Lusitania
Donor
Village of Nohaval
Island of Ireland
September 20, 1765
Seán T. O'Kelly did not know how he was going to do; he sat all alone in the village pub nursing his drink. When he had come into the pub there had been a great deal sympathy shown towards him including several free drinks but as the night had worn on they slowly had drifted away so that he now sat all alone nursing his last tankard.
His mind kept racing back to earlier this afternoon when the magistrate had shown up and served him with notice that his farm had been confiscated for unpaid taxes. It was only through the mercy of parish priest that they had given him till the end of the month to leave. Lots of good that would do; 10 days to worry and despair how he was going to support his wife and four kids with one more on the way. It was almost midnight by the time he finally hauled himself back to his family. Part of him wanted to disappear and not think about life anymore but the part that wanted to do what was right kept him on the path home no matter what waited for him there
For the last week Seán had tried everything he could think of, he had looked for work everywhere but to no avail. Each night he would drown his sorrows at the pub but every time he would stop himself and return home to face life. Then on Sunday the parish priest told him and his wife that he had arranged for both his oldest daughters to enter convent so they would be taken care of. Seán still cringed at the thought that he would have to put both daughters there to save them but he could do nothing about the boys since they were too small. So tonight was no different, the depression he had fought hard to keep from overwhelming him was growing stronger each day. The part that wanted to forget all about his problems was getting stronger. Maybe tonight would be the night he would finally give in he thought as he stepped through the door into the pub.
The pub was only half full, most looked up and gave him a half hearted greeting before returning to their friends and drinks. He made his way to the bar to order his usual.
“Evening Seán, been waiting for you” said the owner Patrick.
“I am a creature of habit, what else can I do, where else would I go? He replied
“Well, I have some news that might help” answered the bartender
“You know someone who is hiring” Seán asked sheepishly afraid to get his hopes up.
“No” answered Patrick as Seán face became crestfallen again, “what I mean is I have made contact with someone who can help you. I have a cousin who just recently arrived back in Ireland and is looking for fellows like you”
“What do you mean like me”, asked Seán suspiciously “arrived from where?” he added.
“Why don’t I let him tell you about himself? He is sitting over there at the back table, come on I will introduce you” He answered hurriedly.
Seán followed the bartender hesitantly; as he followed the bartender he noticed most of the locals were keeping an eye on him. When he got closer to the table he was able to see the stranger better he was surprised to see a well dressed man, not at all the person he expected after Patrick’s conversation.
“Patrick this is Seán, who I contacted you about, Seán this is my cousin Patrick” said Patrick the bartender.
“A pleasure to meet you, Patrick why don’t you get both of us a drink” said the stranger getting up to greet Seán.
Seán sat down wearily and waited, but while Patrick seemed friendly he waited until the bartender had put two tankards on the table before he started.
“I know you have a lot of questions and probably are quite a bit weary, so let me start by explaining my story and then I will answer your questions” he said taking a sip of his drink.
Seán quickly nodded before taking a long drink from his. Over the next hour and two more drinks Patrick told him his story and how he had arrived back in Ireland.
“I am here to offer you hope and opportunity, all you have to do is grab it” finished
Seán sat there absorbing what he had heard, finally he finished his drink then said “It is an interesting story you weave but in case you have not heard I am not in any position to undertake such a trip. My situation is such that I cannot even support my family never mind paying for passage….”
“You would not be required to pay for anything, as I told you all costs will be paid for” Patrick cut him off.
Seán sat there unable to make any commitments, taking that as his cue, Patrick got up and said “I will be through this village on the 30th if you and your family wish to come I will take to Cork where you will stay as my guests until the next ship comes in.” he added, then tipping his hat to the bartender left.
Seán sat alone for a while thinking about he had heard and his life, that night for the first time in almost a month he returned home sober, well as sober as any Irishman could be. He and his wife discussed the offer from Patrick over the next few days. They prayed to God and finally on the 30th seeing no alternative the family packed the few things they owned and waited for Patrick to arrive.
