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Section II: Manuscript and Archival Material, and Related Books, from the Collection of John D. Gilchriese
278. (American Mercantile Union) 1886. Strictly Private. For Subscribers Only. American Mercantile Union Confidential Reference Book, for San Francisco, Oakland and Vicinity. Compiled in the Interest of the Retail Trade. L.W. Halsted, General Manager. M.S. Mathew, Superintendent. Dorn & Dorn, Attorneys. 197 pp. (about half of which are blank, for additions). 8-1/2x5-1/2, original half sheep & gilt-lettered cloth, brad-bound.
San Francisco: L.W. Halsted, 1886.
Rocq 8075 - Credit ratings are given for San Francisco area businesses. The book was basically rented from the American Mercantile Union for one year, and had to be returned after that time. The key to the ratings is laid on rear pastedown, and the ratings include "A - Considered honest, but unable to pay"; "B - Careless, and neglects to pay"; "C - Too slow for desirable credit"; "D - send for special report"; "E - Changes residence often"; "F - Has attachable property"; "G - Property in wife's name"; etc. Spine rubbed, ends worn & chipped, corners showing; else about very good, rare. (600/900).
279. Appleton, D., & Co. Appleton's Hand-Book of American Travel. Western Tour. Embracing Eighteen Through Routes ot the West and Far West, Tours of the Great Lakes and Rivers...Being a Compete Guide to the Rocky Mountains, Yosemite Valley, Sierra Nevada, the Mining Regions of Utah, Nevada, Etc., and Other Famous Localities.... [12] ad (incl. front free endpaper), x, 321 + [12] ad pp. (incl. rear free endpaper). Illus. with 7 (of 8) maps, 5 of them folding, a few hand-colored. 7-1/2x4-1/4-3/4, original gilt-lettered red cloth.
New York: D. Appleton, 1873.
Lacking the frontis. map of the eastern U.S., but does contain the map of the western U.S. (with short crease tear), San Francisco, Yosemite, St. Louis, etc. Spine head chipped with tears along joints there, corners showing, else very good. (100/150).
280. (Attachments) Archive of approx. 42 legal attachments, instructing sheriffs and constables of Sacramento county to attach land and other properties belonging to defendents in various cases, in case the judgements were made against them. These are "true copies" made for filing purposes; 8 are entirely in holograph, the others are printed forms filled out in ink; they vary from 1 to 6 pages. Signed by justices of the peace, various constables & sheriffs, etc. Sacramento: 1850-1857.
As written in an attachment from 1851, the sheriff of Sacramento County was commanded to "attach Albert Clark by all and singular his lands and tenements, goods, chattles, monies, credits & effects not exempt from execution or so much therof as will secure the sum of three thousand five hundred and fifty three dollars with interest and costs of suit, in whosoever lands or possessions the same may be found and the same detain in your hands to satisfy any judgement Thos. J. Henley & S.C. Hastings may recover against him in this attachment...." Following is a listing of his real property, consisting of 16 lots in Sacramento City. By attaching the property before judgement was reached, there was protection against the defendent hiding his property in some fashion, such as putting it in another name or giving it to a friend. The fascinating archive reveals not only the myriad participants in legal proceedings, but also the land holdings in early Sacramento. Some aging & other wear, but generally in very good or better condition.
(400/700).
281. (Billheads, Receipts, etc.) Small archive of approx. 20 items, incl.: Advertising circular for Bell & Company, Booksellers, Stationers and Periodical Agents in San Francisco. c.1868. * Holograph payroll receipt signed by 3 individuals acknowledging their receiving payment for working. Feb. 11, 1851. * Billhead of Levinson Bros., Importers and Dealers in Segars and Tobacco in San Francisco, with vignette of sailing ship and goods on a dock. There is Chinese writing on the reverse. (Stained.) 185?. * Billhead/receipt of B.F. Rountree, Auction and Commission Merchant, San Francisco, 1856. * Billhead of Mrs. P.A. Callihan, Fashionable Milliner in Sacramento, being a receipt for a "Crape Bonnet and 2 Hats." 1880. * Billhead of Adams-Booth Co., Importers & Wholesale Grocers, Sacramento, receipting for various grocery items; with engraved vignette of the storefront. * Certificate of membership in Company "A" of the Union Guard. June 24, 1874. * Three partially printed receipts for goods bought at E.C. Grissel, Dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Etc., in Washington, Nevada County, Cali. 1901-2. Etc. Etc. Various places: various dates.
Generally very good condition. (200/300).
282. (Bradstreet Company) Bradstreet's Commercial Reports. January 1899. [4], 95 pp. 6-1/2x4-1/4, original flexible leather lettered in gilt.
New York: Bradstreet Co., 1899.
Lists virtually every village, town and city, and their businesses, in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The estimated value of each company is given, as well as its credit rating. The population of the comunities is listed, as are the presence of telegraph, express office, money order post office, and banks, or if these are not present, the nearest community in which they are. A fascinating and invaluable little guide to businesses in the Pacific Northwest. A little rubbing & wear to the edges; occasional pencil checks in the text, else very good or better. (200/300).
283. (Edwards, W.F., publisher) W.F. Edward's Tourists' Guide and Directory of the Truckee Basin. Edited & compiled by Chas. D. Irons. 137, [5] + [36] ad pp. Illus. with 10 wood-engraved plates incl. frontis.7-1/4x4-3/4, original gilt-lettered green cloth. First Edition.
Truckee, Cal.: "Republican" Job Print, 1883.
Cowan p.192; Rocq 5983 - Includes directories of Boca, Clinton, Truckee and Lake Tahoe, as well as a history of Truckee, descriptions of Donner Lake, Lake Tahoe, industries, deserted villages, the "601" vigilance committee, etc. The numerous advertisements are equally fascinating, including ads for Boca Brewing Company ("The Only Lager Beer Brewery on the Pacific Coast"); The Donner Saloon ("The Finest Brands of Wines, Liquours, Cigars and Beer always on hand" as well as a "Shooting Gallery"); C.F. McGlashan, Attorney at Law; H.K. Gage, Photographic Artist; plus numerous hotels, merchandisers, lumber yards, etc. Just a little wear at spine ends & corners, old ink inscription to front with marginal chip to the leaf, marginal creases to a few pages at rear, some mild darkening to the paper, else near fine, rare. (500/800).
284. Ellenbecker, John G. The Jayhawkers of Death Valley. [2], 130 pp. Photo illus. Original printed wrappers. Marysville, KS: 1938.
Edwards, Enduring Desert, p. 75; Howes E91 - "Contains information on the tragic first emigration over the southern route not found in previous accounts by Manly and Stephens" - Howes. Included in the lot is Arthur Woodward's Camels and Surveyors in Death Valley: The Nevada-California Border Survey of 1861 published by the Death Valley '49ers, in 1961, in wrappers. Jayhawkers with a little edge wear to wrappers, darkening to contents, else very good. (150/250).
285. (Folsom Estate) Indenture deed selling land in Sacramento County from the Folsom estate to Thompson G. Saulsbury. Signed by executors Henry W. Halleck & Archibald C. Peachy. Partially printed, filled out in ink. 18x11-1/4, 4 pp.
