Gold Rush Era Letters

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