Transcription
Cerro Gordo
14th Oct. 1870
Dear Frances,
I believe this is the third time I have wrote you since I had the pleasure of hearing from you. And as you are the only one that I hear from in Butte Co., if you fail to write me I will not be posted about anything that is being done there. I hoped to have heard from you every mail lately, but none have arrived yet.
There is hardly anything for me to write about at this place that would interest you. I told you previously that I was Superintending the construction of smelting works at this place. A great many here were pleased to think and say that they would prove a failure, on [account?] of my not having enough (as they thought) practical experience in the business. Also because I had my furnaces constructed somewhat different from other here. We commenced smelting over two weeks ago, and I know you will be pleased to hear that they were a complete success. Doing better than others now in operation here for over two years. The trouble now is to get enough ores to keep them running.
I must ask your pardon for writing so much about mining, and hope that you will not tell of my doing so for they would certainly wonder what kind of an old bachelor he is that would even mention such things in writing to a young lady, when it ought to be about balls, parties, and suchlike in order to be up to the times. Well you are very fortunate to be where you can write occasionally about some pleasant party where everyone enjoys themselves. I wish I could do the same, for I don’t believe in being dull all the time. But the fact is I have not been to a party or danced once since I left Butte Co. I would have went to the Mexican celebration last month at Lone Pine, where everyone went and had a pleasant time, but I could not leave this place.
I had intended to ask a favor of you this time, but as it is uncertain my hearing from you soon, I will defer it. Hoping that this will find you well and having a pleasant time at Frenchtown. My regards to Mr. and Madam Smith and all the family.
Your friend in haste,
Jno. L. Porter