Prodding That Produces Favorable Results
Time unfolded joyfully after we silenced the destructive cannonade of war. The American forces are the Army of Occupation stationed along the Moselle, from France to Koblenz. I have spent several months teaching Mexican American soldiers to read and write. I worked in the evenings at first, at the official school for German children. I now teach during the day in one of the YMCA buildings.
Some of my buddies have made significant improvements. Others just show up to avoid the demanding military duty. My great hope and desire is to impart new and well-grounded ideas from our past into these minds. Above all, I intend to fight for the social advancement of my people. I have taught basic writing skills, the English language, and the essentials of math, citizenship, Americanization, and civics. The idea is to prepare them to be better citizens during peacetime.
We have made plans to continue learning when we return and to maintain our unity with a fellowship that will be passed on to future generations. We have even come to believe in the possibility of forming a community composed entirely of people who will have worn the uniform on this side of the ocean. We have already contacted the US government with this idea. All this stems from the need to advance socially, to build good homes, and to set the example of good citizenship for our children—to form a people worthy of our name and the sacrifice we made for the nation.
Everything had been moving along nicely until we heard the encouraging rumors of our departure for America. Military inspections and reviews are starting to consume our time. I notice the discouragement. Some buddies show up with unfinished class assignments. Others prefer to contemplate our departure rather than learning to read and write.
I understand the feeling completely; I feel it, sense it, and deplore it. I am in a better position than many of them to see the challenges we will be facing as civilians. What can we expect from men who have experienced little intellectual and professional improvement? They will no doubt continue working on farms and railroads. Many or all of the privileges associated with the uniform and the fresh memory of their sacrifice for the common good will come to an end.
We need to prod these hardened minds with effective force because of their age as well as their rough lives, difficult work situations, and the hardships they will be facing. We must fire up their passion to maintain the flame of hope we lit here.
When I arrived in class today, I found that the students had lost interest. They were into their animated conversations and discussions and did not seem to be giving much thought to the class. I did not say anything but studied them to figure a way out of the situation. Time passed until one of the students asked, “What is the matter, teacher, why are you so deep in thought?”
“Nothing is the matter. I have much on my mind, but it is not worth stating. Who cares about the thoughts of the poor?”
“Why? What can you tell us about returning to our beloved home?”
“As it happens, I was thinking about our return and the challenges that each person will have to face on his own. Wise men do not know the future, much less us. But upon seeing the lack of enthusiasm among you, it might be best to talk tomorrow. Do you know that classes will be terminated soon?”
“Really, why? When?
“As far as this being true, it is a fact. It seems more important that we know how to handle a rifle and charge enemy positions than to read and write. The general view is that money for education is an overinvestment. We have been ordered to give an account of the progress each man has made. You are going to see that many men will have to once again pick up the rifle and abandon the books. I do not know what you are thinking, but it might be better to return to the simple life of a soldier. What do you think?”
“No. They should and must teach us to read and write. We would prefer to study than to march. We must learn.”
“You are right, but you also cannot forget that we are soldiers. Yesterday, we were formidable, strong, and brave while defeating our enemies and making them respect the interests of the Morgans, the Mellons, and the Rockefellers. However, if we claimed our rights, any ignorant and mean sergeant would quickly shut us up. The best thing of all is that our departure for America is a done deal and it gets closer and closer with each passing day. We want to return, but we also want to learn something new and useful to take back with us. The former will come true; the latter, who knows?”
I can see the unmistakable signs of our departure, the military deployments and the frequent reviews and barrack inspections. It will not be long before we are told that a two-stack steamship is waiting for us on the Atlantic coast. That wonderful day will bring us such joy! So many soldiers will be waving good-bye to the beautiful “Boches” from these parts! I can already see the small trains that will carry us, “straining” under the weight of fat soldiers, many of them claiming children and German or French wives. Who would have believed or thought this when we were crossing the “sinister ocean” a few months ago? We will not have any fear when boarding the steamship. Our voyage will be a pleasure. The steamship’s whistle will no longer warn of submarines and our only thought will be our arrival. Each passing day will mean that we are closer to our loved ones. Oh, these men who have suffered much are so fortunate! We will soon see the enormous receptions in American ports in honor of the humble yet tough soldiers. What a contrast to our cold farewell from New York Harbor or our arrival in England and France! And even more joy awaits us when Pullman cars reach our destinations. None of the many receptions we will get will be as joyous as the ones in our hometowns, where our loved ones wait with open arms. Our fathers will be there, also our beloved women who own our hearts, our sons, brothers and friends, and last but not least, the little girls with black eyes, our little turtledoves that we never forgot while in the trenches or in the midst of fiery explosions.
