-
The New World
Hello, my name is Arnold Kharacterax. I am a poor, 22 year-old Irishman. I have been working as a petty landlord servent all my life, and just today I heard about the riches of America. A new life, better jobs, and above all, freedom. I have saved all my life for a time like this. I plan to depart by no later than the 29th of June; 14 days from now. All I have to do is stage my disappearance... -
Period: to
Events
-
A Staged Disappearance
It was a difficult endeavor, but I was able to stage my disappearance. Nothing says gone like an empty slave quarter. I boarded the ship on this day. Steerage class is a horrid mess, but it is something. I hope the journey isn't too bad... -
The Arrivial
I arrive in the wonderous land of America in a strange city called "New York". After I stumble off the boat, I go through a strange series of examinations. I thank god above for allowing me to understand what the examiners were saying. I saw people being forced into rooms, and very few out into an open hall. I was lucky to follow the hall out to enter the nation known as America. I immediatly went looking for a place to live. -
The Homestead
It's been exactly one year since I moved to America, and life has been better than Ireland already. At first, I shared a room with a lady named Melinda Burlington, but was soon able to move out. I began working as a feather-plucker with a wage of $1.00 a day. The other employees hated my willingness to accept a lower pay, but my bosses loved it. I just heard about the Homestead Act and the free land. I have begun packing for the end of the month. -
Another Departure
After I packed my things, I bought a small wagon and a horse for my travels. As I said my final goodbyes, I stepped into my wagon. I was astonished to find Melinda hiding with the items in the back. She begged to come along, and after some arguing, I agreed. Together, we began our journey to the west. -
Everybody Is In The West
It was a long journey with many perils, but we made it. As we arrived, we learned that our land had to be earned in a race. I immediatly asked Melinda to set up a shelter for us, and I ran in search of a horse. In the stables, I found only one left. Slow and unresponsive. I took it, since it was the last one left and my other horse was too weak. I tied it up, and drifted to sleep. -
The Great Race
Today was the day of the race. As soon as the gun was shot, everyone was madly running for a piece of land. I kicked my horse and almost went flying off. It was mad! It turns out, it was never allowed to run, and the sudden urge of freedom lifted its emotions. I was the first person to claim a piece of land, and the happiest person alive that day. I forgot to mention this, but Melinda is someone who touched my heart. So on that very day I asked for her hand in marriage. She agreed. -
The Rest Of Our Lives
It has been four months since me and Melinda have been married, and life is going well. We have settled down on our land, and we are very content with ourselves. I work as a race-master and horse stabler, and Melinda does day-care for children. I have tried to sell my horses, but alas, nobody wants them. All we have to do, now, is live the rest of our lives.
