Harriett Orinda Humes Russell Virginia City, Nevada - October 16, 1864 Virginia City, October 16th 1864 Dear Cousin, Your letter of August 17 I received four days ago and was glad to get it. It was the first one in over two months, it found us tolerable well. Samie has had real sore eyes but s almost well now. I have not heard from Father’s folks in nearly three weeks. I am anxious to hear again for Mother had got very badly hurt when I heard last. She fell down the sellar steps and cut her head against the stone wall. She bled very bad and hurt her hips so badly she could not walk the next day when the letter was written. I expect our letters have ben lost on the plains, the Indians have been very bad. I wrote to you while I was in Cal. I was there nearly two months my health got real good while I was there. This climate does not agree with me in the summer time. We have not had any rain since August. It is cold enough tonight to sit by the fire. I was at church today the text was the 6th chapter and 19 and 20 verses of St. Matthew. I attend the Episcopal Church. We have a splendid minister and a very flourishing Sabbath School the Methodists have also. Mary I have not much to write to you of interest. Times are very hard here yet. there are a great many men out of employment. Mr. Russell sold out his stage line three months ago has not been in any kind of business since, but is trying all the time. We do not have to pay as high prices for a great many things as you do. We can get good calico for 30 cents and domestic for 40 cents. Sugar 25 and 27 cents per pound. Coffee 45. flour $9.00 per hundred. Potatoes 2 cents. Cabbage 2 Apples 12 cents etc. etc. I hope you have heard from the Boys before this time. I have not heard from Uncle James or from Texas. Where is Cousin James Brown is he in the army or not. How does Aunt Nancy get along; return my best love to Sarilda. I suppose she is a young lady now. There is a gerat deal of excitement here about the coming election on the 8 of November. the republicans are afraid the Democrats will carry the election. I think our map is alike. I hope Aunt’s arm is well before now. Mr. Russell has a sister in New York, traveling for her husband’s health. I must write to her. Give my love to all of the family and keepe a lot for yourself. O if I could see you I would be so happy. I am ever your affectionate cousin Hattie O. Russell © Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved