Folder 1

Scope and Contents War between rebels and the Federals around Maytorena, Guaymas, Empalme.

Scope and Contents Author-Majorie VanMeter begins her travel to Empalme, Mexico where she will teach and live with husband "Howard".

Scope and Contents "Majorie" reaches Empalme. Definite signs of the revolution are seen. Soldiers are everywhere the town of Empalme is circled by barbed-wire.

Scope and Contents "Howard"and"Marjorie" will be separated for Christmas. Letter consists mainly with daily routine.

Scope and Contents personal celebration of Christmas, trips to Nogales for shopping

Scope and Contents shopping in Guaymas, railroad sells various food including beer

Scope and Contents Every 2 weeks "Majorie" needs vaccination,fear of Mexican and Yaqui rebels,new president in office today-makes three in one week.

Scope and Contents "Marjorie" is teaching drawing,watercolor, rug design,etc. She craves "Ivory Soap" and warm water. Request for new dresses is made to mother.

Scope and Contents "Howard"(Marjorie's husband) is employed at an accounting bureau. Several school children are sick with small pox. Vaccinations are still be done.

Scope and Contents Children must go to school on Saturdays under government law. people of Empalme are forced to receive vaccinations for small pox.

Scope and Contents "Howard and "Marjorie" go to Mardi Gras in Guaymas. Festivities suffer from revolutions going on. Children in school must pay $2.50 a month for tuition. Railroad makes up the rest of "Majorie's" salary.

Scope and Contents Madero is back in power and there is a celebration in Guaymas.

Scope and Contents There is constant fighting in the state of Sonora for ten days.

There have been three killings in Colonia.

Scope and Contents The Mexican government has seized the railroad and no more trains will run. Six bridges have been burned between Empalme and Nogales. The U.S.S. Colorado is anchored by Guaymas and will do patrol work. The U. S.government is offering $100.00 for citizens who wish to come home.

Scope and Contents Federal soldiers are being sent after the Yaqui Indians. Governor Maytorena sent ammunition but it was confiscated by the troops under the governor of Sonora. Governor of Sonora declares himself the new president and tries to raise troops. At the last minute he leaves for Tucson, Ariz. The vice-president dies shortly there after leaving the state of Sonora with no one in charge.

Scope and Contents Constitutionalists (another rebel group) are operating railroad and will not carry mail. 43 bridges have burned and more are being burned between the U.S. border and Empalme. The battleship"Colorado" is still at Guaymus.

Scope and Contents Day is set for battle (?) and some bridges are being repaired.

Scope and Contents "Majorie"and "Howard" are at the beach. School is not operating because of the rebel uprisings. Rebels capture the Federales' camp,(location?)

Scope and Contents General Obregon (rebel general) is expected in Empalme with reinforcements. If he comes they will march on Guaymas. The battleship California is in port.

Scope and Contents Mexican gunboat Guerrerro crept into the bay on back of El Morrito, which is one mile from Empalme. This caused the rebels to retreat. There are also five Mexican gunboats in the Guaymas Harbor with 2,000 men from south Guess. The rebels will fall back but will fight it out in Empalme. This causes "Majorie and "Howard" plus other citizens to be evacuated to El Morrito Beach

Scope and Contents The Mexican soldiers take their wives and kids with them when they march, the women carried all the goods on a march.

Scope and Contents There is a battle going on between the Federales and the rebels 18 miles from Empalme Federales lost 400 men retreating on Empalme.

Scope and Contents People of Empalme have to be evacuated to El Morrito Beach. Only one train is running - rebels have taken the rest.

Scope and Contents Federales send out armored train. Most of letter pertains to family, questions about home.

Scope and Contents There are rumors of people being offered transportation on the battleship California. Empalme more dangerous than ever, rebels are a few miles away.