.ODc5.NTU2MTU

Jack & Frank went over to the middle Yuba this morning with 3 mule loads of Provisions that we agreed to pack over for some men at 12$ per hundred for packing 8 miles, so you can see what prices men have to pay for every thing here. I would be glad if we could get such jobs to do all the time. it would be much better than mining. they will be back early in the morning & then Jack will go down to Nevada -- Frank has gotten to be quite a man but I think that he dont look as old as he used to by about 40 or 50 years. I hope that Ghol has entirely given up the idea of coming to California by this time He must recollect that golden crows always fly in foreign lands, at least I have not seen any full grown ones since I have been in this country Tell sister that I am very anxious to know what that was that she promised to tell me in her last letter that was so rich concerning herself. I think I can guess pretty near it, if I am not mistaken. at any rate I would like to be knowing something about it. Mother, I sincerely hope that before this time yours & grandmothers health is better than when we last heard from you for nothing could give us more uneasiness than to hear that you were unwell. grandmother, I fear will not survive many years longer for she was apparently very? feeble when I left & I then feared that I never should see her again yet I still cherish the hope of seeing you all before this time next year provided nothing happens. I think that our destinies have been cast in diferent lands long enough & I still look forward to the day when we can all once more be together to enjoy that very rare blessing which is found only at home. You must all write as often as you can. Ghoh you must write too & dont think hard of us for not writing oftener, for although I am ashamed of it yet we cant well help it for want of opportunity My respects to Col Burns & Bro. Henry? Capers &c Tell Josephine that I never mean to write to her untill I hear that she has discarded that fellow Jack Donaldson I knew he would dip? me up if he staid there & I tried to coax him to come to California but he would not tell her however that I still love her as fondly & devotedly as ever -- but I fear that I shall yet have to drag out a miserable existance as a consequence of unrequited love. My love to Mrs. Randolph & also to Emily & Adeline Skinner. I had intended to leave some room for Jack & Frank to fill up but I see I have about consumed it all & they will have to use another sheet if they write & if not this will answer for all. give my love to grandmother & Uncle Presleys family when you see them and for yourselves receive the same from your devoted son & Brother. May God help you all good night. Thomas J. Oxley

[written along left margin] Frank says that he will write in a day or two. they got home late last night & Jack is going down early this morning & Frank is very busy cooking breakfast.