Gold Rush Era Letters

on top of the mountain told us he saw two Grisly's [Grizzlys] about a half mile to the north. we took after them and after a severe hunt we succeeded in killing both of them which proved to be and an old she bear and her Cub after that we carried the man to the house and buried him. I have now told you all that I think will be interesting to you and now Dear Mary do send me a letter as soon as you recieve [receive] this for if I do not recieve [receive] a letter soon I shall think I am forsaken by everyone. tell father and ann [Ann] to write. I should be also very Happy to hear from Jared & Harriet Jane and all our friends. tell me if there is any word from James Chapman but I would advis advise no person that is well situated at home to come here. there is some chances to make money here but there is just as many or more chances to loose [lose] it for there is thousands working afor [a for] one and two dollars a day besides their Board and agreat [a great] many not making their Board. for my part I have not found many ounce a day diggins about. New Years I with two other men went and bought a claim which was thought to be rich