San Francisco: March 25, 1868.
Halleck and Peachy (along with P.W. Van Winkle, who is noted on the document as not being present at the time) administered the vast estate of Joseph L. Folsom following his death in 1855, selling off his massive holdings, and keeping themselves employed for quite some time. Split horizontally, with earlier inadequate repair, else good to very good. (150/250).
286. (Goldfield) Constitution and By-Laws of the San Francisco and Tonopah Mining Exchange. 42, iv pp. 7-3/4x5-1/2, printed wrappers. 1903. * By-Laws of the Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company. 15 pp. 5-1/4x4, printed wrappers. c.1910. * Goldfield North Star Mining Co. 4 pp. With map of the mining property. 10-1/2x8-1/2 (Horizontal creases, with short splits along them.) c.1910. * Prospectus of the Foreward Mining Company. Goldfield and Bullfrog, Nevada. 12 pp. 9-1/4x4-1/2, printed wrappers. c.1910. * Goldfield Deep Mines Company of Nevada. Goldfield, Nevada. 6 pp., folded sheet, with 3 illus. from photographs. 14x8-1/4. c.1930. Together, 5 items. Various places: various dates.
Prospectuses for and by-laws of various companies organized to exploit the mineral ores of Goldfield, Nevada, and adjacent areas. Very good or better condition. (200/300).
287. (Goldfield) Prospectus: Goldfield Black Buttes Mining Company. Goldfield Mining District, Esmeralda County, Nevada. [20] pp. With folding frontis. & 8 full-page illustrations, all from photographs. 10-1/2x8, original wrappers printed in gold, string ties.
San Francisco: Press of John Partridge, [1904].
Paher 699 - As noted by Paher, an "attractive promotional booklet," with large mining photographs, but he does caution that it "bluntly reports exaggerated production figures." Fine condition. (200/300).
288. (Goldfield) Stock certificate for 1000 shares in the Tonopah Gold Mountain Mining Company, with vignettes of miners, a mill among the mountains, decorative border, etc. Made out to Lothrop and Davis, signed by the company president and secretary. 5-1/2x9-3/4. (Split 2" along horizontal crease.) 1902. * Three printed forms filled out in ink and notarized, indicating W.D. Frey had bounced checks drawn on the Goldfield Branch of the State Bank & Trust Co. 1905. * Payment voucher for the Jumbo Mining Company of Goldfield, Nevada, authorizing Key Pittman to receive $180.50 as reimbursement for various filing fees and other expenditures. A printed form with typed itemization attached. 1907. * Three checks of The Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company of Goldfield, Nevada. 1913 & 1916. Together, 8 items. Various places: various dates.
All in very good or better condition.
(150/250).
289. Hittell, John S. Bancroft's Pacific Coast Guide Book. 270 pp. Illus. with wood-engravings. 7x4-1/2, dec. green cloth lettered in gilt.
San Francisco: A.L. Bancroft, 1882.
Lacks the map which should be in the rear endpaper pocket. Ink name and address boldly written across title-page, dated 1883. Very good or better condition. (80/120).
290. (Homestead Declaration) Declaratory Statement of Henry Wilson on Land Not Subject to Private Entry. Partially printed document, filled out in ink. 12-1/2x8. Stockton: 1858.
Wilson declares he, a native of the United States over the age of twenty-one years old, did "settle upon and improve" 160 acres of government land in San Joaquin county, and therefore he did "hereby declare my intention to claim the said tract of land as a Pre-emption right, under the provisions of an act of Congress of March 3d, 1858...." Signed by Wilson, witnessed by C.D. Gibbes. Fine.
(100/150).
291. (Hume, James Bunyan) Election ticket for the Democratic party for El Dorado County, with J.B. Hume listed as the choice for "Sheriff and ex-Officio Treasurer." Also on the ticket are Henry H. Haight, candidate for governor, Edward J. Lewis for lieutenant governor, James W. Coffroth for Congress, and candidates for state Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney-General, State Printer (John T. Barry) etc. County candidates, in addition to Hume, incl. state senator J.J. Lawyer, four state assemblymen, county clerk, attorney general etc. 5-3/4x2-1/2.
El Dorado County: 1868.
Rare election ticket featuring, among other candidates, legendary Wells, Fargo detective James B. Hume. Born in New York State in 1827, Hume ventured west in 1850, and for ten years worked at mining. In March, 1860, he was appointed deputy tax collector for Placerville, and in 1862 was elected city marshal. Two years later William H. Rogers, Sheriff of El Dorado County, appointed Hume his "undersheriff." In this capacity he was wounded in an 1867 gun battle with bandits on the Placerville Road. Perhaps playing on this fame, he ran for sheriff in 1868, of which activity the present piece of ephemera is a prime artifact, and was elected. Three years later he was not so lucky, and failed in a re-election bid. In 1873 he once again entered the field of law enforcement, this time in the private sector, and became Wells, Fargo & Co.'s new Special Officer. Thus began the glory years of his career, and along with his assistants Bob Paul and John Thacker tracked down numerous outlaws and desperados, including the legendary Black Bart. In late 1881 and early 1882 he was in Tombstone, Arizona, looking after Wells, Fargo's interests in the Earp-Clanton confrontation. Hume spent some thirty years in the service of the great transportation and banking concern, finally marrying in 1884. He passed away in Berekely on May 18, 1904, apparently of natural causes, at the age of 77. There are small ink numbers written next to most of the canditates on the ticket, which has a little edge wear & a short closed tear, else very good.
(200/300).
292. (Hume, James Bunyan) Township election ticket for the Democratic Party in El Dorado County, with James B. Hume listed as the choice for sheriff. 4-1/2x2-1/2. El Dorado County: 186.8 There are some differences in the choice of candidates from the preceeding ticket, i.e. different state senators and assemblymen, but with some overlap, such as A.A. Howard for coroner, and two additional offices listed, Public Administrator and Supervisor. Candidates for statewide office are not listed. Ink names of R. Jackson and McConnell at bottom. Some darkening & soiling, else very good. (150/250).
293. Knight, William H., ed. Hand-Book Almanac of the Pacific States: An Official Register and Year-Book of Facts, for the Year 1862. 191 pp. 6-1/2x4, original gilt-lettered cloth.
San Francisco: H.H. Bancroft, 1862.
Cowan p.11; Greenwood 1598 - With cover title "Bancroft's Hand-Book Almanac...." A host of information on the Pacific states, their counties, government, etc., as well as national statistics, calendar, and other tidbits. Minor fading and soiling to covers; 1st 36 pp. with top corners nicked off, else very good.
(150/250).
294. Knight, William H., ed. Hand-Book Almanac of the Pacific States: An Official Register and Business Directory of the States of Calfornia and Oregon; the Territories of Washington, Nevada and Utah; and the Colonies of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. For the Year 1863. 420 + [2] ad pp. 6-1/2x4, original gilt-lettered cloth.
San Francisco: H.H. Bancroft, 1863.
Cowan p.11 - Considerably expanded from the previous year. With cover title "Bancroft's Hand-Book Almanac...." Staining & wear to covers; some internal soiling, lacking an ad leaf at rear as well as free endpaper, else good to very good. (100/150).
