The Larkin Papers. Volume 9 The Larkin Papers, Volume IX, 1851-1853: For the History of California [Reprint 2019 ed.] 9780520326415

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The Larkin Papers a

The Reverend W I L L I A M M . ROGERS of Boston, Larkin's cousin. Until his death in 18551, Rogers was Larkin's chief business agent in the East. Courtesy of Miss Frances

Moleera

THE

Larkin Papers Personal, Business, and Official Correspondence of Thomas Oliver Larkin, Merchant and United States Consul in California J^Edited hy George P Hammond, Director of the Bancroft Library #

V O L U M E

IX

1851-1853 #

Published for the Bancroft Library by the UNIVERSITY

OF

BERKELEY

CALIFORNIA AND

LOS

I963

ANGELES

PRESS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS BERKELEY AND LOS ANGELES

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS LONDON, ENGLAND

COPYRIGHT, 1 9 6 3 , BY THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

PREFACE #

B

Y MAY OF 1851, when this volume begins, the first flush of the Gold Rush had subsided. Lawyers and doctors, merchants and professional men k had for the most part given up the back-breaking, ague-ridden labor of " digging for gold in the streams and creeks of the mountains and had returned to the towns and cities to coin wealth in more prosaic ways—to capture it second hand, so to speak. Men like Belden, Brannan, Green, Larkin, Leese, Melius, Howard—and thousands of others—old settlers and newcomers alike, went into business and agriculture, while another horde, rushing in from all parts of the world, continued the search for the glittering, tantalizing metal. The harvest was great, judging by the thousands of ounces of gold shipped East via the new steamers of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company that had begun to ply the waters of the Pacific, in 1849, news duly reported in the newspapers.

There was no let-up in the vast, unending search for wealth. Men still gambled their lives for the pawn that would send them home rich; yet untold numbers succumbed to illness or deserted the mines and took up new careers in various hamlets and villages of California and built such rural crossroads or other stopping places into thriving towns almost overnight. These places spawned great cities, such as San Francisco and Sacramento. Growth brought stability, or some semblance of it. Cities grew, burned down, and rose overnight into bigger and better ones. San Francisco burned repeatedly, 1849, 1850, 1851. Sacramento was nearly wiped out in November, 1852; Marysville suffered the scourge several rimes; and so did Stockton. Or, if it was not fire, it was floods, from which the towns on the Sacramento and San Joaquin experienced almost the same fate. The result, in every instance, was immediate rebuilding on a better basis, more permanent structures, better city planning. These were the birth pangs of growth in the rowdy new commonwealth on the Pacific—golden California. Corresponding to the growth of the cities came an increasing stream of immigrants who sought out choice spots for farms and homesites. Ignorant (or [v]

resentful) of die land grants made before the end of Mexican rule, they took root wherever the soil looked good or fancy dictated. M a n y selected tracts along the Sacramento river, much of which had been included in the vast, unmarked grants owned by such pioneers as Dye, Fliigge, Fremont, Thomes, Larkin, Sutter, and many others under the Spanish-Mexican law. These newcomers acted on the frontiersman's instinct of settling on "free" land, planting a cabin, scratching the surface and sowing a bit of grain, or raising cattle. When they were told the land belonged to others, they protested, made an issue of it, and often determined to stay. Removing them was not easy, as they usually refused to leave. Moreover, they were a defense against marauding Indians, and helped to build up the country, so were not wholly undesirable. "Squatterism," it was called by Larkin and other grantees, while to the people in question it was a simple right of pre-empting free land—as had been the custom "back East," as the Indian frontier receded before the gun and plow of a westward moving society. The issue reached its climax in the period covered by Volume X of The Larkin Papers, when the most notable case of infringement on old land grants, Limantour's claim to a major portion of San Francisco, came to a head— and was finally shown to be a fraud. Elsewhere, there were many compromises and out-of-court settlements by which the squatters stayed to become permanent residents. Larkin, evidently unwilling to fight these colonists, usually bought out intruders who had settled on his lands, while awaiting a good opportunity to sell some of his vast holdings. Amid the wild scenes of speculation that characterized this period, some of the old Californians prospered, became enormously wealthy, while others, unable to match the race of progress (or possibly cut down by illness), fell behind. Job F. D y e went East to live, too ill to enjoy the fruits of his pioneering struggles in California. W . D . M . Howard, one of a half-dozen among the giants, early was seized by tuberculosis. Talbot H . Green, who ranked in achievement with the financial greats of the new California, was recognized as Paul Geddes, a bank official who had absconded in 1840 from his home in Pennsylvania with some company funds, had left wife and children, and "made good" in the new world of the West, where he had married a remarkable woman and "gone straight." The story unfolds throughout Volumes IX and X. Faxon Dean Atherton remained at his post in Valparaiso, unable to follow closely the gigantic events of California, got only infrequent messages from his old friend Larkin, now too occupied with business to spend hours in writing letters in longhand to keep his friends up to date on the news. J. B. R. Cooper, the old

sea captain of the 1820s, stayed on top, kept his lands and goods, sent his boy, Rogerio, East to go to school, as did Larkin with his three—Oliver, Francis (often called Francisco), and Frederic. So too did Dr. E. T . Bale and Salvador Vallejo, among others. A decade earlier, boys were sent to the Sandwich Islands for training, but now, with their families among the wealthiest in the country, they had to be sent East, to the established centers of culture and learning. Indeed, Larkin's relatives and friends on the Adantic Coast induced him not only to send his boys to school there, but persuaded him to go to New York with the intention of making it his future home, in preference to the wild and untutored San Francisco. He bought a home in N e w York, 10th Street near Broadway, and invested in real estate there and in Brooklyn, and brought Mrs. Larkin to the great metropolis (1850-1853)—but the experiment was not a success. The West was in Larkin's blood. Business called him back to California, and within a few years, his wife could tolerate the N e w York winters no more and returned to make the family home in San Francisco. These themes run throughout Volumes IX and X. In this new West, promotion schemes multiplied on every hand. Every city wanted to become the site of the state capitol. From its original seat at Monterey, where the constitutional convention had met in 1849, it moved to San Jose, thence to Vallejo, Benicia, and finally, in 1854, to Sacramento, which had recovered from fire and flood to become a populous and progressive city. There were schemes for railroads, for shipping lines, for colleges. The BeniciaMaiysville Railroad, projected in 1852 with Larkin as one of its directors, aroused some interest, and it immediately set about the age-old device of getting a subvention from Congress to help it over the early years of cosdy construction. There were others, mostly paper roads. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company, incorporated in 1848 as something of a wild speculation, with William H . Aspinwall as the moving spirit, proved to be a golden bonanza, until too many other lines sprang up to cut into the enormous "tourist" traffic engendered by the Gold Rush and the growth of the Pacific Coast, a traffic that flowed in both directions—the newcomers heading westward, the old-timers, rich and poor, returning back home. Nor was education ignored. By 1852, Charles M . Blake, supported by such leaders as the Reverend Samuel H. Willey and Captain John Paty, urged Larkin to contribute liberally to a Collegiate Institute, to be established at Benicia. Larkin had already been asked to give a tract of land for a suitable site. While such promotions went on, many California schemes contemplated the

sale of lands to hungry investors, American or English, especially. Some of these projects, like those of Larkin and Fremont, were gigantic. California's reputation for wealth, and the hunger of the promoters and investors, combined to provide an ideal setting for such plans. Fremont, after rejecting offers of London financiers for his Las Mariposas estate, exploited its quartz mines, though he was to lose it later to clever competitors. Larkin, who had several ranches on the upper Sacramento, including the Children's, the Jimeno, and the Boga, the latter on the Feather River, launched a scheme to sell one of these, the Boga, thought to be rich in gold-bearing gravels, to London investors. Through agents in New York and London, his agent sought to sell it to an English syndicate, and many of the letters in The Larkin Papers concern this estate, its reputed wealth, and the huge sum it would bring its owner, about a million dollars. The plan ultimately failed, partly on account of the presence of squatters and Larkin's inability to provide a clear tide—and partly from fear that the speculation was too uncertain. Confirmation of the Mexican land grants in California, especially those made immediately before the American conquest, soon became a major issue, since it was suspected that some had been granted illegally. Larkin, like other grantees, took every precaution to assure his titles, though the path to success was not without its stones. When he felt it necessary to substantiate by legal documents the naturalization of his children, born in California as Mexican subjects, and to assure their eligibility to hold land, he fell into the hands of one Colonel A . Juan Atocha of New York. Described as a "cunning and perfecdy unscrupulous intriguer" by Justin H. Smith (War with Mexico, Vol. II, p. 123), Atocha had tried to negotiate a deal between President Polk and President Santa Anna of Mexico in 1847, by allowing the exiled Santa Anna, then in Cuba, to slip through the American blockade and get back to Mexico, where he would presumably bow to superior force and arrange a peace treaty satisfactory to the United States—at Mexico's expense. Nothing came of it, of course, except that Santa Anna got back home and was able to lead the Mexican armies against the United States in the war that followed. Atocha, in his deal with Larkin, was to go to Mexico City to obtain certifications of the legality of the naturalization of Larkin's children and of their land grant, known as the Children's Rancho. All this for a price, of course. He did so, but then, in a letter of October 28, 1852, he added a very confidential note to Larkin, stating that the Mexican government considered Micheltorena's acts in his favor as null and of no value. Whatever the truth of this statement—and

naturally it was not made public—the Board of Land Commissioners in California did uphold the validity of the Children's grant. Among the dramatic human-interest episodes of the time, none was more unexpected than the accusation that Talbot H . Green, who had risen from the position of one of Larkin's clerks to a man of equal stature with Sam Brannan, W. D . M . Howard, Francis Melius, or Joseph P. Thompson, was really an embezzler. In April, 1851, Green, then a man of wealth, sailed from San Francisco for the East to clear himself of these charges, amid the cheers of his old friends, and disappeared, seemingly forever. Then, about August, 1853, Larkin was surprised to get a letter from him, from a hide-out in Tennessee, begging for money, and imploring Larkin never to reveal his place of hiding, a request he honored. The story of Green's breakdown, and his eventual recovery, remains a major theme of Volumes IX and X of this series. Ebenezer L. Childs, Larkin's half-brother, holding a clerical position in the post office in Washington, D. C . — h e never had enough courage to seek his fortune in California's goldfields!—almost overwhelmed his brother with letters of news from the East. Indeed, after the Rev. Wm. M . Rogers died in 1851, Childs served as Larkin's agent in numerous business matters, and finally two of the Larkin boys, Francis and Frederic, who had been in a private school near Boston, came to Washington to live with Eben and Sarah Childs while they continued their studies. Oliver, the oldest of the boys, remained at Cambridge, but he was not the intellectual type and returned to California to join the workmen on one of his father's ranchos. The Larkin children wrote frequently to their parents in San Francisco, typical children's letters, most of which have been here omitted. Unfortunately, the other side of the correspondence—Mr. and Mrs. Larkin's letters to the children—has not been preserved, so far as known, though Frederic told his father how he was carefully binding them, and admonished him to leave a sufficient margin on the left to permit of proper binding. To bring this volume within reasonable limits, other papers deemed of lesser historical importance have also had to be left out, but I believe that the most significant have been included up to the end of the year 1853. Once again I am indebted to Miss Frances Molera, granddaughter of John B. R. Cooper, for a photograph of a member of the family, the Reverend Wm. M . Rogers, Larkin's cousin and business agent. He died in the summer of 1851, a comparatively young man.

CONTENTS # Prefacc

v

Adams & Co. to Larkin, July i, 1851 Alexander & Melius to Larkin, June 1,1853

17 257

Guy R. C. Allen to Larkin, April 20, 1853

251

Delos R. Ashley to William J. Eames, January 17,1852 William H. Aspinwall to Larkin December 17, 1852 January 3, 1853 January 7, 1853 August 12, 1853 A. Juan Atocha to Larkin March 20, 1852 September 10, 1852 October 28,1852 August 30, 1853

78 174 189 195 270 85 131 150

George E. Baldwin to Larkin April 7, 1852 May 6, 1852 June 8, 1852 August 18, 1852 September^ 1852 September 18, 1852 October 5, 1852 October 17,1853 George E. Baldwin and Henry G. Stebbins to Larkin May 8, 1852 June 11, 1852 N . A. H. Ball To William J. Eames, January 11,1852

[Xi]

87 93 105 121 124 136 143 294 94 106 77

[ xii ] To Larkin May 23, 1852 May 29, 1852 May 26, 1853 Josiah Belden Deposition. September 18,1851 To Larkin May 20, 1851 June 30, 1851 Charles M . Blake to Larkin November 9, 1852 July 14, 1853 Bowdoin, Larocque & Barlow to Alpheus Hardy & Co., October 31, 1853 Charles Boynton to Larkin, November 8, 1852 J. S. Bradford to Larkin, August 10, 1851 Asa F. Bradley To William J. Eames, October 6, 1851 To Larkin July 1, 1851 July 26, 1851 To Jacob Primer Leese, June 10, 1851 Henry A . Breed. Release. October 27, 1851 J. D. Carr to Larkin, June 27, 1853 T. G. Cary, Jr., to Larkin, August 20, 1852 Samuel A. Chapin to Larkin, September 24, 1852 Ebenezer Larkin Childs to Larkin September 17, 1852 October 2, 1852 November 18, 1852 November 20, 1852 December 4, 1852 December 7, 1852 December 11, 1852 December 18, 1852 December 20, 1852 December 24, 1852 December 30, 1852

96 102 256 44 1 17 153 263 297 153 34 53 18 29 12 58 259 122 138 134 142 160 161 166 168 170 175 178 182 184

[ xiii ] January January January January January January January

4, 1853 5, 1853 8, 1853 10, 1853 14, 1853 17, 1853 22, 1853

February 8, 1853 February 17, 1853 February 22,1853 February 28, 1853 March 14, 1853 March 18, 1853 March 25, 1853 March 3 1 , 1853 April 7, 1853 April 15, 1853 July 3, 1853 July 18, 1853 August 3, 1853 August 18, 1853 September 19, 1853 October 3, 1853 October 12, 1853 November 4, 1853 November 19, 1853 December 3, 1853 December 19, 1853 Sarah Ann (Reed) Childs to Larkin, January 12, 1853 Sarah Peirce (Larkin) Childs to Rachel (Hobson) Holmes Larkin, January 4, 1853 Martin E. Cooke to William J. Eames, December 2 , 1 8 5 1 Thomas R. Cooper to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, July 22,1851 . . . John S. Cripps to Larkin, June 28, 1851 C. M . Davis To William J. Eames, January 17, 1852 To Larkin, July 29, 1852

190 193 198 200 205 209 213 222 226 229 233 238 240 241 243 248 250 261 267 273 282 291 299 306 308 313 202 192 65 28 16 78 116

[xiv] Charles Dc Selding & Andrew Wylie, Jr., to Larkin September n , 1852 September 30, 1852 October 1, 1852 F. M. Dimond to Larkin, December 10, 1853 E. K. Dodge to Larkin, July 17,1852 S. Draper to Larkin, August 23,1853 Edward T . Dunn to Larkin, September 8,1852 Job Francis Dye to Larkin, September 16,1853 Mary Elizabeth (Childs) Eames to Larkin, January 18, 1853 William J. Eames to Larkin October 12, 1852 October 27,1852 November 12, 1852 November 13, 1852 November 30, 1852 December 15, 1852 February 15,1853 February 28,1853 March 15, 1853 March 31, 1853 April 29, 1853 R. A. Eddy to Larkin January 5, 1852 November 2, 1852 John S. Fowler to Larkin, February 13,1852 John B. Frisbie to Larkin August 6, 1852 September 19, 1853 Charlotte Rogers George to Larkin, February 4, 1853 Freeman Clarke George to Larkin, February 5,1853 John Gilroy to Larkin, November 21, 1851 Eleanor N . Gray to Larkin, July 11, 1851 Nicholas Gray To William J. Eames November 27, 1851 December 7, 1851

. . . .

133 140 141 310 113 275 129 281 209 145 147 154 158 164 172 222 234 238 243 252 76 152 84 119 284 219 221 61 23

63 66

[ -

]

December u , 1851 December 22, 1851 December 26, 1851 December 6, 1852 December 30, 1852 To Larkin August 27, 1851 April 15,1852 June 7, 1852 June 12, 1852 June 17, 1852 June 18, 1852 June 21, 1852 July 30, 1852 August 2,1852 August 21, 1852 May 9, 1853 December 25, 1853 Talbot H. Green to Larkin August (?), 1853 September 13, 1853 September 21, 1853 December 10, 1853 December 21, 1853 Griffin & Larocque to Alpheus Hardy & Co., November 7,1853 . J. Jones Griffith to Larkin, October 7, 1852 Pablo de la Guerra to Larkin, September 12, 1853 Halleck, Peachy & Billings to Larkin May 27,1852 June 1, 1852 June 4, 1852 Alpheus Hardy & Co. To Griffin & Larocque, October 29, 1853 To Larkin December 19, 1851 April 24, 1852 July 1, 1852

69 72, 73 74 167 185 39 87 103 107 107 108 no 117 118 122 254 318 268 280 285 310 315 . 302 144 278 98 102 103 297 72 89 HI

[xvi] January 8, 1853 February 24, 1853 April 1, 1853 April 4, 1853

200 232 246 247

September 3,1853 November 3, 1853 November 18, 1853 To Sylvanus Mayo, October 29, 1853 William Harney to Larkin, December 20, 1853

278 298 304 296 315

Serranus Clinton Hastings to William J. Eames, December 4, 1851 Samuel J. Hensley to Larkin, September 6,1851 Ogden Hoffman to Larkin, January 28,1853 William H. House to Larkin, December 17, 1853 George H . Howard to Larkin, October 3 1 , 1 8 5 2 W . P. Humphreys to Larkin, M a y 29, 1851 B. D . Hyam to Larkin, October 4, 1851

66 41 215 312 151 9 52

Janes & Noyes to Larkin, September 17, 1852 William S. Jewett to Larkin, October 3 , 1 8 5 1 Charles H . Johnson to Larkin, July 12,1851 William S. Johnson to Larkin, August 4, 1851 John Coffin Jones to Larkin February 10, 1852 November 18, 1852

136 51 26 32

W . H. Kissam to Larkin, M a y 19, 1852

81 160 . . . .

95

Frederic Hobson Larkin To Rachel (Hobson) Holmes Larkin, March 27, 1853 T o Larkin, February 20, 1853 Sophie L. Larkin to Rachel (Hobson) Holmes Larkin, August 31, 1853

242 229 277

Thomas Oliver Larkin And Henry A . Breed. Agreement. October 28,1851 To Samuel A . Chapín Lease. October 1, 1851 Lease. January 28, 1853 T o Encarnación Vallejo Cooper, May 26, 1852 Deposition Notice. September 16, 1851 T o Simeon Draper and Peter Cooper, January 18, 1853

.

59 49 217 97 43 211

[ xvii ] A n d Jacob Primer Leese and A . C . Whitcomb. Agreement. January 28, 1853

216

Power of Attorney. October 24, 1851

57

T o S. W . Ripley, November 4, 1853

301

A n d Henry F. Williams Lease. September 6,1852

125

Lease. January 1, 1853

186

Milton Slocum Latham to William J. Eames, November 8, 1851

. . .

H . Lee to Larkin, October 14, 1853

61 293

Jacob Primer Leese T o William J. Eames November 29, 1851

64

December 8, 1851

68

December 13, 1851

71

July 27, 1852

115

T o Larkin June 2i, 1851

13

June 26, 1851

15

September 30, 1851

47

October 7, 1851

54

M a y 21, 1853

256

October 14, 1853

294

W . W . Leland to Larkin August 28, 1853

275

December 15, 1853

311

George Leviston T o Ebenezer Larkin Childs, June 12, 1853

258

T o Larkin, August 12, 1852

120

Charles L. Ley ton to Larkin, August 13, 1853

271

Loring & Co. to Larkin, M a y 25, 1851

5

William Lovering, Jr., to Larkin, March 31, 1853

245

Charles W . Lubeck to Larkin, October 28, 1851

60

Jirah Luce and Thomas Oliver Larkin. Agreement. August 12,1853 Michael T . McClellan to Larkin, December 22, 1853 J. W . McCorkle to E. B. Hart, M a y 5,1852 Charles Mclntire to Larkin, July 4, 1852

.

271 317 92 112

[ xviii ] F. J. Maguire to Lark in September 16, 1851 October 6, 1851 Charles W . March to Larkin July 9, 1851 April 30, 1852 F. Marriott. Announcement. August 26, 1851 John J. May to Larkin, March 3,1853

22 92 37 236

Sylvanus Mayo To Alpheus Hardy & Co. October 28, 1853 October 31, 1853 To Larkin, October 28, 1853

295 298 296

Francis Melius to Larkin, January 13, 1853

203

Henry Melius to Larkin December 29, 1852 January 3, 1853 January 13, 1853

184 189 204

John Stoney Missroon to Larkin September 30, 1851 October 13, 1851 April 24, 1852 April . . . , 1853 October 4, 1853 Francis Murray to Larkin, August 27, 1851 T. Bailey Myers to Larkin, November 1, 1852

48 55 90 254 289 39 152

W. N. ODwyer to Larkin May 21,1851 August 5, 1851 Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Advertisement. Albert Packard to Larkin June 28, 1853 June 30,1853

42 54

4 32 181 259 260

Andres Pico to Larkin, July 1 , 1 8 5 1

18

William H. Ranlett to Larkin, June 26,1851

16

L A . Rider and Larkin. Agreement May 28,1851

7

[xix] Cadwalader Ringgold to Larkin December 31, 1852 January 7, 1853

186 197

S. W. Ripley to Larkin, August 15,1853 Roe, Lockwood & Son to Larkin, May 24,1851

272 4

James Rogers to Larkin, August 18,1851 William M . Rogers to Larkin, May 20, 1851

36 2

Richard Roman to Larkin, August 8, 1851

34

Charles L. Ross to Larkin. Quitclaim. January 22, 1852

79

Charles L. Ross and Emily H. Ross to Larkin. Reconveyance. May 31,1851 C. T. and T . H. Russell to Alpheus Hardy, February 22,1853 . . . . C. H. St. John to Larkin, November 1,1851 George L. Schuyler to Larkin, August 10,1853 Robert Baylor Semple to Larkin October 17,1851 October 22,1851 October 31,1851 M . L. Sheldon to Larkin, December 25, 1852 C. F. Smith to Charles De Selding & Andrew Wylie, Jr., September 30, 1852 David Spence to Larkin May 20, 1851 May 29,1851 July 10, 1851 August 1, 1851 December 30, 1853 Abel Stearns To William J. Eames, September 28, 1852 To Larkin, August 12,1851 Henry G. Stebbins to Larkin, January 14,1853 Charles Bolivar Sterling To William J. Eames, September 30, 1852 To Larkin June 23, 1851 July 1, 1851

10 230 61 270 56 57 60 183 141 3 9 23 31 318 139 36 208 139 14 20

To Larkin February 6, 1852 February 10, 1852 September 6,1852

. . . .

