Accounts in The Limerick Chronicle - The Norwegian ship, Hannah Parr 1868

Thursday Evening, May 7, 1868

The Norwegian ship, Hannah Parr, from Christiania, bound to Quebec, put into Scattery roads yesterday, with foremast gone, and 400 emigrants.

The Norwegian ship Hannah Parr, Captain Sansen [Larsen], with 380 passengers on board, put into the Shannon, dismasted, and loss of sails. She was towed into the floating docks on Thursday night for the purpose of being refitted. The vessel sailed from Christiania, in Norway, on the 12th of April, and all went favorably until the 28th April, when in Lat. 54 46, Long. 26.56, it came on to blow very hard, and increased in violence until the following day, when about 10 o'clock, forenoon, a heavy sea struck her astern and broke on deck, carrying away the round house, binnacle, with compass, &c. The gale still raging until it became quite a hurricane, vessel only showing close reefed top sail, when at nine o'clock at night a fearful wind blew those sails out of the ropes, the vessel then became unmanageable, broached to, a sea striking her bow, and sending the foremast over the lee, storm still unabating. About four o'clock, a.m., the wind began to subside, and the crew immediately commenced cutting away the wrecked spars, which were endangering the safety of the vessel, rigged up spars to substitute for those cut away, and bore up for Ireland. Thinking the Shannon the easiest access, she made for it. No accident occurred to crew or passengers, all on board are in excellent health, and as fine a looking lot as one could see. Every provision was made for their comfort by the Norwegian consul, Mr M R Ryan, who has visited them, and seen after their wants. The vessel is placed in consignment of Messrs Ryan, Brothers, & Co., who are getting repairs completed energetically.

THE HANNAH PARR

This emigrant vessel remains still at the New Dock, undergoing the necessary repairs to enable her to proceed on her destination with her numerous living freight. The foremast, which had been broken at the cross trees in the gale the ship encountered on her voyage out, has been taken up, is undergoing the required splicing, and will be put back in its birth, and a new topmast added with the necessary rigging. A new cook-house is also being fitted up, so that within a fortnight she will be ready to proceed to sea, a number of hands being engaged in fitting up the rigging. She is quite a new ship, and is very strongly built, her bulwarks are very strong, and were it not for those necessary qualifications it is doubtful if the vessel would ever have been able to reach the Shannon. Considering the severity of the storm she encountered it is really surprising the comparatively slight damage which the vessel received. Crowds of citizens have been every evening visiting the dock to see the ship and the emigrants, who in dress and cast of features resemble those leaving this country. They have all that fair complexion, blue eyes, regularity of features, and light hair indicative of the Saxon race, from which they have sprung. Many of the men are tall and well built, while among the females are to be found girls with exceedingly prepossessing features. They are all most comfortably clad, some of the females dressed in soft woolens, others in a species of serge, while the men are clad in a kind of cloth somewhat similar to that worn in this country along the southern and southwestern coast. But that which is most pleasing to observe is the evident care taken of the children, who might be seen in their mothers' arms wrapped up in woolens, with hoods of same make, like little birds in a nest, thus showing that in those natives of a cold clime the love of offspring is as deep and impassioned as in those of warmer climes. Indeed we would rejoice if our lower classes in Limerick would show outwardly the same tenderness for their little ones--then they would exhibit the true benevolence of their nature. Again the deportment of those natives of Scandinavia as they walk through our streets is the theme of general admiration, their bearing is so quiet, and as they go in groups they are frequently followed by a crowd who, unable to converse with those strangers, gratify their curiosity in vacant staring. Nearly all the emigrants are of the Lutheran persuasion, a great many of whom attended the Wesleyan Chapel, George-street, on Sunday last, especially in the evening, others attended the Cathedral, and some of the Churches in the City, while those of the Roman Catholic persuasion attended the Redemptorist Chapel. In the day time they were treated by the directors of the Castle Connel line to return tickets at the reduced rate of 4 ½ d each, third class, and a large party of them visited that locality on the beauties of which, no doubt, their imagination feasted to their hearts content.

We regret to learn that scenes of rather an unpleasant turn in connexion [sic] with those people occurred on Sunday last, for which there was no legitimate cause, as they are of a faith totally different from that of the people of this country. It appears that a party of them proceeded in the direction of St. Michael's Church on Sunday, followed by a crowd, and as they approached the edifice a number of the crowd got between them and the door and pointing in the direction of the Dominican Chapel, at the same time crossing themselves indicating what class of religious edifice it was, but the emigrants observed the movement, shook their heads as if in dissent and refused to go in the direction pointed out to them. Some gentlemen who were going to the Church at the time sent for policemen, but before the latter arrived they had entered the church. Another scene of an unpleasant character took place on board the vessel. A gentleman went on board, and was in the act of distributing a number of tracts in the Swedish language to the emigrants, when a person passing on the deck, and looking into one which an emigrant had opened, made use of an objectionable remark as to strangers not being allowed to enter the port without being interfered with, and addressing the mate suggested to have the gentleman turned ashore. The gentleman replied to the other that he was under a mistake, as the parties receiving the tracts were Protestants. The party so addressed gave a rather unpolite denial in a warm manner, to the gentleman.

