William Hepworth Dixon, White Conquest: Volume 2

[359] their native land, without fear of being regarded as traitors. Yet, in spite of all that science, policy and charity can do, the movement slackens. More than one experienced skipper tells me the tide has turned. Shoals of emigrants are going back to Europe, and still greater shoals would go back if they had the means. From Portland to New Orleans our consulates are besieged by applicants for free passage, which our consuls have no moneys to provide. The St. George Societies, which exist in almost every city in America, keeping alive the good old English sentiment, are pestered day and night by persons eager to return. At every port of departure for Liverpool, men may be seen imploring leave to work their passage over the Atlantic. Almost every vessel has her steerage full.

Whether as many persons go back as come out, we cannot learn; for no report is published of the departing masses. But my eyes and ears inform me that the men who are seeking to get home again are men of all trades and districts, rural folk and urban folk-hedgers and ditchers, skilled mechanics, small farmers, Irish labourers, domestic servants, and bankers' clerks. Our Government does nothing