Description:Here is part of a letter written by Henry Bates to the Middlemore Homes in England, sometime after he settled in Canada.
The Middlemore Homes Archive contains files for many of the children who were emigrated. Some files, like Henry’s have letters from the children and responses from officials at the homes as well as reports from inspectors visiting the children in their new homes and the application for a child from the Canadian family.
Questions to think about: Have a go at reading the letter – there is a transcript below to help you if you find the writing hard to read.
Transcript:
Stanley N.B. (New Brunswick)
Feb 14th 1917
Dear Sir just a line to let you
know that I am well and I hope
you are the same, I have Bought
a farm of my own and have been
cutting lumber home this winter I have
had a English fewlow [fellow] working for
me the name of Harry Blunstron he
came from the Middlemore homes.
Well Mr Jackson I feel kind a bad
About my Mother – have not heard
anything of my Sister or Mother
over four years and I would be
Plesed if you could find out were
my People his[sic], of course I am married
and would like to get my Mother
out here with me, now I have got
a farm of my own of course I was
thinking may Be some of the boys
that is in the homes now would
[k]now my mother Mrs Bates by you asking
them I am getting along fine out in
this country. Its been twelve years since
I have been out here and I Been marri
ed three years and I would like to
gett my mother out here to where
I am…
How is Henry getting on in Canada? Can you work out how long he has lived there? Why is he writing to the Middlemore home?
Do you think the move to Canada has worked out well for Henry?