Harriett Orinda Humes Russell Santa Rosa, California - December 31, 1865 Wish You a happy New Year Santa Rosa Dec. 31. 1865 My Dear Cousin, I will not let this year pass away without answering your letter of Set. 10. which has been in my possession for some time. Since I wrote to you last there has been quite a change taken place. We left Virginia City about the middle of July. Came down to Sonora County and have been here ever since. Among other things we have had a darling little Daughter added to our family she is three months old (born the 27 of Sept.) we call her Sarah Joeann for her eldest Aunt. She is the pet of all the family and is a perfect little darling. We are all tolerable well. Ann and her Husband are living at Santa Rosa now. they have a place rented. Father has sold his place in this country and will leave here the first of May. He is going to Santa Craz county. Watsonville is the P. C. Mr. Cravens and family is there now. If you should want to write to Betsey direct direct to that place. I do not know where we will locate. Mr. russell is in San Francisco at present. Well I expect by this time you have changed your name and is Mrs. somebody, instead of Miss Marshall. If you are married I hope you have got one of the best men in the world and you are both as happy as two doves and will remain so. that is the beauty of it. Mother says for me to tell you if you are not married never marry a Republiican. She laments a great deal about her sons-in-law who are such, but I can say that never did a better heart beat under any man’s bosom than that of my Husband if he is a Republican. If you get one of either party as good as he is you are all right. I will not weary your patience by writing on the subject any more. You must write me all about it and give me all the news. We never hear from there only through you. I do not know anything about how Uncle James gets along. he has not writen to any of us for a long time. We heard by another person that they were all well last summer. We are having beautiful weather, the farmers are putting in their grain. this climate is much more pleasant than that of Nevada, and it agrees with me better. Mr. Ely and Ann send love to all and a kiss for yourself and Husband. Write and send me his picture with yours. Good bye. I am ever your aff. Cousin Harriett O. Russell © Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved