The Fowler Brother's Journal
In 1851 two brothers from Long Island settled on the Rancho Bodega. Stephen Fowler, a carpenter and brother James, were intent on raising potatoes.
They had met Colonel Lucien Hanks, the new owner of the Smith Bodega sawmill in San Francisco. Hanks lured them to Bodega with the tale that Bodega is good country for raising potatoes and large crops are raised.
The Fowlers were journal writers. This portion of their journal starts with their leaving Long Island. They continued to keep their journal well after they arrived in Bodega. It gives us a comprehensive taste of their lives. A home the Fowlers built is still in use in Valley Ford.
Ship Brooklyn, Capt. Richardson
Sailed from New York on the 12th of January 1849. We number about 200 persons. We had tolerable good winds nearly to the Equator. Near there a boat from a Dutch ship from Batavia bound to Hamburg came along side. Many letters were put on board of her and we hope they arrived in the United States as we have spoke to no other ship.
We took the southeast trades in about 27 degrees north latitude and on the 17th of February we were to the Equator. Soon after leaving the Equator there was a rumor afloat that we were going to the Falkland Islands but when we got in the latitude of them we were so far to the eastward of them with the wind from the westward that we kept on our course but did not get up with Cape Horn so as to double it until the 12th of April. From there we started for Juan Fernandez where we arrived on the 13th of May. There we found the hermaphrodite brig Orbit of New York, which sailed soon after we did. While we were beating in the anchoring ground, we ran fore of her and carried away her foreyard. It was during the evening the accident occurred. While we were there the schooner Olivia of Hudson came to anchor and also the hermaphrodite brig Sarah McFarland. A boat from the ship Pacific also came in and from those vessels we learned that the California excitement still continued. The ship South Carolina of New York and ship Mentor of New London had both been in to the island before we arrived. The old Mentor passed us soon after we doubled the Cape. We exchanged signals and she left us astern.
At the island we watered ship but could not get any fresh meat. Peaches grow in abundance but we were to late for them. I saw several fig trees but the fruit was not ripe. Radishes, stuceans (?), parsley, mint and sweet balm grow in abundance. There were three or four Spanish families residing there. Among them was one American who had left a whaler and had lived on an adjoining island for the last three or four years. We sailed from the island on the 22nd in 23 degrees south latitude. We took the southeast trades and on the 21st of June we crossed [the equator] for the second time.
A few evenings before the 4th of July a meeting was held on the quarterdeck to make arrangements for celebrating it properly. On the morning of the 4th, at sunrise, the stars and stripes were sent aloft during the firing of thirteen guns. The band (if so it may be called), meanwhile playing National airs. At 10 o’clock we assembled and heard the Declaration of Independence read by Mr. Blanvelt. After that Mr. J.N. Sweezy delivered an excellent oration. Immediately 31 guns were fired and 3 hearty cheers given for the President of the United States. A table was then made by placing planks on heads of barrels which reached about two-thirds the length of the ship. Then came the collation which was mostly given by the Captain. It consisted of about 30 lbs. of fresh roast pork, 4 hams and as many tongues, soda biscuit, sugar crackers, pies, cakes and coffee. Those who partook of the dinner formed in a line with their plates, knives, forks and tin pots in their hands.
The Grand Marshal was at one end of the table, his assistant at the other. A committee of 9 was appointed that waited on them as they marched to the table. The afternoon was passed in singing songs, music etc. Mr. Sweezy composed a song expressly for the occasion. After it was sung they gave him three cheers. They also gave three cheers for the captain for his liberality on the occasion. In the evening most that could dance did so and when they closed the Captain thanked them for their good conduct, behavior etc. The passengers then gave three cheers for the captain, three for each of the mates and three for the crew and three for everybody.
There was some forty or fifty of the passengers that did not partake of the collation and also all of the crew and two of the cabin passengers. They think the captain is a mean man and they asked no favors of him. There was many that did eat who were not his friends. I for one did not taste of his dinner but joined heartily in all other proceedings. At sundown there was a gun fired and so passed the day on board of the Ship Brooklyn.
