The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1851-01-28
From the Pickens tAla.) Republican.
A CALIFORNIA LETTER.

We have been presented with the suhjoined
letter for publication. 1t is written by an em.
grant from this country as will appear on peru
sal. it speaks of several who left about the same
time will be interesting to at least the numerous
friends and acquaintances. We have taken the
liberty to omit those portions which were OF an
entirely domestic character, such as could not
interest the good reader. We cannot make
room for the other letter from the same source
this week:
North Fork Of the American Rirer,
July 18th 1850.
Dear Brother:
Gladly would shun the task that am com
PEELED to perform in writing you this letter, dH'
no: a sense of duty urge the necessity of dis
pelling the deusion that you may till yet, be
under After writing you the letter, dated June
10th, in which stated that had heard nothing
from William, l. with the other boys, left the
city and came to where we now are, then set
out alone in search of William. Traversed
hills, mountains, and rivers, until became ron..
vnced that would have to leave it to time
; to reveal his whereabouts and it was not until
the 9Th of this month that found any person
that could give me any information. happen
ed to inquire of a young man, who proved to
be a son of Ben Williams, from 5. G., that met
William in Memphis, Miss, and travelled with
him until he died. He was able, also, to inform
me where could find David Summcrville, from
whom could learn all particulars. imnedi-
ately set out to find him and after several days
traveiI reached his camp David wrote two
letters, one to- bis brother and one to me- stating
the facts, which were these. William after
travelling five hundred and fifty miles across the
plains in the most healthy and lively manner,
he was taken with the cholera, and died in ten
hours He was lieutenant of the company to
which he belonged. He was looked upon as
the life ofthe whole train, he was the esteem OF
his associates and his death was regretted by
all who knew him. During the few moments
that were lefthim for reflection, he remained
conscious Of his situation and from the first
symptoms OF the attack, seemed to know that
his earthly career was at an end. The only
thing he said about his relations was that he
wished them to hear that he met his death with.
out the least fear, and towards the last prayed
that his suffering might quickly terminate in
death. He requested Summervile to take
charge of bis effects and manage them as best
he could, until they were delivered into our
hands. This duty David Summervllle has dis
charged in manner that deserves, not only our
gratitude, but in a ranner that should ensure
hin, welcome to the hearts Of every one bear
ing the name of Good"in, or every one that feels
that death in robing us of a beloved brother,
has severed tie that b,und them to the dearest
Samy, were it possible for me to give you an
Idea Of my feelings when found that death, in
sber ravages, had shut out forever from my sight
the beacon light that shone 30 brightly in the
frmauasnt of all my hopes, I would refrain from
giving son the picture 30 that might screea