The Emigrant’s Interpreter

What did the Swedish emigrant need to know before coming to America? “The emigrant’s interpreter” (Utvandrarens tolk) from 1882 gives some clues.

Talking to customs in England is on the list. They would ask, or demand, that you opened your trunk and showed your tobacco. “Yes, that is true but it is only for my own use.” “Well; all right.”

The Swedish phrases are on the left. English is in the middle and written again phonetically to the right.

This guidebook also gave advice on when to travel— winter was not recommended — based on the annual changes around the Mississippi.

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