Emigration to America became increasingly popular in the mid 19th Century. Despite the arduous journey, settlers were attracted by cheap farmland and artisans with special skills knew they were required in the new world.
“On Monday morning about 20 families left Boston in a Humber keel, called the True Blue, for Lincoln, whence they propose proceeding by canals to Liverpool, where they will finally embark. Among them was an aged couple, who had dwelt for more than 60 years in England: yet they severed every tie of acquaintance and friendship; they were going to deal with harsh and mercenary strangers, and their countenances betoken no sorrow for the many recollections which must have crowded their minds. They are Mr. and Mrs. Williams, from Leverton, and they take with them their children and grandchildren, – for whose sakes they make the sacrifice. Mr. Williams could not remain in England without ‘his bairns,’ and they had determined to go. It is said that he has taken 2000l. with him in hard cash. – A powerful excitement prevailed at Boston on Tuesday morning, owing to the departure of several families of that town; they were chiefly mecahnics, with small capitals; but among them was Mr. Whitworth, dyer, and his family, who having disposed of his estate and effects, has been some time preparing to depart for the United States; he designs, we have heard, to commence farming in the interior of America, but in th4 event of that not answering, has taken with him the proper materials for resuming his business. There were at least 1000 person assembled to witness the departure of the vessel, among whom were several near relatives of the emigrants, and consequently the adieus were fervent an affecting. Most of the individuals departed in high spirits, or at least assumed cheerfulness. It is generally believed that the dreariness of the passage to Liverpool, by canal boats, will induce several to take a more convenient and expeditious route: the quantity of goods stowed in the fold of the last vessel was very considerable, being packed in suitable cases, and consisting chiefly of those wares and merchandize which are dearest in America. There is scarcely a family in Boston, in the middling class, who has not now either a relative or acquaintance in the United States; and there are numbers who purpose emigrating, should the statement of those now gone agree with the flattering prospects held out by others. – On the arrival of the vessels at Dogdike, on the river Witham, on Monday and Tuesday, they received several additional families from Coningsby, the Fen, and Chapel Hill, and the concourse of persons to take leave of the voyagers became immense. Every thing, however, went off with perfect decorum.
Emigration to America seems to be on the increase in the neighbourhood of Lincoln also; besides several families which are moving from the city in a body, (consisting of the most industrious artizans, such as basket-makers, coopers, cabinet makers, & smiths,) there is scarcely a village which has not many instances of persons that either have recently departed, or are now setting off. – A native of Lincoln, who left England a few years since, and now resides at Philadelphia, write his astonishment in the following terms: – ‘When I left the old country, I thought to be amongst strangers,, but not a years passes without some of my old neighbours coming to settle in this place, or round about: to judge of the astonishing numbers of farmers and labourers who arrive every week in the ships from Liverpool, I should imagine that farms are to be got cheap and in plenty now in England, for I cannot think there are many left to take them! The influx of such a surprising multitude from Europe, is rapidly changing the face of the country; settlement and improvement are going on with wonderful speed, and several of the states are now just like England for cultivation and roads. The climate has particularly improved of late, in consequence of clearing the forest lands and draining the swampy parts.'”
The Stamford Mercury, 9th April, 1830.