cams_rjboylan_b012_f003_005_2

Mr Bowen & James wishes you to inform Steven they intend sending
some funds by me. Think I shall start for home as soon as I get through
with the claims we have on hand or rather as soon as the Snow drives us out of
the mountains -- We bought one share in A claim for $155 and one of us work
on it. the claim paid for itself in one week ending last night. we have another
paid for and A large amount of work done such as striking clearing off, &c and
have A fair prospect, but every thing [everything] is prospect in California. Some men are
making piles some doing nothing others spending all they get. Mr Bowen
& James think the will not start for home before Spring they feel very anxious
to make something to compensate them for the journey. wages is five dollars
per day here -- our pump cost $32 - shovels $8. pick 6$, we paid $11 for A piece
of sheet iron 18 by 30 inches punched full of 3/4 inch holes for a sive [sieve] or screen our
living costs about one dollar per day. I wish you to look after the mules see that
they do not stray off. The last I heard from home you was attending School in Joliet
I wish you to go to school this winter at home and take care of things till I return.
If you can do better for yourself, I wish you to do so but some person must
be there. I wish if hay can be had to have A good yoke of oxen and A faithful
hired man could be well employed in hauling manure on the first ten acres
East of the turn rows -- and on the orchard. I am determined to have any load out
as soon as possible it could be come much better this fall than next Spring and
I leave it as you may think best. Your Affectionate father R J Boylan