Negro Hill, California

April 10th 1853

Dear Brothers   I write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines may find you all well you must excuse me for not writing sooner for I did not know where to direct my letters for I was so long on the road that I did not know what has become of you I will try to give some of the out lines of my voyage I left Charleston on the 8th Feb landed at Havana, "Cuba" 11th left Havana 17th and landed at Chagres 22nd Panama 25th and left there the 7th March and after 82 days sail of Starvation on the 28th May we put in to Mansivillo on the western coast of Mexico for provisions and water but could get nothing but water and that was very bad So on the 30th we set sail for San Blass 180 Miles further up the coast and on the 9th of June we cast Anchor in the bay of San Blass and there we lay 45 days trying to get provision the Captain did not have the money to pay for it So finally he Mortgaged his ship and cargo for five thousand five hundred dollars and the passengers paid five hundred and Chartered another vessel for five thousand dollars and we weighed Anchor and set sail from there on the 27th July

(pg 2) and after 57 days of head winds and gales and Starvation we Anchored in the bay of "San Francisco" on the 11th of Sept and out of "money" and shook almost to death with "Ague" that evening took a boat for Sacramento City landed there next morning at daylight and Stuck for the "Diggins" and after 3 days hard walking I got here a distance of 25 miles from Sacramento City and was sick four weeks and on expenses at $10 per week for board besides my "doctor bill" So enough of this suffice it to says I never knew hard times was "before" I have done moderate business in the mines this winter I have cleared about $300 since I got here and I would have done better but provision was so high Pork was worth 45 cts per lb beef 30 flour 35 Irish Potatoes 25 per lb butter #1 and other things in propotion So in all I was seven months and ten days on the ways I want you to write to me and Direct to Mormon Island California So nothing more at present

to L F & F M Crumley                                                      I remain your                                                                       Brother and well wisher
                                                                               
                                                                                 A. D. Crumley