Manuscripts
L.S. (Leroy S.) Dyar letter to T. B. Odeneal
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S. S. Haws letter to his family
Manuscripts
In this letter addressed "Dear Wife & Children," S.S. Haws describes his five-month journey. He stops at the Bay of All Saints on his way around Cape Horn, breaking up a potentially deadly quarrel between the ship captain and mate along the way. He arrives in California on September 15, 1852, and makes his way to Sacramento, where he began mining, and then on to San Francisco. Of the current condition of mining, he writes, "It is true much gold has been and is still being dug but when you take into consideration the numbers engaged and the vast amount of toil privation and suffering performed and endured to obtain it dwindles down into mere nothingness." He writes of the fire that very nearly consumed Sacramento in its entirety, and the ensuing effect on prices of goods. He also gives news of mutual acquaintences who have also made the journey from New York to California, and reports he has "become quite a practitioner in various diseases," owing in no small part to the continuing growth of the California cities.
mssHM 17476
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James S. McMurphy letters to his family
Manuscripts
This is a series of six letters written by James S. McMurphy to his family documenting his journey from New England via Panama to California to seek his fortune as part of the Gold Rush of 1849-1850. The first letter in the series (HM 52732, dated before 1849, April 8) is the last page only, and written from Panama. McMurphy writes that he has been in Panama for a good time, and is thinking of working on a railroad while hoping for passage to California. He is discouraged by the dishonesty, and wishes he had chosen to travel around Cape Horn. HM 52733 is written between April 8-25, 1849, and is addressed "To the household of Robt. McMurphy." There is a marginal note which reads "Father in this letter you will find five watermelon seeds I want you to plant." James McMurphy is still in Panama. Many of his company are sick, but he has not yet fallen ill himself. He describes a native religious ceremony in which an elaborately decorated statue of the Virgin Mary was paraded through a village. This may have been in observation of Easter. He has found passage on a ship bound for San Francisco, and writes that his next letter will come from California, so if anyone plans to send him a letter, it should be addressed there. He estimates there are currently three thousand Americans in Panama, but that number will soon drop by half as they board ships for California. James' next letter, dated 1849, December 9 (HM 52734), is written from California, and addressed to "Capt. Robert McMurphy." He has purchased provisions, including potatoes to ward off scurvy. The weather has been very rainy. HM 52735, written 1850, March 15, is also incomplete, as it contains only the final page of the letter. He has been searching for gold, and discusses his supplies. HM 52736 (1850, April 3), finds James still working in California, retaining good health despite the poor weather, which has caused an interruption in his work. He considers scurvy to be the most dangerous disease in his environment, but unlike others, he has kept himself mostly free by eating potatoes daily. The warm weather has caused snow to melt, and the rise in water levels has impacted the progress of their drilling and blasting. He has heard that the government is planning a new route in Panama to help make the journey to California easier. He writes that there all types of miners from all over the country, and that many find gold, but "where you show me one man who saves his gold I will show you ten that squanders away his time and money at the Rum Shop & the Gambling Table." He has not, he writes, succumbed to such temptations. The last letter is this series is HM 52737, and dated 1850, May 11; one year to the day since James left Panama. The water level of the Sacramento River is still high from the melting snow. He is tiring of the disposition of the region, and looks forward to leaving. He writes of California becoming part of the United States, and of various details regarding other miners.
mssHM 52732-52737
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Edward Meyer Kern letter to Richard H. Kern
Manuscripts
Edward Kern writes to his brother of the current situation and events at and near Sutter's Fort, where he is stationed with John Frémont. He writes of a skirmish with General José Castro of the Mexican Army, and a handwritten transcript of a statement by Castro is included. With sketch by the author.
mssHM 20649
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G.C. Coates letter to Jane S. Coates
Manuscripts
In this letter to his wife and children, G.C. Coates writes that the mining is going poorly for him. He has been away from home over two years, and would very much appreciate a letter.
mssHM 16544
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R. B. Hall letter to Isaac T. Goodnow
Manuscripts
Hall writes of experiences in the California mines and of details of daily business and social life, including events brought on by the Civil War. Includes photocopy of the front of the envelope, but the original envelope is not present.
mssHM 16732
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George Henry Williams letter to Ogden Hoffman
Manuscripts
Williams writes of a Bill that has been introduced to him and that he has forwarded to Hoffman for his opinion. He reports that the Bill "has been favorably received & I hope it will meet with your approval."
mssHM 19021