Route as traced via Google Maps.

Audio excerpts from the entire letter (mp3 format) Voiceover by Nancy Burnett (burnetnc@oneonta.edu), Communication Arts Department, SUNY College at Oneonta.

Excerpts from page 8:

"I had some of the most singular dreams that ever passed through the brain of man. I often fancied that I was shipwrecked, I often thought I was sailing on the Delaware, and some times I thought our ship was running on dry land, one night I dreamed of drinking from our spring on the hill side. I often dreamed of home and friends..."

"Oct 10th A favourable breeze sprung up, and on Saturday we saw the long sought land...

"The next morn we went ashore, And, entered the far famed City that has sprung as it were into existance in the twinkling of a few short years. .."

"Labour in the City is not over plenty yet one can get from $4 to $5 per day, but you have to board yourself therefore the profits are but little..."

"I have closed my letter hastily, nor did I design to give much of a description of California till better acquainted. I told Uncle to address me at Stocton but you may write or direct at Sonora California and I shall get one or the other and probaly both. Remember me to all brothers and sisters and to mother & friends. your affectionate son HM Seaman."