1902/04/20

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: "my dear boys."

Describes the blizzard last night. Discusses his work building a suspension bridge across Nome River at the expense of about $5,000 but storms are delaying the construction. Afterwards, he expects to work for the North American Trading and Transportation Company for $10 to $15 per day. He has disposed of the horses and all but two dogs. Berry has left Australia. Hopes the boys will visit and asks them to send him Appleton's Mechanical Encyclodpedia. The "Bering Strait is frozen clear across the Siberian coast." Describes rescuing a Government horse that had fallen through the ice. […

GLC05245.15

1902/06/19

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He is awaiting the arrival of books he requested and gives instructions as to how to send them. He caught a cold and has just finished working at the Military Post this morning. He is going to meet with Mr. Watson and tell Mr. Watson that he is " not accountable to him."

GLC05245.16

1902/10/28

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: "my dear children."

He has fallen behind in collecting the money he intended to send to them. He will start a job at a Road House tomorrow for $25 per month and lodging. A man is going to ask the government to either purchase his bridge or pay for using it. Laps and Eskimos are ice fishing again.

GLC05245.17

17 May 1903

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

He asks his wife if she does not agree that he has been sufficiently punished. He wants to either resume their relationship or end it with a divorce. He is willing to pay for the divorce and some of the children's expenses but will do anything to avoid it and return to family life in Salt Lake City. It is up to her to decide what they will do. He begs her to write to him. With letter to his children also dated 17 May 1903 (see GLC05245.18.02).

GLC05245.18.01

1903/06/19

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary.

He has heard that Orson and Gaffer have died and Eddie has had an accident. He worries that his letters to her may be ignored or returned. He is amazed that "one so kind hearted could be so hard and unforgiving." He will continue to send money when he can.

GLC05245.19

1903/08/16

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He thanks Owen for the "nicest and newsiest letter" yet. He will send money to Owen for a vacation and to Aunt Annie for his parents' headstones. He advises Owen that diet is the key to perfect health. He wants the whole family to visit next summer. He has arranged for Owen to get his diamond stud. He will check Carol's horoscope and describes the importance of astrology as well as palmistry. He mentions automobiles and their frequent accidents. Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.20

1903/10/17

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He is sending Owen and Eddie several gifts including watch chains and Eskimo trinkets. The river has seven inches of frozen ice and the skating is terrific. He recommends "a regular and judicious course of athletics and gymnastics" as health is necessary for a sound mind and should not be sacrificed to obtain an education. Written at Fort Davis.

GLC05245.21

1903/10/24

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to boys

Mush ice is forming in the Bering Sea and "the great white silence" is coming. He would do anything to see them. He sent them the gifts and not money because he wants them "to be able to put on as good an appearance as anyone." He counsels Eddie to "be contented." His horoscope says he "can shoulder great responsibilities and yet at the same time worry and fret over trifles." Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.22

1903/11/13

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He wishes he could see the family and wishes them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Army company in Alaska will be relieved next year. "Nome has become quite metropolitan" and he will soon be a member of the "Arctic Brotherhood." They provide many recreational facilities such as a gymnasium and a bowling alley. Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.23

1904/04/16

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Smith the mailman set a record with his dogteam averaging 100 miles per day. He explains the idea that glaciers or volcanoes left the gold nuggets and that Alaska was originally tropical. The Republicans are "between the devil and the deep sea" because if they turn Smoot down, it will cost them Utah in the Presidential election and if they don't, they will lose party standing in the east. [continued on 04/22] The firemen and three other men attempted to get him fired but the firemen was fired and one of the other men turned down as the replacement. He wants to know what the boys intend…

GLC05245.24

1904/01/12

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Hopes to get a mail contractor's position as the pay is not bad. Will try to visit them next summer if possible. Telegraphic news told of "imminent" war between Russia and Japan, a Chicago theatre fire, and a railroad wreck. Wishes he were better at saving money. Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.25

1904/01/31

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Writes that he is proud of Owen's studies and not surprised at Eddie "having a girl." Read that a captain is going to leave Port Clarence and try to reach the North Pole by the Northwest Passage. Mentions that anthracite was used as coal for the first time. Discusses rumors that the post will be abandoned this coming summer. Remarks on the Democrats' victories in Salt Lake and New York and their nomination of Carter H. Harrison, whom he is in favor of. He predicted that Tammany would win in New York but he does not think Roosevelt will succeed. He is amused that members of the council…

GLC05245.26

1904/09/07

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Plans to go to the Koyukuks. States his chances of obtaining a mail position are "nil." Writes that he has "given [Mary] freedom through the court" and expects she will choose another man. He still respects her but feels that both she and the children are no longer his. [continued on 09/10] Reports that he heard that the reported strike in Koykuk was a fraud. Fears " things are going from bad to worse throughout the States on account of the Presidential election" and thinks "the money power will elect Parker, for Roosevelt does no appear to be En-rapport with the trusts, and they…

GLC05245.27

1905/03/15

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to my dear children.

