.MTc4.NDEzNjU

I rec'd the invitation; but no matter, it was thanksgiving with me when I heard from home & I felt it to be a sort of a general wedding & that I was reunited to our family band: 2 Weddings, my Brothers both emerged from Single Blessedness to taste of Matrimonial sweets. I rejoice with those that rejoice: With Sam'l's Better half I believe I have no acquaintance; yet from my knowledge of her father I think that a young woman brought up under the guidance & instruction of such a father would be no other than a Young lady of intelligence & refinement & of matured mind- As for myself I have a good reason for remaining in the single state, I have been wholly & totally deprived of the society of the dear fond loving creatures; It is not enough to say the Girls are scarce. I might safely say there is not one about here of a marriageable age, & I might well add if there were it is all the same to me for I did not come to California to hunt me a wife: I have always been in the mountains having never been in the valley to San-Francisco or Sacramento or to any of the larger or principle towns. There are quite number of married ladies in this vicinity which I believe to be honorable & respectable, also there are some women in town who no doubt are entitled to a harsher epithet than ladies: with each & all I claim no acquaintance, although repeated invitations have been extended to me from married men of my acquaintance to call & spend the Eve - but as yet I have found no time, I am neither a Misanthrope or a Woman hater. Were I in the vicinity of the Dear Critters or in the land of lovely faces & merry hearts, instead of remaining a Bachelor, I should endeavor to increase my happiness by seeking the society of Sweet Angels. But I am getting Silly & my words are void of sense I fear, for one of my experiences. I intended t have said something of my affairs but I must continue elsewhere . Yours truly Chas Reed

[left-hand side] I did not intend to take up so much paper . I will say a few words on another sheet.