295. (Maritime - Board of Health) Form acknowledging receipt from "W.W. Caulfield Master of the Ship `Forester' Sixteen Dollars Commutation money in lieu of bonds for the following persons, who are entitled to all the benefits of the `State Marine Hospital,' when sick:" below which are listed the names of 13 crew members. 12-1/2x8. San Francisco: Jan. 27th, 1851.
Interesting form indicating the measures taken to minister to the undoubtedly large number of ailing sailors who shipped to Gold Rush San Francisco. The year on the printed portion of the document is 1850, with a holographic alteration to 1851; being January, the new forms apparently had not yet arrived. Some mottled fading & spotting, else very good.
(150/250).
296. (Maritime - Steamer Tickets) Six unused tickets for travel to New York form San Francisco: Opposition Line to New York, via Panama aboard the Oregonian and connecting steamer, second cabin. * Opposition Line to New York, via Panama aboard the Oregonian and connecting steamer, steerage. * C.A. Transit Co's Line to New York, via Nicaragua aboard the Moses Taylor and connecting steamer, steerage. * Opposition Line to New York, via Nicaragua aboard the Moses Taylor and connecting steamer, steerage. (1" chip to stub.) * Opposition Line to New York, via Panama aboard the Nebraska and connecting steamer, first cabin. * Opposition Line to New York, via Panama aboard the Nebraska and connecting steamer, steerage. Each 4x13-1/2.
San Francisco: 1860's.
All fine except for the one with the chip.
(100/150).
297. (Maritime) Holograph receipt for "Fresh Provisions, Vegetables, &c furnished from April 18/51 to July 12/51" to the Ship Forrester. The total was $34.71. July 12, 1851. * Engraved United States Inspectors Certificate to Masters certifying that Wm. Pierce had satisfied the inspectors that he "is a skillful Master [with "and pilot" inked in] of steam vessels and can be entrusted to perform such duties upon the waters of The Bay of San Francisco and Tributaries," signed by J.H. Furman, Inspector of Hulls, and by James Heillman, Inspector of Boilers. (Some darkening with small edge chips at top.) 13 August 1877. * Unused ticket for the Steamer North Fork's run from San Francisco to Eureka. 189-. Together, 3 items.
Various places: various dates.
Very good or better condition. (100/150).
298. McGlashan, Charles F. A.L.s. from McGlashan to "Friend Searls" regarding a legal case, in which J.L. Lewison was served the matter of Henry vs. Kruger, et al. McGlashan indicates a key issue might be that "the title of the complaint terms Ellen an `Insane Person.' In the summons he is called an `Incompetent Person.' Can you use the point." The letter is unsigned, so possibly incomplete. On McGlashan's Truckee law office letterhead. (Some creasing & wear.) June 4, 1888. * A.L.s. from McGlashan to Searls itemizing expenses in the administration of the estate of Emma J. Regli, and forwarding a check to Searls for his half of the fee. With a note at the end, "Please let me know when further steps are taken in Henry vs. Kruger, et al." Signed "Mac." On McGlashan's Truckee law office letterhead. * T.L.s. from McGlashan to Fred Searls, regarding claims against the estate of Emma J. Regli and John A. Regli. On two sheets of McGlashan's Truckee law office letterhead, but missing an intervening sheet (or more). April 18, 1891. * Manuscript account balance of Jno. A. Regli estate, on the Truckee letterhead of J.L. Lewison & Co. June 2, 1894. * Manuscript listing of "Claims allowed by Court," apparently in the matter of the Regli estate. On the Truckee letterhead of J.L. Lewison & Co. Undated. * Closing paragraph of an A.L.s from J.L. Lewison, referring to "receipt for claims paid? The...fees will be brought to Mac's attention upon his return." On the Truckee letterhead of J.L. Lewison & Co. Undated. Together, 6 items.
Truckee: 1888-1894.
Legal letters from the Truckee lawyer who wrote The History of the Donner Party, published in 1879, the most important account of that most harrowing of all overland disasters. Generally very good or better condition.
(300/500).
299. (Mining Claim Bill of Sale) Manuscript Bill of Sale from Alexander Mackenzie, stating that "We have on this day sold to the Eureka Lake Ditch Co. all our right title and interest in and too a certain set of mining claims with all the appertuinces there too belonging with Tools Sluce Boxes &c. Situted on a ravine runing through Burns ranch & known as the Dalanys Digings and bought by us from him and described in our bill of sale from him to us...." Signed by Mackenzie and his partners Lui Ayrs and A.A. Klinger, also by Justice of the Peace Wm. McDonald, with red seal affixed. Written in ink on blue lined paper, which is affixed to white lined paper on the verso of which it is docketed.
Columbia Hill: Nov. 24th, 1861.
Rare original bill of sale for a mine in Columbia Hill, Nevada County, California. The deed was split horizontally at folds before in was affixed to the backing paper, else very good. (300/500).
300. (Mining Company Prospectus) Prospectus for The Bell Gold Mining Company of Dubuque, Iowa, which had mining property in California. 3-panel folding sheet (unfolded size 6x9-1/4, folded 6x3-1/4), with original printed mailing envelope.
Chicago: Hoffman & Small, Printers, 1879.
Fascinating prospectus for the company which had mining property "at the head of the celebrated Betsy's Gulch, two miles from Quincy, the shire town of Plumas County, California. From the known richness of the gulch in quartz gold, experts declared that a rich quartz ledge must exist somewhere in the immediate vicinity as its feeder." The company was issuing additional stock to raise money so that it could mine this elusive ledge, called the Bell Ledge, which was discovered in 1873. There is a "Ground Plat of the Company's Property" taking up a single panel of the prospectus, and the mining property and its works are described in detail, as are the prospects for profit. The original envelope is a little soiled & worn, the prospectus itself is in fine condition. (200/300).
301. (Mining Property Conveyance) Conveyance of Real Estate Sold for Non-Payment of State and County Taxes for the Year 1888. Printed indenture filled out in ink. 4 pp. 14x8-1/2.
Nevada County: 1890.
The Omega Water and Mining Company owed $98.70 in back taxes, plus fees, and lost its property in Nevada County which was sold to pay these taxes. The property is described in detail, with portions of the descriptions being apparently clipped out of newspapers, undoubtely from obligatory legal notices posted prior to the enforced sale. The land was sold to George C. Shaw, by authority of the tax collector B.H. Shoecroft, who signs the document. The 1884 ban on hydraulic mining led to the insolvency of many of the mining companies. Very good or better condition.
(100/150).
302. (Mining Property) Manuscript indenture deed between the Hydraulic Gravel Mining Company and Wendell Easton, selling mining claims and property for the sum of $1000. A notarized copy. 1882. * Location notice of the Grodon Placer Mining Claim in the North Bloomfield Mining District, Nevada County, California. 2 pp., a typed copy. c.1882. * Abstract of the ownership of the Golden Gate Quartz Mine. 4 pp, typed. c.1891. * Location notice for a claim by W.W. Kirkham for mining property in the Cement Hill Mining District, Nevada Township, County of Nevada, California, signed by Kirkham & a witness, docketed on reverse. 1 page, typed. (2 large chips to right margin.) 1895. Together, 4 items.
