Author's Note

Author’s Note

This letter shows the journey that Rory made through many historically significant periods. As Rory grew up Catholic in Ulster, he experienced the harsh laws and unfair practices of the majority Protestant government. However, at the very least he still had a farm (although a very small one) that he could grow enough food on to feed his family.

However, many poor farmers just like Rory in Ireland were doing the exact same thing -- relying on potatoes to feed themselves and their families. Because of this single crop reliance, when a particularly bad potato blight hit in 1845, poor Catholic farmers like Rory were especially devastated.

Rory, as an older man having lost his entire family, moves to Dublin and becomes a criminal, stealing whatever he can to survive. He eventually saves up enough money to book naval passage to New York City.

Once there, he is serendipitous to meet a wealthy older widow who is immediately charmed by Rory’s accent and abilities. Rory lies to the woman, Irene, and tell her that he was a wealthy man in Ireland but had to leave for reasons other than the famine.

Over the next few years, the two enjoy the burgeoning big-city of New York, with gas-lighted streets and entertainment and lots of diverse people and things. However, the guilt of leaving Ireland gnaws at Rory, and one day, it becomes too much to bear.

Rory steals money from Irene and books passage back to Ireland. He is old now, and he desires to go back to his home and see it with his own eyes, one last time.