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McNeil thanks Mrs. Forbes for her assistance in helping his family, including financial, "you have already spent a large sum for me, more I am afraid than I will ever be able to realize from the California mines... You say you hope to hear of my being in as prosperous condition as Robert, you must remember our situations are entirely different. He is a partner in a large commercial house, doing a safe & I believe profitable business, with money & influence at command, and I have only my two hands and not a very good head for getting along, to depend on. Do not think I wish to complain, for I am doing very well, much better than many that came out with me, and my health continues to be good... My brother works with me in company, in a scow Robert purchased for us, we are to pay him on third of the receipts until we can earn enough to pay for it... Give my love to Mary, and tell her if I go to the mines I will try to get her one of those large diamonds which I see by the papers at home are reported to be in such abundance..."