In another column will be found a letter from Kearse & Co., containing a suggestion which it is to be hoped will be carried out, as the vessel is likely to remain in port during the next fortnight. We have been informed by several gentlemen, who have called at this office, that several of the emigrants have been observed making mute appeals in the streets and at private residences for alms, and suggesting to have a subscription raised in their behalf to supply their wants. On the other hand, the Limerick Consul, Mr. Ryan, J.P. on whom we have called, stated to us that he was likewise waited on by a number of benevolent gentlemen to the same effect, and conveying to him the same information. Mr. Ryan says that they cannot be in want, for he went on board the vessel on her arrival, and inquired if the emigrants required anything in the shape of provisions, which it was his duty to do, that he sent on board a supply, and, therefore, that there can be no necessity for their soliciting alms. He says it is a mistake to suppose that parties are begging, which they have not done, but he adds that several parties on looking into private houses and shops, when handed money have taken it, and that in their country a mendicant would be looked on as an out cast. We simply mention what has been stated to us on both sides. But certainly if the people be not in want, the Consul ought to take steps to prevent them from begging--or receiving alms, by having parties of them accompanied by an officer or sailor of the vessel, who would be a restriction on their movements. A member of a firm, the head of which is known for his private munificence, also called on Mr. Ryan, and said the desire was to have them put on the same footing as if they had never met with a storm, and were not forced to put into port, and doubtless as there are many poor persons on board whose stock of provisions must be considerably reduced (if not entirely consumed by the delay) whose means must be very small in amount, we think that a benevolent public would be acting wisely in raising such a sum as would not only meet their wants during the voyage out, but would leave them such a sum of money each as would be of assistance to them at the port of destination.

Two gentlemen have called at this office and most generously authorized us to state that they will give £1 each towards any subscription that may be raised on their behalf, so that already has a beginning been made in this respect.

The funeral of a male child, that died on Tuesday, on board the Hannah Parr, Norwegian emigrant ship, took place today, the interment being in St. Munchin's Churchyard. The coffin, containing the body, was a handsomely made one, being in Sarcophagus shape, with an immortelle of flowers placed upon the lid. It was borne by four of the passengers of the vessel, and followed by the Captain, Doctor, and a large number of the emigrants in procession two deep, the afflicted mother of the deceased weeping piteously, to the grave. The burial service was read by the Rev. F. C. Hamilton, in the middle of which a hymn in the Norse language was impressively chanted by the male processionists, who on entering the grave yard uncovered their heads. At the conclusion of the hymn, the burial service was continued to the end, and the benediction having been pronounced, the coffin was lowered into the grave, when another hymn was solemnly chanted by the processionists, and the interment was proceeded with.

THE SHIP HANNAH PARR

The repairs upon this vessel, in order to fit her for sea, continue with great rapidity; and as the old foremast was found on examination too defective for even splicing, a new one has been procured from Cork (there not being in Limerick a baulk of timber large enough for the purpose) the weight of it is several tons, and which was received yesterday evening. In addition to the death reported in our last of a child, two more children have since died, one yesterday, the other this morning; and although several deaths took place on her voyage as we have been informed, several births have also taken place. In addition to a doctor, there is also an agent of the Swedish Government on board the vessel, whose duty it is to see to the passengers being properly cared for and fed; and as the owner had to give security to the Government to the extent of £2,000 for the faithful performance of all the conditions laid down in his contract with the passengers, any infringement of the Government regulations would tend to the forfeiture of that sum. This clearly shows that the Norwegian Government have not left the poor emigrants to be treated as the owner of the ship might choose, thus exhibiting a paternal care on their behalf which every government should observe to its subjects.

We rejoice to learn, in order to guard against sickness breaking out on board, that steps are being taken to have a large number of the passengers temporarily lodged, during the stay of the vessel in the dock, and Mr. R. Russell, having broached the idea of giving the use of one of the dock sheds for the purpose, his brother directors of the Steam Ship Company have seconded his praiseworthy suggestion, and Mr Phillips the indefatigale [sic] secretary, at once set men to work in clearing out the "outer shed," with a number of carpenters to work in fitting up the necessary births, and in making the place comfortable, which is being carried on with such speed that the shed will be ready for the reception of a number of families tonight, who will thus be lodged in a cool atmosphere away from the uncomfortably enclosed space provided for them between the decks of a ship at this warm season of the year. The proposal was approved of by Mr. Ryan, J.P., the Swedish Consul, who has agreed to defray the necessary expenses on the part of his government. It is to be hoped that the vessel will be completely cleared out of her passengers 'till her repairs are made good, and that some other places will be provided to lodge them in so as to effectually guard against sickness on board. At the funeral obsequies today of the child who died yesterday, we regret to say that a number of the populace conducted themselves in such a way as to interrupt the officiating clergyman, who had to cease reading the service repeatedly; but should such another interment take place, we hope that steps will be taken to prevent the more thoughtless of the populace from entering the graveyard.

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THE NORWEGIAN SHIP HANNAH PARR

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIMERICK CHRONICLE
DEAR SIR,--Acting for the Mayor in his absence I beg to enclose you a letter I sent yesterday to the Swedish Consol [sic] at this port with respect to the passengers of the above ship. Not having received his reply until late this evening, and which I send you, I in the mean time, deemed it my duty to telegraph to Mayor and send you his reply.

