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689. Young, Ann Eliza. Wife No. 19, or the Story of a Life in Bondage, Being a Complete Exposé of Mormonism, and Revealing the Sorrows, Sacrifices and Sufferings of Woman in Polygamy. [5]-605 pp. Illus. with wood engravings; steel engraved frontis. Original cloth dec. & lettered in gilt & black. Hartford: Dustin, Gilman, 1876. Flake 10047 - Same collation as the 1875 first edition. Some rubbing & wear to covers, light foxing to frontis. & title, front hinge cracking, otherwise very good. (100/150).
690. Young, Charles E. Dangers of the Trail in 1865: A Narrative of Actual Events. 148 pp. Illus. with wood engravings incl. frontis. Cloth. First Edition. Geneva, NY: 1912. Adams Six-guns 2465 - The author heeded Greeley's advice and went West, and found the trail hard and full of mishap. He suggests that if Greeley had known the number of people who would fall victim to the hazards of the trail, he would have hesitated before suggesting the West as a place to grow up. Old rubberstamp of the State Historical Society of Colorado to verso of title-page, mark from removed spine label. Very good. (70/100).
691. Young, John P. San Francisco: A History of the Pacific Coast Metropolis. 2 vols. Illus. with plates from photographs & other sources. 12x8-3/4, 3/4 crushed morocco & cloth, gilt-lettered spines. First Edition. San Francisco: S.J. Clarke, [1912]. Cowan p.905; Rocq 7973 - Spines faded a touch, else near fine. (150/250).
692. Yount, George C. George C. Yount and his Chronicles of the West comprising Extracts from his "Memoirs" and from the Orange Clark "Narrative." Ed. by Charles L. Camp. Illus. with 4 plates & a folding map of Yount's ten-year odyssey in the west, 1826-1836. 10-1/4x7, pictorial cloth, acetate. 1 of 1250 copies designed & printed by Lawton & Alfred Kennedy. First Edition. Denver: Old West Publishing Co., 1966. A narrative of the life & explorations of the first white men to settle in the Napa Valley; he obtained a large land grant from General Vallejo & pioneered the transition from cattle ranching to horticulture & the raising of grain in California. Fine. (80/120). SECTION II: Archival Material from the Collection of John D. Gilchriese
ARCHIVE RELATING TO FAXON DEAN ATHERTON & BUSINESS ASSOCIATES
693. Atherton, Faxon Dean, & associates. Archive of correspondence to Faxon Dean Atherton from various business associates and friends, between his business associates, and between others engaged in related enterprises in California and the Pacific Coast. Comprising over 225 manuscript letters and documents, the archive is of seminal importance in documenting the business development of California during and after the Gold Rush era. The fortunes made by the merchants and real estate entrepreneurs far exceeded those of the forty-niners rushing to pan for gold in the hills, and their influence over the social and political development of the state dwarfed those of the miners' courts and vagabond settlements in the gold regions. In the archive are laid out the trade arrangements between Atherton and his associates, their visions for the future of California, and the day-by-day quest for profit to fuel their ambitions. Faxon Dean Atherton, 1825-1877, born in Dedham, Massachusetts, is less well known than his author daughter-in-law, Gertrude Atherton, who wrote The Splendid Idle Forties and other fictionalized histories. Yet his impact on California, primarily from behind the scenes, was far greater, and it is after him that the San Francisco suburb of Atherton is named. In 1833, at age eighteen, after three years employment as a merchant in Boston, Atherton set out for Boston with a small cache of trade goods for Valparaiso, Chile, which he was to parlay into one of the great fortunes on the West Coast. After disposing of his goods at a small profit, at least enough to pay for his passage to Chile, he went to work for Elisha Loring in Valparaiso. There met his life-long friend and business partner, George Henry Bowen. Besides their friendship and business dealings, they became relatives, marrying sisters in the prominent Chilean family, the Goñis. But before that fortunate occurrence, Atherton sailed for California via Hawaii, and wound up working as a clerk for Alpheus B. Thompson, a prominent Santa Barbara merchant, from 1836 to 1838. There he formed friendships and business relationships which would serve him well in the succeeding years, including with Thomas Oliver Larkin. In 1838 Atherton left California with a load of hides, which he sold at a good profit in Boston. He then returned to Valparaiso, where he was to make his home until he returned for good to California in 1860, settling on an estate on the peninsula south of San Francisco. The years in Valparaiso were not an exile from California affairs, however. He was heavily involved in the economy of California before and during the Gold Rush, orchestrating trade arrangements, real estate speculation, investment, and other business dealings from afar. In late 1849, on the advice of Thomas O. Larkin, he traveled once more to California. There he scrutinized at first hand the commercial market for needed commodities, and purchased land sites recommended to him by Larkin. He returned to Chile in 1850, and in 1853 he appointed Alexander B. Grogan as his agent in San Francisco. Other principal figures in the correspondence are George W. Gibson, a Sacramento merchant who worked extensively with Boston businessman A.K.P. Harmon, before returning east to Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Upon his departure, he relied upon the banking firm of Darius Ogden Mills to handle his affairs. D.O. Mills, a prominent figure in the financial development of California, arrived in the state in 1849, a 22-year old former cashier at the Merchant's Bank of Erie County, and by 1850 had established the Bank of D.O. Mills & Company in Sacramento, accumulating a large fortune. In 1864 he helped form the Bank of California, serving as president of the institution until 1873, and resuming the post in 1875 following a financial panic. He returned east in 1878 to engage in investment and philanthropic activities. A selection of the material follows: * Approx. 