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Sacramento City, Feby 28

Dear Father,

I have but a moment in which to write before the closing of the mail, but I take the opportunity of enquiring whether you are acquainted with the address of a gentleman, -- a professor of the art of teaching probably --, by the name of H.H. Winchell Esq. I have been variously informed as to his whereabouts, and apply to you for correct information. If he resides in your village please deliver to him the enclosed note - if he resides at present, as I have been informed, in the city of Tully in Lewis Co you will do me a great favor by mailing it or sending it otherwise to him there.
My health since last writing you has been and still continues excellent. The kind letters which you and mother wrote in Nov. were duly recd some weeks since, but I have not as yet found leisure to answer them. I shall try to do so by the next mail. I am very glad to hear that your agencies are becoming [hole in MS]able. I sincerely hope they may continue so. Mother wrote that Henry Wo[hole] at Christmas. I do not know who you will get to fill his place. He has been a good and faithful boy and I fear you will be much inconvenienced by his leaving. I wish I was able to supply you with another. Perhaps I may be in the course of time.

I would like to look in upon you just now and see what you are all doing. I suppose the improvements about the House and in the fields have been so great that I would hardly recognize them. The "White Cottage" is I imagine whiter and brighter than ever; how I long to look into its interior. The east field and the garden, set in young thrifty fruit trees, will present a beautiful sight when they begin to bloom. Do you suppose they will be bearing when I get home? You say that you do not expect yourself to reap the benefit of them, but I hope you & mother may for many years to come. Would it not seem hard to endure all the toils & troubles of a long life and not be permitted to enjoy some of its comforts? 



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But I must reluctantly stop and mail this short epistle. I see many Mo. friends often they are all well. The weather is beautiful - Business good - Good health universally prevails. Abundance & comfort begin to surround the Californians - The prospects this [spring] are more encouraging than they were last fall. The mines seem to hold [wax seal] as well as ever. Let me hear from you soon. Love to all - Ask [Mother] to write me as often as she is able.

Your son Elisha