Even as these pleasurable and happy images come to mind, we cannot really measure such joy. Pleasant and sublime moments await us. We will experience moments of complete abandon when it will not be unusual for men and women to be crying. Holy tears of joy will roll down the cheeks of sphinxlike soldiers.
Even the future father-in-law who could not stand our sight will offer his congratulations. That will be the most propitious moment we realize our golden dreams. With well-earned frankness, we will be able to firmly embrace our tender dove, the woman we love. She does not ask for this expression of affection, but it is her greatest desire. Let us not waste the opportunity for firm embraces and acts of forgiveness.
But this will not be all. The joy will come later, when we are alone and face to face with our sweet bride to be who will ask so many things with her penetrating eyes and profound silence. But those moments are best left for expressing our yearnings of love. It will be like a dream when we are once again in the presence of this beautiful woman who filled so many of our private moments. As objects of their delight, we will look bigger than we really are, even in our coarse uniforms of war. But that dear perceptive woman will make a quick and thorough assessment and tell us as she comes out of her trance,
—“I like everything, my love, except for one thing. (And she will sigh with deep sadness).”
—“What could this be, my love? Can you tell me?”
—“I am afraid to offend you.”
—“The only way you can offend me now is if you insist on not telling me.”
That beautiful woman with the tender eyes will take in our entire being, from head to toe. We will feel more important than ever under that feminine scrutiny.
—“Be frank with me, my angel.”
Making a supreme effort and almost trembling, she will very softly but clearly,
—“Almost everything pleases me, but what really saddens me is that . . . after all is said and done, you have returned from Europe, the continent of enlightenment and science, as much a brute as when you left.
Saturday, April 12
We had a beautiful morning. Everyone seems happier. I had to look for the sergeant who takes the names of soldiers needing to go to the hospital. I did not find him in his room and decided to bear my discomfort another day. I have already noted that we fear the hospital more than illness. We were not happy with the hospital service. The war is over and the officers show the arrogance of their rank even though they have never looked kindly on the poor cannon fodder. I have been ill for a few days, have not slept well, and had a fever during the night.
The last we heard about Marks is that he had food poisoning, perhaps from the canned fruit he eats, and that they had little hope for his recovery. I hope this is not the case. Bad luck has taken some of our dear friends.
Sunday, April 13
I went to church. The day was rainy but the attendance was very good. The service was one of the most beautiful I have seen in these parts. I had such pleasant thoughts about home! The morning continues to be peaceful, and it is not cold. The fields and mountains are turning very beautiful. I have to find the photographer who took our picture a few days ago.
Salinas, Hernández, Anguiano, and I had a good time this afternoon.
A beautiful sun came up this morning. Yesterday, before going to bed, I wrote a letter to old man Graebner, my family’s German landlord in San Antonio. I can see that the fox gets cleverer as he grows older. He has taken advantage of my family, but we will get squared away when I return. The old man is one of the parasites who stayed behind to suck blood. He must have been sorry that I did not die and he could not confuse my family with government regulations. The German visited me at Camp Travis before I left to find out if I was really going to war. He came to tell me not to desert.
Sergeant Schwarz returned from London and had many things to tell us.
All I have to do is to look out my window to enjoy the beauty of nature; the sky is blue and birds warble in the green fields. I have not heard a thing about my friend Marks and continue to have problems with an unbearable, haughty, and wretched officer who always keeps crossing my path.
It rained a lot as nighttime fell.
Tuesday, April 15
We had another lovely sunrise, and the Moselle is flowing with more water from rain that fell elsewhere. The sergeant and I had a discussion about my raza. He seems to have a very poor opinion of us, but I have told him that if he wants to test his strength, he can try his cowardly hatred on me.
I received El Latino-Americano today and learned that some of my buddies from Alice are nearby. They are Lupe García, Manuel Flores, and Jesús Lopez. Barrera has received his discharge. The Moselle River continues to bring new waters. The electrical plant is not working and we continue in the dark.
Zeltingen, Germany
April 16, 1919
My loved ones:
My old friends, the books, have completed their military career with me. I am sending them home and hope to follow them soon since our emergency mission is now over.
If they arrive before me, they carry my regards. I am sending my books separately so that I will not carry a lot when we leave.
