J. W. Bailey Letter - RMS Saxonia - 1903

This letter, although brief, recorded one of the most significant transatlantic voyages by the Saxonia from Liverpool to Boston. The newspaper clipping from a Boston newspaper was typical of the day, as it announced notable passengers and spoke of the death of a passenger in Steerage during the voyage (7 March 1903)—a young girl from Sweden who was buried at sea. This voyage, with all its trials and tragedies, is a significant chapter in maritime history.

J. W. Bailey Correspondence, RMS Saxonia, 7 March 1907, Page 1 of 3. GGA Image ID # 1d5aa83fd0

J. W. Bailey Correspondence, RMS Saxonia, 7 March 1907, Page 2 of 3. GGA Image ID # 1d5b2f4cdb

J. W. Bailey Correspondence, RMS Saxonia, 7 March 1907, Page 3 of 3. GGA Image ID # 1d5b353478

Transcription of J. W. Bailey Correspondence

RMS Saxonia

East Boston

7th March 1903

Dear Mrs. Housten,

Your welcome letter received this morning & was very pleased to hear you were still enjoying good health.

Yes, I am still in the Saxonia and arrived here yesterday morning, after a rather stormy passage, which made us a day late.

We had a good list of passengers, therefore still keeping up the population of the United States, as you wil see by the enclosed slip from the Paper.

I enclose list of sailings.

Hoping this finds you still keeping well as it leaves me at present, with kind regards,

Yours sincerely

J. W. Bailey

Reporting of Passengers on RMS Saxonia, 8 March 1903. Newspaper Clipping Enclosure - J. W. Bailey Correspondence. GGA Image ID # 1d5b82eb99

MANY FINNS ARRIVE,

The Saxonia Brings 1046 New Americans in All.

Russia's Scapegoats Are Numerous in Steerage.

Countess D'Aulby Comes to Visit in Scituate.

With hundreds of people standing at the docks cheering her arrival and greeting friends on board, the massive Cunard Atlantic liner Saxonia arrived at East Boston yesterday with 1229 passengers on board, 25 in the saloon, 158 in the second cabin and 1046 in the third-class. The voyage was one of the roughest ever made. Gales and high seas prevailed until last Tuesday. The trip from Daunt's Rock lightship to Boston outer light took just 9 days 1 hour and 47 minutes.

The Saloon Passengers Were:

1. Dr. W. B. Batchelder
2. Mr. Clausen
3. Mr. J. Hally Craig
4. Countess d'Aulby
5. Mr. A. L. Flint
6. Mrs. E. H. Fox
7. Mr. R. M. Howison
8. Mrs. J. L. Humphrey, Jr.
9. Mrs. Lacon
10. Mr. J. H. Macdonald
11. Mr. Harry McGee
12. Mr. Hans Meinl
13. Mr. A. S. Murray
14. Mrs. Murray
15. Master Murray
16. Mr. Richards
17. Mr. James Shepard
18. Miss E. Simpson
19. Mr. 'Villeneuve
20. Miss Esther B. Wadsworth
21. Miss Jessie G. Wadsworth
22. Mr. E. P. Warren
23. Mrks Hilda Whiteside
24. Miss E. Lacon
25. Miss G. M. Ramsey

Among the more notable passengers was Countess d'Aulby, formerly Miss Lund of Boston, here on a three weeks' visit to her sister at Scituate. A picturesque passenger in the second cabin was Mr. V. A. Naidu of Madras, India, who wore a beautifully colored turban, and, with his dark skin and long coat, attracted considerable attention. Mr. Naidu, speaks English very fluently, and his visit is principally on business, as he does an extensive trade in skins in the United States.

The steerage contained 1046 passengers, mostly Fins, Swedes, English and some Irish and Jewish people. Last Monday [2 March 1903] a small Swedish girl died, and was buried at sea the following day. The immigration inspectors are on a sharp lookout for violations of the contract labor law, and held several persons for a further hearing.

Front Side of Mailing Envelope - J. W. Bailey Correspondence, RMS Saxonia, 7 March 1903. GGA Image ID # 1d5b8e5784

Back Side of Mailing Envelope - J. W. Bailey Correspondence, RMS Saxonia, 7 March 1903. GGA Image ID # 1d5bafdd1b

Review and Significance of the J.W. Bailey Correspondence and the RMS Saxonia Voyage of March 1903

The J.W. Bailey letter, written aboard the RMS Saxonia on March 7, 1903, serves as a compelling firsthand account of early 20th-century transatlantic travel, offering valuable insights into maritime history, passenger migration patterns, and the conditions aboard ocean liners of the era.

Though relatively brief, the correspondence and its attached newspaper clipping provide a rich historical context, making it particularly relevant to genealogists, historians, educators, and students studying ocean travel, immigration, and social conditions in the early 1900s.

Bailey, likely a crew member or frequent traveler, provides a personal glimpse into this particular voyage from Liverpool to Boston, which was marked by stormy weather, a significant immigrant influx, and a tragic burial at sea. His letter, addressed to Mrs. Housten, casually mentions the hardships encountered on the journey, underscoring the uncertainty and peril of transatlantic crossings in the early 20th century.

The enclosed Boston newspaper clipping from March 7, 1903, adds further depth, revealing key details about the ship’s passenger demographics and social hierarchies aboard. It describes 1046 third-class (steerage) passengers, largely composed of Finns, Swedes, English, Irish, and Jewish immigrants, many of whom were escaping persecution or seeking better economic opportunities in America. Among them, a small Swedish girl perished at sea—a somber but historically significant event reflecting the harsh realities of ocean migration.

Notable Passengers and VIP Travelers

Among the 25 saloon (first-class) passengers, at least one notable individual stands out:

• Countess d’Aulby (formerly Miss Lund of Boston)—A noblewoman returning to her home city for a short visit. Her presence signifies the mix of elite transatlantic travelers who utilized luxury accommodations on these voyages.

Additionally, in the second cabin, another striking passenger was:

• Mr. V.A. Naidu of Madras, India—A businessman involved in the international skin trade. His vibrant attire, including a traditional turban, made him a noteworthy figure among travelers. His journey highlights the global trade networks that were expanding at the time, linking India and the United States.

Historical and Educational Relevance

For teachers and students, the Bailey correspondence and its accompanying newspaper clipping provide an authentic primary source that sheds light on early 20th-century immigration, maritime history, and social class distinctions aboard transatlantic ships.

For genealogists, the passenger list and mentions of nationalities offer crucial leads for tracing immigrant ancestors who arrived in Boston aboard the RMS Saxonia. The detailed mention of Finnish, Swedish, Irish, English, and Jewish immigrants aligns with known patterns of migration during this period, making this document an invaluable reference for those researching family history.

For historians, the letter and article illustrate the dynamics of ocean travel in the Edwardian era, including maritime challenges, demographics of steerage passengers, contract labor concerns, and elite travel experiences. The death at sea also serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by immigrants journeying to America.

Conclusion

The J.W. Bailey correspondence and its related newspaper article are historically significant documents that enrich our understanding of early 20th-century transatlantic voyages. The RMS Saxonia’s March 1903 journey, marked by stormy weather, a tragic death, and a large influx of immigrants, encapsulates both the hopes and hardships of ocean travel at the time. This rich archival material serves as a valuable resource for historians, educators, students, and genealogists alike, offering a snapshot of life at sea during a pivotal era in transatlantic migration.