Dear Bessie: I got here this am. at 7:30. Found the weather clear, but cool, but no snow on the ground. I think I will be able to close a deal for an agency here, and probably make a sale of $400 to $500 worth of goods. If I do this I will feel the trip has paid well. I am feeling quite well and hope this will find you feeling better than I left you, and that both the little folks are also in good shape. I will probably not get away from here before late tonight and maybe not till tomorrow, for Prosser. Hope I may line up some business there. This is quite a pretty town and on this my second visit I am quite favorably impressed with it. From what I can see, it is a town of very good prospects. Has population of about 10,000 and is growing. Looks to me like prospects for an agency in our line ought to do well. I got a good night’s rest on the sleeper last night, and hope your cold and Harmon’s kicking did not break your rest too much. Now with my best love to you and the little ones, I am lovingly yours, Geo. W.D.

This letter offers a valuable look at early-stage western town development and traveling sales culture: The writer evaluates towns based on: Population size Growth potential Suitability for establishing an agency His perspective reflects a commercial lens on frontier expansion: Towns are assessed not just socially, but economically Growth equals opportunity Travel conditions: Overnight rail travel (“sleeper”) was standard for long distances Early morning arrival (7:30 a.m.) suggests tight travel schedules Domestic life is still closely tied to correspondence: Mentions wife’s health References children (“little folks,” Harmon) Casual domestic detail (“Harmon’s kicking”) adds intimacy

Historical Note

🏨 Hotel – The Yakima Hotel (North Yakima, Washington) 4 Name: The Yakima Hotel Manager: W. C. Schroeder Location: North Yakima, Washington Context: At the time of this letter: The city was still commonly referred to as North Yakima (renamed simply Yakima in 1918) It was a rapidly developing agricultural and commercial hub in central Washington Hotels like the Yakima Hotel served: Railroad travelers Agricultural and commercial agents Businessmen establishing regional networks 🌾 North Yakima (Yakima) – Growth Context Population around 10,000 (as noted in the letter) aligns with historical estimates Growth driven by: Irrigation projects Agriculture (especially fruit production) Rail connections The writer’s observation that it is a town of “very good prospects” reflects: Real economic optimism of the period Expansion of inland western markets 🚆 Rail Travel Context The mention of a “sleeper” indicates: Overnight rail cars with sleeping accommodations Common for long-distance business travel Route likely included: Major rail lines connecting Washington towns (Yakima → Prosser → Portland corridor)