Family History 4.05

Robinson story

Joshua's diary

Why I came to Emigrate

(Extracts from a journal written by Joshua Robinson, my great-great-grandfather, in 1893, when he was eighty-two.)

 Some of my friends have repeatedly asked the question I have chosen as the motto of this paper. I purpose, therefore, to write the principal causes that led to that event. I found it impossible in a mere conversational way to enlighten or satisfy them or myself, for many things led to it, and it was not done in a moment.

 

You will see, it is not an essay on Emigration, but a brief homel;y narrative, not altogether unique, nevertheless containing some remarkable incidents.

 

The writer of this paper came into existence on the 11th of March 1811, in the Parish of Rotherhithe, suburb of London, England.

 

His education began and finished at a private local school, such as at that time existed for the benefit of all children whose parents could afford to pay for it. My education was greatly helped by the home training of God-fearing parents who did their best (and not altogether in vain) to lay the foundation of a moral and useful life.

When a boy I was fond of reading Chambers Journal, voyages and travels. Robinson Crusoe was a great favourite. 

 

 I came into possession of that book in a surprising manner.  My father was in the habit on special occasions, when he went to town, of buying some little present for his children, saying nothing about it previously, but bringing them out by surprise.  The day he made the purchase we had all gone to bed before he came home.  That night I had a dream.  I thought we were all at breakfast, when my father laid upon the table a parcel, and on opening it were various things.  Then taking up a book, handing it to me, he said, “Boy I have bought you a book.” On opening it to my surprise I discovered it to be Robinson Crusoe.  The joy caused me to awake, for behold it was a dream. 

Well, in the morning we were all gathered at breakfast.  I had not forgotten, but I said nothing about my dream, when lo out comes the parcel I had seen in my dream. My father taking up a book and handing it to me said, “This is for you.” On opening it, it was the very book Robinson Crusoe. 

 

This may seem a trifle to relate, but that book awakened my imagination and gave me a longing to know more of men and things leading me on to read the history of my own and other countries. I was much impressed with reading the history of the Hugenots of France, the Puritans and the Pilgrim Fathers, the savage cruelty of Monarchs, Priests and men in power towards those who claimed the right to think for themselves and resist unjust and unlawful demands, driving them to seek refuge in new countries, where extensive forests and broad prairie lands lay unused, and untrod by the foot of civilised man, and where the so-called savage reigned supreme, choosing to make a home by labour , exposed to danger and privation rather than risk their lives and liberty among worse than savages.

 

Of course there was nothing of this in my time.  England had become the freest country in the world, the refuge of the persecuted whether politically or religiously, free from all intolerance, every man at liberty to enjoy his own opinion and follow the conviction of his conscience, worshipping under his own vine and fig tree, none daring to make him afraid.

The stimulus to emigrate in my day was the crowded state of the labour market, and the need there was of seeking new fields for speculation and enterprise, to extend the blessings of civilisation and better their conditions without injuring others, by taking up lands in those countries that generations before their countrymen were driven.  Such countries having been changed into smiling cultivations, and well built towns and villages, invitingly promising a home and protection to unborn millions, thereby relieving the crowded state of many parts of our native land.

(to be continued)