We have had but little sickness until near the close of the voyage. Of late, persons to the number of 40 or 50 have been attacked with the scurvy. At this time there is eight that are not able to get on deck without assistance. Others are able to get about deck by holding on to things but their limbs they cannot straighten. The flesh on some has turned to purple but this is more particularly about the legs. Their legs are also swollen very much. Some to nearly double their size. Others have very sore mouths. Their gums are much swollen and they are very weak. If we should not get in shortly there will scarcely a person be without it. There is also three of the crew off duty with it. There is but a few that does not blame the Captain for not going in to some port where we could have got fresh provision. We have but little to live on besides salt beef and pork, hard bread and molasses. We have lived on beans and rice quite a good deal until lately but now and for the past fortnight we have been on an allowance of two quarts of water that cuts us short of beans which was considered by the greater part of us as the best meal we could get. We have had hard luck to be out so long as today is the 5th of August
We did not get the North East trade before we were in 16 degrees North and they carried us up to 38° 23. They have hauled a little and we are standing in towards the land, but we do not know the longitude nor will the Captain tell. It is what he would not do at any time in the voyage. We have been farther to the Westward than we ought to have been, seems to be the opinion of both passengers and crew. There is but few persons on board that consider him to be a skillful navigator. It is true the ship makes a great deal of leeway but who before ever heard of a seven months voyage from New York to California?
Our annoyances have been what persons generally expect on sea voyages, but we have had added to this some fights and drunkenness mostly caused by one or two gangs of desperadoes. And also enormous large quantities of very large bed bugs. And now the scurvy which is the worst of all makes us anxious, very anxious to once more place ourselves on land. When there is a pleasant evening there is yet dancing, skylarking, music etc. but if we do not see the land soon our spirits will drop and when we arrive in San Francisco (if we ever do) the Captain will have to make a hospital of the ship if he does not now. There has been many bets made on the time of the arrival of the ship. Now there is but few as every one who bet in favor of the ship have lost.
Thursday, August 9th. What I now have to write is the most unpleasant occurrence. When we sailed we had a man who was to work his passage as assistant carpenter. We had been out but a short time before he was taken sick and was so for quite a long time but finally recovered. After we left Juan Fernandez in four or five weeks he was again taken ill with the scurvy and lived up to the evening of the 7th when he suddenly died. It was not known until he had been dead a few moments as there was no light and no one was watching him. His name was Morris Bernard, a Frenchman but he had resided a long time in the United States and had a family in New York. The evening of his death he was sewn up in canvass and was buried yesterday morning.
“A Dance of the Indians in the Mission San Jose in New California” - Georg Heinrich von Langsdorff (1774-1852)]
For two or three days past we have been expecting to make land. We knew by the color of the water that we were not far distant. Yesterday and the day before there was a thick fog and we did not know where we were. At 12 oíclock the lead was thrown but no bottom was found with 78 fathoms line. We still kept on our course with a fair wind and with the topmast studding sail set. The water in the afternoon changed color very fast. We saw kelp and feathers floating by but the lead was not thrown. We wondered why it was not as the fog then was thicker than it had been in the morning and we were running between four and five knots and hour.
I went on deck about 7 o’clock and had been walking a half an hour or so when I cast my eye over the lee bow. I immediately saw the loom of the land through the fog but to be sure and not make a false report I jumped to the rail. I then saw the breakers. The Captain was just going forward and I turned round and told him there was breakers. He then gave the orders to put the helm hard down and bade the main yard. The orders were immediately obeyed. When she luffed up, the anchor was let go. The light sails were immediately furled and soon all of the sails were clued up. We then hoisted out a boat and got the kedge anchor and wrapped her out three times the length of three lines.
The wind died away soon after we let our anchor go the first time which was fortunate for us as we were running three or four knots when the land was first seen. But let any one imagine our feeling when the land was first seen there we was on a rocky coast in a dark and foggy night with the wind blowing on shore. We could see the kelp around us and were expecting her to strike every moment until the anchor brought her up. Friends and relatives were calling for each other. Persons who were very sick with the scurvy and scarcely able to help themselves were out of their berths and some who were more able were on deck.
The decks were crowded with persons running to and fro asking questions but still good order was preserved. There was but one who made a beast of himself. He got drunk, wanted to fight, was shouting horrid oaths and had the ship went ashore he would never have seen the light of another morning. It is scarcely likely that one in twenty would have lived to tell the tale. Those that would have been fortunate to have got in the boats could have kept off the shore.
This morning is calm but not quite so foggy. The captain went in to the shore early this morning but could not land as the shore was very rocky. They supposed, judging by the kelp, that we were about eighty yards from the shore. Last night there was only seven fathoms water under our stern. If this was not close shaving, I never wish to see what is. We are now about a mile from the land and it is said about twenty miles to the northward of San Francisco. We are now waiting for a breeze when we expect to get under way.
