cams_JSLester_b15_F002_001_002

being some of the mindfull [mindful] to cher [cheer] the weary arm, but, change of climate
and the extreme heat experienced in the mountains and on the river
soon brought us to believe we were too fast in our operations and our
Co. wise in a very few days found on the sick list unable to do very
little at any thing – not a man escaped all have been sick and
consequently they commenced as they were able returning to Stockton
our general Depot and a little more than two weeks we found
ourselves all in camp unanimous in the opinion that large Cos.
could not to advantage remain together, and on the 14th of
August by mutual consent the Groton California Co.
was dissolved, it was agreed by said Co. that the cargo and
vessel be immediately disposed of and Agents appointed
for that purpose. We are a few of us (hole in page) for the purpose of
selling the Velasco and appointing (hole in page) after which we shall
go immediately to Stockton and si[gn] (hole in page) up with D. Co. and so
endth the first lesson – I must have daily people from all parts
of the Union many of them as rash as ourselves, who heedless of advise [advice] to the
contrary rush into the Mines when they are as sure to be sick as they
are to arrive there – Mr Harris Fitch of New London is stopping
here with two friends, with the view of going to the Mines about the
first of Sept. his anticipations are very high. hope he will not be
disappointed – I saw Capt Daniel Stoddard Orlando
Capt Perkins, C. G. Rogers, E. Rogers and Lathem
Brown on our first arrival in this place all well
they were then running the Odd Fellow up the Sacramento [River]
have not seen them since, understand the vessel is laid
up at Sacramento City his Co are somewhere on that
river or its branches. The weather here is cool and bracing
and I think must be healthy, my health is very

[written sideways, down left of page]
Tell Elisha the Judge and Aunt Betsey the Ship Robert Browne from New York has
just arrived have just paid her a visit found my old friend Capt Thomas Bailey
on board in good health wished to be remembered to them I am sorry
friend Dixon cracked his [credit?] but acidents [accidents] will happen, give my
respects to every body