Various places: various dates.
Very good or better condition. (100/150).
303. (Nevada City & Grass Valley) Archive of ephemeral material, including billheads, receipts, checks, summonses, checks and other material issued at Nevada City or Grass Valley. Includes: Summons issued by J.E. Carr, Clerk at the Superior Court of Nevada County, requesting that John White appear in the case of Samuel Granger vs. the Original Empire Mill & Mining Co. Feb. 5, 1881. * Bill from the County Clerk at Nevada City for legal fees "earned by Clerk in your Behalf." * Memorandum or notes taken at a meeting of an Association (unnamed, but on letterhead of the Citizens Bank), resolving that the Association should pay for the repair to the roof of the Sutton Ranch, which was blown off by a gale of wind. 1900. * Receipt for State, County and District taxes paid in 1880-1881. * Receipt for Nevada City taxes paid in 1883 ($1210 for real and personal property, and improvements made). * Receipt from the Union Publishing Company of Grass Valley, to the California Gold & Copper Co., for placement of a patent notice. 1907. * Letter from Weissbein Bros. & Co., Bankers in Grass Valley, to lawyer Fred Searls in Nevada City, regarding an unnamed financial transaction. 1892. * Letter from E.W. Roberts, in Grass Valley, to lawyer Niles Searls in Nevada City, regarding a claim against an estate. 1879. * 5 receipts for moneys paid to Brown & Calkins, proprietors of the Nevada City Daily Transcript & job printers. 1874-1896. * 6 additional Nevada City receipts, from The Popular Bakery (2); Dr. H.W. Valentine; the Nevada City Water Works; Dr. R.M. Hunt; & W.D. Vinton, Druggist. 1879-1902. * 11 checks drawn on the Citizens Bank of Nevada City, by Fred Searls. 1888-89.
Nevada City & Grass Valley: various dates.
Nice assortment of printed Grass Valley billheads, letterheads, etc. Very good or better condition. (300/500).
304. Nevada and Mountain Lakes Ice Company. Account ledger book for the ice company, listing the daily sales of ice, compiled weekly. Approx. 400 pp., covering the week ending April 9th, 1870, to that ending April 19th, 1873. 17-3/4x11-1/2, calf & cloth over boards.
San Francisco: 1870-1873.
Listed are the companies and individuals who bought ice of the company, transported to San Francisco from the icy fastness of the Sierra Nevada, how much they bought, for what price, the account balance, etc. Prime buyers were, of course, the usual watering places, such as the Central Saloon, the Puget Sound Saloon and New World Saloon, plus restaurants, hotels, various clubs, retailers, and assorted other businesses and individuals. The price of ice seems to have fluctuated between one and two dollars a pound. Binding badly worn & stained, cloth peeled of the boards, rear cover nearly detached, chewing to some corners & edges (at times affecting margins of the contents); still, internally about very good.
(300/500).
305. (Nevada) Receipt for $350 "in advance for one months rent of saloon room in the International Building for the month commencing January 1, 1868." Dated Virginia [City], January 1, 1868. Revenue stamps affixed. (Some creasing & other wear.) * Statement from the Banking House of John Sime & Co., San Francisco, indicating that Allen A. Curtis of Austin, Nevada, had $10,000 "credit for Bill of Exchange on New York," and that "We shipped for you by Steamer of Yesterday Silver Bars amt $24580.43 at the usual rate," signed by John Sime. July 7, 1868. * Payroll receipt signed by Chas. H. Still, a worker at the Savage Mine, Virginia, Nevada, for $124 as payment in full for "31 days work in month of Sept." at 4 dollars a day. Sept. 30, 1870. * Check for $16, drawn on the Virginia City branch of the Bank of California, made out to A.A. Savage, signed by Silver King James G. Fair, endorsed by Savage on the reverse. Sept. 4, 1871. * Check from the Manhattan Silver Mining Co./Gage Curtis & Co., drawn on the Banking House of Paxton & Curtis, Austin, Nevada, made out to Jno. Savage for $142.50, signed by Melville Curtiz. Dec.7, 1882. * Sutro Company payroll check for $589.95, made out to Adolph Sutro himself, endorsed by him on the reverse. March 21, 1885. Together, 6 items.
Various places: various dates.
Two of the checks with cancellation rubberstamps; generally very good or better.
(150/250).
306. (Pacific Mail Steamship Co.) Bill of Lading for one package weighing 22 lbs. 2 oz., "said to contain Four thousand nine hundred & sixty & 59/100 dolls in Gold bars, but actual contents unknown," to be shipped by Jno B. Newton & Co. aboard the Pacific Mail Steamship Company's Steamer Jno L. Stephens, bound from San Francisco to Panama, at which point the package was to be transported across the Isthmus to Aspinwall, Navy Bay, for delivery to the agent of the North Atlantic Steamship Co., for shipment to New York. Signed by the agent for the Panama Rail Road Co. and North Atlantic Steamship Co., with California state tax seal, etc. 8x14-1/4.
San Francisco: Jan. 19, 1860.
Interesting bill of lading for the shipment of gold across the Isthmus, indicating one of the primary methods by which California's gold was transferred to the east. Fine condition.
(100/150).
307. (Prices Current) Prices Current and Shipping List. 25 issues, broken run, Vol. V, Nos. 1-47 (being all of the odd-numbered issues for this period, Jan.3-Dec. 19, 1856) & Vol. VI, No. 1 (Jan. 3, 1857). Each 4 pp. 22-1/2x16, period half leather & marbled boards.
San Francisco: 1856-7.
Fascinating and important listings of the wholesale prices for various goods in San Francisco on a week-by-week basis, with the duties being charged, the merchandise currently in bond, vessels in port and due shortly, plus a review of the market, an overview of the financial climate, numerous advertisements, etc. etc. Vol. V, No. 1 has been backed with linen, but two copies of that issue were used so that none of the text has been obscured; the same has been done with Vol. VI, No. 1, except that it is backed with iteself, but again no text obscured. The binding is well worn, with large portions of the marbled paper covering lacking; some dampstaining to contents, mostly at the beginning which also suffers the effects of mildew, tears to the first number, marginal chip to number 3, some other aging, most issues in very good condition. (1000/1500).
308. (Railroad Ephemera) Receipt for freight shipped on the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Co., partially printed, filled out in ink. Aug. 21, 1865. * Ticket order form for a ticket from San Francisco to Carson, Nevada, aboard the Central Pacific Railroad. Unused. 1870's. * Unused printed receipt form for freight sent aboards the Nevada County Narrow Gauge R.R. 1880's. * Two unused printed receipts from the Oregon Railway & Navigation Co. 1880's. Together, 5 items. Various places: various dates.
Near fine to fine condition. (100/150).
309. (Rifles) Waybill for shipment of "2 box Rifles for use State Prison..." aboard the steamer Queen City. The cost was $3.25. 5x8-1/2, blue paper. San Francisco: July 12, 1855.