37 letters from George H. Bowen to Atherton. Six of these are written to Atherton in Valparaiso from various places including San Francisco (1852); Boston (1853); New York (1853); Cambridge (1853); Edinburgh (1854); Brattleboro, VT (1854); Boston (1854). These contain excellent content, being the letters from Atherton's closest friend and long-time business associate as he was a tour of the United States and Europe checking out business and trade prospects. The excellent 10-page letter from San Francisco gives observations of California in general, goes into detail on various trade prospects, shipping prices, items to be sent by Atherton to San Francisco, etc., and alludes to Atherton's eventual move to California; a brief excerpt: "Your request to purchase oil you will have learned I have anticipated, would that you may have also anticipated my request for flour & wheat best of this anon. Since my last Grogan & myself hired a carriage & took a trip to San Jose of the quicksilver mines, we were gone four days & had a very pleasant time and I was highly pleased with the country, especially about San Mateo between Santa Clara and the Pueblo and also beyond San Jose towards the hills where the mines are; in my opinion a farmer could not ask for finer lands & climate, population only appears to be wanting to make it productive in everything to the highest extent... San Jose looks very good on paper but it is a very small inconsiderable town & never will in my opinion be anything more than a country town... Anyone that says this will not prove a highly agricultural state when time & population shall have developed its resources, is either a fool or talks as most do without having seen anything outside or inside of San Francisco; but my advice is for you not to think of investing in a ranch or even small farm as without you come & live on & work it yourself it will not produce anything for several years, & I know that you have neither strength of body or practical experience to turn farmer at this late date of your life...." The remaining 31 letters were sent from Valparaiso to San Francisco, dated 1873 to 1875. Much on business as well as family and personal matters is discussed, including such details as the drop in nitrate prices, "this branch of trade is killed at least for the present & all the comps. representing a capital of several millions are little better than broke...this is a heavy blow to all our steam fleet and sailing vessels in the way of freight...." * Approx. 51 letters from Alexander B. Grogan to Atherton, dates ranging from 1853 to 1876, with much significant content regarding business affairs as well as personal matters, being written to Atherton from his agent in San Francisco and longtime business associate and friend. One of these letters, dated Dec. 26. 1853, accompanies and explains a plan for a wharf, "An important sale of valuable City property took place here on 26th inst.; the slips lying in the north & south sides of Long Wharf having been divided up and sold at high prices. At this sale we purchased the lots No. 45, 46, 47, 48 as per the enclosed plan for 48,400$ a very high price, but there is not the smallest chance of obtaining property so well located at a lower price..." Atherton is given an opportunity to invest in the property at cost plus 1%, and other business matters are discussed (half of the blank pages 3-4 of this letter is torn off, affecting half of the address portion). * Approx. 43 letters from A.K.P Harmon in Boston to George W. Gibson in Sacramento, dated 1855 & 1855. They pertain to various business matters, such as "I am sorry you are so overstocked, hope you will be able to get rid of the goods. You will receive one or two lots more and then we are done for the present... I hope you will continue in the store as long as you remain in the country..." And in another letter, "It seems you are very much down on Whiting. When you have disposed of his goods you will get no more we shall now ship other manufacturers so I presume that store will not suffer for stock of any kind at any rate..." Hard times occur, "I have said still the transfer of that retail stock and the lost confidence in me worries me some. We agreed as I have written just to put into that concern twenty-five thousand dolls which had been done this as we can see will leave a balance to our debit of $11,000...." (A few of these are soiled & stained.) * Approx. 53 letters and statements of account from D.O. Mills & Co. in Sacramento to George W. Gibson of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, most on letterhead of the Banking House of D.O. Mills & Co., Sacramento. Dated from 1858 to 1865, they include such transactions as "Have sold the Howe block for $500 not yet got pay but will soon. A company purchased six blocks to enlarge the Agricultural race track, no individual will purchase blocks at this price for any purpose...." And "After years of importuning to pay the writer have accepted of Mr. Burr $120 & cancelled all claims against him. The amount due was about $210, Burr is poor & has been poor for a long time & we very much disliked to foreclose the mortgage....", also, "The change in your affairs have been as follows since we wrote to you last. Judge Ralston & Little have paid their notes by borrowing of other parties...Would advise you to sell if possible & the writer will pay particular attention to this effect. Have but little hopes of getting any this of Mr. Penny - will try - Mr. Stevens has vacated premises owing one months rent... We are fully convinced that now is the time to sell for your interest we are holding & hoping to get $3000 for it or in that neighborhood - have concluded to take $2500 case rather than not sell...."