Emigration from County Monaghan Aboard the Needham in 1773 http://www.magoo.com/hugh/cahans.html#abbeville

The Murnane Brothers tell us, at page 186:

"The five year period during which the colony were to have the land free of charge was due to end in 1770, after which time, the yearly rent of one dollar per acre would commence. It was important, therefore, that the lands should be fully let before the due date, otherwise the existing tenants would be debited with the entire rent including that on the unlet portion. Dr. Clark's personal commitment was a very real incentive for him to make sure, as far as he could, that the entire plots should be let. To that end, he corresponded with his friends in Ireland and in Scotland and one member of his congregation is said to have returned to Cahans to inform the people there of the advantage of moving to Salem. Many were convinced of the benefits of emigrating and the Salem congregation increased accordingly. Dr. Clark permitted his name to be included in Irish newspaper advertisements recommending emigration to an area not far removed from Salem which was being promoted by a William Smith of New York. Special mention was made in a 1773 advertisement of the success of Dr. Clark's settlement.

"The vessel 'Needham' was chartered to sail from Newry in March 1773. The ship's master canvassed Monaghan, Castleblayney, Clones, Cootehill, Ballybay, Caledon, Armagh, Stewartstown and Dungannon beforehand with such success that when the 'Needham' sailed, there were over 500 emigrants on board. A large contingent from Ballybay is said to have sailed on her, some of whom might have had in mind Salem as their destination."

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