I DO NOT LIKE ARIZONA

Arivipa (most likely Aravaipa) A.T.

Aug. 11th 1879

My Dear Bess,

Your very acceptable present and letter were received a few days since but before I had time to return my thanks for your thoughtful kindness I was obliged to make a journey of about a hundred miles and just returned yesterday. The present came in the nick of time as I was running short of handkerchiefs and stockings and I heartily thank you all for them.

I had quite a pleasant trip down the canon, though was a little afraid that we might get caught in the box canon, as we were having very threatening weather which would have made lively times for us. I believe I have described this portion of the canon to you. Where the walls rise for hundreds of feet above you upon both sides, and the passage way is so narrow that our little creek washes the gravel old rocks on either side. Although it is not really dangerous to be caught there during a sudden rise of the creek, still it might make it rather unpleasant for a person as he would be compelled to camber up the rocky face of the cliff and might possibly be obliged to turn his horse loose and let the poor fellow shift for himself as the climbing would be very difficult and in some places impossible for him. Fortunately no rise in the creek occurred during our trip down the canon and about sunset we arrived at an old adobe house, occupied by two old bachelors, by whom we were cordially invited to remain all night. For the last two months I have been complaining in regard to the shortness of the nights, but the night we passed there was the longest one that I have experienced in months, and I thought daylight never would appear. It was one of those hot, sultry nights when covering of any kind is a burden to a person, and the mosquitos seemed to be holding a jubilee and I was an unwilling participant during that long, long night. The next day’s travel brought us to our destination where we found the casa (house) guarded by two young women as the “men folks” were away. As we were acquainted with the husband of one of the ladies, we were made heartily welcome, and passed a very pleasant evening with the ladies. Both of them were under eighteen and they assured us that they were not the least afraid to be left alone, and when I looked at their little arsenal consisting of a rifle, shot gun and pistol and learned that they were used to firearms, I concluded that an intruder would have a very warm reception should he endeavor to force his presence upon them, though I should dislike very much to expose dear ones of mine in such a manner. During our trip, my friend killed a fawn and we nearly bagged a doe. Our trip was not a successful one, as we failed to find the cow we were in search of, but felt amply repaid for our trouble and time. It is a pleasure to meet such kind, hospitable people.

Only one rain of any consequence thus far and from _____ indication are afraid that this will prove a dry season. Hope not as the range will suffer if it do. The weather is delightful and have suffered less from heat this Summer than ever before.

Yes, I can safely say that I am improving as a milker, as I milk thirteen cows night and morning. Have broke eight heifers to milk this season, and had to tie four of that number up to the “snubbing” post before they would allow me to handle them.

I do not like Arizona and if Dame Fortune ever does smile upon me shall look elsewhere for a home.

And so my Emma has not been able to continue though dear Lulie is ____ by it. I do not consider it Lulie’s duty to remain with Aunt Delia if it is the means of condemning her health and I wish we could devise some way to make a change for her. One cannot be too careful of his health, when one considers how much depends upon the preservation of it. I can sincerely sympathize with you regarding your suffering from poison ivy, as there has scarcely been a day this summer that I have free from it. Its perfect torture. Am happy to hear that you are feeling better, but be very careful not to exert yourself too much. No letter from either Heg or Ma yet.

Good bye my dear

Ever your loving

Frank

Written on two sheets measuring 5 x 8 inches when folded, very legible and in vg cond.