Thursday 1st November 2012 (Letter 10th February 1883)

GCC gets robbed, gets sick but gets home to David in one piece

DAVID, CHIRIQUI, U.S. COLOMBIA February 10th, 1883 My dear Mother, Have just returned from a six weeks trip to Tolé, and other far distant places, continually travelling from one place to another; got a little sick (perhaps from the sun) near Tolé but am all right again now; came yesterday from San Lorenzo, 40 miles on horseback, arriving very tired. Shall remain about a fortnight, then all being well, go by sailing vessel to Panama, en route for San Miguel in the Pearl Islands. The winds are very strong now, perfect hurricanes and I expect we shall have it rather rough on the way, all through February and March the “northers” are fearful; you can scarcely keep a hat on when you go out. In this trip have had to rough it a good deal, had various casualties - money stolen, sick for a few days (the boy also) and, still, I got back again all right, in spite of all my troubles. Have no time now to write much on arrival at Panama (City) in March; will write again, just send off a few lines now to say that all is well. Hoping you are all well and with best love to all. I remain Dear mother Your affectionate son George C. Champion