The following letter appears courtesy of Alan Kelly of Mannin Collections

Letter from Richard Quirk, Rheaby, Kk. Patrick, Isle of Man to Thos. M. Martin, Aug 1841

Utica Oneida, County State of New York, North America, written 23^rd August, 1841.
Postmarked Isle of Man, 23^rd August, 1841 and Boston, 18^th September, 1841.
Manuscript ‘Via Halifax and Boston, Mass’.

Dear Friend

I am glad in having the pleasure of informing you that I have received your letter of 13^th July and likewise the newspaper you were so kind to send me and it gives me great satisfaction to know that you, Mr. Davidson & Friends in America are all well.

There is a circumstance that has occurred in Dawby [Dalby] last week that makes me write you sooner than perhaps I otherwise would have done. John Watterson the schoolmaster in Dawby kept a number of scholars that Mr. Gawne of Kentraugh paid for and unfortunately he gave Mr. Gawne names of children on the list which were not going to school to him. When the case came to be known Evan Gell of Ballelby & Thos. Quirk of Buoyrane gave a further complaint against him for cruelty with children so he has notice to quit his situation. I attended an agricultural meeting at Douglas on Saturday last of which Mr. Gawne is president. When we got through our business Mr. Gawne brought six of us to dine with him. When the conversation came on concerning the schoolmaster I recommended you for the situation if you would accept of it and Mr. Gawne said he would do his utmost for the person that I would recommend and if I would send him the letters that I had received from you he would shew them to the Bishop but I fear they will want a good singer as clerk and if I mistake not I think I heard you say that you were not good to raise a tune. I intend going to Douglas today when I will call at Parson Stephens by the way to see what he will say concerning you as it is his son George that is chaplain of Dawby chapel now. If you enjoy good health in America I cannot say that I would advise you to take the situation as I think it a troublesome business to keep a school, particularly in Dawby. Write soon and let me know your wish but in the meantime I will do the best I possibly can for you. Mr. Davidson can give you more information concerning Dawby than I can. I gave full particulars of your Grandfather’s affairs in Thos. Clucas’s and Wm. Shimmin’s letters. I do not expect any distribution of money before Novr. or Decr. Excuse all mistakes as all is done in a hurry. On Friday last I first heard of the schoolmasters affairs and got home from Douglas on Saturday night at 11 o’clock. This is Monday and the gig is waiting for me to go to Douglas. Give my love to Mr. Davidson’s friends and accept the same from yours truly.

Richard Quirk

(Added in pencil)

Having called on Mr. Stephen he said he wrote to the Bishop and that the Archdeacon told him that none would get the situation but such as were of the Church of England. I will send you a newspaper with the advertisement in a whole strain from the alphabet to the use of the Globes for a living of some thirty-five or forty pounds a year Fudge.

The Thomas M Martin is possibly the same Thomas M found in 1880 US Illinois census born 1816 (bapt Patrick 25 Feb 1816 son of Thomas Martin and Ann Quirk), though there is also a Thomas Martin bapt 04 May 1806 son of Thomas and Ann Quilliam - he is, I think, associated with Raby beg in Patrick.