| Reference Number | 226 |
| Title | Eisdibh! Eisdibh! Eisdibh! Rabhadh dhoibh-san d’am miann a dhol a dh’Ohio ann America |
| Author | Ward, Nahum |
| Editor | N/A |
| Date Of Edition | 1822 |
| Date Of Language | early 19c |
| Date Of Language Ed | 19th c. |
| DateMacro | Early 19th c. |
| Date Of Language Notes | |
| Publisher | C. Munro & Co. |
| Place Published | Stirling |
| Volume | N/A |
| Location | National and academic libraries |
| Geographical Origins | N/A |
| Geographical Origins Ed | N/A |
| GeoMacro | Unknown |
| GeoX | |
| GeoY | |
| Geographical Origins Notes | |
| Register | Prose |
| Register Ed | Prose |
| Genre | Information |
| Medium | Prose |
| Rating | TBC Emigration poster; Ohio, USA; Marietta; Nahum Ward (1785-1860); a reliable translation from English; semi-formal in register; geographical language; terms relating to American settlement and society; terms relating to fruit, natural produce and fowl; interesting expressions; noteworthy examples of translation; early 19th century orthographic period; possible orthographic representation of dialect. |
| Alternative Author Name | N/A |
| Manuscript Or Edition | Ed. |
| Size And Condition | 51cm |
| Short Title | Eisdibh! |
| Reference Details | NLS: RB.EL.17 |
| Number Of Pages | 1 sheet |
| Gaelic Text By | N/A |
| Illustrator | N/A |
| Social Context | This a poster encouraging emigration to the State of Ohio, USA, on behalf of landowner, Nahum Ward (1785-1860). Printed in Stirling in 1822, this was a Gaelic version of an advert that was circulated elsewhere in English (see Ward 1822(b)). Dr Sheila Kidd comments on the contents of the poster: Emigration literature in Gaelic is obviously more limited in quantity than that in English, but as was the case with the sources of information in English, it took various forms. An example of an emigration agent appealing to Gaels survives in a poster from 1822, produced by Nahum Ward, and inviting Gaels to emigrate to his native Ohio. Echoing the Gaelic proverb ‘Crann à coille, bradan à sruth, ’s fiadh à fireach’ (A tree from a wood, a salmon from a stream and a deer from a forest), Ward tells readers that in Ohio, ‘Is iad na tuaidh luchd-uailse na duthcha. Tha iad gun mhàl ’s gun bhacadh seilge ... cha bhacair iad ann am fiodh-ghearradh no ’s an t-iasgach’ (The tenantry are the gentlemen of the country. They pay no rent and there is no restriction on hunting ... they are not prevented from cutting wood or from fishing). He proceeds to inform readers that a ship is ready to sail from Greenock to Marieta in Ohio if fifty people commit themselves to the journey (Kidd 2002, p. 54). This text enthusiastically sells Ohio as a place to settle. In a short space, it provides many details of the midwestern state’s strengths. In summary: Ohio is ideally situated — neither too hot nor too cold; it has all the benefits of a civilisation establishing itself — cheap education in schools and colleges, and churches for an observant and peaceful people; a functioning representative democracy where the settlers themselves elect the government; low taxes; an efficient postal network and flourishing newspaper industry to connect the population; its land is extraordinarily fertile, laden with crops and fruit; markets are near at hand to buy up farmers’ surplus and sell what they can’t grow themselves; and steamboats of the Ohio river provide excellent links to the rest of the country. In the early decades of the 19th century, Ohio was on the western frontier of the United States and in the process of being opened up for settlement and development (see Gibb 1984). The text itself states, somewhat dubiously: Tha ’n tir air lionmhorachadh gu mór ann an sluagh; — bho cheann 30 bliadhain chan fhacair innte ach na sealgaire Innseanach, bho ’n ám sin thrèig iad i, agus thanaig an fhasaich anis fo bhlath mar an rôs :— tha Cathraiche us bailte ag eiridh suas air gach taobh mar gum b’ ann le draoidheachd [...]. [The country’s population has increased greatly; — 30 years ago [c. 1790] one would only see the Indian hunters. They have since abandoned the place, and what was a desert has now bloomed like a rose: cities and towns are rising up all around as though by magic [...]] Nahum Ward, it is claimed, owned as much as 45,000 acres in Marietta and neighbouring counties in southeastern Ohio.