Gold Rush Era Letters

I hope she will be able to tell you that she enjoyed her visit, and that she will be able to write me all about it, and I think she will if she only haves [has] time. Tell her I shall expect a good long letter from her at any rate, whether I recieve [receive] one or not.

You compare Charles to an "eight-day clock" -- I hope he will remain in good order, and last many years, and I do not think he will ever be any otherwise than industrious, and steady, as his disposition to be so, is a natural one.

Now a few words with regard to myself. My health is good -- better if it were possible, than it was before I went to Santa Crus [Cruz] and Monterey. I am fat enough but do not weigh but 138 lbs. not quite as much I believe, as Charles has weighed sometimes since I left home.

I do not think I have altered in looks one bit, since I came away from home for everyone who sees my miniature that I had taken with Sis, says that it looks exactly like me, so I calculate that you know how I look. I do not know that I am any taller or any larger anyway than I was when you saw me last and I enjoy such good health that I think California agrees with me well

[written vertically in the left margin]

Nov 15th Am as well today as usual That was indeed a sad accident which befell Henry Hartwell. The name sounds familiar but I do not seem to recollect him. Give my love to Charles & Hattie. H. A. P. [Henry A. Parker]