Early in the morning Seán and his family walked to bartenders house to await Patrick arrival, all morning the family stayed huddled inside away from the eyes of the other villagers praying. As the morning wore on Seán’s anxieties grew, what if no one arrived what was he going to do about his family.
The bartender’s wife sensing their growing anxiety went out of her way to reassure them. “Don’t you worries now, I know Patrick will be here soon, God is looking after you now. Sure enough at about noon news came that two wagons had just been spotted coming into town .
Patrick the bartender came in to the room just as the wagons stopped outside. “I just wanted to wish you and your family all the best. Seán, his wife and children moved slowly with the determination to not break down outside where they saw two covered wagons for the first. Patrick was seated on the first one. When he spotted Seán he got down from the wagon and approached them.
“Thank you for taking my offer” he said to Seán and his family when he reached them. “I have space for you all in the second wagon please follow me”. As Seán and his family passed the first wagon they could help themselves from looking in. Inside was another family, tired looking and exhausted like them. Patrick helped the children in and then Seán and his wife joined them.
With a quick exchange of goodbyes to the bartender the wagons were off. Seán and his wife looked back at Nohaval for the last time and the villagers as they looked at them with both apprehension and suspicion. They travelled for a long time and just as the sun was setting they finally made it into Cork. They travelled for a little ways in the city till they reached a large house with an enclosed courtyard. When the wagons stopped inside the courtyard someone closed the gate and a woman came out.
“I did not think you were going to make it in tonight” she told Patrick in a stern voice
“The roads are not in the best of condition this time of the year, but we made it, by the lords grace, Theresa” he replied back
“Well let’s not keep these good people waiting lets help them down and get them inside, I presume they have not had anything to eat all day?” she berated Patrick as Seán and his family along with not one but two families in the other wagon wearily got out of the wagons and into the courtyard. They were shepherded into a large room with three tables where they all sat and ate for the first time all day. In reality, for several people it was the first time they had eaten in days. Theresa, being knowledgeable about the dangers of overeating was careful not to let them eat too much less they get sick. They were taken to three rooms one for each family. There they stayed venturing out to the common room for meals while they awaiting what fate that God had in store for them. During the next days they were joined by two more families.
After four days in the large house they were again taken by wagon during the middle of the night to the docks. A ship waited tied up, the wagons stopped in front of the ship and each family made their way on it and into the hold. When all families were safely on board the ship set off to sea at daybreak before the low tide came in. With the O'Kellys, Ó Briains, O'Keefes, O'Kanes and O'Boyle on board ready set to add their contribution to the Portuguese Empire.
In actually years later Seán would make the trip himself and visit Nohaval acting as the recruiter this time. A scene that would be repeated over and over.
**********************************************************************
Conselho de Santarem
Ratton paper Factory
March 18, 1763
Jacome Ratton was not a happy man; he had come to the factory to determine what the reason for the low production numbers. He had been met by the factory manager and given a tour of the factory which although less than four years old had just recently been expanded but the increase in production he had been expecting had not materialized.
From the onset of his tour he quickly became aware of the problem. “Where are all the workers” he asked Antonio the manager.
“This is all of them, Mr. Director Jacome”
“You should be having twice as many people here, what was the use of expanding this factory if it sits half empty” Jacome shot back irritation showing in his voice
“We have been able to hire 20 more men since the expansion but there isn’t anyone we can get. The landlords will not release the people, they are clamoring that they are short of people, I have been in Castelo Branco and Leiria and it’s all the same. There just isn’t anyone available; the reconstruction, road building is taking up all the people. We are not the only ones desperate for people” answered Antonio defensively
“I know, there is so much to do and not enough people to do it” replied Jacome more to himself “I will need to talk to the Conde de Oeiras about this” he added to himself.
