Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-06-17
Letter from California.

-s-51@ Letter from California.
= We have been favored with the follow
ing letter for publication, from Mr.. PINNEY,
formerly a resident of Paris, in this county.
FEBRUARY 17th, 1850. !
= 81 remember my promise and now, wish
to give you fairly to understand how it is
with me. believe my last letter was
mailed at Salt Lake City: whether or not
il gave full account of my history there
|. do NOT remember, however the man Hill
ward with whom | had travelled from the
States, was pursuaded by the Mormons to
believe the rest of the road impracticable,
and that it was best to make road to Will
liam's Ranch, and there were more than
$50 wagons that all took the new road. A
Mormon, by the name Of Hunt, went as
guide for 100, at so piece. And tho
l did all could against it, yet ! could do
no better than 60 along. So off we put,
and after many delays found it advisable
to make cut off. which was said, would
save two days time. We tried it, and al:
ter days fasting for our cattle and horses,
we found ourselves within 2 miles of where
we started on the cutoff. On we went 10
Little Salt Lake. Then the news that
there was nearer route to California by
striking west across the desert began to
spread. They said Mr.. Bridger and, nam.
ihe two or three more, had all travelled
that way and that there was water and
grass within every Is miles,. and more,
MI. Smith, with his own mules and men
were then on that same pass. Flat
tered BY the hope of shortening our jour-
ney 400 miles, they all followed Smiths
trail near go miles, when the wagons found
themselves hemmed in by mountains.
Then and there the company broke into
seven parts. However, let me say, as Dr..
McCormac held the guides fees and refused
to pay them over unless the guide stuck to
the first agreement, therefore Hunt with 7
wagons only kept the Spanish trail. To
return to the wagons. The most then re-
turned to trail. Some packed and among
the rest. Provisions began to be scarce.
We packed many days, then came up with
Smiths train who had lain by the spring,
and that, the only water within two days
drive More than week trying to find a
pass but could find none. The pack ami
mails we're all obliged TO turn back. The
men as well as animals were almost starved
and famished. They killed some horses to
eat. killed and jefked my poney, and IL
of us thought it best and we packed to 60
ahead. And now, friends, do not ask a
minute detail of our suferings, for it is
painful to my memory. Suffice it, then to
saw that out of eleven, only two got through
10 Owen's Lake. We left the nine on the
desert. w ell do remember the events.
n We then recruited with the Indians 10
or 70 days; then went south until we could
cross the mountains, living, l will tell you
how. when see you.
After crossing we travelled north unit!
we came so miles north of the San Walk
ins river. Here we found the Anonfreean
and Meryposa diggins, where am at pre-
sent. How long shall stay here it is
impossible to say.
Flour. Pork, Coffee, and Potatoes have
sold here this month for one dollar and
fifty cents per pound, though it is now
much less. Some are getting rich and
others poor. Wages range from S to SIS
a day. We have had some of the finest
weather and some oflhe foulest you ever
saw. The climate of the mines is cold
nights and hot days, even bordering On the
extreme, though the air is pure and health
ful, vet, the degrees of temperature are
such as to keep me always exposed. sup
pose your anxiety is some like mine.
would Ike to see you, wish | was with
YOU instead of being here, ifl was should
never come here second time, assure
YOU: and there are hundreds more here
that are ditto. am well, though it is
wonder that live. How long shall stay
here is in the future, though will not
stay past 55, unless they DO to me as they
do to others here. have not yet received
a letter from any of you and perhaps new
er will, because of the uncertainty OF the
mail. 1t is of little use to write either way.
Time rolls on rapidly and will soon roll
me to eternity, or the States if can make
enough to get there. There are hundreds
Of things crowding to enter the list as news
to you, but there is no room. | hope you
arb ali alive and we'll. You may not hear
from me again until you see me. And if
am permitted would like to be located
besideyou and enjoy the luxuries OF little
family kud home. But am resolved upon
owning the foundation on which locate.
The Mississippi valley is a much richer
and more fertile than California as it is
larger. If any Of you ask my advice say
stay at home or get location in the west.
ern States-.suse industry and economy and
YOU will become we'll off. But ifyou must
come here and suffer a hundred deaths and
like hundreds more remain poor, so be it.;
you make your own fortune. No man OF
over IS years should come past the Mis-
sissippi river west.
Now friends, FAREWELL The integrity
Of righteousness cleanse your character
and then we are sure to meet again. A
gain farewell. Pray for me.
S Yours, with respect,
~ ALGERNON PINNEY.
TO B1DwELL PINNEY.
sr,ounfu nnnoerafics CAnveuti0U