09. Harry's Letters, August-September 1865

am, at table in the controller's office. This purchase of a new office by the Appeal proprietors is a better guaranty of permanence than they exhibited before with the old one. For that they hired; this they own. I told them before I came here that I would not consent to take charge of a paper that was to be a mere speculation, liable to frequent change of proprietors; and they assured me that it should be a permanent institution if they could possibly make it so. The purchase of this larger and more perfect establishment convinces me that they are in Earnest. Hence the probability that I shall be regularly employed as long as we agree -- and everything goes as smooth as oil, so far. I like to feel assured of having such an

[in margin in pencil (later):]

The dust on this paper is the sacred soil of Nevada.

enjoyment as I can rely upon. I find myself complimented by a distinguishing writer in the Gold Hill News of last evening. I feel at liberty to tell you how much it pacifies me to have my fellow citizens exhibit a kindly disposition toward my personal and professional character, especially as I want to make you feed proud of what little popularity I may attain to and of my success in dealing with the public. I will not disclaim the possession of a due share of vanity, and I have already confessed to a habit of egotism -- but I like to offer you a share of my gratification upon being pleasantly noticed by

my brethren of the press. I am sure that I may tell you of my hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, purposes and actions and not be misinterpreted. I hope I do not entertain a wish or willingness to make myself appear better and more respected in your eyes than I really am; for I would have you know me thoroughly Nellie and thus have full knowledge as a basis for confidence and esteem -- without which I would not ask your priceless love. And I want my wife to feel that her husband is the peer of any man -- not so much in riches or official position, as in the full measure of a man's station among his fellows, doing the best with the talents that God has given him, earning the good

opinion of his fellow men, not for the selfish advantages to be gained, but for her sake and his -- or rather for your dear sake and mine. Such is the incentive of my ambition and with your approval and encouragement it will take deeper hold of my motives and ensure more lasting and ennobling results. My friend Nightingill returned yesterday from a prolonged tramp through the mines and settlements in the Eastern part of the state. He has brought with him a great number of specimens of silver ore, fossils and other curiosities. He has promised me a portion of them, and I intend sending you some samples for your cabinet and Add's investigation. Some of them are very rich in silver

and others are very rare as geological and fossiliferous formations. I am too utterly ignorant of scientific matters to classify them properly, but I suppose that Add would know all about them and dub them with all sorts of Latin epithets.

I wrote to Lue last Sunday and asked her to send me a budget of family pictures. Please see that she does it and put your own in with the others.

It is quite time that the steamer had arrived in San Francisco; and I am on the qui vive for a letter from you.

Remember me to all thine and mine; and tell Mary Gosse that if she has recovered from that spider bite to have her picture taken and send me a copy.

If your letter comes early enough for me to do so, I will acknowledge its receipt by the same mail that conveys this. Kiss the little ones in my name, think of me every day, and do not forget to name me in your prayers to Him with whose good keeping I confide you darling. Affectionately Henry R. Mighels.

[in margin:] P.S. -- No letter is perfect without a P.S. I will send you a bundle of appeals. They will make excellent kindling, this cold weather. Write me a great long letter Nellie and tell me of everything that happens to you. God bless you. Harry.