Your very obedient,
THOMAS E. CARTE
Locum Tenens Mayor

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7, Glentworth-street, 15th May, 1868


Dear Sir,--Referring to my interview with you a Locum Tenens Mayor, relative to the passengers of the Norwegian ship Hannah Parr now lying disabled at this port, when you assured me that the passengers were well taken care of, having an ample supply of provisions on board, and wanting for nothing, and that there was no occasion for those emigrants to seek aid from the citizens; also that you as Consul, would see that there were sufficient provisions on board the vessel when leaving, to maintain the passengers until their voyage was completed, and which was also the desire of the owner, a gentleman of wealth and most humane feeling; since that interview I had a communication from the Mayor whose attention has been drawn to the subject, and who is most anxious that those emigrants requirements should be attended to in every respect I will therefore now feel much obliged by your apprizing me for the information of the mayor and citizens if there are to be any necessity for taking any action in regard to those peoples [sic] condition, either in a pecuniary or sanitary point of view, or may I rely that the owners (with your assistance) will do every thing necessary for their comfort.

I am, dear sir, yours very truly,
THOMAS E. CARTE
Locum Tenens Mayor.

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Michael R. Ryan, Esq., Consul,
Port of Limerick.
Swedish and Norwegian V. Consulate
Limerick 16th May, 1868

Alderman Carte,
Locum Tenens Mayor.
Dear Sir,--I have to acknowledge recept [sic] of your letter of yesterday with reference to the emigrants now on board the Norwegian ship, "Hannah Parr," in this port.

In reply, I beg to repeat the communication I made verbally to you at the interview you refer to, namely that in order to ascertain whether these people required relief, I consulted with the master and doctor of the ship in conjunction with the masters of the three other Norwegian ships now in port, who all reported to me, after enquiry, that the people were in no present want, having abundant provision on board; and who, on the part of their country, now repudiate any appeal.

It has been reported to me that the owner of the vessel is a wealthy and benevolent person, who will not repudiate any responsibility devolving on him. He has been put in possession of the circumstances of the case, but as I am not aware what his legal liability may be, I have communicated with the proper authorities of the Swedish and Norwegian Government, to insure that the provisioning of the ship shall be fully replenished before she leaves port.

In these circumstances I hesitated to lend my official sanction to a public appeal on behalf of the emigrants, while I equally declined to check the flow of individual generosity towards the poorer of them.

When I shall have received the reply to my official reports, I shall, if it be necessary, give due intimation to my fellow-citizens, who, in all classes, have evinced the most generous disposition to give any aid that the untoward circum stances of the strangers may require.

I have today made arrangements for lodging the emigrants on shore (with the kind cooperation of Mr. Richard Russell, the Chairman and other officers of the Steamship Company), so the vessel may be thoroughly cleansed and ventilated before she again puts to sea, although I am happy to say that the health of the passengers continues such as to cause no apprehension.--I am, dear Sir, your's faithfully.

M.R. Ryan, Vice Consul.

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Mayor's Telegram

"London, 16th May,
"Just seen Norwegian Consul General, who informs me that he has given instructions to the Consul at Limerick to have every attention paid to the Emigrants."

Mr. James Harris, T.C., communicates to us the following :-

I have just received the following telegram from the Mayor :-

"I have just seen one of the Emigration Commissioners, who has telegraphed Queenstown for Admiral Kerr to proceed immediately to Limerick."

On this afternoon as the Norwegian ship Rubens, of Broback [Drøbak], which brought a cargo of ice to Limerick, was being towed down the river, when brought abreast of the western end of the dock pier, the passengers and crew of the Hannah Parr gave a loud hearty cheer to the Captain of the Rubens, to which his crew warmly responded; and the acclaim was continued till the Rubens had passed Barrington's Quay on her voyage homewards.

On Sunday night last, between eleven and twelve o'clock, one of the passengers, a young man, of the Norwegian ship, Hannah Parr, was Providently rescued from drowning by two watchmen, named Patrick Dillon and Simon Riordan, employed by the Harbour Commissioners, at the New Dock. It appears that the emigrant was admitted inside the dock gate about half-past eleven o'clock, p.m., by Riordan, and he proceeded in the direction of the ship. It was extremely dark at the time; and about fifteen minutes afterwards the watchman heard a scream at the opposite side of the dock, and they ran to where the cry came from, one of the men carrying a lighted torch, the other a long boat hook employed for saving life from drowning. They at once discovered where the emigrant had fallen in, and who had kept himself up in the water, and having at once put down the hook, the poor fellow grabbed it, and he was hauled on shore by the two watchmen, with the aid of a number of the passengers, who came out of the ship to their assistance. He was then taken to his vessel and conveyed to his birth, having suffered nothing more than a drenching and a fright, from his perilous momentary position in the river. The poor fellow was perfectly sober; but being a stranger, it is supposed that in the darkness, when making for the ship, he missed his way, and fell into the river. Fortunately, the tide was coming in at the time.

