R. J. Boylan, Gold Rush Letters, 1850-1853

Vena, Clara, and Mr Albert I hope will kind good children obedient to their mother take good care of little darling bess [Bess] -- I have the kind -est feelings towards all my friends have A deep anxiety to see and hear of their doing well. I mail A letter to Br. [Brother] J. C. Oatman also to my warm friend J A Matteson -- probably it will come out in the signal we have not had any more rain this last fall and winter than usual if as much in Illinois. if I thought it would be for James interest to come to California I would give him encouragement. could he see the many unsuccessfull [unsuccessful] unfortunate miners he would not wonder at my feeling as I do. Stillman says write to Mr Oatman to stay at home but he is competent to judge for himself. it is the last place for [page torn] bring my darling wife and family. I should [page torn] to have my letters direct to Marysvill [Marysville] being onely [only] 30 [page torn], should I go to feather river [Feather River] it would be on the way to [page torn] them by express then being A regulaur [regular] post office at Marysville and daily mail. Old Tom and Jack ponies came through fine by good care, grain &c. and sold in Weaver for $310 they came in the first of July -- I have never seen them nor dont [don't] want too. I wish the stone quarry to be carefully preserved and not worked by every person let it alone onely [only] as you or James may direct. James must be industrious and try to provide for himself. If he should wish I should be willing to purchase A team. I think oxen the best and have him work as much land as he can to advantage till I return. I leave the matter to you and him the profit would be but little.

Your Husband R. J. Boylan

Mrs R. J. Boylan Jackson creek Will. Co. Illinois

[postmark: SACRAMENTO CITY Cal. DEC 23]

California November 15th 1850

Dear Wife I am Well and enjoying the best of health. the colrea [cholera] is raging at Sacramento as many as 130 deaths have occured [occurred] in one day but I have not heard of any in the mountains. no sickness in the mountains of any kind except some cases of diarea [diarrhea] brought on by unhealthy diet. no change of diet pork and salaratus warm bread half baked [half-baked] compose the meal of many for months &c.

Many go dirty enough to bring on sickness if nothing else -- my last letter was mailed the first of Nov. I will write again and often for I well know you are anxious to hear from me. I received your letter written at forked creek [Forked Creek] -- July 26 also one from Dr Oatman [J. C. Oatman] July 23. I am in hopes your health is better.

I think if the babe was weaned you would again enjoy your health I feel verry [very] anxious to hear from you. I expect A letter by the return express the partners in the express are here in this ravine digging and the carrier comes through here takes and brings my letters semi-monthly so there is no delay. I am located in A ravine about the size of our creek some springs breaking out and sinking I was here when I wrote you last. I am about 30 miles Northeast from Maryesvill [Marysville] the head of navigation 60 miles above Sacramento I am about 12 miles from the valley I have built me a good little cabin seven feet square

chinked an [and] plastered tight my oil cloth sheet makes a good roof. I have a good bunk up from the ground and filled with willows and hay. I have three large blanket[s] so I assure you I sleep comfortable and feel quite at home. I sent with the rest of the company and got my winter provision consisting of 200 lbs. of flour 120 lbs. of bacon 25 of sugar 22 of dryed [dried] apples 10 lbs. of onions and all the small fixings vinegar pepper sauce &c all in cabin safe. I got also a first rate gold rocker which cost me $16. the whole cost and transportation from Maryesvill Marysville was about $125 which fills me out till Spring for provisions. I must have some clothing boots are worth from 14 to 18 dollars firm boots from $5 to 8, pantaloons from 6 to 8.$ I got a pair of flannel shirts for $2.50 a pice [apiece]. I bought me A good double barrel gun for $10 verry [very] cneucial [crucial] although the indians [Indians] here are verry [very] friendly. the old chief live [lives] 4 miles from here he comes frequently to make a visit. I am his particular favorite I get us a good dinner and he and I sit down and eat. he has been engaged in mining for some white man they say he is A true friend he called on me a few days since and made me A visit and went with me A prospecting he took me to A place 4 miles where he said was much (orea) [ore] gold he would like to work for me, I think shall work alone indians [Indians] are poor help. I have never been to any of their camps I seen them entirely naked

they are afraid of the whites, there has been some reports about indians [Indians] getting together at Weaverville and on the American river but it is all A hoax. There is not indians [Indians] enough on the mountains to make A breakfast Job to dispose them all -- they have no weapons but miserable bows and arrows not even A tomahawk. There is some deer, antelopes, Elk and the brown and grisley [grizzly] bear. There is plenty of hare and rabbits, and quails, high on mountain hen's and my gun will afford me frequently a dish of soup. I eat just what I think condusive [conducive] to health seldom make A meal without onions -- applesaus [applesauce] -- vinegar or something that will Keep the stomach regular. I am not troubled any with my bowels since I came up in the mountains and to give you an (? paper torn) my present condition. I will say the Jeans coat that I had made to work in has become so small that I cannot wear it with any comfort. I never felt stronger or more athletic in my life. I work regular have my meals and sleep regular I use bakers [baker's] yeast, and such bread, I often wish I could give you fine slice. We have irony bake Kettles and we do it up brown. I have all the necessary table fixings. I live alone and work alone I want no partner. I have taken out about $200 since I came here which has paid all my provisions rocker. Oh I lost some time on exploring but I think I am in a gold region where I hope to do well I have thrown out dirt which I shall wash when the water come