C. B. Sterling and A. C. St. John to Larkin August 5. 1851 August 30, 1851

80 83 127 33 40

William M . Steuart to Larkin, January 5, 1853

194

Coin B. Storm to Larkin, July 29, 1852

116

W . M . Story to Larkin, June 7,1852

104

Story, Redington & Co. to Larkin July 20, 1852

113

August 2, 1852

118

Alexander Smith Taylor to Larkin September 7, 1851 November 30, 1853

42 307

A . T . Taylor to Larkin, July 28, 1851

30

Thomas G. Thurston to Larkin, July 1 1 , 1851

26

Charles D. Tippett to Larkin, July 12, 1851

27

A. G. Toomes to Larkin, August 30, 1852

123

U. S. Mail Steamship Company. Advertisement.

181

J. Howard Wainwright Instructions, April 28, 1852 To Larkin M a y 28, 1852 January 19, 1853 February 18, 1853 October 3, 1853 October 5, 1853 November 18, 1853 C E. Wetmore to Larkin August 16, 1852 July 23, 1853

91 98 212 227 288 289 303 120 266

Adolphus Carter Whitcomb to Larkin. Memorandum. June 22, 1852

in

Charles A . Whitney to Larkin, December 2 1 , 1 8 5 2

180

[xxi] Elisha Whittlesey T o William J. Eames March 3, 1853

237

March 5,1853

237

T o Larkin October 7, 1851

55

December 1, 1851

65

April 21, 1852

89

July 21, 1852

114

September 8,1852

130

October 16, 1852

147

January 5, 1853

195

January 15, 1853

208

April 14, 1853

249

November 3, 1853

299

Otis Wright to Larkin, December . . . , 1853

319

Andrew Wylie, Jr., to Larkin January 4, 1852

76

September 4, 1852

125

November 15, 1852

159

November 27, 1852

163

December n , 1852

171

December 18, 1852

177

J. Alexander Yoell T o William J. Eames August 18, 1851

37

November 23, 1851

63

January 8, 1852

76

T o Larkin July 1, 1851

21

July 11, 1851

26

July 15, 1851

28

July 24, 1851

29

July 29, 1851

31

September 1, 1851

,

41

VOLUME IX 1851-1853

The Larkin Papers May, 1851-December, 1853

[ JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 2 9 1 . ]

San Jose, M a y 20th 1851 M r . T . O. Larkin Dear Sir ^^ours

of 16th inst. has just come to hand. I have not seen Major

Hensly about the butter but I send to M r s Green ten pounds of fresh butter which I got from Mrs Jones, my wife's mother. She says she can let Mrs Green have 8 or 10 lbs every week if she wants it. She sell it at f 1 per lb. here, and Mrs G. will have to pay the freight down. I think the offer you talk of making M r Potter will do verry well, if he make the whole of the lots on a perfect level with the proper grade of the streets. I presume the grading of Stevenson, Ecker and Anthony Streets is embraced within the grading of the lots. Will he not also include in that estimate our portion of the expense of grading Market Street. If he would do that I think the bargain would be a good one, but if you think it good enough without that, I have no objection to its being done so. I leave it pretty much to your discretion. Yours truly, J. Belden

[WILLIAM M . ROGERS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARJCIN. VII: 2 9 0 . ]

New York May 20th /51 T. O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco, Cal. My dear Cousin I REACHED this city this morning, on my way to Washington, and found Rachel and the children really well. Alfred seemed cheerful and hearty. Oliver has gone to Newport, where Rogerio is, in good spirits and health. He wanted a boat, and I have allowed him one, a row-boat simply, cost $30, on certain conditions. It is reported that Ward & Price1 have failed, and that Price has gone quietly to California. I do not vouch for either. But I call'd on Roe Lockwood & Son and told him if the $500 was not paid you by Ward I sh. look to him for the money. I hope you got the money of Ward. Howard & Son's affairs look to me worse and worse. He, the son, has collected $20,000 out of $37,000 due on the Bro. Jonathan, and taken it to pay his own claims, or rather had done before your left. Now he proposes to pass the lien for the balance over to Griffen and Le Rocque, at the same time that he says he does not think the lien good for any thing. When I claim'd a portion of the $20,000 he, by way of ofset, said there were claims against the projectors of the San Francisco for expenses in getting up moulds for her engines. Besides the Brother Jonathan was seriously injured 24 hours out, and her repairs are added to her cost. I expect nothing from that quarter. Walker with Christie are trying to look up Gray's note for the Santa Clara mine, and say they are ready to pay $12,000 for it. Price told me it was in California. Where is it? I wrote the Sec. of the Treasury and he says he shall cut the Gov. claim on you out of the Mex. Award. I shall get what I can. I have your letter introducing Mr. T . H. Green. He is yet in Havana. I will do what I can for him. I will write from Washington. Yours ever with respects to John and Mr. Eames, Wm. M. Rogers [Rubric] 1 In this letter, the words "Ward & Price," "Howard & Son's," and also "Ward" and "Price" when used individually, have been written over, but they are the names originally used. See also the letter of Roe Lockwood & Son, in reply, dated May 24, 1851, below.

Baldwin has just come in, says it is possible that an offer may be made for your separate and individual interest in Gray's note. It may be well enough to make them show their hand, but with the note in Cal. or not to be found, or possibly the basis of legal steps to repossess yourselves of the mine, I shall do nothing if they make an offer. You may not wish to seperate yourself from the other gendemen in the case. Many thanks to M r . Eames for his letter.

[DAVID SPENCE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII: 2 9 2 . ]

Monterey 20th May 1851 My Dear Sir • A c c o r d i n g to your request in your letter dated on the 1 ith inst. I have made some enquirey about the quarries in this vecinity and find that the best stone for building is to be found in the parcel of land sold by M r . Watson to Captain Jones who came from Valparaiso consigned to the House of Mr. Miller in San Francisco and according to M r . Watson's information it was attached by a M r . Wass, Miller's agent who resides in San Francisco. Perhaps by your making a little enquiry you may find eather the one or the other. The other quarries more emidiate to the town, although of perhaps an inferior quality, would just suit as well for foundations or filling in & c as the other. I will find out who they belonge to and let you know when I return from my farm. Abrego informed me that Lazaro Soto's farm had been sold a few days since for $500 to M r . Randell of the Custome House. I have talked with Randell in a round about way about it. He sayes that he does not care abut selling but if he could get $2500 for it he would let it go. He sayes the title gives him the hilly and the low ground clear to the River with the condition that he shall never disturbe the Mision Indians who may have had posession, or have at any time fenced a part of it.

Recieve the good wishes of Your Comadre, el Compradre Chico, y de Su Affmo. Compradre, D. Spence [Rubric]

[W. N. O'DWYER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 2 9 3 . ]

Marysville 21 st M a y 1851 Dear Sir Y o u may perhaps have seen by this rime in the papers a notice of the death of my friend and partner, James B. Cushing. H e was taken ill on the 1 ith inst and died on the morning of the 18th, most unexpectedly to us all; he was buried on the following day. His disorder was eresipelas in the head which terminated suddenly and fatally. His death has been a severe blow to his parents and I feel it deeply myself. M a n y of the plans we had formed for our future course together are by this sad calamity broken up. I have felt it incumbent upon me to write to you after the preliminary business arrangements made between yourself and us on your visit to Marysville. In respect to this I would merely inform you that although I am now, to my infinite regret, alone I shall still be ready to undertake the performance of your work on the Feather River to such extent as you may see fit to have it carried. I anticipate receiving in a few days the appointment of County Surveyor, to which I have been deputy for the last six months. T h e proximity of your work to Marysville would enable me to attend to it without neglecting my duties here while the character of the work is such as I have several times been engaged in, and in which I take much interest. Expecting to receive intelligence from you shortly, I remain, Dear Sir, Very truly yours, W . N . O'Dwyer

[ROE LOCKWOOD & SON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 2 9 4 . ]

N e w York M a y 24/51 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Dr Sir O ,

the 19th inst. a Mr. Rodgers as your attorney called on us in relation

to your draft in our favor on Gen. Villajo, & informed us that Ward & Price (as he had been told) had failed, & that if they had not paid, or should fail to

pay to you die 5c» dollars being your part of said draft, then he should look to us for the payment. We were at first not a little astonished at the information concerning W. & P. & also at the notice, inasmuch as the draft was given to W. & P. for collection in compliance with your own suggestion, & expressed wish; but our minds were soon relieved by his informing us, in answer to our inquiry, that he had ree'd no instructions from you on the subject. As it regards Ward & Price, we have made inquiry at their office, & the clerk in charge says there is no truth whatever in the report of their failure. We inquired also at the office of the Jn. Ward & Co & Mr. Carryl, one of the partners said he was aware of the rumour, but he did not believe it, & that Mr. Price was a rich man. Still there may be difficulties in California which Mr. Cartyl is ignorant of. Our special object in writing now is to give you—as we do herewith—a duplicate of a letter we wrote you con-jointly,1 i.e. on the same sheet, with one from Ward & Price, as by possibility that did not reach you. We suppose that in pursuance of our joint letters the business has been ere this settled between yourself and Mr. Ward. We have indulged, & do indulge expectations of considerable sales of Spanish books to California through the influence of yourself & Gen. Villajo. We trust we do not presume in relying thus & so far on your kind offices. Very Respy, Yr. Obt Svts. Roe Lockwood & Son

[LORING & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.' VII: 296.]

Valparaiso May 25th 1851 T. O. Larkin, Esq. San Francisco Dear Larkin

A s I see it stated in the newspapers from home you are about leaving for California, I send this in that direction. I suppose you are well, as well also as your family, having seen or heard nothing otherwise, and as you are in some 1

See Roe Lockwood & Son to Larkin, March 28, 1851, The Lsrhin Papers, Volume VIII, p. 409. ' This letter is in the handwriting of Faxon Dean Atherton.

measure a public character, had anything happened it would soon have found its way into the papers. I suppose Mrs. Larkin goes out with you, as she must have had enough of the cold weather there in N . York. The boys & little girl no doubt go with you. All I can say on the subject is good luck to you, and should you make up your mind to settle in California and affairs there ever become as they are in other parts of the world, I shall feel inclined to go there and keep you company. When at leisure write me fully on the subject, as I am at present in a very uncertain state of mind. I have heard some very unpleasant stories here relative to our friend Green. Should there be any truth in them I wish you would write me the particulars. I shall be extremely sorry to hear there is any good foundation for these stories, which I do not believe. Real estate in San Francisco appears to be fast declining. How is it with our Benicia friends? Does the place improve at all? Some say that it does, others that it does not, and never will. A s you are a disinterested party, please tell me the true state of affairs. How are our friends Spence, Watson & c in Monterey? Should you see them please remember me to them. I see Don Joaquin Gomes is dead; peace to his ashes. How arc Howard Teschmacker, Thompson and others of our friends getting on? I see that Howard & Green have dissolved. I hope they have made money. What do you suppose Howard to be worth? What is our friend W . Hobson about? I am afraid he has got through with a good deal of his money, although I hope not. How do our native California friends get on with the present state of affairs? I fear they will not be well pleased. What does Spence say? I see that Don Pablo [de la Guerra?] figures in the Senate, as well as steam. What is A . B. Thompson about? Vallejo I sec has carried his project through. Success to him. What did your trip to the U. S. cost you? Mine cost about 3000$. Business here is now suffering by the reaction of your over-stocked market. What a ruinous business must be doing in California. Poor shippers must suffer terribly. Barley is now about p lb.[?]. Flour 8JJ4 p bag. Will soon be down to 6$ to 6$4 as the mills have been stopped but arc to commence grinding in a few days. Hoping to hear from you ere long, I remain, Your & c . Loring & Co. [Rubric]

[L. A. RIDER AND THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. AGREEMENT. VII: 2 9 8 . ]

[May 2 8 , 1 8 5 1 ] J . HIS Article of Agreement made and entered into this twenty eighth day of May A . D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, between L A . Rider of Benicia, State of California, of the first part, and Thomas O. Larkin of San Francisco, State aforesaid, of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part has this day agreed, and by these presents doth agree, to build for the said party of the second part, a Wharf in front of lot eight (8) in block two (2) in the city of Benicia, and to furnish all the materials for the same according to the annexed plan and specifications marked A and A B 1 of the same date, which we subscribe to as part of this contract, for the sum of eight thousand dollars. The said Wharf to be commenced on the tenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, and to be finished by the fifteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty one; each and every part of the said Wharf to be built in a workmanlike manner. And the said party of the second part hereby agrees to and with the said party of the first part to pay him, the said Rider, the sum of eight Thousand dollars for the above named Wharf in payments as follows, to wit: On On On On

the the the the

tenth tenth tenth tenth

day day day day

of of of of

June 1851—two thousand dollars. July, 1851—two thousand dollars. August 1851—two thousand dollars. September 1851—two thousand dollars.

In Witness Whereof the said L. A . Rider and Thomas O. Larkin have hereunto set their hands and seals in San Francisco, the day and date first above written. Signed, scaled and delivered in the presence of Thos. B. Park [Rubric] L. A . Rider [Seal] Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] [Seal] A Specifications for building wharf in front of lot eight (8) in block two (2) City of Benicia, California. First. The Wharf to be one hundred and sixty one ( 1 6 1 ) feet long and forty 1

The document marked " A B " is missing from The Larkin Papers.

(40) feet wide, with an ell fifty (50) feet long and forty (40) feet wide, to be of wood and constructed in the following manner—to wit—piles driven ten feet apart from centre to centre each way; which piles shall be well driven and to the satisfaction of the superintendant, Asa F. Bradley. Second. They shall be capped with timber twelve (12) inches square, the caps to run across the dock or wharf. The tenons on top of the piles shall be three (3) inches thick, six (6) inches long and eight (8) inches wide, and the caps shall be draw bored and pinned on with an inch and a quarter oak pin. The whole to be covered over with floor joist 3 x 1 2 inches, of good timber, and laid eighteen (18) inches apart from centre to centre, and spotted down to ten inches with square shoulders to close fit on to the tops of the caps. There shall be two twenty-penny nails toed into each bearing of the floor joist. On top of the floor joist shall be laid to close fit three (3) inch plank, well nailed down with at least two forty-penny nails in each plank, at each bearing. Along the whole front of the dock shall be bolted a stick of square timber 1 2 x 1 2 inchcs, resting on the ends of the caps with a bolt of iron with head and nub and washer. The bolt to be inch diameter and one in each cap. There shall be two snubbing posts, one at each end of the wharf to be secured by braces, corners tied with the caps and piles, to the satisfaction of the superintendant. The whole to be done in a substantial and workmanlike manner and to the satisfaction of the superintendant. There shall be driven in front of the wharf ten piles of the largest size, for fenders, squared off at an equal height above the wharf. We, the undersigned, recognise and adopt the foregoing specifications, as part of a contract for the building of a wharf bearing even date herewith. In Witness Whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in San Francisco, this twenty eighth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Thos. B. Park [Rubric] L. A . Rider [Seal] Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] [Seal]

[ w . P. HUMPHREYS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII: 3 0 1 . ]

San Francisco M a y 29th [1851] Mr. Larkin Sir H

AVING

but recently returned from a survey in the County of Butte,

I have understood that you wished your Rancho (called the Bocha [Boga] Rancho) situated on the Feather surveyed. I am acquainted with its locality, its latitude and longitude. I have also all instruments necessary for a careful and accurate survey. Have surveyed in this country 3 years, and have been on the U. S. Coast Survey for some 8 years. Can refer to James King of W m . , Capt Cutts U S Coast Survey, and many others. I [am] willing to make the survey for a moderate sum. Very Respectfully, W . P. Humphreys

[DAVID SPENCE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 299.]

Monterey 29th M a y 1851 T . O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco Dear Compadre T H E Mr. Miller that I aluded to in my last letter to you I was introduced to here yesterday. He is on his way to the south. He told me that he would dispose of the land purchased from Mr. Watson for $3000. It cost him $5.000.1 think he would let it go for $500 less. If he should not touch here on his way up no doubt you will se him in San Francisco. He is at present on some wild goose chase about mining. I spoke to Lazaro Soto about his farm. He said he knew nothing about the sale, neather had he been notified before it tooke place. This I do not beleave. You know what sort of a man he is. Monterey is entirley deserted. God only knows where all the people have gone to. It puts me in mind of the year 1837 when all the folks went to the south

with Alvarado, and I was told yesterday that the coyotes or foxes were comencing there old tricks on the poultry. Receive the good wishes of all this household. Yours very truly, D. Spence [Rubric]

[CHARLES L. ROSS AND EMILY H. ROSS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. RECONVEYANCE.

vii: 300.] [May 31, 1851] T H I S Indenture made and entered into this thirty first day of M a y in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one between Charles L Ross and Emily H . his wife of the first part and Thomas O. Larkin of the second part, Witnesseth: That whereas on the first day of December 1849

^

said Thomas O . Larkin and Rachel his wife, executed a certain deed conveying to the said Charles L. Ross certain property in the City of San Francisco, conditioned and dependant upon certain undertakings of the said Ross therein contained, which said deed was delivered to Howard & Green as an escrow to be delivered to the said Ross upon the fulfillment of the conditions pieced out aforesaid and whereas the said Ross has been unable to comply with the conditions precedent therein contained, and is willing to release any claim either legal or equitable that he may have acquired to the property aforesaid; N o w then, in consideration of the premises and also for the further consideration of five dollars in hand paid the parties of the first part by the party of the second part at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, they, the parties of the first part, have granted and released and these presents do grant and release unto the party of the second part and his heirs forever, all right, title and interest, legal or equitable, that they may have in and to the following described premises being the same heretofore alluded to and contained in the Deed of Indenture aforesaid, viz.: One lot of fifty Mexican varas square on the corner of Washington and Montgomety Streets, San Francisco, which was granted by the Mexican authorities to James A . Forbes in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty six and recorded in the original books of grants " A " in said San Francisco, page one hundred seventeen (117), and by said Forbes granted to said Larkin and recorded in the archives of said San Francisco book "B" page one hundred sixteen (116). Also eight water lots in said San Francisco and lying between Clay and

Washington, Battery and Montgomery Streets, numbered on the map of said town and now in its archives one hundred nineteen (i 19) recorded on books "BC" page three hundred nineteen (319). Lot number one hundred twenty three (123) recorded on book "B" page fifty (50) granted by the authorities of said town of San Francisco to said Larkin. Also lot number one hundred twenty (120) granted by the said authorities to George McDougal and Benjamin S. Lippincott and recorded on book "B" page seventy two (72); by said McDougal and Lippincott granted to Charles L. Ross, by said Ross to Simmons Hutchinson & Company, by said Simmons Hutchinson & Company to said Larkin and recorded in book " H " page one hundred fifty one (151). Also lot numbered one hundred twenty five (125) recorded on book "B" page fifty two (52). Lot numbered one hundred twenty six (126) recorded on book "B" page fifty four (54). Lot numbered one hundred thirty six (136) recorded on book "B" page fifty six (56). Lot numbered one hundred thirty eight (138) recorded on book "B" page sixty (60). Lot numbered one hundred thirty seven (137) recorded on book "B" page fifty eight (58) granted by the authorities of said town of San Francisco to said Larkin being in all one lot of fifty varas on the corner of Washington and Montgomery Streets, and eight water lots between Clay and Washington, Batteiy and Montgomery Streets in said town of San Francisco, respectively marked and numbered on the map of said town, viz.: (119) One hundred nineteen. (120) (123) (125) (126) (136) (137)

One hundred One hundred One hundred One hundred One hundred One hundred

twenty. twenty three. twenty five. twenty six. thirty six. thirty seven.

(138) One hundred thirty eight. To be known by the name of Larkin's Range. And the parties of the first part, for themselves, their heirs, executors and administrators do covenant and agree with the party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, that they will forever Warrant and Defend the premises hereby conveyed, against all claims and demands arising from any act done, deed executed or encumbrance created, by the said parties of the first part or by either of them.

In Testimony Whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written. Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence o f — Charles L. Ross [Seal] Wm. J. Eames Emily H . Ross [Seal] Wm. Stanwood [Rubric] State of California js.s. County of San Francisco On the thirty first day of M a y one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, personally came before me Charles L. Ross and Emily H . Ross his wife and severally acknowledged the within release to be their free act and deed, and the said Emily his wife being examined by me apart from her husband, acknowledged that she executed the same fully and freely without any fear of compulsion from her husband and I certify that I well know the said Charles L. Ross and the said Emily H . Ross, and that they are the same persons who are described in the within conveyance and who executed the same. Witness my hand and official seal the day and date aforesaid. William Stanwood, Notary Public [Seal] Recorded in the Office of the County Recorder of San Francisco in Liber 5 of Deeds, p. 191. M a y 31st 1851 at 3 o'C. & 15 m. P. M . John A . McGlynn, County Recorder By Jas. O'Grady, Deputy

[ASA F. BRADLEY TO JACOB PRIMER L E E S E . VII: 3 0 3 . ]

Benicia June ioth 1851 Jacob B. Leese Esq.

