and in the Bay, where they are gathered, they are worth $3 pr bushel, and cannot get them half fast enough at that. If I go with Mr. Allen, I shall probably start in two or three weeks, and when I return you will know all, or as soon as I can get the news to you. But I cannot help thinking that you will come to this country yet. . .
Irving made $5 or 6 dollars last in gathering Strawberries and selling them one day he sold $2.50 worth, and did not work near all day. He had a pig given him while I was on the Bay, and he has two hens and three chickens. We have no cow nor I dont expect to get one untill fall, and not then unless I can get it of some of the imegrants, and if I go to the Cascades in the fall, I shall try to get some. ...
Any one that intends coming next spring ought to have his wagons made this summer, and run them six months before they start, and then have them well repaired, just as they start, and by all means get mules, unless you wish to bring cattle along, if so then get cattle, not over six years old, my best ones wer only 4. and as good as any on the road, they halled one wagon from Big Sandy to Fort Boysse, and get those that have hard feet, and that step perfectly true, or that does not twist there feet on the ground, and get drivers that know how to use cattle, and will use them well, and you can come safely with them...
The election is over, but it will be a long time before we know who is elected, though Skinner is ahead of Lane as far as heard from...
It is thought that there is rich gold mines in the Cascade Mountains east of this place.[1].....
Just heard that Lane is ahead.
Affectionately Yours
(To be continued)
- ↑ The papers speak of gold mining in various places in the Cascades, near the base of Mount Hood and at the headwaters of the Santiam; Oregonian, June 18, August 13, 1853.
