Tuxpan Mexico 5th March 1868

Dear Elizabeth

Through mercy I am here after a long and tiresome trip. We left Galveston on Sunday morning about sun rise (23rd) & reached here Tuesday 3rd at 2 oclock P.M. I became sea sick soon after starting & remained so for 8 days---unable to eat any thing I could get. Mr. Landrum being worse than myself. James and Mr. Cline stood the trip very well. We had one severe blow and the winds were unfavorable all the time. I have seen but little of the country.... stayed with J. H. McKinney last night. His land looks rich but his crop does not come to what I expected to see.

We have but a few minutes ago got our things through to Custom House & shall now leave in a short time for ?Trumbadero and therefore I can not write lengthy but will try to write by the Schooner Petrel which is expected here in a few days. Mr. Cline and James are about going into business here---getting logs for the saw mill which is in successful operation.

There is a considerable flood of imigration here & in the vicinity of this place and all seem to be well pleased. I do not find every bush, tree and plant covered with thorns as has been represented, but find very few thorns. There is a much greater variety of goods, fruits than I expected. I saw a tree bearing gourds resembling our gourds except they have no necks.

Tell John W. Stewart that this is the place for him---no good watch maker here-- they send all their work to Galveston from here.

In great haste
Your Affectionate Husband
J. G. Collier

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(In possession of Barbara Yancey Dore, Nederland,, Tx)