Translated from German. The original letter is currently held in the Sophienburg Archives (New Braunfels, TX)

Brownsville, April 21st, 1863

Dear Brother and Sisters:

I arrived on the fifth in Goliad, where I found the Regiment, and from where through San Patricio came to Brownsville. From there I made a one-day visit to Corpus. I found George and his family well, and quite surprised to see me so unexpected. George has the cloth which he bought for you packed, and sent it to San Patricio since from there opportune chances are more likely to send it up to you than from Corpus, and also the tannin for father. George also had to go to Brownsville on business, coincidentally he again met me about 50 miles from Corpus, where he beseeched me, because he was alone, to go with him up to Brownsville. I got leave of absence and went along. On the return trip we arrived on Friday the 17th hale and hearty. We found all along our trip already beginning 20 miles this side of New Braunfels, so so very little and bad grass, at times even none. We had much dust and sand, and since it has not rained for a long time here quite bad water. Running sweet water is not found between the Nueces and Rio Grande a distance of 100 miles. Only Mexicans live in this desolate country. They have few cattle, goats and sheep, and have mostly wells from 18 to 20 feet deep, from which they draw water for their livestock. We also were dependent on those wells.

Our regiment marched in two detachments to here because of the water and grass situation. Three companies, including ours, arrived here yesterday after an eight mile march. The other four companies will arrive today and will stay here until a better camp place can be found. According to what I find, we shall come eight miles below to ____?. Our horses will be sent 43 miles back from here, to Kings Ranch, 120 miles from here, where they will be fed until we again need them. Six men from each company were sent along to tend to them. Kings Ranch is the nearest and best grass land from here.

I found here in Brownsville many old acquaintances. The Bose Company is here, Kampmann's, Wilkes' Companies. The military has good quarters here, good provisions, and is well-arranged. The only drawback is they cannot get anything for their Confederate money since the (Confederate) dollar is only worth 20 cents here. I was yesterday for the first time over in Mexico. I went with George to Matamoros, which is a half mile from here, on the other side of the river. Matamoros is about as big as San Antonio, Brownsville is a little smaller. Both cities enjoy such a momentous growth of business such as they never had. Ships arrive daily bringing merchandise and for their return voyage load cotton, wool, and rawhides. A few days ago there came some 7 to 8 hundred pounds of aluminum sulfate which George bought and will ship to father by next chance. I will close in hopes that these few lines will reach you in as good health as they leave me. I remain your beloved brother.

Christoph Pfeuffer

N.B. Give my regards to all acquaintances

Christoph Pfeuffer

Woods Regiment

Brownsville, Texas

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