THE HANNAH PARR

The rumours circulated with regard to the passengers on board this ship turned out to be greatly exaggerated--which all rumours on examination are found to be. It was reported that there was a good deal of sickness on board, but contrary turns out to be the fact, so that the fears entertained last week, about the poor emigrants have since become abated. On Saturday evening last Admiral Kerr came to Limerick from Queenstown, and placed himself in communication with Mr. Ryan, J.P., the Norwegian Consul, but he at once informed the latter gentleman, that though directed by the Emigration Commissioners to come to Limerick, he found that he had no authority to interfere, as the passengers had embarked on board a foreign ship in a foreign country, and had contracted with the owner of the ship under the emigration laws of their own state, and had merely put into a British port through stress of weather; and they were amenable only to the laws of their own country, administered by the Consul representing the government here. Mr. Ryan, who at first feared official interference with him in his duties, on receiving so courteous a communication from Admiral Kerr, at once met him as a gentleman, and throwing off for the moment his position of Consul, invited Admiral Kerr to visit the ship, as a private gentleman, and obtain every information he required upon an examination. The Admiral went down with Mr. Ryan and went on board the ship, of the ventilation of which he spoke in flattering terms, remarking that the space between decks was 9 feet, although the minimum space allowed in British ships was 6 feet. He was informed of the arrangements made to temporarily lodge a number of the passengers in the Steamship Company's shed, that the services of Dr. Carey, as the senior dispensary medical officer in town, had been procured to assist the medical officer on board during the vessel's stay in port, and that Captain Randall, Harbour Master, had been requested, he having considerable experience in the fitting up of emigrant ships, to give every assistance to the Captain in refitting up the vessel for the accommodation of the passengers, and the remark of the Admiral on hearing of what had been done, was that the Hannah Parr could contrast favourably with any British emigrant vessel leaving a British port, and that everything required for the comfort of the passengers seemed to have been done.

The visit of the Admiral, it would appear, has not had the result which it was thought it would have the passengers being better off than was supposed. He inquired with regard to the alleged sickness on board, and the doctor told him that there were only a few children sick--two of who died--and this information greatly surprised him. There need, therefore, be no more fears entertained with regard to the state of the emigrants--and we do not see how any practical steps can be taken on their behalf in Limerick, after the expression in the Consul's letter to Alderman Carte, locum tenens, that the officials of the ship, and the other Norwegian captains in port "on the part of their country repudiate any appeal to public benevolence on their (emigrants') part."

ENTERTAINMENT OF THE NORWEGIAN EMIGRANTS IN THE ORPHAN HALL

The lengthened stay of the passengers on Board the Hannah Parr, emigrant ship, in this city, which has been the means of exciting such general sympathy in the hearts of the inhabitants for their rather isolated position, and the temporary disappointment of many blissful hopes entertained by them when they left their native land, has been taken advantage of for the purpose of giving to those strangers from the extreme parts of Norway a hearty Irish welcome, and to extend to them that hospitality, which without egotism, we say always marked the personal character of our countrymen. Born in the interior of a sterile country, at the foot of its snow capped mountains, the suburban scenery of a more favoured region, after they took shelter in the Shannon from the fury of the storm, as they reached Limerick, must have aroused in the hearts of those unsophisticated strangers feelings of unmingled joy and regret; joy, at having found a place of safety after the perils they had encountered; regret, at having been driven so far back from their future home, and, within a couple of days sale [sic] of the shores of their nativity. To extend to them the right hand of welcome was the feeling predominating those whose sympathies were more strongly aroused from the fact that they were helpless strangers in (to them) an unknown country, and accordingly the following gentlemen, members of the different Protestant communities in the city, formed themselves into a committee for the purpose of entertaining those (for the present) homeless people at a social tea meeting; Rev. J. Wilson (Bedfordrow), Messrs. B. Journeaux, W. Cochrane, J.H. Boyd, James Alexander, Edward Fitt, W. Hosford, and Joshua Jacob. Arrangements were at once made for carrying out the proposed friendly object, and, as stated in our last, a written invitation was sent to the Captain of the Hannah Parr, on behalf of himself, the officers, crew, and passengers, which was, in the most courteous manner, accepted, and Tuesday evening was selected for the entertainment. The following ladies have been waited upon, for the purpose of assisting in the good work, they most generously consented to give their services, and to them we owe one of the most successful and admirably arranged soirees which has ever been given since its erection, in the Orphan Hall: Mrs. and the Misses Cochrane, Mrs. Weir, Miss Frazer, Mrs. Wilson (Glentworth street), Mrs. and the Misses Tracy, Mrs. Christy, Mrs. Hare, the Misses Sullivan, Miss Hosford, Miss Currie, Miss Cree, Mrs. and Miss Alexander (Beech Lawn), Mrs. Edward Fitt, Mrs. W. Boyd, Mrs. Gilman, Miss Rose, Miss Matterson, Mrs. D. Johnston, Mrs. Journeaux, Miss Bannatyne, Mrs. J. H. Boyd, Mrs. Gregg, Mrs. Thom, Mrs. John Barrington, Mrs. J.F. Hosford, Miss Sykes, Mrs. W. and Miss Alexander, who presided at the different tables, which were most tastefully laid out, vases filled with the choicest flowers of the season being arranged upon them so as to add to the splendour of the scene, and sweetening the atmosphere with an agreeable perfume.

Inmates of the female Blind Asylum attended as a choir to lead in the signing of the hymns, and they were accompanied on a beautiful harmonium by one of the number, who is a proficient in music. The harmonium was kindly and gratuitously lent for the occasion by Mr. P. Corbett, of George-street, who with characteristic generosity, declined payment from the committee.