Dr Sir I RECEIVED your letter per the hand of Mr. Eames and haste to reply. A s you requested I will give you the legal fees for surveying, and then my proposition which I will here express a hope you may find to your interest to accept.

Fees for surveying land by the statutes of Cal.— The outlines of your farm 20 miles @ 8$ per mile Subdividing into 160 acre lots—96 @ 8$ per Expences of chainman & marker @ 6$ per day including board 150 days Fees for calculating area 1 1 0 lots @ 3 $ Map for record Map for topography Total

$160.00 768.00 900.00 330.00 3.00 100.00 $2,251.00

I propose to do your surveying for $6.50 per mile, you furnishing chainman, with their board and all the necessary stakes to complete the survey. For that sum I will charge nothing for map for record, or ornamental or topografical map. I will commence on the fifteen of July and procecute it to completion and finish it in the shortest time possible consistent with acuracy, and unavoidable accidents & circumstances. By this proposition it will be more equitable for both parties than to do it by the job, furnishing the chainman and other expences for I may not be able to judge acurately of the time it will take to complete the work. I will prepare your map in time. Very Respectfully Yours, Asa F. Bradley

[JACOB PRIMER L E E S E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 2 3 9 . ]

Monterey June 21st 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esquire

My D. Sir I N answer to yours of the 20th from your Secretary Mr. W . Hames [Eames] relativ to sending your chest of papers, I must say to you that I was absent when the Goliah went up and hav had no other oppertunity, but you may expect them by the Ohio in a few days. I here send you enclosed the key of the chest, and two letters which I find in the post office, also the letter of M r . Breed which has been in my possession as I informed you about. Relativ to the

Belgim emigrants, I would rethcr you would not get them to go to Benicia, as it may result against our interest. I hav made arrangements with M r Lubeck about their gowing to San Louis in case of their arivail before I get up, say about the fifteenth of next month. I hav been called upon here for a list of your city property and am not able to giv it. They say it is necessary for to giv in a list. So if you wil send me one I will regulate it Recollect I hav a map of yours. The taxes wil be much lightr her this year than it was last. I hav nothing particular to wright you. Monterey is entirely dun up. There is not a man here that clears his expences (but a verty good place to stay). Excuse my hast as I wright in a hurry to send it by safe hands, Mr. Crane who promices to deliver it personally. With respects I am sir, Yours & Truly, J. P. Leese [Rubric]

[CHARLES BOLIVAR STERLING TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 0 5 . ]

Larkin's Rancho, June 23d 1851 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr. Sir

I AM very anxious to get a piece of land and to make good and substantial improvements upon the same. I prefer the west, to the east side of the Sacramento River. I have just seen Mr. Ide and was speaking to him in regard to the boundaries of this Rancho. He says the lower boundary of your Children's Rancho does not extend more than two or three miles below the house and that the first little log cabin below here is on the Jimeno Rancho. I like the location very much. Now I want you to promise me the refusal of a third or half or league right there; if you can give a warrity deed state your price or the price for a conditional deed. Then again if Bidwell & Semple's tide prove good, their land will not come up so high, leaving a strip probably of a half or league between the Ranches, and if they should allow your Jimeno title, you would probably take it below so as to have it in a body, then this strip will be public land, or should you begin your boundary there, I want it of you and should be pleased to hear from you, with your views and opinions in regard to it.

Before I make any arrangements for improving it, I should like to have a guarentee from you so as to secure me in future. I am desirous of putting up a house, corals, fields & c that will have more the appearance of home, than the Old Adobie. Should you favor me with your opinion and forward my views any, you need have no fears for this place as I shall have an eye to it and previous to leaving, either establish my father-in-law here or some other family. There are many places and perhaps better that I could get or move to, but I have got accustomed to this neighborhood and prefer it to any other. I have not ree'd any communication from you since you were here. I am Sir, Very respectfully, C. B. Sterling [Rubric] A Californian of the name of Manuel Garcia stole a number of horses from Neals and one from me on Friday morning last. M y partner M r . San John and a party went in pursuit the same day. Write to me at Fremont, California.

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I : 3 0 7 . ]

Monterey June 26th 1851 Thos. O. Larkin, Esqr DrSir B y the Ohio I send you your chest of papers. And by Capt John Wilson I send you some letters also enclosed the key of the chest of papers. I am sorry to hear of the burning of San Francisco again. I hope you hav not met with any serious loss. I shall be up on or about the 15th of next month. By first mail please send me an assortement of your late papers, as I can get more news out of them about the particulars of the fire than by letter. Please excuse the scrall. I am yours & truly, J. P. Leese [Rubric]

[WILLIAM H. RANLETT TO THOMAS OUVER LARKIN. VII: 3 0 6 . ]

Thos. O. Larkin Esqr.

^

^

Dear Sir

I

SEND you the plans I propose to build on the lot corner of Sansome & Merchant Streets 7 6 ^ x 7 4 ^ ft those shown the two stories & believe it will be best to complete the building at once. I am obliged to leave town this morning & will return about next Monday & will then enter into the matter at once. I think you will like the distribution of the rooms & offices & the permanent appearance of the walls. We shall have no wood outside and but little inside. W e have found two gents, who will take stores at such rent as we may arrange. The plans need not be shown to builders or mechanics at present. Respectfully yours,

Wm. H. Ranlett

Friend Larkin I have made arrangements to pay out some money Thursday next and you will be able to leave the Ross [?] amc. in the office of James King of Wm. Yours Truly, *I,6o°

Saml. J. Hensley

[ J O H N S . CRIPPS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 0 8 . ]

Thos. O. Larkin Esqr.

Napa June 28th 1851

Dear Sir

A

the agent of Mrs Bale, the widow of Dr E T Bale, I take the liberty of asking if you retain any remembrance of, or ever had any knowledge of, what way Dr E T Bale was to settle with Mr. Kilburn on account of certain shingles delivered to you on their joint contract made by them with you. Any information upon the subject will be thankfully received. I am Sir, Very respectfully, Your obdt. servant, John S Cripps

\ln the handwriting of Larking Your letter of the 28 June is rec'd. I do not remember the trade between the late Dr Bale & Mr Kilburn—but think it was on half or equal shares. I hand you my bill with the late Dr Bale that you may leam something about the affair of shingles or clabboards, also the amt. due me by the estate. Mrs Bale being an old friend of mine I did not wish to present the account sooner and was waiting to know what [was] going to be done by her or the administrator of the estate. Please give my respect to Dona Ynacia and say I hope to be at her Rancho this summer but am much engaged at present.

[ j O S I A H BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V D : 3 0 9 . ]

San Jose June 30th 1851 T. O. Larkin Esqr Dr Sir by Mr. E. O. Crosby to you three thousand dollars $3000, for which you can draw a note at three or four months with interest and deposite it with M r Bond, or find M r Wilson, the partner of M r Bassham, and send it up by him. I expect to go to Monterey in two or three days. If you want 20c» more you can let me know by the time I come back. Yours truly, J. Belden I

SEND

[ADAMS & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V U ^ ^ . ]

San Francisco, July i, 1851 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir

H

AVING reduced our prices for the transmission of Gold Dust, both insured and uninsured, we beg leave to call your attention to the same, flattering ourselves we can offer you facilities over all other modes of conveyance. Your Ob't Svt's, Adams & Co.

[ASA F. BRADLEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I ^ I ^ . ]

Benicia July i, 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esq Dr sir I HAVE, in accordance with your directions, finished the road-way from wharf to line of street, and called the attention of the city council to the forty feet remaining unfinished, but they do not seem disposed to do anything. The forty feet west end of wharf is ready to land at now, and the hulk is to be moored along side tomorrow, where it will be very inconveniant to get to and from the landing, unless the forty feet is finished. The road-way so far has cost near $800.00 I shall do nothing further about the road until I hear from you. Your obt Srv't, Asa F. Bradley [Rubric]

[ANDRÉS PICO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 3 1 o . ]

San José i ° de Julio de 1851 Sr. Dn. Tomas O. Larkin San Francisco Muy Sor. Mió DECEOSO de chancelar mi cuenta con V . penzaba haber tenido el gusto de haberlo visto en ese punto á mí regreso del Sacramento; pero á mí llegada se hallaba V. en Monterrey. Tengo en poder del Sr. W Jaur [W. D. M . Howard] tres mil y tantos pesos (3000$) en papel del Estado. Espero me diga V . sí me los podrá tomar. Será favor que agradeceré muchicimo pues habra V. oido decir que los abogados me han sacrificado. Espero su contestación lo mas pronto posible para determinar en caso que V . admita su entrega. Esta ocacion me proporciona la de ofrecer á V. las consideraciones de mi distinguido aprecio y B. S. M . Andrés Pico

\ln the handwriting of Larkin:] My old friend Your letter is rec'd. Mr. [blank] wrote to me that you had some months back sent to this town 3,000$ to pay your note due me. I learn from Mr. W. D. M . Howard that he has had in his hands about 1,200$ that you deposited with him, which I suppose is for me. If you will send to me the State scrip you speak of, I will take it at its par value here. I wish you to send me an order on Mr. W . D. M . Howard for the amt he has of yours. Any ballance that may be left in my hands will be ready for you. I sold the orchard to you cheap and against my will because you was so anxious to have it to compleat your land trades in the same vicinity. When I met you in Sacramento City, it being our first meeting, I did not speak to you about the note. Your early attention to it will oblige me.

[ANDRES PICO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. VII: 3 I O . ]

San Jose, July i, 1851 Mr. Thomas O. Larkin San Francisco Dear Mr. Larkin

I3esirous

of closing my account with you, I expected to have the pleasure of seeing you there [in San Francisco] on my return from Sacramento, but you were in Monterey when I arrived. Mr. W . D. M . Howard is holding 3,000 and some pesos ($3,000) of State currency in my name, and I hope you will tell me whether or not you can accept them from me. It would be a favor which I should deeply appreciate, for you will have heard that the lawyers stripped me. I await your reply at the earliest possible moment so that I can take the proper steps if you agree to this remittance. Availing myself of the opportunity to assure you of my highest esteem, I am, very sincerely yours, Andres Pico

[CHARLES BOLIVAR STERLING TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII: 3 1 2 . ]

Fremont, Cal a , July ist 1851 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Sir I ARRIVED here last evening from home with m y wife on a short visit to her parents. I expected to find here a communication from you, together with the lease of the old adobie and such portion of the rancho as you may choose to place under Sterling & St. John's charge. I wish you to make this lease for five years, to suit your own views and not mine, for you must bear in mind that I took possession of the place after it had been abandoned by Mr. Williams and have been at a $1000 expense in fitting the place up. A s regards what was destroyed & fell into ruin in Williams absence, I have nothing to do with, and if you are not satisfied with what I have already done, I cannot help it. I have worked entirely to your interest. I want the rancho not because there is profit to be made out of it, but because I am there with my family and not ready to leave just now. I am not willing to pay anything for it and not even the taxes, as you hinted, that you would like for us to pay; if you will send the lease on these terms, together with any instruction in regard to the rancho, I will carry out to the letter. If you should let me have the place, I will not bind myself to remain there, but should I move my father-in-law or some man that I know will take it. I am desirous that you write to me immediately on this subject, as I must make my arrangements for the future and to do that, I wish to know your views and opinions in regard to the land below your Children's Rancho. Mr. Ide informs me that according to his survey, your Children's Rancho does not extend more than

miles below the house. I want the land below the

boundaiy and do not want to run any risk about it and to do that you must agree to something. I will in the first place get Ide to show me the lower line of your Children's Rancho. I will then put up my improvements a half mile below said boundaiy & I want you to give me an instrument in writing to this effect, that should the land that I settle on be in your Children's Survey, I am to have a lease for ten or twenty years, the value of which to be fixed by four arbitrators, two to be chosen by yourself and two by me and at the expiration of that time to be renewed, or I to have the privilege of buying the land from your

heirs or yourself or you to buy my improvements, the whole to be appraised by three appraisers to be appointed at our request by the County Judge. In the second place if the title to your lower rancho is confirmed to you, I want you to say what you will take per acre in a square body on the river for a conditional deed, warrantee deed or whether you will be willing to settle the price per acre by arbitration or you to buy my improvements, arbitrators to be disinterested persons. Any of these arrangements will be as much to your advantage as mine and I do not see any objection that you can urge & hope you will send the necessary papers immediately per mail to Fremont, Yolo Co., Cai.» & as it may be necessary for a disinterested lawyer to draw up these papers, I am willing to pay him, & c . When the collector presents your tax bill, I will give you intelligence of it. Your reply is solicited immediately as I may remain here five (5) days and if I knew where to find you & no mistake I would come to see you. Yours & c respectfully, Chas. B. Sterling [Rubric] Col. C. D. Semple who I think is about half crazy says that you have offered to compromise. He says your Jimeno tide is not worth a d — d and if you kicked up a fuss about it, he would prevent your Children's farm from passing the commissioners. This is between ourselves, and as fools sometimes work miracles, I give you this information gratis. S.

[ J . ALEXANDER YOELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 1 1 . ]

San Jose July ist 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esq San Francisco Dear Sir ^ f o u R esteemed favor of the 28th ult. is to hand, also the accompanying documents. In the month of August next I have some business in Sonoma & Napa and will then attend punctually to therecoveryof your demands. The a/c of E. T. Bale is herewith returned in order that you may furnish the necessary

vouchers to prove the items therein set forth. I also transmit an affidavit according to statute. You will see the necessity of attending carefully to all the minutiae as the a/c has to be presented to the Probate Court. I have this day taken Andres Pico's acknowledgment to the mortgage deed, & filed it with the county recorder, & will forward it as soon as recorded. Andres Pico Esq desires me to say that he left the money to discharge his obligation in San Francisco. I rather think that you had better forward the original note of Mark West's with the certificate of W . H . Davis under oath before a competent officer as I should not like to go so far and then be unprepared. Awaiting farther favors, I am very respectfully, Your Obt Servant, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric] P. S. The affidavits must have the county clerk's certificate of the official character of the officer before whom they are taken. [Rubric]

[CHARLES W. MARCH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 1 4 a . ]

N e w York July 9th '51 My dear sir A s

M r . Rogers informs me he has no authority to pay my fee of five

per cent I have drawn on you for the amount in favor of John Parrott with whom I have some business transactions. I regret that you should not have made some provision for my pay before you left, as I am subjected to delay & some expence in drawing on you at San Francisco. You will have learnt that the Land Commission is finally filled. Is any money to be made out of it? In the hope to hear from you soon, I remain resp'y & truly yours, Chs. W . March Thos. O. Larkin Esq.

[DAVID SPENCE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 1 5 . ]

Monterey July ioth 1851 Tho. O. Larkin Esq Dear Com padre after the last great fire in San Fran"» I wrote you three letters in answer to yours respecting Lazaro Soto, stone quarring & c . & c . I have not yet heard if you ree'd them. I saw Mr. Grimes a few days ago on his way to San Fran00 from New York. I enquired for all your famley and found that they were enjoying good health when he left. Nothing new in Monterey. I am making preparations to rais my house, and in a few days will take the roof of. Receive the good wishes of your Comadre y Compadre. Yours very truly, SOON

D. Spence [Rubric]

[ELEANOR N. GRAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I 1 3 1 7 . ]

Vicksburg, Mississippi July n t h [1851] To Mr. T . O. Larkin My Dear Cousin ^^OUR arrival in California, with your family, I hail with great pleasure! since I know you will be added to the friends of my husband, absent as he is, from those dear to him. It is many months since I wrote you, & I do so now wishing to be revived in your mind. I was rather surprized to find you had actually left for Calf» as I thought after making such a fine sale of your "Feather river land to the London & Paris Company" (as reported in the New York Herald), you would leave business & interests for awhile, and enjoy the great doings in New York at the approaching World's Fair & I looked for your name enrolled among those acting as Principals, but presume you are one who prefers business to pleasure & perhaps while plans are immature or unsettled, and the

final issue uncertain, it is well to be cautious. Mrs. Larkin was probably disappointed, and I suppose thought her health demanded immediate return to the fresh, invigorating breezes of Calf* (as I am told it is very delicate). Half the world will be there, that is, the Southern portion, every one that can raise the dollars will go, or has gone. What a glorious thing it is to be rich! so many comforts as well as pleasures to be siezed! but riches bring cares also. I do hope to one day reach California, & promise myself to use all my energies to improve my fortunes. California is still looked to as the goal of happiness, by many, those particularly whose happiness depends upon money ( & I am sure without it we cannot have much, but many who go there return sadly disappointed & others again never return. I have been wishing & entreating my husband to return (if he cannot send for me soon), for he could do well here now, but he is so infatuated with Calf®, the climate, & c , that it would be hard to persuade him to come back. He thinks if he has not yet bettered his fortunes he may yet do so. His organ of hope seems to have increased since he went to Calf.» He is not a very sanguine temperament M y hope always was large, but believe it is decreasing, for I have been hoping to go to him some months back, & it seems I am no nearer obtaining my wishes than six months ago. This separation is intolerable. God grant it may not be much longer! If my husband was in some permanent business, or in receipt of a stated salary, so that he could see his way clear, I think he would send for us. Now, Dear Cousin, that you are there, I do earnestly entreat you to exert your influence in his behalf & endeavour to get him into some office or engaged in something less laborious & wearing than surveying, which is also too exposed a life for a man of his years. He was in the Land Office several years in his younger days, & at the age of 16 got a salary of one thousand dollars. He has also been in the Counting House a number of years & is an elegant book-keeper. He accumulated a handsome property at one time, but speculations & the banks, with a change of the times, brought changes in his fortunes, & I sold my last negro a few years ago. We still have some land claims here, but my husband writes me he would not give one acre in Calf 1 for one hundred in Mississippi. He has been a large planter—worked 70 or 80 hands. His plantation cost him a hundred & sixty thousand $ & was paid for (except the last payment. So you'll perceive he must have some knowledge both of business & of men. I write you these things for I know he is rather reserved & retiring in his manners & I am afraid you

wonc know or appreciate him until time may cause you to see him as he is. You must excuse me, Oliver, for thus intruding upon your time, but I feel so unhappy away from husband that in the overflow of these feelings I resort to you & once more solicit your aid & influence in my husband's behalf, that he may obtain some permanent employment, one to be depended upon & you will ever have the gratitude & prayers of your Cousin. It is rumored here that Dr Gwinn of Vicksburg (more recendy Senator from Calf*) has been killed in a duel. Is it the case? I hear also that Mrs. G. urged him to fight. It is painful to think of. He was much esteemed here & I had hopes of his interest for M r . Gray as he was a friendly man. It has been my misfortune to lose my dear little boy 2 years & half old. He died of scarlet fever the last day of April. M y husband perhaps has heard of it by this. The child was too angelic for this atmosphere! Eugene Rogers was his name, & he served to fill the void of my husband's absence. He is missed by us all! M y niece, Mrs Marie Bryant & husband have gone on to the World's Fair & Sister Martha Bartlctt talks of going on to board with Maryan n Parker (where your children are). Mrs. B's son, N . Gray B. will go with her to attend school. He is a remarkably fine lad of nearly years. They all seem quite pleased with your boys and also attached to them. Maryann says it will be an advantage to her family as they will learn something of Spanish. I am expecting letters daily, relative to Uncle's property, as I expect to get a small share. Mr. Parker says by a discount we can get our portion now, & if the sacrifice is not too great, we will all unite, for even if it is small, it will help us a little. Mr. Parker is obliged to move as they are grading the street by his house & she writes quite annoyed by it, for he had leased the house & will have to pay the rent even if he leaves it—but I dare say this is uninteresting to you, & will close. Please present my regards to Mrs. Larkin. Hope at some day not far distant to make her acquaintance. Also remember me to Cousin John Cooper & accept for yourself my regards & c . Yours affy. E. N . Gray I wrote my husband about the 5th inst.

[THOMAS G. THURSTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII: 3 1 9 . ]

Friday 12 o'clock M . Dear Sir

^y

"/51

I WILL be here at 3 o'clock and I wish you to loan me $500.00. With that amL I can pay a few small bills I owe, and my passage to N. Orleans. I already owe you $500.00 and must request you to put it in a note (or the whole amount ($1000.00 and interest). I will pay the whole in all probability on my return in Nov. or Deer or as soon thereafter as possible. Yours &c,

Thos. G. Thurston [Rubric]

[ j . ALEXANDER YOELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 1 6 . ]

San Jose July i ith 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco

H

EREWITH I beg to hand you the deed remitted to me for record together with a letter from Don Andres Pico. As regards the papers for Napa I shall not be in San Francisco before going there as I go the whole way from here by land when on circuit at Martinez. Your's Obediendy,

J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[CHARLES H. JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I : 3 2 0 . ]

Monterey 12th July 1851 Mr. T . O . Larkin Sir

.^^T a meeting held in Monterey on the nth July for the purpose of consulting upon the feasibility of constructing a rail road from this city to some point on the San Joaquin River, and to offer such considerations in property in

che city as would induce foreign capitalists to embark funds in the undertaking, you were appointed one of the Executive Committee, it being their duty to obtain donations in lands from the citizens of the city & county of Monterey to any company organized within two years from the ist January 1852 for the purpose of constructing such rail road, these donations to become the absolute property of the company upon the completion of the road. Your associates on the Committee are David Spence, M . Little, José Abrego, J. B. Wall, Jos. Boston & C . H. Johnson. By order, Ch" H . Johnson Sec7 P. S. We would remark that by accepting the appointment it will not be incumbent on you to leave S. Franc0.

