[Sender’s name and mailing address: C. H. Wertenberge,] on the envelope, Colegio Americano, Colegio Ingles para Hombres, 22 Calle del Comercio 22, Casilla 89, Concepcion, [sic] Chile
,br> Postmarks: Concepcion, [sic] November 27, 1899; Santiago, November 29, 1899; Ashland, Ohio, December 28, 1899; Redhaw, Ohio, December 29, 1899
Recipient’s name and mailing address: Mr. Lewis Himmelright, Redhaw, Ashland Co., Ohio, U. S. A.]
Dear Folks upon the hill.—
Dillie has written you at good length [see letter #991126, which shared the envelope with this letter], but since I have the reputation for much speaking while at home you will pardon me if I impose upon your valuable time for a few moments.
We, wife and I, had a long wedding tour. The moon of our honeymoon has all disappeared, and the honey is left for us to enjoy. We are now living in a part of a large coop. This part is quite small so we cannot spread our wings so much as we would like, however, there will soon be a suite of rooms vacant and then we will have a better place.
Well, we have found our South American cousins about one hundred years behind the times we are accustomed to at home. Oxen are used almost exclusively for drawing heavy loads. They hitch them in a seemingly inhumane manner. The yoke is made fast to the horns of the animal by means of rawhide straps and then the pole of the cart is fastened at the center of the yoke. In this way they have full control of the ox and no chance for him to get away. We have seen but a few four-wheeled vehicles. The old-fashioned cart is used. You can imagine how odd they must seem to our buckeyes.
We have not had much opportunity to go sightseeing since our work in connection with the study of Spanish has begun. Everything is new to us and we cannot describe all, so if there is anything special that you would like to know, mention it and we will try and furnish the information. Perhaps Father would like to talk free silver, cheap money, down with the “gold-bug” etc. Well, this is the easiest place to convert silverites [sic] cheap moneyites [sic] to gold-bugs you [illegible] herd about. I am quite sure were Father to live here a short time he would become a shining bug of gold. Now, Father, don’t think that I want to get into an argument with you. I am only statng facts, Ha! Ha!
Well, I can imagine that you are hovering around the warm stove keeping warm. We are now in the midst of springtime, which seems very odd indeed. The spring fruits, flowers and breezes are all appreciated.
It has been some time since we received any news from you and my people. We hope to get mail this week sure. Don’t be afraid of writing too frequently, as every little scratch counts as it does for the hen scratching for the worm.
Give our regards to any who may inquire about us and retain our tenderest love for yourselves.
Chas.
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