Letter to Thomas Benbow Phillips from Michael D. Jones, 11 October, 1872

Description

Letter written to Thomas Benbow Phillips by Michael D Jones of Bala, N Wales, at Merthyr Tydvil, 11 October 1872

Michael D Jones mentioned that he was at Merthyr to deliver lectures to promote immigration to Patagonia. He had received a letter from the Rev D S Davies, 12 Bank Street, New York informing him that the “Rush”, and Captain Evans, had been sent back to Buenos Ayres from the mouth of the Chupat with 30 Welsh emigrants from the USA on board. The mast was broken, the mainsail blown away and the anchors lost. There was only one small vessel from Monte Video trading with the Colony. Michael D Jones suggested that since the “Rush” was no longer operational, Thomas Benbow Phillips should consider sending a vessel down to sell groceries, tea, mati, coffee, sugar, cutlery, earthenware and possibly flour. He could return with butter of a superior quality, cheese, quillangoes, skins and furs. There was no mill there to grind wheat properly. There were 400-500 cows in the Colony. Michael D Jones explained that a shop was greatly needed, and he begged Thomas Benbow P hillips not to take intoxicating drinks to the Colony, because it was being sold to the Indians. He confirmed that trading with the Indians had made a profit of £1,000. He explained that the Welsh of the United States were showing a great deal of interest in the valley of the Chupat. The population at present was 150 and had the “Rush” landed, the numbers would have gone up to 183. He promised to send him papers which would include more information.