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fled from some crime and who have now lost all respect for themselves and for others and who [?] not to commit any crime, however heinous. Only yesterday I saw six revolvers drawn on a negro simply because he [?] back when a certain gambler and murderer hit him without provocation; and when he could not win they struck him on his head with their great large weapons till he staggered out of the [?] half blinded by the blood. That is the kind of men who get into quarrels with the Mexicans and when they resist kill them and [??] against the treachery [of?] the Mexican character. And [no?] [?] that they should have false notions about the
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Americans when these are [almost?] the only ones they see. And the treatment the women recieve at the hands of Americans is simply outrageous. I feel mean and small whenever I meet a [Castillian?] women knowing how they [regard?] Americanos, as they call us. But whenever I have become [acquainted?] with a Mexican I have found him courteous, kind and considerate, and have almost always been treated with great consideration by them. To my mind their worst failing is their [want?] of energy – They are not [progressing?] but I doubt much whether it is entirely their fault as a people.
Since coming here I have been engaged in doing [?]
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I could send you specimens but there are more to be had [now?], everything [is?] dried up,
things – much more honorable than [dignified?]. I am glad I learned to work. Doris knows how long I shall stay in this place but some time perhaps. I do hope this kind of sight-seeing is profitable as you say it is – for I am sure it is not profitable as to financial matters, at least so I have found it thus far. But I hope for better things in future and I am sure I shall [never?] [regret?] taking the trip. Shall not go into Old Mexico now but think I shall have to take that twelve hundred mile home back ride to the City of Mexico some time.
Should like to [waste?] many
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things – how I am tired of the desert appearance of these dull brown hills – What I want to see is a nice green [?], a thing I have not seen since leaving Eastern Nebraska. So far as rich foliage and grass and warm dashes of rain are concerned I have not had summer at all. In fact I've missed summer afternoons, Oh, for a good rainstorm!
It's so dark now I can scarcely see to finish so with much Brotherly love I bid you the [Special?] goodbye, "A Dios," to God – which I think much more beautiful than our style,
My love to you all,
Your plebian Brother,
[H. W. B.?]
Address El Paso, El Paso Co, Texas, not Franklin as I said before
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US POSTAL CARD.
Write the address on this side–the message on the other
AMES SEP 7 1880 IOWA
U.S. POSTAGE ONE CENT
Prof. C. E. Bessey Fair Grounds Des Moines Iowa
(Care of Secretary, J. R. Shaffer)