J.M. Reed

Jacob Miles Reed letter Transcribed by Norman Dickey  Apr 2, 2009   (142 yr - 6 gens ) Jacob went to California in 1860 -  Evaline age 5 and was there 7 years - 1867 Evaline age 12 Jacob Miles Reed left Wayne Co to go to the Cal gold rush. He wrote this letter saying he had $4000 and was headed home. He was never heard from again.

Kernville  April 9^th 1867

Mary Eviline

            Dear child I have just received your kind letter informing me that you was well.  I was very glad to hear from you through the medium of your pen.  When I last saw you, you was but a child five years old. I don’t expect I would know you now. As you was so small when I left home.  I think the time long dear child that I cant see you.  But however I hope that my circumstances will admit of me seeing you soon again.   I have written to your Uncle J.C. Reed  to make arrangements to send you and your brother Curtis to school.   I want you and him to go to school together for about two years when you get your education I want you and him to come out to this country.  I have wrote to your uncle Joe to send you and Curtis to school  together for that term and I have got the money to pay for it.   I want you to tell your uncle John  that

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that I want him to see that you do both go to school and he will please see the arrangements made for you to go.  Tell him if there is no school nearer than Fairfield he will send you both there and I will pay your board.  Ask him how much it will cost. And I will send him the money.  I want you to tell Curtis to write me as soon as you get this letter.  I am very proud to find that you can write as well as you can.  Sis, I am along time away from you but I think that I will be able to do something for you and Curtis yet.  I have got some money and I think that I think that I can make some more. I have got about $4,000 four thousand dollars now and I am making about $250.00 per month a butchering. I have got a good business now for making money. 

Tell Curtis that I have plenty of horses for him to ride if he will come out here.  I don’t do anything but ride and buy cattle my partner does the butchering.  You must respect and obey your Uncle John as you would your father. For he has been a father

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to you.  Mary Eviline I expect to come for you children in the coarse of one year and I want you both to be prepared to come to California with me as I expect to make this my home as long as I live.  How is it that did not say anything about your brother in your letter.  You must lookout for him and if anything goes roug with him let me know it.  As he is the only brother you have in the world.   I want you to show this letter to your uncle John and tell him to write me as soon  as you get this letter.  I want now what the chance is for you to go to school. He can make the arrangements and I will send a draft on Wells Fargo Co Exprefs.  Tell your cousins Mary & Eliza that I will answer their letters as soon as I can.  I also intend to send you children some presents as soon as can get some genuine jewelry.  I must close for the want of time to write so nothing more but

Remains your affectionate father until Death