SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 1849
A person engaged in digging in the Earth, in Search for Gold from Morning till Night, from Monday Morning until Saturday Night, does not find Much time to write Journals nor Matter of More Consequence. Neather does he feel (after Spending the day thus laborously) like to take his pen in hand to note the incidents of the day. But rather to turn in (or retire) and enjoy the full benefit of Natures Sweet restorer, Balmy Sleep that he May be prepared to resume his labors the following day. I Shall therefor hereafter keep a weekly Record. Writing every Sunday, we will take a peep through the Weeks as they pass, and Note all the interesting incidents that occur therein, if any Such there be.
It is now December, at home Called Cold December. but it cannot be Called Cold here, indeed the Sun is So warm during the day that it causes a Man to perspire quite freely. I think the temperature of the air in the Month of December here, Agrees with the latter part of April and the first of May at New York. The Mornings and Evenings are cool, but during the Day it is indeed pleasant Occasional Showers of Rain fall to the ground. Not to Soften and turn to its own liquid State, the pure white Snow, but to Soften the hard and Srubless Ground that has been Baked by a hot and Scorching Sun, unobscured by Clouds, for Several Months gone by. The Trees to and the Chaparel which but a Short time ago bore the appearance of lifeless Braches and Brush. Now put forth their green leaves, as if inpulsed by growing Showers of April and the genial warmth of a May Sun.
Provisions are very high in these Mines and in Some other Mines, the price is Still More enormous. We are very fortunate indeed having brought a very good Supply with us. Those who have to buy all their provisions will have to lay out a considerable Sum in course of the winter. Flower & Pork $1.25¢ the pound Potatoes $1 per pound Beens $1 per lb Molases $6 the Gal. & every thing els according.