Manuscripts
James C. Riggin letter to Rebeca Jane Riggin
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James C. Riggin letter to Rebeca Jane Riggin
Manuscripts
Letter is written on pictorial letterhead, "A View of the Elephant," published by Cooke & Le Count. Also includes carte-de-visite photograph of James Riggin, one tintype of James Riggin, and one copy print of a photograph of Rebeca Riggin.
HM 27960.
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Riggin/Pettyjohn Family Papers
Manuscripts
The collection contains 43 pieces of correspondence, one half of which is letters between James C. Riggin and his wife, Rebeca Jane Riggin. His letters give great detail regarding his journey to California along the Oregon Trail, including the physical conditions, hardships, and fellow emigrants he encountered along the way. He often advises his family against making the journey; he says that it is not worth the trouble. His letters also discuss his life in a gold mining camp, including gold discoveries near him, prices for supplies, and rumors of murders taking place in the area. The other half of the correspondence consists of letters written by or to members of the Pettyjohn family, including Rebeca Riggin's parents, Nide and Elizabeth Pettyjohn, and her three brothers, William, Washington, and Columbus Pettyjohn. Some of the locations discussed in the letters are: Andrew County, Missouri; Fort Kearny; Fort Laramie; Keokuk, and Fort Des Moines, Iowa; and Sacramento, Lewiston, Red Bluff, San Jose, and Oregon House, California. HM 27960 and HM 63308 are written on pictorial lettersheets, "A View of the Elephant," published by Cooke & Le Count, and "View of Coloma, the Place Where the First Gold was Discovered," published by Forrest & Borden. One letter discusses Fort Des Moines, Iowa (James C. Lourey letter to James C. Riggin, 1849 March 11, HM 63288). The collection also includes 67 pieces of ephemera including one account book, bills, receipts, and canceled checks.
mssHM 27960-27963, mssHM 63287-63326