[New Mexico]

[Two Letters Relating to the Transport of Lumber from California to New Mexico for Construction Projects in Silver City]

Eureka, NM: February 17 & 20, 1881. Two manuscript letters, totaling [3]pp. Previously folded. Light tanning and minor edge wear. Very good. Item #5605

A pair of manuscript letters that shed light on negotiations for the purchase and transport of lumber wholesale from Antioch, California, to Lordsburg, New Mexico. In the letters, dated February 17th and 20th, the merchant firm Baldwin & Parker act as agents for potential buyers H.N. Meredith and H.B. Ailman in Silver City. The pair were silver prospectors who struck it rich, opened the Meredith & Ailman bank, and built twin houses in the center of Silver City. The lumber sought could have been used for any of these projects. Their bank went bust in 1887, and they were forced to sell all assets to satisfy their creditors; the house of H.B. Ailman is now the Silver City Museum. In the first letter, James Cruickshank writes to the owners of the Antioch lumber company to informs them that Baldwin & Parker will soon be reaching out to them with their inquiries. In the second letter, the merchants do so, asking after, "The price you can furnish us lumber by the car load, say the usual building lumber unduped -- flooring and shingles -- also timber for or suitable for a mill frame -- give your prices and terms.... Also please ascertain the R.R. freight per car load to Lordsburg N.M. or a side track 20 miles west of Lordsburg. There will be considerable lumber used here this summer...." A very interesting window into Silver City town and mining history.

Price: $950.00