Transcription
Cerro Gordo, Inyo Co., Cal.
18th December 1869
Dear Miss Smith,
It is a long time since I have had the pleasure of hearing from you. Your favor of the 20th July being the last.
On my arrival here I would have wrote you, but, as I wrote 2 days previous to leaving White Pine requesting you to write me at this place, I delayed writing hoping to hear from you. I have now come to the conclusion that from some cause you have failed to receive my letters. So I will proceed and inform you the cause of my change of base—so soon. In June and July I was about 80 miles east of White Pine opening some veins we had discovered in a new district (where we had [fine or fair?] prospects). There was no chance for receiving or forwarding letters from that place at that time, so I did not receive your letter until my arrival at White Pine about the first of August. The day after my arrival (and before replying to your letter) I was taken sick (a violent attack of bilious fever) and for more than one month was not able to move one rod from the house and not even write. In fact, I never have been reduced so low, and in such a short time, by any sickness previously.
At that time it was pleasant weather, but were expecting a change, and I was advised to go to a warmer climate directly. I was strong enough to be removed, for I was reduced so much had it turned cold there was great danger of a relapse when it would have been very doubtful of my recovery. When I was nearly well enough to travel, my best saddle mule was stolen from a ranch where we kept our animals, and my partner took me out there so he could try and find trace of the mule (failed to find him). I stayed there 3 days, and it was from that place that I wrote to you. Left that place enroute for here directly I could keep the saddle for a short drive, leaving everything in charge of a friend. That sick spell of mine spoiled all my prospects of doing well in that section, for the climate does not agree with me, and I do not intend going back to it anymore.
On the route to this place I got strong very fast and am now quite well, but as yet have not tried to do much.
You will please excuse me for writing such a tedious letter about myself—you will get tired before you read one half of it (or ought to). And now it is getting so near Christmas and New Year, and I am compelled per force of circumstances to remain in the wilderness a while longer. It appears as if the fates had willed it so, in my case from the way everything has went lately.
I sometimes fancy what changes there must be in places and among the residents that one has not seen for nearly three years. I suppose that I would hardly recognize [?] you at a distance, for you must have grown a great deal since I left. But I am sure I would know you after any length of time could but have a fair look at your eyes. If you have had any late cartes de visite taken and you chose to send me one, I should esteem it a particular favor.
Please give my regards to Mr. and Madam Smith, not forgetting your brother, sisters, and all my friends. I hope that this will find you well and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and that is certain what I will not enjoy this season, but if it is possible I hope to be in a more congenial clime than even this is before the next New Year rolls around, for I intend to quit mining by that time or arrange it so as not to be solely dependent on it—if it is possible for me to do it. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Truly your friend,
J. L. Porter
P.S. Please address
Cerro Gordo
Inyo County, Cal.