The following are exerpts from a letter written by H.C. Hodge while in the Goldfields of California,Nevada City,Nevada Co. California 1851. He originated from around Pulaski Mich.,leaving in 1849 for California goldfields that year. When in Nevada City,1851,he opened up an office as an attorney ,and did gold panning etc on the side. In 1851 he was elected to Treasurer of Nevada County. His Father who had died after he left home was a prominent Judge in the Pulaski ,or Jackson area. The exerpts below are included to reveal the names and context,when possible,so they may be recognized by searchers of the California gold fields and those relations in the Michigan areas doing local research. I have posted this email to both areas. John Johnston Palm Springs,Ca. lrjwj@aol.com HOMER , HORATIO, MILTON, JAMES & SARAH , REUBEN and MARY ABRAHAM ? And CAROLINA , SARAH E. MASON, HENRY CHESBRO, Father WHEELER WILBUR, DACT, MINZIE (?) , Mr. BRUTTENDEN of Concord, Mr. BILLINGS ,LIVERMORE , HASTINGS L LEE ,and many others. I have received answers only from HOMER, JANE, SARAH Father WILBUR, WHEELER BILLINGS, ALMOND and RUEBEN. . JOHN MORRIS James Thorn from Br. MASON and SARAH E written May 18" and June 6.they wrote of the death of AUNT MARTHA. The family were usually well excepting CAROLINE ALMOND wrote / MILTONS / I should like to have stopped in at that little Maple Sugar party at CONCORD right well-hope to meet you and th__(?) "SIS" "POCO TAMPO". We have or are beginning to have occasional parties here .in a population of In respect to other Michigan people I will say that ALLEN and ASHER GROVER , are working near here and are making five or six dollars a day-they are well. When I last heard from HENRY STILES he was on Feather river and was well. SACT OR DACT TOBY was on the American River at the last dates and as I have understood has done something for himself. I have also heard that JOHN FRENCH was somewhere in that region. The MYRICKS are on the Yuba River ,The FORDS formerly of Jackson are at Marysville . I have heard from a Roman Catholic Priest that Uncle ABRAM EDMOND and GEORGE E. were on or near the American river. SACT GARDNER, the Physician who was formerly popular with the FISHERS and the "Pennsylvania Settlement is practicing here and keeps his office with us-he is city physician and is making money about as fast as anyone I know of. R.M.FULLER of Concord I have not heard of for more than a year. I have not seen or heard of any of this years immigration across the plains yet, and am anxiously expecting to see some of the michigan emigrants as soon as they do arrive. I heard from ALEXANDER a few days since ,he was well and prospects good. I know nothing of the whereabouts of SAMUEL or JOSEPH THORN or DAVID HEPLER though I have made diligent inquiries for them. Last Sundy , there were sixteen Michigan People in our very office whom I knew and one week last Sunday there were twenty three. You see we can have many opportunities to talk of home and friends and things "LARRY SYNE" There are so many people with you and about in your vicinity that I like so well and feel so friendly to that in writing I do not generally particularize but send my best wishes and respects to all the same as I now do. I think HENRY has not received either of my letters to him or he would have answered them. Remember me to him and family AUNT ELIZA, EDWIN, A SIMMONS JANE SIMONS ELIZA S. and children, MINERVA & DEFARRIST(?) -also AUNT MARY & family ,UNCLE JOHN & family-M.(b or l)-AMBROSE,HANNAH,SARAH , UNCLE DANIEL AUNT LABITH and all the relatives-always remember me to Father & Mother WILBUR and family. To all there I shall have much to say on my return as well as my old & esteemed friends the MOSBERS(?) IAN LEAR, STOCKYS (?) ,SIRORAN?? BUTTERS etc etc etc To each and all of those mentioned give my warmest respects and good wishes as also to all others of any friends too numerous to mention not excepting JAMES THORN as good a friend as man ever had-I suppose he must have told you thats all for now...John