cams_hparker_2311_f003_011_1

San Francisco April 13 1854

My Dear Mother,

I have but little to write you
in the way of news, but shall try to make up an a-
pology for a letter, hoping that it may prove ac-
ceptable to you. In the first place I continue to enjoy
the best of health, which ought to be prized above all
things. More especially when one is situated as I am
at present away from home and friends -----

Since I last wrote you I have purchased of Mr.
Galacar, a bookstand which I was attending to
for him when I last wrote, and I hope I shall
be able to make something out of it in the course
of a year. I intend to order by this mail of
Mr. Tucker an assortment of books, cutlery, fancy
goods &c and have him ship them to me via Cape
Horn, instead of send me the balance of my
money across the Isthmus, as I can save a large
per centage [percentage] on goods that I want by so doing ---

In a short time I calculate that the business
will pay me clear of all expenses, board &c [etc] from
two to five dollars per day, but you will please
bear in mind that I may be mistaken in
my calculations and have to content myself
with much less than the amounts above mentioned.