A Virginian Writes Of His Overland Trip To California

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

Lot of 2 letters home by an enterprising Virginian off to California. Autograph Letter Signed “W.C. Winston”, one page on 4 pages, quarto, February 19, 1849, Baltimore, Maryland to A. Winston, Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia. The letter reads in part: “...I am completing some purchases here for California, the total with insurance & frieght will amount to 2000 dollars, such things as are designed for speculation and suited to the country, where which profit will most certainly be made whiskey, a small quantity of other liquors, Tobacco, Tins & other wares.....I shall go to Alex. on Wednesday, and will probably startwestward on Mnaday next...”...Plus; Autograph Letter Signed “W.C. Winston”, 3 pages with address panel, quarto, June 5, 1849, Santa F, New Mexico to A. Winston, Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia. This letter describes Winston’s journey from Fort Smith, Arkansas to New Mexico. It reads in part as follows: “...The first 200 miles of our travel was over a very sandy boggy , and hilly country, parallel with the south fork of the Canadian...we shot fourbuffalo, one of which I had the gratification of killing mself, and I also shot an antelope, a very shy and swift animal...we traveed 100 miles through commanche county without seeing one of them...the company in advance of us found the fresh scalped head of a white man...we hope at a small loss upon their cst, will urchase a few additional mules and pack from here to California...we have all lost flesh and strength. We entertain the consoling hope that a short time will terminate it, and place us in the Eldorado of the west...”. Both letters are crisp and in Very Fine condition.

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