Unfortunately the branch of the Carter family tree from whence Joseph Carter descended is so poorly documented that I have no been able to identify him genealogically. We only know for certain that he wrote this letter to his uncle, Benjamin Franklin Carter (1823-1894) of Woodbury, Gloucester county, New Jersey. Benjamin was married to Elizabeth M. Reeves in 1854. An obitary for Benjamin gives his birthplace as Philadelphia in 1823, the son of Joseph Carter but that is all.

This letter is from the private collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Colorado River
September 26, 1862

Dear Uncle,

Grandmother received your ever welcome letter and was glad to hear from you, that all were well. The reason why I did not join the army was because I had seen so much in a soldier’s life at this post. The larger part of the soldiers who enter the army in California lose all self respect and become very degraded in their habits. They also learn to drink liquor to pass away their time because they lead a very lazy life.

I have been to the mines since I last wrote to you. I stayed there some three or four weeks but was not successful in mining. Within the last two or three days, a large number of persons have arrived from the mines. They say that the mines are worked out. I think Mother will go to San Francisco this November to remain there.

Father and I expect to go up in the spring. We are going to stop here with the expectation of a very brisk winter for business.

It has been a long time since we heard from New Orleans. Mother and Father are enjoying very good health at present. Grandma is well also and sends much love to all. We have not heard anything from Colonel [James Henry] Carleton’s command for fifty-five days, which went on to the Rio Grande.

No news of importance at present. Mother joins me in much love to all enquiring friends. I must now close hoping to hear from you soon I remain your nephew truly, — Joseph Carter