Transcription
Jordan Hill
16th December 1865
Mon amie Miss Smith,
I am afraid you have forgot that you promised to write me a long letter.
I have been expecting one every day for the last week. You spoke of coming over to assist in getting up a Christmas tree. I hope you will not fail to come over.
I would be glad to see you over here at any time and hope you will come over and see us soon.
I supposed you would like to hear how we are getting along as regards the school. Well—the school house is finished, and Miss Miller gave [?] us to understand that she would come over at any time. And there are two at Marysville that would like to come up and teach. The parties here that have most interest in the school do not hurry it along as fast as they might. And I have done all that they may expect me to do—as regards engaging a teacher--all they have to do is to decide on which teacher they prefer—and get her over here.
I have nothing of interest to write about and do not want to close yet, so presume I muse write you some nonsense—and tell you what agreeable company I had coming from Marysville to Oroville. A family coming from Maine enroute to Fort Jones. Two of them were young ladies—and they sang patriotic songs nearly all the time we were in the stage. They seemed to think I must be going to Fort Jones too and if they would have agreed to sing all the time going up I certainly would liked to have went up with them.
Then I must tell you that I have heard from several young ladies that I used to be acquainted with in Nevada County—and I believe I must go over there pretty soon. One of them wanted me to send her my likeness, but [I] was not willing to send it to a young lady I had not seen for two years. (She was not much older than you when I saw her last.)
So I sent her word that I would not consider it proper to send a likeness to any young lady—without having hers first—if she is not offended she may [illegible] send me one—and if she does I will show it to you.
I have wrote you all the above nonsense to give you all the trouble I can to read it, and pay you for not writing me sooner.
Please present my regards to Mme. Smith.
Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you soon, I remain—
Your friend,
J. L. Porter