Kelsys Dry Diggings March 13th / 53
Dear Carrie
I Have Just Recvd two Letters from You Dated Jany 16 & 25th. I was much pleasd to Hear that You & the Children are all well. We Had a day of Mourning in our Cabin, for a day or two past, on account of Henry Burr Getting the News of His wifes Death which was a Heavy Stroke upon Him. As for myself I enjoy verry Good Health at Present, with the exception of weak Eyes, which Troubles Me Some. As for my Prospects for doing well it will Depend upon the Rains & Length of Time I Stay Here. My intention was to Leave Here the first of April but in Order to do that as the old Nigger said when He Standing under a Tree, to Get out of the Rain & a flash of Lightening Struck the Tree He askd if the other Could Pray He said No, then He said Something Got to be Done Damb quick & So it is with Getting Gold. If I Come Home in April Something Got to be Done Dam quick. We have Just Got to Doing well but notwithstanding if I Can Sell out I shall Come. It May be in april & May Not until May. Mr. May intend Leaving in April, Capt Foster I believe I Mentiond in My Last Left in Feburarary. He is about Home by this Time a few Days ago. I got a few Lines from Doct I. S. Cushing at San Francisco & Have Just written Him, I Have Not Had a Lettr from Addeline for Sometime. I See by one of Henry´s Letters that Eunice Goff & one of Cheneys Children attended the funeral of Henry´s wife. I dont know what more to Say to You, More than I want to Come Home as bad as You want Me to Come but Hate to Come without Money for I dont want to be Laughft at. I see by Your Letters You are enjoying yourself which I am Much pleasd to Hear & I am Glad to see the Children are so well. I Send You by this Mail another Draft of 50 Dollars being three & am in Hopes of Sending You More if I am Lucky about My Coming I will inform You in Due Season. I Have sent You You My pretty face, a Handsom Breast Pin, three Drafts of 50 Dollars Each, & want You to write Me wether you Recve [receive] them or Not. Kiss all the Little Girls for Me & Charly Boy. You must Make Him Kiss You for Me,
Yors in Haste [?]
James M. Burr