A.L.S. from employee of the Oil Fields of Mexico Company on site in Tuxpam, remarking on military activity leading up to the Battle of Veracruz

2-page autograph letter signed by "Will," an employee of the Oil Fields of Mexico Company, on two sheets of company letterhead. With original posted cover addressed to Mrs. B. S. Crosby, Canaan, Columbia Co., New York--possibly his sister or other close relative. Near Fine with original folds and minor toning.

Writing during the Mexican Revolution, he captures military activity in the immediate vicinity: "We have not been molested here lately, as the government has had several hundred soldiers stationed in Tuxpam and a number of cannon and machine guns. The rebels seldom have any cannon on account of the difficulty in transportation. The other day in Tuxpam, we saw the soldiers loading mules and cannon in a lighter, and it was an interesting sight. The guns were well mounted, and all the equipment good."

The September 1913 letter comes in the months before U.S. occupation and the April 1914 Battle of Veracruz. Will writes, "We have now had two warnings to leave the country, but the actual conditions have not changed, and there is no more danger than before. We are comparatively safe here on the coast, as there are a number of American [cruisers?] within a few hours’ distance all the time."

TRANSCRIPTION:

Tuxpam, Vercruz, Mexico,
September 18, 1913
Dearest Betty—

Have an opportunity to send out a letter by a tank steamer leaving here today for the States, so will write you. Have had no letter either from you or Ben since my last to each of you, and do not know yet whether you received mine regarding the battle here on July 3rd. Ben did not write me whether he had received the drafts for the insurance, but the drafts have been returned here from the bank, and I note that he received them. I sent him a draft afterwards for $50 which I trust he received.

We have not been molested here lately, as the government has had several hundred soldiers stationed in Tuxpam and a number of cannon and machine guns. The rebels seldom have any cannon on account of the difficulty in transportation. The other day in Tuxpam, we saw the soldiers loading mules and cannon in a lighter, and it was an interesting sight. The guns were well mounted, and all the equipment good.

We have now had two warnings to leave the country, but the actual conditions have not changed, and there is no more danger than before. We are comparatively safe here on the coast, as there are a number of American [cruisers?] within a few hours’ distance all the time. The mail from Mexico has been delayed now over two weeks, and I’m sure there is a letter from you in it. Please write me when you get this, and tell me all about your dear self, Ben and the “Boy.” With best love, and lots of it, for you, dear, and all of you, as ever,

Affectionately yours,
Will.