There was a commotion at the other end of the factory and Antonio rushed to deal with it leaving Jacome alone with his thoughts when he noticed one of the workers approaching him very hesitantly. When he noticed Jacome’s attention on him he hesitated and made to turn back.
“You there, come here” Jacome called out to him
The man came over very hesitantly, “You wanted something” he inquired
The man hesitated for a while then seeming to gather his courage spoke “I am sorry to disturb you Mr. Director, but I overheard Mr. Antonio telling you about the lack of worker…”
“What your name” asked Jacome
“Patrick O’Connor” he said
“Ah, an Irish” Jacome said as if that explained everything “How did you end up here”
“I was serving with the English army in Portugal and when the war was over I decided to stay behind” he responded a little unsure how this information would be received.
“Yes there seemed to be quite a few who decided to do that. Now how do you think you can help me regarding workers” Jacome asked
“Sir I know a number of my people who would be willing to work here” answered Patrick
“And how would we get them here I may inquire” asked Jacome intrigued at this fellows thinking and suggestion.
“If there was someone who could contact them, then people could be gotten here” replied Patrick his confidence returning.
“Unfortunately I do not know anyone in Ireland, do you?” he asked more to see what this man had in mind.
“Mr. Director, I can be your man in Ireland, I can get you the people you need” answered Patrick
“How do I know that this is not just some ploy for me to pay for some home sick man to return home” answered Jacome testing him.
“Sir, my family is here, my wife and children are in Portugal and Ireland holds nothing for me anymore. I still have family and friends there and do wish to help them but nothing more” answered Patrick with a serious look.
“I will think about what you said” Jacome said with a dismissal of his hand. Antonio the factory manager returned that moment and Patrick made himself scarce less he find displeasure.
“I am sorry about that Sir, is everything alright” he asked noting the worker leaving.
“Yes, yes I was just discussing the possibility of gaining new employees” answered Jacome, “Unfortunately they are overseas and the costs are too great” he added.
Jacome finished his inspection of the factory and departed soon afterwards back to the Capital. “Maybe I should broach this subject with the Conde de Oeiras.
----------------------------------
Conselho de Santarem
Ratton paper Factory
May 10, 1763
Patrick reported to his job at daybreak thinking nothing of the conversation he had had with the owner. Antonio had sequestered him after the owner had left but when he found out he had suggested getting workers in Ireland he had berated him to not waste his superior’s time again. Luckily for him there was such an acute shortage of workers that the factory manager had not done anything else. So he was surprised and apprehensive when he was ordered to report to the manager’s office.
He was shocked to find Jacome waiting for him instead of Antonio.
“Well Patrick it seems that you are going to get your wish. We desperately need those workers so I need you to come with me today back to Lisboa and be on your way to Ireland. If you still want the job”
Patrick only hesitated for a few seconds, before replying “Yes Sir, I won’t let you done Sir, thank you” he exclaimed excitedly.
“Go home and make preparations, we leave just after midday” added Jacome
***********************************************************************
Immigration and Emigration
The shortage of workers in Portugal and its provinces started causing great problems and labor shortages that in many cases limited economic growth. Following the earthquake in Lisboa and Southern Portugal the government restricted the emigration of Portuguese; emigration to Brasil was frozen and emigration to Portugal’s other provinces in Índia, Ásia and África was severely restricted. The emigration of skilled tradesmen was partially eased starting in 1765 at various companies’ requests. The government always strictly controlled the movement of people as it tried to develop Portugal and its overseas provinces without depopulating the country.
Following the joint military campaign with Spain in Southern Brasilia region of Seven Missions against the indigenous and the Jesuits in 1755 the government brought thousands Portuguese Native Américans to Portugal to work in the reconstruction of Lisboa.
In 1757 the first immigrants from Índia, and Timor were brought to Portugal to help in the reconstruction effort and the building of other infrastructure projects. The labor crises in Portugal reached its peak between 1763 and 1772 during which time large number of Áfricans were also brought to Portugal.
