cams_CharlesCNewton_b16_F010_002_002

love please advise all my dear friends. Make my middle initial
a little more conspicuous.

I have no news to tell you of myself save that I am in good
health barring a severe cold not unusual to this climate at this season
as to my prospects for the future I will not be too sanguine for
I have hitherto been so dis-appointed. I think though that this
winter I shall make enough to enable me to visit home the
coming spring or summer. you know not Sara how anxious
I am to once more see you all. the long time I have been away
from home seems almost incredible. it has certainly wrought many
sad, very sad changes. but still are these not all for the best; are
we thrown in the deepest affliction without a purpose;

I still persevere in trying tho many under the same circumstances
would long since have given up in despair. but I have an object
in view, to attain which I only ask health, and Gods blessing.

I cannot think of any incidents occuring during my recent
tour that would afford you interest. prospecting, searching
for new diggings, is decidely the hardest part of miners life.
imagine me with a roll of blankets, a sack of provisions slung
to my back pan, pick & Shovel. Climbing a steep mountain
four or five miles to the top. you may think this ancient
but I tell you there is as much of it done now as was in 49 or 50.
As fast as the country is overrun with new comers, the old miners
up Camp and travel. I trust the day is not far distant
when I shall have done with it. As I am too weary of it.
my whole ambition now is to obtain a start be it ever so
Small. I feel myself growing old. My California life has
added at least ten years in my appearance. I fancy now
I can descry a white hair in my flowing beard. You laugh
I will not horrify you with a self decription. I am still
a great fat overgrown old booby as you used to call me.