Amos F. Garrison II to Harriet F. Kirby, 11 October 1861
Santa Fe N.M. Oct “11” 1861
Dear Sister
Your letter of the 16th September
was received Oct “10” and I was very glad to hear from
home, and as you wished it to be, it was my first
news since leaving Salem. I have been writing to some
one both in Swedesboro and Salem every week since
my arrival here, till I get an answer, as in these uncer-
tain times, it is rather doubtful about your receiving
every letter. I have written fifteen letters and sent the
same number of papers
This is the pureest and healthiest climate in
the world. in one month I have gained ten pounds.
it is never very warm but it is pretty cold sometimes.
for the last week the snow has been on the mountain
tops all around the city within sight
In regard to those photographs I had not
time to have them taken before leaving Philadelphia
there is a man here that expect a machine out from
New York, although it is a very costly luxury. I
will try to have one or two taken and send them
on.
In regard to money, they think more of one cent in
the states than they do of 10 here. I have not seen anything
less than five cents since I have been here. eight
ten cent pieces or as they call them here bits.(by the
Mexican reals) make a dollar, so if any of my friends
think of venturing out they had better bring there
money out in dimes.
I am glad to hear that Nell and Kate have
got well. if it was not so far I would send them home
some nice pets and presents. I caught a little prarie
dog coming over the plains but let him go again, as
he was a great deal of trouble.
When I get time I want to write a full
discription of every day’s ride across the plains, and
about some of the best sleeps I ever enjoyed, kbywas wrapped
up in my blankets laying out on the plains with the
sky for a ceiling and the ground for a floor, and my
coat for a pillow, with the mules picketed out all
around the coaches for a guard, and this is the only
guard we kept, we always slept with our pistols
by our sides.
Board and lodging at the hotel is $55. per month
washing $5 per month and everything that you have
to buy is three or four times what it is in the States.
I am in hopes that Loring will do well
in Swedesboro, but I think it is very doubtful. he
may make a living, but that don’t pay any one
without there is a better prospect ahead.
You asked what I mean by owing Doctor. it
is for that medicine that he furnished although
I have not used any of it, and I don’t feel inclined
to, I think we will be able to return with all of it.
I shall have to stop now, as there is five or
six official letters to write. Give my love to all
the folks. Write soon. We are all well. Uncle sends
love to all. Adios or Good bye.
From your affectionate brother
A.J.Garrison, Jr.
Sante Fe, N.M.
P.S. Last Thursday was the first mail
we have had since 2” September
DATABASE CONTENT
| (558) | DL0068.003 | 14 | Letters | 1861-10-11 |
Letter from Captain Amos F. Garrison, United States Volunteers Commissary Department, Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 11, 1861, to his Sister
Tags: Mail, Money, Photographs, Weather
People - Records: 2
Places - Records: 1
- (183) [origination] ~ Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico
SOURCES
Amos F. Garrison II to Harriet F. Kirby, 11 October 1861, DL0068.003