There was a vessel just seen through the fog to the northward of us. She had fired two guns we know not why but fear that she is in a worse situation than we are. Soon after dinner we saw two persons riding on horseback. We lowered a boat and took the black cook for an interpreter as he can talk Spanish. We learned from them that we were fifteen or twenty (miles the cook said but the Captain supposed it was leagues) [north of San Francisco Bay]. He was right as we found the entrance about sixty miles below.
When the boat returned we took her up and got under way with a light wind though fair. At dark we took in all but the top sails. At twelve o‚clock the wind suddenly sprang up. All hands were called on to assist. The sails were most of them old. All of the topsails were so. The main and mizzen topsails were both blown in pieces. They however soon bent a new main topsail (I say soon, but they were two hours doing it).
In the morning we stood watch on the coast until we saw a bay and a brig at anchor. We then stood in for a short time but soon kept away, then in again. This time the Captain come to the conclusion that it was Bodega Bay and that he had been there before after lumber. We again stood off before the wind and about sundown doubled Point Reyes and stood in and come to anchor in about nine fathoms water in what it is said is called Sir Francis Drake’s Bay. We think that there was a mistake about a vessel being in distress the other day. The Spaniards said there was a vessel lost where we were then anchored, two or three weeks before and that they lost all but their lives. They also said there was plenty of gold and that San Francisco is overrun with people.
Saturday, August 11th. This morning the wind is light and unfavorable. At eight we got under way. While getting under way Mr. Richards breathed his last. He was a resident of New York and had been a Master Builder. He had the consumption when we sailed and thought if he lived to arrive in San Francisco he might recover. A brother-in-law of his is on board. He probably will not be buried before we get in. A coffin had been made for the body and it may be some satisfaction for his friends to know that he was buried on shore. He left one child.
There is a barque in sight. A boat belonging to a company on board has left with a crew of nine. It is their intention to pull up to the town. We see hump back whale in all directions. Also pelican and other birds. Those and the land together attract our attention but our anxiety is very great. As night approaches and the wind dies away the barque goes out of sight and at eight o’clock we again come to anchor. As there is no wind we leave the topsails set but if it comes on to blow we cannot guess our fate.
Sunday, August 12th. Our seven months is now up and still we are not in port. Is it sailing from New Your on Friday or have we a murderer on board? It is almost enough to make a person superstitious. Seven of the crew are down. Quite often some one faints away and the most of them were stout hardy men when they come on board. There is scarcely a person that is not affected more or less with it. I suppose there has not been a ship with as much scurvy on board as we have in many years. It is said that those that were quite low were better this morning. Another boat belonging to a party on board left for the town this morning. The Captain sent word by them if there is a steamer there to come down and take off the passengers and he would pay them five dollars apiece to take them up but hopes they will not all leave him in his present situation and condition.
It is now 10 o’clock A.M. We are still at anchor with no wind and only those who have been in a like condition know our feelings. At 11 o’clock we got underway and about 4 o’clock we come to anchor opposite the Town of San Francisco. We find many ships here that sailed after we did. We have made the longest passage of any vessel that has arrived here from the States. No other vessel has had scurvy on board anything like the Brooklyn.
Monday, Aug. 13th. Today we are warping the ship in nearer shore. Some of the passengers are getting their things on shore. All of them are anxious to do so as there is a plenty of gold. A laboring man can get a dollar an hour. Mechanics get from $12 to $15 per day. We have to pay $1 to get from the ship to shore.
Everything that a person buys on shore he had to pay dear for without he buys at wholesale. Then they can be bough as cheap as in New York. For fresh beef we pay 18 cts. per pound, 25 cts. for a loaf of bread which at home we could get for 5. Salt pork is sold for 25 cts. per pound retail but if a person wishes to sell a barrel he can get it for the cost and freight.
For salt beef you can get hardly anything. Clothes and many other things are thrown around the street. Stealing there is but very little of as those that do it, if caught, are hung or flogged and drove from the country.
Tuesday, Aug. 14th. Today we get some things on shore and put up our tent and have become residents of California. Today another body has been buried from the ship. His name was Noble, a Scotchman. His complaint was scurvy and consumption.
