Willett Smith to mother & sisters, 1906-05-01

is how they came to be saved I lost everything except what I have got on I saved Annie's photo and some papers that was all the revolver you sent me went up in smoke so did everything else I tell you I got a fine initiation in Frisco did you ever get the last postal I sent from Sacramento I mailed it at the depot in Sacto just before the train pulled out for here it was the day before this terrible disaster happened ..... here that

same evening and I will never forget it as long as I live.

Well since they have got the mail system going again I wish you would write me very soon as it is an awfull long while since I heard from any of you tell me all the news.

You must excuse this paper cant buy a piece nowheres not a stationary store left town I have got little money and cant buy a cigarette with it no stores to sell anything well I close now hoping you are all OK and be sure ....