316 EAST PRUSSIA TO THE GOLDEN GATE 



from the shore and we recognized the well known figure 

 of some honest co-worker, our hearts grew weak and 

 work went on slowly. Then came calls from mourning 

 friends, whose piercing cries would melt the coldest 

 hearts. One by one they finally were laid to rest— and 

 may they rest in peace! 



Slowly I succeeded in bringing order into the chaos; 

 and when all Wilmington rejoiced with me in the recov- 

 ery of the revered Phineas Banning, I was able to make 

 satisfactory report. Though it was my employer's wish 

 that I should remain as bookkeeper, I declined on ac- 

 count of the political disagreements of the past and re- 

 entered my former position at the county clerk's office. 

 Mr. Banning generously offered me five hundred dollars 

 for my services, of which I accepted only two hundred 

 that sum representing my regular salary.* 



The beginning of June found me again at my desk in 

 the county courthouse from eight a. m. to five p. m., 

 except when urgent business claimed my evening hours, 

 which seldom happened. My only real companion in 

 leisure hours is Dr. Theodor Wollweber,* with whom I 

 discuss current and past events. Thus ended another 

 year. 



July 31st, 1864. 

 The new year brought changes in the county adminis- 

 tration, the result of the Fall election. My new chief, 

 T. D. Mott, kindly confirmed my former appointment, 

 so that my position seems secure for the present. 



*Dear reader! Do you read through these lines the story of 

 this man's noble heart? There were widows and orphans who 

 needed the money more than he. And their blessing went with 

 him. — Translator. 



*Dr. Wollweber preceded the author into the realms above ; 

 it was he, who translated the interesting mining letters from 

 Long-Bar — Yuba River — dated 1852-3. A strong, manly char- 

 acter, he soon recognized in the author a man, whose companion- 

 ship was worth cultivating. Strong characters often differ, so 

 did these : mutual respect, however, paved the way to a close, 

 lasting friendship. — J.C.B. 