About half past 6 o'clock, p.m., almost the entire of the passengers, numbering nearly four hundred, with the captain and crew, and the doctor in charge, walked in procession from the Docks to the Hall; and a more interesting, and, in many respects, more touching sight, has rarely been witnessed in Limerick--aged men and women, stalwart manhood, and vigorous matrons with their infants and young children, and many of the fair-haired daughters of the far North in their fresh, joyous young womanhood--all in their simple and picturesque costume, made up such a cavalcade as we may not soon again witness. The Hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, while banners and suggestive mottos adorned the walls. The tables were covered with hospitable provision, and each lady in charge offered a kindly greeting to her guests as they took their places around the well-stocked board, with quiet well-bred self-possession not always found amid higher pretensions. A hymn of thanksgiving having been sung, and the repast adequately discussed, another hymn was sung in English, having first been translated into Norse by Mr. Chapman who came from Dublin for the purpose of addressing the strangers in their own language, of which he appears to be a master. The effect was very impressive, and many of the emigrants could not suppress their emotion as the strains of the hymn recalled their native land again, and awakened memories but too deeply engraven in their exiled hearts. Mr. Chapman read portions of Scripture, and spoke fluently thereon in their own language. The Rev. Messrs. B. Jacob, C. Ward, and J. Wilson, subsequently addressed the audience, now swelled by visitors to the utmost limit of the spacious Hall--every inch of which was crowded to inconvenience--amongst whom we noticed--Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, and the Misses Hunt, George-street; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Franklin; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd (National Bank); Mr. E. Maunsell, Deerkpark; Mr. Brown, J.P. ; Colonel Kerr, R.E., and Mrs. Kerr; Rev. W. M. Wright, Garrison Chaplain; Rev. Dr. Mangan, Rev. Jas. Walsh, Rev. Mr. Tracey, Rev. Mr. Hayden, Mr. J. Spaight, J.P. ; Mr. J. Vanderkiste, J.P., and Mr. Eager. A distribution of Bibles and Testaments from the Hiberian Bible Society now took place; and as the recipients received the priceless treasures from the hands of Mr. Jacob, gratitude was expressed by the hearty shake of the rev gentleman's hand and in a language which, although unknown, could not be misunderstood.

The evening's proceedings were brought to a conclusion by an exhibition of dissolving views, kindly superintended by James Alexander, Esq., and to say that these splendid specimens of art afforded delight, would inadequately convey the rapture of these simple-hearted spectators, many of whom never even heard of the wonders of the magic lantern before. More hymns were sung, some by the Norwegians alone, whose melody is of a sad, slow, solemn, character:-

Such have I heard on Scottish land
Rise from the busy harvest band,
When falls before the mountaineer
On lowland plains and ripened ear;
Now one shrill voice the notes prolong,
Now a wild chorus swells the song.
Oft have I listened and stood still
As it came softly up the hill,
And deemed it the lament of men
Who languished for their native glen,
And thought how sad had been such sound
On Susquehana's [sic] swampy ground,
Kentuckey's [sic] wood-encumbered brake,
Or wild Ontario's boundless lake,
Whose heart-sick exiles in their strain
Recall their native home again.

A plentiful distribution of oranges and boquets [sic] of flowers from the ladies, followed the views. The Doxology was then sung, and after such shaking of hands and expressions of kindly friendship as one seldom sees in more artificial circles, the strangers returned to their ship, which they reached without accident at half-past ten o'clock, and it is hoped wherever their future lot is cast, they will sometimes recall with a joyous remembrance the happy evening they and their Protestant friends at Limerick spent together.

In the account in our last publication of the entertainment given to the Norwegian emigrants in the Orphan Hall, the names of the Rev. Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Weir, of the Collegiate Academy were accidentally omitted. It was quite impossible to ascertain the names of all the visitors who attended, as the majority entered at the time when the Hall was darkened in order to exhibit the dissolving views, and the position they occupied was at the lower or western end of the room, away from the platform.

All the Norwegian emigrants are now quite comfortably lodged on board the Hannah Parr, owing to the severity of the weather those temporarily transferred to the dockshed having returned on board. The slight sickness that prevailed among some of the children has disappeared, consequent on the excellent sanitary arrangements carried out under the direction of Dr. Carey and the medical gentleman on board. All who were attended--except the two who died--have recovered, and there were slight cases of diarrhoa, brought on by sea sickness; but there were no cases of sickness among the adults, a very good sign of the comfortable arrangements made onboard for the lodging of the passengers.

It is pleasing to find that the desire to make the stay of the Norwegian emigrants in this port as agreeable to them as possible increases; and we have been informed that R. Hunt, Esq., with his characteristic kindness, has promised, if arrangements can be made to enable the emigrants to visit Mount Shannon, to throw open the magnificent park and demesne for their enjoyment and recreation, and to let them inspect the beautiful gardens that are there. The enclosed grounds amount to about 1,000 acres, beautifully planted; the demense is one of the finest as well as the most extensive in Ireland, and, no doubt, such a treat will be enjoyed by the Norwegians with every degree of thankfulness. Appreciating the intentions with which Mr. Hunt so generously conveyed the offer, the committee of gentlemen, who lately entertained the emigrants at the Orphan Hall, will meet tomorrow for the purpose of giving effect to it, and to name a day on which those, whom it is desired to compliment, can be invited to proceed to Mount Shannon.
* * *
The rigging of the Norwegian ship Hannah Parr is being carried on as quickly as possible. On yesterday the new foremast was placed in its birth, and the standing rigging in connection with it is being fitted up, so that in a few days more the vessel will be ready to put to sea.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIMERICK CHRONICLE

