Manuscripts
Albion C. Sweetser letters to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood
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Albion C. Sweetser letters to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood
Manuscripts
Albion C. Sweetser wrote these three letters to his business associates, A. Blood and Alvah Littlefield, while he was conducting business in Sacramento in 1850. In HM 4179, written October 28, Sweetser reports that he has been selling in his shop the herbs and other goods he was sent, but one of the boxes was damaged. Business has started to slow. He remarks that if he had been sent "the right kind of articles - say West India goods and provisions" such as shoes, business would be better, and suggests that such goods could still be sent in time for the "full trade" in the following August. Society in general, he reports, is much improving, despite the sickness of "colery" that has begun to spread. HM 4178, dated November 13, sees Sweetser still in good health, but the "colery" has gotten worse, causing many to flee from the city. He took his business to the mines and met with better success than in the city. HM 4180, dated November 27, also includes a small note in Sweetser's hand, apparently a postscript to the letter. Sweetser reports that there has been progress in the building of the church, and that the "colery" has faded, after claiming one out of every eight people in the city. In spite of this, he would be happy to stay in California on behalf of his partners, but he asks again to be sent provisions that are in demand rather than cheap jewelry and hairbrushes.
mssHM 4178-4180
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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 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 letter to Alvah Littlefield and A. Blood
Manuscripts
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.
mssHM 4175
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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 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