Autograph Letter from Henry Allen Brainard, editor of 'The Pacific Tree and Vine (And Santa Clara Valley)' to his former colleague in the Union army, Major B. F. Ainger, discussing their colleagues and describing the horticulture of the San Jose area

2pp., 12mo. Very good, on two leaves of lightly-aged paper. In a difficult hand. The recipient is addressed as 'B. F. Ainger, Delegate to Editorial Committee, <?> Excursion'. The first two pages of the letter only, hence lacking Brainard's signature. Having seen Ainger's name 'among the delegates from Pennsylvania', he is 'strongly reminded of a Maj B. F. Ainger formerly of the 2nd. <?> Artillery with whom I had the pleasure of an acquaintance long ago when we were watching the Defences of Bermuda Honduras &c. and whose discomfiture at being left in Command when so many friends were being sent &c | At that time I was Chf. Clerk at the Head. Qrs of the Brigade which was at one time Commanded by Colonel Strawbridge (J D Strawbridge [James Dale Strawbridge (1824-1900)]]) and of course knew all the Officers of most of the Regts. I do so much hope you are that very man and that I shall see you here. There is one of the 2ds. old officers here. C. N. Gransline who was a newly promoted Lieut. when I was with you in Virginia.' He explains that he is 'in editorial work here', and that he 'married for a second wife (about 1 1/2 years ago) a daughter of an old Confederate soldier so you see I am doing my part to cement a lasting peace between the portions of its Union.' The letter will be handed to Ainger by Brainard's friend 'Prof. C. H. Allen of San Jose [...] an excellent man formerly Principal of our Normal School, now retired, but really active as a horticulturist'. San Jose is 'the center of the greatest horticultural district in California [...] from San Jose goes about 21,000,000 pounds of dried prunes and of a total of 27,000,000 pounds for its State, and so in nearly every proportion. In our foothills we raise plenty of Oranges and Lemons and while we do not have as hot a climate as Southern Cal. we in turn do not have it ever any colder than they do.' The letter breaks off in the following paragraph: 'Try to get a note or card to me prior to your arrival, and if possible I will arrange to take you at once on your arrival here and show you so much of the County as time will permit. Mrs. Brainard is a "Press" woman and is a [...]'.