Harriett Orinda Humes Russell Virginia City, Nevada - February 13, 1865 Virginia City, State of Nevada. February 13, 1865 My Dear Cousin, Why is it that I have not heard from you all for so long a time. I have not had a letter since last August. I do hope you are all well, as this leaves us Fathers folks are all well. Sister Betsey’s little girl was not very well when I heard from them last. They have moved about fifty miles from Fathers to a place called Bodega. Smith’s Ranch is their P.O. I am afraid all your property has been taken away from you this winter. the last time I heard the soldiers ware at Sedalia. How have the boys done that went to Idaho. do any of you think of comeing out here this spring. times have been very hard here this winter. We look forward with a hope of better times in the Spring. We have had moor cold weatehr this winter than we had last. it is very cold today the wind blows and it is snowing. When you write tell me all about my cousins. I am anxious to hear from you all every time Mother writes to me, she wants to know if I have heard from you, but I have to tell her no. I have not heard from Uncle James this winter. John Ely has sold his place near fathers. I do not know where he will move to next. I expect we will stay in Virginia City some time. unless we get sick this coming summer. then perhaps we will go where there is better water for a while. My husband has been working all winter for 6 dollars per day he is at work now. I do not be called babyany longer. My health has been good all winter. My husbands father is very sick I do not think he will ever get well. he has the dropsy. he is very Old too. so he can not stand much sickness. he lives 18 miles from us at Carson City. The Abolition party carried the election here last fall and they are passing some of the most outrageous laws in the Legislature this winter that you ever heard of. Flour is 12 dollars per hundred. Potatoes 5 cents per pound. Cabbage 5. Parsnips 8. dryed fruit is 22 to 25 cents Coffee 45. Wood is 18 dollars per cord. Milk $1.25 cents a gallon. Well it is almost supper time so I will bring my letter to a close with lots of love to you all. and a bushel of kisses for your self. I am ever your aff. Cousin Harriett O. Russell To Mary F. Marshall © Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved