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Notice: all or parts of this letter appears in copyrighted sources (Emmanuels 2002, Evans 1968) and is presented here with permission.
(Justin to Septer)
Kings River
July 16, 1859
Mr. Septer Esrey,
Dear Brother, I avail myself of this oportunity of addressing you a few lines at the present time, hoping that they may find you as they leave me --in the enjoyment of good health.
Jonathan received a letter from you the other day which was the first that we have had from you. We were very thankful for it as it was the source of much pleasure to hear that you were all well in Missouri. I was down at San Jose in the month of June, stoping with Daniel and Amanda. They were in good health. In short all our relatives in this country are well. You speak of coming to this country and wish us to say whether you can make a living in California. I suppose that you can but whether you will be satisfied when you get here is the question. If you have any capital you can make money in this country. Raising most any kind of stock is a good business. Mining and farming is not so good. Then again you ought to take into serious consideration whether or not you intend to make this country your home. If you think that it will pay to stay here I should advise you to get your better- half picked and fetch her out, for they are scarce in this country and hard to get -and poor property when they are got. And if you find any others that will imegrate, bring me one.
You did not say what route you are going to come, but I suppose that you will take the mail steamer as that is the best. Me and Jonathan are very busy in puting up hay. When we get that done the most of our summer work will be done. If you will come to California we will be of all the assistance in our power. We have got a good stock ranch as we could desire, but it is a lonesome place to live. This country is filling up very fast and I think will be a desirable country to live in after a while. But I want you to use your own judgment about coming to this country. If you are corning at the season that you are, take the Panama route. You will please give my respects to all old acquaintances.
This is badly written but I will endeavor to write better next time.
Yours Respectfully,
Justin Esrey