* In order to profit from selling on land, as well as from the growth of local industry and the market, this required an influx of suitable migrants. Between 1822 and 1823, Ward visited Scotland, and travelled to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling (mentioned in this text), Dundee and Perth to meet those interested in migrating (Gibb 1984, p. 54). In Glasgow, he also published a pamphlet advertising the many attractive qualities of the state of Ohio (Ward 1822(a)). That a significant land agent would direct his efforts to encouraging Scottish emigrants was not without reason. Despite restrictions by the British government, there was strong interest among Lowland weavers to emigrate in response to the increasing destitution caused by mechanisation in the weaving industry (Gibb 1984, pp. 50-51). Some Highlanders, and other Scots, had already successfully made a fresh start in Ohio in the preceding years. For example, Angus MacDonald and others had established ‘Highlandtown’ — its post-office christened Inverness — in Columbania county in 1812 (Ibid., p. 53). A contemporary, favourably discussing Nahum Ward’s proposals in 1823, argued in derogatory terms that even the poorest Highlanders could benefit from emigrating to Ohio: [....] it is not unlikely that arrangements may be made, by which even the miserable half-starving peasants of the Highlands may be enabled to remove from their dirty, smoky huts, their potatoes and brochan, and their slavish condition, to enjoy the comforts, independence, and freedom of the beautiful and fertile regions of Strath-Ohio (Caledonicus 1823, p. 92). According to the text, Ward offered reduced passage to the United States, as well as assistance in travelling to and settling in Marietta. However, eligible candidates were still required to pay £9 per person for the voyage, and at least £25 to purchase land — which was still a substantial cost. Emigrants could then buy plots of land between 100 and 4,000 acres, and some plots were already cleared of trees and with houses on them. We know that Nahum Ward was relatively successful in attracting Scottish emigrants — possibly including Highlanders. One historian notes: [I]n 1823 over 150 Scots arrived in Marietta [...]. Unfortunately, they arrived during an epidemic of what was probably yellow fever, and some died. The survivors bought Ward’s lands in Wesley and Barrow townships, and more Scots joined them over the next decade (Van Vugt 2006, p. 54). Another chronicle of Marietta and Washington county local history gives a more positive perspective. Ward, it is said, wrote from Scotland to describe those he was assisting: ‘I have none but very decent men going out’. We can readily believe that Mr. Ward’s opinion of the men he was sending hither from Scotland was correct, for they have left many worthy descendants in our county. The arrival of the first party at their new home is mentioned in June, 1823, and in November, George Richardson, William McKay, George Duncan, Archibald Fraser and Daniel Nichol report themselves well pleased with the land they have purchased. (Andrews 1902, p. 221). Of the names mentioned here, some could well have been Gaelic-speaking Highlanders. * Gibb (1984, p. 54) claims that Ward held ‘c.12,000 acres bordering the Ohio river in Meigs county’, near to Marietta in Washington county. |
| Contents | The text is one large poster in Gaelic only. It begins with a title in bold italics in three lines, the last of which is in capital letters: ‘Eisdibh! Eisdibh! Eisdibh! Rabhadh Dhoibh-san d’ am Miann a Dhol A DH’ OHIO ANN AMERICA’. We can translate this as ‘Listen! Listen! Listen! Advice to Those Who Wish to Go to Ohio in America’. Following this, there are seven paragraphs — some long and detailed. The first paragraph introduces Nahum Ward from the State of Ohio, ‘[a t]ha […] a’ toirt cuireadh do thuaidh na h-Albainn, ’s do luchd-saothrachaidh an fhearrainn an’ sin, cuairt a ghabhail do ’n tìr ud, agus oighreachdan a thaghadh ’s a ghleidheadh dhoibh fèin agus d’ an sliochd’. In English, he ‘gives his invitation to the tenantry of Scotland, and to labourers of that country, to travel to Ohio and there choose and purchase land for themselves and their descendents’. Nahum Ward, it says, has himself travelled across the ocean to give all necessary information and assistance to those who are interested. The main body of the text — three large paragraphs — is taken up with setting out the reasons that Ohio is an excellent destination for settlement. These are summarised in ‘Social