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

1908/03/23

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to my dear boys and girl

Writes that the Paris-New York Automobile Contest will reach Nome next winter. Regrets Roosevelt is not running in this year's presidential election because "he has certainly proved himself to be the man of the hour." Thinks Taft "will be the best" and likes Bryan but thinks he has little chance of winning. Rejects Cummings and La Follette. Believes the trusts will try to elect a president who will favor them but be bad for the people. States he voted for Garfield who was the "middle one of our martyred presidents," and mentions that Owen will be able to vote in this election.

GLC05245.40

1908/07/11

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dear ones all

He has not written because he was busy and waiting for the Ohio which was delayed by the ice until the Thetis went in search of her. He has attended ballgames that begin at 8 pm and end before sundown. He is sending a Draft for $300 to be divided amongst the children. Due to the Presidential election, he does not expect the "financial horizon" to improve until next year.

GLC05245.41

1908/08/17

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My son

He is proud that Owen has chosen to go on a church mission. He is sending a $500 draft. He asks if Owen will visit any of he family in England or on Long Island. The plant just bought a small steam engine and steam washer. He asks if Owen's speech has improved. He recently turned 49.

GLC05245.42

1909/10/06

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

His investment in the "dredger machine" is not going as planned. The heating plant was denied by "the powers that be in Washington" for financial reasons. He received drawing supplies and will use them to continue his correspondence studies. He is glad that Owen has left Turkey for Germany although the situation for Mormons there "is not a bed of roses on acc- of the Govt." He advises Owen on hygiene. He expresses regret about moving to Nome but says Alaska has taught him self-reliance and confidence. He counsels Owen on choosing a wife according to the "Planet under which they are born…

GLC05245.50

1909/01/09

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen and all [incomplete]

Owen's Aunts met him after his trip on the S.S. Republic. He asks about family and the property. He will write to Nancy soon. Dancing, musical entertainment, skating rinks, horse races, and trotting on the ice have become popular. The big Alaska sweepstakes for $10,000 will be soon and he hopes it will be won fairly this year. Page 2 missing from copy.

GLC05245.43

1909/03/07

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall [incomplete]

Writes that Owen's mention of denying people religious liberty reminds him of "the old days of bigotry, superstition, and witchcraft." Reminds Owen of the Quaker saying "it is not what thee eats, but what thee digests that makes thee strong." Page 4 missing from copy.

GLC05245.44

1909/03/27

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Discusses becoming a vegetarian. Thinks " the race hatred will be a long time dying out." Reports the Quartermaster wants to install "central heating, electric lighting, and water distributing system." Congratulates Owen on the 9th Ward's Sunday School rewarding him for his work with the church.

GLC05245.45