[CHARLES D. TIPPETT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VD : 3 1 8 . ]

Benicia, July 12,1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esq San Francisco Dr Sir O n the evening of the receipt of your note in relation to the additions made to the lease by Wm. J. Eames, your attorney, I was called on important business from town and am just returned and hasten to send copy. Yours Respectfully, Charles D. Tippett "I hereby agree to grant to Hubbard & Co. the privilege to remove the buildings they may erect on the wharf leased to them in Benecia, or to rent the premises on which the said buildings are erected for a fair compensation after the lease of said wharf expires." Tho's O. Larkin By his attorney, W m . J. Eames

[ J. ALEXANDER YOELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII: 3 2 1 . ]

San Jose July 15th 1851 T . O. Larkin Esq San Francisco Dear Sir Y o u r s of 14th insc is to hand and in answer I beg to say that Don Andres Pico left town today for Sonoma, but will return shortly when I will deliver your letter and attend promptly to the arrangement of whatever he may have to do in the premises. Yours with respect, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[THOMAS R. COOPER TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. VALLEJO DOCS. XXXV-.322.]

Dorchester, July 22th 1851 Cousen Cooper I

write

to you a few lines to informe you of Cousen W m . Rogers sick-

ness. He had a parolitick shock, or shock of the palsey, last Tuesday July 15th. I been to Uncle to day but cant see him. His colleage [colleague] was thier, but he could not see him. H e is struck on the right side. He cant use his right arm or his right leg, but thank God he can speak. I think he will get over it before long, however. 1 hope so. I was thier last night when the doctor was thier. H e said he was decided better. . . . Thos. R. Cooper [Rubric]

[ j . ALEXANDER Y O E L L TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 2 3 . ]

San Jose July 24/851 T. O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco Dear Sir 1 3 O N Andres Pico arrived in town today & wishes me to inquire of you at what price I may receive his scrip. As they arc warrants therefor you will please state the maximum. I remain Sir, Yours &c, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric] In answer to M r Eames' inquiry there is not a single dollar of Old Bonds in this town. J. A. Y . [Rubric]

[ASA F. BRADLEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 2 5 . ]

Benicia July 26th 1851 Tho's O. Larkin Esq DrSir I HAVE just ree'd yours of today making enquiries about wharf and advice "about hearsay" relative to the wharf jarring. I have the satisfaction to state that I have just finished bolting the fender piles up to the wharf, and that I had them drove about one foot from the front and spring up precisely in accordance with your San Fran, friends suggestion. It is now the stiffest and most subtantial wharf in California, and I chalenge the contrary. It is not only my opinion, but the opinion of M r Gibbs of San Francisco. You must not mind the remarks of Tom, Dick or Hary, my dear friend, relative to Benicia. Tell them we have the best wharf in California and I will back you in it. I hope to see you up here soon to examine for your self. Very truly your obt srvt A . F. Bradley

[A. T. TAYLOR TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 2 4 . ]

Placerville July 28 Eldorado County Thos. O. Larkins Esq. Dear Sir

Yo

.OUR generosity will pardon die liberty taken by a stranger in writing to you, and prompt you to a patient perusal of what I have to write. I venture this communication in behalf of myself and five other gentlemen who having become tired of merchantile and mining pursuits have concluded to engage in agriculture and stock-raising. Now what we want is to procure land enough in one tract for six families so that we can at once have a good settlement and all the advantages of good neighbors and congenial society. In a tour up the Sacramento we found several places that offered advantages and inducements, but were told by some that it all belonged to you, while others beleive or pretend to beleive that it is public land. We do not wish to settle on your land unless in accordance with some agreement which shall be made with you, while on the other hand we do not like to purchase land of an individual without a guarantee from said individual that we shall be secured in our possession and rights without paying anything to the Government or anybody else. The land in question is situate on Sacramento River (west side) between Salmon Falls Bend and your house now occupied by Mr. C. B. Sterling or between said house and a point some fifteen miles above. We want enough for six lots, which shall be each half a mile wide on the river, and one mile from the river back towards the mountains, making in all one thousand nine hundred and twenty acres. Now, Sir, you probably know whether the land in question belongs to you or not. You know whether you wish to dispose of any of it to settlers and if so can probably make to us some proposition as to location, price and terms which will be satisfactory to all. By considering our communication and transmitting an answer you confer a great favor on those who wish to be considered. Yours Respectfully J &c.

A. T . Taylor

For himself and J. G. Carpenter, M . D.; E. N . Strout, Esqr.; Bruce Herrick; John Birchum; James Birchum. Please direct to A . T . Taylor, Placerville.

[ j . ALEXANDER Y O E L L TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 2 6 . ]

San Jose July 29th 1851 T. O. Larkin Esq San Francisco Dear Sir I THIS day handed your letter to Don Andres Pico and that gentleman says that he will not let any of his warrants go under 80^, & farther that if you do not take them at that, that he can not pay the amount or any part thereof. I remain, Dear Sir, Your Obe't Servant, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[DAVID SPENCE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VU: 3 2 7 . ]

Monterey Aug. ist 1851 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. My Dear Compadre B y Mr. Leese I return you the three titles you sent me for the purpose of having recorded &c. The detention has originated from the absence of Cap Walter. The whole amt. paid by me to the recorder was $17.50. Mr. Green formaly settled the taxes on my lots in Benicia and Sacramento City. As he is absent I will be obliged to you if conviently you will take that trouble and I will refund what amt. you pay as soon as you let me know. Lot in Benecia 10th Block No. 32; Lot in Benecia 16th Block No. 42; Lot in Sacramento City No. 4 in the square between K and L Streets and 30 & 31 streets. Will you excuse haste as I am up to the knees in mud and adobe. Yours very Sincerely, D. Spence [Rubric]

[WILLIAM S. JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 3 2 8 . ]

Monterey, Recorder's Office Aug 1 4th 1851 T. O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir I AM in receipt of your favor of the 28th ult. enclosing translations & copies of deeds on record in the Co. Recorder's office of this County. These translations may be correct and all except the Jimeno transfer exist on record here in the Spanish language. I cannot therefore certify to these translations. The copy of the deed from Flugge is not correct and the transfer from Jimeno has been with others transferred to the Office of the Secy, of State, through Mr. A . J. Yates of San José, who was appointed by the Secy, of State under a late Act of the Legislature, to receive them from this office. I conceive it will be better that you should have attested copies made from the records in this office which I will make out and forward, if you so desire. I am, Dr Sir, Yours respy. Wm. S. Johnson

[ w . N. o'DWYER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 2 9 . ]

Marysville Yuba Co. 5th Aug. 1851 Dear Sir SINCE the receipt of your letter of the 19th ult. I have with as little delay as possible ascertained the name of the assessor of Butte Co. & enclosed your letter to him with a request that he would acknowledge its receipt His name is A. H. Stout, lives somewhere between Bidwells & Hamilton. That of the Treasurer is E. K. Dodge. Both to be addressed at Hamilton. If I can be of any service to you in that quarter in the way of business, I shall be happy to attend to your wishes. I remain, Yours very truly W. N . O'Dwyer

[ c . B. STERLING & A. C. ST. JOHN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 3 0 . ]

Larkins Ranch, Colusa Co. Aug 5th 1851 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco Sir Y o u r s of July 5th was rec'd on the 3d inst acknowledging the receipt of two letters from Mr. Sterling. We are very willing (one of us) to come down and make an arrangement with you in regard to the leasing of this rancho and buying a piece of land of you on the Jimeno Rancho, the piece that Mr. Sterling mentioned in his last letter to you, but, our business arrangements are such as to preclude the possibility of our seeing you at present. We wish to see you as soon as possible. Since you were here, Mr. St. John has bought of Sterling an equal interest in his farm, on the opposite side, and should the papers be of no value, we will each hold a quarter section of land and can at some future time after the adjudication of the land titles, buy adjoining quarter sections of our neighbors, sufficient for our farming and herding opperations. A t any rate we wish to secure the refusal of a piece of land, adjoining the southern boundary of your Children's Ranch. You will oblige us and quite a number of persons living near here, by seeing and using your influence with Col. Goggin, the post office Agent for California and have a post office established here at your house and as it will have to have a name call it "Larkin," and as both Mr. A . C. St. John & C. B. Sterling are whigs, you can recommend us for the post mastership. We are very resp'y Your Obt. Servts. C B. Sterling & St John [Rubric]

[RICHARD ROMAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. Y D : 3 3 1 . ]

Vallcjo August 8th 1851 Dear Sir ^ o u r s of the 18th ult. was only received this morning. The county treasurer of Yolo is G. M . Keene, of Butte E. K Dodge. The County of Colusi was created by an act of the last legislature and no returns having been yet made from that county we have no means of knowing who are its officers. The assessors having to settle with the county auditors have no official correspondance with the comptroller or treasurer of state, and not being commissioned by the Governor, we have no means here of ascertaining their names. We have, however, the names of the auditors, which may answer your purpose. Of Butte T. J. Jenkins is auditor, and of Yolo Chas. F. Collins is DepO' auditor, the name of the principal not appearing on the returns. Very Resply. Yours & c . Rich'd Roman P. S. The condition of the assessments & c of Colusi are probably known to the officers of Butte County. Respy. R. Roman

[ ; . S . BRADFORD TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 3 2 . ]

Benicia, Cal. Aug. ioth 1851 Mr. T. O. Larkin Dear Sir I HEAR that you feel some interest in the coming election. I thought that I could approach you on the subject of finances necessary to cany on the contest I am engaged in. The fire at San Francisco deprived me of funds that I had calculated upon serving me during the summer, and the want of which has rendered me unable to carry on the contest with the necessary spirit. I have to contend with a man who is unscrupulous in the use of money and other means necessary to secure his election, besides he has many interests at stake to protect

which he seeks this position. While I would wish money, I do not ask it (or nothing, but will give good property at a very low price. The following arc the lots Block Lot 35 y* 35

12 18

Lot

Block

9 ii

46 46

x5

9 9 7 3 7 3 7 3 7 7 3 7

49 52 77 39 '39 140 141 142 '59 *59 160 179 179

The title to these lots is good, no mortgage having been given by Semple at the time these deeds were given. If I cannot get more I am willing to let the whole go for one thousand dollars. Will you confer with Mr. T. B. King on the subject, as I have written him to confer with you and let me hear from you soon Yours truly, J. S. Bradford

[ABEL STEARNS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII : 3 3 3 . ]

Thos. O. Larkin Esqr

Angeles August i.th 1851

Dear Sir I HAVE delivered to Mr. Teshmacher your titles to solares [lots]. They are recorded in the books of the city record. The form of tide I do not nor never liked it, but it is such as the ayuntamiento had agreed upon as a form and of course was drawn accordingly.

The duties of last year I have paid, amt. seven dollars 16/00 as pr bill, and have ree'd the same from Mr. Teshmacher, as also seven dollars 84/00 for the payment of taxes for this year which will be attended to. Yours truly & c Abel Stearns [Rubric]

[ J A M E S ROGERS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 3 6 . ]

Sacramento City Aug. 18th 1851 T. O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir ^ENCLOSED you find slips from the the papers to which I call your early leisure. Will you aid us in erecting an institution that will be at once an honor & an ornament to our city? Please then donate one or two lots to the "Trustees of Sacramento Seminary" to be located between L & M , 6th and 7th St. or located between M & N , 7th and 8th St. and be assured we will soon be surrounded by family residences. We think you can lose nothing by making such a donation, while you may gain much. Shall we write your name as the chief donor of lands? We wish a square, neady embellished with shady walks, & c . We will plant trees with the early rains. I will strive not to be tedious, but hasten to subscribe myself, Your sincere friend, J. Rogers E. N . Hulbert, Wm. Grove Deal, Wesley Merritt, James Rogers, Trustees of Sacramento Seminary.

[ J . ALEXANDER YOELL TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 3 5 . ]

San José August 18th 1851 Wm. J. tames fcsq San Francisco Dear Sir

A s I consider I have been rather remiss in having failed to keep my appointment with you I beg to offer you an apology, at the same rime I confess I do not desire your pardon but it so happened that I met with some freinds that I had not seen for a long time, & they prevailed on me to accompany them to the theatre. However, I am now at home & ready to attend to any business which you may have to confide to me. I leave on Saturday next for Martinez to attend court. Perhaps you may have something to attend to in that county. Awaiting your response, I remain Sir, Your Obedient Servant, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[F. MARRIOTT. ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF "COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE FOR ALL NATIONS." PRINTED. VU: 1 7 0 . ]

[San Francisco, August 26, 1851] T H E C O M M E R C I A L E X C H A N G E FOR A L L NATIONS. T H E Undersigned intends opening, early in September, an Establishment, to be called the Commercial Exchange For All Nations, in the fire-proof building now erecting by Messrs. Smith Brothers & Co., on the corner of California and Sansome streets. The purpose and plan of the Establishment are to assemble, at one point, the Bankers, Merchants, and others, residing in or visiting San Francisco. Similar Institutions have always been the distinguishing features of commercial cities, both in the Old and New World, and although the permanent formation of such an Institution has, from various causes, been frustrated, the Proprietor trusts, that being enabled now to locate Subscribers in a perfectly fireproof building, and basing his project upon its comprehensive utility, he will meet with that support which such an undertaking bids fair to justify.

The advantages offered by this Establishment are principally these: A book, containing a register of the arrival of all vessels, will be kept constantly posted up as they are reported, and also a copy of their manifests; the most complete arrangements having been entered into with the Managers of the Telegraph Stations, to furnish this important information. A book, containing a list of vessels loading, with cargo or passengers for different ports, will be strictly kept, and merchants are particularly requested to furnish the necessary information, in order that correct advice may be given. Letter Bags will be made up for different parts of the world, which will be forwarded by the first best opportunities. The latest Newspapers and Periodicals that can be obtained from the United States, Europe, and other parts, will be kept constantly filed for reference. Correct lists of prices of stocks will be given daily, and "Sloat's San Francisco Prices Current and Shipping List," will be published thereat, previous to the departure of each semi-monthly steamer. In one word, every possible information, of interest to the mercantile community, will be given. The rooms will be fitted up with desk tables, where subscribers can transact their business, and leave their papers and documents in perfect security from fire. The Exchange will be ready for the commencement of business about the 8th of September, and will be open daily from 8 o'clock in the morning till 8 o'clock at night; the fullest attendance being expected between the hours of i and 2, P.M. The terms of Subscription will be, for the entry to the rooms $5, and for the use of a table desk $20 per month. Subscribers only will have the privilege of entry, but may introduce any gentleman who may have business with them at the time, and captains of vessels introduced by a Subscriber, will have the free use of the rooms during their stay in port. Applicants for table desks at the Commercial Exchange, are informed that priority of selection will be given to those whose names are first entered on the list of Subscribers. F. Marriott, Proprietor. San Francisco, To The Proprietor of the Commercial Exchange: Sir: Please insert my name as a Subscriber to the Commercial Exchange.

185 .

[NICHOLAS GRAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 3 3 7 . ]

Thos. O. Larkin Esq

Saint Louis Augt 27th 1851

Dear Sir Y o u r favor of the ist July last was received on the 18th inst. a few days after your calculation of the time that it would be in Saint Louis. The enclosed Dft. for nine hundred dollars upon the Rev'd Wm. M . Rogers or Alpheus Hardy of Boston was also ree'd and for which receive my thanks, and I hope that in a short time after we meet that you will not think that it is that sum thrown away. Since the reception of your letter I have been quite busily employed in preparations for my departure for San Francisco and hope to be there about the middle of October or first November at farthest. If the books relative to the land laws can be procured I will bring them with me, with some other small articles I may require. By the time this reaches you, you will have been duly notified of the death of the Rev'd Wm. M . Rogers, also that of Mr. George Childs, who departed this life at the house of his brother in law at Jeffersonville Ind* after a short illness. These deaths you will feel sincerely to be a great loss to you in many respects, but you have no doubt sufficient fortitude, and strength of mind to acknowledge that although the ways of providence are inscrutable, and past finding out (as the old and infirm are often left, and the young & strong are taken off), still we must beleive that these dispensations are all just and wise. I intend going via New Orleans & the Isthmus. Yours truly, N . Gray [Rubric]

[FRANCIS MURRAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 3 3 8 . ]

To Thos. O. Larkin Esqr

San Francisco, Aug. 27th / 5 1

Sir I HOPE that you will excuse me for addressing to you these lines; but being the first time I hope my present emergentcy will be sufficient appology for so doing. Having purchased a lot of superior water proof boots, and also a lot

of the very finest New York made fine calf boots, and some Congress Gaiters and patent lether shoes, at the sale on Monday of Middleton & Smiley which amount to twelve hundred and sixty dollars ($1260) I am at a short for a little over $400 dollars. Now, Mr. Larkin, if you would let me have that amount for one month, I shall pay you a reasonable interest and it will enable me to make a living for myself and children, for which they or myself shall never forget. Sir: I have got a store fitted up in Washington Street and have everything prepared to go on with business and the only obstacle in my way is these goods. By complying with the above request, you will for ever have my thanks and the blessing of my children. I remain your very respectful & ob't Serv't Francis Murray P. S. There is nothing that can prevent me from doing well how as I do not drink liquor and have a great many friends that is anxious to see me go ahead. Francis Murray

[c. B. STERLING & A. C. ST. JOHN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 3 9 . ]

Larkin, Colusa Co. Aug. 30, 1851 Thos. O Larkin Esq. Dear Sir ' Y o u r s of the 14th inst. enclosing a copy of your note to Col. Goggin is at hand. We are much obliged to you for the interest you have taken in this matter and we sincerely hope that Mr. Goggin will immediately make the necessary arrangement for starting a Post Office here and untill that is done, you will please to address us at Colusa. I have also ree'd your favour of the 1 ith inst. in which you offer us a lease of this place for 5 years, on condition that we keep the premises in as good condition as they are at present &c. We do hereby accept of your proposal and you can send us a form to sign and acknowledge before & c But as we have no notary for this county, I suppose an acknowledgement before the Co. Judge or nearest Justice of Peace will answer the same purpose. I thank you for the refusal of the land ajoining the Children Ranch,

and if I had this land now I believe I would turn Town-maker and build a great city. We are very respectfully, Your obt. Serves. C. B. Sterling & St. John [Rubric] If I make considerable improvement here, put good floors in the houses, in what light will you view it. Arc the additions to belong to you or me or will you contribute something. C. B. Sterling

[ J . ALEXANDER YOELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 347.]

T . O. Larkin Esq San Francisco

San Jose Sepr 1st 1851

Dear Sir I HAVE just returned from Sonoma & Nappa after a very tedious journey for the sole purpose of arrangeing your matters. I found West's widow had just had a suit decided against her for $8,000 and that the rancho & catde had been attached to pay it, but I took all the necessary steps for having your claim adjusted & trust that in a short time I shall be able to report favorably. As regards Bale's a/c his widow seems disposed to act dishonorably & not pay any one, but I left the bill with a friend of mine who is a good lawyer and a gentleman of worth and honor with instructions to sue her if he found it necessary, & that you could furnish the proof required. Awaiting farther orders I remain, Sir, Yours obediently, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[SAMUEL J . HENSLEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 340.]

Friend Larkin

San Jose Sept 6 t h / 5 1

J . HIS evening we organized our Rail Road Company and elected directors. It being a new thing and the success so entirely dependent on the

beginning and the persons ingaged there in that we have indeavourd to get good men for directors and you as an old settler and influential man was so repeatedly spoken of that we took the liberty of subscribing for you and electing you one of the directors hoping it will meet your views and wishes. Mr. Crosby leavs for you city tomorrow morning and can explane more fully to you. Mr. Howard can give you some of the particulars as he is one of the subscribers and has bin elected one of the directors. We have appointed Wednesday next to meet in this place and hope you in company with Capt W D M Howard and Joseph Palmer will do us the pleasure to honour us with your presence. I hope you will take a favourable view of the enterprise. Yours Truly, Saml J Hensley [Rubric]

[ALEXANDER SMITH TAYLOR TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 4 2 . ]

Monterey Sep. 7/51 T. O. Larkins Esq. Dear Sir I F you are amind I will exchange my lot in Benicia for one of your 100 vara lots on the hill in Monterey—you paying taxes there and me yours here. Write me immediately. N o news. They say Reading has a majority from this County down. Yours truly, A . S. Taylor [Rubric]

[F. J. MACUIRE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 4 4 . ]

Monterey, Septr 16th 1851 Thomas O. Larkin, Esq. Dear Sir Y ™ note of "August 5th 1851" to Mr. St. John was found by me in our Post Office this morning, & on the part of my friend St. John I hasten to reply. It was only on Sunday last that Mr. St. John was brought to this City

labouring under the effect of chills and fever he unfortunately contracted at Sacramento City and is now lying dangerously ill. However, on the first moment he rallys a little, I shall endeavour to make some arrangements by which your business will be attended to. With great respect, I am your Servant, F. J. Maguire [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. NOTICE OF TAKING D E P O S m O N . COPY. VII: 3 4 1 . ]

[September 16, 1851] Superior Court, City of San Francisco Henry A . Breed vs. Thomas O. Larkin County of San Francisco, S S: THOMAS O. Larkin, above defendant being duly sworn, says, that the testimony of Josiah Belden is necessary and material for him; that said Belden resides out of this county where his evidence is to be used; that he is now on a temporary visit here, and will leave again on Thursday next, the 18th inst. Deponent therefore prays that an order may be made in above action; that the testimony of above named Belden may be taken on Wednesday next the 17th inst. Thomas O. Larkin Sworn before me this 16th day of Sept. 1851. Ward McAllister, Notary Public. [Seal] And now Sept. 16th 1851 it being shown to the Court that the evidence of Josiah Belden is material to defendant, and that said Belden is about to leave the county on the 18th inst. it is ordered that the testimony of said Josiah Belden be taken Wednesday the 17th inst. on notice of the hour and place being given to the opposite party. Myron Norton A . J.

