Letters from Joseph to his "sweetheart" (his wife, Margaret) discuss his voyage on the S.S. Tivives, owned by the United Fruit Company, from New York down the East coast to Cartegena, Colombia. After disembarking, his travels continue through various cities until he reaches Medellin. He writes that he'll send for her once he is settled. In preparation, he advises her to take her typhoid inoculation.