Scotch Emigrants and Nahum Ward

American Friend & Marietta Gazette, June 26, 1823

It gave me much pleasure a few days since to notice the arrival of a company of Scotch Emigrants to this part of the state of Ohio, sent out by our enterprising townsman, Mr. Ward. From their appearance, I have no doubt that they will make valuable citizens.

Others are on the road, and will probably arrive in a few days.

The manner in which this business is conducted is such as to reflect much credit on Mr. Ward: and is really advantageous to the emigrants in a pecuniary point of view. Those emigrants who have come into the United States, without any acquaintance to direct or advise them, without a knowledge of the country, the mode of travelling, and the prices of such articles as they must necessarily purchase, have generally expended their little all by loitering in the cities and on the roads defrauded by almost every one with whom they have intercourse - and eventually purchasing land, unsuitable for them, at enormous prices. These emigrants, on the contrary, bargained for their land with Mr. Ward, paid one half the amount of the purchase in Scotland, and the remainder to be paid in three years. If the land, as regards soil, situation, &c. &c. has not been correctly described to them they are released from their contracts, and the amounts which may have been paid is refunded.

They come here under his direction, his friends and agents have the means of conveyance from place to place, in readiness for them immediately on the arrival, and at a price too much below what they themselves could have obtained them for; they do not tarry, are not liable to be defrauded in the purchase of every little article which they may want: and they travel with an expedition which is very unusual even for those well acquainted with the country. When they have arrived on their land they find in most instances, a comfortable house provided for them and above all they are acquainted with the character of every neighbor with whom they must come in contact.

Taken in this light, and this is a correct view of the business, they, in my opinion, are really gainers should they pay three or four times the price for land, to Mr. Ward, for which an intelligent person, long resident in this country, would purchase it.

P.