3 May 1849

Caspar, fl. 1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Describes his overland route through Mexico and how he was swindled by Captain Innes, the expedition leader who ran out of money and had his charges pay his way. Relays the entire story of Innes' desertion and return to the travelers. Reports that he was elected the guide after Innes left permanently. Discusses the food and customs of the common people.

GLC05527.02

6 December 1849

Peyton, Balie, 1803-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S.A. Hall

Describes his crossing at the Isthmus of Panama and reaching the Pacific in time for the steamer to Valparaiso. Reports difficulties crossing and dealing with the American consul, who Peyton feels is un-American, rude, and greedy. Writes about the newly-vacant consul position and the ideal characteristics of the appointee. Discusses the health of his daughter.

GLC05527.03

16 December to 17 December 1850

Johnson, James E., fl. 1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charry Johnson

Written on board the Antelope. Writes to his wife describing the ships in the bay and traveling up the Chagres River but changes tone to discuss gold. Mentions overloaded boats capsizing and men drowning. Encloses an account for publication, or intends for Charry to publish this letter, as per postscript.

GLC05527.04

1 January to 4 January 1849

Sarah, fl. 1849-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Everett

Writes to her friend in Middleborough, Massachusetts, about her improving health, the new year, and wishing he were at home with her. Wishes she had psychic ability so she would always know what he was doing. Scolds him for his lack of correspondence and wonders if a certain woman has been occupying his time. Assures him that she will not be going sleigh riding with Mr. G any time soon. Discusses James and Lori (possibly a brother and sister-in-law) and his plans to mine gold in California. Wonders if Everett will get "gold fever" and move even further away for an even longer period of…

GLC06573.01

January 6 to January 15,1850

Sarah, fl. 1849-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Everett

Writes to her husband who is currently in Boston. Mentions having received a letter from James (possibly a brother) who was seriously ill and has since forsaken California. Thanks Everett for sending papers, which are just as appreciated as letters. Worries about his safety in such a "mixed population" as there is in Boston. Writes that she is becoming increasingly anxious about his safety and worries constantly. Reports that she has received another letter from James and that he is recovered and his business is picking up. Is considering visiting a friend and waits for Everett's…

GLC06573.04

17 May 1903

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Header Record

Title: Two letters of Charles Horsfall, one to his wife, and one to his children [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC05245.18

17 May 1903

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Children

Mentions how much the children must have grown. Talks about selling all his equipment; boilers, engines, pipe tools, etc. States he will enclose a money order with this letter. First page is written in very light pencil, and there is bleedthrough from the ink on the other side making it difficult to read. With letter to his wife Mary of the same date (see GLC05245.18.01).

GLC05245.18.02

1862/11/09-1865/07

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Header Record

Title: [Collection of William H. Alden, F company, 6th regiment, Iowa, cavalry] [Decimalized .01- .53]

Forty eight long letters written while on the Sully Expedition to put down the Sioux uprising, under the orders of Abraham Lincoln. Private Alden, a seventeen year old Iowan, wrote this first-hand account mostly to his family. He discusses hand to hand combat with Indians, rescuing immigrants on the overland trail, gold mining, the capture of a Sioux chief's feathered head dress, and the wounding and death of a soldier. The Sully Expedition, led by Alfred Sully (son of the famous painter Thomas Sully), was the largest military campaign against the Plains Indians up to this date, and marked…

GLC02831

1900/12/01

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He describes his daily morning chores. There was ice on the beach 10-15 feet high that morning. He would give $50,000.00 if he had it to be able to spend Thanksgiving at home with his family.

GLC05245.06

1900/12/10

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son that at times he becomes discouraged not knowing what the coming season will bring. The days are short, the sun rises at 9:30 am and sets at 1:45 pm. "The camp is quite civilized this winter compared to last…" The Editor of the "Nome News" stated that this Thanksgiving there was turkey and mince pies, and last Thanksgiving there was beans and rice. This year there were dress suits and "decollette dresses" at a dance, and last year there were overalls and parkas. There is a school there with 2 teachers and 50 pupils.

GLC05245.07

1901/01/21-1901/1/22

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Wants his family to spend the winter with him after they find land. Feels he has to make up for his past drinking and gambling, and states, "All my best endeavors for the rest of my life shall be put forward to atone for my neglect during the past year and a half." Describes himself as a "broken reed" and hopes his son doesn't turn out like him.

GLC05245.08

1901/03/03

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Describes doctoring Pearson for badly frozen toes, wrists, and cheeks,using carbonized water and vaseline. Complains about the long winter. "March has come in like a lamb and will probably go out like the proverbial lion."

GLC05245.09

1901/07/10

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He's leaving camp for the hills for a few months. His hair is turning white, he says he's "not cut out for a miner or prospector especially to commence it so late in life." See GLC05245.11 for a note that was included with this letter.

GLC05245.10

1901/07/10

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

A list of words which Owen spelled wrong on his last letter, the corrections, and a note that Charles is sending a book of views under a separate cover. Written on a report form from the Alaska Gold Mining Company. (See GLC 5245.10 for the letter this accompanied).

GLC05245.11

1901/09/03

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He started out on a prospecting trip and went as far as Teller, but returned to his cabin because, "his chicken had enough of prospecting in such beastly weather." When he returned home he found his cabin had been broken into, and all of his clothes, blankets, and canned foods were stolen. He wants Owen to send him some more clothes

GLC05245.12

1901/10/27

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

As he writes, he hears "the sound of Sirrash kids enjoying themselves on the ice covered river." He lost two dogs and now only has nine. He's going to apply to construct a bridge across the Nome River.

GLC05245.13

1902/01/06

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He did not go on the 31st because there was not "gold enough in Alaska" to tempt him out during "the worst blizzard of the season." He enjoyed exercising two of the dogs who ran to town when untied. He hopes to get a position with a big company as "Engineer or Master Mechanic." He expects to hear from Berry in Australia. One man froze to death and three others were badly frozen. [continued on 01/08] He thinks Owen and Eddie would really enjoy a visit. He has lost weight. He would like to send for The Nature Cure by Physical and Mental Methods.

GLC05245.14

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

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