Head Quarters Co. "G" 125^th U.S.C. Troops

Fort Bliss Texas April 8^th 1867

 

My Dear Nellie

            I do not owe you any letters but, "nevertheless, notwithstanding, moreover, as aforesaid" I am about to write you a few lines but "I say but" do not expect to interest you any with anything that I can write as I have written you so often and written so much and the ground over so often am fearful you will get tired of reading it, but, and again I say but, 3^dly I proceed to say I recd yours of the 15^th & 17^th ult, last eve and two packages of papers giving the probable result of elections in N.H. and in Enfield in particular for which please accept my kindest regards for interest you take in keeping your Humble servant posted in regard to things at home. am truly glad to hear Genl. Harriman is elected Govr / I think him worthy, well qualified and a good man for the place. am glad that Mr(s) Clark is Representative I did not expect the result so favorable when I heard the split in the party. (well you ever say what do I care for politics they dont trouble me any) but to me it is of more interest than if at home.

 

            Yesterday for the first time entered old Mexico, Capt Seran, wife and family Mrs Burnham and myself forded the Rio Grande del Norte at Franklin and went to El Paso to see the place. It looked very much like the towns in N.M. and Texas it has some 10,000 inhabitants it is one of the oldest towns in the country said to be 300 since first settled there is a few very good "adobe" houses but the most of them small & very poor it is quite a fruit country they raise apples, pears, quinces, peaches, apricots and a great abundance of grapes they have some splendid vineyards. they manufacture a great deal of wine which is considered / very nice indeed. I had only an hour to look around & did not see as much as I would like to shall make another visit to see some of the curiosities, the church, the Bastille &c the stores are all open and trade the same as on weekdays. they have coin for money mostly copper a little gold & silver thin copper coin it takes 32 to a $1.00 and they weigh 1# in transactions of any amt they weigh them instead of counting. Greenbacks are only worth 75^cts to the $1.⁰⁰ there in copper & not as much in silver & gold. I would like to have you see the town but suppose you will not care to take the trip on purpose to see a country like this

 

            I have good and pleasant quarters in very good shape not much furniture but enough for the country. 3 chairs and a sheepskin to sit on & other things to match. I think you would laugh to see my scanty outfit for Nellie a little while in this country will learn people how little they can get along with / and should learn to not complain at any thing in the states.

 

            I have just recd two papers of March 18^th & 19^th "Muchas Gracias" much oblige.

 

            I have nothing new to write so please write soon & oblige

 

                                                                                    I am as ever yours Truly

                                                                                                Nate S Wheeler

 

Harpers for Feby arrived all safe

                                    NW

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