Philadelphia July 21st 1821
Dear Father and Mother,
I take this opportunity of informing
you that I am in good health at present thanks be to the
giver of all good for his mercies hoping that these lines
will find you and all my friends enjoying the same blessing.
I received your kind and affectionate letter the 15th of this
month by master william and Joseph Hamilton & master Samuel
George which gave me great satisfaction & comfort to hear that
you were all well but sorry to hear you did not receive the
last letter which I sent you. A passenger from this port
for Londonderry took a letter from me which he said he posted
at his arrival but it is probable that it has been lost or
mislaid. You may think me ungrateful for not writing by James
Allison who saw me before he sailed for Liverpool and thence
to Londonderry but the Conestoga was expected here daily &
therefore I postponed it.
I left Lancaster County State of Pennsylvania
the 20th of October last and as you received intelligence
went to the West of Maryland 150 miles from Philadelphia
having at the rate of $200 dollars per annum and found
but the situation was unhealthy which obliged me to
leave it at the end of three months. I had been previous
to my going to Maryland in New York and saw Robert Hunter &
his brother John & their sister Mrs Kennedy all whom were well.
Returning to Philadelphia in April last, I commenced a school
where my prospects are flattering. The day previous to the
arrival of your letter I sent two to St. John's for brother
John and also advised him not to go on any account to the
West Indies. All your letters have been received by me.
And the same day on which I received yours by friend David
Pollock one came to me also from John but none since.
I would have been glad that friend David had called but it
probable he had not time. I wrote twice to Joseph McLorg
of Pittsburg but got no answer. Master Samuel George
went to Baltimore to his Uncle and brother and Master
William and Joseph Hamilton intend to start for the West
shortly. Business of every kind is dull here at present
except weaving and it is not known how long that may last.
Provisions of all kinds are very cheap & money hard to
obtained [obtain?] but the times here are better at present than for
some time back. I have been through a good deal of this country
and cannot advise any person to come here at present.
I expect John here this fall and if not it may be I will
go to him. However send your letters to Philadelphia from
which I can get them if not in or near the city.
I saw Mr & Mrs McKay in Baltimore & Mrs Cross and family
who were all well. The southern States are by far the best
for making money but a great risk of health. I could have
obtained a situation worth $500 dollars per year and 118
acres of land but was advised not take it by Revd [Reverend?] Mr
Rafferty who left Garvagh as the place was very unhealthy
and the water extremely bad. But 200 dollars in Pennsylvania
are better than 300 towards the South. As to South America
there is no prospect for any at present.
I have nothing particular at present to mention
but desiring to be remembered to Uncles and Aunts
and all enquiring friends and neighbours.
I subscribe myself your ever affectionate son
unto death,
Robert McLorg
N.B. Direct to the care of Horner and Wilson, Merchants
No. 261 Market Street Philadelphia.
