Copy correspondence between two generations of Perkinson and Monaghan family members, all connected with Croghan, near Birr, Co Offaly and the Irish Hills area of the state of Michigan, USA. Following the devastation of the Great Famine, John Monaghan emigrated firstly to Suffolk and then to Michigan, where he received letters from his sister, Mary and her husband William Perkinosn, pleading for assistance to also enable their family emigrate to America. The correspondence describes the effect of famine and emigration on the Croghan area. Their son William, who emigrated to Lancashire, also writes to his cousin in Michigan of the second generation with much the same request.

Photocopy of letter from William Perkinson, Croghan, to his brother-in-law, John Monaghan, Lanervase County, Michigan, US. Describes financial difficulties of the family, the fall in value of family home and the great distress suffered in the locality. "There is no wonder made of death here". He writes also of his hope to emigrate to America.

Photocopy of letter from William Perkinson, Croghan, to his John Monaghan urging him to inform Pat Devan that his brother Barney is anxiously awaiting confirmation that he is to be brought to America. Describes the destitution of the Croghan area as a result of the famine: 'This is an altered country. Since you left it there is not an old neighbour in Croughan but Martin Burke, Barney Devan and myself.. This country is almost waste. Such as was not able to go to America all died with hunger sooner than give up their places for they would not be taken into the poorhouse until they would give up their place. And that minute their house was thrown down. Others thrown down by the sheriff.'