Context’ above. The last two paragraphs give details firstly concerning travel to Marietta, Ohio, and secondly how to meet Nahum Ward for more information. It is said that a ship is ready to sail from Greenock in November if 50 people confirm their intention to leave by 25th October. Another ship will sail in spring the following year (i.e. 1823). The addresses of several locations are partly given in English where Ward can meet those interested in emigrating on specific dates. For example: ‘ann an tigh Mr Watt, Baker Street’, Stirling, and ‘anns an Black Bull Inn’, Glasgow. The final sentence directs those who wish to be sure that Ward is a trustworthy individual to the American Consul in Scotland. At the end of the text is his name — ‘NAHUM WARD.’ — as well as a date and location in italics —‘Ann Sribhlinn, 16 lath de’n t-Seachd-mhios, 1822’, i.e. in Stirling, 16th July, 1822. In small type at the foot of the page is the poster’s publisher: ‘Sribhlinn:— Clo-bhuailte le C. Munro & Co.’ |
| Sources | |
| Language | This is a good translation, similar if not identical to English adverts on Nahum Ward’s Ohio emigration scheme (e.g. Ward 1822(b); Caledonicus 1823). Although in Gaelic, it is noteworthy that nowhere does it directly address Gaels but rather Scots in general (i.e. ‘do thuaidh na h-Albainn’). As a public notice it is relatively formal, but not stuffy. It describes in detail the attractive features of life in Ohio, and is therefore highly positive in tone. As befits an advert, it has a sense of urgency — interested parties should act soon to grasp this opportunity — and does not mention any disadvantages to settling in the state. It contains many interesting terms relating to agriculture, settlement and society in Ohio which are unusual in a Gaelic context. In some cases the translator’s rephrasing of the original text is also worth considering. We find the following examples of geographical language (especially relating to the United States): Americach (cf. Aimeireaganach) , Ard-Uachdranachd Ohio (i.e. ‘the state of Ohio’), Washington ceud-bhaile America gu tuath (i.e. ‘Washington, the capital city of North America’ [sic]), air an 39 ceum gu tuath air leud an t-saoghail (i.e. ‘latitude 39 north’), Loch-Mhexico (i.e. ‘the Gulf of Mexico’), a’ taomadh amach an uisge anns an t-Ohio agus am Misisipi (i.e. ‘pouring out their waters into the Ohio and Mississippi rivers’), Sasgainn (i.e. ‘England’, cf. Sasainn), sgillin Sasgannach am pund (i.e. ‘an English penny per pound’), bho Ghreenock (cf. bho Ghrianaig), Sribhlinn (i.e. ‘Stirling’, cf. Sruighlea), Glasgho (i.e. ‘Glasgow’, cf. Glaschu), bho na Consulaibh Americach an Albainn (i.e. ‘from the American Consuls in Scotland’). Language relating to settlement and society in Ohio includes: Congres no Parlamaid (i.e. ‘Congress’), peighinn an-Ard-thighearnais (i.e. ‘the government’s tax (penny)’), Colaistean us Tighean Scoil (i.e. ‘colleges and schoolhouses’), tigh posta (i.e. ‘post-office’), tigh-clo-bhualaidh (i.e. ‘printer’), [a]n t-ard-thighearnas (i.e. ‘the government’), ard-luchd-riaghluidh (i.e. ‘representatives or governors’), ard-bhailte nan Siorramachd (i.e. ‘the Counties’ main towns’), fiodh-ghearradh (i.e. ‘woodcutting’), buill acfhuine nan tuadh (i.e. ‘farmers’ tools’), long deathaich no teine-luasgach (steam-boats), na sealgaire Innseanach (i.e. ‘the Indian hunters’), te, coffee, us spísreadh (i.e. ‘tea, coffee and spices’). Terms relating to fruit and natural produce: piorais (i.e. ‘pears’), pitsean us fion-dhearcaigean (i.e. ‘peaches and grapes’), pomgranat no ubhlan garbh-shíolach (i.e. ‘pomegranate(s)’), melona (i.e. ‘melons’, cf. meal-bhucan), cucumair (i.e. ‘cucumber’), tamatta no buntata Innseanach (i.e. ‘tomatoes’), bho ’n chraoibh mhapail (i.e. ‘from the maple tree’), siucair na h-Innsean (i.e. ‘maple syrup’), sïodar no liunn ubhlainn (i.e. ‘cider’, cf. leann-ubhal), branndi phitsean (i.e. ‘peach brandy’). A few terms relating to fowl are: coilich Fhranngaich no Turkies, easagan no Pheasants, ian-lann nan uailse (i.e. ‘the aviary of richer classes’). Miscellaneous terms and expressions worth noting include: de’n goirear (i.e. ‘called’), air an cur a leth-taobh (i.e. ‘set aside’), seorta (i.e. ‘sort’, cf. seòrsa), air ball (i.e. ‘immediately’), teisteanais us litriche (i.e. ‘references and letters’), air an àiteachadh gu dlù (i.e. ‘settled densely’), air an glanadh bho chraoibh ’us phreasaibh (i.e. ‘cleared of trees