Wednesday, June 07, 2006

The Cardiff Centre for Welsh American Studies, Cardiff University

Cardiff Centre for Welsh American studies
The Cardiff Centre for Welsh American Studies was established in early 2001 in order ... The Centre is located in the School of Welsh at Cardiff University

Annual Public Lecture for 2003
‘Raising the Wind’:
Emigrating from Wales to the USA in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries

Bill Jones

Ysgol y Gymraeg, Prifysgol Caerdydd
School of Welsh, Cardiff University

quoted
Merthyr Express, 23 May 1868.

On Monday last our railway station was literally besieged with emigrants and their friends. ... The scene of the separation was of a most interesting description, while some wept and appeared full of grief at the thought of saying ‘Good bye’ for the last time on this side of the grave, others were more cheerful and full of glee, laughing, singing, and cheering at the top of their voices. The trial at parting, and the breaking up of families, seemed to be the most exatious part of the moving drama, just now. The difficulty of getting to America is of little moment or consideration.
Three weeks ago we chronicled the departure of Mr. John Rice Phillips.

... On Saturday last confirmation was received by his relatives here that he had arrived safely, so that a journey to America is now looked upon as a mere excursion.
The increasing pressure of trade and low wages has caused much enquiry to be made about the ‘times’ is [sic] America and in most cases the answer is encouraging and satisfactory, and people are using all means to
‘raise the wind’ and ‘fly away’.

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