Rachel Ann Browne (ND-ND)

Write More Than I Have

From Letter, 1852

By 1860, more than five thousand African-Americans came to California looking for gold. Unfortunately, not everyone in their families made the trip.

Rachel Ann Brown stayed in Ohio after her husband David left for California. Her letters attest to her lonliness and her hope for David's return, as in this passage from an 1852 letter.

My dear husband, if you had your business arranged so you could come home I would be glad so we could get fix to housekeep. If you had I do think that if we could get a place improved it would be better but perhaps we would have to pay more for it, perhaps it may have trees on & other conveniences but I will see. The weather is getting mild again but very dry & dusty. I think that we will have another hot summer.

Mother said that you must come soon. She send her best respects to you. You must excuse this short letter & believe me to be your affectionate wife. Good night. Write more than I have when you write.

Rachel Ann Brown to Mr. David Brown

David Brown eventually settled in Downieville, but Rachel Ann Brown never joined him there.