.MTIwNg.OTMxNTA

84 We have luxuriating during the past week on home news papers. I have taken solid comfort reading the Herald, the Tribune, and the Picayune. These papers sell here for $1.00 each copy. All things move on at home as if i were there. Of what consequence does this remind me am I. Great I! What a grevious blunder do we commit when we fall into this belief. Yet this same i is always present to us. And it is the easiest of blunders to fall into. The sayings and doings of home. That word once confined to a Single spot in New York - has widely extended in signification to me. Now there is a home savor in whatever occurs in any part of the United States. I was only a New Yorker once - now I am an American. The cry is still they come! With curious interest I read the accounts reaching the papers, of this country - and the accounts of emigrants starting this way. Delusion still impels the mass. Disappointment here will still increase her train. Bitterly with many families see the day they said "Good Bye" - to their departing fathers and brothers. And bitterly will many a father and brother rue that same farewell. Yet some will be glad - for they will be fortunate - and California shall be credited with either making their fortunes - or commencing them. Señor promises me $20.00 for our next washing at our mine. Good! I begin to feel with Nick Bradshaw "quite encouraged now." Let Spring come - and then away upon "the flood - to fortune!" Natoma Bank will not discount enough to make us wish to keep a running account with it long. Saw a man from Murphy's New Liggings - on the Stemislaus. He was quite discouraged - and came this way sulking more favourable localities. He stated he had worked hard 3 months and only averaged $4.00 per day. They are there obliged to sink holes - some 15 feet deep - and if they are lucky - they get good returns. The gold is course and can be picked up while shovelling. He had known miners there getting out on several occassions from 7 to 8 lbs at once - "But the devilish luck" said he "is Im to fall on some drunken Irishman - or some gambling worthless fellow!" Himself and partner had sunk in the 3 mos - 27 holes. Dr Sinus- the Pensylinmion State Geologist spent last evening with us. He is a clever - good humored old gentleman. I was much gratified with his conversation.