Manuscripts

Lease for Chinese sharecrop farmers, Butte Country, California

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Description: In this document, Matthew Lynch agrees to lease to Ah Hem, Lem Y.U., and John Ah Sue 17 acres of land near Westwood (east of the future town Oroville, California) to grow potatoes and to supply horses and plows to cultivate the land. The Chinese were to pay Lynch $140 in gold coins and to give him one-third of the potatoes already planted.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1880, March 10.
Call number: mssHM 83414
Provenance: Purchased by Nick Aretakis on behalf of The Huntington at PBA Galleries, Sale 621, Lot 33, August 10, 2017.
Dimensions: 32 cm :
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Article on the Chinese in California and the Geary Act

Manuscripts

In this article, Patrick J. Healy writes, "Before we begin to thrust the industrious Chinaman from our midst according to law, permit me a foreigner to say a few words on the subject." He writes that while he is Irish rather than American, he feels qualified to speak on the subject as his people "usually work for low wages live largely upon potatoes and send a large part of their earnings back to Ireland." He warns that "my countryman cannot be ignorant of the existence of a secret Political party who hardly disguise their antagonism to foreigners and to Irishmen in particular", and argues against the belief that the Chinese feel the Irish have led the anti-Chinese movement. Healy believes that California cities could not be in their current civilized states without Chinese labor, and claims that those who oppose the Chinese are actually opposed to all business competition in general. Healy writes, "The most persistent opponents of the Chinese are the politicians" but are using them as a means to further their own aims. He concludes by stating his hope that "the doctrines formulated by Jefferson and affirmed by Lincoln still find a response in the hearts of the American people." With envelope.

mssHM 26406

Biennial Convention of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance

Manuscripts

This photograph was probably taken during the 20th CACA Biennial Convention. In the back row, from left to right, are Henry Lowe and Henry Lem. In the front row, third from the right, is Y. C. Hong.

mssHong Family papers

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Ledger, Bidwell's Bar, California

Manuscripts

This volume was originally a ledger used to record purchased goods in Bidwell Bar from 1860-1862. It seems to have fallen into the possession of Mary Totman Rogers, after which it became a scrapbook. As a scrapbook, the volume contains numerous newspaper clippings regarding the history and activities of Oroville, California, including the obituary of Mary, as well as printed prayers and poems. Also with three envelopes containing loose items found in the volume.

mssHM 79058

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Map of the Pleasant Valley Tract at Oroville, Butte Co., Cal

Rare Books

Six hundred acres subdivided south of Oroville on the Feather River. The verso describes the land as "The Most Desirable Tract in the Butte County Citrus Belt." MS notes: Indicating lands sold 384143 Submap: Relative location to Orovile. Prime meridian: GM. Relief: no. Graphic Scale: Feet. Projection: Plane. Printing Process: Lithography. Verso Text: View of Pleasant Valley Tract and promotional literature on the region..

384143

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Matthew P. Deady letter to Ogden Hoffman

Manuscripts

Writing to California judge Ogden Hoffman, Deady agrees with Hoffman's "case (salvage)" and remarks on the President's veto of the "pauper pension bill."

mssHM 19026

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Apprenticeship indenture with Adam Seely Hetfield

Manuscripts

Indenture between Michael Black and Adam Seely Hetfield whereby Black agrees to instruct Hetfield in the blacksmith trade. Witnessed by Abner Hetfield. Dated 1808, November 19; Elmira, New York.

mssHM 79799

Lease for Chinese sharecrop farmers, Butte Country, California

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Article on the Chinese in California and the Geary Act

Biennial Convention of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance

Ledger, Bidwell's Bar, California

Map of the Pleasant Valley Tract at Oroville, Butte Co., Cal

Matthew P. Deady letter to Ogden Hoffman

Apprenticeship indenture with Adam Seely Hetfield