Wednesday, Aug. 15th. We have got a few more things on shore and have let the others remain on storage on board of the ship. As soon as we get a little strength we will go to work with a good will. We have found a number of acquaintances, some of them have returned from the mines as it is said to be quite sickly. Those that work in the diggings get about 1 ounce per day. It appears quite odd to us to hear persons talking about the ounces and pounds and asking when you are going to the mines. They are now digging and finding gold in the very streets of the town. It is supposed the authorities will stop them. If they do not I may yet dig there myself. The sailors that were well have taken their leave of the ship. The Captain has hired 7 men to work on board for $5 per day and found they all come to the ship but know but little about such work.
Thursday, Aug. 16th. Today we have been to look for a job but did not find one. We are still very weak and I have a bad cold. I now think that we will not commence work before next week for fear that we may hurt ourselves before we get some strength. As soon as we recover from the voyage if there is a job to be had I will find it or be away to the mines. Today we picked up and washed out several small particles of gold that we found in what is called the Grand Plaza or Publick Square. We have sold one barrel of bread at what it stood at here. Also the remainder of our sugar at 15cts. per pound and the remainder of our vinegar and the keg for a little more than what the whole lot cost in New York.
Friday, Aug. 17th. Today I have been on board of the ship and got some things and bought a few feet of lumber. They were old bunk boards but I got them cheaper than I could buy stuff on shore. I paid 20 cts. a foot for what I got. There is enough to make a cradle for washing gold. Another one of our passengers has died today. His name was Gafney, a native of Ireland but for the last 20 years or more he resided in the States. He died with the scurvy. The town of San Francisco is nothing but a bed of sand. It is quite cold here early in the morning but in the middle of the day it is warm. In the afternoon there is a strong wind blowing from the sea. It comes over the mountains back of the town and soon almost everything is covered with sand.
San Francisco, Saturday, Aug. 18th, 1849. Today I have made a Gold Washer. I am better off than some as my tent is large enough to work in. Another one of our passengers had died during the last 24 hours. His name was John Blaavelt of New York, a jeweler by trade. He was a very fine man and was liked as well as any person on board of the Ship. He has left a wife and a large family of children. His wife was helpless as she has had a stroke of the Palsy. He spent his all to get here and is now no more. All on account of our Captain’s rascality. A coroner’s inquest was held and the verdict was such as it is thought will ruin the Captain or at least will keep him from the command of another vessel. He has paid the sailors their wages but not until they had made a complaint to the authorities. He then done it to get clear of trouble. There is more justice here than in the States it is said. If such is the case, Richardson has more trouble in store.
Sunday, Aug. 19th. This morning I went up and heard the funeral sermon. The remainder of the day I have been engaged in writing letters. There is some regard paid to the Sabbath though not as much as I would like to see. There is some fishing and gunning and some work. Gambling on Sunday it is said has been stopped.
Monday, Aug. 20th. Today I commenced work but I did not do anything to brag of. We commence work at 6 o’clock. At 8 we get breakfast and at 9 o’clock we go to work again. We work only 10 hours. I never saw tools left just where they were used before, all over the building, on the ground and scattered about, but are not troubled.
The colors of the shipping have been flying at half-mast and at 12 o’clock guns were fired from the fort. It was done for the loss of James K. Polk and General Case (?). The news arrived by the Steamer. Another of our passengers has just breathed his last. He died of the scurvy. He was a Swiss and had been in the States but a short time. He was the first taken down with the scurvy.
Tuesday, Aug. 21st. Today work come in rather more natural. James has got a job today and has worked this afternoon. This is perhaps as dirty a place as ever a man worked in. It is owing to the sand and wind. This morning I got breakfast before I went to work. I got there before 7 o’clock. I asked the foreman if it would make any difference whether I went to work at 7 o’clock or work the hours I did yesterday. He said it would not. I like the New York plan best. The other is the Valpariaso rule.
Wednesday, Aug. 22nd. The Captain has been before the Alcalde today, but the trial does not take place until tomorrow. We get up in the mornings and cook our breakfast and dinner. We take our dinner with us and after work cook our suppers, smoke a pipe, visit our neighbors and then turn in.
Thursday, Aug. 23rd. I have heard nothing new today. The Captain has been up all day but I have not heard the result. My job will be short. They commence building a house on Monday morning and by Saturday night it is finished.
Friday, Aug. 24th. The trial of the Captain still continues. We have no time to run about to hear news if there is any. We can get no letters from the Post Office. It is said that a New York mailbag was left at Monterey through a mistake. I hope the next steamer will bring some.
