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August 10th 1851

North Fork American River

Dear Parents & Relation
 
I now one time more take my pen in my hand to inform you all. That we are all well at present. And we 
hop[e] when these few lines comes to your unwave[r]ing hand that they will find you all enjoying all 
the blessing[s] you could wish for[.] I received a letter a few minits ago which afforded me no small 
degree of pleasure[.] We heare of you all being well and doing well[.] I have not much to write at 
present[.] Jerry & Billy Clarkson stayed all night with us last week[.] they were well[.] Cousins Gideon 
Haines & G Wright is a workeing with us at present[.] Cousin David Haines was here a few days ago[.] He 
was well[.] You would like to [k]no[w] how we are a doing we are a making from ten to 15 Dollars per day 
but how long it will last we do not [k]no[w.] I have not he[a]rd of but one death lately[.] 


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That was Old John Dameson[.] he died last week with the fever[.] Uncle Thomas Biswell is well and hearty 
at present[.] Tell the girls to merry[marry] if they can and not wait for us for we do not [k]no[w] when 
we will be at home probbaly this fall but I guess it will be next spring[.] I do not want you to be uneasy 
about us for we are fat[.] I would like to see all the children very well at present[.] I am glad to hear 
that Uncle Dunlin has got home[.] the letter we rece[i]v[e]d was written May 24th[.] that is all I have to 
write at present[.] Look for me when you see me[.] Ple[a]s[e] excuse all the mistakes for my pen is bad. 
Write on the reception [of this letter] fail not.

Jonathan H. Biswell
Norville B. Biswell

Write