Gold Rush Era Letters

I have never regretted starting for a moment I have seen many that have been there and come home for their families I think my family are better off in the stone house Keep up good cheer I shall sell my outfitt [outfit] and send the funds home as soon as possible I have no more time at present, so may God bless you and my darling children I want James and Mary Jane to write to me. I enjoy the journey first rate my health never better.

Your affectionate husband

R. J. Boylan

Old Mr Franklin of forked creek died at or near new fort Kerney [Fort Kearny] I saw his grave - Whiskey I seen but 3 new graves on the plains only one man sick we pass from 50 to 75 waggons [wagons] daily. My motto is go ahead no indians [Indians] except a few friendly ones. I may meet a train and send home another letter

Vena, Clara, and Mr Albert I hope will kind good children obedient to their mother take good care of little darling bess [Bess] -- I have the kind -est feelings towards all my friends have A deep anxiety to see and hear of their doing well. I mail A letter to Br. [Brother] J. C. Oatman also to my warm friend J A Matteson -- probably it will come out in the signal we have not had any more rain this last fall and winter than usual if as much in Illinois. if I thought it would be for James interest to come to California I would give him encouragement. could he see the many unsuccessfull [unsuccessful] unfortunate miners he would not wonder at my feeling as I do. Stillman says write to Mr Oatman to stay at home but he is competent to judge for himself. it is the last place for [page torn] bring my darling wife and family. I should [page torn] to have my letters direct to Marysvill [Marysville] being onely [only] 30 [page torn], should I go to feather river [Feather River] it would be on the way to [page torn] them by express then being A regulaur [regular] post office at Marysville and daily mail. Old Tom and Jack ponies came through fine by good care, grain &c. and sold in Weaver for $310 they came in the first of July -- I have never seen them nor dont [don't] want too. I wish the stone quarry to be carefully preserved and not worked by every person let it alone onely [only] as you or James may direct. James must be industrious and try to provide for himself. If he should wish I should be willing to purchase A team. I think oxen the best and have him work as much land as he can to advantage till I return. I leave the matter to you and him the profit would be but little.

Your Husband R. J. Boylan