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Write often.
fresh green grass – without the fragrant breath of orchard and meadow – the "first appearance" of the warblers and songsters, and the warm south wind after the rain. The [?] of an Ohio [fog?] in early Spring is more pleasant than any bird's song I have heard in this desert.
But this land certainly has the advantage in winter. We have not been [compelled?] to sit by the hearth and shiver as you of the north have done so long this winter; and when the thermometer got to [?] I thought all the time it was about 20º above – and could not believe it had been so low till I asked to man at
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Did you ever get the views of Santa Fe. I should be sorry if they were lost, [?] without reserve about my wandering and speak your mind plainly. I crave [clases?] relations and more confidence
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the signal service office.
The railroads are slowly but surely approaching this point, and in a few months the whistle of the corn [house?] will rouse the dry bones of El Paso to life; and great will be the astonisment of the swarthy Mexicans – most of whom have never yet seen the "straw can", and who cannot conjecture the nature of the thing at all. They will soon become accustomed to it but I am certain they never will get through their sluggish minds what makes the thing go. But little they seek, for they manifest a supreme indifference to the things which interest us.
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One and all, men, women and children, are a prey to an inordinate desire to hazard something in games of chance and sometimes strong men may be seen sitting in the sand of the street tossing pennies with the small boys – not simply to amuse the boys but "for keeps." But I think them fully as manly as our well dressed American gamblers who simply set those whom they can't [?] into their dens.
I see you are on the editorial staff of the American Naturalist. You have certainly had a most uniform progression since you left home with Mr. Hastings and you may be sure we all rejoice with you and [Page Break] are proud of your distinction. I hope you will ultimately get farther east – if you want [to?] for I am of the opinion that the atmosphere of [?], [?] and refinement [?] as we proceed west across the country, and that you would, therefore, be more in your element farther east.
By the way, yesterday there came to me a man, one [?] Mr. James, whom you probably [?] as belonging to the class of '76 and think he said: and I had a very pleasant [slot?] with him, [life?] wished to be remembered to you – said he was single and happy – He is in some way connected with me of the [contracters?], on the Santa Fe R. R.
As to my staying in this
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country. I am not certain just how long I shall be here. But I must go back now, at any rate, I want to see Mexico. What a chance for money this Mexican [?] will offer for men with means! But alas! I am not a capitalist. However, when I have exhausted the chances for money making and have been through the country from here to [?]. I may be willing to study medicine and be a Doctor. The profession is certainly overcrowded, and although there is always room at the top yet I know that deserving men often remain in poverty and blockheads get the money. Let me strive yet awhile. Let me wrestle with these chances and endeavor to win something. It is certainly very unpleasant sometimes – so much so that I am almost [cast?] down [?]. But untill I explode the notion that I can make money I shall not be easily deterred from my purpose. I can hardly express my gratitude for your generous offers to help me should I get into straits. It [?] me wonderfully, but I am glad to say that I am not in need of help. Love to you all. I am afraid the small boys will grow so that I shall not recognize them when next I see them.
Your Aff. Brother H. W. B.
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If you thin best, send the deed to me here at El Paso. Southern Pacific is within 4 miles of El Paso. [A. T. x S. F?] is within about 70 miles. Hear from home regularly. All are well.
El Paso. Apr. 27th. 1881.
Dear Brother:
Your postal is at hand. It is altogether probable that I shall be here for the next month or six weeks, though just possible that my address may be changed.
I am heartily in favor of selling the land. Could you not sign the deed for me and [then?] save time and trouble! No trouble could ever arise from it, and there is some danger of its being lost if sent as the mails are somewhat uncertain in these parts.