| Title: | E. E. Griggs, Sacramento, California, to Rev. John Orr. |
|---|---|
| ID | 1278 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Griggs, E.E/31(2) |
| Year | 1851 |
| Sender | Griggs, E.E. |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | tradesman |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Destination | Portaferry, Co. Down, N.Ireland |
| Recipient | Rev. John Orr |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | friends, business |
| Source | Copyright Retained by John McCleery, 80 Circular Road, Belfast, BT4 2GD. |
| Archive | Ulster American Folk Park. |
| Doc. No. | 9701195 |
| Date | 12/12/1851 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Document added by LT, 15:01:97. |
| Word Count | 422 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Sacramento 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. |