Saturday, Aug. 25th. Tonight I was paid off but did not get but $60 when I expected to get $72. There was an agreement made and others were working for $10 per day and that was all he would allow me. I thought that was very well for one week but if more was to be had I wanted it.
Sunday, Aug. 26th, 1849. Today another one of our passengers has died. He was a German. He took a heavy cold on board of the Ship and before he recovered he was taken with the scurvy and the cold which probably turned to the consumption. That and the scurvy together took him off. Prospects seem to brighten but I will wait until tomorrow before I mention particulars.
Monday, Aug. 27th. This morning I commenced a building which is nearly framed. It is 20ft. x 30ft. with 15ft. posts. One end and the rear to be rough boarded with the front and other end to be put up with worked boards. The roof is to be shingled. Two floors to be laid which are rough. Two common door frames and one batten door frame and rough stairs. I have $325 for the job. This morning I got $10 more for my work last week. The foreman said he supposed he would have to lose it. I then told him if that was the case to give me $10 and I would call it right. The trouble was, there was no agreement made and I was bound to have the wages.
Tuesday, Aug. 28th, 1849. This morning I commenced another building. This one is 14ft. front by 35ft. deep. The posts and studs are all 13ft. long. They nail on the sills, the plates nail on, the floor joists are cut in between the sills and nailed. A piece is nailed on the studs 8ft. up for the second tier of beams. The floors are rough. The roof is to be put on with boards the lengthways of the building. The front of the building is to go up square, to be put up with worked boards. There is three of the commonest kind of window frames to be made and one door frame. I do it for $250. I now have 4 men to work besides James. Everything works well so far and I hope it will continue.
Wednesday, Aug. 29th. Today I have been rather unwell and have done but little work. I have been able to keep all of my men busy though I have been bothered about lumber for the stairs. I have all things ready to complete it. The [stair]horse does not go on very fast but as soon as I get all right I will drive it on.
Thursday, Aug 30th. Today I have been able to do a little but I cannot do much as I have to run from building to building. I have partly made arrangements for another building. If I have business and it pays well, I shall not go to the mines very soon.
Friday, Aug 31st. This afternoon I commenced the other building. I have as much now as I can attend to. Today I have been attacked with the dysentery but not severely. Last night I was up till near 13 oíclock writing letters to send by Mr. Belden who returns by the Steamer.
Saturday, Sept. 1st. I have finished the store today but will not get the money before Monday. The wages of my men amounted to $244 but I paid only two, as the rest did not care about it tonight. I was paid $100 in dimes on one job. The Jury returned a verdict today in the case of Captain Richardson. He was fined $2000 and the cost which will probably amount to $5000 more.
Sunday, Sept. 2nd. Today we have had to do some washing and have done more cooking than usual but can live but poorly without great expense. We have cleared up our tent and for my part I have been near it all day. It looks quite strange to see persons walking in the middle of the streets but ladies and all do it as there is no side walks and in front of the stores all of the room is piled up with boxes, barrels and bales of goods.
Monday, Sept 3rd. I have not got on as well with my work today as I desired. I have been bothered about the line of the lot and could not get the building up. Some of my men have been idle on the account. Persons are beginning to get particular about the lines of their property and they have very good reason for doing so. A lot 15ft. front by 50ft. deep rents for $300 per month.
Tuesday, Sept. 4th. Nothing of interest has occurred today. There is a great many persons idle though there is much work doing. The reason undoubtedly is the arrival of so many ships with passengers. This afternoon I saw Captain Howes of East Hampton and had quite a long chat with him. The others that come out in the Iowa are up the river.
Wednesday, Sept. 5th. Today I was paid $200 in gold dust. I had to receive it at $16 the ounce but I sold it for $15.50 the ounce as I did not wish to bother with it. This afternoon I got my old foreman to work. He was the foreman on the first job I worked on here. I met one of my old shipmates that was in the old Huron. He spent the evening with us.
Thursday, Sept. 6th. I have been unwell with a cold and have worked but half a day, but have been about the buildings the most of the time. The men that I built the store for have gone up the river. They have acted mean. I was to have my money as soon as the job was done. They owe me $93.50 and if it can be had I will have it soon.
Friday, Sept. 7th. Nothing of importance has occurred today. I will be able to make my work pay. On the store I made $30 per day. That is if I get it all. Last week I did not pay all of my men. Those that I have discharged I have paid. Tomorrow night I will have to pay away a pile and I expect to discharge all hands.
