Gold Rush Era Letters

If James is determined to try his fortunes in California I think he had better come before I leave so that I can give him all the information I can, I wish him to bring with him or have sent to him a copy or description -- or what would be better a satisfactory piece made out from the mortgage held in his name and Mary Janes so that he can sign and acknowledge the year here the time he becomes of age. I wish to have it done for fear Sawyer Elderkin or Bill Turner or some of the good folks may not rest easy.

Brother Pain will make it from the mortgage you can consult your father about the plank road business and do as you think best in that respect and every thing [everything] else pertaining to our affairs -- I have not news to write to the children. I have a chance to send this letter to Mariposa P. O. in the morning so I am writing in haste and when I ought to be asleep if you do not get your letters regular it will be owing to my not having an oportunity [opportunity] of sending to the P. O.

I have not received a line from James since last June and I expect Mary Jane cant [can't] get time to write. Well when daughter Vena learns to write papa will get some letters try all you can to have Clarras eyes restored but nothing can be accomplished with out [without] dieting. I fear you can not [cannot] read this miserable hasty scrawl, but once more farewell dear wife and children from your own true husband

R J Boylan

Mrs N N Boylan