From someone who loves you very much,
LUZ
I got up early to enjoy the breeze and to take in the German sights. Everything is lovely at this time. An infinite number of magnificent flowers are starting to appear in the countryside and the gardens. All Germans seem to love flowers. This is evident in their beautiful gardens and the amount of work they put into them. The natural environment is perfectly suited for this. Everything favors the growing of flowers. This reminds me of our poor people who grow flowers under any circumstance.
I sent all my books and much of my correspondence home. Writing letters is my favorite pastime and the best way to remember everything I see. I cannot save the letters from America. I am sorry that I have to destroy most of them. I continue to make plans to hope for a rewarding future.
A German family that is related to our hosts received a letter from Trier informing us that Marks was well despite a long illness that left him weak and thin.
We had an inspection. I had a good time at Salinas’s home after class.
Thursday, April 17
We went to the movies last night, and today Kelleher and I attended mass. I also visited Salinas. I have made it a point to visit him because his house is close and I have to pass by it every day on my way to class. I had a conversation with my friend Blocker. He promised to help me with a plane geometry project that I did not prepare as well as I would have liked. I am reading universal geography.
The last letters from home were not very encouraging, and I am concerned because I have not received any more. It is very difficult to receive bad news while thousands of miles away from home. I do not wish this on anybody, not even my enemies.
Friday, April 18
Our windowsill guest, the finch, announced a lovely spring day. The morning was hot and sunny and the flowers perfumed the breeze. Oh, the fragrance that wafts through our place of sleep is so sweet!
I sent all the coins I have collected in a letter to my loved ones. Sergeant Kelleher engages the lady of the house in long conversations. They are funny as they try to understand each other. The lady sometimes thinks we want to say something important and gets anxious. She does not understand that we only want to practice our German.
April 19, 1919
My loved ones:
I am well and I hope this letter finds you well too.
Today is Saturday and I hope to receive a letter from you, if not today, perhaps tomorrow. I write because I have the time for it now. I sent you my books yesterday including some keepsakes for my little ones. We are told that only government-issued material will be allowed on the boat. Some of the items I am sending you are not very important, but save them.
Everything is pointing to a June departure. Great!
I can imagine that your tribulations must have been many and serious but you will be sharing them with me soon. I suppose Crispín is with you. Tell him he needs to take care of himself and calm down.
Keep writing every week, whether you receive a letter from me or not. I want to hear from you.
Greetings to all,
Luz
Saturday, April 19
It has been a lovely and happy day. Not so for a German who was stupid enough to challenge the law on septic-pit cleaning. He was fined 1,000 marks this morning. The poor fellow was seething, but this will send the message to others who want to avoid the fine and teach them to obey the laws of the invader, conqueror, and defender of the rights of the downtrodden! He was especially bothered by his three-month jail sentence. The Germans felt for him but they will also learn their lesson. The offender is a highly respected person in the community.
Most of my day was spent reading in the garden by the street and the river. I was also given the photos of my class. The students looked good. I wrote a response to Mrs. George T. Guernsey, the head of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and other superpatriots of the day and will send the letter to America for publication. I also mimeographed materials today.
My friends had a good time at the expense of a pedantic officer named Barker who took charge of our post today. His antics cost him dearly.
I received letters from home, they were such a pleasure.
I was eager to attend Easter services, they were more than beautiful. We need to give much more thought to the holiday’s importance and record it forever in our minds.
I had a good time with Salinas, Anguiano, and Hernández. We talked about the film from last night. We were especially bothered by the horrible scenes with those big men and their women. Each to his own.
I took a stroll along the Moselle and reflected on the German people and their past. They are in their silk outfits today. The clothes are older than Easter itself, but they are true to form when their pride lifts them from the miserable wartime conditions. Sometimes we empathize with the poorest Germans, but they do not endear themselves. They believe they are superhumans in spite of being forced to accept defeat.
A good number of trees are blooming.
The Portuguese woman had a long conversation with Merren, the bachelor.
I am having my own exchange with the pigheaded Johnson.
Monday, April 21
The morning was cold; we did not have physical exercises. My buddies are going to Wengerohr on maneuvers and I am staying behind to study geometry and world geography. Much of our artillery passed by on the way to Wittlich, where it will remain until peace is finalized. The maneuvers will be interesting.
I received the following letter:
Eagle Pass, Texas
March 10, 1919
Mr. J. Luz Sáenz
Zeltingen a-d Mosel, Germany
My dear friend:
I have your letter of February 16, 1919.
