Howdy GoldRushListers, I guess this is my left-handed way:-) of introducing the journal/reminiscences of another 49er, Howard C. GARDINER. An ILL just came through with "In Pursuit of the Golden Dream - Reminiscences of San Francisco and the Northern and Southern Mines, 1849-1857 by Howard C. Gardiner."(ed. Dale L. Morgan;Western Hemisphere, Inc.MCMLXX). I thank friend & fellow CA- GoldRushlist member EMERSON <[email protected]> for recommending it. . Since I only partially copy, Emerson advised me to check the book for this poem, which 49erGardiner's father wrote just prior to his son's leaving for the CA gold rush. Unfortunately, I only copied the poem and not the lead- in material:-)) But I do know that New York's "Journal of Commerce" published this(early 1849?). Maybe Emerson can add/elaborate. Anyway, I think all of us fathers and grandfathers - probably others to - can identify with:: "A Father's Advice to His Son, Leaving His Home for California" by Rev. John D. GARDINER "Farewell my son, the hour has come, The Solemn hour when we must part; The hour that bears thee from thy home, With sorrow fills thy father's heart. Farewell, my son, thou leav'st behind Thy mother, brothers, sisters dear, And goest the far-off land to find Without one friend thy way to cheer. Alone, thou leav'st thy vine-clad cot, Thy childhood's lawn, thy natal bowers, Sweet scenes that ne'er will be forgot, Where life has passed it sunniest hours. When far away in distant lands, 'Mid California's golden streams, Where brightly shine those yellow stands, Oft will "Sweet Home" come o'er thy dreams. Thy father's counsels, prayers, and love Pursue thee through thy dangerous way, And at the mercy seat above, Implore his son may never stray. >From that strait path where virtue guides To purest, noblest joys on high, Where God in holiness presides, And springs perennial never dry. Remember, His omniscient eye Beholds each devious step you take, That you can ne'er His presence fly At home, abroad, asleep, awake. On California's sea-beat shore, Where the Pacific rolls his tide, Where waves on waves eternal roar, You cannot from His notice hide. He holds you There upon His arm, Encircles with His boundless might, Preserves you safe from every harm, 'Mid brightest day and darkest night. Let that great thought be deep impressed Upon the tablets of they heart, Be cherished there within thy breast, And from thy memory ne'er depart. If strong temptations round you rise, Where sin's deceitful smiles betray This thought will prompt you to despise The course that leads the downward way." FOLKS: The entire poem is too long for one posting. Our conclusion will be along in just a minute. Best, Bob Norris in Dallas <BNorris166aol.com>