James White was a 21 year old farmer from Quincy, MA. In 1849 he sailed from Boston around Cape Horn to San Francisco and the gold diggings of California. In all he spent 6 months at sea and a year in California. I've transcribed his journal and am publishing it here as well as on Amazon/Kindle and Apple/iBooks.
This week: A Trip Back to Sacramento
The 15th.
Continues very warm in the middle of the day & cool nights. Baxter down quite sick with dysentery. Great many in camp with dysentery & the fever & felt pretty smart myself.
The 16th.
Team came in from Embarkadero with several of the remaining Company. I started out in the eve with the teams Company with teamers for Embarkadero longing for excitement & to get clear of the sickly places. Not very strong although.
Went down to buy provisions & go to the ship on business if convenient. Camped at Jackson Creek this night 6 miles out.
Friday August 17th.
Started early. Took a different route from the one we came up. Better road & pleasanter. Nooned at the Buena Vista or Digues ranch. 10 miles . Started at 4 and camped near Robinson’s or Hixes. Distance traveled today 20 miles. Bought milk at Robinson’s. Paid 50 cts qt.
The 18th.
Travelled over a level road and camped at noon at a beautiful oasis in the middle of a plain 15 miles long. Pleasant conversation with a Dr. Rice of Somerset, Mass who had lived in this and the lower country 8 years. Married a Spanish lady of Pueblo. Started on our journey after the heat of the day. At night camped at Daly. Got supper at Coates on the Consumes. Distance travelled 18 miles.
The 19th.
Started at sunrise after much difficulty in finding the oxen. Got across the never to be forgotten dry & seared place. At 11 A.M. nooned at the Ten Mile House or Mill. Started at 3. Got to Embarkadero at 8 pretty well tired out having travelled 25 miles. I hardly knew the place. It's growth had altered it. Found a few of the Company at the old campground.
Monday, August 20th, 1849
Found that I could not go to the ship short of $40. Gave up the idea. Our steam scow & a small propeller was plying between S'to and the mouth of the S. Found out that several of the Company was going up this day, among them friend Mears. Concluded to go back with them. Went out & bought my goods etc. Wrote a letter to brother George. Made arrangements for my letters to come to this place. Sorry to find friend Mears engaged in another Company, camp for weeks & determined to let nothing daunt. Dispatched business & started out on route for the Mokelumne this night. Camped at the 10 Mile House or Old Mill.
The 21st.
Started early. Arrived at the Cosumnes at noon. Took dinner at Coates’ at the crossing. Very weary. Camped for the night on the S bank of the river on the old ground.
Wednesday, the 22nd.
Started as usual early before the teams. Arrived at Robinson's at 2 P.M. Felt very gloomy all day in regard to my health etc. Thought of home & giving up all the enjoyments of life to come out to this barren & unfortunate country. Talked with M--s about leaving the mines as soon as practical either for home or somewhere else.