Gold Rush Era Letters

than they commence haying in Pepperell. By the way has the grass on our mowing been sold yet? I guess not however for I should not much wonder if it was yet covered with snow. --- Saturday Apl [April] 16th The mail from New York arrived here yesterday in 24 days from port to port which is the quickest time on record --

It scarcely ever arrives here until the mail for the States has been gone from here 4 or 5 days. I recieved [received] by the mail very acceptable letters from you & Charles also from Miss Lizzie Lewis & Miss Lydia Tucker & I was much pleased to recieve {receive} the Miniature [underlined] & the Figs & I consider them both "real genuine" I think the Picture is a good one, a correct likeness. Sam Tucker [Samuel P. Tucker] agreed with me & pronounced it a good one He also thought the figs were very nice. Your cousin Shipley [William Shipley] came into our room just as I had opened my package & he called the picture a pretty one, but did not remember Chas. He thought the figs were beautiful & much better than any figs he every eat [ate]. I need not say that I thought them nice for you know I always thought so.

The package came safely & in nice order & When I first saw it I thought you had sent the picture that Bicknell took, as that case was about the size of the package. Did not once think that you had taken pains to send me figs so long a distance. I was glad however to receive them I assure you, but I have nothing to give you in return, or for your kindness except my sincere thanks. --

Within the past month many steamboat disasters have occured [occurred] on the coast of the Pacific ocean & our inland river. A few weeks since the Steamer Tennessee was wrecked near the port the particulars