Transcription
Cerro Gordo
22nd Dec. 1870
Dear Fanny,
Your kind favor of 21st Nov. is duly received. I was very glad to hear from you and to find that you were well. Also much pleased to find your enclosed photograph. As to your saying it does not please you, I should think one would be pretty hard to please if it did not, as it is decidedly the most handsome and natural one I have seen of yours. You have changed a great deal since I had the pleasure of seeing you, so much taller and improved in every way. I was under the impression that I would hardly recognize you, but after seeing your likeness I would be certain to recognize you anywhere I might see you.
You rather got ahead of my usual time in going to Oroville. I would have supposed you would have wanted to stay a day or two as you do not go there often.
Dear Fanny, it is now getting near New Year, and I have been [illegible, looking?] for something to send to you from here, but there is really nothing to be found here that I could send. And I have not been away from this place for a long time, and at present can’t leave. So I got a little silver bullion intending to send you some specimen bars.
Last evening I went to mold them and I was interrupted about some other business when doing it. [Illegible, consequently?] I have spoiled their looks and have no time to do it over as the express leaves in a short time. I do not like to send them as they are, but must do it if you are to receive them this month. I send you four small bars [of] silver bullion from the ores of this place, also four small buttons as specimens. What you do not wish to keep you can distribute to your brothers and sisters. If you would like to have some more specimens, please let me know, and the kind you would like, and I will take pleasure in sending them to you.
There is nothing of interest at this place to write about, and I will tell you all about Mr. Hunter and my horse Billy in my next as I must now bid you goodbye for the present as the stage is about to leave. Hoping that this will find you in good health and wishing you all a Mery Christmas and happy New Year.
Yours truly,
Jno. L. Porter