We worked steadily for four months. But you may conceive of our disappointment, when we found it would not pay to work. You know I am not one to parade my misfortunes, so I thought it would be best not to write to you then. I have thus given you a succinct account of my roamings. Many adventures I have had, which I should like to tell you.
All nations are here represented, and eager after gold.
Though I have made little, I have seen much since I left the States, and only regret I worked for so many years in England for nothing. I intend going some 300 miles south of this, to winter in dry diggins, to make more or lose the little I have. I have experienced more kindness from the Spaniards, Chilians especially, than from other people. I have been constantly going to answer your kind letter which I lost in the flood of '49, but I kept deferring it, as I had no luck to tell of, no stationery at hand, and knew not at what place I should be a month from any time. I should like to send you some specimens of gold, but have no way.