Sept. 16th 1851. Sir Please take notice that under the above order of Court and affidavit of Defendant, the testimony of Josiah Belden will be taken on behalf of defendant before Ward McAllister, Notary Public, at his office in Naglee's building, corner of Montgomery St. and Merchant St. 2d story, on Wednesday next the 17th inst at 4 o'clk. P. M . Respecty yours McAllisters, Attys. for Def ts. Above Pl'ff. or J. B. Hart Esq., his atty. County of San Francisco, S S: George T. Knox being duly sworn says that he served the original of within notice upon H. A. Breed personally on Sept. 16th 1851 during business hours. Geo. T . Knox Sworn before me this 17th of Sept. 1851. Ward McAllister, Notary Public. [Seal]

[ JOSIAH BELDEN. DEPOSITION. COPY. VII: 3 4 5 . ]

[September 18, 1851.] Superior Court in and for the City of San Francisco Henry A. Breed vs. Thomas O. Larkin of Witness taken on behalf of Defendant before Ward McAllister, Notary Public, at his Office in Naglee's Building on Montgomery Street in the City of San Francisco on the seventeenth day of September A D 1851 pursuant to notice given to Plaintiffs Attorney, Plaintiff being represented at the rime of taking the deposition by Samuel W. Holliday, and Defendant by his Attorney Sidney V. Smith. IMPOSITIONS

Josiah Belden Witness. Mr. Larkin and myself own property together in Market and First streets. It comprises the most of the Three hundred-vara lots Nos 19, 20, & 2 i . We have undivided interests in them. Have received a

power of attorney from M r . Larkin sometime about the middle of February 1850, just before Mr. Larkin went to the States. I do not know whether the power of attorney is on record or not; t'is in my possession and I will furnish it. Twas a power of attorney given to me by Mr. Larkin to manage his interest in that property. I being the attorney of Mr. Larkin, appointed Mr. Breed to act for me and for Mr. Larkin. I gave Mr. Breed a power of attorney to manage that property for me as well for myself as for M r . Larkin. This latter power was given by me to Mr. Breed at the time or very shortly after the power of attorney was given by Mr. Larkin to me. Mr. Breed has acted under that power of attorney, rented the property, leased it, collected rents and paid the rents over to me, deducting 5 % commission out of the amount of rents collected. The commission received by him was out of the whole of the rents collected by him out of mine and Larkin's property. He has paid out a considerable proportion of the rents collected for improvements on the property and street assessments under my direction. Mr. Breed has rendered accounts to me of his transactions in regard to those lots. These accounts were rendered at irregular periods whenever I called on M r . Breed for them. The last account was rendered day before yesterday. The commissions were on the rents collected and not upon disbursements. In some cases there has been no account rendered in writing to me but Mr. Breed has shewn me from his books how matters stood, has paid me the balance and taken my receipt for the amount. Cross Examination: Our interests are equal in the property referred to, namely undivided moieties. Question. Did you know that any partnership was contemplated between Mr. Larkin and M r . Breed at or before the execution of the power of attorney referred to, the power given by Mr. Larkin to me Belden. (Question objected to by Defendant's Counsel.) Answer. Sometime before this power of attorney was given I think that Mr. Larkin had mentioned to me that he had formed some idea of forming a partnership with Breed provided he could get an act passed by the legislature authorizing the formation of limited partnerships. I think Mr. Larkin mentioned to me at the time he was going to tty and get such an act passed by the legislature. I think M r . Larkin asked me if I was willing to place my portion of the property into Mr. Breed's hands to manage together with his own. I told him I was willing to do so. I suppose M r . Larkin's object in asking me that question was in view of the contemplated partnership. (The question under which this answer arose also objected to by Defendant's Counsel.) Question. Was there a proposition made at that time by M r . Breed

to erect for that contemplated partnership some fifty thousand dollars worth of houses on that property, Mr. Belden to take the half interest. (Question objected to by Dfts. Counsel.) Answer. I do not recollect distinctly any proposition of that nature, think Mr. Breed addressed a letter to me containing some reference to putting buildings on the property but I do not recollect the nature of it. Question. Do you remember as part of that proposition for you to put in $25,000 towards those buildings and M r . Breed to take up Mr. Larkin's note for that amount which you then held. (Question objected to by Deft's counsel.) Answer. I think in Mr. Breed's letter to me he spoke something about Mr. Larkin's owing me $25,000 and asked me, I think, whether I was willing to invest that amount in buildings to be placed on that property. Question. Have you that letter in your possession. (Question objected to by Defts. Counsel.) Answer. I do not know whether I have or not. Defendant's Counsel being called upon by Plaintiffs Counsel to state his objections in detail, he states them as follows, that the cross examination does not refer to the subject matter of the examination in chief, and that the letter inquired about is the best evidence, and its contents cannot be proven by the witness. Re-examined. The property since I sold one half to Mr. Larkin has been more expensive than the revenue derived from it, the whole property including his interest and mine. There is several thousand dollars difference. We have paid out several thousand dollars more than we have received in the way of improvements, grading, planking the streets & fencing and purchasing two small houses. More has been paid out for grading and planking the streets independent of those two houses than what we have received. Cross examination by Plaintiffs Counsel. Question. Is not this property greatly enhanced in value by the outlay referred to? Answer. I suppose the property ought to be enhanced by these improvements, but I do not think the property will now sell for as much as it would have sold for before these improvements were made, for the reason that the price of real estate has declined. Question. Is not that property worth much more at the present time with those improvements than it would be without them? Answer. I think the property is worth more with them than without them, though I do not think its value is enhanced in proportion to the cost of the improvements. (Sgd) Josiah Belden I, Ward McAllister, Notary Public, do certify that the above deposition was taken before me on this 18th day of September A D 1851 that when completed

it was carefully read to the witness and the corrections therein were made by him, that it was subscribed by him in my presence and that said witness was sworn as to the truth of the facts by him so stated. Witness my hand and notarial seal this 18 day of September A D 1851. Ward McAllister, Notary Public [Seal] At the request of Pl'fFs atty. I state that the question as to the character of the power given to Mr. Belden by Mr. Larkin was for purpose of identification °nly'

S. V. Smith, Deft's Atty.

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 4 6 . ]

Monterey Sept' 30th 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esquire My Dear Sir I N answer to yours of the 28th inst I must here inform you that I am sorry to say that my Daughter Roselia is no more with us cinc the 24th day of this. It has been a hard blow for us, such a one as I hav never before experienced. I am confident that all my friends who was accuainted with hir has sympethised with us for such a missfortune. But am confident that she is with hir Creator. (Es el unico consuelo que yo tengo.) I should of sent your books & papers up by Mr. Roach and had them all ready but was called at that moment by the Doctor. But you can depend on my sending them this day week pr Steamer Ohio, with your cloaths. Tomorrow I will see San John about the other books & papers. I wil be up about the 20th of Octbr without fail. Respecting Pounto Pinos sute I made a proposition to Abrigo to giv us a thousand $ to purchase the Watry5 claim.1 He wil not giv a 1 Rancho Punt» de Pinos was granted in 1833 to Jos< Maria Armenia, who died four years later. In 1844, Josi Abrego claimed to have purchased the ranch from Senora Armenta, and he then requested and received a re-grant of the ranch from Governor Micheltorena, selling it in 1850 to Milton Little, Jacob P. Leesc, James Gleason, and Thomas O. Larkin. The Armenta heirs brought suit in the District Court of Monterey County, complaining that the sale to Abrego had never been made. The local court found in their favor, October 30, 1 8 5 1 , but this finding was later set aside by the Board of Land Commissioners, who rejected the Armenta claim. The Point Pinos suit to which Leese refers is that in the County Court. The " W a t r y s " claim may be that of the Armenta heirs.

thousand, but has offered me five hund. I hav spoken to the opposit council and he asks me a thousand. I think I wil hav it settld before I see you. If not I wil secure the five hundred from Abrigo. Any how, let me know what you think of it. Please giv my respects to Mr. Emes, and receav the lov of my familey, and beleav me yours And Truly, J P Leese [Rubric]

[ J O H N STONEY MISSROON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 4 8 . ]

New Brunswick N . J. Sept. 30,1851 Mr. T. O. Larkin Dear Sir O n my return home, sometime since, I had the pleasure to receive your favor of 31st M a y last, stating your intention to move in the attempt to dispose of our land on the Sacramento, and subsequently Com. Downes handed me the California paper containing the advertizement. I have learned lately that you hold it at $18,000, and I should indeed be happy if that amount could be realized; but in view of uncertainty of titles, squatters pretentions, and of other claims upon it, I should be well pleased to dispose of it for very much less than $18,000, but it is in your hands, and I abide your better judgment. A principal reason which induced me to urge it's sale on almost any terms which would clear me from loss, was the apprehension of taxes, and perhaps of having to bear the expense of defending the title in a court of law, which when my limited means are considered (owning nothing on earth but my house and its furniture, with my pay in the navy) and a family of four children to educate, will explain at once my inability to incur those expenses. I do therefore trust that even if a sale may not be effected, you will at least be able to find some capitalist who would buy me out—and I should feel under deep obligations to you. Would it not be more to yr interest also to have a man of property interested with you. Your friend Com. Jones has tried every means to get the Dept. and the

President to disapprove the sentence of his court martial,1 but without succeeding in his efforts—nor was his appeal to the public through the public papers of benefit, but rather an injury to his cause. H e says that the effect of the sentence is virtually to deprive him of the sum of $6,000 besides the mortification to himself and friends. The fires in San Francisco are said to have caused some heavy failures in New York and other places, and other failures arc apprehended. The death of the Rev. W . Rogers was universally deplored in Boston, and by no means confined to his own immediate circle—all acknowledged that a good man had departed. I am sorry that I am not possessed of any items of news which might interest you in your absence. Mrs. Larkin whom I have just seen is well, also the children. In haste, Your friend and Obd 1 Servant, J. S. Missroon [Rubric] P. S. With regard to selling out my interest, I w*1 only add that I leave the amt. to be asked for it entirely to yourself, confident that my interests are safe and you will do the best for me. Yours, J. S. M .

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO S A M U E L A. CHAPIN. L E A S E . ¥ 1 1 : 3 4 9 . ]

[October i, 1851] T H I S Indenture made this first day of October A . D. 1851 between Thomas O Larkin of the County of San Francisco and State of California and Samuel A Chapin of the same State and County Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the rents to be paid and the stipulations and covenants to be kept and observed by the said Lessee as are hereinafter reserved and stipulated the said Lessor doth hereby lease demise and to farm let unto the said Samuel A Chapin the lot of land on Sansome Street commencing sixty four and one half feet southerly from the south westerly corner of Sansome and Washington Streets thence running along Sansome Street nineteen and one half feet 1 After the Mexican war, Commodore Jones brought 300 refugees out of Lower California, paying the costs from military contributions imposed at Mazatlin, an act for which he was officially commended. Later, in 1850, a court martial suspended and fined him for "an improper and unauthorized" use of this money, a sentence that was reversed by President Fillmore in 1853.

southerly thcnce at right angles seventy four and one half feet westerly thence nineteen and one half feet northerly thence at right angles seventy four and one half feet easterly to the place of beginning being portion of Water Lot N o . one hundred and twenty five (125). To have and to hold the said demised premises unto the said Lessee for the term of fifteen years from the date of this Instrument, and doth hereby covenant to and with the said Lessees his executors and assigns that the said Lessee shall peaceably hold and enjoy the said premises without let or hindrance from the said Lessor or anyone claiming under by or through him, And the said Lessee hereby covenants and agrees to pay to said Thomas O Larkin for said demised premises the monthly rent of one hundred and fifty dollars payable in advance on the first day of each and every month during said term to keep in good order and deliver up peaceably and quietly at the expiration of the term in the same good order as they are taken possession of by him, not to sublease any portion of the demised premises unless with the written consent of the said Lessor or his assigns and to pay all the taxes which may be assessed on the buildings and improvements constructed by him on the demised premises during said term (the said Lessor paying the taxes on the land). And it is agreed that if any rent be due and unpaid or if default shall be made in any of the covenants herein contained, then it shall be lawful for the said party of the first part to re-enter the said premises and to remove all persons therefrom. And it is hereby further agreed that if either party be dissatisfied with the foregoing named rental at the expiration of the first or every other year of such dissatisfaction, said parties shall each of them choose a suitable and disinterested person to value such rental for the ensuing year and in case such persons do not agree they are to choose a third person when a decision of a majority of the three shall be final and binding on the part of the parties to this Agreement but the rent is in no case to exceed one hundred and fifty dollars per month. And the said Lessor hereby agrees to purchase the building erected on the premises at the expiration of the term or sell the land to the said Lessee the terms to be fixed by arbitration in case the parties do not agree. And it is also further agreed that the said Lessor is to reserve an alley at least six feet wide leading from the southerly boundary of said premises to a lane or court. In Witness Whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands, and seals the day and year first above written. Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] [Seal]

In presence of Henry E. Lincoln (for T.O.L.) Samuel A. Chapin [Rubric] [Seal] Wm. J. Eamcs [Rubric] State of California County of San Francisco On the thirteenth day of October, A D . 1851, before me, a notary public in and for said county, personally appeared Thomas O. Larkin and Samuel A . Chapin, to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the within instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same freely and voluntarily for the uses and purposes therein mentioned. Witness my hand and seal of office the day and date above written. William Stanwood, Notary Public [Seal] Recorded in the office of the County Recorder of San Francisco in liber 1 of leases page 506, Oct 14th 1851 at 10 1/4 o'c A . M . John A . McGlynn, County Recorder By Jas. O'Grady, D'ty [Endorsed:] To Saml. A. Chapin. Lot on Sansome St. Surrendered to Lessor by Lessee April 12th 1856. (9) Rec*1 for Record Oct. 14 1851 at 10 1/4 oc. A.M. at the request of S. A . Chapin. Liber 1 of Leases p 506. Fees paid $6.75.

[WILLIAM S. JEWETT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 5 0 . ]

San Francisco Oct 3d 51 Thos. O. Larkin Esq Bolton & Barron Building, Merchant St. My Dear Sir f^OM what has already passed between us respecting the continuance of my gallery of old and distinguished California pioneers for its future Capital it becomes my duty to state to you that under the existing circumstances I fear I

shall be obliged to relinquish the long cherrished idea. A sensitive regard for professional character will not allow of my painting gratuitously a body of gentlemen who in the face of my proposition leave me unnoticed and remunerate another artist for a similar performance. I came, perhaps, to California for purposes of gain—it certainly has not been the sole object of my prolonged stay, and ere it came to a period I hoped to confer upon and receive honour from the state. I wished through the medium of my art to becom a historian of its worthier citizens and make their portraits a neuclius for future artists to build around until, like my native state New York, she could to future generations exhibit a gallery as old as her own existance as one of the republick. Without implying in the least degree any disrespect for the movements on your part directly or indirectly (as the proposition was my own) I must say that my present self respect is as dear to me as future reputation and on that ground decline. Illiberal motives I know may be attributed to me; let those think so who will. I am glad to see any one attempting the art fully commissioned, however feeble his efforts. Heaven knows that the best get little enough while people are continually admiring the past and thoughtless of the present. With great respect, I remain, Sir, Your Obnt. Svt. Wm. S. Jewett

[B. D. H Y A M TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I 1 3 5 1 . ]

Benicia October 4, 1851 T . O. Larkin Esq r Dear Sir I BEG to submit the following to your notice feeling assured it will receive the fullest attention at your hands. On the 1 st Aug* when I proposed to borrow $1000.00 from you, on condition that I erected a building on your lot 4 in Block 9 it was thoroughly understood that said sum was to be given to me, and as a collateral security I was to deposit all the city scrip I then had in my possession, namely $1,100.00. I only took $500 on that day, and your Secy gave me a due bill for the balance payable on demand.- With the assurance from you that further assistance would be rendered

to aid in the erection of the Hotel, and from M r . E ames that the $500.00 left in his hands could be had when required, I ordered lumber to the value of near $2,000.00 and placed it on the ground, preparatory to commencing operations. On applying for the $500 M r . Eames objected to give it, but returned me $475x0 in city scrip, retaining $600, all of dates bearing interest from June to A u g 1 last year, on which the interest accumulated amounted to $220.00 and deducted $50 discount and charged $50.00 for interest on the amount advanced making a total loss to me of $320.00 against $500x0 borrowed. The advance of the $500 only led me to the involvement of a heavy debt for lumber & which may sweep every dollar from me, for I would not have dared to attempt entering into the building of the Hotel had it not have been for the promise made by you & which I felt perfectly easy and satisfied you intended to cany out. Yet nevertheless I feel assured with the explanation I give you of the transaction you will meet me in the heavy loss sustained on the bonds retained by M r . Eames as before set forth, and more particularly as I shall encounter further loss on the lumber purchased for the frame, it having been cut to particular size. Awaiting your reply, I am respectfully, Y r . obt. S l . B. D . Hyam [Rubric]

[ASA F. BRADLEY TO WILLIAM J . E A M E S . V I I : 3 5 2 . ]

Benicia Oct 6th 1851 W m . J. Eames Esqr Care Thos. O. Larkins Esq., San Francisco, Cai. Dear Sir I CANNOT get the rollers for the maps done today, so I must disappoint you, much tho it be against my will. I will have them all so far finished that I can complete them in San Francisco after M r . Leese arives. There are some things relating to them that I must confer with Messrs. Leese & Larkin before I can finish them. A s soon as M r . Leese arives please advise me by Gregory's Express and I will come down with them. Very respectfully, Your Obt. Srvt. Asa F. Bradley [Rubric]

[F. J . MAGUDTE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VN: 3 5 3 . ]

Monterey, Oct r 6th 1851 T . O. Larkin, Esq'

Dear Sir the desire of M r . Sc. John, who is yet confined to bed, although recovering slowly, I have handed your account books to M r . J. P. Leese, at the request of that gentleman. Mr. St. John begs, through me, to inform you that the moment he has gained sufficient strength he will make up his accounts, and will also proceed to San Francisco at the earliest moment possible. I have the honor to be, Your Servant, F. J. Maguire [Rubric]

[JACOB PRIMER L E E S E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 5 5 . ]

Monterey Octbr 7 th 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esq r San Francisco

My Dear Sir with this you wil find a letter from San John. The contents I know nothing about but he says it is relativ to the accounts & books of yourself and Mr. Green. He has deliverd me three account books for you which you will find enclosed in a newspaper. The ballanc of the papers & books is what is in my possession. I hav sent your cloths by Jose Maria and with them he will giv you a letter. I do here also send what a/cts and notes I hav of yours by Don Juan, sepperate from the box of books. I shall be up by the 20th of this. I hav paid up your taxes for this year. With Respects, I am Sir, yours And Truly, ]ENCLOSED

J. P. Leese [Rubric]

[ELLSHA WHITTLESEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VU : 3 3 4 . ]

Washington National Monument Office October 7 , 1 8 5 1 Thomas O. Larkin Esq St. Francisco, California Dear Sir ^ o u r favor of the 28th August was rec'd, this morning. W e had £0warded to you in July a box of large prints by Adams & Co. Express. There was some delay in getting a supply but they were shipped in the latter part of July, through Adams & Co. I hope you have them in good order long since. The Monument is now 102 feet high and going on prosperously. A remittance at your convenience will be very acceptable. Most sincerely Yours, Elisha Whittlesey, by T . W . Eckloff, Clk.

[JOHN STONEY MISSROON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 5 8 . ]

N e w Brunswick N . J., Oct 1 3 , 1 8 5 1 M r . Thos. O . Larkin San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir I WROTE you my views on the 30th Ult. by Burford's Express; and will repeat them by this mail, lest that irregular line may fail to deliver that letter. I would now as then beg to suggest to you that if you see no prospect of selling our property on the Sacramento that an effort be made by you while in California to induce some man of capital to buy me out, at the best price, on the best terms you can obtain for me—the amount I am willing to leave to your own judgment, relying implicitly as I do on you in the matter. A s I before stated, I am desirous of selling my portion at least, because of my utter inability to meet joindy with you any of those expenses, such as lawsuits, taxes & c . to which that property may soon become liable—owning nothing on

earth but my homestead and supporting a family on my pay only. A n d I am inclined to think that it would also be to your interest to have a joint ownership in that land with one residing in California, who would be able to defray his portion of its expenses. Your interests will probably detain you in California 'till the meeting of the Land Commissioners in Dec r next. If so, will you please drop me a line on my prospect of realizing on that property, either by sale for cash or exchange for city property of a saleable nature. I have no information that would interest you, except the stringency of the money market from Boston to Baltimore—the consequent depreciation of stocks, and the failure and suspension of many mercantile houses. Your friend & obd1 S. 1 }. S. Missroon [Rubric] Direct to me care of Com. Downes, Boston, where I shall be part of this coming winter.

[ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 5 9 . ]

Benicia October 17, 1851 Tho's. O. Larkin, Esq. San Francisco Sir I SEND you two deeds, which I wish you to date and sign, and send them up to me. Have them acknowledged before a Notary Public. The first is a deed to Andrew Goodyear for the lot on which my son and his brother is buried, and the other to Mrs. S. And when you come to Benicia I will give you reasons which will be satisfactory to you. List of Lots not to be deeded: 2,6 & 8 B. 14; 8 in B. 2; 6 & 14 B. 8; 12 & 16 B. 63; 2,4,6,8, io, 14 & 16 B. 67; 6 , 8 , 1 0 , 1 2 & 16 B. 68. I went down to see you on the same night that you went to Sacramento City. I expect to hear from you to-morrow night. Yours &c. R. Semple

[ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VII: 360.]

