cams_benton_b029_f004_001

Monterey: Alta California –
Wednesday – Feb. 27:1850.

Dr. I. Linsly –

My Dear Sir,

The coming of the last days of another
month reminds me that I should again put on record the constant,
faithful, and cherished remembrance in which you and yours are held
in at least one heart, beating with human sympathies, here on these
shores of the Occident. Calmly, evenly, like a placid stream has the month
glided away. Nought [Naught] has occurred to disturb ones thankfulness of Spirit
or to break up the serene depths of his equanimity. Superadded to all there
is to live for & to find good in doing, life itself has again become a joy.
I have recovered quite as rapidly as could have been expected. There is again
elasticity in my muscles, tone in my system, vigor in my frame. I take
my food with satisfaction, and rejoice in the good that seems in store for
me. I have said in my prayer – " 'All my springs are in Thee' ", be pleased to
restore them unto him that pleadeth"; and graciously hath the Most High
inclined his ear unto my supplication.

With the exception of the little I still suffer
from my local malady, I feel perfectly well. Though not remarkably
strong, my system is otherwise in good order. I can ramble, either on foot
or on horseback, two and three hours – without excessive fatigue. It is
nearly three weeks since I ceased to use terebinthinates [terebinthinate], opium, or any other
specific. My bowels are sufficiently bound – my evacuations regular &
natural & painless – & their (the bowels') weakness & soreness – of six months duration – have
at last become almost imperceptible, to external pressure. I would not
consent to remain here so idle – were it not that I wish to return to my
labors in good & safe condition; fir for any reasonable amount of work.