Manuscripts

Zachariah Heywood letter to "Dear Brother"

Image not available

Description: Heywood writes of his year-long trip "to the New Mines" and how it was not as profitable as he had hoped. Since his return, he has been working at a ranch, but many are leaving the farms because prices are so low. He reports that a group of "Chinamen" has taken over his brother's former claim. Printed image and poem titled "Stand by the Union" on first page of letter.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1863, July 2.
Call number: mssHM 4256
Creator: Heywood, Zachariah(Opens in new tab)
Provenance: Purchased from W. Howes, date unknown.

Zachariah Heywood letter to Jonathan Heywood

Manuscripts

In this letter addressed "Dear Brother," Zachariah Heywood writes that he, along with eight others, has found a claim in Placer County valued at one thousand dollars a share. He hopes to be able to return home the following spring.

mssHM 4207

Image not available

Zachariah Heywood letter to Jonathan Heywood

Manuscripts

In this letter to his brother Jonathan, Zachariah Heywood reports from Scott Valley, California, that "there is little to write about except the hard times and the great floods that have swept through this part of the country." He also writes of "a great excitement about the new Salmon river mines of the North" and how many "are leaving for this new Eldorado." Zachariah himself will soon be departing, as soon as he has sufficient feed for his animals. He hopes to send Jonathan's son a gold dollar, and reports that when he broke his leg the previous October, he set it himself, and that "it is still a little crooked but is improving."

mssHM 23251

Image not available

Zachariah Heywood letter to Jonathan Heywood

Manuscripts

In this letter to his brother Jonathan, Zachariah Heywood writes that he has been doing quite well on the farm, having produced 1500 pounds each of cheese and butter. He reports there was "great excitement" when news of the Civil War was received. Written on paper containing printed picture with poem titled "Stand By The Union."

mssHM 23253

Image not available

Jonathan Heywood letters to Jane Heywood

Manuscripts

In these three letters addressed to his wife, Jane, Jonathan Heywood writes of his experiences in Yreka, California in 1853. HM 4201, dated July 16, Heywood writes that he has returned to California after six weeks in Oregon. He has sent gold dust home to Jane, and hopes to send more soon. He wishes that she send the children to school as much as possible. HM 4202 was written on August 7. Heywood sends more money and asks for news of home, as he has received no response to his letters. In HM 4203, dated September 4, Heywood writes that he is sending money home in the hands of a mutual friend.

mssHM 4201-4203

Image not available

Jonathan Heywood letter to Jane Heywood

Manuscripts

Jonathan Heywood writes to his wife, Jane, about his experiences digging for gold outside Sacramento. He has had a rough go of it, and remarks "I would not advise any of my friends to come here if they can make a comfortable living at home."

mssHM 4174

Image not available

Jonathan Heywood letter to Jane Heywood

Manuscripts

In this letter to his wife, Jonathan Heywood thanks her for taking care of the farm and children while he is in California, talks of common friends, and sends money.

mssHM 4191

Zachariah Heywood letter to "Dear Brother"

Opening Hours

Admission Info and Tickets

You might also be interested in

Zachariah Heywood letter to Jonathan Heywood

Zachariah Heywood letter to Jonathan Heywood

Zachariah Heywood letter to Jonathan Heywood

Jonathan Heywood letters to Jane Heywood

Jonathan Heywood letter to Jane Heywood

Jonathan Heywood letter to Jane Heywood