Sacramento is printed on the billhead, but crossed out and San Francisco written in. Near fine condition, with some old creases, etc.
(80/120).
310. (San Francisco Directory) Crocker-Langley San Francisco Business Directory for the Year Ending Sept. 1, 1906. In Three Volumes Containing an Alphabetical List of Business Houses, Etc. Vol. II (of 3) only. 512 pp. 9-1/4x6, orignal printed wrappers.
San Francisco: Sept. 1, 1906.
Rocq 8012 - Though only Volume II, complete in itself; the three Crocker-Langley business directories of 1906 were issued for the periods ending June 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 31 of that year, the various dates of issue being necessitated by the upheaval of businesses in the aftermath of the earthquake and fire, and the scramble to fine temporary, and then permanent, locations. Well worn but restored, front wrapper and early leaves silked, portion of front wrapper replaced, darkening & marginal chipping to the advertisement leaves at front & rear; else very good. (300/500).
311. (San Francisco Directory) Relief Business Directory, May 1906. Giving Names, Business and Address of San Francisco Firms and Business Men Who Were Compelled to Change Their Location by the Disaster of April 18, and Who Have Since Located in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda and Emeryville. [4 ad, 55 + 5 ad] pp. 10-3/4x7-1/4, original printed wrappers. Berkeley: Beecher & Pike, 1906.
Cowan p.173; Rocq 8011 - The rapidity with which businesses relocated in their effort to survive the effects of the great earthquake and fire was one of the remarkable features of the rebuilding of San Francisco. In addition to the many businesses listed, the venues of the relocated city offices are also given, with the mayor having moved to Fort Mason, the Superior Courts to Temple Israel, the Justices' Courts at the Pioneer Automobile Co. garage (corner of Golden Gate & Octavia), the Board of Supervisors to Mowry's Hall at Grove and Laguna, etc. This is the first of several relief directories to be published, and supplements were planned as more businesses found temporary locations or moved to more permanent ones. A little chipping & wear to wrappers, top corner of front wrapper torn off; normal darkening to the acidic & somewhat brittle paper, corners rounded, else very good, quite scarce. (250/350).
312. (San Francisco) Atlas of the City and County of San Francisco, from actual Surveys and Official Records. Compiled & Published by Wm. P. Humphreys & Co. With 64 maps (on 60 sheets), some double-page, a number with hand-coloring. 17-1/4x13-3/4, later 3/4 calf & cloth. First Edition.
[Philadelphia]: Printed by F. Bourguin, 1876.
Cowan p.553; Rocq 9897 - Cowan remarks that "for many years this was the standard authority." The maps include a double-page general map of the city (which is backed with linen, has a marginal paper repair extending into bay portion, and rubberstamps of E.J. & J.H. Moore, Attorneys at Law, and of Adolph Sutro) and 63 plat maps showing the various blocks, lots, streets, parks and other features of San Francisco (1 of these is backed with linen, a few have Sutro's rubberstamp). Laid on the front pastedown is three quarters of a map of the Berekeley Villa Association Lands (the lacking portion is Oakland proper). Some wear to covers, occasional fairly minor soiling to contents, else very good. (600/900).
313. (San Francisco) Guide Book and Street Manual of San Francisco, California. 175 pp. (incl. numerous illustrated ads). 6-3/4x4, original gilt-lettered cloth. [San Francisco]: F.W. Warner, 1881.
Rocq 12721 - With flyer for the New England Furniture Manufacturing Co. laid on front endpapers, and two of their trade cards affixed to pages within. Lacks the map. Just minor cover wear, spine sunned a touch; very good.
(100/150).
314. (San Francisco) San Francisco Almanac for the Year 1859: Containing a Business Directory of San Francisco, Sacramento, Marysville and Stockton, also Public Buildings and Engine Houses in San Francisco, Statistics, Etc. [8] ad, 176 pp. Illus. with wood-engravings of buildings; astrological headpieces; folding map. 5-1/4x3-1/4, original gilt-lettered cloth.
San Francisco: W.F. Herrick.
& Octavian Hoogs, [1858].
Rocq 11784; Sabin 76088 - The folding map lithographed by Britton & Co. actually contains four maps, of San Francisco, Sacramento, Marysville and Stockton. Pp. 15-16 with lower third torn off; a few memorandum pages with pencil notations. Minor rubbing, spine a little sunned; near fine condition. (500/800).
315. (San Francisco) San Francisco Street and Business Directory. 148 pp. Double-page map. 7-1/2x4, original printed wrappers. First Edition.
[San Francisco]: N.A. Wolcott, 1894.
Rocq 12880 - The first year of publication, with a "Classified Telephone Directory" at the end listing the numbers for businesses. Very scarce: only 7500 were printed, end most of these have long since perished. Spine ends chipped & worn; short marginal tear to map, else very good. (200/300).
316. (San Francisco) Ward Register...of the City and Country of San Francisco: List of Resident Voters...on the Great Register of Said City and County, up to August 1, 1877. Registers for Wards One through Twelve, bound together. 15-1/4x10-1/4, modern half calf & cloth with most of original front cover cloth laid on.
San Francisco: Printed by Frank Eastman, 1877.
Fascinating and revealing listing of the registered voters in San Francisco, giving their name, country or state of nativity, occupation, local residence, the date and place they were naturalized if they were foreign-born, and the date they registered to vote. The vast numbers of the foreign-born, easily over half of those registered, bespeaks the truly international nature of San Francisco during the boom years of the Comstock Lode, when Nevada's mineral wealth flooded into the bustling West Coast metropolis. Equalling enlightening is the great variety of occupations listed. Inscribed in pencil on front flyleaf, "Compliments of Thos. H. Reynolds." Thomas H. Reynolds was the County Clerk of the City and County of San Francisco. Index tabs with formerly separated the different wards have neatly broken off, there are expert paper repairs to the margins of the 1st several leaves, 1st & last leaves silked (the 1st is blank), else very good or better.
(800/1200).
317. Semple, Robert. Manuscript indenture deed by which Semple and his wife sell a plot of land in Benicia to one Luther Wright, for $500. Signed by Robert Semple and Frances Ann Semple, and, apparently as witnesses, John B. Frisbie and Samuel J. Gower. Also signed by Stephen Cooper, Alcalde of Benicia, who includes a short statement verifying the appearance of the Semples before him, and his satisfaction that Frances Ann Semple was not acting under coercion from her husband. The document covers 2-1/4 pages on a 4-page folded sheet, overall 13x17.
Benicia, Territory of California: May 25, 1849.
Significant Gold Rush-era manuscript document revelevant to one of the grand development schemes in California history, Robert Semple's plan to turn the town of Benicia, which he founded, into a great shipping emporium and general commercial outlet, a city to rival the then-sleepy hamlet of Yerba Buena which was to become the bustling metropolis of San Francisco.
