[California Gold Rush]

[Autograph Letter, Signed, from a Gold Seeker to His Wife, Detailing His Mixed Luck in California]

Grass Valley, Ca. September 17, 1855. [4]pp. on a folded folio sheet. Old fold lines, minor wear. Very good. Item #4791

An intimate letter from a gold seeker in Nevada County, California. Theodore Shaw writes to his wife about mixed luck in California, a terrible fire, his concern for their children, and his great anxiety about the future. He writes, in part: "I have property here that is worth at least $1000 but not a cent in my pocket but we expect to start up to our quartz ledge the day after tomorrow if nothing prevents to errect a mill up there.... And now our plans have been nearly frustrated by a most dreadful fire such as I never witnessed. On Thursday last about 11 o'clock p.m. an alarm of fire was heard and by about half past 12 some 350 stores, dwellings, and buildings were consumed with a large portion of their contents our hotel included. ... The entire business part of the town is in ruins...we have been sleeping under an old shed in the suburbs.... This fire has injured us in this way, several who had taken stock in our company have lost their means still we intend going on in a smaller way. We had formed a company with a Capital Stock of $50,000 divided into 50 shares of $1000 each.... Do you know Lydia I have more anxiety about your health than anything else as I know you work hard; only think what would happen to our dear children if anything serious should happen to your health and I away here in California...."

Price: $950.00