Cimarron 1872

Episode 37 - “Charley Morris had his brains blown out on Saturday morning” 25.05.2024 8:32 ↓

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

Episode 36 - “The lines are down, we can get no news from England” 21.05.2024 7:27 ↓

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

Episode 35 - “Mr Gray saw a large snake in our front garden” 18.05.2024 6:19 ↓

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.

Episode 34 - “I have bought an eagle” 14.05.2024 5:00 ↓

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?

Episode 33 - “From dawn til noon, anvils were discharged” 12.05.2024 8:14 ↓

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

Episode 32 - “The most exhausting, exciting, and eventful official day I have ever known” 07.05.2024 7:43 ↓

Finally there’s a shake up at the Maxwell Land Grant and Railway Company, and for the first time Henry can see himself staying for the full three years of his contract.

Episode 31 - “This is composed of pure Mexican gold” 05.05.2024 3:07 ↓

This letter is a description of the presents that Henry is sending back to England for family, and the editor of Chambers Journal which publishes most of Henry’s writing.

Episode 30 - “Yesterday was the longest day and celebrated here with the most frightful hail, rain, thunder and lightning” 30.04.2024 7:14 ↓

This letter switches between astonishment at the weather, and the comings and goings of Maxwell Land Grant senior management.

Episode 29 - “Waste, robbery, peculation, and shameful extravagance” 27.04.2024 7:01 ↓

Henry is starting to lose patience with everyone around him.

Episode 28 - “We have had a deal of hot weather and it does pour so hard” 23.04.2024 3:50 ↓

There is a six week gap between the last letter and this one which is written by Henry’s wife Charlotte. It ends quite suddenly as the last page or pages are missing.

Episode 27 - “We have a company of soldiers here for a few days” 20.04.2024 6:35 ↓

This is a typewritten letter to Gilbert, Henry’s 12 or 13 year old son who has returned to England to go to school. I do not know whether this typewritten version is the original or whether the original was handwritten and is now lost.

Episode 26 - “We are living in a reign of terror” 16.04.2024 7:46 ↓

Lawlessness reaches new levels and Henry receives a disturbing message.

Episode 25 - “Edith is having a little holiday at McAllister’s farm” 13.04.2024 7:34 ↓

For once Henry does not mention the possibility of the family leaving Cimarron anytime soon.

Episode 24 - “Fanny amused herself by slipping off the horse” 09.04.2024 3:38 ↓

This letter is from Henry’s 17-year-old daughter Jessica and is delightfully full of joy.

Episode 23 - “Wiseman would have been shot dead as a herring” 06.04.2024 10:24 ↓

In this long letter Henry explains how the influx of even a small amount of money has unfortunate consequences for the residents of Cimarron.

Episode 22 - “We are very much upset and anxious about the Fisher murder” 02.04.2024 3:30 ↓

This short letter, from Henry’s wife Charlotte, wishing her son Harold a happy birthday, was written on the same day as the last episode.

Episode 21 - “The president and vice president of the Company each being indicted for murder!” 30.03.2024 10:02 ↓

This is quite a long letter with tales of murder, and dishonesty.

Episode 20 - “$16,000 at Duncan and Sherman’s Company” 26.03.2024 2:40 ↓

Henry receives a welcome telegram - but is it enough?

Episode 19 - “Such is life, and also death, in New Mexico” 23.03.2024 6:53 ↓

The lack of money in Cimarron is driving people to desperate measures.

Episode 18 - “The place is in anarchy” 20.03.2024 6:45 ↓

The troubles in Cimarron that stem from the mismanagement of the Company are taking a decidedly nasty turn….

Episode 17 - “I think we may say goodbye to the Maxwell Land Grant” 16.03.2024 7:48 ↓

Henry’s concerns about the financial mismanagement of the Maxwell Land Grant and Railway Company deepen and he expects to be sent back to England very soon.

Episode 16 - “This is Sunday evening, we are sitting in the parlour” 12.03.2024 4:17 ↓

This letter is written by Henry’s wife Charlotte, though there is one part which appears to have been written by Henry, the handwriting is clearly different.

Episode 15 - “If you were to leave Mr Tinson …” 09.03.2024 7:38 ↓

This letter is yet another tale of woe about the company and those who run it, but Henry receives a vote of confidence.

Episode 14 - “It really was a capital ball” 06.03.2024 4:28 ↓

Henry feels that he is under imminent threat of being sacked. And Cimarron holds a ball!

Episode 13 - "Maxwell House ought to be shut up" 02.03.2024 8:58 ↓

There are riotous goings-on in Maxwell House