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104 The amouss stood Duncan 133 - Cutlin 127 - Newcomb 30. I spent the day electionsering for Señor. I circulated through the ravines - along the bank and among the tents distributing tickets and securing voters. I was sadly disappointed at the small number received - since how many pledged themselves to me. At night tired and vexed I heartily mathematized politics - elections - with all the arenas of popular contest. This is my first day of wire pulling and log rolling I do not desire a second. The polls were diversified in the morning by a comical drunken fellow - at night by a crowd - an attempt at fight - drunken wit and antics - and the manuevers of a kicking mule. Firing of guns - halloings - and general noise - was the escape and of the victorious party.

Saturday February 2nd 1850

Ah these politics. I felt a marvellous disinclination to work this morning. "Little by little the bee builds her next" - so we find it in mining. Shake off dull sloth and to labor away. I wish I could find a rich hole. How a hundred dollars a day would count up. I wish I was a lucky miner. Beam says his hole yields his $50.00 each day. I should like to buy him out. I did attempt to buy out Duncan once. His hole is situated in a high bank - there is some 8 to 10 feet shovelling off to do before the rubble strata can be obtained for washing. I wanted 30 feet. The gold strata was nearly worked out - but our hole was proving recreant. I wished to better myself. I asked his price - he consulted his company and returned me the answer $1500.00 O tempur - O moves! The place a few days after was found not worthy of farther working. Buying holes is quite a business transaction. A miner prospects - finds a place - and if a purchaser comes along sells out his 10 feet front. These are California gold lots. 10 fee front with length unlimited inland. Brush House - was quite troubled by his brother miners - in his