2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Nicely penned,lengthy 3 page letter from Stockton, California, October 13, 1850 from J. R. Atwood to his wife in Maine. "I think there is no one in California who feels more anxious about their family or have greater desire to be numbered as one in their happy circle then I do; perhaps none more high spirited about returning if my realizations are not accomplished…wherever I may go hereafter wish my family to accompany me." Also writes about the gold he had sent "…two of the specimens I wish you to save…one impregnated with stone and one small one I rolled up in paper…the rest dispose of as you wish…my goods have just arrived at San Francisco and I think I shall order them here and put them into a store and retail them." He waxes nostalgic about being "…separated as we are many hundreds of miles by oceans, mountains, lakes and rivers, one at the extreme west on the Pacific and the other at the extreme end of the states on the Atlantic…and no other way of communicating our thoughts but by pen and ink." Hopes his wife will understand that it's in their interest to stay another winter… Few brown spots and normal aging. One short tear on last sheet; all easily readable and sound. ACCOMPANIED BY SECOND LETTER to wife datelined "Stockton, March 27'th" (probably 1851). 3 pages (outer sheet serves as cover with address to Maine). "…The boat just arrived at San Francisco…" but uncertain if he can get the mail in time for her letter. He's worried about financial affairs at home and manner in which she is spending their limited funds. "…Do not deprive yourself but…please inform me if the house is out of the hands of sharks." Writes of his loneliness and: "…the longer I am away the more anxious I feel to get home…am now at work at my trade superintending the work of building… shall continue at that business for present…did accept… to go into a store this spring but arrangements [it did not work out]…my friends have gone to the mines again to try their luck at gold hunting… I shall delay it for the present. Had the pleasure of seeing a piece of gold a few days ago that weighed 22 pounds and contained only 4 pounds of stone…very fine specimen. I understood it sold for $10,000…I should liked to have had it…" Light aging. Tiny piece out extreme bottom margin of first page and small piece out edge of last sheet with tear at top. PLUS A THIRD LETTER FROM THE SAME FELLOW TO HIS WIFE FROM "HAWS / THANKSGIVING DAY NOV. 27'TH" (circa 1851). Three full pages; very faded, but about 98 percent readable. With patience and very close study it should be decipherable. The three letters.
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