Sveinn Skúlason, Editor of Norðra from 1856 to 1862 and later pastor in the East. Rev. Sveinn served in Kirkjubæ in Hróarstungu until his death in May 1888, 63 years old.
On February 29, 1860, the weekly publication Norðri printed an article which stated: “As several men have suggested to me that I should lead the way in founding an association that would prepare people wishing to leave here for America, where cheap, uninhabited land was available for the best possible price, in an ideal location for Icelanders, – I wish, with this letter, to invite everyone interested to join an organisation on the following conditions:’’
This was followed by a list of eight conditions under which was written “Nes, 4th day of February,1860. E. Ásmundsson.”
Einar Ásmundsson at Nes had not intended to have his letter made public in this manner but it was sent from one farmer to the next, eventually reaching the desk of the editor of Norðri, Mr. Sveinn Skúlason. He did not hesitate and placed it in the next edition of his newspaper under the headline “Circular Letter” with his own comments which disturbed Einar at Nes. The editor wasted no space on justifications for possible emigrations because – as he stated himself – the letter contained no reasons for such moves. “We only ask every man to thoroughly contemplate emigration before he decides to bid farewell to cousins and friends, relatives and homesteads, nationality and trade which he knows and understands, to risk his own life and his loved ones in such a risky business and loose everything just mentioned above.”
Sveinn was, on the other hand, highly critical when discussing the manner in which the proposed organization was established; it appeared to be one man’s whims, smelling of fraud. Einar Ásmundsson felt that the Editor was suggesting dishonesty – that the organization was established for the organizer’s financial gains. Sveinn rejected this interpretation – this was never his intention – but long afterwards, Einar´s reputation was damaged and the beginning of the dream of the prosperous life waiting in the land of endless summer was marked with fraud.
The farmer at Nes reacted to accusations by the Editor, who deserves credit for placing Einar´s response in late March on Norðri´s front page. Therein, at long last, appeared Einar´s arguments for the general public´s interest in emigration to foreign lands appeared.
With reference to the past (scabies in sheep, volcanic eruptions, hardships in the 17th century and the endurance of those who fled the tyranny of King Harald Fairhair) and comparison with present times (yet again severe scabies in sheep and Danish oppression), it is understandable that men consider emigrated was Einar´s argument. He pointed out it made sense to do it now while farmers had some available funds, to go before they end up poor, with want of food, which is bound to happen as a result of “man’s failure to exterminate the current plague destroying the sheep population”. He stated that nothing showed more humanity and bravery than to consider the option rather than wait for being transferred to one of the Danish heaths, like “some animals” just as authorities considered last century. Authorities have violated the Nation’s holiest privileges in Einar’s opinion, the Nation was on “the verge of destruction” so “how should men react?”
Einar Ásmundsson at Nes’ answer was short and to the point; “Emigrate”.
This was the beginning of a debate in Iceland regarding emigration to America which was to last well into the 20th century.
The above is based on research by Icelandic Historian, Jón Hjaltason and his article “Upphaf deilna um Vesturheimsferðir”. English version by Thor Group