Robert Semple, a tall (6'8"), lanky Kentuckian who traveled to California in 1845 with the Lansford Hastings party, was a seminal character in California during those momentous days when the territory was wrenched from Mexican rule to American, and the rush for gold changed it for all time. A Bear-Flagger, Semple was one of those who presented the "Articles of Capitulation" to General M.G. Vallejo, then escorted the general, his brother and son-in-law to captivity at Frémont's camp and Sutter's Fort. He was a co-founder of California's first newspaper, the Californian, along with Walter Colton, and continued to edit the newspaper when the latter withdrew from the publication board. He was chosen as the president of California's famous first Constitutional Convention in Monterey, which met September to November, 1849, and he aspired to be a U.S. Senator, though without success. He is probably best remembered, however, for his vision and plans regarding Benicia, which he saw as a deep-water port serving both vessels from across the seas and river craft plying the Sacramento and other inland rivers. For $100, Semple and his then-partner, Thomas Oliver Larkin, purchased five square miles of land from Mariano G. Vallejo, his erstwhile prisoner, who saw that the growth of a city in the midst of his Soscol Rancho would increase the value of his property. Originally named Francesca, after Vallejo's wife, the former Francesca Benicia Carrillo, her middle name was chosen after Yerba Buena had the temerity to rename itself San Francisco. Slowly the town grew, and several hundred lots were sold, similar to the one in the present document, but the gold rush caused more problems than opportunities, as the recent settlers abandoned their plots and headed for the hills and the lure of gold. The town's main claim to fame was the 18 months it served as California's state capital, 1853-1854. Semple died at age 48 in 1854, in the town of Colusa, in which he also had a role in founding.
John Frisbie, Stephen Cooper, and Samuel J. Gower, all of whom signed the document in addition to the Semples, were also notable California pioneers. John B. Frisbie came to California with the New York Volunteers, was a candidate for lieutenant-governor in 1849, married a daughter of M.G. Vallejo, and became a prominent businessman and banker. His fortune, however, was wiped out in 1880, and he and his family sought refuge in Mexico. Stephen Cooper, like Semple a Kentuckian, came to California in 1846, settling in Benicia in the autumn of the following year. He became alcalde of the town in 1848, a judge in Sonoma in 1849, mined at Park's Bar, and finally settled in Colusa, where he was justice of the peace for twelve years. Samuel J. Gower, who seems to have arrived in California in 1849, was during that year co-proprietor of San Francisco's Merchant's Exchange Reading Room, along with L.W. Sloat, son of John Drake Sloat, the first military governor of California.
The document has some minor soiling, edge wear and other aging, still in very good condition, a rare vestige of the boom days of 1849, when California blossomed from sleepy Mexican province to the most dynamic of the United States. (1200/1800).
318. (Ship-Master's Oath) Ship-Master's Oath on Entering a Vessel. Printed document filled out in ink, to which is attached an ink holograph manifest of cargo and provisions shipped aboard the brig Emma, whose master was E. Redé, from Tahiti to San Francisco. 10-1/4x8-1/4.
San Francisco: June 12, 1852.
By signing the document, Redé swears that listing of cargo and provisions on the manifest was true and correct, "to the best of my knowledge and belief," that the items listed as provisions were solely for the consumption of the officers and crew, and finally that "I have delivered to the Postmaster of this place, all letters directed to any person or persons within the United States, or the Territories thereof, which, under my care, or within my power, were brought in the within-named vessel..." The manifest, written in French, indicates that the Emma carried 110,000 oranges, as well as some limes and other fruit. For the officers and crew, there were biscuits, pork, farini, "18 bouteille claret, 4 galons cognac" and 100 cigars. The Oath is signed by the port collector as well as Redé, the manifest is docketed on the reverse. There is a neat 3" cut at the top of the manifest, other minor wear, still near fine.
(300/500).
319. (Shipping Receipt) Partially printed form, filled out in ink, stating that broker Lewis Pierce had shipped aboard the sloop P.M. Randall, Jr., the master of which was Amos L. Hewitt, 1950 sacks of wheat (average weight 110 lbs.), from Suisun to San Francisco, at a charge of $2 per ton. 5x11-1/4.
Suisun, CA: Oct 2, 1863.
Printed by Towne & Bacon, San Francisco, with a wood-engraved vignette of a large sloop or similar sailing vessel. Hewitt has signed the document twice. Left margin a little trimmed, otherwise very good. (100/150).
320. Shuck, Oscar T. Historical Abstract of San Francisco. Vol. I (all published). [2], 104 pp. Illus. with 11 plates from photographs & other sources. 10x6-3/4, original printed wrappers with cloth spine. First Edition. San Francisco: 1897.
Cowan pp. 585-6; Rocq 12154 - A dictionary of places, people and historical events important in San Francisco History. Cowan calls the work "of great value to the investigator of biography and history, and it is regrettable that the unpublished manuscripts of the remaining volumes were lost in the fire of 1906." Three volumes in all were planned; the present volume covers A-F. Offset to front endpaper, else near fine, very scarce. (800/1200.
321. Spears, John R. Illustrated Sketches of Death Valley and Other Borax Deserts of the Pacific Coast. 226, [6] pp. Map & 57 photo illus. 7-1/2x4-3/4, original yellow printed wrappers. * Cloth issue of the preceding, with same pagination & illustrations. 7-1/2x4-3/4, blue cloth lettered in gilt, beveled edges. Together, 2 vols. First Editions.
Chicago: Rand, McNally, 1892.
Cowan p. 604; Edwards, Enduring Desert p. 227; Graff 3926; Howes S821; Paher 1844 -Cloth and wrapper-bound issues of the rare first edition of Spears' seminal work. "Spears favors his readers with an intimate word-picture of Death Valley as it appeared in 1891. It will be noted that his book precedes the Manly by two years. Illustrated Sketches is noted for its early photographs in almost the same degree as for its textual content. It is conceivable that these may be the first pictures ever published - perhaps ever taken - of the Death Valley region. Maximum importance attaches to them." - Edwards. Paher notes that "not only is this book among the two or three all-time Death Valley books, it is also a Nevada item of prime importance... Spears is the first trained writer-photographer to report upon desert developements...." Just a little discoloration & wear to wrappers; cloth-bound issue with a bit of rubbing to corners & spine ends, paper label with hand-written address of former owner (in Sweden!) heavily taped to front pastedown; near fine to fine copies.
(700/1000).
322. (Stage Way-Bill) Way-bill. California and Oregon United States Mail Line. Marysville and Yreka. Printed form filled out in ink. 3-panel folding sheet (unfolded size 15-1/2x9-1/2, folded 9-1/2x5-1/2).
Marysville: August 15, 1866.
The driver on this particular day was Chas. McConnell, and the agent filling out the way-bill at Marysville was C.B. Fowler, with additional entries made at Chico. The names of the passengers are listed (incl. two "John Chinas"), their points of embarking and disembarking, fares paid, etc. Fine condition.
(100/150).
323. (Truckee) A.L.s. from Preston & Edwards, proprietors of the Truckee Republican, to Niles Searls, lawyer in Nevada City, conveying a dissolution notice for a lumber company, which is affixed to the top of the letterhead. Oct. 13, 1875. * A.L.s. from Lankey & Smith to Niles Searls, on the letterhead of the Sierra Nevada Lumber Association, requesting legal advice with regard to a partially filled lumber contract, i.e. does the fact that only 250,000 feet of lumber were delivered when a contract called for 1,800,000 negate the contract? Nov. 30. 1875. * A.L. from E.J. Brickell, at the Truckee Lumber Co., regarding a legal matter. Dec. 6, 1881. Together, 3 items.