Benicia Oct. 22, 1851 Tho's O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco Sir I T is desirable for me to see you before you go to New York. Please let me know when you will be here, or when I can see you at San Francisco, as there is some business in which we are both interested that we should talk over. Your ob't. Serv't. R. Semple

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. POWER OF ATTORNEY. VII: 3 6 1 . ]

[October 2 4 , 1 8 5 1 ] all Men by these Presents That I Thomas O. Larkin of the City of San Francisco State of California have made constituted and appointed and by these presents do make constitute and appoint William J. Eames of the same place my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name place and stead and on my behalf to ask demand recover and receive all and any sum or sums of money debts dues merchandize or effects due payable coming or belonging or which may at any time hereafter become due payable coming or belonging to me from any person or persons whatsoever in the State of California to settle and adjust all accounts and demands now subsisting or which may hereafter subsist between me and any person or persons whatsoever in the said State to submit and decide the same by arbitration or otherwise, or to compound and agree for the same and take less than the whole or otherwise as he in his discretion may deem proper, to pay and discharge all debts and demands due and payable from me unto any person or persons whatsoever to enter into any lands or other real estate to which I am or may be entitled in the said State and recover the possession thereof and damages for any injury done thereto, to lease all that certain land situate in San Francisco aforesaid bounded by Montgomery Washington Sansome and Clay Streets and more particularly known and described as Water Lots 112, 113, 114, 119, 120, 123, 125, 126 and also to lease my unI^NOW

divided half of that other tract of land situate in San Francisco aforesaid bounded by First, Market and Second Streets and known as One Hundred Vara Lots 19, 20, and 21, to sell lease convey and dispose all other real estate belonging to me in the said State to any person or persons for such price and on such terms as he may deem proper and quit claim deeds for me and in my name to give for the same to commence and prosecute unto final judgment and execution all suits or actions which he shall deem proper for the recovery possession or enjoyment of any matter or thing which now is or hereafter may be due payable owing belonging accruing or appertaining to me in the said State, for or by reason of the premises or any part thereof and in any such suit or action for me to appear and my person to represent and for any or all of the purposes aforesaid, for me and in my name to make execute acknowledge and deliver all Deeds Releases Assurances acquittances receipts recognizances orders contracts agreements and other instruments in writing which he may deem necessary or expedient and Generally to do transact and perform every other matter deed and thing touching or relating to the premises aforesaid as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes as I might or could do if personally present and acting therein with power of substitution and revocation hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said Attorney or his substitutes shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 24 day of October A . D. 1851. „ .. _ , , . „ ,, 5 (Signed) Ths O. Larkin [Seal] Sealed & delivered in the presence of: (Signed) Wm. Stanwood, C. R. Bond

[HENRY A. BREED, RELEASE, VII : 3 5 6 - 3 5 7 . ]

[October 2 7 , 1 8 5 1 ] State Of California City and County of San Francisco.

K,

.NOW Ail Men By These Présents That I, Henry A . Breed of the City of San Francisco, and State of California, for and in considération of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by Thomas O. Larkin of the same place,

the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and I being therewith fully satisfied, contented and paid, Have and by these presents Do remise, release and forever discharge the said Thomas O. Larkin, his executors, administrators and assigns, of and from all action and actions, suits, demands, covenants, contracts, damages, and penalties whatsoever, both at law and in equity, and more particularly of and from the present suit by me against him in the Superior Court of the City of San Francisco, and from all claim and demand set up therein, and thereby upon the alleged agreement and covenant in the complaint therein set forth, and I do hereby promise and agree to discontinue the said suit forthwith. And I do hereby authorize the said Thomas O. Larkin, in case said suit be not discontinued, to plead this Release in bar of all further action, proceeding, claim or demand therein and thereby. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty seventh day of October eighteen hundred and fifty one. H. A . Breed [Seal] Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of B. W . Mudge. [Wrapper, partly printed:] Dated 27 October 1851. Henry A . Breed to Thomas O. Larkin. Release. Chetwood, Edwards, Rose & Turk, Counsellors at Law.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN AND HENRY A. BREED. AGREEMENT. VII: 3 6 2 . ]

[October 28,1851] will certify that Whereas We Thomas O. Larkin and Henry A . Breed had it in comtemplation to form a partnership in this town in the months of January and February 1850, providing during those months the Legislature of the State of California should pass and perfect an act of limited partnership, said Act not having been passed as above stated, the said comtemplated partnership was not carried out or entered into by us. Now therefore for and in the above considerations, and for the sum of one dollar each to the other paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged and we both parties fully satisfied in the premises, W e hereby release each other from all claims and demands between ourselfs and all others in consequence of said comtemplated partnership. THIS

A s witness our seals this 28 day of October 1851, San Francisco. Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] H. A . Breed [Rubric]

[CHARLES W. LÜBECK TO THOMAS O U V E R LARK IN. VII: 3 6 3 . ]

Sonoma 28 th October 1851 Ths. O. Larkin Esq San Francisco Dear Sir .ACKNOWLEDGING the receipt of your letter dated yesterday, I only have to say in reply to the same that so soon I receive the map of your land I will, accompanied by the surveyor, see what part of which I wish, not already and see if possible I, without to go in to a regular War with the men who have claimed, can get a part conveniant for me and my countrymen. I will afterwards give Mr. Lees a full[?] discreption over the same and make the contract with him at any time conveniant. I remain, Dear Sir, Yours very truly, in haste. Charles W . Lubeck

[ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII: 3 6 5 . ]

San Francisco Oct. 31, 1851 Tho's O. Larkin Esq. S[team] B[oat] Tennessee Sir I WISH you to sign the deed for the land adjoining Benicia, acknowledge it in Monterey or San Diego, and send it back to me by mail. I ask this as a matter of right. Whatever difficulty there may be with Phelps your assignee will be bound for the contract as you are only requested to make a quitclaim deed so that whatever may be Mr. Phelps interest it must be first settled. I pledge you my life that your own interest and that of your family will be advanced by this. I have now no property to look after and can devote my whole time to other people's affairs. Your's & c . R. Semple

[c. H. ST. JOHN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 366.]

Monterey N o v ist 1851 T . O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir

I

HAVE just recovered so far from my sickness as to be able to do a little

business and shall leave for San Francisco early next week when I hope to make you a full account of the business of M r Green. Yours truly C . H . St John [Rubric]

[MILTON SLOCUM LATHAM TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 6 7 . ]

Sacramento City Cal 4 N o v 8° 1851—Saturday Evening M r . W m . J. Eamcs Sir Y o u will take notice that your bill for $500 at three days after sight, dated San Francisco November i°, 1851 drawn on and accepted by W . Merritt Sacramento, N o v 3 0 , 1851 has this day been protested for nonpayment And the holders thereof Page Bacon Co. look to you for payment. Yours Truly, M . S. Latham, Notary Public Sacramento County

[JOHN GILROY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 368.]

N o v 2ISt 1851

M r . T . O. Larkings San Francisco ^ T e s t e r d a y I receved yours calling for a account of Greens and Larkings. M r . Larkings when Mr. Green came to this farm from San Francisco and going

to Monterey to scttel up your accounts he axt me for the soap that I was owe you and him, and as my trade was always with him I sent of tow carts of soap and a letter for him to take all I was owe him and deliver the remader to Dn. Manuel Dias but Mr. Green took it all to himself in to you store but deleverd to Dn. Ant Ocia [Osio] fifty worth as I requested allso of him which Dn. Antonio will inform you like wase the date and year. I receved a note from Green about it of account but lost it but I Sopose I can find it amonst my pepers. I went to San Francisco to see Green as you was in the States. He told me it was all right and if I should be call for for any thing to let Dn Luiz Les [sic] know it was all setteld by him. Mr. Larkings this is paid twice altho I give my word for it and that you know and when Mr. Green comes we will settel up the accounts and am willing to pay altho I am at present a poor man and has not got it nor property to pay it but willing to take my crobar and bowl and dig for it in the mines for you are always down on me and I do not know for why. It was not so with me for when you was at Hartnell House I came in to Monterey with flour and onions you told me that you was very poor and could not go on makeing your house for want of mony to pay the men for work. Mr. Larkings did I not let you have all of it. Well you pay me. I was the foundasion of you makeing all you got and still trye to make me pay becaus Mr Green has not paid you, but Mr. Larkings look at Mr. Green books and I am certing you will find thoes accounts fair. I think so but might be mistaken. Mr. Larkings all I have got at present is a old white horse, and if you want him I will give him to for nothing and we will stop thoes accounts and wate for Mr. Green for to descied all thoes matters as he was you colicter and companion. And I yours &c. John Gilroy [Rubric] Mr. Larkings. N.B. I think you might do somthing for me as you are going to the State which I sopose you might leave it to somebody that is not so poor and likevase not so worthey of it. You may reflect on this. Gilroy [Rubric]

[ J . ALEXANDER YOELL TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 6 9 . ]

Angeles N o v 23rd 1851 T . J. Eamcs Esq San Francisco Dear Sir D O N Andres Pico is here, and I have made him aware of his indebtedness to M r . Larkin, who gave me an order on him on board the steamer, & told me I might cancel with him for $1,000 which he promises to pay me when I come up North. I will attend promptly to the other matters in Santa Barbara. Please say to M r . Rose for me that I am much surprised at not having received an answer to mine from San Diego, & oblige, Yours very truly, J. Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 37O.]

Benecia N o v . 27th 1851 Thursday Ev8 M r . Will

m

J. Eames

San Francisco Dear Sir

JUDGE

Hastings has not reached home yet, and I am getting tired waiting

for him. Major Seawell wrote to him by last night's Steamer requesting his presence, & he remarked to me this morning that if the Judge did not arrive tonight, that he would give me his power to dispose of his interest; and that he also wished a division of the property at any rate, and then, each might dispose of their land or lots as they pleased. If Judge H . does not come down or that I do not find him in Sacramento, why, you will try and have this matter effected, & you can send the power of att'ey to Colusa, to which place I will proceed and do what I can for M r . Larkin's interest, pay taxes & c . It is necessary that I have power from all parties to move in the disposal of

this property, as it is now situated, or until there is a division, & if it be determined upon, be pleased to advise accordingly, and I will take the necessary steps in the premises. Yours truly, Nicholas Gray [Rubric]

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII ^ I . ]

Monterey Nov r 29th 1851 Mr. Wm. J. Earns My Dear Sir I HAV but a few words to wright to, mearly to inform you that in concequenc of my not sending the tittle deeds of Huichico is that I am getting them all translated by M . Hartnell the Gov mt transletor, and I wil send them up on Tuesday next by Doctor Blankman who goes by land, and he wil hand them to you on his arivail. You hav not let me know what prospect there is in the P. Pinos affair. I hav had an opertunity to sell the cattle we hav on P. Pinos at a verry good price say $18 p r head larg and small. The purchaser is to let me know next week, and I shall sell them, as I am well awere you wil approv of the sail. They are an expenc to us and no profitt. A t this price we wil make a litde on the purchase. With Respects I am yours & Truly, }. P. Leese [Rubric]

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 7 2 . ]

[November, 1851] M r Eames My Br Sir A s the Steemer is just starting and hav onely time to get the Abrigo bill of sale translated, and it is I beleav to the purpose. The onlely clew we hav on Abrigo is I beleav in which he says he purchased it of the Armento familey,

which they all deny signing and by this proves fradulent, and in concequenc of this bill of sail the Governcr granted him a new tittle so the Go vr was deseaved. Excuse hast. Abrigo is agowing to sail on the first of next. Yours & Truly, }. P. Leese [Rubric]

[EUSHA WHITTLESEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VII : 3 7 3 . ]

Washington National Monument Office December ist 1851 Thos. O. Larkin Esq San Francisco, California Dear Sir favor of the 31st of October last was recd this morning, enclosing a draft from Page Bacon & Co. of San Francisco upon the "American Exchange Bank of New York" for one thousand dollars, which has been duly credited to you. The Monument is now covered in for the winter at a height of 104 feet. Most Sincerely Yours, Elisha Whitdesey, by T . W . Eckloff, Clk. "YOUR

[MARTIN E. COOKE TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 7 4 . ]

Sonoma Dec. 2d 1851 Wm. J. Eames Sir I WRITE to inform you that Geo. Rock who has for some years past resided in the Huichico Ranch house died on the 29th ult. There is considerable land at & near the house which has been cultivated. The house & land can be rented if you & Mr. Leese desire it to be done. Write me what you wish to have done in the premises.

I have not yet got an execution in the case of Bradley vs Stewart but expect it tomorrow & will write you when the sale will take place. Respectfuly your Obt. Servant, > «• . j• Martin b. L-ooke

[SERRANUS CLINTON HASTINGS TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 7 5 . ]

Supreme Court Rooms Dec. 4th 1851 Mr. Eames Dear Sir

I

HAVE called several rimes at your Office but you were absent. I have made a power of atty to Mr. Larkin's friend but not knowing his name could not insert it Please forward a letter to me at Sac City by Freeman & Cos Express at Adams & Co buildings, giving me the name so that I can forward the power of atty immediately to Colusa. I leave today for Sacramento City—shall stop at Benicia and remain there until Mondy night. If you could send the letter this evenig to Benicia do it through same Express. I shall be on board of the Senator at 4 o'clock—suppose you call down. I think it important that the Jimeno grant should be laid before the Commissioners immediately so that the title to the Colusa estate may be immediately settled. I think the Commission would give the case an early hearing. Yrs S. C. Hastings

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 7 6 . ]

Colusa Dec r 7 th 1851 Mr. Wm. J. Eames Sacramento St. near corner Montgomery, S. F. Dear Sir I RETURNED from Monroeville last night, after waiting there two days for M r . Huls, the Depty Shff in vain. He is up the country collecting taxes & c and as it was uncertain when he would return it was needless to remain at that interesting town and county seat

I however saw the assessment roll and find the taxes viz Larkin's Children 44.470 acres Value $22235 State Tax 147.78 Impts.

500 County " $22735 Court House "

Larkin 40,022 acres Value $20,011

113.67^

56.84

State Tax

130.07

County "

100.05

Court House Do

Say Scrip $100 & Int.

50.02J/3 598-44 160.00

438.44

The Sheriff has to make his return shortly, and the next time I see him, will have to draw upon you for something like $500.1 cannot now inform you as to the prospect of selling or leasing this property not having time to form a correct opinion or even to know what has been already disposed of. Mr. Carpenter is not here, & Mr. Spalding cannot inform me. I will try & ascertain however tomorrow or next day. M y own private opinion is that it will be difficult to make a sale of any of the land. The remaining lots if any may be disposed of for temporary uses. I have examined the records at Monroeville & find nearly if not quite all the lots conveyed by Semple to a few persons, say to Philo B Wood 25 lots for $1 consideration dated 6 Nov. 1851, and another to a Henry P. Hulbert of 30 Lots dated 2 April 1851, & c . It will cost 3.50 @ 4$ per cord to cut wood up here, about $3 per cord hawling it to the bank of the river, so that after paying the freight on it, the wood would be costly. However if wood is wanted for bricks, why not make the brick up here? The materials arc here on the spot, and the freight on the brick would be less than upon the wood carried to Benecia & c . To make the brick here it would require: 2 carts & 4 mules, horses or oxen costing 4 men & 2 boys 4 months & their subsistance 1500 feet lumber & moulds for the brick

$ [Blank] $ $

You may extend the different sums as your knowledge of prices in this country is better than mine. For the 4 month's labor one million brick can be made. I do not know much if anything about this business and therefore would be loth to

enter into it. I understand farming & gardening well and would like that occupation & no doubt it would pay anywhere in this country, & the nearer the mining region the better the market. This Sacramento Valley is first rate for all the productions of the other States except probably sugar. With the land in your hands, a good farm might be started for about 3000$ which would include a cabin to live in & shelters for cattle, with provisions until the farm supplied the demand. Dec r 10th. I have this day seen Mr. Hughes or I should say Judge Hughes, & went with him & looked at the land just below the town & we found a squatter thereon, who of course was not willing to give up. I told him of his liability for an action of damages & c & it appeared to have some effect, because he said if he was paid the sum he expended in building his house about $1000 (a frame house 1 Y% stories lined within & covored with iron) he would give up his claim. Judge H. I believe has not the funds, because he came to no decision on the matter. N o arrangement I believe can be made with these fellows until there is some further light thrown upon the community with regard to the action of the Land Commissioners. I have not had any letter or power of attorney from Judge Hastings, and I have returned the one given to me by Major Seawell, because the notary or magistrate did not write the acknowledgment according to the statutes. Your power to me was "O.K." There is no conveyance to "Semple" on record at Monroeville of any property. I cannot sell a Dft. upon you. Therefore be pleased to send me the money. I expect the Shff. here tomorrow for the taxes, & I am out of cash nearly myself. Y UrS

°

^

N.Gray [Rubric]

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII ¡ 3 7 7 . ]

Monterey Munday 8th Dec r 1851 Wm. J. Eames Esq r My Dear Sir I DO here inform you that I received your last to me with the summons to J Abrigo which was duly served on him, and goes up to San Frc° in tomorow morning's mail.

I do here inform you chat I hav this moment had a long Conversation with Abrigo rclativ to his cuestion now about being involved, and he is about to come to a reconciliation which I hav made him in compremising this matter, which I hav taken the responsabillity on myself in dowing in behalf of M r . Larkin, Litle and Gleson. The two latter jentlemen agrees to it and do hope you wil do the same. M y prosition to A . is as follows, as eight o'clock this eavning, and now inform you of the same this moment to go by the morning mail. I propose to Abrigo that if he wil giv me fifteen thousand dollars I wil releav him from all future demands on the parts of Mr. Larkin, Little, and Gleson. H e has offered me ten thousand. I hav told him that it cannot be don for less and would not hear to any thing less. The last words he spoke to me was that he wanted me to weight, or that he would answer me in two days. This I do hope wil take and his be sattisfactory to you, but do not let it hav any effect in your proseeding for fear he may change his mind. But I must say again to you that if he excepts my offir I shall do so as I think it wil result for the benefit of all parteys. T r y and keep out of all compromisig as long as you can, and I do hope you wil answer this as soon as possable for my own satisfaction. With Respects I am Sir, Yours & Truly, J. P. Leese [Rubric] I am getting the tittle deeds for Huichico translated by Mr. Hartnell the Govrmt translator. J. P. L. [Rubric]

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VH: 3 7 8 . ]

ColusaDec r n t h 1851 M r . William J. Eames, Esqr. San Francisco, California Dear Sir I HAD this pleasure a day or two since in which I reported progress & c I have not much now to add but fearing the misscarriage of mine above referred to I will repeat some few items, vis. The taxes on the Rancho of Larkin's

Children amts. to $318.29 say State & County $261.35 /4, Court House to $56.84. On the Jimeno Rancho—State Tax $130.07, County $100.05, Court House $50.02 l/i, total $280.14 Y2Aggregate State Tax County " Court House " State Scrip on hand say Balance required

2

77-^5 213.72 106.86

598.43 160.00 $43 8 43

When at Sacramento I came across a man who offered a surveying compass & c to me for $30.00 which I thought a bargain & I purchased it, supposing that it would be wanted up here shortly, which outlay has reduced my funds to a low ebb. Therefore will have to ask you to forward me $500 as soon as convenient. I could not sell a Dft. upon you here. For the lack of the powers of attorney from Major Seawell & Judge Hastings I've done nothing with the town lots or the lands above in which they are interested. Judge Hughes said he was ready to pay the money for the half section of land if I could put him in possession (you are aware I believe there is a person on the land named Chissley, who wishes payment for his improvements about $1000) which I told him I could not do. He then said that he would hold Mr. Larkin responsible for his contract & c &c. He forgot, however, of his own noncompliance about sending the draft, of which I reminded him. You see then the sale to the Judge is void. I have spoken to 6 or 7 of the squatters and warned them of their trespasses upon the land with an offer to sell to them. They all said that they wished to buy the land when the tide was settled & c & c . so that I am pretty confident no arrangement can be made with those persons at present, unless the law is resorted to, and even then, we could not in the present state of affairs calculate upon a jury made up of squatters to give us our just claims. I think that it would not be politick in Mr. Larkin & Missroon to make any more gifts or compromises of lots until there is a survey of the Bidwell claim, because it is my opinion upon riding down the road from where the Children's Ranche ends that the two leagues would not extend to the town. This is only an opinion formed by me merely by travelling along the road, upon measurement it may be otherwise. I do not believe that your former agents here have done the cause much service, and together with that publication which I pointed

out to you when at Benecia will deter any person from buying or even leasing if improvements of much value are contemplated. Thank you for the letter from home which you forwarded. Any others for me you had best retain, as I think my stay up here much longer is needless. Yours truly, N . Gray [Rubric] The chance for writing here in this delightful town is a bad one and you'll excuse the penmanship. Have you an acknowledgement from Mr. Sterling of his being only a tenant? Will m J. Eames Esqr., San Francisco, CaL Sacramento City Cal. 13 Dec. 5 N . Gray. D e c 1 1 , 1 8 5 1

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII : 3 8 C . ]

Monterey Deer 13th 1851 Wm. J. Eames Esq r

My Dear Sir I N answer to yours of the 8th of this, I do here inform you that I hav receaved of Abrigo fifteen thousand dollars in compromising the Point Pinos question in releaving him from all damages or claims that may be brought against him on our part. The ranch now stands in the name of Larkin, Leese, and Abrigo, so we wil hav Abrigo with us instead of Little and Gleson. I wil eather be up in the Sea Bird next week, or send you the money by Gleson or Little. If I do not go myself I wil also send you the Ranch papers. With respects I am yours and Truly, J. P. Leese [Rubric]

[ ALPHEUS HARDY TO THOMAS OLIVES LARJUN. VII: 3 8 1 . ]

Boston Dec 19th / 5 1 Thos'. O. Larkin Esq My dear Sir ^ E n c l o s e d please find sundry accounts. First M r Rogers' a/c of money collected from U . S. for Mexican G a i m s & how disposed of. Second my a/c no 1. with M r Rogers as your agent—showing a bal. due you of $9338.44 which is credit in your a/c no 2, which amount was also with M r . Rogers as your agent showing a balance of $9348.99—Sept 1st which closes your business with Mr. Rogers, & that balance credited in M y account no 3 which shows a balance due you of $8117.99

I

7t^1—^

which I trust you

will find correct. I believe them to be so. M r . Rogers' accounts are as I found them when he died. While he lived I charged you nothing, doing all for him & any commissions you allowed he had. I would do everything for him he asked, for I was under deep obligation to him. Since his death I have continued your business, for which I have not made a charge, leaving that to be settled when I see you, & arrange for the future. A n y explination you desire will be given by letter or to you in person when you come here. A l l well. Truly Yours, Alpheus Hardy [Rubric]

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 3 8 2 . ]

Colusa Dec 22nd 1851 Mr. W i l l » J. Eames Dear Sir M .