The majority of the immigrants initially worked in the construction industry providing the labor for the reconstruction of Lisboa and other areas affected by the earthquake then many went to work in the road construction projects while the rest were employed in other construction jobs throughout the country.
The creation of thousands of factory jobs in the towns and cities created a new rural depopulation crisis. Agricultural production declined as people left agriculture for the new factory jobs. Starting in 1765 immigrants from Índia and África were brought to work on the farms. The government enacted new laws to protect the original European workers and forcing the landowners to pay the immigrants the same wage. The subsequent growth of industry as well as the continued labor shortages in the 1770s forced the government to start allowing some of the immigrants to start working in the factories.
The government restricted the immigrant’s right to move around the country and only immigrants that were Portuguese Catholic were allowed to marry. The integration of the immigrants into the Portuguese society was a gradual process. The government viewed their integration as a necessity and enlisted the Portuguese Catholic Church to promote the social and cultural acceptance of these people into the general society. By 1778 the number of immigrants in Portugal had surpassed 200,000. The vast majority were men, with women only accounting for 20 percent. The majority of these immigrants ended up integrating into the Portuguese society, marrying and settling down.
The rapid industrialization of Portugal and subsequently of Brasil as well as the increase in commerce and the labor shortage in both areas was the catalysts for the Portuguese government policy of forced labor movement throughout the empire. The expansion of Portuguese territory in África, Índia and Ásia provided the government with a steady supply of laborers to other provinces that were in need of laborers. The depopulation also facilitated the establishment of Portuguese control of newly acquired territory.
As the Portuguese expanded their overseas provinces in Índia, East Ásia and África the subjugated tribes that accepted Portuguese control were required to provide a specific number of laborers on a yearly basis. Subjugated tribes that resisted Portuguese control ended up losing half of their territory and people and their leaders executed. These tribes were also forced to provide a much higher number of laborers on a yearly basis. The laborers were sent to other provinces to work on construction, new plantations, farms and the growing number of factories.
The movement of people changed the composition of the population in Portuguese controlled areas of Índia, África and Ásia. The depopulation of newly acquired territory was subsequently followed by repopulation of the territory with people from other regions as these territories were in turn developed. The limited number of Europeans in the empire meant that the Portugal became reliant initially on Portuguese Índians and Timorenses (people from Timor region of East Ásia) to provide it with the laborers and tradesmen to continue its industrialization and growth. Subsequently Macaenses (people from Southern China around Macau) were also recruited.
The movement of Áfricans into Ásia, Índia and Portugal was initially limited to agricultural areas. These Áfricans while not slaves did not enjoy the same citizenship rights Europeans, Índians, Timorenses and Macaenses held. By 1770 slavery only existed in Brasil and África and only Áfricans continued to be slaves.
In 1759 Portugal abolished slavery amongst the Portuguese Native Américans and prohibited their emigration outside the empire. In 1761 Portugal abolished slavery in Índia, Timor and Flores this was followed by the abolished of slavery in Portugal proper in 1762. In 1765 Portugal abolished slavery in amongst mixed blood blacks in the entire empire.
In 1763 an Irish soldier named Patrick O’Connor who had decided to stay behind in Portugal following the war of 1761 became employed at a paper factory owned by Jacome Ratton. In 1764 Patrick O’Connor was sent by Jacome to his homeland to recruit fellow Irish to come to Portugal. Starting in 1765 Portuguese ships sailing to England would pass off the Irish coast on the way home and secretly pickup Irish settlers. Several thousand Irish eventually came to live in Portugal and its colonies every year. The Portuguese always kept the affair as low-key as possible afraid of upsetting the English.
