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[Addressed:] H. H. Winchell Esq.
             Houston
             Marion County, Mo.

[Postmarked:] Carollton, Mo. 
              Apr 19

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Near De Witt Carroll Co Mo. Apl 19th 1850

Dear H.

Dinner is now preparing and when over we resume our journey westward; so I have but a moment to 
send you a line.  We are now encamped  & have been since yesterday afternoon in an unoccupied log 
cabin to which we withdrew to be a little more comfortably situated with regard to cooking for it rained 
hard all day yesterday and you must know that a good cook very much dislikes a poor fire to operate 
with.  We are within about 15 miles of Carrolton the County seat of this county and shall probably 
approach there this afternoon.  Our journey thus far has been very pleasant - more so indeed, than I 
expected with the exception of the snow on Sabbath morning and the rain yesterday.  We are so 
prepared against the attacks of wind and weather however that we defy the storms.  We left Paris a 
week ago tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at one o'clock, and though our team was principally 
composed of unbroken horses and the roads mostly have been very bad, they have behaved most 
admirably and stand the time very well.  We treat them with great care and attention however and by 
continuing this course, doubt not they will take us safely through.  It has repeatedly been remarked that 
ours is the best looking team of ponies on the route.  I met Dr. John Taylor in Paris and he told me that 
Mary was at Parsons' at the time I was over.  Had I known it I should most assuredly have called on her.  
If you see her present my warmest regards, and best forever.

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Give also my rememberences to Mary Eliz. when you see her and tell her I should have called to see her 
if I had had time.  Tell her I got the apple she sent me in the winter and return the thanks.  You will not 
forget to present my highest regards to the fair object of your adoration and assure her of my best 
wishes for her happiness and prosperity.  Let me know the courses of events as soon as possible, after I 
reach California.  Write often yourself and please jog the memories of Jos & Rens and all the rest of 
them.  Direct to Sacramento City.  Dinner is nearly ready and I will close.  
	
Remember me to all who inquire and believe me as ever affly. Your brother
Elisha

P. S. If you see Dr Gow you can tell him that Thos stands the trip thus far admirably - that he has an 
inexhaustible flow of spirits and makes our sides ache continually with laughter.  Bryant and myself are 
so weak under its influence, that we have been seeking some method of putting a stop to it; but without 
avail.  We must laugh or explode!