and undergrowth’), a’ seoladh thuige agus uaithe (i.e. ‘sailing here and there’), sluagh crabhach, neo-choireach agus neo-chronail ’n an caitheamh-beatha (i.e. ‘a population religious, decent and peaceful in their way of life’), a chuireas gan àicheadh an’ ceill (i.e. ‘that will show without doubt’), gan deichimh eaglais ’s gan throm-dhèirce (i.e. ‘without tithe or heavy alms’ — an English version has ‘poor rates’ (Ward 1822(b)), Gheibhear fios m’ a thiomchail fèin (i.e. ‘one can verify his credentials’), Tha long fo cheangal agus earlas seoladh bho Ghreenock (i.e. ‘a ship, secured and hired, will sail from Greenock’), íartanach (i.e. ‘desiring/requesting’, cf. iarrtanach, iarrtasach), a dhol f’a dhidean-sa agus a churam athairail (i.e. ‘to go under his protection and fatherly care’). Calendar months names include: an Naoi-mhios (Novr.), a’ mhios Mhairt, April no Maidh, de’n t-Seachd-mhios (i.e. ‘July’). Noteworthy examples of translation are: cùineadh na duthcha — here Ward 1822(b) has ‘hard dollars’; rathad mor righ — this seems to be used to express a ‘high road’ etc. In the previous examples two terms have often been used to clarify for the Gaelic reader, for example: Congres no Parlamaid, coilich Fhranngaich no Turkies, easagan no Pheasants, and pomgranat no ubhlan garbh-shíolach. Perhaps the most striking example is the attempt to translate ‘tomatoes’: tamatta no Dialectal language is not obvious, although dialect may be present in orthography. |
| Orthography | This text has a clear date of translation of 1822, and its othographic features fit those of the early 19th century. Some notable features include: – An erratic, inconsistent use of accents — sè mìl and míl, tìr and tir, a’ phrís and pris, mó and mò, as well as bár, fèin, sèilge; – A frequent absence of appropriate accents — feilte, cais, ubhlan, lan; – The presence of other diacritical marks, such as the diaeresis — ïm, sïodar — and circumflex — an trâ-sa, rôs; – The use of an accent with a diphthong — tròm; – The use of the apostrophe (and sometimes a space) in prepositions — bho ’n, do ’n, de’n, d’ an, d’an, mu’n, ri’n — in prepositional possessive adjectives — ’n am measg, n’ an caitheamh-beatha — as well as in nach ’eil; – Contractions when the article is preceded by a vowel — Tha ’n tìr, tha ’n t-adhar, tha ’m bruacha, tha chuid; – The abbreviation of agus as us, and ’s; – The consistent use of the old dative plural — anns na raointibh, bho na bailtibh, le tighibh, ann an earrainnibh, air cearnaibh, do cheannaichibh, na Siorramachdaibh, na Consulaibh; – Plural nouns frequently end in a vowel — feilte, bailte, litriche, bruacha, na h-uisgeacha, na sealgaire, Cairte — except where the following word begins with a vowel — litrichean aca — or with exceptions — easagan, ubhlan, coilich; – There are frequent examples of older or unusual spellings — mù thiomchail, taoghail (cf. tadhal), raoghadh (cf. roghadh, roghainn), co (cf. cho), dhoibh, teadh (cf. teth), anns a’ bhliadhainn, tuadh (cf. tuath), nith (cf. nì), lath, fearruinn, gan (cf. gun); – Dialect may be represented in some spellings — ullaidh (also ullamh), farasta, air a dheanadh, fogus air. |
| Edition | First edition. |
| Other Sources | |
| Further Reading | Andrews, Martin R., History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens (Chicago, 1902: Biographical Publishing Company). Caledonicus, ‘Emigration to the State of Ohio’, The Farmer’s Magazine 93 (February 1823), 88-92. Gibb, Andrew, ‘A Scottish Venture in the United States: The Glasgow Ohio Company 1824’, The Scottish Historical Review 63 (175) (1984), 50-58. Kidd, Sheila M., ‘Caraid nan Gaidheal and “Friend of Emigration”: Gaelic Emigration Literature of the 1840s’, The Scottish Historical Review 81 (1) (2002), 56-69. Van Vugt, William E., British Buckeyes: The English, Scots, and Welsh in Ohio, 1700-1900 (Kent, Ohio, 2006: The Kent State University Press). Ward, Nahum, A Brief Sketch of the State of Ohio, One of the United States in North America (Glasgow, 1822 (a): J. Niven). Ward, Nahum, Who Will Go to That Beautiful Country, Ohio, in North America, (1822 (b), [n. pub.]). Available online: http://earlymarietta.blogspot.com/2015/01/nahum-ward-to-scottish-farmers-have-i.html. |
| Credits | |
| Link Label | Digital version created by National Library of Scotland |
| Link | http://digital.nls.uk/rare-items-in-gaelic/pageturner.cfm?id=102695901 |
| Download File | 226.pdf |
| NumWords | 1213 |
