Previous Letter | Next Letter | Back to Stewart River Map | Back to Klondike Journey Map | To Bob's Homepage |
[Incomplete letter...single page, written in ink rather than pencil. The sheet is written upon both sides, first side numbered (5), reverse side (6). Page (5) begins in mid-sentence...]
crowd has returned. Nelson, McCain, Kimble and several others
of the crew. those that stayed have taken a lay on Sulphur creek.
We will probibly not get that lay on Himken as the old man has
sold it. So you have not gotten any letter from me since
December. well I have written you at least a dozzen since the
river has opened. I just got some ink and pens, as you see. I
have been writing out some bills of sales so was forced to buy
same, probibly you will get some of my letters now as I had
formily written with a pencil, writing with a pen comes unhandy
for me as have not written much with a pen since leaving home.
There are lots of people going out on the boats the fare is down
to 150.00 first class 100.00 second class and probibly will go
lower in a few days as there are a good many boats on the river
running up and down. about 20 large boats have come up river
there is plenty of provisions here now. but there is a lot of
people here yet but many are going out over the ice on account of
not having money enough. it might be our case if I have to walk
600 miles out over the ice dont know if I will be able to attend
to family duty immediately after reaching home. So you think of
becoming a music teacher well all I will say do as you think best
but be carefull if you leave home and dont forget to care for my
boy. we have some very fine musicians here several of Gillmore's
band men. and one of Patti's former leaders so you see we have
some of the best. but the best of music does not cheer me any
more every thing is different in my life in fact I fell like a
terrible old man. but really am stronger then I ever was my
cheeks are not sunk in as they use to be and am much heavier but
there is no enjoyment that I care to take part in. Hoping that
there will be joy in a little camp in Mo. some time in the
future. Frank says he is going to write to you and tell some
stories on me. suppose I cant do the same on him? Have received
twenty two letters up to date so you see not all of your letters
are lost you should get or have a dozzen from me by this time
written since the river has opened.
Hoping to hear from you and my boy every week. (I only write when
there is a chance to send one out) From your ever devoted husband
Everett Barton