Transcription
Los Angeles
9th Jan. 1868
Dear Fanny,
Your kind favor of Nov. was duly received by me the same day that I left Owens River Valley. And since that time have been traveling most of the time in the Sierras and Coast Range and have been to few places where I could receive letters or forward any. About Christmas and New Year I was at a small valley in the San Fernando Mountains and could not even write to you to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year, which I hope you have enjoyed. I arrived at this place [2 or 3] days ago to get supplies and see the place. Will leave tomorrow for Havilah and go by way of the Camulo Ranch [Rancho Camulos] on the Santa Clara River.
I thank you for remembering about the present, the kind intention is as good to me as if it was made and really I don’t think that I deserve one. In your letter you were telling me about the parties you have been to, also that beaux were if anything an encumbrance—well where anything is an encumbrance, the best way generally is to get rid of it.
You say when you write again you will tell me about everything and want me to tell you something about my sweethearts—well I am sorry to inform you that really I have not one, in all my travels and no prospect of having one soon—and that is easily accounted for.
Since I saw you last and started on this trip I have not lived where there were any ladies. You are aware that I wrote you there is no ladies at Cerro Gordo and I lived there about 18 months. Then when I came down to Owens River a friend of mine had got married a few weeks previous. He introduced me to his wife and she wanted me to go with them in about a week to visit some families near Independence where there are a number of young ladies but I did not stay there long enough to go—and since I left have been in the mountains all the time. There are plenty of young ladies here but as yet have seen none that I am acquainted with. The only thing that I am fascinated with is the climate at this place—It is really delightful. Just fancy oranges and lemons in full bloom. Green and ripe on the same tree. All kinds of fruits and vegetables ripe and green (some of them) at any season of the year. I would give my horse if you were only here for a week to see the orange and lemon groves and everything else to be seen here.
When I get to Havilah I hope to get letters from you as I have no chance to receive any before getting there. I hope that this will find you in good health.
Please present my regards to Mr. and Madam Smith and all the family. Hoping to hear from you often.
Truly your friend,
Jno. L. Porter
Address for the present
Havilah, Kern County, Calif.