The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1849-05-12
A Damper for the Caiifornians Ex-
cept the Doctor,

William E. Morford Of this place, who
sailed for the Pacific nearly a year ago, and
who, like hundreds of other voyayers on
that far off ocean, finally brought up at the
Gold Diggins,'' has written home a very
interesting letter, from which we have been
permitted to make the subjoined extracts
The rejecting reader will gather from these
extracts a pretty accurate idea of the add
vantages which California presents for en-
terprising young men, also, the disadvant-
ages. The writer of the annexed para
graphs rs well educated. conversant with
business, and possessed of an adventurous
aud daring spirit; and yet, with all these
qualifications for the enjoyment of new
scenes and associations. he frankly confesses
that moderate competence at home would
be preferable to residence III California,
notwithstanding the higher scale of remun-
eratien bestowed IN that quarter upon skill
and activity. l.'..''s-.', -
The portions Of the letter which we have
omitted relate to matters which have no in
terest beyond the highly esteemed family
circle to which they are addressed. His
voyage out was propitious, furnishing no
incident OF novel or startling character.-
His adventures on terra frna are the main
features of the letter, and most Of these we
quote. He writes as follows: -
"SAN FRANcIsco, Jan. 6, 1S49.
-. '' Upon our arrival at Monte
rcy, We heard Of the gold mines, and en-
blazoned as the accounts were, they at once
gave me the idea Of seeking my fortune
among them. After our arrival at San
Francisco, most of our men including the
cook and steward, ran away from us the
Captain then begged the residue to stay by
HSxa- frl etx a H.
he would give US clear or double our wages.
Ito double mine would he twice O is Ga
slim chance.) However, the remainder left,
excepting D., the sail maker and myself
After which the captain remarked As you
are an apprentices am in duty bound 70 re-
turn you to New York ;" aud refused me my
discharge; whereupon took French leave
for the mines. After walking about 500
miles through the Spanish ranches arrived
at Suffers Fort on the Sacramento. then
proceeded on horseback XCaptain Suffer
having given me mnstang) to the North
Fork or Rio Americana.
81 worked about eleven days, averaging
$lO4 per day-waS then taken sick with the
fever, and had very severe time of il.
received four visits from the nearest doctor,
which was sixty miles off, and paid him to
the tune Of $GOO-$l50 per visit-leaving
me with about sixty dollars in pocket. after
paying for my provisions, which are high
in proportion, enclosed is a price current. J
" then returned to the Fort, on foot,
having lost my horse. Captain Suffer gave
me employment in carrying the chain with
Lieutenant Warren, who was surveying a
town about the Fort, called New Halyetia .
Here was very badly poisoned, )" as it is
called, by the noxieas sbrubhery with which
icame in contact, and was obliged to relin-
auisil the business.
AFTER the ship left here returned and
found one of my most intimate New York
friends, formerly. assistant paying teller in
Tee Merchants, Bank, Thos. J. Roach; he
came out here as LIST Lieutenant Of the vol
ppteers. Through his influence obtained
t'tftustion as Purser's Clerk OH board the
shiP'of war St. Mary (; about week after
which the purser died, and Captain CROWN
shield appointed bis nephew Purser, and he
took his brother as Clerk, thus depriving me
Of my situation,
!" Roach then obtained me another situa-
ton with Messrs. Cross, Hobson & Co.. lex
tensive MERCHANTS both here aud at Valpar-
also with salary III 8 $50 month and boar
dcd; board is $50 week indeed, every
thing Is at an ENORMOUS price at present. /
still remain with them; but as soon as COL
loct money enough shall return home; for |
can live much better on $50 a month in
New York Than here for $3.50. Then there
= no socjety here; il - ten times worse
fbon Wisconsin; with gamblers innumera-
~. and the Spsnish gamblers win murder