Quarto (ca. x cm. or x in). Blue ink on the yellowish wove paper. Fold marks, light stains, but overall a very good letter written in a legible hand.

Historically interesting original autograph manuscript letter written by an American soldier stationed in Agua Prieta, Sonora, during the early days of the Mexican Border War (1910-1919).

After the outset of the Mexican Revolution (1910), the U.S. Army stationed troops in Agua Prieta and other border towns to contain the conflict. Over the next decade, American forces occasionally intervened in clashes with rebels, federal troops, and indigenous tribes (Yaque, Mayo, etc.), marking the era as the Mexican Border War.

The author, Mike McKenna, was apparently an American soldier deployed to Agua Prieta during the Border Conflict. His letter describes working with injured soldiers in a hospital, suggesting he served in a medical unit within the U.S. military forces.

In the text to "dearest sister Annie," Mike shares grim news from a frontline hospital and talks about the recent deaths of two soldiers: "one a Federal and the other a Yaque Mayo." He vividly describes attending to a paranoid, sick rebel terrified of being poisoned and assures Annie that he would never harm anyone. Mike also details the condition of a "doe-like" paralyzed Yaque, doubting the man's chances of recovery despite his desperate hopes. In the rest of the letter, the author talks about his busy schedule and eager expectations of being discharged soon. Overall, historically interesting frontline letter from the early days of the Mexican Border War.

The text of the letter: “I sent you though post cards so you would see for you self how I was I have been a little sick but do not freat I do not feel well yet that is why I did not write sooner two Soldiers died in the Hospital One a Federal and the other a Yaque Mayo here so you see I have been busy here I have a sick man of the rebels here he is awful afraid that some one is going to give him poison but you know I would not do any thing like that do you think. Another Yaque (Yaqui} Mayo with half of his body paralize he says he is going to get better but I think not les es story asendo una carada{curada?) {making up a story of a cure?} you see to keep him alive but I think he will die he look at me kind of funny just like a Doe in the woods. Thanks for remember about my Birthday and of seeing Mother Grave for me tell little Annie that l am not sore at her but at some one else you see by this letter I am sending you. Every thing in Mañana here you know I hope they will send for us soon so I can ask for my discharge and do some thing for my self tell Lito and Kitty I will be with them soon as I can keep a little courage and I will pull through this all right and well. Give my friends my best wishes and tell them that I am all right and well. Kisses to the little ones and best wishes to all I remain your loving Brother Mike McKenna.”