Feb 10th / 52 Kelseys Dry Diggings
Dear Caroline,
I have but a few Minutes to write in as the Mail Leaves to Night therefore Can say but Little More than I am well. We are Living up in the Mountains in a Log Cabin, Our Fare is Rough Beans three Times a day. We Have Been up to Our Asses in Mud for three weeks digging away Like Fury. Have Got Some Dirt Hove up but owing to the scarcity of water. Have Not washed any Yet. I Am unable to Say when I Shall Come Home but I am in Hopes of striking upone something soon which will enable Me to Come Soon. The Next Letter I will endeavor to Comence in Season & Give You a full Description of everything. I Have to walk Six Miles to Night to Get Home as Foster & myself Have been prospecting & strayed down to Coloma at Sutters old Mill. Give my Best Respects to all neighbors & to the Little Girls, take a share Yourself
& Excuse this Short letter
Yours Affectionately
James M. Burr
PS) Continue to write me by Every Mail & Direct Your Letters to Me Care of Isac Merrill Sacramento City
[Next letter, February 25th, 1852]