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Death of a man, probably "over heating himself in the harvest field brot on inflammation on the brain he was deranged from the next morning till he died." Seth may not travel on account of the presence of cholera. Received a letter from Seth, who wrote from Fort Laramie on his way to California. Their company is in relatively good health although some had "a touch of the cholera." The travelers suffered from lack of good water. Description of a "pitch" battle with Sioux Indians.

Recently arrived from San Francisco, travelling by schooner. Describes Benecia, California, and expectations for its rapid growth. Describes Sacremento and the surrounding region, pleased with the soil quality. Encountered Native Americans, noting their activities and agriculture. "There was 4 men 2 women & a little Boy, the men were playing cards for money & the women they were lying on the ground looking on. They cultivated a small tract of land about 4 acres." Comments on drought, recent discovery of gold at the Trinity mines, and notes other productive gold mines. "We understand from men that has been up and returned that there is any quantity of gold all over the County but it requires the nerve & sinew to get it." Mentions their preparations to go to the Trinity mines, the likelihood of their stopping at the Readings mines, and purchasing supplies.

Does not believe Emery's health to be strong enough to withstand going to California in search of gold and she does not want him to go. "…a comfortable living is all I ask, & a home with thee, that we can have without going to California that long & dangerous voyage." Describes her reaction to Emery's considering going to California. Asks him to find her work so they can live together. Reassures him of her love and commitment. Copies Alaric Watt's poem, "Forever Thine."

List of participants on an expedition to mine gold in California.

Provides news on the birth of a daughter. Expects that her family will be moving to Iowa to form a settlement, along with several other families. "Iowa fever has been raging here this fall as much as the California fever did last."

Arranging passage to California, noting prices. Travelling via Havana, Cuba, and Panama. “You can tell folks that is a going to california for me that they had beter secure ther passage before they leave home unless they want to stay in new york, a spell.” Sending pictures [not present]. Brief remarks on Jewish people.

Discusses anxiousness to hear from family, how their parents are doing, and how their situation is living in Ebenezer's household. Gossip about "an unpleasant feeling existing in Ebenezer's family and that Eliza does not treat Elias' wife very kindly." Correspondence with a young man who went to California, with notes about profits from mining and cost of provisions. "... numbers of our acquaintances have returned from California but I have not known of any who have got very extensively rich." Believes most who get rich in California do so by gambling.

Comments on the weather and family news. Mentions California. Someone sent home "thirteen thousand Dols in gold dust deposited in the trenton Bank" and has seen gold ore. "He writes that he is a making his fortune."

Notes a recent voyage on the Steamboat Sam Williams where he injured his foot and missed the opportunity to work on a steamer. Secured a position as master of the Schooner Victoria, and has travelled along the Sabine River to collect and deliver cotton to Galveston and continue to New Orleans. Owner of the Victoria intends to sell it, "so by that I am thrown out of employment." Prefers not to work in New Orleans due to sickliness, hopes to get another job as a master or mate, and encloses money (not included). Difficulties receiving letters and homesickness. See also Perry W. Hall ALS to "Dear Father," 1857 May 4; Bulls Ferry, New Jersey. 3 pages.

Has been looking for work and obtained a position at a furniture warehouse, but it proves difficult. Notes the large number of people seeking employment. Considering learning to take daguerreotypes and heading west, and has found a man to teach him. Also interested in learning bookkeeping and possibly moving to California. Older women at his boarding house treat him like he is a thief.