One of a set of excerpts of letters providing in-depth descriptions John Wallace's life in the gold mining town of Columbia, California, building a system to bring water to gold mining operations in the town.

Thomas Sims's photography business; Stevens' proposal to send ARW an assistant, desirable qualities in an assistant, Charles's deficiencies; Madame Pfeiffer's insect collection; news of Australian Expedition (A C Gregory [Northern Australian]; arrival of new missionary from England; wanting a shoe last; wanting news of John and Mary in California; collapse of Page, Bacon and Co; Dyak's delight in musical box.

The Sims' move to Conduit Street and photography business, with detailed advice and questions, suggests asking Mr Vignolles [Vignoles] to introduce their work at Royal Society Soirees; mother's future; post from England and arrival of a box with shoes (good) and bacon (spoiled).