The subjoined communication helps to show the depressed condition in
England at that period, and that many were looking to America in the
hope of bettering their condition:

"May 14th, 1819.
"DEAR COUSIN,--I hope these lines will find you all well, as they us at
present. We thank God for it.
"I intend to come over to America this spring If it should please God,
For the state of England are very bad, Land has got so very dear that a
livelihood cannot be got in England, and the taxes that Government lays
on are very heavy, till they reduce so many to a lower class that the
land will hardly support the poor. I hope you are in a better situation
in America.
"We understand in England that the States of America are very
flourishing at present. I intend to set off to America the first of
June. If it should please God that I should get over safe, I hope to
get to your house as soon as I can. All your cousins are in good health
at present. Thank God for it, and they wish to be remembered to you and
all your family.
"So I remain your most obedient cousin,
"JAMES BOYES,
"of Bilsdale.
"N.B.--By the wishes of one of your cousins, of the name of Harman
Wedgwood, a son of Benjamin Wedgwood, a tailor, he would like to hear
from you. He thinks you will give him some information of your country.
"He wants to come to live in your country, and if you please to give
him some intelligence of tailors' wages in your country.
"So he remains your most obedient cousin.
"HARMAN WEDGWOOD,
"Hawnby."