Portage Sentinel

We have been favored with the following letter for publication, from Mr. Pinney, formerly a resident of Paris, in this county.

February 17th, 1850.

"I remember my promise and now, wish to give you fairly to understand how it is with me. I believe my last letter was mailed at Salt Lake City: whether or not it gave a full account of my history there I do not remember, however the man Hillyard with whom I had travelled from the States, was persuaded by the Mormons to believe the rest of the road impracticable, and that it was best to make a road to William's Ranch, and there were more than 150 wagons that all took the new road. A Mormon, by the name of Hunt, went as guide for 100, at $10 a piece. And tho' I did all I could against it, yet I could do no better than go along. So off we put, and after many delays found it advisable to make a cut off, which was said, would save two days time. We tried it, and after 6 days fasting or our cattle and horses, we found ourselves within 2 miles of where we started on the cut-off. On we went to Little Salt Lake. Then the news that there was a nearer route to California by striking west across the desert began to spread. They said Mr. Bridger and, naming two or three more, had all travelled that way and that there was water and grass within every 15 miles; and more, a Mr Smith, with his own mules and men were then on that same pass. Flattered by the hope of shortening our journey 400 miles, they all followed Smith's trail near 80 miles, when the wagons found themselves hemmed in by mountains. Then and there the company broke into seven parts. However, let me say, as Dr. McCormac held the guides fees and refused to pay them over unless the guide stuck to the first agreement, therefore Hunt with 7 wagons only kept the Spanish trail. To return to the wagons. The most then returned to trail. Some packed and I among the rest. Provisions began to be scarce. We packed many days, then came up with Smith's train who had lain by the spring, and that, the only water within two days drive. - More than a week trying to find a pass but could find none. The pack animals were all obliged to turn back. The men as well as animals were almost starved and famished. They killed some horses to eat. I killed and jerked my pony, and 11 of us thought it best and we packed to go ahead. And now, friends, do not ask a minute detail of our sufferings, or it is painful to my memory. Suffice it, then to say that out of eleven, only two got through to Owen's Lake. We left the nine on the desert. O Well do I remember the events. We then recruited with the Indians 10 or 12 days; then went south until we could cross the mountains, living, I will tell you how, when I see you, After crossing we travelled north until we came 50 miles north of the San Walk-ins river. Here we found the Anonfreean and Meryposa diggings, where I am at present. How long I shall stay here it is impossible to say. Flour, Pork, Coffee, and Potatoes have sold here this month or one dollar and fifty cents per pound, though it is now much less. Some are getting rich and others poor. Wages range from $1 to $5 a day. We have had some of the finest weather and some of the foulest you ever saw. The climate of the mines is cold nights and hot days, even bordering on the extreme, though the air is pure and healthful, yet, the degrees of temperature are such as to keep me always exposed. I suppose your anxiety is some like mine. I would like to see you, I wish I was with you instead of being here, if I was I should never come here a second time, I assure you; and there are hundreds more here that are ditto. I am well, though it is a wonder that I live. How long I shall stay here is in the future, though I will not stay past '55, unless they do to me as they do to others here. I have not yet received a letter from any of you and perhaps never will, because of the uncertainty of the mail. It is of little use to write either way. Time rolls on rapidly and will soon roll me to eternity, or the States if I can make enough to get there. There are hundreds of things crowding to enter the list as news to you, but there is no room. I hope you are all alive and well. You may not hear from me again until you see me. And if I am permitted I would like to be located beside you and enjoy the luxuries of a little family and home. But I am resolved upon owning the foundation on which I locate. The Mississippi valley is a much richer and more fertile than California as it is larger, If any of you ask my advice I say stay at home or get a location in the western States—use industry and economy and you will become well off. But if you must come here and suffer a hundred deaths and like hundreds more remain poor, so be it; you make your own fortune. No man of over 35 years should come past the Mississippi river west. Now friends, farewell! The integrity of righteousness cleanse your character, and then we are sure to meet again. Again farewell. Pray for me."

Yours, with respect,

ALGERNON PINNEY.

TO BIDWELL PINNEY.