Long handwritten letter, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, May 1, 1849. Lengthy handwritten mid-19th century letter with general content including family news such as a recovery from illness, the birth of a child ("The baby is…growing every day fat and good and probably handsome as you know is perfectly natural to the family!"), the opening of a railroad ("Now every day excepting Sunday the whistle screams and the bells of the locomotives are ringing till night…We went down to the 'Depot' to see the cars some in, and it was a novel sight"), and the rationale of young men leaving for the gold rush ("I hope he has no desire to go to California tho' he may gather gold and heap for himself untold riches, yet there is danger in the pursuit"). Attractively cloth-matted and framed with an image and plaque to an overall size of 32 x 29.5, with a window in the backing for viewing the opposing side. In fine condition.