(Some of these letters are soiled, darkened or stained.) * Letter from Patrick McRoy in San Francisco to Atherton in Valparaiso, regarding business matters, "...the weather has prevented supplies from coming in I think remunerative prices can be got until the 25th June for Chile flour unless we should be deluged by shipments from your market... Wheat is a prime article this year...this has been caused by the great demand for milling supplies, arising from the margin left for profit in making flour at the present high rate of this article...." Dated Dec. 15, 1852. * Two letters from James Hull, who is in shipping, and in hard luck at times, owing Atherton much money, "I have been obliged to sell the Spring in consequence of my last voyage turning out so badly I lost about $2000 besides my time 7 months, Mr. Thompson was very much in want of his money and I think the best thing I could do was to sell out and pay my debts and commence again. I don't know how much I owe you but I shall send you $5000...next month." Dated June & Sept., 1854. * Sale agreement for "Rancho San Lorenzo" situated between Mission San Jose and Hayward in the East Bay, sold by Atherton to John Walpert, signed by Atherton and Walpert and witnesses, with revenue stamp affixed, etc., for the sum of $800, paid over three years, with receipts for the various payments affixed. Dated Feb. 26, 1869. * Three letters from Samuel D. Crane about business deals, including the forwarding of a "Refrigerator...of a superior quality - made of White Oak - large size..." which cost $25 (this letter dated Boston, May 2, 1854). * Letter to Atherton from V.R. Goñi, one of his wife's family, relating to both business and family news, dated San Francisco, Jan. 1, 1850. * Extract from a letter outlining a deal to sell $25,000 worth of coins to the Chilean government, dated July 1851. * Several statements of account for Atherton with Bowen and Grogan, detailing various transactions and money owed. * Plus other letters, account statements, a few printed booklets, etc. A small number of the items have staining, darkening or other, but most are in fine condition, well preserved, a splendid archive of great significance.(20,000/30,000).
LETTERS FROM AN ARMY OFFICER IN SAN FRANCISCO, 1854-55
694. Eaton, Amos B. Collection of 11 manuscript letters from Amos Eaton to his wife and son, written while he was stationed in California, both at San Francisco and Benicia. The letters present an excellent view of California during this seminal period of development, as well as giving insight into the personal life and emotional outlook of a career soldier separated from his wife and family. Amos B. Eaton, c.1805-1877, graduated from West Point in 1822, and served all over the country, fighting at the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican War. During the period the letters cover, 1854-55, he was a major heading the Commissariat of the Department of the Pacific, headquartered at San Francisco, a post he held from March 10, 1851, to June 18, 1855. Apparently, his wife and family had been with him during the early years of his posting, but had returned to New Haven. During the Civil War, Eaton rose to Major-General, though in a non- combatant role. Among the highlights of the group is a 32-page letter, an unusually long missive. In addition to the Eaton letters, there are several to him from his son, and one from his brother to his son. A few details follow: * From Amos Eaton to his wife. July 19-31, 1854, 32 pages on 8 4-page lettersheets. Written over a period of 13 days, the letter is rich in detail, and poignant in the loneliness expressed as Eaton longs for his wife and family, and to get out of San Francisco. "...The truth is I am tired of this place - the bedstead must be turned around. I feel that it is necessary that I leave this place and country..." He later states that he has been staying in Clinton, across the Bay, "for the diversion, change of scene, change of air," and commuting to San Francisco via the Contra Costa Steamer. But his sojourn away from San Francisco is not without incident, "this morning, at about 4 O'clock, the Hotel, a fine, large, well-kept and well-furnished hotel, took fire. All the lodgers, & there were a good many families there from this city, were aroused, & such a rush of men, women & children in their night garments I never saw before." Nobody was hurt, and most of the personal belongings and furniture were saved, but the hotel was entirely consumed by the flames. Eaton writes of the probability of getting posted to New York in the near future, "of course, I am not certain, (nothing being certain, according to Judge Cady, but death & taxation)," and of his daughter's wish to continue her education, "It is impossible for me to say what studies Fanny best pursue, though those of a literary nature I do not doubt - the channel of thoughts, the intercourse of mind with mind - being language, & form the most part one's own mother tongue, to be able to use this with the greatest perfection, is really the central purpose of all right education." Eaton mentions dining with Sherman, undoubtedly William T. Sherman, who had at this time temporarily resigned his army commission to go into the banking business in San Francisco. He also bemoans the retirement of General Ethan Allen Hitchcock from command in San Francisco, "Could you...appreciate the change of