Gold Rush Era Letters

San Francisco Jan 10th 1854

My Dear Mother,

I take this opportunity to return you my sincere thanks for the nice "New Years" present which you sent me by Mr. Geo. F Leighton, [George F. Leighton] consisting of two fine apples, a box of Tomato Figs & "last though not least a kind letter" all of which were recieved [received] the morning of the 2d inst in fine order.

Miss Leighton & Lawrence came out here by the Nicaragua route & it was very fortunate for them that they came that way as those passengers who left New York by the mail line at the same time that Miss L & L, left have not arrived here yet & probably will not arrive for a number of days to come ---

I was very glad indeed to see some one who had just arrived from Pepperell & I guess they thought so too for I asked them thousands of questions in the course of the day while they were here.

They arrived here Saturday night, but did not find me until Tuesday morning, & Tuesday afternoon they left here for Auburn where Mr Albert Leighton was located while he was in this country & where Henry Leighton now is. They were both well when they arrived here & Mr Lawrence had gained 5 lbs. weight on the passage out here & from what little they had seen of the country they liked very well.

They have promised to write me as soon as they get settled