Gold Rush Era Letters

San Francisco Sunday June 10th 1855

My Dear Mother,

Your kind letter of the 2d May I received the 31st the day before the last mail left here for New York. -- I was pleased to hear that you were all well at the time you wrote, and I hope that Charles has by this time completely regained his health, and that you will all be well throughout the summer

I think C. ought to be careful however, as it is now very near the same season of the year as it was when he was sick with a fever, one year ago, and I have heard people say, that after a person has had one fever, they are liable to have a fever every year at just about the same time, unless they are very careful, and I think you will remember that such was the case with Clarence Jewett, for he had a severe fit of sickness (Fever) for two years in succession, so I feel afraid that if Charles should remain rather unwell until next August or September, that unless he was then very careful he might have another fever, but I hope that you will all escape sickness of all kinds ---

It seems hard to think that Andrew Lewis should be taken so ill, while on a visit to see his friends and relations, when he anticipated instead of a severe spell of sickness nothing but pleasure, but such is often our lot, and although we try to think every such thing is for the best, it is often hard to look upon it in that light ---

I hope he will recover notwithstanding that you write that his friends think he cannot recover, still "as long as there is life, there is hope," and we can call to mind many of our friends, who seemed to be almost in the arms of death, who recovered and were again blessed with good health. Clarence Jewett you remember two seasons in succession, was sick with the Typhoid Fever, and his parents and friends, thought he could not recover. Still after being brought so low, he was allowed by the blessing of Heaven to regain his health again.

I sincerely hope the same blessing may be bestowed upon Andrew L. [Lewis] and that he may be permitted to view his native home once more.

It is hard to die away from home, even if surrounded by parents and friends, or to be sick away from home, therefore I hope I may continue to be blessed with good health so long as I am absent. Wishing you all health and happiness I remain Your affct [affectionate] Son H. A. Parker [Henry A. Parker]

[written vertically in the left margin]

My health is good, and business is very good also --- Mr Noyes [Ephraim Noyes] and Mr Shipley are well and send their best respects to you.

Please remember me to all my friends. H. A. P. [Henry A. Parker]