Gold Rush Era Letters

I think from what you all write, that your Agricultural Fair, was very good, and passed off finely. I wish I could have been present at the time, but as I could no, will content myself by looking occasionally at the Hand Bill Charles sent me, which I have posted up on the ceiling at the head of my bed. I hope I may be fortunate enough to be at home to witness the third annual Fair, but I do not calculate with any certainty on events so far ahead, neither could I if I wished to.

It takes Aunt L. to calculate, -- especially for her own personal benefit. When I read what you wrote, about her giving her papers and silver ware in your charge, during her absence to Kentucky, and then making you a present of eight chickens, it did not seem hardly possible, that she could be so liberal, but before I finished reading your letter I made up my mind that she could afford to show her liberality, if she intended to board with you a week on her return, and have you work for her, during the time she was absent preserving quinces. I guess she will have to figure some before she sells her old Piano, judging from what Mr Kemball told you about it --

You may give her my love, as it may be of benefit to her --

they thought that they could make more than to go away to the dry digings and it has proved so thus far there has been so little weat [wet] that they could not wash in the Raviens [Ravines] very much yet it is healthy here now there has only been 3 deaths here scince [since] I came here last July from disease there was one man shot on the Barr By the name of Beck from Kentucky the Man that shot him was by the name of Walker from Illinois they got into a dispute about their lead one claiming half of the River while the others claimed all the way across the River Beck Chalenged [challenged] Walker to settle it with powder and ball Becks pistol missed fire and Walker shot him and was tried and acquited its being looked on as a dewell [duel] I was on the Barr at the time but was down in the hole at the time diging [digging] and did note [not] see them till after Beck fell dead. I see by your letter that I did not invite you to write to me again I hope that you will forgive me for that as I was in a hurry and it was an oversight in me it allways [always] will be a great pleasure to get a letter from you while I am here or at any other time please answer this as soon as you get this line please let Mrs Lamb know that you got this letter and tell her that I never was as well in my life. or any better I weigh 170 lbs and work hard every day that it does not rain I will not write to her before Mr Bradley goes home