cams_CharlesCNewton_b16_F010_002_001

Steep Hollow Creek. Up Cal. Dec. 1^st 1853

My Dearest Sister,

Having just returned to these parts after an
absence of four months in the mountains and learning through
a friend, of dear Father's severe illness I hasten to relieve my
intense anxiety on his account. please dear Sister, write me
immediately, tell me all. if you only knew how anxious I am
you would not delay. I had hoped to receive several letters
on my return. but my friend tells me that he has been
to Nevada several times but could not procure one. I know
not why it is I so seldom receive letters. I am certain I
am written to by my friends and the only way I can account
for it is, that there is a man of my name beside myself in
this County, in fact I know there is one of the name of Chas
H. Newton and from New York too, as an Express man thru his
Stupidity once brought me a letter directed as above. and which
I soon assured myself was not for me. forthwith I reinclosed
& directed as before. now my opinion is that my letters have
been taken out of the P. O. by Mr. Chas H. and never returned.
however I am certain I do not receive all the letters written
me. I am not alone in this, many of my friends, and others
are daily complaining of never receiving news from home.
I have been silent Since my absence owing to my being
wholly out the way of postal arrangements, and this is the
first opportunity I have had to write. the last letter I received
from Mother, dated May 13^th, previous to which I had one
from you dated April 1^st which I duly answered. Since
then I have not received a single one. I am in hopes in
future to receive them more regularly as I have a mode
by which I shall be alble to thwart Mr Chas H.'s habit.

Continue to direct me at Nevada City and with my best