2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
A year after James Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill, the Gold Rush was in full swing with thousands of "49's" heading to California. Here an Eastern capitalist writes to a charter ship captain of his plans. Autograph Letter Signed "William Cooper", 3 pages, quarto, April 13, 1849, Pittston, Maine to Captain Moses I. Muliken, Master of the Brig Mary Wilder, San Francisco, California. The letter reads in part: "This will be forwarded you by Capt Charles N. Bodfish who goes out overalnd by way of St. Lewis. Capt Bodfish is President of the Kennebec Mining Company and his object in going over land is to get there in advance to make arrangements to facilitate the mining operations. The company which consists of 31 members sailed in the ship Obed Mitchell 31 March from New Bedford...199 vessels have sailed to go by way of the Horn. Recent news confirms all former accounts in relation to the richness of the mines in California...You will soon be able to see how the land lays after your arrival and can shape your course accordingly...". Some fading, else VG condition.
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