Gold Rush Era Collections

I received the letter from Ellen F Jennings that her sister told you about, and I answered it. By the mail that arrived yesterday I received a letter from Friend Tucker also one from "Cousin Jennie" She wrote that she was then visiting Pepperell for the first time in two years. --

The Bark, Samuel Merritt arrived last week from China. This is the vessel, that I wrote you a few months ago, that James K. Bolles was in. He came back in here and has called to see me once or twice.

He is well, and has grown very fast during his absence. I wish Charles would tell his Uncle that he is here, is well, &c.

He says he is steady, and intends to be in Pepperell in about a year from the present time -- Thinks he shall ship to go to China again and from there to Boston. He seemed to feel very bad when I told him Francesca was dead. -- I also wish to trouble Charles to see Appleton Lawrence, or some one of his family and tell them that I received a letter the 1st inst. from Eli W. Harrison, dated at Sydney Aug 16th. Mr H. arrived safely after a passage of 70 days from this Port. He was well when he wrote, and wished me to write his kind regards to Mr. L. and family.

San Francisco Cal. March 2d 1856 --

My Dear Mother,

The mail Steamer arrived yesterday afternoon, and last morning I recd [received] a letter from friend J. A. Tucker and one from Miss Lizzie Lewis, but none from mother. I went to the Post office again this morning, and asked the clerk at my window, if he had found another letter for me, he says immediately "No, Parker. I have not" so I was obliged to turn away, disappointed I assure you, for I felt sure of receiving a letter from you. Why I did not do so, I cannot tell, but time will probably give the reason. I hope you are all as well as usual, and that nothing uncommon has happened to any of you. How anxiously I shall await the arrival of the next mail Steamer, which I hope will bring the missing letter, and a companion to it written, a fortnight later.

Mr Shipley called to see me this morning -- says he received a letter from Mrs S. she was well, and did not write but what people in general, in Pepperell were all as well as usual although your Uncle Shipley, is growing old and feeble, and Henry Mason I understand is very sick at Chelsea.