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1858 Letter Transcript

Editor's notes:

Bryan wrote interesting, articulate letters, but neither his spelling nor his grammar were perfect. This transcript reflects his original document, including all his errors, without modification or correction.

There are many excellent websites devoted to the California Gold Rush. Check out California - The Gold Rush and The Land of Glittering Dreams.

Jamestown Cal. January 2d 1858

To
Mr. Alex Cockrell

Sir,
I received a letter from you which was written in June last, and I answered it at the time of reseption, but I have not heard from you since. I received one from my wife at the same time and have not received any since. What can be the cause is a mistry to me. But I continu to write to my by every mail. I hope you will write to me and let me know the cause if any. I do not write to anyone at Dallas ecept you for I cannot place confidence in any the rest.

I am not able to come home yet, but as soon as I can I shall start home on the mail Rout from hear to El Passo. I have worked harder than I ever did in my life, but it takes all I can make to pay my expences, aim every one hear that I am acquanted with is in the same situation. I some times get out of heart and conclude I will not be able to see my wife and children again. The gold mines is worked out so much that men can make but little now, and still a mans expinces is the same they were before the mines faild. I am mining now but the watter freeses up and I can make nothing. You could not believe that their was in this country, and Hundreds of them that wear almost on the starve, but such is the case. And there is but few but what eates up at night what he makes in the day. It is the hardes country, I think, on earth

I shall be on the way as soon as I can make the money, l shall not remain hear one day longer than I can help, for I want to see my Wife and Children. When I mention that is the cause for my coming home, you know l am in ernest. I want you to see my wife tell her what I have written and say to her that it is not my fault I do not come home.

Give my Love to my wife and children. My Respects to Mrs. Cockrell and any others that you know to be my friends if I have any about.

I remain your friend

P. S. If you write direct your letter thus

Col John N Bryan

Jamestown
California

If letters come hear after I leave I have friends hear that will send them too me whearever I go I do not want any more sent to Stocton for there is too minny their that knows me J B Bryan was their not long ago

JNB

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