Manuscripts
First mortage income bond
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Resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Sutro Tunnel Company
Manuscripts
An autograph copy of a resolution by the board of trustees stating that the company is authorized to issue 108,000 shares of capital stock for the purpose of funding the Sutro Tunnel in Nevada. The resolution also states that Adolph Sutro or his agents have 90 days from November 5, 1878 to purchase the whole or any part of the 108,000 shares at &5.00 per share. This copy of the resolution was certified and signed in San Francisco by Pelham W. Ames, Secretary of the Sutro Tunnel company. The document bears the blind embossed seal of the Sutro Tunnel Company
mssHM 52582
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H.O. Comstock letters to his family
Manuscripts
These manuscripts are three letters written by H.O. Comstock to his family, describing his journey from New York to California. The first letter is dated 1849, February 17 (HM 24501) and addressed to "Father", and finds the younger Comstock in good spirits, setting sail from New York in fine weather aboard the brig "Empire." The ship is bound for Vera Cruz, Mexico, which Comstock believes should be reached in about fifteen days, and then on to Cape Horn, and finally to California. In HM 24502 (1849, March 1-12, and addressed to "Father, Mother, Brother, & Sister"), Comstock is 360 miles out from Vera Cruz. The sea voyage has been very cold, cramped, and unpleasant, but he is in good health, and he describes the journey at length. The "Empire" reaches Vera Cruz on March 12. Comstock and the other travelers are relieved to exit the ship, and he marvels at a castle built on a coral reef, and other details of the Mexican coast, such as the buildings, flora, and fauna. He finds the local fare to be exotic and delicious. He thinks the Mexicans all look similar, with the same hair, skin, and noses, and the noise of animals and watchmen keeps him awake at night. He writes that so far, he and his companions "have not found half the difficulty so far that we expected & unless we find hardship more than is common, we shall have nothing but a pleasant jaunt through to the country." He promises to write again once he reaches San Francisco. Comstock writes to his parents from San Francisco in HM 24503 (1849, June 5) that he has "arrived at the 'Promised Land' with health unimpaired." He is thankful that his voyage has been uneventful, compared with others that he has heard of which were fraught with misfortune. On April 28, Comstock visited San Blas, which he describes as "a miserable little village, composed chiefly of mud huts," and finds San Francisco much more agreeable. He describes the city and its inhabitants in considerable detail, as he wishes to give his father "a true account (as far as I am able)," and includes description of gold mines. He wishes he could write to family letters individually, but has not had time. As he closes, Comstock writes that he is heading for the mines, and says he may not write or receive letters for six months, until his return to San Francisco.
mssHM 24501-24503
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Comstock Mill and Mining Company stock certificates of John Percivial Jones
Manuscripts
Photocopies of stock certificates for John Percival Jones for the Comstock Mill and Mining Company, Gold Hill, Nevada.
mssComstock
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Buffalo Bill incoming correspondence
Manuscripts
This collection of letters detail William F. Cody's investments in a Tucson mining venture known as the Camp Bonito Mine and Milling Company with John D. Burgess. Burgess is a colorful, confident and wildly optimistic person. In one letter dated July 5, 1910, Burgess assures Cody "Cheer up about Bonito! It can't fail for years! Schulite is on the rise! By the time Getch [L.W. Getchell] has made 6 carloads of concentrates you'll be overrun with applications to get into the B.B.B.B. (B's make money)." Approximately a month later, Burgess is reassuring Cody again "You & I can get rich out of those 5 claims if all else fail! But nothing will fail here Bill unless kidney's process fails!" (August 9, 1910). While the venture does not seem to have been a success, it offers a good glimpse into the kind of investments Cody entered, as well as many details about the mining business in Arizona.
mssHM 81555-81570
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Stock certificates
Manuscripts
This is a collection of nine stock certificates made by the Merced Mining Company. All are cancelled by Smyth Clark. Printed forms filled in and signed by hand. Dated between 1851, August 22 and 1854, May 13. Includes single facsimile copy of one certificate dated 1853, December 10.
mssHM 273
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Harvey Clarke letter to Alvin T. Smith
Manuscripts
This note is a request to Alvin T. Smith to pay Robert Tupper the sum of twenty-five dollars for shingles for Tualatin Academy. With note in the hand of Alvin T. Smith.
mssHM 16543