9, Lower Mallow-street, Limerick
May 28th, '68
DEAR SIR,--It has been ascertained that a considerable number of the Norwegian emigrants at present among us furnish an occasion for the exercise of the Christian liberality of the people of Limerick. There are, in fact, about 40 or 50 of very slender means among them, to whom a gift of money for the purchase of clothing and other necessary comforts on their arrival at their destination would be most acceptable. It has, therefore, been thought desirable to open a subscription list for the purpose of receiving contributions towards this object. When the amount of the subscriptions shall be known, the officers of the ship will be asked for advice as to the most equitable mode of distributing it.

The following are among the subscriptions which have already been received:-

G. M. Fitzgerald, £1; Rev. J. Gabbett, Kilmallock, £1; John M'Kern, £1; Henry Maunsell, £1; General Maunsell, £1; Lord Bishop of Limerick, £1; Sir W. Barrington, £1; Cannock, Tait, & Co. £1; William Power, £1; Edward Cruise, £1; Miss Peacock, 10s; Miss Lucy Peacock, 10s; Captain Peacock, 10s; J.C. Delmege, 10s; John Vanderkiste, 10s; Major Vandeleur, 10s; Hon. R. O'Brien, £1; Rev. F. Meredyth, 10s; Edward Lloyd, 10s; Limerick Warehouse Company, £1; Dr. R. Gelston 10s; J. A. Ievers, 10s; James M'Mahon, 10s; Rev. R. J. Gabbett, £1; James Maxwell Weir, £1; William Hosford, 10s.

I shall be happy to receive and acknowledge any further contributions that may be given in the Emigrants' behalf.

I have the honor to be, faithfully yours,
JAMES WALSH

THE NORWEGIAN EMIGRANTS.
EXCURSION TO MOUNT SHANNON.

The desolate strangers from the foreign regions of Norway, who have taken shelter in this port, have certainly had their stay here made as comfortable to them as the generous intentions would afford. The repairs to the ship increasing the length of their sojourn here much longer than was expected, suggested the benevolent thought to Mr. Hunt that a visit to the splendid park and demesne of Mount Shannon would give our visitors a tolerably good idea of the sylvan beauties of Ireland, and in the most generous spirit he proposed to the committee of gentlemen who originated the recent soiree in the Orphan Hall, to entertain the poor strangers at Mount Shannon. This most excellent proposition, so thoroughly in keeping with Mr. Hunt's benevolent nature, was at once taken up by the gentlemen of the committee, and like the genuine business men, as they are, they at once set to work to carry the proposition into effect. Yesterday was selected as the day for the excursion to come off, and an invitation was drawn up by a very benevolent and active member of the Committee, who drew up the the former invitation, which was agreed to, and a deputation proceeded to the Hannah Parr, and through the Captain and Medical Officer of the ship, read it to the passengers and crew, and which was by them accepted. To Mr. Cruise was allotted the task of providing for the comforts of the guests, and with characteristic resoluteness he at once set about performing it. He quickly procured a large supply of hams and spiced beef, which he had cooked at the Refreshment rooms of Williams-street, they being the most available place for cooking so large a supply of provisions as were required for the purpose, and both he and Mr. Archibald Murray, jun., who kindly assisted, were engaged unceasingly till midnight of Thursday, superintending the manufacturing of sandwiches, and placing them in hampers. To Mr. Journeaux, another active member of the committee, was allotted the duty of having an interview with Mr. Joseph Robinson, the local director of the Waterford and Limerick Railway Company, and arrangeing [sic] with that gentleman, for conveying the excursionists to the Nenagh road station. Mr. Robinson entered into the spirit of the committee's object with a reciprocal feeling, and he generously agreed with Mr. Journeaux to have both the passengers and the committee conveyed by the ordinary passenger train, and brought back in the evening by a special train, for a sum which merely covered the expense of the latter.

On yesterday morning about half-past nine the guests left the Hannah Parr, and proceeded from the dock in procession, headed by the Captain and Doctor, to the terminus of the railway, where they were received on arrival by the Revs. B. Jacob, James Walsh, J. Blewett, J. Wilson (Bedford-Row), and the members of the committee, and they were shewn to the carriages provided for them, which they entered with as much regularity, and absence of bustle and confusion, as if they had undergone a course of training for the purpose, which of course agreeably surprised the company's officers, who are practically acquainted with a different state of things. On arrival at the Nenagh Road Station, they were received by Mr. W. G. Gobbins and family, Mr. R. J. Gabbett, with a number of the people of the locality who gave their new visitors a warm and most cordial reception. Having left the carriages the excursion party proceeded in procession, led by the committe [sic] to the Lisnagry Gate at Mount-Shannon, where they were received by Mr. Hunt who had gone out early in the morning to make arrangements for their reception. The captain of the vessel having been introduced to Mr. Hunt, that gentleman gave him and his party a most hospital [sic] and truly national welcome, and then led the way to the house. On entering Lisnagry Gate, the delight of those poor strangers was at once aroused by the natural beauties of the place, and as they passed down the long avenue to the house, which occupied them about half an hour, they had sufficient time to survey the scene around them, the rich green sward and luxurient foliage of the trees exciting their admiration, which they were observed to give expression to by exclamations in their native tongue.