tone, temperament, feeling, sense of nobility, satisfaction, etc. etc. from that which prevailed among us officers in San Francisco, & indeed with all those in this military department, when General Hitchcock commanded here, that has taken place, you would really pity us... But don't you say beyond your own family that I like one Gen'l & not another...." Midway through the letter, Eaton writes of a friend who is unwell, and to whom he has recommended he leave for the east despite the prospects of a reduced paycheck, "I think it probable that once East, he may remain there. I am satisfied that such salaries as are now paid him & others of about his standard, will have to be reduced by & by as the times* [*some say that the bottom of Cal has fallen out] are very fast changing here, & coming down to an Eastern standard." Eaton is also involved in speculative activities, "I today called to see Mr. Goddard" [undoubtedly George Henry Goddard, English-born civil engineer noted for several fine maps of California he produced] "particularly in relation to the quartz mill, quartz mines & water privilege power, land estate, &c. &c., lying N. & in the vicinity of Quartzburg & the Merced River, in which Flint, Peabody & Co.; Chopin & Sawyer; Hastings; Goddard, myself & others are interested, as to whether I had better sell off at a mere trifle before leaving the country, or hold on for the chance of its being worth something by t[he] by. He decidedly advises to hold..." A truly exceptional letter, with much on San Francisco during the 1850's, and with much of human interest as well, as Eaton bemoans his separation from his wife, gives advice to his children, relays tidbits of social gossip, and more. * From Amos Eaton to his son Daniel Cady Eaton. September 12, 1854. Four pages on a 4-page lettersheet. Written on the occasion of his son's 20th birthday ("one year more and you will have arrived at political, civil, & actual manhood...free from paternal and maternal whippings"), full of fatherly advice. * From Amos Eaton to his wife, written from Benicia. Dec. 21, 1851. Four pages on a small lettersheet. Mentions the possibility of leaving for the East on April 1st, "I presume I shall ordered however to report to Gen. G. at Washington." * From Amos Eaton to his son Daniel Cady Eaton, written from Benicia. March 14, 1855. Four pages on 4-page lettersheet. Responds to request for specimens of ferns, "I will send suitable botanical collecting books to two officers, friends of mine, at the head of two surveying parties, one in south eastern Cal, & the other crossing from the junction of the Gila (pronounced Helah) & Colorado (look at the map) to the Rio Grande at E. Paso...." * Plus seven other letters from Amos Eaton to his wife. March 24 to May 15, 1855, written from Benicia and San Francisco. Between 3 & 4 pages each on 4-page lettersheets. * Also, a letter to Daniel Cady Eaton from his uncle and namesake; and three letters from Daniel Cady Eaton to his father, Amos Eaton. Though a few of the letters have minor chips and tears, they are generally in fine condition, well-written and insightful letters from an educated officer. (5000/8000).
ARCHIVE ON THE LEIDESDORFF/FOLSOM ESTATE
695. Folsom, Joseph Libby and the Leidesdorff/Folsom Estate. Archive of over 40 manuscript items relating the Estate, including letters to and from Folsom, to and from the lawyers representing him and his estate, deeds, etc. The imbroglio that resulted when Folsom purchased the estate of William A. Leidesdorff is one of the most interesting and revealing chapters in the history of early San Francisco. William Alexander Leidesdorff, born in 1810, a native of the Danish West Indies (probably St. Croix), son of a Danish father and Creole (some say mulatto) mother, was a sea captain who traded in and out of San Francisco in the 1840's. He began buying land in the city, and opened a successful exporting business. In 1844 he became a naturalized Mexican citizen and received a grant of 35,000 acres along the American River. He died on May 18, 1848, unmarried and with no will to be found. One of the largest estates in California passed into the hands of the public administrator while Leidesdorff's heirs were located. There were numerous bills and other encumbrances, and parts of the estate began to be sold off. On to the scene came Joseph Libby Folsom, an army captain and West Point graduate who had come to California with Stevenson's Regiment in 1847. He decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up, and, despite uncertainty on the ultimate disposition of the estate (American, Mexican and Danish inheritance laws were all involved), he set off for St. Croix. There he found Leidesdorff's mother, Anna Maria Sparks, and siblings (his father was dead). For the sum of $75,000 he purchased all of Leidesdorff's vast holdings in California. $5000 of this was paid on Nov. 13, 1849, with $35,000 due the following year, and another $35,000 the year after. However, before the first $35,000 was due, someone informed Anna Maria Sparks that the estate was likely worth much more than Folsom had paid, and she refused the payment, obtaining lawyers to represent her in nullifying the agreement. During this legal confrontation, Folsom was represented by the New York law firm of Reed, Suydam & Co. Eventually the case was decided in Folsom's favor, but his troubles did not stop there. Though he held legal title to extremely valuable land in the booming city of San Francisco, and vast holdings of rich land along the American River, he was weighed down by problems of collecting rent, dispossessing squatters, settling clouded titles, and paying ever-increasing taxes. To assist him, he retained the services of Van Winkle & Peachy, a law firm which was soon joined by Henry Halleck, like Folsom a