Dear family,

 I went to the nearest general store the other day only to not find what I was looking for. I finally make it to Sacramento again only to get my cooking equipment and mining tools stolen. I had nothing . I felt at this moment all was over and I would die like many and not come home. I feel closer to success however anything can happen .How am I ever going to become a success. I was given info about another miners experience in the foothills. He wasted days there and not a single nugget of gold .The foothills were where I struck big and found gold .I now needed money .If I waited any longer I could be robbed again. One piece of gold would make me rich enough for that restaurant ,saloon, or theatre . I got to the mines and their found a gold nugget. Where should I go the river or the foothills. Do I listen to others ? That’s my spot and for all I know they could be lying.Last time I was there it was packed it could be dry. I was then sent to the American river by my companions and their I found it .gold. I traveled all the way to San Francisco and bought my cooking equipment. I thought it over hard what career was I going to pursue and the question running through my head was what would best benefit the people ? Theatre provides entertainment and is that really important ? Saloons provide alcohol but do we benefit from that? Did I make the right decision?

Love,

Harold Swartsmen