.MTIwNg.OTMxNzU

111 This past fair weather has set our brother miners on the move. They are leaving Natoma - in search of richer mines. Shall we go up this stream or shall we pack away up the Yuba or Deer Crick - and when shall we go - that is the question. Even our little camp of three cannot agree in opinion on these points. This mining business - is the most disagreeing - disorganizing business conceivable, Feelings are disturbed spite of resolution.

    Carter was telling me this evening of an incident in Sacramento City.  Two men were carrying out a corpe for burial in a boat. The rough water capsized them - one man clung to the coffin and was saved - the other drowned.  It was necessary to cross the slew in order to reach the burrying ground.

Thursday February 14th 1850

    The pause in the rains has been sudden and complete.  Since the third week in January - not a single day has been engrossed by the watery skies.  The Spring opens full a month earlier than in seasons past. Wind has been in mere currents from SE to SW for the last week.
    Our dirt has avereaged for the last three days 51cts. 63cts and 60 cts to the bushell.  Yesterday we obtained the largest amount since the commencement of our campaign -  $28.50.  63 dust of amalgam.  The island seems to exert her benevolence just as I am about to leave.
    We are breaking up our family Lorence and myself intend to migrate to Deer Creek next week. Señor remains behind.  He thinks the expense of going now too great.
    I have past a gloomy day.  The prospect of parting with my friend Senor worries me greatly.  My last and most intimate friend - and in this strange and uncertain land.  This trial of my feelings is as great as that in leaving the States.  I hope all may end well.