Saturday, Sept. 8th. Tonight I was paid over $200 in gold. I have discharged all of my men. My work is nearly finished. I owe $125. I now have $450 in gold and have $300 owing me.
unday, Sept. 9th, 1849. Today we have lived better than usual. We had green corn for which we paid 50 cts. the dozen ears. We had also some boiled salt pork and suet pudding for dinner. I bought 2 onions that weighed 1 lb. For them I paid 50 cts. Eggs are sold for $3 the dozen, milk for $1 a bottle and butter for $1.50 per lb., but they are too costly for our use. We have not been to Church while here. We have but few clothes on shore and those are the ones we work in every day.
Monday, Sept. 10th. Today I have finished the building of Messrs. Star & True. Their bill was $290. They paid me all in gold. On their building I made $27 per day. James worked half day on the contract for which I allowed $5. He also worked half a day for which I charged $6.50, which makes $11.50 to be added to $148 for 5 half days for my time which is in all $161.
Tuesday, Sept. 11th. This morning I had a little job to do for Starr & True. I went there and finished it. They then offered me $5 to put up a large stove. Three or four persons had tried to do it but did not make out. I undertook it and put it up in about 2 hours. I had some difficulty today with Robinson, the man I am building the house for. He did not want to pay me for what I had done extra and there was some trouble about the stairs. I picked up my tools and quit. I did not get all of our tools. When I went after the others he had quite cooled down, wanted me to come and put up the stairs and would throw off some work that was to be done in the contract and allow me $7.50 more than the amount of the contract. I have a $50 job for Starr & True which I expect to commence in the morning.
Wednesday, Sept. 12th. James has been at work for Starr & True and I have put up the stairs for Robinson. He now wants us to do some work by the day. On his house I made $67 after paying my men and allowing $10 per day for James. He worked 11 ≤ days. I worked 3 ≤ which leaves me between $18 and $19 per day. There has been 29 days work on the house.
Thursday, Sept. 13th. Today we finished the $50 job. James worked 2 days and I worked one which leaves me $30 for my day‚s work. He received but $10 per day for the first work he done. That is the reason for my not counting more for his time. Friday, Sept. 14th. We will probably finish all of our work tomorrow and then we expect to leave for the mines which we will get ready to do by the middle of next week. It is getting about time for to go, not that we have not done well but we wish to get to the mines and get a good place for digging and build a log house in the vicinity before the rainy season commences.
Saturday, Sept. 15th. We have completed our work and now I have to collect what is due me. I will have to get a short job if that rascal that I put up the store for does not get back in a day or two. Sunday, Sept. 16th. Today has passed like most of the Sabbaths that we have passed since our arrival. I stopped at a tent where there was dining service but did not go in. At home, if there was as many flies in a house as there was in our tent, in proportion, they would think it horrible. They are about the only thing of that kind that are troublesome. Last week I kept account of our expenses. We paid out for fresh meat, bread, cheese, green corn, onion and molasses $6.75.
Monday, Sept. 17th. Today we have been engaged in putting our tools in order and I have been endeavoring to settle up my business. I have owing me about $200 which I must get before I leave.
Tuesday, Sept. 18th. This morning I got a job and went to work again. It will not do to lay idle when $12 per day can be made. I think I will keep at work until I can settle my business. James had rather go to the mines immediately. He has no work but a job he must get if he does not make but $5 per day. We did not calculate to work any more at our trades at present. We may miss it by going to the mines but we hope to do better than we are doing here. The Steamer arrived today and brought no mail but brought sad accounts of the cholera in the States.
Wednesday, Sept. 19th. Nothing worthy of notice has occurred today. We are both of us at work but soon I hope to settle up and leave this place. We had a short shower the other night. As soon as the rainy season sets in there will be a great deal of work to do here as many of the buildings (so styled) are nothing but canvass or cotton cloth nailed onto strips of boards. In some of the streets the stores are nothing but tents. Many of the buildings are the crudest built things that was ever put up. There is a large number of persons here seeking for employment. It would appear that the most of them are carpenters but perhaps as that business pays better than any other, they endeavor to get work at it.
Wednesday, Sept. 12th. James has been at work for Starr & True and I have put up the stairs for Robinson. He now wants us to do some work by the day. On his house I made $67 after paying my men and allowing $10 per day for James. He worked 11 plus days. I worked 3 plus which leaves me between $18 and $19 per day. There has been 29 days work on the house.
