1854 letter from an average guy, reporting on the girls in Cedar Rapids and promises of gold in California
Single sheet of paper with a rough cut edge (like it was removed from a book), faint embossing in the upper left corner, 10 x 7.75 inches. Letter from John J. J. Hall, to a Mr. Samuel M. Joab, asking after Joab's family and their health. It gives the impression of a friendly acquaintance possibly from a higher social position--a land owner or former employer. Dated January 18, 1854, and writing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he tells about potential plans for going further west--or tagging along with another young gentleman to find a wife in Pennsylvania...
"iff I don't go out their in June or get married before next year I think that I shall either go to orygon or to California in one year from next april this country is setteling up very fast when we come out hear theree years ago next spring then their was hardly a girl to be found in the country now their is -[he writes "great," then scratches it out]- any amount of them to be had with in a very short distance their is singing spelling and balls all most without number..." and trails off.
His letter picks up the next day on the back of the page in a more business-oriented manner reporting on the market prices for grain and cattle and he "heard that James moor was home from California but did not hear whether he maid any thing or not Friend excuse all bad writing and mis takes nothing more ate present but remain your friend- John J. J. Hall." His signature is accompanied with a surprising sort of tornado and cloud flourish, incorporating text possibly read, "round is the ring that has no end."
Cedar Rapids was established in 1849, and it appears our writer had set up there in the early days, around 1850-51 based on his account. The letter offers the perspective of a common person lured by the possibilities for land and profit during Westward Expansion and the Gold Rush (California comes up twice)--but who is still foremost a regular guy trying to find a wife and make a go of whatever life brings his way.