Letter 4: William P. Jones to S.E. Roberts. Virginia, California

              Virginia Cal
Apr 1st 61
Mr S E Roberts
Dear Bro
This being a leisure day I drop you a line. My health is perfect- and
prospects buoyant enough
Water is plenty and the miners are putting in the licks in good faith.
I am still “hoisting grit” some days making several dimes and others but
precious few The rain is coming down in great haste just now. It has rained for
8 days. waters are very high.
I a few days since read Mr Lincoln’s Inagural Address- it is reasonable
enough.
Political excitement is still raging here I think you fellows back there had
better not scare up a rout for we are not going to participate until we make our
fortunes so dont expect us to help. however I apprehend but little danger of a -
rout for I think the most of it is gas
I have visited Gold Hill Lodge No 32 F & A Masons ever since I have been
here and have now become a member-Our
works well.
Sam now how is Mt Vernon improving and is the Rail Road still in
progress I get no news from there only through the Missouri Republican and
seldom find anything in it pertaining to the Southwest-
Tender Mr L T Lauderdale my regard- tell him to write me
Sam you say you wish I was there to look at your boys- I would like to see
them- it would be my greatest pleasure to spend a few days at home but
circumstances forbid now- and in that respect I shall be governed entirely by
future success-
O yes! I forgot to tell you that the Sacramento River has overflowed
Sacramento City. The State buildings and all were swept away by the high
waters. Miners have suffered greatly by the overflow their claims are all filled
up- I sustain a loss of about $200.00- ,on one claim the other is not
injured Twenty miles distant the snow is about 30ft deep. “no gas”
Well Sam I have not got a big supply of writing matter on hand so I will
quit. Give me the news
Yours
W P Jones
O yes yesterday being Easter Sunday we had eggs aplenty. at 50cts per doz
remember.