graduate of West Point who came to California with the army in 1847. He was to become a famous general during the Civil War. Folsom died on July 19, 1855, only 38 years old, and the firm of Halleck, Van Winkle & Peachy became executors of his estate, maintaining and subsequently disposing of his property over the coming years. The archive offered provides a splendid glimpse of the entire affair, from Folsom's purchase of the property and his attempts to finalize the sale, to the problems inherent in being such a large landholder, and finally to the gradual disposition of his estate. Among the items offered: Seven manuscript letters from Folsom. A number of these appear to be copies of letters he sent, but all are in his hand and contain his signature: * August 16th, 1850, to L.C. Bruce in Sacramento, regarding a Mr. Van Vechten, who occupied land on the Leidesdorff Rancho on the American Fork, and wished to maintain his lease with Folsom, "Van Vechten seems like a good man, he wishes for the farming part of the Ranch as above described... I think it is advisable to close as many leases of this kind as possible with the persons occupying portions of the Ranch as evidence of a recognition of title on their part...." This letter noted "copy" at top, but it is in Folsom's hand. * March 31, 1851, to Suydam & Reed in New York, regarding further attempts to finalize the deal with Anna Maria Sparks, "I think with you that the subject of the old woman's deed is of sufficient importance to justify a messenger to St. Croix. It is desirable that the matter should be absolutely fixed before any other payment is made..." He also remarks upon the recovery of San Francisco from a fire, "the city is rising like magic from among the sundry cinders..." * July 31, 1851, to Messrs. Suydam, Reed & Co., written to San Francisco, an 8-page letter regarding attempts to get title to Leidesdorff's estate, and sending "you herewith a power of atty. to act for me in all my interests with the Saint Croix people & if necessary to mortgage my property and also that of the Leidesdorff estate should it become necessary..." An excellent letter revealing many of the attempts to finalize the deal made between Folsom and Leidesdorff's mother, which she rethought after having been informed of the value of the estate. * Nov. 7, 1851, to H. Hays, San Francisco County Sheriff, "Having noticed in the Herald of yesterday an order of Sale by you to take place to satisfy an executive in favor of Jesse D. Carr against the City of San Francisco, including among the property the following Water Lots, viz: Nos. 154 to 165 inclusive. Now I hereby assert claim to said lots as property of the Central Wharf Joint Stock Company and forbid the sale of same...." * February, 1852, to L.C. Bruce, in Sacramento, referring to property of the old Leidesdorff estate that was being rented, and an attempt to evict a tenant "If this arrangement is made it will be shutting us out of possession for three months, but after that we should have it with certainty. (This with an edge chip) * August 31, 1852, to W.W. Forsby, returning a power of attorney because "I do not see now that it can be of any use to me. I have had a notarial copy of it made... Hoping that you may have a speedy & safe return to your friends at S. Croix." * April 28, 1854, to the firm of Whiting & Loud, "I am professionally advised that the contract you hold for grading and plumbing Mission St. was not legally executed & this is to notify you that I will not abide by it...," evidently Folsom was harassed by contractors, as were many other landlords. This letter is accompanied by the letter from Whiting & Loud of the preceding day, stating that he had been removing sand from the area, but they had a contract with the city to do so. Six indenture leases between Folsom and various persons, for rental of property in San Francisco. The tenants include George Hobe, Samuel Hoit, Ninna Quilfeldt, Jos. F. Mosheimer, John McCraith & Rudolf Schoendorff. Each is signed at least once by Folsom. Five of the leases list the party of the first part as Anna Maria Sparks, of Saint Croix, Danish West Indies, with Folsom named as her Attorney in-fact. Bill for repairs of the U.S. Steam Ship Massachusetts, for $773.50, signed by Folsom as correct, and his name filled in as having remitted the sum. April 17, 1851. Six manuscript letters to Folsom from lawyers, tenants, etc.: * Jan. 8th, 1850, from L.C. Bruce in Sacramento, regarding a map of the ranch. * May 26, 1851, from Suydam & Reed in New York, referring to a previous letter "in which we gave you the disagreeable intelligence of bad faith on the part of the West Indies people, of their refusal to receipt the payment due 13th March last... The man Hagen has no doubt been the cause of all this difficulty and from what we learn of the character of Judge Fredrickson he would have not conscientious scruples to put obstacles in the way of a settlement... We sent Mr. John Sherwood to St. Croix...to lean on the old woman...and get the deed signed...." A key letter in the affair, indicating the frustrations of the lawyers Folsom hired to represent him, and the actions they were taking. * July 3, 1852, from Augustus Luck, regarding an undesirable tenant of Folsom's, "I am requested by several persons to beg of you that you will be pleased to remove Mrs. Hubbard better known as Irish Kate who lives in a whitewashed house at the top of Sansome Street... Mrs. Hubbard was fined by the Recorder on the 18th of June $50 for keeping a disorderly house and abuseing her neighbours..." The writer of the letter is about to leave for Sacramento, thanks Folsom having had him for a tenant, and signs off "trusting that you will not permit this woman to remain a pest and a nuisance to those I leave behind me." Ah, the