On arrival at the house, the guests were shown where they were to be entertained, and where tables were admirably arranged on which the party were to dine. An inquiry was made of the captain as to the proper hour for his passengers to partake of dinner, and he replied two o'clock. A novel plan was then adopted by which to intimate to the excursionists when they were to dine. The farm yard bell was wrung and it was intimated to them, through the captain and the doctor, that in the course of the afternoon, when they heard the bell rung, they were to consider it it as indicating the hour for dining, and were to return to the house accordingly. The party were then led by the gentlemen of the committee, and the ladies who attended to entertain them, through the splendid park, and a more opportune occasion could not have been selected for a visitor to thoroughly appreciate the magnificent panorama presented to his gaze on looking around him, for the weather was delightful, the sun pouring its rays from an almost cloudless sky, a refreshing breeze tempering the atmosphere and keeping it serenly [sic] cool. There are eight miles of avenues through Mount Shannon demesne, and when the visitors broke up into groups, in charge of members of the committee, and amused themselves in inspecting every spot that appeared of interest to them, an aspect of animated character was given to the scene.

At two o'clock the court yard bell was wrung, when the visitors at once retired to the house where a sumptuous repast was prepared for them. The following ladies attended, and superintended the laying out of the tables--Mrs. and the Misses Vandeleur, (Ballincourty); Mrs. and Misses Cochrane; Mrs. and Miss McKern; the Misses Sullivan, Mrs. Wilson (Cecil-street); Mrs. French, Miss Frinch, Miss Sexton, Mrs. Journeaux, Mrs. Hare, Mrs. and the Misses Matterwon; Miss M. Gabbett, Miss Boyd, Miss Piercy, Miss Frazer, Mrs. and Miss Hunt, Mrs. E. Fitt. Along the tables were arranged white mugs (kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Goodwin of Williams-street), containing new milk and hot coffee, so that those who preferred coffee or milk could partake of either, and were supplied by order of Mr. Hunt, by the housekeeper at Mountshannon, whose attention to the guests was most courteous. Sandwiches were supplied in abundance, and there was in addition a supply of 300 buns received gratis from the baking establishment of Messrs. J. N. Russell and Sons, by order of Richard Russell, Esq. The party having taken their seats at the tables, their wants were attended to by the following gentlemen of the committee--Revs. B. Jacob, G. Blewett, J. Wilson, Charles Ward; Messrs. J. M'Kern, W Hosford, W Cochrane, E Fitt, E Cruise, James H Boyd, W Matterson, B Journeaux, J Jacob, W Burns, and also Mr. Hunt, who certainly never spared himself in doing all he could to entertain his guests. The arrangements made by the ladies were really admirable and were successfully carried out.

After the good fare had been done ample justice to, thanks were returned, after which a distribution of sweet meats took place, generously supplied by Mr. Journeaux. The company were next invited by Mr. Hunt to visit the private gardens of the place, and inspect the conservatory and magnificent collection of green house and exotic plants, which the gardens contain, and having proceeded thither, they formed themselves under the shade of a splendid elm whose foliage overhangs the sidewall, into a large group, when the Rev James Wilson gave out the hymn, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear," from the Rev Denham Smith's "Times of Refreshing," and which was sung by the ladies and gentlemen of the committee and visitors from Limerick, the sounds of which reverberated through the air, with a delightful harmony. Then in response, the Norwegians intoned a hymn in the Norse tongue, at the termination of which the Rev Mr Blewett, of Kilkishen, offered up a prayer. Then Mr. Wilson gave out another hymn, "Shall we ever all meet again," from the Rev Denham Smith's collection, at the conclusion of which he engaged in prayer. The Captain of the Hannah Parr next read in Norse, for the company, the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, and part of the 5th chapter of Romans, and another hymn sung in Norse concluded the religious service. The company having been shewn every object of interest by Mr. O'Ferrall, the gardener, whose courteous attention to them was complimentarily observed, the guests next proceeded to the front of the house, the grounds around which, so beautifully laid out, added to the pleasures they enjoyed throughout the day. Here there were a number of ladies and gentlemen who came there to join in the festivity, amongst whom were--J. Scott, Esq., D.L., and party; Mr. and Miss Ryan, Ballykeough; Mr. Mrs. and Miss Barrington, George-street; Mr. W. G. Gubbins, Mr. G. F. Hare, Mr. J. W. Gubbins, Mr. Gabbett, Caherline. Then the Rev. James Wilson gave a parting hymn, quite in keeping with the occasion, which contains the following appropriate chorus--

"We'll stem the storm, it won't last long;
We'll anchor by-and-by,
In the haven of eternal rest,
With Jesus ever nigh."

Then the entire party retired by the way they entered, through the Lisnagry gate, escorted by the gamekeeper and workmen on the estate, who bid them an affectionate farewell, and having proceeded to the station house, a special train was in waiting, into which they entered, and returned to town, after enjoying a very pleasant day. On the arrival of the train in Limerick at six o'clock, the excursionists bid good bye to their hosts, acknowledging their attention with the warmest shake of the hand, and headed by the captain and doctor they proceeded in procession to their ship, bearing in their minds a remembrance of how they have been entertained in Limerick, and which, no doubt, they will fondly cherish at the other side of the Atlantic.

