FRIDAY 2
We was under way Early this morning and after passing Several Vessels of different Sizes from a Bark of 300 Tons to a whale Boat, we canie in Sight of Stockton. Our Goods was landed and Freight Paid at the rate of $2 per 100 weight, and Pasage $12 Each. from this date up to the 10th we was detained by Stormy weather and bad Roads. We were fortunate enough to engage a team Just before the Storm, thereby getting our Goods conveyed to the Mines for 17¢ the pound instead of 50¢ which was asked after the rain. While in Stockton we enjoyed ourselves very Much Gunning and fishing. But we was very ancious to get to the Mines and we was not a little pleased to find the Roads on the 10th So that we could get along tolerably well. we Set out at 9 A M and at Sundown we pitched our tent in a Small ravine Sixteen miles on our way On our travels during the day we Managed. to get a few quails and other Birds, which Made a very good Meal for our Supper. When we left Stockton we knew very well that the Roads would be very bad, and to be Sure of less obstruction on the way, two parties of us from the Salem agreed to go in company So that if one Wagon Should get Studk in the Mud we could put on a double team and thus prevent as Much detention as possible.
NAMES OF THE TWO PARTIES IN COMPANY ON THEIR WAY TO THE MINES.
The New York & California Excelsior Mining Co.
Thomas Ailward 1
Malcolm Norton 2
Norman Wadhams 3
Philetus H. Halsey 4
George W. Halsey 5
Isaac S. Halsey 6
The H.E.Riel Co.
John Benwell 1
John H. Vanderbelt 2
James Ross 3
Henry Myres 4
Robert Gillis 5
Anthony Rempee 6
William Waggee 7
Three Persons that where Members of the Excelsior Company previous to our arival at San Francisco Concluded to remain at that Place reducing our Party from 9 Members to six.