WCP5576

[1]

Columbia

Feb. 11th, 1854.

My Dear Mother,

I had commenced a letter blowing you all up in no me [sic] measured terms for not writing, as I had become rather allarmed [sic] at hearing nothing of several letters, drafts, etc., that I had sent in June and July, when I was imformed [sic] that a parcel had answered arrived at the express office for me and that there was fourteen dollars to pay for it. I accordingly got the parcel, and by the mail which arrived the same day I received a letter from Alfred¹ explaining matters a little, although his letters are awf awfully short and meager.

In the first place I must thank you and Alfred for the present of the case of Instruments which are just the things I was greatly in want of. the book is of course very acceptable and interesting, although I have not yet read it all through.

The lawyers bills are awful,, [sic] although I think Mr. Spence's² rather moderate, compared with the others. From the bills it would appear that Mr. Millard³ had left England, you did not mention anything about it. Alfred does not say when how or where I am to pay him the balance due. I could send it at once if he had mentioned any party who had authority to receive it, or can let me know. I should not recommend Thomas⁴ and Thomas [sic] to go a abroad if there is any chance of their doing well in England. Daguerreotyping is not much of a business in this country as there are some many of them travelling about. Farming or ranching as it is called here is very uncertain and takes a considerable capitol [sic] to start with success, and mining, I am afraid, would prove rather too hard work, although there is that advantage in this country, that there is always something to fall back upon and mining is here looked upon as an honorable and honest employment, even the members of the legislature who are similar to English M. P. are many of them miners. The present speaker⁵ of the house of Representatives, a particular friend of mine, has been engaged in mining ever since he has been in the country, and during the recess of the house which is about six months of the year, is [2] engaged in mining near this place, where he can be seen we [sic] weilding his pick and shovel with the best of them, and yet he is a very gentlemanly young man and clever young man, and is a member of our Water company. I am sorry to learn tht [sic] Mr. Wilson⁶ is not progressing favorably with his propellor. I had hoped it would have propelled him into a fortune, but I am afraid it has turned the other way and consequently screwed considerable cash out of his pockets. I will write on the other half sheet to Alfred so with my love to all, I remain,

Your affectionate Son | J. Wallace.