Letter written by Henry Ebenezer MacDonald - Galveston County Texas John Hendry 13 May 2001 ************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ************************************************************************** Transcript of a letter from Henry E. MacDonald of Galveston, Texas, to his brother Roderick now settled in Melbourne, Australia. Galveston, Texas July 23rd 1871 My Dear Roderick, It is with much pleasure that I received your welcome letter dated “Melbourne” May 29th Today - Sunday July 23rd, and was glad to hear that you were well and doing well. I am also glad to inform you that I am in very good health for the climate here. Well there is a good Reason why. I am “Climated”. My Wife and Baby are in good health, so far there is no Yellow Fever here this far. I do not know how long, as it is feverish weather. I am still in the Factors Cotton Press and getting along very well. I raised my self from a labourer to the position that I hold. I have got a good name through Merchants in the City as being the next best Cotton Clerk in Galveston. I do not flatter myself but you would - (Line Missing from Bottom of Page) Page 2 that I got on since I have been in Galveston. I am sorry to tell you that Alick left me, and yet I am glad. It was only yesterday that I learned that he was nearly killed by the RRoad (Train). Only for the engineer he would have been the grave some time ago. You know him when he drinks he is of a different temper from what you or I is. He got into a row here with some parties, near the RR but got off all right as he was kowing to be my brother. Now for the time I have been in Galveston I have made friends who like me and would do anything to help me along and several told me about the row and even told me “only for him to be your Brother he would have killed him”. However as he is gone it is all right. He was getting 4$ four Dollars a day while working in the Machine Shop, but when he was discharged he did not know anybody and the whole was he did not like to work at anything but his trade and as you say he may regrate - (Line Missing from Bottom of Page) Page 3 would not say anything in letters home about him as it might create disturbance. I have wrote my Father some time ago and expect an answer very soon. Alick did not write me since he left. My wife is well, the Baby is as happy as a big (sunflower ???). I forgot whether I told you the name of the little one. Her name is “Emily Frances” Macdonald. It is very singular, when you wrote me last before, you wrote on the day that I was married and this was received on the 20th her birthday six month old. Now in regard to you asking me for the “Carte de Visit”. I shall have to make you a promise that I will have them taken about the 5th of August and sent to you with out delay. You may look for them 50 days from this date. I have nothing new to send you. Every thing is very dull here for two months to come. The Cotton crop is good in this state, better than wheat. Regrate - (Line Missing from Bottom of Page) Page 4 Letters come quicker by San Fransisco than any other route. It takes over 3 months by Marseilles. You can see how long it has taken to come here. I think the letter came to Galveston last Monday. Did not receive it until today. Along with this letter I send you Frank Lealic Illustrated Paper, also the News. When I send you my photographs I will write you also and send you some more papers. I send you also the Galveston News. My wife sends our respects to you. I kissed the Little One as you told me. She smiled all over. She is very like my mother. Now Dear Roderick I will draw to a close with the best & my wife and him, Ever Your Affectionate H.E. MacDonald Address H. E. MacDonald P.O. Box 166 Galveston Texas You need not write untill you receive - (Line Missing from Bottom of Page)