[California Gold Rush]

[Autograph Letter, Signed, from J.C. Martin to A.M. Bell Regarding Mining Claims and Local Events]

Elk Hill, Ca. December 17, 1853. [3]pp. on a folded folio sheet. Old folds, light wear and soiling. With original mailing envelope. Very good. Item #4788

An informative letter sent from a miner in Gold Rush-era California to a friend in Tuolumne County, primarily concerning a mining claim, but also providing many interesting local details. The author writes, "I managed to keep a claim for you which is joining to mine, in this way, it is one that my partner sold to a speculator who laid a land warrant on it." He discusses the process of the land warrants and how he made the man title the claim properly in San Francisco. "This claim was jumped last summer by W.H. Dixon first sheriff of Trinity City who died the day before he intended to occupy the house he built on the claim. He shot himself accidentally and never spoke." The author immediately stepped in and nabbed it for his friend, but it was short-lived. "The claim is cheap at $2,000 as soon as I made it known that I should not administer, it was jumped by 3 in one day before 9 o'clock. So much for your not coming as I told you I could not keep them off any longer and you would not come if I had." He further mentions that he is digging potatoes, which he deems the finest in the world, discusses issues with the crop, and further talks about new arrivals in the area.

Price: $950.00