Reports that he quit his position at the Post because he did not want to work continuously for 12 hours. He bought a quarter interest in a mine nearby and is now "taking out a 'dump' which means that the pay streak is 30 feet under the ground and frozen so solid as a rock so that we have to thaw it with steam." [continued on 06/12] States it took three months because the mail was shut off. They finished "sluicing out" the dump but the outcome was disappointing. They want to remove one partner. Comments that the telegraph is working well and the Bering Sea is clear of ice. Written on YMCA…

GLC05245.28

1905/06/19

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Wishes he could have attended Owen's college Commencement. Thinks he should leave the area but keeps putting it off. There is a movement to "establish a 'Choo-Choo' line for passengers and freight between Nome and Solomon." Writte on YMCA Army Department stationery.

GLC05245.29

1905/07/22

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He would have met Owen in Portland had he known about Owen's trip earlier. He discusses what career Owen should pursue. He points out that Owen's strength in mathematics would serve him well as a Ph.D. or in the mechanical, electrical, civil and mining engineering fields. He hasn't decided whether or not he will work on the mine he has a stake in this winter. He refers Owen to Aunt Annie and Aunt Nellie for the family information Owen had requested as all he can recall is that Mary's father was named Charles Edwards.

GLC05245.30

1906/02/17

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to "my dear loved ones all"

The rolling of the ship makes it difficult for him to write and to sleep at night. The boat stopped at Sitka, home to the Executive Mansion, Juneau, Yakurat, and Kayak island. [continued on 2/20] He arrived in Valdez the day before and had "never felt so bum after a sea voyage." He has abandoned the idea of a trip into the interior. He has heard tales of families being forced to burn their furniture for heat when they cannot go outside but is skeptical. He congratulates Owen on his progress at the Y.M.C.A., is pleased Carol liked her gift, and tells Ed to concentrate on his studies. He…

GLC05245.31

1906/04/27

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to "Owen and all"

Discusses working for three partners on building a waterwheel and piers at the junction of the Copper and Svlutiva rivers. States that the scarcity of horses has made moving supplies difficult and instead they have had to chop down logs in the nearby woods and haul them to the site. The wheel "will be 12' diameter. by 14' wide and operated by the ordinary river current." Includes a diagram on page 4 of the piers he has built thus far. Informs that many of the Eskimo are sick and the U.S. Government teacher and his wife are looking after them. Mentions there is a Government Experimental…

GLC05245.32

1906/09/09

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to boys

Discusses a trail cutting and bridge building job he got through a "dicker" with J.A. Crutteudeu. Wants Ed to choose a profession and find a position in it and advises Owen to take the Saltain[?] job rather than stay in the bakery. He is on the Copper river at the mouth of the Chistochina river 165 miles from Valdez. Mentions being poisoned with mosquito gnats. Believes he has a good chance of getting work from Government contracts next year and will start carrying the winter mail with a dog team in November. Describes the wildlife and vegetation, including the "Indian potato."

GLC05245.33

1906/11/09

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to my dear children

Reports there is no snow for sleds so he must use horses to carry the mail. Claims it is difficult to cross rivers with the horses because the ice is too thin to hold them. Rests in a "skookum" log cabin halfway through the six day round trip. Promises to send 100 dollars, to be followed by two more, for Christmas presents. States the Indians are killing "Ah Yu" [plenty] of large game and that one of them described a phonograph as "canned white man." Warns Ed not to get injured playing football and encourages Owen to jog, exercise, and practice deep breathing.

GLC05245.34

1906/11/21

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Describes this letter as "Via Valdez and Gokona." Encloses it in this letter due to his "inability to procure the Draft in time." States the weather has been unusually nice recently.

GLC05245.35

1907/02/02

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He is sending the Draft for $100 he intended to enclose in his previous letter. He quit the mail service a month ago and is planning to go to Nome by way of Seattle. The winds are strong buildings must be propped up to withstand them. He is no longer ill and feels "skookum" again. He hopes the earthquakes, storms, and floods did not hit them too hard.

GLC05245.36

1907/09/11

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My dear boys and girl

Thinks Owen should do some "rusticating" and worries about his nosebleeds. Thinks last year's strikes are affecting the gold output and that individual mining is coming to an end. He is glad Uncle Jesse Knight is taking care of the holdings. Regrets to hear of Heywood's death. Reminds Ed to be "Johnny-on-the-spot" regarding work. Mentions he just had a birthday and is 48. Gives the boys college and nutrition advice. Disucsses a cinnamon dog he bought for his team. Speculates about his plans after Alaska. Says the Guggenheims have their "claws" everywhere.

GLC05245.37

1907/09/30

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Children

Discusses working the night shift at the pump house. Asks about the boys' commencement exercises. Thinks Owen would do well in the educational field. Resumed his correspondence course but has switched into the Stationary Engineers Course. Promises to send them $150 and mentions their recent visit. Expects Carol to be a pianist. He is surprised that the level of the Salt Lake has risen. Reports that an officer "smashed" his nose demonstrating how to carry a 200 lb sack of coal.

GLC05245.38

circa November 11, 1907

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [children] [incomplete]

The snow and storm have made it quite dark. Reports that he periodically gets up to make a fire while Ben tends to the horses and together they bought and share a cross cut saw. The ice stretched 500 feet out from the shore. Says he intended to send them a gold nugget but forgot. Written on Alaska Goldmining Company stationary.

GLC05245.39