A letter from Henry Jones, a native of Llanfihangel-y-Pennant who has emigrated to Holland Patent, New York State, to his brother and sister, dated 15 February 1850.

The letter begins by describing the landscape under snow. Henry says that he is looking forward to spring when the trees will be white with flowers. They have had a very comfortable winter since the beginning of December, the snow is no deeper than three inches. During winter time they cut down the trees and take them to Utica on a sledge, until the road is like glass.

He advises his family to join him in America, where the quality of life is superior to that in Merioneth, and where commodities are cheaper. He has not seen a single poor person or beggar, and yet there is a poor rate levied in each parish. Many miserly people choose to spend the winter in the poor house after earning money throughout the summer.

He is no longer troubled with rheumatism and has recovered from the mumps. The doctor came to visit him eight times at a cost of 16s., which is what he would expect to pay for one visit back home in Wales. A doctor in America earns little more than he does.

Thousands of settlers are leaving their farms in the state of New York and migrating to California in search of gold. They return by the hundred, having made their fortunes.