cams_WROlden_b011_f010_002_004

I have read no letter fron you since I left Panama
our Post Office at Sanbn Francisco is full of an assorted
letters the government pays a high price to get the mail
here but cannot afford to get it assorted after it
gets here- I read one letter from Lester announcing
the death of poor dear Adie-I was never more
shocked in my life- poor mother four of her noble
boys have gone before her, but while I live she will
never want for one. we must all endeavor to supply
his place- I would give worlds to be able to see
you- but I work hard in the expectation of soon
being settled with my family around me-
I saw Wm Mcilvaine a day or so since he is going
home in a month or six weeks - he has traveled
all through the county & taken immense number
of sketches-Most of the Pettsb'grs who crossed
the plains are in- Budd Murray are here-
I have said nothing about my health but I have
worked hard & am somewhat then only weighing 180 lbs
I think that I may do better before long-
I must close as it is late in the even'g & I am tired
give me best loveto mother & the family tell them
I consider California to be a great country & hope to see
them all settled out here before long- I don't
advise any oneto come they might not like it, (but I do!)
I will write regularly by the steamers after this both to
Pittsbg & Flusking- good night yours truly
William-