Harriett Orinda Humes Russell Virginia City, Nevada - July 17, 1864 Virginia City July 17, 1864 My Dear Cousin, I received your letter of June 3 last week. I was glad to hear you were all well. and hope the Boys that have gone to Idaho will get there safe, and do well. Times are very dull here I never saw money so scarce. and there is silver enough taken out to make money plenty. but when they ship it from this place it does not come back. Some of our most wealthy merchants will fail if times does not get better soon. but the cry is “hard times and worse coming” Every body looks blue (or green) Green backs are only worth 50 cents on the dollar here. if they were common currency, times would be easier. There has not ben but very little warm weather here this summer and not so much sickness as usual. Our little Samie is not very well. he ate some peaches a few days ago and has not been well since. I hope he will not be sick long. I would very much like to have a bouquet from your roses. I have a few plants in pots for I have not any yard or garden. I will send you some more seed it is a house plant. I think it has a beautiful flower. perhaps you have it if you do have any seed that you could send in a letter I would be happy to have them. Fathers folks were all well when I heard last, but Carroll had had conjestion of the lungs. they did not expect him to lieve for several days. I have failed to keep my promise to write to you every two weeks, but will try and do better in the future. I hope your fortune will come true and my claims good. I wish you would send me all the girls picture if you have them. Give my love to Aunt and all my cousins except two or three bushels for yourself. Write soon as you can. I will write two weeks from to day if I am well. Goodbye untill then. Your affectionate cousin Hattie O. Russell E. F. Marshall Sedaliaould  ©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©