troubles of being a landlord. * July 29, 1852, from George Gordon of the Vulcan Foundry in San Francisco, attempting to renegotiate a lease, for the land they are on "is badly situated for our Business - too far from the city to catch the transient & jobbing trade (which is the most profitable) & too expensive as a mere place of manufacture...." * Sept. 20, 1852, from Suydam & Reed in New York, referring to the Leidesdorff case, including a Mr. Hosburg, a lawyer apparently representing "Fredrickson and the old woman," also strange occurrences with the mails, "It is singular about your West Indies letters, it is the same case with old Fredrickson's. Mr. Whitmore informed us that he can get no communication from Mr. T.B. King, and the same was the case with those from the Danish Consul... Fredrickson has of late got duplicates from both parties of letters written a long time back. There must be some party in the West Indies, S. Thomas perhaps, who is anxious to know all about the correspondence touching the Leidsdorf [sic] estate." * Jan. 27, 1853, from a tenant giving notice that they were going to leave the Iron Building on Montgomery Street. Letter to Suydam, Reed & Co. in New York, an unsigned copy, probably from Van Winkle & Peachy on behalf of Folsom, dated June 30, 1852, requesting that they execute an enclosed certificate of a release of mortgage, "I have sold this lot and given a bond to free it from incumbrance...," and referring to the Leidesdorff estate legal entanglements, "Nothing has been done with regards to the suit... It is understood that a ____(?) has taken place between T.B. King and his attorneys to Messrs. McAllister - given the cause of the trouble it is presumed originated in sending Mr. Norton to the W.I.'s [i.e. West Indies] and the question of who is to father the expenses of that gentleman's mission." Two letters to Van Winkle, regarding tenancy matters he was handling for Folsom, dated Nov. 15, 1851 & Nov. 21 [1851?]. Letter from P.W. Van Winkle to Joseph Dunlap, regarding a lease on the "American Theatre" with details described, signed by Van Winkle, Halleck & Peachy as Executors of the Estate of J.L. Folsom, and by Dunlap, dated August 27, 1855. 14 letters written to Van Winkle, Halleck & Peachy (some just to one of the lawyers), in their capacity as executors of the Folsom estate, most regarding leases, rentals or sale of property. Dated 1855 to 1860. A few refer to more interesting matters, such as one from James B. Wilson, regarding squatters working land on the Rancho, "I have been round this last week amongst the Wood Choppers, and induced some of them to stop... Col. Russ is quarrying granite at the mouth of the ravine this side of Kinseys Bridge...I have been called upon by a Mr. Robinson...to have Russ prevented from working... Where Russ is at work he cannot do any material injury to the estate, and as Capt. H. told me he would not consent to any suit until he got the decision of U.S. D[istrict] court, I cannot interfere. I am pretty well satisfied now that we can beat them on that last suit on prior presumption and possession without reference to the Grant... P.S. I pointed out to the State Prison Committee the location I spoke of and they acknowledged that there could not be anything better nor is there in the state...." From an E.D. Hoskins, "My note due you as executors falling due on tomorrow, I am unable to pay - I have been disappointed in making a collection that I expected and possibly shall not be able to pay till the 19th May, at that time I have a note falling due that I am certain to get...." One letter contains a hand-drawn map, showing land which John Wild is "in possession and have been in possession of a farm near Mormon Island since June 1853 a part of my farm is covered by the Leidesdorf Grant the land is poor & thin I offer as a bill One Dollar per Acre there is about One Hundred acres the enclosed rough sketch is nearly correct." Deed of sale for land in San Francisco, from Jacob C. Beideman to Michale Egan, dated 1861 (worn with portion detached.) Plus several other items, including R.E. Cowan's booklet, The Leidesdorff-Folsom Estate: A Forgotten Chapter in the Romantic History of Early San Francisco, 1928, inscribed & signed by Cowan to Carl I. Wheat. Most of the items are in fine condition, with much less wear than is normally associated with such material. (15,000/25,000).
CALIFORNIA PIONEER A.J. GRAYSON
696. Grayson, Andrew Jackson & Frances Grayson Crane. Archive of material relating to Andrew Jackson Grayson and his wife Frances, who married the physician George Belden Crane following Grayson's death. Andrew Jackson Grayson, 1818-1869, became famous for his paintings of West Coast birds. After spending his early years in Louisiana and St. Louis as a shopkeeper, Grayson ventured to California in 1846, he and his wife crossing the Sierra Nevada just two days before the route was closed by the heavy snows which trapped the lagging Donner party. Almost immediately after his arrival, Grayson joined Frémont's California Battalion, and was active in enlisting further recruits. He was made a lieutenant by Commodore Stockton, and was present with Maddox at Monterey when Sanchez surrendered. He soon settled in San Francisco, where he became a successful shopkeeper and merchant. He participated in the Vigilance Committee of 1851, and was a charter member of the Society of California Pioneers. His increasing wealth allowed him to move to the country near San Jose, where he began making the drawings and paintings of birds which were to be his legacy to the world. Becoming dissatisfied with the changes in California wrought by the Gold Rush and influx of Americans, he moved to Mexico in 1859, settling in Mazatlan and continuing his work as an artist-naturalist. There