Gold Rush Era Letters

and found the large three story building known as the "St Charles Hotel" in flames, and I was afraid that our stand would be burned certain. The flames soon spread to "Hillmans Temperance House" a large three story building adjoining the "St Charles Hotel" Both were soon burned down or so nearly so that they cannot be repaired, but will have to be torn down and built up anew.

Fortunately the fire did not cross Davis St. so our stand escaped without being injured a particle, but on going to our rooms, as soon as the fire was put out, we found that some rascal had broken open our door, and taken a silver watch that belonged to Noyes [Ephraim Noyes] and I, a pistol of mine, (one that David Wright gave me when he went home from here,) and the nice work bag that you and Harriet fixed up for me before I left home together with its contests. They also took a pistol belonging to Mr Millet (the young man that I sold our cigar stand to) who rooms with us. They likewise overhauled all our clothes but we have as yet missed nothing more than what I have named.