Gold Rush Era Letters

San Francisco Cal. March 2d 1856 --

My Dear Mother,

The mail Steamer arrived yesterday afternoon, and last morning I recd [received] a letter from friend J. A. Tucker and one from Miss Lizzie Lewis, but none from mother. I went to the Post office again this morning, and asked the clerk at my window, if he had found another letter for me, he says immediately "No, Parker. I have not" so I was obliged to turn away, disappointed I assure you, for I felt sure of receiving a letter from you. Why I did not do so, I cannot tell, but time will probably give the reason. I hope you are all as well as usual, and that nothing uncommon has happened to any of you. How anxiously I shall await the arrival of the next mail Steamer, which I hope will bring the missing letter, and a companion to it written, a fortnight later.

Mr Shipley called to see me this morning -- says he received a letter from Mrs S. she was well, and did not write but what people in general, in Pepperell were all as well as usual although your Uncle Shipley, is growing old and feeble, and Henry Mason I understand is very sick at Chelsea.