Manuscripts

A speech, delivered by a woman, about conditions in California

Image not available

Description: This undated and unattributed essay examines the history and formation of the territory that would eventually become the state of California. The establishment of religion is discussed, as are various southern California railroads, and the city of San Francisco. The presence of the Chinese in San Francisco is described in a very unfavorable manner, being described as "a detriment to modern civilization," and yet, the author also writes "I am in favor of the Chinese" for "the Chinese are neither better nor worse than ourselves" because "human nature is much the same everywhere."
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1855.
Call number: mssHM 311
Provenance: Purchased from F. B. Hartrauft, 1920, April 13.
Dimensions: 20 cm :

Peter H. Burnett letter to Edward John Cage Kewen

Manuscripts

In this brief letter, Burnett requests Kewen's presence "at the Seat of Government, so soon as the term of the Supreme Court at San Francisco, to commence first of March next."

mssHM 30955

Image not available

The State of Ata : the contested imagery of power in Turkey

Rare Books

"Examines the contemporary imagery of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey's revolutionary leader after World War I ... The State of Ata weaves together the artists' photographs of Turkish society, the public imagery and sculptural presence of Atatürk, documentation of their own interventions and performances, interviews, and a collection of archival and popular imagery. The book is conceived as a collection of books within books: a photo book, a school book, a diary, a fantasy album of military portraits."--Publisher description.

646630

Image not available

H. A. Parker pocket letter book

Manuscripts

H.A. Parker wrote this letter from San Francisco, California to his mother over several days from April 25-27, 1853. The letter is in a letter book and is comprised of 40 pages. He wrote in detail about a visit to Chinatown with friends, including the fishing industry. He described the Chinese community, the climate, and his living arrangements. Written in a Gregory's Express Pocket Letter Book, glossy printed wrappers.

mssHM 75845

Image not available

French visitors to California : before the Gold Rush

Rare Books

Describes the French presence in California during the period of Spanish and Mexican rule.

637522

Image not available

Edward W. Syle letter to "My dear Aunt,"

Manuscripts

Edward W. Syle wrote this letter from "Oakland, near San Francisco," which was where his family settled as he did missionary work with the Chinese community in San Francisco in 1855. In his letter, Syle mentions the S.S. George Law which took him and his family from Shanghai to California. The California weather was "very pleasant" and healthy for the children, but his missionary work was "trying" and "perplexing," unlike his rewarding efforts in China. Syle described Oakland as "peaceful & retired." Once a week, Syle crossed the Bay in a Ferry Boat to teach an evening class to the Chinese, but he spent his Sundays in a "little parish" he had just organized, the Oakland Parish of St. John's Episcopal Church.

mssHM 83406

Image not available

Account of a journey to California

Manuscripts

This narrative, written by an unknown author, details a journey to California via Texas and Mexico, including travel by sea from Mexico to San Francicso. Life in the gold mines is described, as is the return voyage via Panama.

mssHM 4162

A speech, delivered by a woman, about conditions in California

Opening Hours

Admission Info and Tickets

You might also be interested in

Peter H. Burnett letter to Edward John Cage Kewen

The State of Ata : the contested imagery of power in Turkey

H. A. Parker pocket letter book

French visitors to California : before the Gold Rush

Edward W. Syle letter to "My dear Aunt,"

Account of a journey to California