Thank you so much for your kindness, my good friend. I am very sorry that you did not know my new address and that your correspondence was sent to El Paso and returned to you, so I hear.
I arrived from Kingsville at the end of May, 1918. I am now at your service in this city.
I have read some of your letters from Europe in La Prensa. I have always spoken well of your good conduct. You were not a “draftee” but a “volunteer,” and this ennobles you even more. I am sure that when the time comes to assign credit, this will surely speak well of you.
I was happy to receive your letter, not only because I am always glad to hear from you, but because you have once again shown how sincere and steadfast you are with me. These qualities—sincerity and steadfastness—are rare today, perhaps more than any other time. You are clear in this, that is to say, you do not have a scintilla of inconsistency or insincerity, which brings you added praise from prudent and honest people.
Many young Spanish-speaking men from the United States went to war against Teutonic tyranny in support of freedom. I have said it once and will say it again (without making this an exercise in adulation, which is foreign to my being), that among those patriotic and self-sacrificing young men, you hold a special place for your honesty as well as for your patriotism and learning. You are one of the most honorable members of our community in Texas and a fine model for our youth.
My friend, I do not only say these things because of the high regard I have for you, but because it is the truth and I want to extend to you the praise you deserve.
Turning to another matter, I want to address the obstructionist work in this country against our illustrious President Wilson by persons who wish to see him fail in his admirable efforts to establish the League of Nations. I do not believe they will be successful and that the president and all men of sound reasoning who support his realistic goals will succeed. Their success will truly be a cause for celebration because we will have taken a major step toward peace and order, and culture and democracy. I am not mistaken in stating that a large segment of the American people is on the side of our popular president during these critical times. We should hope this for the good of all mankind.
Now you know where to send your good letters. It will be my pleasure to respond.
When I hear that you are receiving my letters as expected, I will send you some printed materials as gifts.
I regret that I cannot write more as I am moving my shop to a new location today and tomorrow. It gets so complicated when you have so many things to do.
I send you warm greetings from my entire family.
Again, my warm regards to you and my best wishes for your health and general well-being, pledging once again my sincere friendship.
Your trusted friend and loyal servant who holds you in high esteem,
EULALIO VELÁZQUEZ
Tuesday, April 22
Last night, we heard the singing of the “Cu” bird. We could still hear it this morning. This brought to mind many local stories about this strange bird. Daybreak was beautiful. The regiment’s instructors led some short physical exercises at 9:30. They were very intense although we did not benefit much due to the current circumstances. My class continues to show some progress.
We watched a good film last night about the 90th Division, which is going to mislead the public as these kinds of films usually do. The movie showed our military maneuvers. We could avoid future wars if they had filmed real battlefield scenes. As good as the actors are in presenting the action, they can never come close to what happened. Someone is going to make money at our expense. The scenes look good, including the simulated combat and the decoration of our heroes, but we are also seeing that people who never fought and who “schemed” after the war are receiving more medals. They have filmed many scenes of military reviews and battlefield sites in Germany.
Wednesday, April 23
It was a little cold early this morning and I do not feel well. The gases seem to be having their deadly effects. I went to class, and wrote for La Prensa and El Latino-Americano with the typewriter in Sergeant Kruger’s office. The soldiers are busy preparing for final maneuvers. The loud noise reminds me of those terrible days when we were close to the front, ready to kill or be killed and ready to make the supreme sacrifice for humankind.
It was lovely at the end of the day. I cleaned my cartridge belt and am studying the German flora.
THE LAST MINUTE FLAG WAVERS (For the Latino-Americano, from Alice, Texas)
General Quarters, 360th Infantry, 90th Division
Army of Occupation
Zeltingen, Germany
April 23, 1919
Mr. Amado Gutiérrez
Alice, Texas
Dear Sir:
I am sending you the following for your consideration, to see if it merits publication:
The insolent bluster of the flag wavers can already be heard even as the horrific cannonade that did great injury has ended and the makeshift hospitals are treating victims of the great conflict. They have tried to put on a show and praise themselves to the sky. They are so active we find their handiwork everywhere.1
We can start with the ones who lament loudly and falsely—as if it was their greatest misfortune—that they were not among the men who gave their lives for the nation. Many of them claim that they would have made the sacrifice if the draft had required it. A good number of them volunteered, but we do not know of one—if one ever existed—who sought to take the place of the many unfortunate men who would have lived if justice had been served. Their ashes remain here, buried in oblivion forever.
