CORRESPONDENCE 277
be successful in the great work of the gospel ministry in the midst of the unparalleled excitement which reigns through the entire community. Sometimes I almost de- spond in view of the present and coming scenes. All ar- ticles of living are high food, raiment and labor. Oregon is almost empty of goods. Farming is being neglected to an alarming extent. All improvements in mills and me- chanics' work is about to be suspended and the rage is for gold and how men can reach the mines. It will cost prob- ably two or three times as much in dollars and cents to support a family here this year as last. Yet we hope that in a year or two things will become more settled and the facili- ties for doing good will be much increased. All reports rep- resent the moral condition of California alarmingly deplor- able. Gambling, drunkenness and violence reign.
Yours,
EZRA FISHER. Received July 3, 1849.
Sullivan's Creek, a fork of the Terwallomy,
May the 12th, 1849. Dear Mrs. Fisher:
Colonel Hall and Edward Lenox, being about to return to Oregon, I take my pen to write you a line. My health is very good, through the tender mercies of Almighty God. Yet our work is quite laborious at present and we get but little gold in comparison to those who dug six or eight weeks ago. Mr. Stone and myself are boarding with Mr. Jeffrie at three dollars per day. We expect to move camp in a few days to the bars on the large streams. We may go south to the Terwallomy, or we may go north toward the American Fork. I cannot tell when I shall leave for home. Should providence smile on my health, I think of staying till we can get on the bars and till I can make enough to help the family to some of the comforts of life. I have seen men take out 4, 6, 8 and 12 ounces in a day since I have been here, while others within ten steps would not pay their board and work