Truckee: 1875-1881.
Lumber was, of course, the major resource around Truckee. The letterhead on the last letter indicates the Truckee Lumber Co. manufactured "Rough and Dressed Lumber, Windows, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, Pickets, Shingles, Fruit and Packing Boxes." Fine condition. (100/150).
324. (Wanted Letter) Autograph letter from John Vogan, Sheriff of Amador County, to San Francisco Police Chief Crowley, accompanied by an albumen photograph portrait of "Fred H. Milliken. Age about 25 years. 5 feet 9 inches in height, Black Hair, eyes, moustache & side whiskers..." Photograph is 3-3/4x2-1/4; letter is 10x8, written in ink on both sides of letterhead of the Superior Court of the County of Amador.
Jackson, CA: April 7th, 1880.
Milliken, a white collar criminal wanted for bigamy and embezzlement, "plays piano, violin, guitar, sings, &c. Man of good appearance, frequents livery stables likes to drive fast horses & has lately been selling buggies on commission... last seen on the evening of the 6th inst. in Oakland going on board one of the cars bound either for Berkley [sic] or Alameda... Dresses respectable and wears a long ribbed or black stripped ulster...." The photograph was formerly glued to the top of the letter, but is now detached, leaving glue residue on the letter and causing a 2" tear across the top of the photograph. Very good or better condition. (300/500).
325. (Wanted Notice) ARREST FOR MURDER. GEORGE TAGACHI; Age 30, height 5 ft.; weight 140 lbs.; native of Japan; little stoop shouldered; when talking, smiles a shows his teeth plainly.... Typed (carbon copy) arrest notice, over the name of I.W. Lees, Chief of Police of San Francisco. With 4-1/4x2-3/4 silver photograph of Tagachi affixed. 10-1/2x8-1/4.
San Francisco: Dec. 26, 1897.
Tagachi shot and killed Mary Castillo at 901 Sacramento Street in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 26, 1897, the same day this notice was issued, indicating the swiftness with which the law worked even in those pre-computer days. The search was successful: written in ink on the lower portion is "Murder/ Arrested in San Francisco." Isaiah Rigley Lees, the police chief during the time of this successful manhunt, was born in England on Christmas day in 1830, came to California in 1849, and in 1853 joined the police force as a patrolman. After working his way up to Captain of Detectives, he finally succeeded the legendary Patrick Crowley in 1897, before retiring himself in 1900. Portions of the top margin torn off, not affecting text, else very good. (200/300).
326. (Wanted Notice) Notice sent from W.F. Fletcher, Captain of Police, Oakland, CA, to P. Crowley, Chief of Police, San Francisco, containing "a picture and descripton of John A. Dennelly, wanted here for Grand Larceny." Holograph letter reproduced in blue (using the hand copypress pressure technique), with Crowley's name filled in in ink; 3-1/4x2-1/4" albumen photograph portrait of Dennelley, with his name (as "John A. Denley") written vertically in the negative, attached at the top of the notice. 10x8.
Oakland: June 2, 1880.
Dennelley, a native of New Brunswick, was 24 years old, had light brown hair, hazel eyes, a round head, and "5 dots of blue ink between left thumb and forefinger. Flag on inside of left forearm..." etc. Minor soiling at lower right, small pinhole to edge of photograph, else very good or better (300/500).
327. (Wanted Notice) Wanted notice on form printed (or reproduced using a copypress?) in blue, with details filled out in ink, requesting the arrest of one Walter Robinson, an escapee from the Oakland police. With 3x2-1/4 albumen photograph portrait of the criminal attached, with name and crime (petty larceny) written vertically in the negative. The notice is signed by P. Pumyea (?), Captain of Police. 10x8.
Oakland: June 21, 1885.
Robinson, a native of Scotland, was 5'8-3/4" in height, weighed 150 pounds, and was a gardner by profession. He had a large scar on his left forefinger, and although the photograph shows him with a full beard, he is described as "clean shaven except heavy light mustache..." Perhaps a case of mistaken identity? Near fine.
(300/500).
328. (Wanted Notice) WANTED FOR MURDER - $700 REWARD. This photograph is that of H.D. Halbert, for whom the Superintendent of Police of Cincinnati, Ohio, has a warrant of arrest, on the charge of murder.... Typed notice (carbon) on letterhead of Chas. E. Lloyd, Oakland, Cal., Chief of Police. With 3x2-1/4" albumen photograph portrait of Halbert affixed. 11x8-1/2.
Oakland: Nov. 17, 1897.
On the night of Nov. 2, 1897, Halbert murdered Thomas Hooble in Vanceburg, Kentucky. Besides being 5' 10" tall, 190 lbs., and having a smooth, full face, Halbert had "small feet for such a large man; has two large bunions on the inside of each foot that extend out so that his shoes have to be made to order... has a habit of putting his hand to his mouth when he coughs...." At end of the notice, the recipient is advised to "Keep your eyes open for this man. The above reward is good." The word "Murder" has been inked near the top, as well as the number 339. Remnant of paper affixed to verso at left margin, some creasing to right edge, else very good. (150/250).
329. (Wanted Postcard - Missing Person) $50 Reward!...P. Morasci, 39 years, 5 feet eight inches, 155 lbs. Native of Switzerland. Farmer by occupation... The above reward is offered by his brother Frank Morasci, for information of his whereabouts. P. Crowley, Chief of Police. Printed postcard, 3-1/2x6, with albumen photographs portrait of P. Morasci affixed, 2-1/4x3-1/2.
San Francisco: Aug. 14, 1894.
Morasci "left his home in Kings City, Monterey Co., on Saturday, 5th instant, to engage help in San Francisco for a new hotel, was seen in San Francisco the following day, not seen since." Very good condition. (100/150).
330. (Wanted Poster) $250 Reward. Arrest for Felony Embezzlement: Charles J. King, Secretary of the Pacific Vinegar and Pickle Works, at San Francisco, California, embezzled the funds of that corporation.... Printed poster, with halftone photo port. of King. 10x7. San Francisco: May 1, 1900.
The 52 year old King had a "full round face; fleshy neck; corpulent pussy build; LAME IN RIGHT FOOT, drags foot and walks on ball of foot with toes turned up, foot has been broken... does not drink or smoke, or use profane language; is an earnest church worker; is a member of several secret societies." Issued by William P. Sullivan, in his first year as the Chief of Police of San Francisco. Two punch holes at top; piece of paper reinforcement affixed to verso at top, else very good. (100/150).
331. (Wanted Poster) $50 Reward! The above reward will be paid for the arrest and detention of Thos. McNamee who escaped from the State Prison at Folsom, California, on the 14th of September, 1894. Partially printed wanted poster, filled out with reproduced holographic descriptions in blue (using the hand copypress pressure technique); 1-3/4x2" albumen photograph portrait of McNamee affixed. 10-1/2x8.
Folsom, CA: 1894.
