a speculation, but the Old Man doesn't like it. Avery Babcock has taken his up but it is not much account.
Emigrants have a hard time of it this winter here as well as in the mines—those that have families I mean. . . . There are a great many families suffering here for something to eat. They make up subscriptions for them every few days here. ...
Uncle Jo White and Milton have moved over to the Sound. I don't think Uncle Jo is satisfied with the country. Tell Uncle Anderson if he wants to come Oregon to live he had better come and see the country and see it first.
Give my love to Kate and family. Tell Ann, Fred and Lizzy to be good Children, and I hope we may all meet again. ... Give my love to all.
Your Son
John R. Tice
During the summer of 1853 the Rogue River Indian war was in progress, and there was excitement in southern Oregon. Then, as now, business was "picking up," with prosperity not far away. And, to Tice, prosperity meant an opportunity to return home.
Jacksonville, Oregon, Aug. 7/53
Dear Father and Mother,
I received Mother's and Fred's letters last week which pleased me very much. I write this in great haste. Everything and everybody is in great excitement about Indian war. The Indians of this Valley have turned against the whites. They have killed two men and have wounded five or six since last Friday evening. The whites turned out yesterday and killed some six or seven Indians besides hanging three here in town. They have raised a company this morning and gone out but have not returned yet but will this evening. Andy and Frank went. ... Old Man Lawson is here in the room at present. He thinks of going to California as soon as the Indian difficulty is settled. He is well and looks hearty. We are doing as well as we can expect. Business is picking up a little and we think we will get good profit on what provisions we have got, and our mules are in good order and will sell well so I think we will be home this winter. ... We can't do much at packing till this Indian affair is settled for it is dangerous to be on the road in small companies.
