“I’m off to Sacramento, Eliza, to bring you that long-expected letter.  It was misdirected, and is advertised in The Sacramento Union’s list of uncalled-for mail.”

He left me in a speculative mood, wondering if it was from grandma; which of her many friends had written it for her; and if it was severe, as predicted by Georgia.  Great was my delight when the letter was handed me, and I opened it and read: 

    SONOMA, July 3, 1856

    To Miss ELIZA P. DONNER: 
    CASADOR RANCHO, COSUMNE RIVER
               NEAR SACRAMENTO CITY.

    DEAR ELIZA: 

    Your letter of the fifteenth of June came duly to hand, giving me
    great satisfaction in regard to your health, as well as keeping me
    and grandfather in good memory.

I have perused the contents of your letter with great interest.  I am glad to learn that you enjoy a country life.  We have sold lately twelve cows, and are milking fifteen at present.  You want to know how Flower is coming on:  had you not better come and see for yourself?  Hard feelings or ill will we have none against you; and why should I not forgive little troubles that are past and gone by?

I know that you saw grandfather in Sacramento; he saw you and knew
you well too.  Why did you not go and speak to him?

The roses you planted on Jacob’s grave are growing beautifully, and our garden looks well.  Grandfather and myself enjoy good health, and we wish you the same for all time to come.  We give you our love, and remain,

           In parental affection,
                MARY AND CHRISTIAN BRUNNER.

(Give our love also to Georgia.)

Georgia was as much gratified by the contents of the letter as I, and we each sent an immediate answer, addressed to grandpa and grandma, expressing our appreciation of their forgiving words, regret for trouble and annoyances we had caused them, thanks for their past kindness, and the hope that they would write to us again when convenient.  We referred to our contentment in our new home, and avoided any words which they might construe as a wish to return.

There was no long waiting for the second letter, nor mistake in address.  It was dated just three days prior to the first anniversary of our leaving Sonoma, and here speaks for itself: 

                             SONOMA, Sept. 11, 1856
    GEORGIA AND ELIZA DONNER. 
    MY DEAR CHILDREN: 

Your two letters dated August thirty-first reached us in due
season.

We were glad to hear from you, and it is our wish that you do well. 
Whenever you are disposed to come to us again our doors shall be
open to you, and we will rejoice to see you.

We are glad to see that you acknowledge your errors, for it shows good hearts, and the right kind of principles; for you should always remember that in showing respect to old age you are doing yourself honor, and those who know you will respect you.  All your cows are doing well.

    I am inclined to think that the last letter we wrote you, you did
    not get.  We mention this to show you that we always write to you.