Jacome Rattan
The newly acquired territories also became the primary source of new recruits for the expanded colonial armies. Many young men preferred the prospect of being soldiers rather then working for the rest of their lives as laborers in some plantation. Subsequent taxation laws enacted by various provincial governments provided financial compensation to families whose sons become soldiers. These two sources provided the continuous supply of recruits to fill the colonial army’s ranks.
Island of Ireland
September 20, 1765
Seán T. O'Kelly did not know how he was going to do; he sat all alone in the village pub nursing his drink. When he had come into the pub there had been a great deal sympathy shown towards him including several free drinks but as the night had worn on they slowly had drifted away so that he now sat all alone nursing his last tankard.
His mind kept racing back to earlier this afternoon when the magistrate had shown up and served him with notice that his farm had been confiscated for unpaid taxes. It was only through the mercy of parish priest that they had given him till the end of the month to leave. Lots of good that would do; 10 days to worry and despair how he was going to support his wife and four kids with one more on the way. It was almost midnight by the time he finally hauled himself back to his family. Part of him wanted to disappear and not think about life anymore but the part that wanted to do what was right kept him on the path home no matter what waited for him there
For the last week Seán had tried everything he could think of, he had looked for work everywhere but to no avail. Each night he would drown his sorrows at the pub but every time he would stop himself and return home to face life. Then on Sunday the parish priest told him and his wife that he had arranged for both his oldest daughters to enter convent so they would be taken care of. Seán still cringed at the thought that he would have to put both daughters there to save them but he could do nothing about the boys since they were too small. So tonight was no different, the depression he had fought hard to keep from overwhelming him was growing stronger each day. The part that wanted to forget all about his problems was getting stronger. Maybe tonight would be the night he would finally give in he thought as he stepped through the door into the pub.
The pub was only half full, most looked up and gave him a half hearted greeting before returning to their friends and drinks. He made his way to the bar to order his usual.
“Evening Seán, been waiting for you” said the owner Patrick.
“I am a creature of habit, what else can I do, where else would I go? He replied
“Well, I have some news that might help” answered the bartender
“You know someone who is hiring” Seán asked sheepishly afraid to get his hopes up.
“No” answered Patrick as Seán face became crestfallen again, “what I mean is I have made contact with someone who can help you. I have a cousin who just recently arrived back in Ireland and is looking for fellows like you”
“What do you mean like me”, asked Seán suspiciously “arrived from where?” he added.
“Why don’t I let him tell you about himself? He is sitting over there at the back table, come on I will introduce you” He answered hurriedly.
Seán followed the bartender hesitantly; as he followed the bartender he noticed most of the locals were keeping an eye on him. When he got closer to the table he was able to see the stranger better he was surprised to see a well dressed man, not at all the person he expected after Patrick’s conversation.
“Patrick this is Seán, who I contacted you about, Seán this is my cousin Patrick” said Patrick the bartender.
“A pleasure to meet you, Patrick why don’t you get both of us a drink” said the stranger getting up to greet Seán.
Seán sat down wearily and waited, but while Patrick seemed friendly he waited until the bartender had put two tankards on the table before he started.
“I know you have a lot of questions and probably are quite a bit weary, so let me start by explaining my story and then I will answer your questions” he said taking a sip of his drink.
Seán quickly nodded before taking a long drink from his. Over the next hour and two more drinks Patrick told him his story and how he had arrived back in Ireland.
“I am here to offer you hope and opportunity, all you have to do is grab it” finished
Seán sat there absorbing what he had heard, finally he finished his drink then said “It is an interesting story you weave but in case you have not heard I am not in any position to undertake such a trip. My situation is such that I cannot even support my family never mind paying for passage….”
“You would not be required to pay for anything, as I told you all costs will be paid for” Patrick cut him off.
Seán sat there unable to make any commitments, taking that as his cue, Patrick got up and said “I will be through this village on the 30th if you and your family wish to come I will take to Cork where you will stay as my guests until the next ship comes in.” he added, then tipping his hat to the bartender left.