Thursday, Sept. 13th. Today we finished the $50 job. James worked 2 days and I worked one which leaves me $30 for my day‚s work. He received but $10 per day for the first work he done. That is the reason for my not counting more for his time.
Friday, Sept. 14th. We will probably finish all of our work tomorrow and then we expect to leave for the mines which we will get ready to do by the middle of next week. It is getting about time for to go, not that we have not done well but we wish to get to the mines and get a good place for digging and build a log house in the vicinity before the rainy season commences.
Saturday, Sept. 15th. We have completed our work and now I have to collect what is due me. I will have to get a short job if that rascal that I put up the store for does not get back in a day or two.
Sunday, Sept. 16th. Today has passed like most of the Sabbaths that we have passed since our arrival. I stopped at a tent where there was dining service but did not go in. At home, if there was as many flies in a house as there was in our tent, in proportion, they would think it horrible. They are about the only thing of that kind that are troublesome. Last week I kept account of our expenses. We paid out for fresh meat, bread, cheese, green corn, onion and molasses $6.75.
Monday, Sept. 17th. Today we have been engaged in putting our tools in order and I have been endeavoring to settle up my business. I have owing me about $200 which I must get before I leave.
Tuesday, Sept. 18th. This morning I got a job and went to work again. It will not do to lay idle when $12 per day can be made. I think I will keep at work until I can settle my business. James had rather go to the mines immediately. He has no work but a job he must get if he does not make but $5 per day. We did not calculate to work any more at our trades at present. We may miss it by going to the mines but we hope to do better than we are doing here. The Steamer arrived today and brought no mail but brought sad accounts of the cholera in the States.
Wednesday, Sept. 19th. Nothing worthy of notice has occurred today. We are both of us at work but soon I hope to settle up and leave this place. We had a short shower the other night. As soon as the rainy season sets in there will be a great deal of work to do here as many of the buildings (so styled) are nothing but canvass or cotton cloth nailed onto strips of boards. In some of the streets the stores are nothing but tents. Many of the buildings are the crudest built things that was ever put up. There is a large number of persons here seeking for employment. It would appear that the most of them are carpenters but perhaps as that business pays better than any other, they endeavor to get work at it.
Thursday, Sept. 20th, 1849. We work when we have it to do as that is the surest way of seeing home and once more enjoying its comforts. There is no way of making money honestly without working for it in this country. Many persons have come here thinking to make fortunes without labor but such persons find themselves greatly mistaken. Many are walking about the streets doing nothing. Some have been to the mines and have returned discouraged. Most of those I think have not given it a fair trial. I expect to soon know for myself.
Friday, Sept. 21st. Today I made but ≤ of a day at work. I lost a quarter to settle with Robinson. He has given me quite a great deal of trouble running after him to get my pay. He did not allow me the amount of my bill $5.50. I thought it better to settle than have any trouble with him. He is the first rascal that I have met in this place.
Saturday, Sept. 22nd. Tonight I was paid $50 in gold dust. Yesterday I was paid $85 in gold dust that I got rid of by selling it for $15.50 the ounce. What I got tonight I think I will keep. The reason I disposed of the other was that we might have money to use on our way and while at the mines and keep what dust we may be fortunate enough to get while there. We now have $601 in gold coin by us besides some $20 or $30 in silver and have owing us $130.
Sunday, Sept. 23rd. Today we had roast beef and new potatoes for dinner. They were the first we have had since we have been here and they were excellent. I went up to the Market this morning and got the beef and potatoes. For the potatoes I paid 37 cts. per lb. I was going to get some onions but they asked 75 cts. a lb. I thought they were rather silvery. They had some oranges. I thought I would get two or three of them but they were like the onions. They asked 25 cts. a piece for them.
The Sundays pass rapidly away here. We do not get up quite as early in the morning. We then get our breakfasts, get some wood then wash and shave and cook our dinners. We also have to do some mending and likewise our washing. With our imperfect arrangement for cooking and boiling we do not do as much as we could in the same time at Home. By doing as we do we save between the two of us from $20 to $25 per week. This we think is for the best though our fare in not as good as we would get in town and it is not near as pleasant, but we come here to make money and we think the only way is by industry and economy.
Monday, Sept. 24th. Today we have done as we expect to do while in this country if we have our health. That is work all day. We have not been up to town an evening since we have been here.
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