Historic Moment: James Fuller’s letter to the farmers of Somerset

By Beth Batlle

Skaneateles Town Historian

In a letter written by James Fuller in September of 1836, Mr. Fuller gives advice to his fellow Englishmen thinking of emigrating to this country.

First, he advises, select the very best ship with a sufficient crew. This is important, he says, because if an emergency arises, and there is a deficiency in the number of the crew to properly manage the vessel, the passengers, from steerage, might be asked to step up and perform some services. And if this happens, he says, they should expect to be paid accordingly.

Bring as much money as you can possibly raise, he advises. Or, to prevent the possibility of plundering, he advises depositing it in a bank and receiving a certificate of deposit which will be gladly accepted in a bank in New York City.

Keep some luggage with you, he says, and the remainder should be stored in the hold of the ship. Let your things be packed in new iron-bound hogshead casks. Items to bring, he advises, are: all kinds of culinary utensils which should made of metal, a stock of Staffordshire ware, spades, shovels, billhooks, scythes, heavy knives and the burrs needed to sharpen them, carpenter’s tools, plough chains, a pick axe, and picks for making hay.

In addition, bring two or three pair of common sheep-skin gloves, all kinds of woolen clothing, along with suitable summer wear which are more costly here than in England, a bed, a table, linens, knives and forks etc. and a good stock of blankets.

Plan your time of arrival at New York in the spring, he said, or as soon as the Erie Canal is open for navigation. Or, he says, if you have the means, arriving in the fall will give you time to look about and make enquiries prior to purchasing a place on which to settle.

As to the question of who should emigrate, he says “I am, from experience, aware of the difficulties of tearing up and transplanting in a foreign soil, of severing old and dearly loved connections, both of family, social, and religious character; but we ought to be all aware, without deprivations of some kind or other, we may never attain to that which we most desire.”

No man in this land,  he goes on, who is of provident and moral habits, need ever come to want. Most farms are to be found with good or comfortable dwellings, with sufficient out buildings and orchards of apples, pears, peaches plums and cherries. Wheat and barley receive fair prices at the local breweries. Two years ago, he said, he purchased a flock of sheep, and each year’s wool realized more than the original cost of the flock. American horses, he bragged, are better than English ones.

Who should not come? Not the indolent or lazy, he says, or the man with intemperate habits.

Or a farmer who has a daughter who must have their lounging chairs, fine sofas, Brussels carpets, and above all either a piano or harpsichord.

Why should someone come? Here, he says, the  taxes are almost nominal. Most importantly, the government subsists for the good of the people while in England the people subsist for the good of the government.

James Fuller came to this country in1834 and settled on the north east corner of West Genesee and  FullerStreet, the street later named in his honor.. He and his wife, Lydia had six sons and one daughter. They were  members of the Society of Friends . Taking up farming, he opposed slavery and was also a temperance worker. He died Nov. 25, 1847 the age of 57 and is buried in the Friends section of Lake View Cemetery, directly across from his home.