INTRODUCTION. Prior to 1783 the movement of population across the Alantic to the American colonies is not classed as immigration, but as colonization. During the period 1783-1820 immigration was exceedingly slight. The last eighty years of the nineteenth century ute, practically, the period of grant could pa (1) Seybert, St careful inquiries by Dr. A. Seybert the total number of immigrants re United States was about Blodget wrote in 1806 that from d estimates at present attainable" ing in this country did not ir thousand a year from 1784 in wars and the American conflict d immigration thither until tain placed restrictions upon leave the British shores, and se abolished. Before an emitom house in Great Britain, Manual, p.28. INTRODUCTION. Prior to 1783 the movement of population across the Alantic to the American colonies is not classed as immigration, but as colonization. During the period 1783-1820 immigration was exceedingly slight. The last eighty years of the nineteenth century (1820-1900) constitute, practically, the period of immigration. From 1783-1820, careful inquiries by Dr. A. Seybert and others show that the total number of immigrants arriving in the entire United States was about 225,000 (1). Samuel Blodget wrote in 1806 that from "the best records and estimates at present attainable" the immigrants arriving in this country did not average more than four thousand a year from 17841794 (2). The European wars and the American conflict of 1812-1815 suspended immigration thither until after 1816. Great Britain placed restrictions upon immigrants seeking to leave the British shores, and not until 1824 were these abolished. Before an emigrant could pass the custom house in Great Britain, (1) Seybert, Statistical Manual, p.28. he must show a certificate from the church wardens and overseers of his parish, stating that they had known him for several years and that his trade was not that of a manufåturer in wool, iron, or any metal, of clocks, or any manufacture whatsoever (1). As a futher measure to prevent immigration, fines were imposed for encouraging natives of Great Britain to emigrate. The manufacturers and mechanics,who were thus hindered, formed a large part of the number who wished to emigrate to the United States. These regulations impeded the early emigration from Great Britain, although they to a great extent were avoided. The period, 1783-1820 was therfore not one of immigration, but essentially a period of natural increase. Not until 1820 does the period of immigration begin in the history of the United States. This date forms a very convenient dividing line, since with that year begin our records of immigration. An act of congress approved March 2, 1819, provided that the customs officials be required to make reports to the secretary of state concerning the number, (1) Palmer, Journal of Travels in the United States, p.455. |