Historical Analysis

With the discovery of gold in California, people from all different walks of life traversed West in the hopes of getting their share. Mr. Chandler was no different, he was a man seeking to provide for his family by hopefully tapping into this new ludicrous source of income. Chandler shares his experiences with us through his letters, allowing for tremendous insight into a 49er's thoughts. Chandler falls in love with the west, and its raw natural lifestyle. He decides that it would be best for his family if he could secure a suitable plot of land and enough money for him and his family. The theme of family is common throughout many different miners' experiences. Many men went west to support their families hoping to either return a rich man or pay for their family's transportation west. But also, lonely travelers found solace and new families with other pioneers moving along their journies. 

This is often overlooked when studying the Gold Rush. Yet it is very important to truly understand the driving forces behind these people's actions. People didn't just want to get stupid rich for the sake of it (even though some did) many wanted to get rich to be able to better provide for their family. In Chandler's case, we see him often describe possible new living situations and new ways for him to transport his family west, hoping he can better provide for them in California than back home. When his daughter dies, there is a clear conflict within Chandler. In a letter home titled, "Death of children, consolation through spiritualism" he plans to return home. Five years after Chandler arrives in San Francisco, his daughter dies and he plans to return home. After five years of hard work, danger, and risk, Chandler is ready to leave it all behind for his family.