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This collection is made up of 10 letters that Justus Hawley of Hornellsville, New York, wrote to his sweetheart Jennie about his life in San Antonio, Amazonas, Brazil, where he lived in 1878 and 1879.

This collection is made up of 10 letters that Justus Hawley of Hornellsville, New York, wrote to his sweetheart Jennie about his life in San Antonio, Brazil, where he lived in 1878 and 1879.

Hawley composed his first letter while journeying to Brazil onboard the Mercedita, commenting on his initial seasickness and on the ship's hybrid Methodist and Episcopal church services. From March 22, 1878-November 28, 1878, he wrote 8 letters from San Antonio, in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, where he worked for the Madeira & Marmora Railroad. He discussed the local wildlife and weather alongside the Rio Madeira, commented on the boats that traveled along the river, and occasionally shared information about his work. On one occasion, he reported the arrival of 700 Italian laborers. Hawley wrote of his love for Jennie and discussed his plans to leave as soon as possible. By September 1878, his 6-month contract with the railroad had expired, and he worked for a local hotel. In his final letter, written from Pará on May 22, 1879, Hawley discussed the financial logistics of his anticipated journey to North America.