St Jose Feb 26th 1851
Dear Caroline
I have but a few Minutes to write you as the mail Closes as I only arrivd Here Yesterday in St Francisco about noon in the Steamer Carolina after a Hazardous & Tiedous Passage of 26 days what with Loosing our Rudder Boat taken fire Several Times. Getting out of [...?] with Passengers a Great Many Sick & Some Dead. We Have the Last Poor fellow overboard Last Sunday. I have enjoyd verry good Health Myself as Yet Likewise Mr May. Yesterday afternoon running about St Francisco Distributing Some Letters. I run afowl of Mr. Kirby. We Started from St Francisco this morning and arrivd Here at St Jose this afternoon at 3. Found Genl Green in Good Health &c. As Yet I Can Give You no Idea of what I shall do, but by the Next Steamer I Shall Give You all the Particulars. Kiss all the Children for Me several times & Make them Kiss You for me. Give my best Respects to all Friends until I find Time to write more Particulars.
Excuse this
Yours with Love & Respect
[Next letter, March 3rd, 1851]