Manuscripts

Albion C. Sweetser letter to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

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Description: In this letter to his business partners, Albion Sweetser writes of various business details. He reports that many banks in San Francisco have failed or are on the verge of failing, and that many miners have given up the search for gold. Sweetser writes of the miners: "I know of hundreds that have been here a year or more and no better off than they were when they came." As so many are short of cash, Sweetser finds his own business has slowed, but he hopes to start a store anyway. Also includes separate note in Sweetser's hand that appears to be a postscript for the letter.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1850, September 25.
Call number: mssHM 4175
Creator: Sweetser, Albion C(Opens in new tab)
Provenance: In library, date unknown.
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Albion C. Sweetser letters to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

Manuscripts

These three letters are from Albion C. Sweetser to his two business partners, Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood. They are dated 1850, July 27 (HM 4171), August 25 (HM 4172), and September 14 (HM 4173). Sweetser writes of various business details, reporting that competition is strong but he is doing the best he can. He thinks the towns would benefit from female influence, which he feels is sorely lacking. There is unrest amongst squatters in Sacramento, who have taken possession of vacant lots of land which are in fact owned by others. It became necessary for militia to be called in, and the town was placed under martial law, but by September, order has been restored. He reports that the gold miners are now barely finding anything, but claim to have struck it rich. He has heard of the death of President Zachary Taylor.

mssHM 4171-4173

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Albion C. Sweetser letters to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

Manuscripts

In these three letters, dated 1850, June 16 (HM 4167), June 28 (HM 4168), and July 12 (HM 4169), Albion Sweetser writes of various business dealings with Mr. Littlefield and Mr. Blood, particularly of the delivery of packages and bills. In HM 4167, Sweetser mentions a "great fire" at San Francisco that caused millions of dollars in property damage. HM 4168 finds Sweetser engaged in the construction of a three-story church building of his own design, located in Sacramento. Sweetser reports in HM 4169 that he has opened the firm of Sweetser & Pratt, architect and builder, though proper building material is scarce.

mssHM 4167-4169

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Albion C. Sweetser letter to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

Manuscripts

Mr. Sweetser writes of business dealings with Sacramento property, and how he has been advised to work the gold mines. He reports there was a local fire recently and that "all combustible property is not safe here."

mssHM 4163

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Albion C. Sweetser letters to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

Manuscripts

In these two letters written during February 1851 (HM 4189 written the 14th, HM 4190 dated the 26th), Sweetser writes of a damaged crate of goods shipped to him, business details, and his inquiry into the circumstances surrounded the death of a Mr. Gliden. He reports that business in general has taken a downturn, and writes of the potential profits should they all decide to sell the business and the land where it is located. In HM 4190, Sweester writes a fight between a gambler and a miner that resulted in the death of a bystander from a gunshot wound. Eight hours after the incident, the miner responsible for firing the fatal shot was put to death by public hanging; an example, Sweester reports, of the speed of California justice.

mssHM 4189-4190

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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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Albion C. Sweetser letter to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

Manuscripts

Mr. Sweetser writes to his business partners that he has heard nothing from them, and that he is working hard digging. He advises against sending goods to Sacramento to sell because of fluctuations in the market. Of the city itself, he writes "one year ago, this place was a wilderness and now it is liberally covered with buildings from 1 to 2 stories high." He hopes to be involved with the building of a new church in Sacramento.

mssHM 4165

Albion C. Sweetser letter to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood

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