. Henry T . Moore, my nephew, who has been in this country

some three years occupied in mining & trading with but moderate success, wishes to procure some employment more suitable to his former habits & strength of body. I have mentioned that probably he could procure a clerkship

to the Board of Land Commissioners and the present is to ask your influence with those having the authority, in his behalf. Mr. Moore is a lawyer by profession, being licensed to practice in Miss., of unexceptionable character and habits, writes an excellent hand & I think very well qualified for the station, or any other in San Francisco which would yield him a moderate salary, and you would much oblige me by procuring him the appointment, or something to do in your City. His knowledge of the country is good and has formed many acquaintances which would be valuable to some merchants in the way of business. Yours truly, Nich 5 Gray [Rubric]

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO WILLIAM J. EAMES. VII: 3 8 3 . ]

Colusa Dec 2 2d 1851 Wm. J. Eames Esqr Dear Sir I THANK you for the letters from home, forwarded per last mail. They are all well, thank God, and look forward to the time when I shall say come out to California with a good deal of anxiety. Enclosed you have the plat of survey of Mr. Belden's two sections. It was quite a troublesome survey to make on account of the sudden turn in the river. This is a first rate tract of land and very cheap & well located. You will oblige me very much by procuring a Dft. at sight from Page Bacon & Co. on St. Louis, or on New York for $100 in favor of Mrs. Ellen N . Gray, and enclosing it to her at Louisville, Kenty. & charge the Same to my account. Be pleased to forward it per first mail via New York, as she will need it rather before it reaches Louisville. I have now the power of attorney from Judge Hastings & Major Seawell to sell or lease & c . There is an advertisement up now of the two leagues for sale under two executions against C. D. Semple & Robt. Semple to come off the n t h January next in favor Major Seawell. These frequent sales tend to shake confidence in the strength of the opposing claim, as well as to weaken the possibility of making sales or even leasing, as it produces excitement and conversation on the subject of land titles generally, and the Jimeno one in particular

which has a tendency to deter persons who have been disposed to acquire town lots of land in the vicinity. I suppose, however, it will be best now for me to remain here until after the Sale. What think you? Yours Respectfully, Nich s Gray [Rubric] M r . Sterling writes me that he cannot cash a Dft. So you had best send the money up, if you wish the taxes paid. Is it important that the taxes should be paid in the present state of the unsettled land claims? T h e enclosed letter please forward as directed, pay the postage if you please and oblige your friend. N . Gray

[NICHOLAS GRAY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VII: 384.]

Colusa Dec r 26,1851 Mr. W m . J. Eames San Francisco Dear Sir I HAVE just rec*1 your valued favor of the i8th inst. enclosing your check on Page Bacon & C o for $438-43/100 to be applied to the payment of the taxes on the two Ranchos. I shall have the two leagues advertised, I believe, for the taxes—what think you? or what would you advise? I am not in funds sufficient to pay them on account of Hastings Seawell & Co. but may be in a few days, in which case it would be my duty to pay the taxes as far as they are interested. There is now no Stage communication to Monroeville, M r . Monroe having withdrawn his Stages from this end of the route on account, as he says, of the bad state of the road. It is, however, thought here that he is acting in bad faith towards the town of Colusa as Hastings & c . & Semple made him a present of some 3 0 lots upon his commencing his line of stages from this place to Shasta. H e has an idea of making a City at his place and calculates upon the Steamer Camanche 1 going up in a day or so and thus settling the point as to the head 1 This was the first steamboat of this name in California waters, a side-wheeler built on the East coast and shipped to California in sections aboard sailing vessels for use on the ran from San Francisco to Sacramento. It operated from November, 1 8 5 1 , to 1858.

of steamboat navigation. The Capt n Sutter agreed last night to go up to the Red Bluffs and several who were disappointed in the Stage promised to go up, but this morning Capt n Middleton declined the undertaking fearful, as I suppose, of his getting back safely, the current is so strong, and the dangers of the river falling too suddenly. We have had a vast amount of rain, and still some probability of a continuance. The river is within 5 or 6 feet of the top of the bank and rising. But occasionally the sun shines & gives us a prospect of having some dry weather soon and we may not be inundated. A day or two since I transmitted some letters to you p Mr. Evans of this place one for Mrs. Gray and requesting you to send her a Dft. for $100. Do not, my dear sir, fail in sending it. The Dft. which I drew upon you in favor Mr. Belden I will account to you for when I settle the taxes finally & if the Camanche comes up (as she is looked for) I will go in her as far as Monroeville and arrange for them with the Sheriff. Col. Semple's interest in these 2 leagues are now offered by the Shff. for sale 11 Jany next under an execution in favor Major Seawell, and if the Col. does not make arrangements for paying this claim whilst he is below which is his business down I expect, and suffers the sale to take place, his interests then will be finally extinguished. I have finally induced two squatters below the Belden tract to lease their improvements, with the right to purchase when the claim is confirmed at 1.50 per acre. They have not yet signed the leases, but think they will. If so, I believe others will follow the example, tho' they are strong in faith as to Uncle Sam's title and he will give them a pre-emption. If Mr. L has full faith in this Jimeno grant, I would not if I were he sell or agree to sell the front lands at $1.50 per acre. It is worth 3$ to 5$ maybe more in some locations. Give me your opinion on this subject, if you please, in your next. Have you lately heard from Mr. Larkin? And when does he say he will return, because if he stays some time, I would like to write to him. Yours truly Nich* Gray [Rubric] The river is within 20 inches of overflowing.

[ANDREW W Y U E , JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARJCIN. Vni : I . ]

Washington Jany 4th 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir O U R firm arc in receipt of the evidence transmitted by your agent in California, in support of the claim before the Board of Army officers, and think it will be sufficient for our purpose. The Army Board had already reported to Congress, but on the receipt of this evidence, they have consented to make a supplemental and favorable report in your case. Very Respy & c . Andrew Wylie, Jr.

[R. A. EDDY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 2 ]

Matysville Jan 5th 1852 Dear Sir

I

L ENCLOSE within a check for $35.00, the amount of subscriptions received from Forbestown, Butte Co., for the Washington Monument. You will please to acknowledge receipt. Yours Truly, R. A . Eddy

[ J . ALEXANDER YOELL TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. V m : 4.]

San Jose Jany 8th 1852 W. J. Eames Esq Dear Sir I HAVE had a conversation With M r Bassham, attorney in fact of Andres Pico, who informs me that as soon as P. arrives that the money will be paid me here, & wishes that Don A. may not be put to any expense on the subject. Yours & c J Alexander Yoell [Rubric]

[N. A. H. BALL TO WILLIAM J. EAMES. VIII: 5 . ]

Sacramcnto, January 1 1 , 1 8 5 2 Wm. J. Eamcs

Sir DRAFT drawn on me through Page, Bacon & Co, for 2621.00 was refused payment inasmuch as it was more than the amt. due & not a complete statement of my receipts, disbursements or commissions. Since rendering that a/c I have received various small amounts, & when at San F. paid Cook & Lecounts bill of between 3 & 400$. Mr. Larkin, when fixing the amt of commissions allowed, specified in the bond 15 pr. ct, stating he believed that was all that was allowed at Wash"—if more—& 20 pr ct as Mr. (the new agt.) stated he would allow it, as he wished to make nothing on it, and thought I would be disappointed in the amt. I anticipated collecting. I have since learned that 20 pr. ct was invariably allowed and shall claim that amt.—as I do not know the amt. received by you from election contributions & know that over 100 precincts are yet to be heard from, I cannot make up a final sheet until they are all received. I proffered 1,000$ to Mr. Page, which he declined, as I should visit your place on Friday 10 A . M . leaving here on Thursday when I shall hand you that amt. and if practicable finally adjust the balance.

Knowing as you have the many embarrassments, I have had since I took this work in hand, and the personal efforts I have constantly made to raise monies, that were due me in this place, and from the collection of which, one disastrous fire, followed by a sweeping flood, has prevented me from doing, I look upon your repeated duns and further peremptory demand on my bondsman, as well as this last effort as unkind, & wanting in that courtesy which among all classes should especially be extended from one young man to another. Your fears that M r . Larkin may suffer, I assured you were groundless as I would by letter to M r . Whittlesey take the odium if any attached, or the censure for the slight delay in remittance that might occur. I expect a reply to letter addressed him— by mail of Feby. 20. I am neither callous to feeling or honor as you appear to think, or destitute of the least particle of common honesty. You can easily ascertain from hundreds in your place my character, standing and good will, during a 3J/2 years residence

in this place, and if from anyone of them you can find reason for your late course, then I do not censure you. As it will be but two days ere I meet you, I will not say more, but subscribe myself, Yours Respectfully, N . A. H . Ball

[DELOS R. ASHLEY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VIII : 8 . ]

Monterey Jany. 1 7 / 5 2 Mr. Eames

Sir S t . John sent me the bills of which you wrote to me, asking me first to call on those owing & then sue if they refused to pay. Many of these persons live a great distance from Monterey & I have not been able to close the matters. Some are now in suit & are defended on the grounds the statute of limitation has run on the notes, some of which were given in 1840. Some of the persons do not now reside in or about Monterey & some arc not worth a damn & so it will not pay to sue them. I have not ree'd a dollar. When I do I shall advise you. Yours, D. R. Ashley

[C. M. DAVIS TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VIII ¡ 7 . ]

Benicia, Jany 17th 1852 M r . W m . J. Eames

Dr Sir ^(fouRS of the 13th was ree'd this morning. I have been expecting to hear from Jones, Tompkin & Strode and inform me when to draw upon them, but have not yet. When I last saw them they wished me to wait untill they saw M r . Strode, who was then at San Jose. They said they would send me word so soon

as Mr. S. returned. I had appropriated part of that which they owe me to pay you—hence why you have not heard from me. Will you do me the favour to call upon the said gentlemen, & tell them I wished to know whether Mr. Strode examined my a/c &C when I can draw upon them. If they give no answer favourable to its being paid soon, I shall put it into the hands of some one for collection. You will please write me on the subject. I depend greatly upon receiving the amt. Jones, Tomkin & Strode owe me $340.90 to pay you u p — trade has fallen out to nothing and am like all my neighbours disappointed. Yours truley, C. M . Davis [Rubric]

[CHARLES L. ROSS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. QUITCLAIM. VIII: 1 2 . ]

[January 22, 1852] I ^ n o w All Men By These Presents, That I Charles L Ross of the City of San Francisco State of California for divers good causes and considerations thereunto moving, especially for five dollars received to my full satisfaction of Ths. O. Larkin have remised, released and for ever quit-claimed, and by these presents do for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, justly and absolutely remise, release, and for ever quit-claim unto the said Larkin and to his heirs and assigns for ever, all such right and title as I the said Ross have or ought to have, in or to that certain lot of land in said City of San Francisco commencing on Battery Street at the southeasterly corner of Water Lot one hundred & thirty eight thence running along Battery Street fifteen & one half feet northerly, thence one hundred & thirty seven & one half feet westerly, thence fifteen & one half feet northerly, then one hundred & thirty seven & one half feet easterly to the place of beginning being fifteen and one half feet fronting on Battery Street by one hundred & thirty seven & one half feet deep; To Have And To Hold the above released premises, unto him the said Larkin, his heirs and assigns, to his their only proper use and behoof for ever: so that neither I the said Ross or any other person in my name and behalf, shall or will hereafter claim or demand any right or title to the premises, or any part thereof; but they, and every of them, shall by these presents be excluded and for ever barred.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. Charles L. Ross [Seal] Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of N . Gray [Rubric] State of California S.S. County of San Francisco On this twenty second day of January A . D . 1852 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the said county Charles L. Ross known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, who acknowledged to me that he executed the same freely & voluntarily, and for the use and purposes therein mentioned. Witness my hand & private seal this 22nd day of January A . D. 1852. [Private Seal]

A. C. Whitcomb, Notary Public

Recorded in County Recorder's office of San Francisco March 3d 1852 in Liber 8 of Deeds pages 562 & c at 10 & J/2 o'c. A . M. John A . McGlynn, County Recorder

[CHARLES BOLIVAR STERLING TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 1 3 . ]

Larkin's Rancho, Colusi Co. Feb'y 6th 1852. Thos. O. Larkin Esq Sir M R. Eames when here the last time authorized me to lease lands at a nominal rate as I should see proper on your ranchos. I am now puzzled to know what benefit this will be to you, for only a few (only two or three) out of the many are willing to take a lease for sufficient to pay for writing and recording the same. I have tried to do my duty as far as notifying and talking to squatters will do, but beyond that I feel that I can do no more without instructions from you. The "Jimeno" Rancho and your Children's "farm" is being settled up very

fast and the settlers arc cutting timber, building and improving very rapidly and when I tell them that you have a good title for the land, they get very angry and endeavor to take all their spite against me, as tho' I cared a d d for them or I their talk. Unless I get instructions from you how to act, I shall let them go ahead and any person who wants a lease, give it to them for little or nothing, or if you think best not to give any more leases, say the word and it shall not be done. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt C B. Sterling [Rubric]

[JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARXIN. INCOMPLETE. VIII: 1 5 . ]

Boston, Feby ioth 1852. My dear Sir ^ o u r letter of 31st Jany did not reach me in Boston (where I have been since the first of the year confined by sickness) as soon as it should have done, owing to neglect of Post Master in Boston; I was very glad to get it for I began to despair of hearing from you again. I was taken early in December with a very severe lung fever which confined me to the bed till January when I was removed to the City where I have been week and feeble and compelled to keep the house till last week when I rode out several times. I also sprained my knee during the first of my illness, which has not recovered and renders me verry lame. Added to all I have had an inflimation of the bladder which has troubled me dreadfully and continues so to do. What will be the termination of it God alone knows. I begin to feel that I am wearing out fast, very fast, and that it is time to be putting my house in order for the hour which cometh which no man knoweth—"Othello's occupation's gone." I had fully determined to have returned with you to California and my arrangements were makeing, but we know not what a day may bring forth; my anticipations are blocked and my plans are frustrated. I hope it may prove for the good. I am accustomed to disappointments, tho' I have not yet learnt to endure them with fortitude of resignation. One great object of my intention to visit California was for the purpose of taking my wife there to see her parents once more; an obsticle would have prevented that at this period, for I have made the unwelcome discovery that, in all probability, before four months I shall have an increase of

family. I mourn over such a prospect, but there is no help for it; accidents you know will happen in the best regulated families. I hope however a similar one will not occur in yours. I have heard that you are living in magnificent stile in a Palacia, in the fashonable quarter of the City, and that Mrs. L. presides with queenly dignity. I wish you joy, and hope that you and she may long live to enjoy all the comforts and luxuries which you so well deserve and which your ample fortune is so sufficient to procure for you. I shall be most happy, and my wife will be delighted to have Mrs. Larkin spend a week or more of the hot weather during the comeing summer, with us at Newton, should she be pleased so to do. I shall not fail to press upon her an invitation and induce her if possible to comply with your suggestion; if I can in any manner or may be of any service to her during your absence, I beg she will command me, without any hesitation. Nothing, I can assure you, would afford me more satisfaction and pleasure than to be of service to your family whilst you arc away. I place myself entirely at Mrs. L's disposition. I am extremely obliged to you, I can assure you, for your verry kind offer of acting for me in California in regard to my interest with Mr. Thompson in the lot in San Francisco City, by Power of Attorney. I shall accept your offer most gratefully, but as I am not in a condition to attend to it at this time properly, I shall foreward it to you by the next Steamer with full instructions. I beg of you just to advise me before you go how and where I shall address you in California; for I intend, if aggreable to you, to write you by every mail during your absence, and saddle you with the postage; what say you? I regret verry much that I am not able to join the party which leaves here tomorrow for New York to see you off, Robinson, the two Mellus's, Brown and others; it would have given me great pleasure to have seen you before your departure and bid you God speed on your journey, but I am prevented; accept, Dear Sir, my best wishes for your safe and speedy passage to the El Dorado, and for your quick and prosperous return—

[CHARLES BOLIVAR STERLING TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 4 . ]

Larkin's Rancho, Colusa Co. Fcby ioth 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Sir I FEEL it my bounden duty to inform you or in your absence your agents, that (this) your children's ranch is being settled up very fast. I have made it a rule to notify all persons so settling that they were trespassing upon your lands and I do not know that I can do any thing farther. I have told them over & often that your views and in fact your liberal offer in giving nominal leases ought to meet the wishes of every settler, but they laugh at the idea of one man holding more than 160 acres of land. There are now nine families settled and taken up squatters claims within the limits of your rancho, only one of whom I have given a lease for 5 years for one mile square at 5$ per annum and like as not will have a difficulty about it and would like very much to hear from you in regard to it. The case is thus, a man (name unknown to me) built a small clapboard house about two miles above here. I at the time notified him that he was trespassing— I think this happened in March 1851. In June he left the premises and has been in the Mines ever since. A week since I leased this place, improvements & all, to C . C. Stewart. Since then he has come back and claims his pre-emption and threatens to play hell with all hands. Mr. Gray applied to me to let him have money on your a/c. I did not have it at the time, and am sorry if it should have put you to any inconvenience. Either yourself or Mr. Eames would do me a favour to let me know whether the commissioners have taken any action relative to the grants or not and if it is likely they will very soon. Mr. Eames informs me sometime back in regard to Squatters, "Remove them peacably if we can, forcibly if we must." I do not understand this exactly. If you think it prejudicial to your interest for these people to settle upon your lands, I would remove them, but I do not know the first step towards accomplishing it and do not know what the statute says about it and if you wish me to take any part farther than what I have taken, you must tell me what to do and at the same time give me power to act. A portion of the settlers are making extensive improvements and are cutting about the finest timber on the Ranch. They take up what they call a preemption of 160 acres, and are very particular not to cut timber on what they consider their claim—so you see how selfish they act in the matter.

I am obliged to Mr. Eamcs for his favour in the shape of newspapers. I am, sir, in haste, Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. C B. Sterling [Rubric] I have had several applications this day from individuals asking for places to settle upon. They wish to know whether or not Mr. Larkin or his agents will bind themselves to sell at some price hereafter. I could not give them the desired information. Some of them said they would squat & run the risk, others said they would not settle and make improvements unless the proprietor would agree to sell hereafter or at the present time. Yours & c . C. B. Sterling

[JOHN S. FOWLER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 6 . ]

Sacramento City Feb 13th 52 The Hon. T . O. Larkin

Sir I HAVE been requested by Capt. John A . Sutter and a number of other gentlemen, that as it was supposed that you had in your possession a map or plan of the surveys of land formerly belonging to said Sutter, the said map or plan being one made by his adjt. or by Major Bidwell. And as we are about to present Capt. J. A . Sutter's titles to the Hon. the Board of Commissioners, and as it is regarded all important that we should be in possession of a map or plan that accompanied the said grants to the said John A . Sutter; (the above map referred to being one of the same) and as Sutter himself nor any of the parties holding immediately under him have in their possession either a map or a copy of the maps setting forth the lands that were conveyed to him by the Mexican Government we wish that you would be so kind as to forward said map with such other documents as you may have in your possession that will assist us in the litigation of said Sutter's titles before the Commissioners. Please answer this our request by return of mail. John S Fowler

[A. JUAN ATOCHA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. VIII: l 8 . ]

Washington City, March 20, 1852. M r . Thomas O. Larkin N e w York My Esteemed Sir X ^ a s t evening on m y arrival in this City (from which I have been absent some 10 days) I rec*1 your favor dated 23d u l t ° post marked 12th of the present which date I presumed it was addressed to me. The documents of which you speak, and for which you authorize me to spend double the amount which you mentioned to me in your's of the 29th Oct r 1851, provided that these documents could be put in your possession between now until the month of July prox°, or within said month. I believe I can procure them according to your request, but before doing so, I wish to consult with persons to hear their opinions on the subject, that I may not take any unnecessary trouble. A s respects what you say to me about the exchange which you accepted for me in San Francisco, I think it very strange, and much more so the manner in which you express it to me. It is true that when I asked you to accept said exchange, I manifested unto you that I would pay the import of it in Mexico before it became due, which I would have done by all means; but so soon as I received your letter of the 29th October, I believed you would have disposed of it, as you should have done, the payment of your acceptance for me, in as much as you authorized me to disburse that amount another way in your behalf and benefit, and you should recollect that if I disbursed in Mexico the amount you authorized me to do, it would be unjust that I should make a double payment. For this reason you should have given your orders before your departure from San Francisco, so that your clerk might be prepared to cover without any observation, prolongation or blame, a sum which you told me verbally and by letter that I could disburse it for your account to obtain the documents you asked me for. On my arrival at N e w York I explained to you the reasons I had for not bringing the documents, and in virtue of the same, you authorized me anew, now in your letter, to spend the double of that sum from which it would appear very natural that you should have met at once the guarantee which you had

given for me, believing as you should have believed, that I had to disburse that or a larger amount according to the instructions which you then gave me and ultimately have repeated to me. Consequently I do not consider the fault on my part under any consideration, nor what you tell me of the evil that this may cause me with your Old Countrymen has no effect. I am well acquainted with your Countrymen, generally speaking, and what they think or may think of me when they judge me without any positive proofs or foundation so to do, it will never mortify me nor lessen my character in the least. Finally, and that it be well understood between ourselves, I would say that if the persons whom I consult and the result of an interview which I wish to have with you afterwards, will induce me to take the necessary steps to procure the document or documents which arc necessary to you and to others, then on my return to Mexico, which will be in the month of June, I will procure what you solicit, and pay on your account the sum which you authorize me to disburse; and should it not suit me to attend to this matter, I will from Mexico place at your disposal in San Francisco or in New York as may best suit you, the amount I am indebted to you. I have seen Mr. Wright, and he spoke to me about the business you have reference to, having assured me that on his return from London, which will be in the course of a month, he will give me his opinion of the matter, after he has consulted with Fremont about it. As I have already said to you, I will also see by that time if it suits me or no, attend to said matter so you may know that it is not he alone who entertains entirely my attention. I accompany you the copy of your first letter according to your request. I am with the greatest considerations, Your Ob. St. (Signed) A. Jn. Atocha P. S. Escribo a V d en Espanol porque puede V. leer y entender mejor q e si lo hubiera escrito en Ingles. I certify the above to be a correct translation. Jose R. de Neilson, Spanish Translator and Engrosser.

