I have made no progress & heard nothing from New York since I last wrote you, which looks not favorably. I think, however, that in some way or other, we shall be able to go on for a few months.

I keep my room, most of the day, having a disagreeable cold. Have seen no one but Ashburner & my lawyer this week. Brayton has not been in to see the plans. Hyde is provided for, for two years on the Russian-American Telegraph exploring expedition thro’ the wilderness to Bheering’s Straits. I have heard of nothing hopeful for Pieper or Miller. Miller could probably earn a bare living by painting photographs. I see [298]nothing better. I think, however, if our breaking up is not very sudden something is sure to offer for both of them. A lingering death of Mariposa—uncertainty & hope deferred, seems the most disagreeable prospect for us—for me. Yet if my pay continues, I shall accept it gratefully, rather than go East. We have lived so very happily of late, & you & the children are doing so well, I shall be disposed to stay as long as possible at Bear Valley. It will not be easy for us to shorten sail to the degree that it will be required if we go East. But although we should probably have to manage a good deal closer than we ever have before, I feel less anxiety about it than usual—less oppressive anxiety. The truth is I have enjoyed the last few months so much, that I think I have [been] sufficiently well charged with caloric to bear a little cold weather, if necessary, without breaking my heart or my temper—and I hope it is the same with you. One thing I have learned that will help my patience in the future perhaps—that a certain degree of health and of luxury does tend to limit your discontent—a fact which I don’t think before last summer—autumn—I ever made any progress of faith in. “What I mean to say, is” that I have an increased and increasing positive respect for you as well as a decreased disrespect for your occasional perversities. You will think that I am sick that I write this—but I am, however that may be, very happy in our experience of late. And for the present let us make the most of Bear Valley & what we have there. I am glad the spring is so near.