If you don't know the history of the Orphan Trains, I wouldn't be surprised. Few people do. Between 1854 to 1929 over 200,000 homeless children left New York City to find new homes in the West and Southwest. Some found loving homes; some did not. Through the years the children wrote hundreds of letters to the Agent who rode the train with them, telling of their new life. The contrasts in their lives was staggering.
Last week I wrote that I would present one letter over each of the following four weeks. They were extremely hard to come by, therefore, I have only a few. It was difficult for me to decide on which I should print first; a happy letter or one unpleasant. I decided on the latter, hoping to get the attention of you readers. I decided I will present them on Wednesdays, giving you who are interested in this history a focal point.
The letters, in part, were written without punctuations, proper grammar, capitals, etc. and were difficult to decipher at times. I did not make all of the corrections, just enough so they were legible. I guess the girl who wrote this letter was between the ages of twelve to fourteen.
April 27, 1865
Dear Friend
I received your kind letter and was very much pleased to hear from you. I often think of you Mr. Tracy and would like to see you very much. I went and had my picture taken and will send one to you. They are not as good as I expected they would be. They look like me only the eyes did not take good for they were such a light blue. I cannot remember how you look. I have forgotten you Mr. Tracy.
You said it would make you feel sad to hear of anything that I had done that was not just right. I hope that I never shall do anything that is not right. There is a great deal said that is not so. Everyone has their faults and I have mine. It is very sad to be alone in this world with no mother or father or any one to look to but strangers but I can look to the Lord Mr. Tracy and he will take care of me. I am not a Christian but I wish I was. I often think how happy I should be sometimes. I wish I were a Christian girl and could die and go to heaven and see my own mother, but the Lord is letting me live for some good purpose.
It is very pleasant out here, everything is in blossom and smells nice and this is a pleasant world to live in. How does things look in the city, anything as they did when you took me by the hand and led me to ... I should like very much to come to the city and see how things look but I don't suppose I ever shall.
Ann lives in Rushville. I have not seen her in quite a while. There is a little girl that came out just before I did that lives a little way from me. Her name is Katie. We have some good talks together about the city. One of the girls that came out with me has gone back. I don't think she aught to (have) gone back. She has more suffering there than she did here. I (never wanted) to go back to stay. I would rather live in the country. I guess you will think I have grown some in my picture. I will bring my letter to a close.
Write soon
Yours Truly
Patty
Next Wednesday's letter will be short, but happy.
Robert Noonan
I look forward to next week's letter!