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Manuscripts

Overland Mail Collection

Description

This collection contains personal correspondence, business papers, 2 photographs, and a scrapbook of newspaper clippings (1865-66) related to the development of overland mail service in the United States West, predominantly for the years preceding the establishment of the railroad. Includes originals and a few letter-press copies.

Two groups of manuscripts integrate this collection:

(1) The papers of Hiram S. Rumfield, an officer of the Overland Mail Co. (75 pieces, 1850-1867). Rumfield was appointed to the post of mail agent at Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1860, but on the outbreak of the Civil War was transferred to the Salt Lake City office as assistant treasurer and remained in that capacity until 1866. He was engaged in a real estate venture in Carson City and acquired 640 acres of land which was laid out as the Rumfield Town Survey. These papers contain documents related to Rumfield family matters, the business affairs of the Overland Mail Company, and Indians in Utah Territory. There are two photographs: a portrait of Rumfield and a photograph of a stagecoach. (2) Papers of L. P. Williamson, of Independence, Mo., superintendent of the North Western Overland Mail Company and president of the Western Mail and Stage Co. in 1884; dealing with the company's business and including reports from stage drivers concerning road conditions. (90 pieces, 1880-1898).

Persons represented by 4 or more pieces: William Connor (4 items); Frederick K. Cook (4 items); Hiram S. Rumfield (21 items); and H. A. Todd (5 items).

Some notable items include:

Carney, Thomas. To John McAllister Schofield. Letter asking military protection for Kansas. 1863 August 10 Rumfield, Hiram S. To Amos Reed, Indian Supt. Letters interceding on behalf of the Indians, asking help and food for them. 1862 February 10, March 7 Williamson, R. C. To L. P. Williamson. Letter concerning extension of the mail route into Oregon. 1882, February 2
Type
Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Date
1850-1898
Call number
mssOV 1-110
Provenance
Purchased from H. C. Revercomb, 1946.
Associated people
Rumfield, Hiram S.
Williamson, L. P.
Associated organization
Overland Mail Company.
Find out more
View in the Library catalog(Opens in new tab)
View in the Online Archive of California(Opens in new tab)

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