HI All I am posting a copy of a letter just sent from Leon Moore in Arkansas. This letter was written by my Great Great Grandfather to his wife in 1850 and part of the letter was printed in the Arkansas Gazette. ------- Arkansas Gazette, March 29, 1850, p. 2, col. 3. Part of a letter written by Benjamin Wills, Jr. to his wife from Aqua Freo, California January 6, 1850, that was published in the Arkansas Gazette: Aqua Freo. Jan. 6, 1850 I believe we are bound to do well if we can keep our health and are industrious. We have been at these diggins since Dec. 5th. In one month we obtained enough gold to buy our provisions for the winter, and today we have a surplus of three hundred dollars. Howell's mess, Vandegrift and Col. Joiner's all encamped within a few steps of us. They are all in good health and doing will. They have all so far had better luck than we have had. Howell's mess (sic) found a rich pocket in a few days after they got here and they have taken out about one thousand dollars. Hutcherson and Calvin Donahoo are working together. (The gold is here and aplenty of it.) In our trip we saw a great many thing strange and new to us. Some of the views from hills and valleys were magnificent. We saw the great plain five or six hundred miles in extent. Also many herds of buffaloes, antelope, the mountain sheep, wild horses, the elk, and the Indians of various tribes. [ Mr. Wills makes no mention of having seen the elephant.] I think I shall be at home by next Christmas. Ben Wills -- Thomas and Paulette Hilk 1725 Wildwood Ct. Merced, CA. 95340 E-mail address: paulette@elite.net