These are my parents, Eva Andrade de Smith and Garfield Smith.In 1944 my father went to Los Angeles from Tampico to make arrangements for my mother and the children, Edith, Nehemiah and Abigail to emigrate to the United States. As he was tying up loose ends, finding housing and talking with lawyers and the American Consulate, he wrote a series of letters, in perfect Spanish and beautiful handwriting, giving her last minute instructions, sending her money, suitcases and encouragement.
"My Very Respected Lady and Wife--
It's been a few days since I received your letters, expressing your doubts and trepidations (about the trip). I can understand your concern, but before anything else, I want, as is my custom, to say hello to you as well as the children. For now, I am fine, thanks be to God, and I hope this letter finds all of you well.
I also want to let you know that I had not been able to answer your last letter because, quite frankly, I have been going here and there, taking care of the business and details of your coming here. Every day is filled with me attending to these requirements and I have not been able to write to you until now. Thank God everything is taken care of.
I'm sending you the necessary papers for your trip. Enclosed are four letters for the American Consul, one from the company where I worked, another signed by my sister, Myrtle Simon, and another signed by my brother, Enrique (Henry).
At the first stop, you present yourself to the Consul to get your passports. Second, take care of the clothes. Bring blankets, sheets and mentholatum, nose drops, a little iodine, mercury and the photography course books and dictionaries. Everything else you don't need, gather it and sell it.
I will send you the suitcase by Air Express addressed to Sister Lala. You should be receiving it this week.
I am also sending you a money gram in the amount of $58.00 by telegraph today. I will send you another letter with last minute instructions later because it's getting very late here. If you need more money you can send me a telegram marked "urgent".
Find out who is the Secretary General of your area and let me know his name.
Before you leave Tampico, send me a telegram that says (in English) 'Leave tomorrow' [which means, I'm leaving tomorrow] , and put the date on it so I can coordinate on this end. It will be good to leave on the 11th or 12th of February, when everything is ready, from Tampico to Guadalajara by bus, and then from there by train on the South Pacific to Nogales, where I will be waiting for you. With no more for today,
As Always,
Your Husband, Garfield Smith"