cam_hparker_2311_f002_007.4

San Francisco Cala [California] Apl [April] 16th 1853

Dear Brother,

Your letter dated March 17th was
received this morning together with your Miniature

I was very glad to recieve [receive] them, also to hear that you
were all well. The miniature is a good one & a pretty
one I do not see as you have altered much since I saw
you last Think your face is a little longer, & that
you are getting to be a little stiffer as I see you wear
a standing dickey. The size of the case is just right &
take it all in all I think it is a nice miniature & I
feel well satisfied with it, & will send you the half
dollars by return of mail as you desired me to do. By
the way what do you intend to do with them?

As I now sit writing you I am seated upon an old
box with my writing desk on the bed before me & to the
right of the desk, on the bed lies the miniatures of our
whole family. I have opened them all & arranged them
so that yours lies to the left of Hatties & mine which brings
mine between your & H's, then Mothers lays just beyond
& directly above mine, so that I can see the whole family
at a glance, which is nice. Some how or other yours seems
to look a little nicer than the rest, but I guess its because
its a new one. I was very much interested in your letter
as you gave me a good account of the "cows, farming af-
fairs poultry &c" Think it a good idea for you to try &
graft some of the old apple trees. You must write me & let
me know what success you have & how you get along with
your garden & any thing you write will be acceptably recd [received]
by Your affectionate Brother -- H. A. Parker [Henry A. Parker]

P.S. Give my love to Sis & tell her to write me. Shall send you a Paper
I will now go out & get the half dollars & send them in this letter. H.A.P.

[written vertically in the left margin]
P.S. After reading your Paper, Please loan it to Mr Tuckers family -- & oblige H.A.P. [Henry A. Parker]