Issued over the printed name of Charles Aull, warden at the prison, the poster describes the 23 year old, 5'4" McNamee ("Sharp features, low forehead, large aquiline nose, small ears, irregular teeth...") and notes that his crime was burglury in the first degree. Piece of paper affixed to verso along left edge, else near fine.
(200/300).
332. (Wanted Poster) Circular No. 2. $1000.00 Reward. Arrest for Murder and Robbery Joseph Blanther.... Printed poster, with 2 halftone reproductions of photographs of Blanther (taken in 1883 and 1894). 11x8-1/2.
San Francisco: May 22, 1896.
Blanther was wanted for the "murder of Mrs. Philopena Langfeld, whose throat Blanther cut while paying a pretended social call, at her residence, 1225 Geary Street, San Francisco, on Friday evening, May 15th, 1896, at about 10:30 p.m. After killing her, Blanther removed from her fingers five rings set with diamonds, pearls and emeralds...." The dastardly Blanther was a former Austrian army officer, and a detailed description and short biographical sketch of him is given, from which we learn he was nearly six feet tall, 165 pounds, had "a very light brown moustache, quite long, darkened near lips by continual smoking; full lips; speaks with Austrian German accent with soft tones...." He deserted from the 85th Hungarian Infantry in 1885, and at one time an attempt had been made by the Austrian government to extradite him from Bangkok, Siam. There is much other information given. The poster is over the printed name of longtime San Francisco Chief of Police P[atrick] Crowley; there is a rubberstamp of I.W. Lees, Captain of Detectives, San Francisco, at the upper portion of the poster between the two portraits of Blanther, dated May 27, 1896. Lees was to succeed Crowley the following year. 2 horizontal creases, with short edge splits along them, else near fine.
(400/600).
333. (Wanted Poster) Escaped! $50 Reward for Arresting Frank Hamilton. Whose picture is shown above, has escaped from the State Prison, at Folsom. Printed poster. 10x8. Folsom: July 26, 1886.
The 46 year old Hamilton has several "India Ink Marks" [i.e. tatoos] including Goddess of Liberty, American Flag, crossed rifles, etc., and "will probably seek a place where liquor is sold." The affixed photograph has faded so as to be featureless. Very good condition.
(150/250).
334. (Wanted Poster) Escaped! $50 Reward for Arresting William Reese Whose picture is shown, has excaped from the State Prison at San Quentin.... Partially printed wanted poster, filled out with reproduced holographic descriptions in blue (using the hand copypress pressure technique); 1-3/4x2" albumen photograph portrait of Reese affixed. 10-1/2x8. San Quentin: Jan. 3, 1889.
Escapee Rees is described using standardized identificaton features, which show the 33-year old convict was 5 feet tall, 135 pounds, stout, had a florid complexion, good teeth, a long scar on his chin, 7-7/8" long head, 2-1/16" long nose, 4-1/4" long middle finger, 4-5/16" between the temples, large ears, two moles on the right side of his neck, etc. This detailed and standardized means of identification of criminals was an important step in law enforcement in the second half of the nineteenth century in California. The registration of the writing is slightly off, being about -1/4" higher on the page than it was intended. Some discoloration to the paper around the photographs from the glue used as adhesive, else very good. (300/500).
335. (Wanted Poster) Escaped! $50 Reward for Arresting Charles Paul Whose picture is shown, has excaped from the State Prison at San Quentin.... Partially printed wanted poster, filled out with reproduced holographic descriptions in blue (using the hand copypress pressure technique); 2x1-1/4" albumen photograph portrait of Reese affixed. 10-1/2x8. San Quentin: Jan. 3, 1889.
The escaped Charles Paul is described using standardized identificaton features, which show the 25-year old convict was 5 feet 8-7/8 inches tall, 145 pounds, had a pleasant appearance, several scars on his neck, had a 34" chest, 22-1/4" head (circumferance), was "inclined to be bald," and spoke both German and English fluently. Several tears & chips at top affecting the word "Escaped," old piece of paper from account book affixed to verso, minor adhesion residue to front, small chip at bottom edge, else very good. (200/300).
336. (Wanted Poster) Wanted for Forgery: Norman Schuller. Printed poster, with halftone photographs of Schuller. 11x8-1/2.
San Francisco: July 25, 1896.
Schuller "Obtained May 5, 1896, $5,000 from John C. Hughes, in this City, on forged note, dated May 3, 1896, signed B.W. Murphy, indorsed `P.W. Murphy' and `Mary A. Carroll.' Maker and indorsements forged." An ink notation at the bottom of the poster indicates Schuller was "captured in San Francisco, Sentenced by Judge Wallace to 5 years in San Quentin on Oct. 12, '96." A newspaper clipping affixed at one edge to the top of the poster (covering but not glued to the printed portion) sheds further light on the young felon and his trial: "Norman Schuller, the ex-stock broker, was in a penitent mood in the prisoner's dock to-day... He begged for a light sentence and his aspect was that of a man in deep distress. The jaunty air that was characteristic of him in the days when he was a prominent figure on the cocktail route was gone, and he was as meek and humble a supplicant for mercy as Judge Wallace ever encountered.... After repeating that he was penitent, and declaring that he would pay back the money he had obtained by fraud, the crushed young man about town folded his arms and calmly awaited the ultimatum of the court...." Rubberstamp of I.W. Lees, Captain of Detectives, San Francisco, at the bottom. There is a short edge tear; piece of paper affixed to verso at left margin; very good coneition. (150/250).
337. (Wanted Poster) Wanted for Grand Larceny: Daniel Lynch. Printed poster with halftone photograph. 8-1/2x5-1/2. San Francisco: Jan. 31, 1898.
Issued by I.W. Lees, Chief of Police of San Francisco. The tall, slender Lynch was only 20 years old at the time. No. 396 inked at upper right. Piece of paper affixed to verso at right margin. Very good. (80/120).
338. (Wells, Fargo, etc.) Wells, Fargo & Co. check for $212.50, payable to the Collection Department, signed by C.C. Beekman, dated Jacksonville, Feb. 4, 1864. With revenue stamp affixed, cancellation perforations & rubberstamp. * Deposit slip indicating that Wells, Fargo & Co. had deposited $5,000 in the Banking House, Parrot & Co., to be credited to the account of the Manhattan Silver Mining Company of Nevada. (Wrinkled, torn with verso repair.) Jan. 2, 1866. * Unused shipping receipt form for Beekman's Express, Connecting with Wells, Fargo & Co.. 1860's. * Wells, Fargo & Co. check for $225.00, payable to S. Knapp, signed by H. Sevening, dated Columbia, Sept. 25, 1875. With revenue stamp affixed, rubberstamp cancellations. (Several chips, tape repair on verso.) Together, 4 items.
Various places: various dates.
Generally very good or better condition.
(100/150).
339. (Wells, Fargo) Partially printed receipt acknowledging that "We are in receipt of Bar Gold as advised in your favor of 8/14 Instructions noted...." Made out to H. Sevening of Columbia, Cal., signed by H. Wadsworth, Treasure, and by H. Tevis. San Francisco: March 15, 1877.
Fine condition. (80/120).