The Rev. J. Walsh begs to inform the subscribers to the Norwegian Emigrants' Gift Fund that he has this day handed the amount, £30 5s., to the captain, doctor, and first mate of the Hannah Parr, who have kindly undertaken to distribute it among the poorer families of the emigrants on the arrival of the vessel at Quebec. The above named trustees have given Mr Welsh a receipt for the amount, with an engagement that they will distribute it as requested. Contributions not previously acknowledged: Mr. Richard Gabbett, 10s; Rev W F Maunsell, Rev R Murphy, Mrs. Keating, James Fife, Samuel Burkitt, M Phipps, James Hogg, J Norton, W H White, G H, 5 s each; T Trousdell, T Fosbery, P Butler, 3s each; Rev. E Massey, Ralph Westropp, Mathew Christy, 2s 6d each, Ralph Gallway, G Spaight, 1s each.

DEPARTURE OF THE "HANNAH PARR." On this morning about eight o'clock this emigrant ship left the dock, and was towed down the river amid the farewell cheers of the crowd of citizens who thronged the pier, that were warmly responded to by the crew and passengers, and which were continued on either side till the vessel had passed beyond Barrington's Quay. The interest felt by our fellow citizens in the Norwegian emigrants was of an exceptional nature, and calculated to arouse the sympathies of generous hearts. Strangers in this city, unacquainted with our language and institutions--driven by a storm to take shelter in this port, and compelled to remain here for weeks before they could leave for their destined home--all those circumstances combined to create on behalf of these helpless travellers, [sic] those feelings of commiseration which have been particularly given expression to by the leading citizens of Limerick, and even by the populace, for their orderly and unobtrusive demeanour, as they walked in groups through the streets, or rambled into the suburbs to enjoy the surrounding scenery was such as to heighten and intensify that respect at first entertained for our temporary sojourners. There was but the one opinion generally expressed as to their conduct during their stay in portthat those natives of a northern region were a credit to the land that gave them birth, and the monarch whose subjects they were.

Previous to the vessel leaving the dock, and while a number of the passengers were on the pier, taking leave of those friends whose acquaintance they had made during their stay in Limerick, one old man, just as he was about to go on board, with tears in his eyes, expressive of the feelings that actuated him, turning to the ladies and gentlemen, whom he had shaken hands with, took out a pocket-book, and opening it, handed it, with the pencil attached, to a gentleman, and at the same time pointing to a blank leaf, motioned to him to write something in it as a souvenir; so the gentleman took the book and immediately wrote in it the following sentence--"God bless the Hannah Parr with her living freight, and bring them through a speedy and prosperous voyage to the new land of their adoption; and bless them abundantly for time and eternity." The old man next presented the book, for a similar purpose, to another gentleman, who thus wrote in it "with feelings of deep regret, both I and my family part with our dear Norwegian friends." Both gentlemen appended their names to what they had written. A number of ladies from George-street and the Crescent, also attended, and presented several of the passengers with memorials of their visit, such as bible markers containing appropriate texts of scripture, and samplers worked with their own hands, and which were received with feelings reciprocal of those that actuated the presentors.

On last evening the doctor of the ship, accompanied by the commander of one of the other Norwegian vessels in the dock called at this office, and having expressed the regret of the ship's captain at his not being able to call with him, owing to being engaged in making preparations for departure this morning, he handed us the following, which was drawn up by the passengers on board as an acknowledgement of the reception they have met with in Limerick. We publish it verbatim as we received it; but emanating from those unacquainted with our language, our readers will be able to form a tolerably correct idea of the opinion which the writers entertain of the hospitality shown to them during their stay.

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"HANNAH PARR.

"Is about short time ready for again to try the Atlantic Ocean, and we will pray to God that the ocean will meet us with more friendship than that time we last were its guests.

"Before we, meanwhile, leave this city and its exceedingly friendly population, it is our wish to express our hearty thanks for all the kindness the ladyes and gentlemen of Limerick have shown us.

"With sorry hearts we came as shipwrecked to the coast of Ireland; but we came up the Shannon and saw the beautiful land on both sides, and we then felt that the good God had not yet left us.

"In this pretty land we also met people who took great deal in our sorry--who strained to give all the animation as possible--who, by gifts of Christian books and speaking friendly to us, laboured to open our hearts for the grace of God--who took us in their houses and treated us with friendship and honour; all this have affected our hearts, and we shall never forget it.

"THE NORWEGIAN EMIGRANTS."

The Hannah Parr was towed by the Privateer tug out of the dock, but when nearly almost abreast Barrington's Quay, the Bulldog overhauled her, and she was towed by the two steamers to Foynes, where she is to remain for a few days, till everything be completed on board, such as the taking in of water, provisions, &c., necessary for her voyage to Quebec, whither she is destined.

NORWEGIAN EMIGRANTS' GIFT FUND.

The Rev. J. Walsh begs to acknowledge the receipt of three pounds (£1 from Colonel Wheeler, and £2 from P. T.) in addition to the £30 5s. already acknowledged.

This sum (£3) was handed last evening to the officers of the Hannah Parr who, on behalf of the intended recipients of the gift, expressed their grateful sense of the kindness that has been shewn to them in this and so many other ways during their stay in Limerick.