Parker, Perry, Green, Hanna and other writers have collected much of general history and tradition; and they have so pictured the Scotch traits developed under Irish skies, that Scotch Irish blood, once a reproach, is now cause for pride. But the conditions in Ireland before the migration, the voyage across the ocean, the emigrants as they appeared to early observers these phases of the story have now for the first time been treated in detail, drawing upon hitherto unexplored sources.
If a large part of our American population traces back to Ulster, the early religious, political and economic life of the valleys of the Foyle and the Bann should interest many, for many, whether they are aware of it or not, are descended from the Scotch Irish. Clergymen and statesmen have from generation to generation extolled the rugged virtues of these pioneers, and a closer study of their lives will, it is hoped, deepen the hold which they already have upon our affections.
There has been a constant temptation to include in this study some account of emigrants from the west of Scotland; they had very much in common with their Ulster friends and kinsmen. But however desirable a wide scope may be, it has been my purpose here to include only those who were influenced by the peculiar environment of a life upon Irish soil.
