John Downe's Letter Summary

Immigrants have been coming to America since it was founded in 1776. John Downe, a former weaver, was one of those who emigrated from England. Downe is writing this letter to his dear wife, Sukey, who he left alone with their children in England. Downe’s letter borrows elements of classical greek oration intended to excite his wife about the many wonders of America as well as explain his reasons from immigrating.

John Downe begins his argument by stating his credibility that he is able to live a stable life. Downe’s argument conforms to classical oration from the start by beginning with the exordium. Downe assures his wife that he has “a situation in a Factory,” concluding that he has a job. This is evidence of a stable life because he has

Again, this is reassurance of a stable life because he has a home for them. This conforms to the exordium because Downe begins by establishing his capability of living on his own and preparing his new home for Sukey; he still takes into account Sukey’s feelings by understanding what she would find important in a new home.

The narratio that Downe establishes follows classical oration by providing facts on the wonders of America. Downe writes about how “a farmer took [him] one day… into the country,” this led to “[dining] with him,” and the farmer “would not have a farthing.” This relates to Downe’s main purpose of exciting his wife because it shows how friendly and generous Americans are. The farmer also had “the servants set down at the same table” with them, which relates to the idea that no matter how low in social class an American citizen was they were still treated equally. This would assure Sukey that Americans are nice people because they do not discriminate against social class. In addition, Downe informs Sukey that “the butcher brings [meat] to your door.” He includes this because it enhances the friendliness of America. Another thing he wants her to know is that “they do not think of locking the doors,” which assures her that it is

In America. Downe notices that “no man thinks himself… superior,” which allows for the conclusion that there is equality in America. This is relevant because it allows for Sukey to feel accepted by Americans of different backgrounds, regardless of social class. Rather than wealth or social class, “character has its weight and influence,” in America. To relate to something women enjoy, Downe’s final argument involves clothing, which is something we can assume Sukey enjoys. He wants her to understand that, “there is much attention paid to dress as… in England.” People in America pay as much attention to fashion as they do in England and “you see… young women with their veils and parasols, at the lowest.” He includes this because even the poorest or lowest in social class still wear nice clothing. He ends his argument by following classical oration with the peroratio and an end purpose of exciting Sukey about America’s