1858

United States War Department

Book

Title: Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean made under the Secretary of War, in 1853-6...

Title continues "according to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854." Volume includes part two of a general report of the zoology along the Pacific railroad routes. Executive document no. 78. Large folio volume with modern leather binding.

GLC04963.09

1859

United States War Department

Book

Title: Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean made under the Secretary of War, in 1853-6...

Title continues "according to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854." Volume includes part three of a general report of the zoology along the Pacific railroad routes. Executive document no. 91. Large folio volume with modern leather binding. Pagination not continuous.

GLC04963.10

1855

United States War Department

Book

Title: Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean made under the Secretary of War, in 1853-6...

Title continues "according to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854." Volume includes a letter from Captain A.A. Humphreys to Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, Lieutenant Warren's memoir relating to the creation of a map to illustrate the railroad surveys, and the topographical maps, profiles and sketches used to illustrate the surveys. Executive document no. 78. Large folio volume with modern leather binding. Pagination not continuous.

GLC04963.11

1860

United States War Department

Book

Title: Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean made under the Secretary of War, in 1853-5...

Title continues "according to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854." First of two volumes. Volume includes part one and the appendices of Washington Territory Governor Isaac I. Stevens' report on the route near the 47th and 49th parallels. Executive document no. 56. Large folio volume with modern leather binding. Inscription on contents page reads "Property of Geo. T. Monk."

GLC04963.12.01

1860

United States War Department

Book

Title: Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean made under the Secretary of War, in 1853-5...

Title continues "according to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854." Second of two volumes. Volume includes parts two (botany) and three (zoological) of Washington Territory Governor Isaac I. Stevens' report on the route near the 47th and 49th parallels. Executive document no. 56. Large folio volume with modern leather binding.

GLC04963.12.02

3 April 1854

Pickett, John Thomas, 1822-1884

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

U.S. Consul writes that Cripps' friends, Mr. Marquardt (possibly J.B.M. from GLC03587.03 and .06) and Mr. Brunner, have arrived and finds them to be very enterprising. Mentions that Brunner may be deported but reassures him that he will see Brunner through. Has mentioned to Secretary of State Marcy that a military man should be sent to instill law and order south of the border. Discusses the need to reform "consular evils" and will see to it that Marcy is held responsible before the next Democratic National Convention. Calls fellow consul Pleasants "an ass" and says he should not have…

GLC03587.12

8 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Expresses disappointment with his Secretary's ambiguous reports from Mexico, especially since the President and Senate look to Gadsden for information. Has had to rely on the "published speculations of fillibusters." Is surprised to hear that Cripps has begun to rely on Doyle, a person who hopes to maintain poor relations between Mexican and U.S. officials. States that the treaty was dismissed but it is rumored that the Senate will create a new one. Discusses politics and news. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below "Paris."

GLC03587.13

30 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary after arriving in Vera Cruz with Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother), Mrs. Gadsden and two family friends. Asks for news regarding acceptance or rejection of the treaty.

GLC03587.14

31 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary more fully after yesterday's hasty note (GLC03587.14). Discusses the toll the trip to Mexico has taken on Mrs. Gadsden but hopes the rest of their journey will be smooth. Reminds him to set up a bed for himself, Mrs. Gadsden, and Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother). Mentions the possibility of more guests so Cripps may be prepared. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon under "Paris."

GLC03587.15

24 August 1856

Handlin, W.W., 1830-1911

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Gadsden

Thanks Gadsden for all his kindness and help while he was living in Mexico City. Discusses his professional prospects and describes Los Angeles' climate and environs. Thinks that Buchanan will carry California in the next election as he is very popular among her residents. Unpopular among Californians is the Pacific Railroad. Hopes that the project will be funded by the Democratic Party. Mentions a possible move to Nicaragua. Handlin was a lawyer who studied in Mexico City until 1851. His successful law career began in 1857 in New Orleans.

GLC03587.21

4 June 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes regarding Cripps' lack of correspondence. Reports that the "public mind has settled" in San Francisco regarding a grant. Does not think enough money could be raised to meet future problems of that nature. Envelope postmarked 5 June San Francisco, California and Acapulco, Mexico.

GLC03587.25

7 August 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Disappointed with his Secretary for not sending any letters reporting on the state of affairs in Mexico. Discusses the reclamation of their losses before the government steps in and Gadsden is forced to discuss the matter with President Buchanan. Mentions the newly acquired territory with which he is willing to bargain to keep both governments content. Wants Cripps to do the bargaining. Adds personal news about the weather and Cripps' mother.

GLC03587.28

8 August 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary as an addendum to yesterday's letter (GLC03587.26) that the entire idea behind bargaining for the strip of land is to "get the right to import free of duty into any of the Ports of the Gulf Cotton, Rice, flour, Corn and lard."

GLC03587.29

9 January 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J.T. Leguarenne

Writes regarding the delivery of Cayuacan. Would like Leguarenne to act in his interests in this last of his affairs in Mexico. Postmarked 8 January (differs from Gadsden's dating), Charleston, South Carolina. Includes a ten-cent paid stamp. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms.

GLC03587.36

circa 1878

Norton, Joshua Abraham, 1819-1880

Header Record

Title: [Two items relating to Joshua Abraham Norton, self-proclaimed emperor of the United States] [Decimalized]

Joshua Norton was an Englishman who came to America during the California Gold Rush of 1849 and proclaimed himself emperor of the United States. Mark Twain is said to have modeled the character of Huck Finn on Norton.

GLC02729

circa 1878

Bradley, James, fl. 1783

Photograph

Title: [Cabinet photograph of Joshua Abraham Norton]

Signed "Emperor Norton." Three-quarter profile photograph of a seated Norton. He is wearing an officer's uniform.

GLC02729.01

6 August 1850

McCarthy, Denis, fl. 1850

Document signed

Title: [Notice to vacate home]

Street Commissioner asking author William H. Davis to move his house. Originally pasted into GLC04967.02. Removed in 1998 due to fragility but still housed with 4967.02.

GLC04967.03

29 April to 24 July 1849

Laning, John C., fl. 1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Em Laning

Writes from the Coast of Chile to his sister. Diary letter concerning traveling by ship around Cape Horn, stormy weather, the flora of the Andes, other passengers, and final arrival in San Francisco where he captained an expedition upriver. Discusses gambling and gold.

GLC05527.01

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

10 June 1883

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stanley Matthews

Discusses his retirement from Chief Commander of the Army. Feels blessed that he is 63 years old and still healthy. Reviews his army services mentioning his interest in the trans-continental railroad and his command of the army west of the Mississippi after the Civil War. Comments on the perfect military record of General William Babcock Hazen, who Matthews asked about. Talks about his involvement in the Indian Recall Commission and some fighting with the Indians that occurred. Comments on a scandal involving General Hazen and describes at length Hazen's military career. Written on…

GLC04492.01

11 October 1843

Shaw, James B., 1820-?

Printed document signed

Title: [Treasury warrant for $250.34 to Asa Brigham, Treasurer of the Republic of Texas]

Signed by Shaw and comptroller and countersigned by Charles Mason as auditor. Endorsed on the verso by Asa Brigham. Partially printed document appropriating money to cover the expenses of Brigham's office from funds permitted by an act dated 6 January 1843.

GLC06624.11