The Fassett Letters - Letter #63

One sheet cream lined paper 8 x 9¾” folded in half to make four 4⁷/8 x 8” pages
Date: 7/11/1859
Place: Pacheco
From: H H Fassett
To: Harry Fassett M.D.

Pacheco July 11th 1859
                                     Harry Fassett M.D.
                                                                          Granville Ohio
                                                                                                         Dr Sir
                                                                                                                           Your letter which I so long looked for was received on Tuesday of last week (the 5.th) and since I have been in the state have never been better pleased by the reception of (or contents either) a single one. and as the ice is now broken hope will write some of us at least once a year and you may be sure of prompt answers from one and all Our business is fair and if we have no unforeseen misfortune shall be able to make a visit home by & by where will tell you many wonderful stories & drive your fast horses.

(Begin p. 2)

We have had some very hot weather here for the last 2 weeks but has now changed and is quite cool enough so that we wear our winter clothing and our farmers are all done their harvesting and are now thrashing there grain. The feed is now mostly dryed up and until it rains but few cattle will get anything to eat but old feed although hardly any one cuts any hay for their own use as the dry feed is nearly all wild Oats which is first rate until it does rain and then for about one month stock that runs out fares rather hard. You would be surprised to stand in our store door and see the amount of stock which runs in this valley you can count them by thousands. and can see the Spaniards lassoing them every day which is quite interesting.

(Begin p. 3)

Since coming down here have become quite a Spaniard can throw the lasso a little use their saddle rigging throughout and talk with them on any subject in spanish altho’ have much yet to learn, but I improve every day. and think that in a year more can talk it as well as English. Have just been interrupted by 3 Spaniards and sold them some goods. they can talk not one word of English, and are now talking at my elbow as lively as white men. Since visiting you last have leased a warehouse and landing and shall put on 2 Boats to run from here to San Francisco and then our hands will be full enough of work. Henry Hale will take charge of the warehouse but still we will have to oversee it & keep every thing in good shape.

(Begin p. 4)

Now Father I used to think I could never tire of writing letters but of late I have so much to think about and do that I cannot make much of an out and seem to have nothing to say. Ann Chitt & myself all well & Parker in the store now with Jane. I owe Sarah a letter will write her soon also Mother and for a long time have owed one to Aunt Jerusha but mean to write to her at the first opportunity and make up in future for my disrespect in not answering sooner. The family must share this letter with you & as often as any of them will write me will try and answer. Am sorry to hear of Uncle Thos & Aunt S & Jeffs misfortune as from experience I know its hard to bear but still crying will not help the matter and I have nothing but good wishes to give them & for the future hope they will not meet with any more bad luck.        (over)

[The following is written at the top of page one in crosswise writing over the salutation.]

Hoping every blessing of an overwilling providence may be showered down upon you and your days be happy as long. and that you will remember me to all enquiring friends.
I remain as ever
                      Your aff Son
                                          H.H. Fassett

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