Next are the people blinded by a patriotism they wish they had. They will always stand out because of their raised voices, but they will never win over the gratitude and approval of informed people.
We should concern ourselves with the latter group. They are so close minded they cannot see that their nonsense only brings them contempt and disrepute. They deserve this from the poor but truly patriotic and brave men they injure with their shameful word play that is nothing less than well-intentioned insults.
The states of Massachusetts and Texas must be fed up with the interesting polemic between that illustrious “Bostonian” and the arrogant “San Antonian.” Word of this has even reached Zeltingen, Germany. What provoked this controversy and what caused them to speak in such base terms? They leveled a cowardly insult against two races of humble nobility that played an important role at the supreme moment when they defended the violated rights of humankind and upheld democracy and the integrity of the nation. They demonstrate their mediocrity with foolish judgments directed at the citizens of the United States of America who represent these races! This will never pass for real patriotism! Our best response to the call of the nation was to go to the slaughter in silence, as was expected. We also continue wearing the uniform and are still waiting for the final resolution on the battlefield. There are no distinctions between “Bostonians,” San Antonians,” etc. Does this not shame the “noted polemicists”?
The adversaries from San Antonio and Boston cannot say that members of my raza deserted in the fields of honor. I refer to them because I am of pure MEXICAN extraction, even though this might not square well with my compatriot from Boston. If they had pointed to one single desertion, just one, the enemies of my people would have rewarded them with thunderous applause. When they could not find the desertions to justify their deep hatred, they resorted to petty ideas that always earn their proponents what they deserve—the worse disdain they could imagine.
We now find Dennis Chavez (notice the metamorphosis in the name and racial origin) before us (not surprisingly). He is the “distinguished reformer” from New Mexico who proposes—in an outburst of patriotism—to radically change the ethnography of a people. The nation of his children demands other forms of sacrifice, not hypocrisy or petty expressions.2
Besides Dennis Chavez (and his well-known ideas), our attention is drawn to a matron who directs the respected organization Daughters of the American Revolution. In a recent speech in Washington, DC, she called for the prohibition of the use of languages other than English in the schools. This lady also stated that using any foreign language constitutes the worse kind of treason (and this is supposed to be sound reasoning). Deadly myopia! Fortunately, millions of our nation’s sons—and perhaps one of her own—can dispute this and will soon return to proclaim loudly the value of knowing other languages in military and civilian life. We made full use of this knowledge in defense of the nation, for which we have sacrificed everything.3
We do not question the passion with which the Madam President defends the English language. Like Chavez, we know the tender feelings that come from hearing and speaking the mother tongue. This is why her views would deny citizens the right to improve their ability to speak their mother tongue and to learn any other language that fills their heart’s desire. We also believe that accusing someone of treason for speaking another language is contemptuous, especially in the case of our children. They face this problem in the public schools. I made my most important contributions during the war as a translator of French and German correspondence for the 360th Infantry.
My own life allows me to demonstrate—and I do this—that it is not treasonous to claim our rights as citizens of the United States of America without knowing a word of English. Many of my brothers as well as those of other races who perished in the war did not know a word of English. Were they heroes or traitors when they fell under the hail of our enemy’s bullets, when they were defending the stars and stripes to make Democracy possible?
J. LUZ SÁENZ
Thursday, April 24
Sergeant Krugger arrived yesterday from Rouvres, where we once trained for battle. He brought me the souvenirs I had left with the good Father Moura, including my bag with the mementos and the last letter that was to be sent to my wife and children in case I had fallen in battle.
The final grand review of our division will take place today. The troops began their preparations very early. The military trumpet called out three times, as it used to do during battle. We did not take part but stayed in the office doing our work.
I am waiting for Barrera and Gómez to return from their trip to the most beautiful city in the world. I look forward to their stories. I was sick last night and did not sleep well.
General John J. Pershing, the commander in chief of American forces, will oversee our grand review. The infantry fell in formation in a beautiful valley during the early morning hours. The cold was unbearable. Our brothers in misery were on their feet, wearing their full gear. This is how they stayed in line, standing and waiting for the great general. The announcement that the commander had arrived circulated around ten. The officers did not seem to be in any hurry to review the troops. When the order was given to play the grand marching music, the wind instruments malfunctioned and the review was done without music. Some soldiers suffered frozen feet and ears, but they stood steady as lead.
