Dear family,

I gave a few ounces of gold to a Chinese madam to stare at her for 10 minutes. Not as beautiful as you my wife. I talked to the bartender who said the transcontinental railroad is the best way to cross the country it was better than canals .I went to the mining plant contemplating where to go. I could either go to the river or foothills. I choose the foothills because I have not yet heard tragic stories mining their. I did not know what to expect .This was my first time at the mine. I went for it and it felt like everything paid off. I found 3 flakes of gold a good sign and now had enough to open my restaurant. I felt so lucky at that moment and thought I could do it again. I didn’t find anything the next time I went to the foothills just rocks ,plenty of rocks .I was not going to go to the saloon and drown my sorrows in alchol  like the other miners have done. I know how hard it is to mine and it is not something that will make me definite money .When I cleaned my boots that day  I found gold in my boots .That was good I need all the money I can get for that restarant. Hopefully it will work out.I feel successful but I feel the best thing I can do right now is open that restaurant. Its guaranteed pay instead of luck. Best wishes to you.

Love,

Harold Swartsmen