Seán sat alone for a while thinking about he had heard and his life, that night for the first time in almost a month he returned home sober, well as sober as any Irishman could be. He and his wife discussed the offer from Patrick over the next few days. They prayed to God and finally on the 30th seeing no alternative the family packed the few things they owned and waited for Patrick to arrive.
Early in the morning Seán and his family walked to bartenders house to await Patrick arrival, all morning the family stayed huddled inside away from the eyes of the other villagers praying. As the morning wore on Seán’s anxieties grew, what if no one arrived what was he going to do about his family.
The bartender’s wife sensing their growing anxiety went out of her way to reassure them. “Don’t you worries now, I know Patrick will be here soon, God is looking after you now. Sure enough at about noon news came that two wagons had just been spotted coming into town .
Patrick the bartender came in to the room just as the wagons stopped outside. “I just wanted to wish you and your family all the best. Seán, his wife and children moved slowly with the determination to not break down outside where they saw two covered wagons for the first. Patrick was seated on the first one. When he spotted Seán he got down from the wagon and approached them.
“Thank you for taking my offer” he said to Seán and his family when he reached them. “I have space for you all in the second wagon please follow me”. As Seán and his family passed the first wagon they could help themselves from looking in. Inside was another family, tired looking and exhausted like them. Patrick helped the children in and then Seán and his wife joined them.
With a quick exchange of goodbyes to the bartender the wagons were off. Seán and his wife looked back at Nohaval for the last time and the villagers as they looked at them with both apprehension and suspicion. They travelled for a long time and just as the sun was setting they finally made it into Cork. They travelled for a little ways in the city till they reached a large house with an enclosed courtyard. When the wagons stopped inside the courtyard someone closed the gate and a woman came out.
“I did not think you were going to make it in tonight” she told Patrick in a stern voice
“The roads are not in the best of condition this time of the year, but we made it, by the lords grace, Theresa” he replied back
“Well let’s not keep these good people waiting lets help them down and get them inside, I presume they have not had anything to eat all day?” she berated Patrick as Seán and his family along with not one but two families in the other wagon wearily got out of the wagons and into the courtyard. They were shepherded into a large room with three tables where they all sat and ate for the first time all day. In reality, for several people it was the first time they had eaten in days. Theresa, being knowledgeable about the dangers of overeating was careful not to let them eat too much less they get sick. They were taken to three rooms one for each family. There they stayed venturing out to the common room for meals while they awaiting what fate that God had in store for them. During the next days they were joined by two more families.
After four days in the large house they were again taken by wagon during the middle of the night to the docks. A ship waited tied up, the wagons stopped in front of the ship and each family made their way on it and into the hold. When all families were safely on board the ship set off to sea at daybreak before the low tide came in. With the O'Kellys, Ó Briains, O'Keefes, O'Kanes and O'Boyle on board ready set to add their contribution to the Portuguese Empire.
In actually years later Seán would make the trip himself and visit Nohaval acting as the recruiter this time. A scene that would be repeated over and over.
**********************************************************************
Conselho de Santarem
Ratton paper Factory
March 18, 1763
Jacome Ratton was not a happy man; he had come to the factory to determine what the reason for the low production numbers. He had been met by the factory manager and given a tour of the factory which although less than four years old had just recently been expanded but the increase in production he had been expecting had not materialized.
From the onset of his tour he quickly became aware of the problem. “Where are all the workers” he asked Antonio the manager.
“This is all of them, Mr. Director Jacome”
“You should be having twice as many people here, what was the use of expanding this factory if it sits half empty” Jacome shot back irritation showing in his voice
“We have been able to hire 20 more men since the expansion but there isn’t anyone we can get. The landlords will not release the people, they are clamoring that they are short of people, I have been in Castelo Branco and Leiria and it’s all the same. There just isn’t anyone available; the reconstruction, road building is taking up all the people. We are not the only ones desperate for people” answered Antonio defensively
“I know, there is so much to do and not enough people to do it” replied Jacome more to himself “I will need to talk to the Conde de Oeiras about this” he added to himself.
