Gold Rush Era Letters

of my abilities, & I hope that when you receive this letter you will feel satisfied that I am doing my best to regain respectability. And now dear Mother I wish you health prosperity & happiness & may the cloud which I have caused to hang over your happiness be soon dispelled & may the remainder of your days which I hope will be many, be passed in happiness & I hope that I shall never again cause you unhappiness but on the other hand, I hope to conduct myself so that you may take pride in speaking of me to my friends who I think have not all deserted me judging from the letters which I received this last mail. I received letters from Yourself Mrs Tucker, P. P. Kellogg, C. Jewett [Esq. C. Jewett], & Lize T--r having previously written to all of them, & I find as you say that there are a plenty of respectable people who will correspond with me. Thus far I have written you & Mr Tucker by every mail & shall continue to do so & I shall expect & no doubt receive letters from you as often in return.

I was happy to hear that you were all comfortably well & I hope you will continue so. For my part I continue to enjoy the best of health & am careful in order to retain it. Samuel Tucker left here Tuesday the 28th Sept since which time I have not heard from him but expect to soon as I am to forward his letters to him & I have already recd four letters & one paper for him which doubtless he is anxious to receive. I think that you must have had a very dry time from what you write but I hope you will have a plenty of Hay, Corn & Potatoes for your own use.

There has been no rain in this city since last April but there is no vegatation [vegetation] here to speak of which drought would injure. I was sorry to hear that Aunt Betsey & Cousin Wm. [William] had been so sick but was glad to hear that they were fast recovering & I think that occasional showers which you will now probably have will revive you all as well as vegatation [vegetation]

Please give my love to all my friends & ever believe me to be

Truly Your affct. & loving Son H. A. Parker [Henry A. Parker]