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State of California----Executive Department,

Sacramento, Dec 13th 1862

My Dear Mother

I do not know how I can pass a portion of this quiet Sabbath afternoon more profitably or pleasantly than by writing to my ever loved and esteemed Mother.

It is my great regret that I cannot be nearer to you in your age to render mor effective to your happiness the duty and affection of a son.

But for the present I am so confined by official duties that I cannot even hope to pay you an early visit. Still if all goes well I shall hope to see you soon after the expiration of my term of office. My business prospects are very encouraging never more so. In the discharge of my official duties I have no cause of reproach for any intentional errors. I have done the best I could and I believe the people