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Title: E. E. Griggs, Sacramento, California, to Rev. John Orr.
ID1278
CollectionIrish Emigration Database
FileGriggs, E.E/31(2)
Year1851
SenderGriggs, E.E.
Sender Gendermale
Sender Occupationtradesman
Sender Religionunknown
OriginSacramento, California, USA
DestinationPortaferry, Co. Down, N.Ireland
RecipientRev. John Orr
Recipient Gendermale
Relationshipfriends, business
SourceCopyright Retained by John McCleery, 80 Circular Road, Belfast, BT4 2GD.
ArchiveUlster American Folk Park.
Doc. No.9701195
Date12/12/1851
Partial Date
Doc. TypeEMG
LogDocument added by LT, 15:01:97.
Word Count422
Genre
Note
TranscriptSacramento City 12 Dec. 1851

Rev'd and dear Sir:
I have been expecting
a letter from you, directing me, in regard to
transmitting the proceeds of your lamented son's
property. I wish to know where you would wish a
draft made payable; and if you will be satisfied
if Mr Warnock see it mailed, to exonerate me from
any responsibility. Mr Warnock is boarding with us
yet, at the old place (Oregon Bar) and is doing
tolerably well. He received a letter from his
friends in Portaferry, last month, after getting
entirely out of patience. Mr W. [Warnock?] is usually
in good spirits, but says he shall not make a fortune
in California; therefore gives up the idea of
ever being made a happy man by a union with a
young lady in your place whom he (fictitiously
I presume) calls "Dora". He says he shall go
to the East in the Spring, and retire to some place
in the western states, and get a little farm.
W. [Warnock?] is a fine young man, very exemplary
in his habits; & I think it would add much to his
happiness, if a strong invitation from his friends
could induce him to return to Portaferry. He feels
reluctant to return in consequence of having left
contrary to the wish of his father, and frequently
reproaches himself for the act. Archibald is six miles
from our place and I think doing pretty well; he and
Thomas could not agree to live together, as A [Archibald?]
then drank too much and was probably rather cross. The miners
have generally made handsome wages during past season;
some have done remarkably well; and some are
discouraged and consequently homesick. Our business
has been quite satisfactory, though not heavy. I
yet mourn, as I know yourself & family do, the
dear, departed one. I can visit the last resting
place of the body, but it only affords a sad
satisfaction. Time will partially heal these wounds,
but the scar will ever remain a sensitive point.
The population of this country is rapidly
changing; newcomers with their families are adding a
pleasing and moralizing feature to society. The
business of Quartz mining is engaging the attention
of capitalists and many steam power machines are being
put in operation; but I think this is a very uncertain
business. It appears that her majesty's dominions are
not destitute of gold; and if the reports from Australia
are true, a great rush will be the result; in fact many
have already left this, for that land of promise.
Please write me soon. With best wishes
for your family, I remain dear Sir,
Truly yours,
Rev. J. Orr. E E Griggs.

P.S. Please direct to Sacramento City,
California.
E.E.G.