Rheaby has transmitted from Castletown to New York, in pursuance of an order to that effect, a considerable quantity of different varieties of field and garden seeds in addition to an assortment of farming implements for the use of Manx cultivators of the American soil. Had it not been cheaper to import Manx manufactured goods in preference to articles of native American workmanship, we presume the order would not have been forwarded. As the impulse has once been given to this infant attempt at a foreign trade, we hope the effort will not slacken for want of additional orders. As a sure preventative to that unwelcome finale, we say, let all the articles be of the best materials and most faithful workmanship.

Manx Sun - April 4th, 1849

MANX EMIGRATION TO AMERICA-. - a considerable number of persons, chiefly from the northern parishes of Andreas, Ballaugh, Bride, Lezayre, and Maughold, sailed from Douglas on Thursday night with the Royal Mail steamer Ben-my-Chree, en route to the United States. A great multitude assembled on the pier to greet their departure, and saluted the voluntary exiles with several rounds of hearty cheers.

Manx Sun - - April 11th, 1849

The tide of emigration in this Island is still setting in favour of the "far west", every late packet to Liverpool taking our considerable numbers en route to that land of promise. On Wednesday night a considerable number embarked for America, consisting chiefly of small landowners and farmers, but including some mechanics as well

Manx Sun -- May 2nd, 1849

EMIGRATION. - A considerable number of our fellow countrymen, chiefly from the north districts of the Island, sailed yesterday by the Ben-my-Chree, from Ramsey for Liverpool, to meet the out-going American ships. The destination of by far the greater part, if not the whole, of these voluntary exiles, was the United States. Of late years, the emigration from the Isle of Man has set in that direction. Formerly, a great many proceeded to New South Wales and Van Dieman's Land.

Manx Liberal - Mar 23 1850

A great number of emigrants (including several families) left Ramsey for Liverpool on Thursday last for the purpose of proceeding to Port Natal and Australia

Mona's Herald - Mar 27 1850

A number of fine looking young men belonging to the Northern Parishes of the Island left Ramsey on Thusday by the Ben-my-chree en route for Australia and Port Natal

Mona's Herald - 24 April 1850

On Thurday upwards of 100 persons left Ramsey by the Ben-my-chree for Liverpool to proceed by the ship New World to the United States etc. A number have also embarked for Port Natal this spring but the principal ports to which the emigrants tend are the states of Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois, US, in which most of our northern farmers have relatives or friends. Those without such ties seem to prefer Australia and the African Colonies.

On the above day Ramsey was in a complete bustle from the great number of friends of emigrants in town.