cams_rjboylan_b012_f003_007_2

in the mountains over one hundred feet deep but I
dont [don't] go down in such places nothing but the hostilities
of the indians [Indians] has saved frezno [Frenso] river till this time, but they
are all removed to a mission and are in charge of an agent
and thou [though] that would not come in to the treaty are driven
off entirely out of the region of frezno [Fresno] after the gold is taken
by the miners I presume they will let the indians [Indians] have the
full possession -- but we are either on or near the great tract
of land claimed by Col Fremont -- however that matters
not the Col is not very popular in California. The miners have
dug out all the places in the immediate vicinity of his ranch
and only laughed at him and his agents when they wished
to lease the privaledge [privilege] of mining according to his proposed
U. S. Senate bill. we are quite comfortable at present we
have put up a log cabin with a good fireplace and good
door so we can fasten ourselves in or out at pleasure. we call
it fort independance [independence] and it presents quite the appearance.
we have by way of companions one rifle -- two double barrel guns
two revolvers and one comon [common] pistol all in good order and always
charged ready to deal out a death warrant to any marauder
that would dare to molest or disturb our peaceable abode but
we have never had an occasion to use them in that way and
men well armed seldom do have -- we hear frequently of hored
horrid murders and roberies [robberies] on the roads, men that are going
down (merchants & teamsters). I hope you will not feel any
uneasiness about me for I never go out without company
and my business seldom calls me from home and when we came up
here we were ten in company and expect to leave next fall equaly [equally] as
strong all armed to the teeth -- the Mexicans are compelled to give
all the road and not come within lasso distance and if
they do not obey orders they are immediately enforced by a
show of fire arms -- and Mr Mexican quietly -- or submissively
goes round and gives the whole road to Mr American's