The war with Mexico is almost over. The Americans took California and all towns of the Rio Grande from Matamorol up to Santa Fe. Chihuahua is taken. Taylor is in Monterray and Satillo. All harbors are in American hands, a heavy toll is on all imported goods. Captain Scott sailed from Vera Cruz to Jalapa. Much gossip in the newspapers about the conditions of peace(?) Some talk about a line from the spring of the Rio Grande down to the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco including Tehantupec in the south to have a chance of building a canal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Others say the investments would be too big and it would be better to take over all of Mexico. It is true the war cost an enormous amount of money. Just think 20,000 men and 8,000 foreign volunteers are provided with everything: clothing, rifles, horses, etc. $3 a month salary. 12,000 volunteers who furnish their own horses, rifles, clothes etc. They are getting $25 a month and free meals. Not German recruit cooking! Meat as much as you want, good flour, rice, beans, coffee, sugar, candles, soap, etc. Even grain for the horses. Does his horse have an accident he gets another one without paying for it. Everything is shipped to Matamoros and from there into Mexico. In case of peace with Mexico it sure will cost Uncle Sam plenty. They cannot take Mexico. It is almost in private hands which they have to respect like they had to in Texas. The hate of the Mexicans is big against every. American and they have to keep always a well trained occupation-army there.
Lately we had a seldom, however, a remarkable event in the senate. A senate member, the editor of the newspaper "The Union" was thrown out of the senate after publishing some articles against other members of senate. In an election, they voted 27-21 against him and he had to go. Does that here in the South already show American freedom? They mention always the increasing power of the United States and the solid foundation of the Government; however, I have to think about mushrooms, too. They say we have freedom of Religion, and nobody will ask you of course what do you believe. But you let them know you are atheist or of another religious group and you are living between Methodists or any other religious group, your property and life is in danger. I met an American from the Trinity River who was living between Methodists. They threatened to lynch him and set his house afire if he would not become Methodist. He left for the West.
I was witness in a Methodist church in Houston one time where the preacher told them to join the Methodist church otherwise they will never go to Heaven. Three ladies finally came out of the crowd and trumpets announced their new membership. Astonished that no men started to join, he told the crowd to think what a menace it would be for the men to go to Hell instead of going hand in hand to Heaven with the ladies. An old man finally went up to the alter. Another trumpet announcement. I left scared! It is my belief that Germany after becoming a free Republic will build up a better nation than America. The national pride of the Americans is really hard to understand. They never pronounce a Latin word like the Romans. Everything in their American way, even English is already an insult. Remarkable are the efforts of the Americans to show the world what great men they have produced. Shortly, I read in the papers that even the Pope has been in America as a missionary on account of his liberal ideas. A famous English General, I forgot the name, was tried to be of American origin and even the Spanish Dancer La Mola is claimed of American stock. In a social gathering one time a doctor told everyone that English is the most expressive language in poetry. More than French, Italian, and German. Especially German, he said, was not fit for poetry. Very probably to insult the present Germans. When I asked him whether he could speak French, Italian, and German, he had to deny it; and, I told him that he was unable to judge about those things. Kreuzbauer asked Governor Henderson's wife, who speaks all three languages, and she, being English, told the doctor that German poetry is the best. This made him so made that he tries to insult us whenever he sees a chance.
In everything they use the superlative. For instance, a farmer tries to sell a horse. You should listen to his approach. The Best I ever have ever seen, even if the horse is stiff and crippled; the tamest horse of the Union, the best horse ever raised in Texas. etc. Only a few government jobs open to German-like draftsmen, Spanish clerks, for instance, on account of shortage of Americans - they always prefer Americans even if they are not fit. All this will show you we do not have an easy life here under the Americans. Therefore, my reasons to leave Texas again. The Germans are mistreated here-"God damned the Dutchmen," that's what you hear everyday.
The idea of a reunion with you all here and to live far from all god damned Yankees, a quiet life, encourages me to look around until fall. You have to decide now and have to let me know at once whether you plan to come or not. My address is: Houston, Jacob de Cordoba, Esqu.
I cannot give you any advice at all thinking you might not like it here. Therefore, I am a little afraid to tell you all the nice or bad things so you might think I encourage or discourage you. But I want to go on with what I have done here. When I was ready to leave Austin on August the 25th, I planned to join General Wool's volunteer army in San Antonio which was heading for Chihuahua. However, the same day I became acquainted with an Jamaican in the land office. His name is Jacob de Cordoba. He is a real estate man. Knowing all about real estate, I offered him my service and agreed under the same conditions I was getting here in the land office - $20 a month and free room and board. Texas has given free land to all first settlers. Every soldier got a Certificate and was paid in acreage. The owner of a Certificate can claim his land where he wants it. There are plenty of those Certificates issued and Cordoba buys those or stakes the claims for other people out. He is looking after it himself to be sure those people get good soil. His fee is 1/8 of the claim.
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