Gold Rush Era Letters

[Written at the top center of the page] Kiss my boy

have some ladies on board among whom is a Mrs Whiteside from Galena [Galena, Mo.] who is going with her husband to California she is a young good looking woman, but she has no children and never did have so an old acquaintance (Geo Sounders) [George Sounders] told me and I think she is unhappy on that account, at least she looks so to me, but says you what right sir have you to be looking at women? Well never mind deary I promise you I shall never do anything Else till I see your own sweet face, but I am digressing and my page is becoming full. We passed several considerable towns, among which I would note as of most importance, Lexington, Brunswick, Jefferson City, Winston & last though not least Kanzas [Kansas] the last town on the west side of the Mo [Missouri] river & this brings me to the Indian Territory. The first object of attraction was "Fort Leavenworth, a U. S. [paper torn]" Consisting of some very fine buildings upon a most magnificent Instustion [Institution] which must some day [someday] become a place of importance. The cold wind move me to the fire (we having had some snow the day before) from which I was aroused by the cry of "Indians." I sprang to the deck and beheld for the first time the lords of the soil in their native wilds, but as near as I could judge they were very dirty filthy looking lords, which I afterward found to be true as several of them came to the boat while we were mooring a short distance above. I confess my love the sight of these people brought very forcibly to my mind the fact that I was leaving all that is dear to me far behind, but no more reprising. I arrived here last night at 10 P. M. in good health. Company not yet arrived, Town Crowded with Emigrants, supposed to be from 2000 to 5000 in the vicinity. There are some backing out, it is now raining. I should not wonder if some more of hand should crawfish tomorrow. I was disappointed in not finding letters here but suppose it has not been time for them to get here yet. Cant [Can't] tell when we shall get off, the season is backward and now my soul is left [?] once more farewell your own True Husband

Benj A Watson [Benjamin A. Watson]

[Written vertically on the left side of the page] Kiss My Son Kiss my baby