Galveston 22nd Feby 1868

Dear Elizabeth

We are still here, with a prospect of getting off sometime today. The company of passangers is made up and this morning appointed to start, but the passangers seem to be slow getting ready.

If they were as tired of Galveston as I am they would be in a greater hurry. We go over on the Schooner W.D.W. Ayer. The Schooner that left here for Tuxpan about the time we left home, came back yesterday leaving Tuxpan on Monday last. Mr. McAllister & others from _________ came over on her and express themselves perfectly delighted with the country. They contradict the unfavorable reports published by the Brownsville Papers and circulated by others. They say that corn is scarce on account of the overflow on the river below Tumbadera, but can be bought at 1.25 per bushel. I expected to get a letter from Charles yesterday but did not. I will look in the post office again this morning. You must write to Charles again and if you wish to write direct to me, inclose it in a letter to him and he will forward it to me.

We keep well except colds. This is an expensive place to stay at and none of us have got a days work to do since being here. Hundreds are here from all parts hunting work. I see one man of fine appearance who says he has traveled over six thousand miles hunting work and has not been able to get one days work. He has engaged to go on a vessel to Pensacola Fla for the want of money to hunt further for work. This is a trying time on mechanics, they will be compelled to go at something else or suffer.

Most of the passangers going to Mexico are old men. A brother in law of Dr. McKenzie Johnson is moving over, and another old gentleman by the name of Weir from Brazoria Co.

I met Col. Speight day before yesterday. He told me that Dallas & cousin John had called on him & had left for home. He told me also that ole man Green of Liberty County, who got from Mexico 3 weeks since was dead. Died of pneumonia. He had returned from Mexico to try to get all his children off to that country.

Since writing the above I meet with Zack who will take this up.

Hoping this may find all well--
I remain your affectionate husband

J. G. Collier

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(Original in possession of Mrs. Clyde William Yancey, Beaumont, Tx)