The Second Month

October 15, 1898

Dear Brother,

I hope you and mother are well. Winter is coming here in New York as well, and I hope the two of you warm for the months ahead.

Things have not been going as well as I’ve expected, but I suspect it is due to the poor environment that I’m in. On the good side, I have found a position working as a translator in a local office, copying documents and letters from English to Italian and vise versa. The pay is very little, but it is a steady income, and I would be considered lucky among most. Many of the tenants here on Elizabeth Street are ill are have become ill due to the crowding and despicable conditions. I have tried to keep myself healthy but I developed a fever that has persisted for quite some time.  It is with this health risk the area poses that I’ve decided its time to move on. I have heard stories of immigrants, German mostly of moving out west to work in agriculture, and I am considering joining them. I think I will do well, Alberto. We both remember the summers we spent working in the farms back in Italy, growing tomatoes and grapes to be sold in the market. Perhaps this is also where father has gone, as though I have searched high and low for him these past two months, he is nowhere to be found. I would be lying to say that this does not discourage me, but I must push on. America does not wait on the lazy and I am still optimistic that I will find good fortune. Take brother, and I will write to you soon again.

Until next time,

Alberto

The First Day

August 13, 1898

Dear Brother,

I hope letter finds you well at home. This is the first chance I was able to write back to you with the little money I brought. I can tell you that journey to America was as bad as they say. There was little to no room and we sailed for what seemed like weeks. There men, women, and children, all from Europe, huddled in that little boat as we sailed through storm after storm. Many grew sick along the way, as did I, but I recovered quickly. I will spare you the rest of the details, but I hope you will not have to make the same journey I did.

The first place we arrived at was Ellis Island. There I was a given a new name and identity card. I am now called Albert Ferrari. Only that much I am certain, it was difficult to understand the rapid English fired at me. I said some choice words in return, but I doubt they were understood. Before I left, I was given a physical examination. Luckily the trip had been kind on me, and I was cleared of any diseases. Some were not as lucky and I saw a whole family deported, never to return.

But I am here now, and so my search for father begins. It will be difficult to find him, but by now he should be in this city they call New York for at least a year now. I do not know where to start searching, but I will hold off for now and begin addressing my own needs first. I have found room and board in a hostel, and tomorrow I shall search for work. I will try to send money back as soon as I can. The city is dark and gloomy, and it is hard to see how success may emerge from these conditions. The streets alone are covered in soot, dust, dirt, and god knows what else. My room is old and below standards, but I believe with enough hard work and patience, I will find better a better place and perhaps find father. They say America is the land of opportunity, and I believe that. This is the start of something new, Enzo, and I am prepared for what lies ahead. Tell mother I love her.

Until next time,

Alberto