Introducing Juan Hernandez

Dear Diary,

         The time is 1854. I am heading for the West for a fresh start and better farm lands to support myself. My farm house is falling apart and my farm animals are slowly dying. I currently only have three oxen and five cows. I live in a shabby house with the paint chipping off. My cattle is my only support for money. I have no known relatives that are currently alive. Some people are talking about some "Manifest Destiny," and I do not believe in this one bit. I think the idea that Native Americans are being moved from their territory is truly horrible, but I should worry about myself and not argue with someone else's opinions. I currently live in Texas. My farm is located in an isolated part in the southern part of the state. The closest neighbor is 10 miles away. The farm is consistently buzzing with bees, mosquitos, and mice. Each blade of grass is a rich, dark green and the sun always blazes down on me.