These letters were written by W. M. Baker who seems to have been an older brother of the recipient, James F. Baker (1833-1890), a grocer in Panola, Texas, who lived in 1860 with his mother, Mary (Pittman) Baker (1793-1880) and sister Panthea Augusta Baker (1839-1872). In 1850, when James’ father Willis Perry Baker (1792-1856) was still living, the Bakers lived in Talbot county, Georgia. James’ older sister, Priscilla Gillean Baker (1826-1897) was married to Joseph Carswell in 1844 and they farmed in Buena Vista, Marion county, Georgia in 1860. Yet another brother, Allen Hill Baker (1823-1903) was married to Jane Augusta Roquemore (1827-1904) and they farmed in Carthage, Panola county, Texas, in 1860. My hunch is that these letters were first sent to his immediate family in Texas and then forwarded to his sister Priscilla in Georgia who kept them with her family papers.

W. M. Baker was probably the eldest son of the family, born in the 1820s, and long gone from the Baker family household to appear by name in any Census records. I could not find any census record of that name that I could safely attribute to the Willis Perry Baker family and there is no mention of him in any of the Ancestry on-line records. The only possible reference to him I could find in newspapers appeared in The Rocky Mountain News on 25 January 1861 which reads, “Col. W. M. Baker, of the Freeport Mill in Russell Gulch, is stopping in town for a few days. He reports their mill stopped for want of water.”

Letter 1

Pacer County, California
January 20th 1858

Dear Brother,

I received your letter a few days ago and the plain and undisguised language in which it was penned gave me great satisfaction, and now as being the earliest opportunity I take to write you.

I am going to write you the exact position that I have been in since in California in plain language, and I want you to excuse my frankness. I have always been under the impression, and not only so, but being persuaded of the fact, that I was censured and looked upon in a kind of retired disgust, judging from letters that I have received, and the circumstances under which I left and those connected with me in crossing the plains. Well I knowing there is not a shadow of a cause, to return, relatively speaking, when it came to the point, was something that I could not persuade myself to do, honestly believing it better for all concerned, to remain where I am, particularly for Ma’s sake.

I could say more on this subject but from the moral it contains, I don’t think it necessary. But I am happy to say, since I’ve received your letter it has altered my opinion and feelings materially, and believe upon my word that I will return as soon as I possibly can, which I don’t think will be long. I wish I could return now but I cannot. Do everything you can, Jim, for Ma’s comfort, and if you want anymore money, draw the balance of that in Georgia.

I and Jo Burt are mining together now and using a California phase. The dirt on the bedrock prospects well. We are also in moderate health. I will close by saying give my love to Ma and Panthia and brother Allen and write me again, Jim, for I don’t believe I will be able to get off under two or three months. And tell Ma she may rely upon what I say. Nothing more but remain the same. — W. M. Baker

Letter 2

California Gulch, Arkansas River
July 22nd 1860

Dear Jim,

You no doubt think it a great while since you heard from me last. I have been over on the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers ever since I wrote you last, a prospecting, and I find a great deal more gold, through the Rocky Mountains than I expected. This will be an extensive mining country after a while. It will never compete with California because it has not got the natural facilities nor the climate. This is a cold, rainy climate in the summer and everything is snowed in the winter.

I just got across the mountains this evening and must leave in the morning. Therefore, I have not time to write any of the particulars. But as soon as I find a place to locate on, which I think will be shortly, I will write the particulars of my trip which you will find interesting, so be satisfied for the present.

Give my love to Ma and Panthia and brother Allen and sister Jane and tell them all to write to me and tell everybody else to write to me. And as soon as I get time, I will take pleasure in answering them. Direct all your letter to Denver City, Jefferson Territory, and I can get them from there. I am enjoying very good health at this time. I weigh 156 pounds. I have nothing more but remain yours as ever. — W. M. Baker