Page, Richardson & Co to Messrs. Sable & Searle, December 16, 1863

Messrs. Page, Richardson & Co. to Messrs. Sable & Searle.

Dear Sirs: We have a good prospect of making sure of a large number of passengers from Ireland to this port and Portland. There are a number of railroad companies and other corporations greatly in want of men to perform labor, and they have agreed with us to be responsible for the passage of a certain number of such able-bodied men as would be willing to work for them.

The bearer of this, Mr. Patrick H. Phinney, it has been thought best to send out to attend to the matter, and see that none but able-bodied men are taken— men in good health, and who would not be likely to fall sick on their hands. Several hundred men are wanted, and we wish you to give your best efforts to and Mr. Phinney in his enterprise, as all the passengers will be forwarded through your house. We would suggest that you forward a circular to each one of your agents in Ireland, to the effect that good men are wanted to agree to work for not less than twelve months, and that their passage will be advanced on condition that they bind themselves so to work.

We will be responsible to you (having taken security from the corporations wanting the men) for the passage-money and for the inland ticket to the port of embarkation. If it shall be necessary, you will make such arrangements with Mr. Phinney about issuing tickets as you may see fit.

Yours, &c.,