Historical Wyoming County October 1958 - Old Fulton History

Page 20 October 1958
A FORTY-NINER REPORTS (cont.)
place has grown so astonishingly from the time of my departure for
the mines until now, that at my return, I could hardly recognize it.
In place of canvass tents, I found large and elegant structures of
every variety of materials, and one is almost deafened by the click
of hammers and the crash of materials, which are being rapidly converted
into new buildings. The mud sloughs called streets are ever
filled with bespattered bipeds in long boots (for which by the by
they are compelled to pay only $f>0 per pair) and altogether the city
presents a scene of bustle, rattle, crash and confusion, which is
quite novel and amusing to a stranger.
I have met with the greater part of my fellow voyagers round
"the Horn," and as a general thing they are but ill-satisfied with
gold diggings. Some have returned, many more are making preparations
to depart and a still greater number are compelled to remain against
their will for want of means. Death has stricken several and indeed
the greater portion who went northward have returned here with poor
health. California will prove the grave of many ardent hopes, but
to those careless of comfort and strong of constitution and of purpose,
it presents opportunities for accumulating wealth, such as no
other country affords. Should my efforts be crowned with success I
shall probably return to the States, but otherwise, California or
some of the balmy isles of the Pacific will henceforth be my abiding
place. If you wish me to believe that I still hold a place in your
memory, write me immediately and direct to Stockton. Give my best
respects to Mrs. A. and to your mother and Elizabeth.
Yours sincerely
Myron Hutchinson
P. S. Chase I have not seen since he went to the mines, but have
heard from him repeatedly. He has been at work on the Tuolomne' 16
miles below us. His health has been very poor, so much so that he
has not been able to work until quite recently. I am told, however,
that his courage is still good and his determination firm, not to
le ave California, until he has acquired a competency. With patience
and resolution such as he possesses, he is certain of success.
Oliver Allen Esq.
Mumford
Yours ec »
M. H.