Like in other reviews, we were told “very good” and that was the end of it. The soldiers, numb with cold, scattered in all directions. The grand parade of fully supplied, well-dressed, and clean infantrymen was a sight to behold. The shiny artillery was immaculate and the railroad kitchens and supply cars were in good order. We were not without the noise of the trucks, officers’ vehicles, airplanes, and heavy tanks. This may be the final spectacle we will see. We did not want to participate in the review because it is mostly a vain attempt to show off uniforms and insignias. Some people will accuse us of envy for saying this. They are free to think what they want. All we have done is observe the movement of troops and feel sorry for our friends. We may be wrong, but our nation cannot possibly benefit from these farcical maneuvers. We should be offering our lives for justice; our record shows that we have done this (we think differently twelve years after the war and the maneuvers are once again a part of military life).
Our soldiers were very tired and hungry when they returned from Zeltingen. This was real.
Friday, April 25
Colonel Price declared a holiday and we had no reveille, work, physical exercises, or classes today. We had a good time at the YMCA and then went to the Moselle to watch a game between companies K and L. The day was so cold we could not wait for the end of the game. Tamayo, Leal, Anguiano, and I reminisced about our homes.
Saturday, April 26
We saw western movies last night. We saw Agustín Sáenz, my cousin, and Fortino Treviño from Company G at the movies and Filomeno González at Salinas’s home. I wrote a letter for Fortino and received one from my friend José G. González of La Prensa. I sent home a beautiful picture of Zeltingen that my buddy Gómez gave me. Kelleher drank quite a bit last night and now says he is going to stop drinking. The day ended with rain and more low temperatures.
San Antonio, Texas
April 18, 1919
Pvt. José Luz Sáenz
Hq. Co. 360th Infantry
90th Division
American Expeditionary Forces in Germany
My good and dear friend:
I was so glad to receive your letter of March 21 with the two postcards. They are certainly interesting and priceless. A few days ago I saw one of your sisters; she told me they are receiving many letters from you.
Tell me if you have received the newspapers I sent, including the one in which you wrote about your celebration over there.
Today is Good Friday and I am curious about what you do at this time. I believe that Carnaval starts tomorrow, and as you can well imagine, we will have plenty of noise for a few days.
My wish is that you stay in good health and I hope to see you soon in San Antonio. I remain your good friend and trusted servant who wishes you well,
JOSÉ G. GONZÁLEZ
Sunday, April 27
I attended mass and received a letter from home after breakfast. It was well drafted, typewritten, and certified. I was sure my friend Mr. José G. González had prepared it. I sent photographs of the soldiers enrolled in my class and another one that Filomeno gave me with some of his friends dressed as women. They all look drunk and very happy. Long live free Germany!
The afternoon got colder despite the occasional appearance of the sun. It snowed a little and Gómez, Barrera, and I played malilla in the evening.
Zeltingen, Germany
April 27, 1919
To my family:
I received a typewritten letter today and I could tell who had written it. I am very happy to hear that all of you are well.
I am sending my little ones a box with some mementos by separate mail. My mailing date appears on the outside of the box. I have sent other items that I hope you have received although I know they will arrive after the letters. Later, I will tell you about many of the things I am sending.
Be checking the English and Spanish-language newspapers to find out when our 90th Division returns.
Petra, please purchase a book for me if you can. It is our regimental album, the best memento I could possibly have. I ordered two when they were published but I have no idea why I was not charged or why they were not sent. You can find them at the following address:
H. I. Hymans
San Antonio Printing Company
San Antonio, Texas
Marce:
You told me in one of your letters that, while on his deathbed, my brother said that he wanted to give us one of his little girls. I would be very happy to have either one of the girls, but I doubt that my sister Clara sees it that way. It might be best not to pressure her in any way, especially at this time. I would love to have Lupita because he had already suggested her for us. But either one would be fine.
Tell Clara that Lupita could stay with us while in school and that I would send her home every year until she finishes her studies. Take care of Crispín.
With affection, as always,
LUZ
Monday, April 28
The weather changed from bright sunshine to snow, and then to a cold wind. Feliciano Carter gave me the wooden soldier I carry in my backpack in remembrance of the war. Gómez gave me another gift. I cannot offer anything in return but my friendship and some favors.
Tuesday, April 29
This was an important religious and social holiday for the locals. Each community has a religious holiday every year and today this town has its turn. The people observe it religiously. Many groups from the neighboring towns arrived singing with great joy. We had an inspection. The weather changed again today, to snow, cold weather, and sunshine.
I did not hold class on account of the inspection. I responded to a letter from my brother.