Copy correspondence between two generations of Perkinson and Monaghan family members, all connected with Croghan, near Birr, Co Offaly and the Irish Hills area of the state of Michigan, USA. Following the devastation of the Great Famine, John Monaghan emigrated firstly to Suffolk and then to Michigan, where he received letters from his sister, Mary and her husband William Perkinosn, pleading for assistance to also enable their family emigrate to America. The correspondence describes the effect of famine and emigration on the Croghan area. Their son William, who emigrated to Lancashire, also writes to his cousin in Michigan of the second generation with much the same request.

Copies of outgoing letters from John V. Brown, clerk of Parsonstown Union to various recipients, particularly the Poor Law Commissioners, detailing reliefs and works. Also includes copy outgoing correspondence relating to assisted emigration schemes for inmates of the Parsonstown workhouse during the course of the Great Famine.

Photocopy of letter from William Perkinson, Croghan, to his brother-in-law, John Monaghan, Lanervase County, Michigan, US. Describes financial difficulties of the family, the fall in value of family home and the great distress suffered in the locality. "There is no wonder made of death here". He writes also of his hope to emigrate to America.

Photocopy of letter from William Perkinson to John Monaghan, noting the 30 year acquaintance of the two, and enquiring about the welfare and whereabouts of Bernard Devan, a native of Croghan who emigrated to America, and known to Monaghan.

Photocopy of letter from William Perkinson, Croghan, to his John Monaghan urging him to inform Pat Devan that his brother Barney is anxiously awaiting confirmation that he is to be brought to America. Describes the destitution of the Croghan area as a result of the famine: 'This is an altered country. Since you left it there is not an old neighbour in Croughan but Martin Burke, Barney Devan and myself.. This country is almost waste. Such as was not able to go to America all died with hunger sooner than give up their places for they would not be taken into the poorhouse until they would give up their place. And that minute their house was thrown down. Others thrown down by the sheriff.'

Photocopy of a fragment of a letter from William Parkinson in Widnes, Lancashire, to his cousin, John Monaghan, in Michigan, introducing himself and his family, and asks after news of their aunts in common, Judy Duwan (nee Monaghan) Bridget Harrison (née Monaghan), all of whom had emigrated to America, and where he would like to emigrate to in the future.

Photocopy of letter from William Parkinson, Widnes, Lancashire, England to his cousin John Monaghan, thanking John for his letter and remarking that he had found his address in an old book of his father's, and remembers the correspondence of the previous generation. He asks after the Herrig and Dewan families originally from Cloghan who had emigrated many years previously. Repeats his intention to move to America and asks for assistance.

Photocopy of letter from Mary Perkinson to John Monaghan, enquiring whether he knew if her sister, Judy and her family who had emigrated to America, were still alive. Informs him of the marriages of her son, William and daughter Eliza. Also mentions her intention to send two of the other children to America.

Photocopy of letter from Mary Perkinson to John Monaghan, informing him of the family's impending eviction from their holding and pleading for assistance to emigrate to America. Describes Croghan and the impact of famine and emigration on the area: 'Most of your old neighbours are either dead or emigrated, most of the land was to growing grass, and strange to say the people are flying away in thousands yet. Nothing will keep them at home. Love of country or of kindred will not prevent them. Off they go and when will it end God only knows. Bad landlords is the cause.'