Manuscripts

J. N. Edmunds letter to William Higby

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Description: Letter from J.N. Edmunds of the U.S. General Land Office to William Higby, chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, regarding the presentation of the Yosemite Gorge and Big Oak Grove to the state of California. Includes detailed descriptions of the Yosemite Valley, Big Oak Grove, and surrounding areas. Edmunds concludes that the Land Office recommends the "concession of these grand natural objects...to the State of California as places of public resort for health and recreation." He also includes instructions for the future use of the sites (no private ownership, development, etc.). Contemporary presentation copy of original letter.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1864, June 25.
Call number: mssHM 74642
Creator: Edmunds, J. N

J.M. (James Madison) Edmunds letter to William H. Stevens

Manuscripts

Edmunds writes of problems with Indians in California and Nevada, and of concerns that Arizona and New Mexico may encounter similar problems. He writes "I know the Government is determined to hold safety in that territory." Marked as "Copy."

mssHM 18963

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William P. Reynolds letter to Edward J. Reynolds

Manuscripts

William writes that his plans to bring Edward to California have been delayed, as William has not yet had a chance to purchase a tract of land for farming and cattle. Nonetheless, he writes, "in a short time Sonoro & Chihuahua will belong to the U.S." and so there will be plenty of opportunity for surveying; William recommends that Edward "follow the study in its higher branches." He also recommends drafting and that Edward "be a more skillful penman."

mssHM 4217

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William J. Howard letters

Manuscripts

The seven letters, which are all addressed to William J. Howard, are written by Patrick Edward Connor, William Proctor Hughey, James Mason Hutchings, and John Ricketson. The letters by Patrick Edward Connor, who was also a California Ranger, discuss Harry Love and the act that was passed May 13, 1854 giving Captain Love his reward money for killing Murieta. William Hughey's letter (1879, June 16) discusses Denis Kearney, the Workingmen's Party of California, and the state constitutional convention of 1878. James Mason Hutchings' three letters (1879) are about tourism in the Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite commission, and the state constitution. John Ricketson's letter (1879, Feb. 27) discusses land in Sonora, Mexico

mssHM 65969-65975

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J.A. (James Alexander) McDougall letter to James Cochran Dobbin

Manuscripts

McDougall recommends Dr. Richard R. Ashe for the vacant position of Navy Agent for the city of San Francisco, California.

mssHM 21330

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William Edmund Pearce letter to William Baker Pearce

Manuscripts

In this letter to his father, William E. Pearce reports that he has been laid up with a sprained ankle. Much of the letter is concerned with his journey from Oregon to California. He has settled outside Nevada City and made a mining claim.

mssHM 20706

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William Noble Lacey Yosemite travel journal

Manuscripts

A typed account of William N. Lacey's "honeymoon" trip to Yosemite with his wife Ruth. Lacey gives details regarding the couple's preparation for the trip, including making their own sleeping bag, their journey there, and their hikes and experiences camping as well as descriptions of local plants and wildlife they encountered. Lacey specifically writes about running into Frank Capra, who was a student at Throop College at the time and also hiking in Yosemite. The journal contains 39 photographs throughout and a graph showing miles hiked each day and elevation gain.

mssHM 84476

J. N. Edmunds letter to William Higby

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J.M. (James Madison) Edmunds letter to William H. Stevens

William P. Reynolds letter to Edward J. Reynolds

William J. Howard letters

J.A. (James Alexander) McDougall letter to James Cochran Dobbin

William Edmund Pearce letter to William Baker Pearce

William Noble Lacey Yosemite travel journal