Gold Rush Era Letters

Mary Jane says the mules travel fine before the sleigh. They will be able to do a great deal of light work this sumer [summer] but I hope they will not be beat Kicked and abused simply because they are mules. Mules that are bad lazy and vicious is owing to bad treatment I hope James will do the best he can till I get home and then we will lay some plan of business that will be both honourable [honorable] and lucrative but from present prospect he can do better in Ill [Illinois] than in Cal for sure.

My moto [motto] is let them come here that cannot do any better. One look into a Cal miners cabin or perhaps no cabin or tent but the spreading branches of a tree -- would be sufficient to cool the gold fever in the mind of many an avericious [avaricious] visionary mortal, but my wants are few and I hope will soon be suplied [supplied]. I set down and estimate the cost of utensils, stock and barn that I really need and think I shall be quite contented.

My dear children one and all, I Know you want to see me and rest assured that I shall regard it as the hapiest [happiest] day of my life to return to your embrace and realize that our home is ours free from all encumbrance and may we all be permited [permitted] through the divine blessings of God to enjoy each others [other's] Society for time to come. You cannot realize but little of a parents anxiety but rest assured one and all that your hapiness [happiness] is my greatest care -- May God bless and protect you from all harm and temptation and again permit us to meet.

No more at present but remember me your constant true and affectionate husband

R J Boylan

Mrs M M Boylan

J J Kelley left last Monday on the Steamer Golden Gate