Rev A Brandram No.141
Peto, Yucatan, 1st May 1844
My Dear Friend,
This is your anniversary day, and I have had you in view from early in the morning. I trust God was sensibly among you, that he was in all things honoured, and that he will yet honour you more and more in your heavenly work.
When I wrote you last, on the 19th February, I was preparing to leave Merida, and to pursue my way to Bacalar and Belize. Close by the line of my route lie most of the interesting Ruins of ancient buildings that have lately been brought to light, and chiefly by Mr. Stephens. I thought it my duty as a Traveller to visit these Ruins; and was sure, that if you had been within reach, and I had asked you for the time necessary, you would have readily granted the same. A month I conceived necessary for this visitation and examination. I set down therefore the month of March for this end, and you can deduct from my accounts what corresponds to this time.
I left Merida on the 26th of February, and pursued my way to Bacalar, zigzagging, till I came to the famous Ruins of Uxmal. I examined these Ruins, and those in the neighbourhood to some distance. I then crossed the country to see the Ruins of Chichen which lie in another directions. I arrived there on the 22nd and had plenty of time to make my examinations, and to be in this town of Peto (which is on the direct line to Bacalar) within the prescribed time. But on the day of my arrival at Chichen I was seized with fever which extended into a severe illness. As there was no medical help, nor other resources on the farm of Chichen I had myself conveyed in a litter to Valladolid, a distance of 33 miles. Here I arrived very ill. I had a letter of introduction to one of the chief men of the place, who kindly found me a room. And sent me bed and other necessary things from his own house. I found there was no medical man in this city of 10,000 inhabitants. But my friend, whose name is Don Pedro de Baranda, had a medicine chest, and knew a little of practice. He did all he could for me, and so did a Priest held in reputation for his medical skills. To which I added my own medical knowledge which my illness would permit. For three weeks I was confined to my bed and room, and at the end of the time tottered out on a staff to visit and thank my friends. I have been convalescing ever since though slowly, and with some returns of fever. I returned to Chichen, finished my examinations there, and arrived in this town of Peto this morning. I am still weak, but I expect the sea air of Bacalar and Belize will fully restore me.
On Chichen farm I found one of your Bibles of the first edition of 1821, and another in the hands of Don Pedro de Baranda; and I took the occasion of strongly urging on both parties the duty of reading this sacred book which God had put into their hands. These had come from Belize.
I have had no letters from you, nor from England since I arrived in Yucatán six months ago. I hope to find all in Belize.
I found here waiting me a letter from Mexico, from our friend Don Domingo Saviñon. Our scheme there has failed through a prudent precaution perhaps of our Consul in Veracruz. This failure justifies your superior wisdom over mine in sending out only two-fifths of the desired number. These however will be required for To..... and parts adjacent which are still open to us.
The last instructions from you that have come into my hands, authorize me in my movements as far as Yucatán. If I find no instructions in Belize in regard to moving further, or direct orders to return home, of course I will return, and may arrive in England soon .....
(final part of letter missing)
