cam_hparker_2311_f001_004.4

ing of a duel which was fought here last week & resulted
in the death of one of the parties .. Mr. Edwd Gilbert [Edward Gilbert] senior
Editor of the Alta Californian the oldest paper in California
He was a young man who until this affair was highly respected
by all. The Sermon I liked very much & it really seemed as
though I was at home again. It was the first time I had at-
tended church since I left P. [Pepperell] I will now lay aside my letter
& finish it just previous to the sailing now of the Steamer

Dear Brother Friday 13th
As the mail closes this evening I will now
write you a few words while I have an opportunity. I still enjoy
good health & am getting along tolerably well. I have written to
Esq. Jewett to send me money enough to make up 1500 dollars
with what I have already had to & after I receive it I think I
shall be able to do a good business.

I should like to be at home with now & sustieule
awhile & enjoy once more the comfort of home but it will
probably be some time before I shall be to do so.

I suppose your garden is looking finely & that your melons
& things in the fruit line are beginning to be fit to eat. & that
chickens are just beginning to crow & that your dove house
is nearly filled with doves & the yard with young ducks. All
these things I want you to write about, also what is going on in
Pepperell & C, Melons & Fruits of all kinds are quite plenty here
but they bring a large price Water Melons 15 to 20 cts per pound is
called a fair price & many are so large that they come to 7. or 8
dollars nothing is sold here for less than a bit that is 12 1/2 cents
10 ct prices go for a bit - Francs pistenuns & all such prices for 2 bits
5 frame pieces for 1.00 & so on. Copper coin is not used. I must now close
Give my love to all my friends and wrote to your brother Henry.

On left side, vertical in margin:
Saturday 14th The mails arrived here last evening bringing news from N.Y. to
10th July but brought no letters from any of you which I very much regretted
but as you have probably received my first letter by this time I am in hopes to hear
from you by next mail.
H. A. P. [Henry A. Parker]