Gold Rush Era Letters

other things as when I wrote you two months since For the last 4 or 5 weeks we have had but 2 or 3 dull days. These together with an occasional shower during the night is all the stormy weather we have had for more than 2 months, so that the mud & water in the streets is nearly dried up & the weather has been warm & pleasant very much like weather in Mass during the month of May although we have some weather such as you experience in July. Most of the seed has been sown for the present years crop by the farmers located in the valleys which is a little ahead of Pepperell farmers time I intend taking a trip next week through San Jose valley which is said to be the Paradise of California it being much pleasanter in every aspect than most parts of California

Mr Shipley, this day received a letter from Henry dated at Sacramento. He is well & writes that he succeeded in finding Mr Huntington who I believe married Isaac Boyntons sister who I think is now living in P. She wrote to W. Shipley supposing (that her husband was dead), wishing to have him find out if possible the particulars of his death, &c After making diligent inquiries concerning him to no affect he says, he has found him alive & well in Sacramento at last

It is now nearly 10 Oclock [O'clock] & I will lay aside my writing until tomorrow. Wishing you all a good nights rest I will bid you Good Night -- Sunday 3 Oclock [O'clock] P.M. Have just returned from my work & eaten my dinner consisting of Baked Beans & Brown Bread which we got at the bakers. For about one quart of beans we paid 50 cts & for a loaf of Bread 40 cts & they are not very new at that, but good for California

[written vertically in the left margin over horizontal text] March 14th Monday P.M. We are having a dull rainy day. I am well however as usual. Henry Leighton arrived here this morning safe & well & leaves here today or tomorrow to join his father somewhere up country. He told us lots of news & I was glad to see him

Give my love to Charles, Harriet & my friends. Tell C. & H. to write me as often as they find it convenient to do so. Also tell Charles to be sure & send me his miniature as soon as he can conveniently do so.

Wishing you health joy & happiness I remain as always Your affectionate Son H. A. Parker [Henry A. Parker]

P.S. Tell C to hand Mr Tucker the paper which I send him by this mail after you have read it yourselves H.A.P. [Henry A. Parker]