We are offering a RARE Passengers' Contract Ticket dated March 11, 1848, for two passengers, traveling together on the American Line Packet Ship "Eswift" from Glasgow, Scotland to New York.  The passengers, Jason Gillian and Geo. M. Naught, ages 24 and 25, were apparently friends, not family members, as indicated by their different last names.  It's likely they were sailing to America in the hope of work opportunities and a better life.  **NOTE** - From what we have read, in the late 1840s and early 1850s unemployment, economic depression, along with the potato famine which affected both Ireland and Scotland, forced many to emigrate to America, most of whom were either highlanders or poor farmers.

According to the Passengers' Contract Ticket the cost of travel for the two men was $9.00 which paid for a cabin for 2, and water and provisions [food].  The ship also provided fires and available hearths for cooking.  Bedding and utensils for eating and drinking was provided by the passengers.  Provisions provided were Biscuits, Flour, Oatmeal, Rice and Potatoes, and 3 quarts of water a day per person.