he died of fever on August 17, 1869. Included in the archive are: * The family Bible, inscribed on the title-page, "From Mrs. D.S. King to Mrs. A.J. Grayson, 1848," and "To Eddie from Mamma, 1854." This would be Edward B. Grayson, born in 1846, who tragically drowned, or was murdered according to some accounts, in San Blas in 1867. The Bible is also in inscribed on the front free endpaper, "To Eddie from Mama," and "Edward B. Grayson, Mazatlan, Mex." On the pastedown, apparently in Edward's hand, is an 8-line poem about how great the book is. There is a pencil inscription on the front pastedown beneath Edward's name, "This bible formerly the bible of Mrs. A.J. Grayson was given to Pony Express History and Art Gallery this date by M. Rudolph Lonnie, Waddell Smith." The Bible in 5-3/4x3-1/4, embossed leather, with some rubbing & wear, but very good. * Grayson's Mexican War Service Medal. A small shield, 2-1/4x2, with cactus, a cannon, a ship, rifles & other devices on front, with engraved inscription on back, "A.J. Grayson, 1st Lt. Cal. Vols." This was issued after the Mexican War by the National Association of Mexican War Veterans to enlisted men and officers who served in the Mexican War. * Original notes explaining three paintings of birds by A.J. Grayson, and giving scientific observations on the birds, each set accompanied by a photograph of the painting described. The notes are likely in Francis Grayson's hand, since she assisted her husband in his studies, often copying his rough notes and preparing them for presentation. The notes include: Plotus Anhinga (Linn.) Snake Bird, or American Darter (7 leaves, rectos only); Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Nyctherodus Violaceus (Reich) (8 leaves, rectos only); and Boat Bill or Night Heron. Cancroma Cochleana (7 leaves, rectos only). * Carte-de-visite photograph of Mrs. A.J. Grayson, by Bradley & Rulofson, signed(?) on verso "Mrs. A.J. Grayson, 1870," with an inscription below, "For Mrs. Thompson, Aug. 20, 91." * Silver card case which belonged to Mrs. A.J. Grayson, which has been crushed with a few pieces loosing, which unfortunate circumstance is explained by a handwritten note, probably in Frances Grayson's hand, "Presented to Mrs. A.J. Grayson by John O. Dominis, San Francisco, 1849, destroyed when we were shipwrecked in the Bay of Ventosa, Mex, 1857 - Now (1869) John is Gov. of Oahu, Sandwich Islands. The M.D. stands for Mary Dominis, John's Mother." * Two carte-de-visite photographs, of John Dominis and his wife Liliokalani (later the last queen of Hawaii), old ink notations on versos to that effect, with later ink inscriptions on each, "Gift of Rudolph C. Lemme, 4/29/56." With imprints of Honolulu photographer H.L. Chase on versos. Probably about 1870. * Two cabinet card portraits of George Belden Crane, done at the same sitting in 1896 when the stern-looking white-maned doctor was 90 years old. Taken by H.H. Blakesly, St. Helena, Cal. One has old paper on verso. * Frances Grayson Crane's will, an ink holograph copy, perhaps in her hand. On rectos of 8 sheets of letterhead of the J.H. Steves Hardware Co., St. Helena, Cal. There is much interesting information, as she disposes of paintings and other material relating to her late husband A.J. Grayson, also her land holdings (which were considerable), and other effects. Done in 1903. * Frances Grayson Crane's funeral directions, in ink in her hand, on both sides of a sheet of notebook paper. She desires "some of my young friends to escort my remains to vineland station. I have always approved of the Mexican custom of females not attending funerals, and as none followed the remains of Mr. Grayson (my former husband) I do not wish any to follow me...." She signs and dates it 1882, but 16 years later she amends it "Since writing the above I have been converted to Cremation - ashes scattered to the winds. Francis J.G. Crane, May 20th, 1898." * Deed for Frances Grayson's cemetery plot, by which the Society of California Pioneers sells her Lot No. 26 in Section No. 2 of the Masonic Cemetery. Signed by various Society officers, dated Dec. 16, 1870. Upon returning to San Francisco following her husband's demise in Mexico, death must have been on her mind. * Final account of the administration of the Estate of Frances Grayson Crane, a typed copy, listing all of the assets, and disbursements, etc. 5 leaves, on rectos only. * Plus a few copy photographs of paintings, and several other items. An interesting gathering of material relating to a California pioneer who was perhaps the greatest ornithological artist of the Pacific Slope. (4000/7000).
PRICE CURRENT, 1849
697. (Price Current) San Francisco Letter Sheet Price Current. And Review of the Market. William W. Gallaer, Editor and Proprietor. Vol. I, No. 4, Nov. 13, 1849. 4-page letter sheet with printed text on the outside pages. 10-3/4x8- 1/2. San Francisco: 1849. Wagner, California Imprints, 35 - This is the Thomas W. Streeter copy, with his small booklabel on the inside page; it was offered as one of six issues of the letter sheet in Lot 2599 of the Streeter Sale, and was the earliest of the issues in the lot, the only one dating from 1849. Price Currents were a phenomenon peculiar to Gold Rush San Francisco, when widely fluctuating prices caused mercantile fortunes to be gained and lost within weeks. They listed the wholesale prices of a wide range of products, from New York Gin and Turkish Opium to Liverpool Salt and Prime Havana Cigars. The "Review of the Market" advises on likely trends in the prices of various commodoties, and their demand. Several tears & chips, but affecting only a few letters in the title, lacking 4x-1/2" piece from gutter margin, soiling on the inside, still in good condition; 1849 price currents are quite scarce. (800/1200).
