and Partlow are going to the Chastie (Shasta) mines so they will be with us for some distance. Davison received a letter from his wife which had some stories in about the Indians running us, which is not so and I don't want you to pay any attention to any of these stories at all. If we get run by them I will write you. They are raised to make you uneasy. ... Old Mr. Churchman has raised stories about Davison not coming back, which is done through malice. Davison thinks a great deal of his family. ...
Uncle Jo White is going to stay in Milwaukie, a small town between Oregon City and Portland, for the purpose of schooling his girls. ... Portland is going to make the City here. It is at the head of ship navigation and it is improving fast. Oregon City is finished for it has no more room to grow. It is built in a canyon at the falls. It will always be a good pious town. . . . [Here follows an uncomplimentary reference to Dr. McLoughlin.] Jo Lane's son Nat is here, one of the proprietors of the Island mill which is good property. ...
Tell Fred and Lizzy they must be good children and when I get down to Port Orford I will send them a lump of gold. I may not receive your letters regularly but still direct to Oregon City. I will write you from the Port as often as I can. The steamship Sea Gull puts in there every trip but I do not think there is an office there yet. ....
The boys are fools for living in Covington all their life-time and see nothing. I am going to see China if I live and have luck. No one knows what he can stand till he crosses the plains. When we came to Salmon Falls we traded for some fish with the Indians which were the best fish I ever ate. The flesh is of a reddish color. ...
Give my Respects to all my friends.
Your affectionate Son
John
Tice did not remain at Port Orford long. March of the following year found him a miner in northern California.
Weaverville, Cal., March 24/52
Dear Father and Mother,
One year ago today I left Home, Sweet Home. I have seen a