There was a commotion at the other end of the factory and Antonio rushed to deal with it leaving Jacome alone with his thoughts when he noticed one of the workers approaching him very hesitantly. When he noticed Jacome’s attention on him he hesitated and made to turn back.
“You there, come here” Jacome called out to him
The man came over very hesitantly, “You wanted something” he inquired
The man hesitated for a while then seeming to gather his courage spoke “I am sorry to disturb you Mr. Director, but I overheard Mr. Antonio telling you about the lack of worker…”
“What your name” asked Jacome
“Patrick O’Connor” he said
“Ah, an Irish” Jacome said as if that explained everything “How did you end up here”
“I was serving with the English army in Portugal and when the war was over I decided to stay behind” he responded a little unsure how this information would be received.
“Yes there seemed to be quite a few who decided to do that. Now how do you think you can help me regarding workers” Jacome asked
“Sir I know a number of my people who would be willing to work here” answered Patrick
“And how would we get them here I may inquire” asked Jacome intrigued at this fellows thinking and suggestion.
“If there was someone who could contact them, then people could be gotten here” replied Patrick his confidence returning.
“Unfortunately I do not know anyone in Ireland, do you?” he asked more to see what this man had in mind.
“Mr. Director, I can be your man in Ireland, I can get you the people you need” answered Patrick
“How do I know that this is not just some ploy for me to pay for some home sick man to return home” answered Jacome testing him.
“Sir, my family is here, my wife and children are in Portugal and Ireland holds nothing for me anymore. I still have family and friends there and do wish to help them but nothing more” answered Patrick with a serious look.
“I will think about what you said” Jacome said with a dismissal of his hand. Antonio the factory manager returned that moment and Patrick made himself scarce less he find displeasure.
“I am sorry about that Sir, is everything alright” he asked noting the worker leaving.
“Yes, yes I was just discussing the possibility of gaining new employees” answered Jacome, “Unfortunately they are overseas and the costs are too great” he added.
Jacome finished his inspection of the factory and departed soon afterwards back to the Capital. “Maybe I should broach this subject with the Conde de Oeiras.
----------------------------------
Conselho de Santarem
Ratton paper Factory
May 10, 1763
Patrick reported to his job at daybreak thinking nothing of the conversation he had had with the owner. Antonio had sequestered him after the owner had left but when he found out he had suggested getting workers in Ireland he had berated him to not waste his superior’s time again. Luckily for him there was such an acute shortage of workers that the factory manager had not done anything else. So he was surprised and apprehensive when he was ordered to report to the manager’s office.
He was shocked to find Jacome waiting for him instead of Antonio.
“Well Patrick it seems that you are going to get your wish. We desperately need those workers so I need you to come with me today back to Lisboa and be on your way to Ireland. If you still want the job”
Patrick only hesitated for a few seconds, before replying “Yes Sir, I won’t let you done Sir, thank you” he exclaimed excitedly.
“Go home and make preparations, we leave just after midday” added Jacome
***********************************************************************
Immigration and Emigration
The shortage of workers in Portugal and its provinces started causing great problems and labor shortages that in many cases limited economic growth. Following the earthquake in Lisboa and Southern Portugal the government restricted the emigration of Portuguese; emigration to Brasil was frozen and emigration to Portugal’s other provinces in Índia, Ásia and África was severely restricted. The emigration of skilled tradesmen was partially eased starting in 1765 at various companies’ requests. The government always strictly controlled the movement of people as it tried to develop Portugal and its overseas provinces without depopulating the country.
Following the joint military campaign with Spain in Southern Brasilia region of Seven Missions against the indigenous and the Jesuits in 1755 the government brought thousands Portuguese Native Américans to Portugal to work in the reconstruction of Lisboa.
