39x16 cm (15½x6½"), single sheet of blue lined paper with manuscript written letter on both sides; letter excised from the original larger sheet.
1858 letter from Shasta City CA, datelined Sunday evening, June 13, 1858. A wonderful letter concerning mining and Indians, Frazer River BC ( Victoria) Gold Rush. The letter has been excised form a larger lettersheet, with no apparent loss to the the letter.
Letter signed by Mark Simpkins, with mention of "leaving Bidwell's June 4th and come up to Shasta, there being quite a change taken place here since I left, it is built up with five buildings and is a much larger place, there is no law ness Clain here now, that there was 4 years ago but it is altogether a nice looking place, people has planted shade and fruit tree's. One of the men that i use to work with is dead his name was Unisha Snavely, Barton the other man that i worked for was married a week ago". Quotes of several local men's names, mention of Thomas Beale living at One Horse Town, mention going to Spring Creek "were used to mine and the claims i left is worked out. Mention - Excitement at Sams new Diggins Frazer River in Washington Territory 800-900 miles away 20,000 men may go to mines their, in the famed Territory by Steamers,Land pack mules and foot." Second back page mentions two letters from Bidwell's, "ask about young Morgan if he came to California, but only came as far as New York." Mentions not a lot of work in Shasta that pays. "The Indians is a fine time at present in the valley they will dig a hole in ground and build a small fire drive Grass Hoppers to the ring which singes the off wings then eaten with all guts. Sunday was at church 2 weeks ago at Marysville, one week ago at Red Bluff, last night at Shasta.." Mentions being at Saw Mill. Sunday law in operation, little drinking, all gambling broke up, gamblers leaving for Frazers. Mail leaves Tuesday the 15th...etc.