Transcription
Cerro Gordo
3rd Feb. 1868
Dear Fanny,
I have just received your kind favor of 10th December.
Was very glad to hear from you and that you were well.
We have had very severe weather on this side the Sierras since Dec.—all the bridges on Owens River were washed away and for about one month all communications with this place was cut off. Could not even get to Independence (where all our letters come to). Since the 20th Nov. have wrote you twice, but suppose you may not receive either of them as some of the mails were lost going from this place.
I would have liked so much to have been someplace that I could have sent you something about New Year. I will take good care not to be shut up in the Inyo mountains another winter. We have had to pay 3 cents a lb. to have provisions packed 8 miles and been using snow water for the last two months. However, we have got along pretty well, but could not have much work [?] done.
There is no news here that would interest you to write about, and you will find this a very dull letter.
I am glad to hear that you have quite recovered from the hurt you received about Madam Smith saying that one side of your face is smaller than the other. It is done to plague you and probably to prevent your incurring the risk of another accident.
I suppose you have had a pleasant time at Frenchtown about Christmas and New Year. I have had a New Year present even here—some preserved peaches some boys brought from Los Angeles and we have had two visitors—parties that live in a cave (formerly occupied by the pack mules) about half mile from our house. But as to seeing any ladies, I do not believe there is one on the whole Inyo Range of mountains.
In about two months there will be great change here. We will probably have a weekly mail, whereas at present we hardly have a chance to forward or get letters or papers once a month.
Please present my regards to Mr. and Madam Smith and all the children. Hoping to hear from you soon and that you are well.
Your friend truly,
Jno. L. Porter
