folder 11: January–May 1852

5 Thursday night Whilst I was busy trying to make my letters read straight I was informed that Mr & Mrs & Master Brown were added to my family. Of course I knew at once that they came for the night. She is very sweet on Rebecca - I will not peach [preach] - but felt strongly tempted - I understand Mr J H Couper is at the North end. I presume I am indebted to him for sending that unfortunate stove to Hamilton - What a pity that said stove was not a pipe of wine - I think the travelling to & fro would have made it prime - I only yesterday told Mr Dunham to send to Cannons Point for it & he had actually started a team for it this morning when Sam sent him word it was at Hamilton - So an express was sent after the cart - with orders to bend round to Hamilton. Well it is here at last. But I shall have to wait again until William returns & can direct Mr Dunham how to put it up. Rebecca says all of her jewelry - relic's & valuables were burnt - All of little Bell Bartows - except a few pieces R_ had on. Elizabeth seems perfectly broken hearted by her loss's poor girls they are to be pitied - but they are better able to bear their loss's than Mrs J. D. can her loss of house - I will add a few lines in the morning - to give you the latest intelligence of your precious little ones. They are both now sleeping sweetly. I asked Willie why he slept better here than when at Hamilton "he said "you see mother I am so scrooched up there." Floyds cold is still very bad - almost everyone had bad colds - Elizabeth doces Mutty with Paragoric - through the day. I really wish you can purchase me some advice for poor little Herbert - he has had fever all day - & his burns will not heal - be sure & send me the Peruvian bark by the Planter next Monday - & any advice you may be able to get for him. Pussy thinks the turpentine Dr. Wilson ordered has increased the sorenes - Good night my child - love to William - dear Ira & a kiss to each of the darling children - I will make Willie & Bob send you their kiss's tomorrow.

San Francisco, Cal Feb 18th, 1852

My own dearest Sister Your loud affectionate letter of the "5th Jan" came to hand by the last mail -and of course as you will know have very very great pleasure. Oh! Tis so sweet to get your letters - and yet I know I do not deserve them - for never write you such letters as you write me. But the fact is you know my dear Sister our mother must be written to. That's a plane (sic) fact of the first class - then when I through writing to her. I have told all the bis I know - so I don't know any more

to tell you, oh! you don't know how glad I am to think you will send me your likness- I do hope it will be a good one - and Mother writes you are looking so well. I want the likeness to be particularly good- as I always brag on you as being the one pretty sister I have. How long did you stay in Savannah. But of course you will give me a full & minute account of every thing that transpires during your visit. What would I not have given to have met you and my sweet little Rex in Savannah. If I had been flush-I would haven taken you through and shown you all the points

But I must put off all such sweet pleasures till I have spent another year out here. You wish to know some definite time for our return as I wrote our dearest dearest Mother - (and I regret as much as you can that it must be so far off) that we would probably remain out here till one year from the first of next month. Tis hard I know. But we came here to make money- and it is not worth while to leave just when the accomplishment of that object seems practica -ble by remaining. So try to reconsile your self to it my own loved Sister- and try to think "one year is not so much after all". I wish I could think so.

[unclear] example of his illustrious predicessor Tell your fat friend (Wm. A.C.) to go to the devil himself. I know I have not written to him as often as I should have - But I have not time realy - now just see what a short letter this is. But I cant help it -

Give my love to our dear Mother and all at Retreat also to Mr. Cousin. Kiss all your dear little ones for me - and particularly my own little Anna tell her I love her more than ever - bless her sweet little soul - Please my dearest Sister excuse this. I will write more by the next mail - good bye - may God bless you - and let you write soon to Your own Affte brother T. Butler King Jr