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Apologizes for her abrupt departure. Asks Carrie to send a picture of herself. Brief mention of her education. Comments on women she loves and misses. Visited Niagara Falls, stopped in Buffalo, New York, and continued on to Cleveland, Ohio, and Vincennes, Indiana. Tried to speak to a French innkeeper at a way-station on her journey. Describes Davenport and a picnic she attended at Black Hawk’s Town, “a place celebrated in Indian Warfare.” Has been invited to join a local musical society. Received a letter about Columbia College’s commencement and the performance by Eugene [Pomeroy?].

Difficulties with mail. Debunks rumors that he is “engaged to a rich Spanish Lady,” and hopes it was started in jest. Upset that Lydia believed the rumor. “… I have never paid any attention whatever, either by word or deed, too any Spanish, Mexican, or Chiliano Lady, this side of New York.” Feeling pessimistic due to losing friends and business prospects. Reacts to news of his sister’s death and Lydia’s impending blindness. Includes a painting of red flowers and a note from Kitt promising to tell of her Christmas and New Year in the following letter.

Comments on the region’s fine climate, its geography, and future prospects. Notes San Francisco trade, wooden buildings, and ships and shipping. Mentions growing trade with Japan and China and competition for jobs. Discusses a visit to Folsom and forms of transportation. Thoughts on gold mining. Advises Barress to remain in Cleveland, Ohio, and hold off coming to California “unless you had something sure here.”

Letter from a miner working a drift claim. Discusses gold mining techniques.

Letter written in German from German Jewish merchants. References to cattle, trains, Las Vegas.

Describes a fifteen day trip from Bannock City and Beaverhead mines to Clifton through "Indian country." A variety of conflicts resulted in the death of one Native American and a member of their party being shot. Stubbs shaved his head to prevent being scalped. Comments on the town of Clifton, costs of obtaining quartz crushing machinery and supplies from San Francisco versus Salt Lake, newspapers and printing, gold mining, the hire of draft dodgers, and a local axe murder.

Sending congratulations on Colfax’s election as Speaker of the House. “… and I congratulate the country upon the election of so sound a radical, as I know you to be, upon all the great issues, which now agitate the nation.” Knows Colfax to support the interests of the Pacific Coast, including the Pacific Railroad, overland mail service, and advocating their needs in Congress. Mentions California Governor, Frederick Ferdinand Low (1828-1894). “Gov. Low was not more rejoiced at his own election.” Written on “Post Office, San Francisco” stationery.

Town begins to look lively. Mining prospects are bright. Wages and prices both high.

Mentions trouble with Native Americans on the plains and comments on the sale of lightning rods. Written to brothers in Highlands Gulch, Montana Territory.

Written while Deforest served in Co. M, 3rd U.S. Cavalry. Glad to receive letters as he feels "isolated from friends and civilization entirely," noting how the mail has to be defended by an escort of ten armed men to guard against Native American attacks. Believes Native American forces "are very much enfeebled at present, in fact the Late War in the States has played them out considerably. Great many of them Joined the Confederate Army in Texas and in this Territory and they have been cut up to an Great extent." Notes other impacts of the Civil War, attributing a Navajo surrender to the belief that the government could "clean them out." Heightened immigration from Mexico, establishment of Pinos Altos, and use of Spanish in the area. Remarks on much dancing of the fandango and jealousy over Americans interacting with Mexican women. Comments on deserters and cost to the government.