lost on the lusitania: the tragic story of annie kelly
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“German Battle Ships”Well Delia I wish to let you know that I had eight pounds from Johnnie yesterday morning but I am afraid it is dangerous to go this time on account of the talks there are of the danger of going on sea. They are all saying I not to attempt to venture & I don’t know anyone yet that will go. They are all putting off till spring as it is only a mere chance to go. So I am writing to Johnnie & I told him as I am telling you. He mentioned in his letter that the German Battle Ships follow the steamers going across from Boston & New York so it must be dangerous. Well Delia I hope to hear from you soon & I am think I wont go until spring for the difference of a few months it would be better make safe. Good Bye for the present
Passage was £8
• 1 GB Pound = $4.70 US• About $38 in 1915 currency • 20 Shillings per Pound. • Old-Age Pension 5 Shillings per
week.– 32 weeks of pension savings
• Irish Female Farm Labor earned less than 4 Shillings per week.– At least 40 weeks of labor savings.
• Johnny was making 30¢ /hour.– 3 weeks wages.
Immigration Law in 1915
“The following classes of aliens shall be excluded from admission into the United States:
‘Persons likely to become a public charge’ and ‘certified by the examining physician as . . . Physically defective. . . Which may affect the ability of such alien to earn a living’.”
Immigration Law
“That the physical and mental examination of all arriving aliens shall be made by medical officers of the United States . . . who shall certify for the information of the immigration officers and the boards of special inquiry . . . any and all physical and mental defects.”
Immigration Law
• “That upon the certificate of a medical officer of the United States Public Health Service to the effect that a rejected alien is helpless from . . . physical disability . . . The master, agent, owner, or consignee of the vessel in which such alien is brought shall be required to return said alien . . .[who] shall . . . be immediately sent back . . . on the vessels bringing them.”
Written late April 1915Dear Sister Delia,
Just a line to let you know I am living & all right. I got your card this morning & a letter from Mary. Johnny is into see me for nearly 2 hrs. each day. It was he gave me the letter to day. He got them as he was coming in from Mr. Daly. Mr. Daly sent a wire to Uncle Patk [Brannelly] about the papers. I thought my heart would break, you going without me but I did not care if I knew I would not be sent back. But every one says I will be all right. I was talking to the priest to day after Johnnie leaving. I gave him one of the cards that Uncle Patk sent me. He said I will be all right. What at all came over me to be here let ye not be worrying for me I don’t care if I have not to go back. Poor Johnnie takes me in stuff every day. I feel terrible to think of how everyone is upset. Johnnie was with J. Crowe & Delia if I only could know I would land in Boston I would be happy. Johnnie took me in this notepaper & stamps or I could not write to think I could not tell you or ask you anything. I was so short with you but everyone says I will get out. Good Bye for a day or two, I hope. From Your loving Sister Annie
[Postscript] I am not a bit sick since I came here so don’t be worrying about me. Everyone is doing their best any way. I have a good chance.
Good Bye
Immigration Law
“The decision of the appropriate immigration officers, if adverse to the admission of such alien, shall be final, unless reversed on appeal to the Secretary of Labor.”
“That any alien liable to be excluded because likely to become a public charge . . . may, if otherwise admissible, nevertheless be admitted . . . upon giving of a suitable and proper bond.”
Frederic C. HoweCommissioner of Immigration
Port of New York
Secretary of Labor William B. Wilson
Ruling on the appeal:
“This is not a bond case as alien’s mother and three brothers and a sister are abroad.”
To Congressman Gallivan:
“her mother is living in Ireland [and there is] no particular hardship involved in deportation.”
Schwieger’s Diary• “Clear bow shot at 700 [meters] . . .
Shot struck starboard side close behind the bridge. An extraordinarily heavy detonation followed, with a very large cloud of smoke (far above the front funnel). A second explosion must have followed that of the torpedo (boiler or coal or powder?). . . . The ship stopped immediately and quickly listed sharply to starboard, sinking deeper by the head at the same time. It appeared as if it would capsize in a short time. Great confusion arose on the ship; some of the boats were swung clear and lowered into the water.”
—From an official translation of Schwieger’s diary
Schwieger’s Diary• “Many people must have lost their heads;
several boats loaded with people rushed downward, struck the water bow or stern first and filled at once. . . . The ship blew off steam; at the bow the name “Lusitania” in golden letters was visible. The funnels were painted black; stern flag not in place. It was running 20 nautical miles. Since it seemed as if the steamer could only remain above water for a short time, went to 24 m. and ran toward the Sea. Nor could I have fired a second torpedo into this swarm of people who were trying to save themselves.”
—From an official translation of Schwieger’s diary
German Medal
“No Contraband” The Great Steamer Lusitania sunk by a German torpedo boat,
7 May, 1915
"U-Boat Danger” & "Business over all".
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