698. (Sea Bird) Waybill for the steamer Sea Bird, which plied the seas from San Francisco down the West Coast during the Gold Rush. Filled out to indicate that on J.P. Thompson was shipping one cask, for $2.50, and signed by Fleming, the purser. 6x7, printed on blue lined paper. [San Francisco]: 3 Aug., 1854. Attractive waybill for one of the most famous of the steamers to sail the coast during the Gold Rush, with small vignettes of a ship and of a railroad train. Fine. (300/500). SECTION III: George Armstrong Custer GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER & THE INDIAN WARS The Collection of John M. Carroll The following lots are from the collection formed by author and historian John M. Carroll, with a few additions. Carroll devoted much of his life to the study of George Armstrong Custer, and wrote or edited many books on the subject. In addition to scarce primary material he collected, such as government reports, photographs, and early books, the collection contains a prime gathering of the books he himself wrote. Many of these are very limited or even unique copies, often with original drawings or watercolors by the illustrators. There is also offered, after the section of books, a selection of the original artwork used to illustrate the books he wrote or edited. Upon John M. Carroll's death in 1990, the collection passed to his long-time friend and associate, Robert Aldrich, who has retained it until this time.
RUSSIAN DUKE HUNTS WITH CUSTER
699. (Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia) [Tucker, William W.] His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexis in the United States of America During the Winter of 1871- 72. [4], 221, [1] pp. Original mounted albumen photograph portrait of Alexis as frontis. 10x6-1/2, period full morocco ruled in gilt, spine dec. & lettered in gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, a.e.g. First Edition. Cambridge, MA: Riverside Press, 1872. One of the rarest of all books of Custeriana, printed for private distribution in a limitation estimated at 100 copies. Tucker apparently wrote this book to be presented to his friends and the officials and citizens who entertained the Russian Grand Duke on his tour. Among those who spent time accompanying Alexis was George Armstrong Custer, joining the entourage in Omaha on January 12, 1872, escorting the foreign personage on a buffalo hunt, and traveling with the Grand Duke to New Orleans, where on February 17 they attended a matinee of Dan Rice's Circus. This copy with the ink name (signature?) of Tucker on the title-page. It is the copy used to make the facsimile editions which comprise the following lots. Signed bookplate of John M. Carroll on front free endpaper. Scuffing to joints & extremities, else very good or better. (2000/3000).
700. (Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia) [Tucker, William W.] The Grand Duke Alexis in the United States of America. Preface by John M. Carroll. Intro. by Jeff C. Dykes. Illus. with mounted color photo of painting by Joe Grandee executed for this special edition; port. of Alexis; coats of arms of the Russian Imperial family and the Seventh Cavalry; frontis. designed by Nick Eggenhofer. Half leather & boards, spine dec. & lettered in gilt, slipcase. Copy A of 26 lettered copies. New York: Interland Publishing, 1972. Signed on limitation page by Carroll, Dykes & Grandee; inscribed by Grandee to Carroll on page facing the mounted photograph of his painting; signed by Eggenhofer behneath the frontis. Facsimile reprint, with added material, of the preceding. Signed bookplate of John M. Carroll on front free endpaper. Fine condition. (300/500).
701. (Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia) [Tucker, William W.] The Grand Duke Alexis in the United States of America. Preface by John M. Carroll. Intro. by Jeff C. Dykes. Illus. with mounted color photo of painting by Joe Grandee executed for this special edition; port. of Alexis; coats of arms of the Russian Imperial family and the Seventh Cavalry; frontis. designed by Nick Eggenhofer. Half leather & boards, spine dec. & lettered in gilt, slipcase. No. 1 of 126 copies. New York: Interland Publishing, 1972. Signed on limitation page by Carroll, Dykes & Grandee; inscribed by Grandee to Carroll on page facing the mounted photograph of his painting. Signed bookplate of John M. Carroll on front free endpaper. Fine condition. (300/500).
ORIGINAL PHOTOS OF ALEXIS
702. (Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia) Six original albumen photograph portraits of Grand Duke Alexis. Each approx. 5-1/2x4, matted together, framed & glazed; overall 16-1/2x18-1/4. No place: c.1870-1875. The young Grande Duke seated with various dignitaries and advisors; seated on bench with a friend standing next to him, dog on floor; seated on bench with dog on his lap; head and shoulders portrait; head and shoulders portrait in military uniform, gold buttons and epaulets hand-tinted; seated in chair, hand stuck in coat Napoleon style. Some minor fading, else all very good or better, a rare assortment of original photograph portraits. (2000/3000).
703. (Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia) The Life of Col. James Fisk, Jr., "The Prince of Erie." Of Miss Helen Josephine Mansfield, "The Erie Princess." Of Edward S. Stokes, the Assasin, and of Hon. Wm. M. Tweed, of New York, the Notorious Leader of the Infamous Tammany Ring. Also an Account of the Destruction of that Ring, and the Defeat of its Champions by a Committee of 70. Together with a Sketch of The Grand Duke Alexis, of Russia. [3]-162 + [2] ad pp. Illus. with wood engravings. 9-1/4x5-3/4, original cloth. First Edition. Chicago: J.W. Goodspeed, 1872. The sketch of Grand Duke Alexis comprises pp. 146- 162, including an account of his buffalo hunt with George Armstrong Custer, who is described aptly, "General Custar [sic] appeared in his well-known frontier buckskin hunting costume, and if, instead of the comical sealskin hat he wore, he had only had feathers fastened to his flowing hair, he would have passed at a distance for a great Indian Chief...." One of the illustrations is a portrait of the Grand Duke. Covers rubbed, stained & insect damaged; front free endpaper partially detached, apparently lacking a preliminary leaf, possible a half-title, else good. (300/500).