I am trying to figure out who the author of the below letter was. I received this letter from Noreen Cottier many years ago She said she received it from a woman named Mary Balliett (who if my memory serves me right was from Cleveland). On the photocopy I received, were handwritten notes. The first: "Charles Kaighin" above "Dear Uncle and Aunt", and second: "IOM" above "I intend going home".

I have been through my database of Kaighins and can only come up with one possibility regarding the recipient. Only one Charles Kaighin was in America and possibly married in 1844. He was the son of John Kaighin and Eleanor Cannell from Ballaquine and Kerrowglass, K. Michael who emigrated with most of their 13 children (including Charles) to New York in about 1825. I do not know who Ann Hamilton is, nor who she refers to as Henry (husband? brother?). I do not believe her maiden name was Kaighin, however I'm not certain of this. The letter mentions that her mother was still in the Isle of Man. The Charles I'm considering had two sisters who remained on the island, they were Jane Kaighin (b. 1807, married Thomas Corlett on Feb 1, 1831, K. German), and Ann Kaighin (b. 1809), who married an unknown Williams. This scenario would work if Ann was the daughter of one of these two sisters and married someone named Hamilton (Henry?)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Greg
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Birkenhead July 9th 1844

Dear Uncle and Aunt,

I embrace this opportunity of writing these few lines to you hoping that you are all well as this leaves me & child at present and I found all my friends in Birkenhead the same which is a great blessing. I am sorry to inform you that Henry died on the passage home when we were within two days sail of Liverpool and he was thrown overboard almost in sight of land off Cape Clare. But my Dear Uncle it was a great trial for me and we all have our trials & troubles in this world but we must submit to the will of the Lord. It is great consolation to me that he died so happy. He was quite resigned to die he said for he had made his peace with God. My Dear Uncle I have not been to the Isle of Man yet. But I have had a letter from my Mother she says they are all quite well at home & is glad to hear you are all so well in America. I cannot tell you much news yet but I intend going home next week to stay awhile.

There was a young man that came passenger with us in the ship and he is returning back again to (New) York so I thought it a very good opportunity to write you a few lines to tell you that I arrived safe home. I am sending you by the same person to you a book The History of the Isle of Man. I got it from my sister and thought you would like it, so I hope you will get it safe.

Remember me to Mr. & Mrs. Cottier, I hope their family are all well so no more at present but remember me to all my cousins in Elizabeth Town and I remain

Your Affectionate Niece

Ann Hamilton