In 1757 the first immigrants from Índia, and Timor were brought to Portugal to help in the reconstruction effort and the building of other infrastructure projects. The labor crises in Portugal reached its peak between 1763 and 1772 during which time large number of Áfricans were also brought to Portugal.
The majority of the immigrants initially worked in the construction industry providing the labor for the reconstruction of Lisboa and other areas affected by the earthquake then many went to work in the road construction projects while the rest were employed in other construction jobs throughout the country.
The creation of thousands of factory jobs in the towns and cities created a new rural depopulation crisis. Agricultural production declined as people left agriculture for the new factory jobs. Starting in 1765 immigrants from Índia and África were brought to work on the farms. The government enacted new laws to protect the original European workers and forcing the landowners to pay the immigrants the same wage. The subsequent growth of industry as well as the continued labor shortages in the 1770s forced the government to start allowing some of the immigrants to start working in the factories.
The government restricted the immigrant’s right to move around the country and only immigrants that were Portuguese Catholic were allowed to marry. The integration of the immigrants into the Portuguese society was a gradual process. The government viewed their integration as a necessity and enlisted the Portuguese Catholic Church to promote the social and cultural acceptance of these people into the general society. By 1778 the number of immigrants in Portugal had surpassed 200,000. The vast majority were men, with women only accounting for 20 percent. The majority of these immigrants ended up integrating into the Portuguese society, marrying and settling down.
The rapid industrialization of Portugal and subsequently of Brasil as well as the increase in commerce and the labor shortage in both areas was the catalysts for the Portuguese government policy of forced labor movement throughout the empire. The expansion of Portuguese territory in África, Índia and Ásia provided the government with a steady supply of laborers to other provinces that were in need of laborers. The depopulation also facilitated the establishment of Portuguese control of newly acquired territory.
As the Portuguese expanded their overseas provinces in Índia, East Ásia and África the subjugated tribes that accepted Portuguese control were required to provide a specific number of laborers on a yearly basis. Subjugated tribes that resisted Portuguese control ended up losing half of their territory and people and their leaders executed. These tribes were also forced to provide a much higher number of laborers on a yearly basis. The laborers were sent to other provinces to work on construction, new plantations, farms and the growing number of factories.
The movement of people changed the composition of the population in Portuguese controlled areas of Índia, África and Ásia. The depopulation of newly acquired territory was subsequently followed by repopulation of the territory with people from other regions as these territories were in turn developed. The limited number of Europeans in the empire meant that the Portugal became reliant initially on Portuguese Índians and Timorenses (people from Timor region of East Ásia) to provide it with the laborers and tradesmen to continue its industrialization and growth. Subsequently Macaenses (people from Southern China around Macau) were also recruited.
The movement of Áfricans into Ásia, Índia and Portugal was initially limited to agricultural areas. These Áfricans while not slaves did not enjoy the same citizenship rights Europeans, Índians, Timorenses and Macaenses held. By 1770 slavery only existed in Brasil and África and only Áfricans continued to be slaves.
In 1759 Portugal abolished slavery amongst the Portuguese Native Américans and prohibited their emigration outside the empire. In 1761 Portugal abolished slavery in Índia, Timor and Flores this was followed by the abolished of slavery in Portugal proper in 1762. In 1765 Portugal abolished slavery in amongst mixed blood blacks in the entire empire.
In 1763 an Irish soldier named Patrick O’Connor who had decided to stay behind in Portugal following the war of 1761 became employed at a paper factory owned by Jacome Ratton. In 1764 Patrick O’Connor was sent by Jacome to his homeland to recruit fellow Irish to come to Portugal. Starting in 1765 Portuguese ships sailing to England would pass off the Irish coast on the way home and secretly pickup Irish settlers. Several thousand Irish eventually came to live in Portugal and its colonies every year. The Portuguese always kept the affair as low-key as possible afraid of upsetting the English.
Jacome Rattan
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