Manuscripts
William Edmund Pearce letter to William Baker Pearce
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Edmund Kean letter to John Lee
Manuscripts
This letter is written to John Lee at Theatre Royal, Richmond, Surrey. Kean asks "What day do I open in Cheltenham?" He also complains about money and someone he calls a "stupid son of a bitch." The letter is not dated but the letter has the posted date of 1831, August 1.
mssHM 78383
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William G. Dryden claims against Mexico
Manuscripts
This typescript bears the following official title: The National Archives: Records of the Department of State: Claims against Mexico, Commission of 1848; Undocketed Claim No. 8: William G. Dryden. This document constitutes Dryden's claim of damages incurred during allegedly "false imprisonment and other illegal treatment" at the hands of the Mexican government. Dryden, whose testimonies comprise the bulk of this document, claims to have been made a Mexican citizen as a result of his involvement with the Mexican militia. He was given the title Captain of Militia, then later imprisoned for over a year after incriminating documents came into the possession of the Mexican government that indicated Dryden was a Texan spy or Mexican traitor. It does not appear that the Dryden's claim was ever settled. The typescript has been translated into English, and contains numerous annotations, both possibly by W.E. Bard.
mssHM 16382
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Henry Williams letter to Edward Gould
Manuscripts
Henry Williams writes that he has given up the idea of going to Oregon, and is thinking of settling at a farm outside San Francisco.
mssHM 31529
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J.W. (John Williams) Gunnison letter to J.S. Molner
Manuscripts
Gunnison writes concerning the barometers he has requested for his journey to the Pacific.
mssHM 21317
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Albion C. Sweetser letters to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood
Manuscripts
Sweetser is conducting business in Sacramento, CA, at the time of these three letters, written to his colleagues during 1850-1851. Dated 1850, December 25, the first letter (HM 4185), Sweetser reports a Whig mayor has been elected to the city. The city has also learned tha California has been admitted to the United States, and a senator must now be elected. HM 4186, written 1851, January 14, sees Sweetser telling of his first trip to San Francisco, and he remarks "I think that if I had settled there that I should have done better." He reiterates his standing from previous letters that he has not been supplied with goods suitable to the market; if he had, then his profits would increase. There has been much excitement over a new discovery of gold. Included in this letter are two printed views of Sacramento. In the third letter (HM 4187, dated 1851, January 29) , Sweetser writes once more of the difference of opinion between himself and his colleagues regarding conduct of business. A boat exploded in the bay outside the city, resulting in several casualties. Included is a drawing depicting the stages of the experiences of the typical California miner.
mssHM 4185-4187
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Edmund Lovell Ellsworth letters to Edmund Ellsworth
Manuscripts
Two letters from Edmund Lovell Ellsworth to his son Edmund Ellsworth. In the first, the elder Ellsworth describes his situation at the newly acquired Cluff Ranch, including the natural resources of the area, and the process of and prospects for agriculture and the raising of livestock. Ellsworth then discusses various business matters including his desire to purchase a saw mill. He closes with family concerns including George's accident with "the Winchester," and the death of "Lulu," presumably a family member. And in the second letter, Ellsworth lectures his son on living according to the dictates of the Church of Latter Day Saints and the importance of family. He follows with a lengthy description of his trial for polygamy or "cohabitation" with multiple women, his conviction, and subsequent prison term at the Territorial Prison at Yuma, Arizona. Also included is a note written by the donor.
mssHM 70166-70167