Gold Rush Era Letters

it was very hard to get a bed as the hotels were all crowded and I had to give fifty cents for the privelege [privilege] of sleeping on a sofa at the Sherman house the Citizens here say they never saw so many people going west.

Engaged passage for La Salle in the boat Maid of the Prairie got La Salle on the Sixth at four O clock [O'clock] got on board the Steamboat Cataract for St Louis at five o clock [o'clock] touched at Peru Peoria Naples Beardstown Alton and all other landings on the Illinois river (the names you will find in yous [your] little Book) and arrived here at ten to day [today].

The day is very hot here sol [so] hot the Loafers are hunting for a place to lie down in the shade and the Niggers Smell so Strong that it puts me in mind of the fat Nigger that sells the Cream at Free cents a glath under the shades of the big Elm tree every fourth of July.

Vegitation [Vegetation] is very forward here the fruit trees have Shed their blossoms and we have plenty of onions Raddishes [radishes] and Lettuce on the Tables.

I Enjoy good health as yet and hope none of you have any cause to complain of your ill health and now I have told you my proceedings so far. I will close my letter giveing [giving] my respects to father Mother Ann, Henery and all my Sisters.

From your Brother

John Cornock