This is a very special episode because I am in Cimarron, not just that but I am in the house where Henry and his family lived and where he wrote many of these letters. This letter dated the 5th February 1872 that I missed reading earlier in the series because I mis-read the date. So I am sitting in what Henry called Java House but which is now known as the Grand National B & B, I have Henry’s actual letter in my hands ...

And we’re back after our short break, a break that, for me, was very exciting. Over the last couple of weeks I have been to Cimarron in New Mexico, with my younger daughter, to visit many of the places that Henry mentions in his letters. We stayed in the actual house that Henry and his family lived in and where many of the letters were written. I also recorded an episode of the podcast in the house which is now the Grand National B & B. I will be posting photographs on the podcast Instagram page.

This is a mixed bag of a letter, bills to be paid, company comings and goings, paucity of letters from home and, of course, the weather.

This is, for Henry, quite a short letter tidying up some of his affairs.

Written over the course of 3 days this letter describes some of the rifts in Cimarron society.

This letter was written on the same day as the previous episode, and the first half is written by Henry’s wife Charlotte and the remainder by Henry.

Henry tells his son that Cimarron is not at all what he expected it to be.

Henry writes of more severe weather, as well as the possibility that there will be some more money coming soon.

This letter from Jessica is written on most pages across the page one way then with the page turned through 90 degrees over the top of that writing yet it is surprisingly easy to read. Jessica has the best handwriting of the family.

Still concerned that letters are going missing, Henry lists them in this registered letter. And finally Mr Gardyne arrives, but will he do any good?

Henry is concerned that some of his letters may be going missing, and the Americans celebrate the 4th of July.