15, [1] pp. With lithographed map inserted before the title-page. (8vo) 22.5x14.5 cm (9x5¾"), original printed wrappers.
Rare prospectus for the Sonora Gold Mining Company, the president of which was D.W. Ingersoll. The most significant feature of the pamphlet is the small lithographed "Map of Sonora & Southern Mines," 9.3x10.3 cm (3½x4") plus margins, showing Stockton to the Sierra foothills, including Sonora and Mariposa, the various rivers, etc. Wheat, in Maps of the California Gold Region, 233, describes it as "Small map of early mining company properties, embracing territory east of Stockton. It shows, among other things, Stockton, the `San Joackuin River,' Stanislaus (City), Tualumne City, Mercedes River, Mariposa, Sonora, and the location of the Mine of the `Sonora Gold Mining Company.' This was a quartz-mining promotion on Wood's Creek." Wheat illustrates the map. Warren Heckrotte comments that "The map runs east from Stockton and from Calaveras R. to Mariposa R. Stockton, Stanislaus, Tualumne City, Sonora, Quartzberg, and Mariposa are shown. The Sonora Gold Mining Comp. is shown just north of Sonora. From the Library of Charles Segerstrom; purchased from John Howell-Books, probably in the 1930s, $15. There is a later issue, Beaver Street address, 1852, 24 pp, map. Both are rare." He further notes that "The mine, 'called Cliff Vein' was along Woods' Creek about a mile north of Sonora. The geologist, Col. Gritzner, whose report is included in the text, states that 'you have an almost inexhaustible supply of ore from this mine... it can be worked at small expense... no better investment could be made...' I wonder how it turned out." With ink name of E.M. Woodward at top of front wrapper and title-page, the former including his Philadelphia address and date May 21, 1854.
Provenance: PBA, sale of the Library of Charles H. Segerstrom, 9/18/03
References: Sabin 86975. Kurutz 592; the second issue with Beaver Street address is 591. Kurutz lists just two copies of 592 (at the Huntington and Claremont College) and one of 591 (at the Newberry). Map: Wheat, Maps of the Gold Region, 233.