Monthly Archives: February 2025

Ode to Spring

Posted on February 28, 2025 by nancyleek

An ode to “the spring that obtains but one month in the year” by Bret Harte. California Madrigal (On the Approach of Spring) Oh, come, my beloved, from thy winter abode,From thy home on the Yuba, thy ranch overflowed;For the … Continue reading →

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Reuben — The Rest of His Story

Posted on February 17, 2025 by nancyleek

On January 29th, 1851, George Murrell wrote from Long Bar on the American River: My Provision speculation this winter did not come up to my expectation. And I had to be very industrious with my mules to save myself. I … Continue reading →

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Reuben at Work

Posted on February 11, 2025 by nancyleek

Sacramento citty / October 4th, 1849 Master Sam– I take the pains to write you a few lines & wish to hear you are well & doing well. There is no time for dogeing [dodging] now. We expect to go … Continue reading →

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Reuben

Posted on February 9, 2025 by nancyleek

In the spring of 1849 George Murrell, the son of a well-to-do farming family near Bowling Green, Kentucky, joined the great overland trek to the land of gold. Like all forty-niners, George had high hopes of getting rich. George took … Continue reading →

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