[GEORGE E. BALDWIN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKJN. V m : 2 0 . ]

50 Wall St. April 7 A / 5 2 T. O. Larkin New York My dear Sir RS Wood & Coggill called at the office today to see you. They desire to meet you at our office tomorrow at one o'clock. Mr. Coggill is the gentleman who wishes to make an exchange with you. I mentioned to him I did not think you would take any mortgaged property. Before you meet them I would like to see you. In haste & c . G. E. Baldwin Suppose you meet me at Mr. Higgins room New York Hotel this Evg at 8.

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 1 . ]

San Francisco, April 15th 1852 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir I AM in the receipt of your favor of the 20 Feby last, and its contents have been duly noted, and I now make due acknowledgement (if I have hitherto failed therein) for the valuable mark of your confidence by the pecuniary advance made to me, and I look forward to the period, not distant I hope, when it shall be my pleasure and gratification to return the amount loaned. I have been for some weeks past up the Sacramento at Colusa, but did not effect any sales of the town lots; I made a few leases however. The title remains still unsetded although the motion made by Semple to set aside the sale made by the Sheriff to Hastings & c has recently been overruled by the Court, yet he has the choice of appeal to the Supreme Court. This case and want of action by the Land Comss" or Surveyor Gen1, as the fault is between them, has stopt all

operations in property out of San Francisco & Sacramento. There have been 180 or so titles presented to the Board, no confirmations, nor will be until the surveys arc made. The Surveyor General says he is waiting for instruction & funds and will not act even when the parties offer to pay the expense of survey. Still he will not act. He has no decision of character, or he is very timid, I am afraid. This mail may have brought him out the instructions he has been expecting, and will give me the appointment of Deputy Surveyor for which I have asked myself, and I have had the promise of Genl Wilson's (the Comss") influence also, and if I am so fortunate will proceed at once to your Feather River Ranche & make a survey of it under his instructions as to the wording and intention of the grant, for there appears to be some difficulty as to the beginning point I shall make, also a topographical & geological survey, and execute a map & c . I will also proceed to survey your other tracts if found to be necessary. If this letter reaches your hands before you leave for California, it would not I hope be imposing upon you to ask you to obtain something in the shape of employment or office out here from the Govt at Washington. There are Custom Houses to be built & Light Houses; are there to be no superintendents Wanted? or Comss" I believe they are called? There may be some vacant collectorships worth having & should there be a mint established, there might be a chance for me there. During Genl Taylor's administration & just before his death I had strong recommendations to him, and the Department of the Interior for the office of Surveyor Genl, Calfa, & the then Secretary (Mr. Ewing I believe) wrote to M r . Fisk, a wealthy merchant of Mississippi & New Orleans, saying that if I had been a resident of California, my chance of the nomination was fair. About a week afterwards Genl Taylor unfortunately died, and consequently a change of men & measures. I write these things to you, Sir, in the shape of justification in asking your influence in my behalf at Washington. I believe I am favorably known to Doctr Gwin, our Senator. 'Tis needless I suppose to say that I am, and always was, a Whig. Should you feel any delicacy however in asking for an appointment for me, you may postpone the application. In either event I shall be yours truly, Nich 1 Gray [Rubric]

[ELISHA WHITTLESEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIU: 2 2 . ]

Washington National Monument Office April 21 st 1852 Thos. O. Larkin Esq. 1701 Tenth Street, N . York Dear Sir I N accordance with a request from Mr. Childs this morning I have ordered to be forwarded to you from Baltimore 100 large prints of the Monument to reach you in time previous to your leaving on Monday the 26th insL I send you herewith a few copies of a new address by which you will perceive that our funds are getting low. You will confer a favor on your arrival in San Francisco if you will have remitted any funds that are in hands of your agent to our credit. Most sincerely, Yours, Elisha Whittlesey by T . W . Eckloff, Clk.

[ALPHEUS HARDY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 9 . ]

Boston April 24^1/52 Tho's O Larkin Esq My dear Sir I H A V E letters from M r Burr today stating that the boy Rogers must be removed. I have seen M r Wright & we have concluded to have him come here & then send him to a good school, say Andover, where he will learn twice as much as with Mr. Burr & cost half the sum. We will see him well cared for. Please say this to Capt. Cooper. Yours Truly,

Alpheus Hardy [Rubric]

[JOHN STONEY MISSROON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 3 . ]

N e w York, April 24, 1852 Mr. T . O. Larkin DSir I HAVE this evening concluded a sale to M r . Coggill of my interest in the nine leagues of land, lying south of the upper two leagues; and am rendered happy at an escape from the necessity of making large advances of money on an uncertain object. I have just ree'd a letter from M r . Eames, pr last Steamer, saying that the balance due me after paying taxes & expenses, out of my $1000, is about $600 which remained in his hands uninvested. He had made no other sales. I wrote M r . Eames on the 14th inst. withdrawing the nine leagues from the market on the reduced terms authorised in Deer last; and asking him to remit me my portion of that money, but I write now for him to retain it to my credit, to meet expenses & c M r . Wood is ready to enter into an arrangement with you to survey the land as soon as you arrive in California, and he expresses a desire to cultivate an agreeable understanding with you, which I hope & believe will exist. I have held conversations with M r . Cook & another gentleman from California, who has been at "Colusa," by whom the most encouraging description is given of the place, as to its value at no distant day. Before I had the interview I said that I would be willing to take $5000 for my interest. M r . Cook assures me that that sum is now very much below its real value. M y departure is hastened by the death of a near relative, or I should have called on you. Yours respectfully, J. S. Missroon [Rubric] I would like to know on your arrival how much I should remit for my portion of the expense of survey on the two leagues, or deposit to your order credit here, but give me what notice you can to give me time to collect the money.

[INSTRUCTIONS TO ; . HOWARD WAINWRICHT. COPY, v m : 2 4 . ]

N e w York April 28th 1852 J. Howard Wainwright Esq Dear Sir T H E Hon. Thomas O. Larkin of California has as you arc aware placed in the hands of George E. Baldwin Esq and myself his large property bordering on the celebrated Feather River for sale. The maps deeds and documents necessary for a proper understanding of the whole subject will be placed in your hands by Mr. Baldwin. The letter empowering Mr. Baldwin and myself to conduct a négociation for the sale of this estate is herewith enclosed. In accordance with the directions of Mr. Larkin this letter is designed to invest you with the authority to open négociations for its sale in London subject to our approval. You will in the first place seek Messrs. Green and Permie, N ° 2 New Inn, and Messrs. Wilkinson, Gurney and Stevens, N ° 2 Nicholas Lane, Lombard Street, to whom you will be acredited by Messrs. James G. King and Son of this City or by the Messrs. Barongs of London. They are the solicitors of the parties interested in the Fremont purchase. The object of your visit to them is to ascertain whether their friends would be willing to entertain the subject of a purchase of the Larkin tract in the place of the one belonging to Col. Fremont, Col. Fremont having refused to ratify the sale of the Mariposa made by Col Benton as we understand. As you are aware, Mr. Larkin has now gone to California for the purpose of causing full and accurate geological and geographical surveys to be made. They will be entered upon without delay and the result forwarded to this point. Your object should be to invite propositions for the purchase of the estate upon principles somewhat similar to those rejected by Col. Fremont, and for a sum not less than one million of dollars. It will be easy to ascertain the precise terms of the sale made by Col. Benton. You will furnish M r . Baldwin and myself with copies of your correspondence with Mr. Larkin by every steamer and with memoranda of your conversation with parties who may be entertaining the subject. In the event that you find the parties alluded to indisposed to consider the subject of purchase of Mr. Larkin's tract you will then take every pains to ascertain whether some other channels cannot be found where the négociation may be effected. I would suggest a conference on the subject with Mr. Peabody.

You will understand that the authority herein conferred is to cease at the end of three months from this date or sooner if you return to this City before that time. Very Respectfully yours, [H. G. Stebbins] N . Y . April 28th. As one of the attornies of the Hon. T. O. Larkin, I approve of the above.

[CHARLES W. MARCH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 . ]

New York, April 30th My dear Sir I BEG leave to introduce my particular friend Geo. C. Bates Esq. of Michigan, who proposes to settle in California. Mr. Bates has been twice District Attorney of the United States for Michigan, and distinguished himself greatly in the position. In any matters, professional or otherwise, you can place great confidence in his opinion and conduct—and I recommend him to your kind attentions. Very resp'y & truly yrs. Chs. W. March

[ J . W. MCCORKLE TO E. B. HART. COPY. VIII: 2 6 . ]

Washington City, May 5th 1852 Hon. E. B. Hart Dear Friend I N answer to your note in regard to the Ranch on the Rio de la Pleaseras in California I have simply to say that I do not think it contains any mineral land, and that said Ranch does not extend into the mountains. By a fundamental law of Spain, and adopted by Mexico, all grants of land when found to contain mineral of any kind are held as void, and any one can "denounce" the same. I do not think any one has in California a tide to one foot of mineral land, nor do

I believe M r . Larkin's Ranch extends into the mines. If it docs, the mines are now in possession o£ and being worked by over a thousand miners. In fact I am interested in claims that it would cover but have no apprehension of any grants. Yours truly, (Signed) J. W . McCorkle

[GEORGE E. BALDWIN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 2 7 . ]

N e w York 6th M a y 1852 T . O . Larkin Esq. San Francisco, Cal. My dear Sir I N compliance with your request & instructions, M r . Wainwright sails from here on the 8th inst for England. Enclosed you will [find] a copy of his instructions. You will also find enclosed a note from M r . Paine who holds some mortgages on the Sixth Avenue property. He behaved very gentlemanly & said he would wait until I could write you on the subject. One of the mortgages for five hundred M r . Paine says is now due, the two others amounting to eight thousand will be due in August. M r . Paine complained of M r . Wood in relation to the matter, but I explained to him that hereafter he should have no trouble in the same. I enclose a list of property sold here on the 4th inst. By it you will perceive property is looking up here. M r . Kissam has just left the office. H e tells me he is getting on slowly but surely, & after a little while will have matters smoothed. I trust you arrived out in health & found every thing in good condition at San Francisco. M r . Ditman desires to be remembered. M y brother sails from here on the 13th inst. T h e dog will be shipped. M r . Wright, who sends his respects, bought largely at the sale on the 4th inst. I shall call at your house this evening. Let me know how you & M r . Wood are getting on together. Yours truly, G . E. Baldwin P.S. I almost wish I was in your state on account of the climate. I have suffered considerable since I saw you & am now quite debilitated.

8th May/52 I saw Mrs. Larkin last Ev'g. She & the family are quite well. Wainwright sailed today in the steamer "Franklin." Enclosed is a copy of a letter which came on from Washington yesterday. Mrs. Larkin mentioned to me that Mr. Robinson would sail from here on the 24th inst. for San Francisco.

[GEORGE E. BALDWIN AND HENRY G. STEBBINS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 28.]

New York May 8th 1852 T. O. Larkin, Esq. San Francisco Dr Sir

with your directions Mr. Wainwright sails today for England. We send a copy of his instructions and enclose a copy of Col. Fremont's notice in relation to his sale of the Mariposas. We have advanced on your account to Mr. Wainwright the sum of six hundred dollars, which amount be so kind as to remit us. A t what time may we expect you here. We have procured for Mr. Wainwright letters to parties in England from gentlemen of the highest respectability here. Very respectfully yours &c. G. E. Baldwin H. G. Stebbins (COMPLYING

[Attached clipping:]

The following is Col. Fremont's advertisement, as it appeared in the London papers:— MARIPOSAS ESTATE.—I, the undersigned, John Charles Fremont, of San Francisco, in California, now residing in London, at the Clarendon Hotel, in Albemarle street, do hereby give notice to all whom it may concern, that I am ready to carry into effect all such contracts or agreements for leases of parts of the Mariposas estate, as are legally binding upon me, which have been duly made and entered into prior to the 20th of December, 1851, by Hon. David Hoffman, then acting as my attorney in London, under a power of attorney,

bearing date May, 1850, and which power was revoked in October 1851, and notice of such revocation was received by the said David Hoffman on the 19th December following. And I hereby invite all persons in possession of such contracts to transmit forthwith to my solicitors, Messrs. E. J. H . and J. Lawford, of Draper's Hall, Throgmorton street, London, authentic copies of such contracts or agreements, and to apprise my said solicitors when and where the originals can be inspected by them on my behalf. And I further give notice that I repudiate and disclaim (as I have always repudiated and disclaimed) the sale alleged to have been made by Col. Benton to Thomas Denny Sargent, Esq., on the 29th of January, 1852. Dated this 13th April, 1852. J O H N C H A R L E S FREMONT

[W. H. K I S S A M TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 2 9 . ]

No. 61 Chambers Street New York May 19th 1852 Thos. O. Larkin, Esqr Dear Sir I TAKE the earliest opportunity of writing you concerning your property in this City; the amount of rents thus far has fallen short of what we at first supposed, in consequence of many of the tenants having paid the rents to 1st May, in advance; two of the buildings in Brooklyn are unrented, also portions of several of the others in this City; for these however I think I will be able shortly to find occupants, by having them put in tenantable condition, which is requisite although but recently built. If I rightly understood you all the rents becoming due after the 2d day of April were to belong to you; the occupant of one of the houses in Brooklyn (hired from M r . Wood on the 6th day of April last, to take possession on the 1 st of May) has shown me a receipt for rent from 1st May to 1st June, amounting to $34. This I think should be returned to you by Mr. Wood. There appears also to be due to the comptroller 18 months interest instead of 12 months, making a difference of $37.80. Several of the policies of insurance expiring, I have taken out new policies in your name. Mr. Baldwin informs me that Mr. Paine wishes the amount of his mortgage

($8,500) by the 1 st August next; please let me know what I shall say to him on die subject Yours Very Respectfully, W. H . Kissam \Note on reverse side, in pencil:] All rents were due me after 2 of last April. M Wood should pay you any amt. reed by him after that date. Put the building in rentable order. Continue or renew all policies falling due. I have remited to M r Larkin last month's draft of 1700$ and one of 4000$ today, another to Mr. Geo. E. Baldwin for 3000$. The 8700$ M r B. has my orders to pay over to the owner of the morgages—you & he refused to. Please write often. You will please advise with him in relation to my property purchased of M r Wood and write me often sending your letters by mail, as Buford & Co.'s Express is a very slow and uncertain means of conveyance and I have been several times disappointed in letters sent by them.

[N. A. H. BALL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 0 . ]

Sacramento May 23/52 T . O. Larkin Esq Dr Sir a commission from Mr. Joseph H . Nevett, Presdt Board Alderman of this City during the past week, to solicit & collect monies for the "Washington National Monument Association," by authority of his commission dated Feby. 19/49, anongress

has adjourned without passing your bill. So great was the

prejudice there in the early part of the session, indeed during the whole session, against all California claims, that it was impossible to get one even reported upon. They were all postponed under the pretext that a commission was to be provided to examine them all, and report to Congress those which were valid and ought to be paid. Gwin had that matter in hand but could not get it through. T h e Finance Committee of the Senate then reported an amendment to the Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation Bill placing $10,000 in the hands of the President to enable him to have an examination into the California claims and contracts. But that was rejected by the House of Representatives, and the bill passed at last without any provision on the subject. Since the adjournment of Congress I have seen M r . Lea as well as the Quarter Master General, who say that the claimants must now look to Congress, and each one get through his own claim if he can. That is our only remedy now, and I will do every thing in my power to get your bill through at the next session. M r . Childs & wife are quite well. Very Respy & c Andrew Wylie, Jr.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN AND HENRY F . WILLIAMS. LEASE. VIII: 6 9 . ]

[September 6, 1852] J L h i s Indenture made this sixth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty two between Thomas O. Larkin of the City of San Francisco, State of California, and Henry F. Williams of the same place Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the rents to be paid and the stipulations and covenants to be kept and observed by the said Lessee as are hereinafter reserved and stipulated, the said Lessor doth hereby lease demise and to farm let unto the said Henry F. Williams the lot of land in the said City of San Francisco, commencing on the northerly side of a Court or Lane extending from

{ " 6 ] Montgomery to Sansome Street eighty two and one half feet westerly from the intersection of said Lane or Court with the westerly line of Sansome Street, thence running along said lane or Court ninety five feet westerly, thence at right angles fifty feet northerly, thence at right angles forty feet easterly, thence at right ten feet northerly, thence at right angles fifty five feet easterly, thence at right angles sixty feet southerly to the place of beginning together with the free use and enjoyment of so much of said Court or Lane as extends along the front of said lot by a width of fourteen feet to be used as a passage way by the said Lessee. To have and to hold the said demised premises unto the said Lessee for the term of five years from the date hereof. And doth hereby covenant to and with the said Lessee his executors and administrators that the said Lessee shall peaceably hold and enjoy the said demised premises without let or hindrance from the said Lessor or any one claiming under by or through him. And the said Lessee hereby agrees and covenants to pay the said Thomas O. Larkin for said demised premises the monthly rent of one hundred and twenty dollars payable in advance on the first day of each and every month during said term to Keep in good order and deliver up peaceably and quietly at the expiration of the term in the same good order as they are taken possession of by him and to pay all the taxes which may be assessed on the streets and on the buildings and improvements constructed by him on the demised premises during the continuance of said term, the said Lessor hereby agreeing to pay the taxes on the land hereby demised. And the said Lessee hereby agrees to build good and substantial brick buildings covering the whole front of said premises to be fully completed within one year from the date hereof one half of which shall be completed within six months from the date hereof. And the said Lessor hereby agrees that the said Lessee may have the priviledge of purchasing said premises at the expiration of said term of five years at a price to be fixed by arbitration (in case the parties cannot agree) in the following manner. Each party shall choose one disinterested person as an appraiser and these two shall appraise the said lot and in the event of a difference of opinion between them as to the value of the same, then they shall call in a third disinterested person and a decision of a majority of the three shall be final or the said Lessor will buy said brick buildings the price to be fixed in the same manner as the value of the ground. And it is further mutally covenanted and agreed by and between the parties and their executors and administrators that if default shall be made by the said

Lessee in the payment of said monthly rent in advance as herein stipulated to be paid then and in such case the said Lessor or his assigns may immediately or at any time after such default and while the same continues enter into said demised premises and this Indenture and every clause thereof shall be deemed cancelled and utterly void as if the same had never existed so far as any benefits can accrue therefrom to the said Lessee and the said Lessor be remitted in all respects to his former estate in the premises demised but nothing herein contained is intended to prevent the said Lessor from recovering from said Lessee for any rent due from said Lessee before or up to the time said Lessor shall enter upon or take possession of said premises by or under any covenant or agreement herein contained. In Witness Whereof the parties have hereto interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year just above written. H. F. Williams

[Seal]

Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] [Seal] Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[CHARLES BOLIVAR STERLING TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII ¡ 6 7 . ]

Larkin's Rancho, Colusa Co. Sept. 6th 1852 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir I BEG to acknowledge the receipt of your favor, in the shape of the reports of the Commissioners and am much gratified by your attentions or at least remembrance of me occasionally. I will now endeavor to give you such information concerning the setdement of this rancho and by whom, as near as I can without troubling you with too long a letter. To begin—near the northern boundary settled by Shepard & Kelly in the summer of 1850, they acknowledged your titde, has since passed into other hands, who now claim under squatter rights. Next below, quite a number of squatters, with considerable improvements, have no faith in grants and disdain the idea of govt allowing one man to hold so much land. Next, old man Dean, sons and son-in-laws— out & out squatters, deny your right to hold lands and no argument of mine

can induce them to beleive that your children arc the owners of these lands. They have made considerable improvements, cut wood and deadened timber. When I notified Mr. Dean that the land was private property, his reply was that Congress would give him the land in spite of you. I have but yesterday had a fuss with one of his tribe, named Maginley, about a piece of lands, the facts are these; in the fall of / 5 0 I gave one Herron permission to settle seven miles above here. He did so & built quite a comfortable log cabin. He owed me about 800$. In the spring he abandoned the place and turned the house over to me. Some months back I sold the house to the above named Maginly for 25$. He appointed an hired man to live on it, but finally refused to pay for it on the ground that he had as much right to the land as you had and consequently considered that the house belonged to the land, a very proper conclusion on his part, but I decided that he should have niether. So, two young men applying to me for permission to settle on your land, I put them in possession of the log cabin, where they now are and are desirous of getting a lease from you for a number of years, for a half section of land embracing the improvements. If you can comply with their wish, I will send their names, as I do not remember them just now. Maginley went up yesterday "to whip them off, or any body that sticks up for you," to use his words. He returned in the evening without effecting his object. To make the whole affair more villanous on his part, he had been advertising the place for sale in the "Sac. Daily Union" and to crown the whole he has never lived on the place a day. 17 mile house, occupied by Mr. Willet, good improvements, very much of a gentleman, Whig, fine wife, does considerable business, originally a squatter, now acknowledges your tittle and is desirous of doing what's right. 16 l/i mile house by B. O. Smith & partner, some improvements, good man, wants a lease for some years, willing to do what's right. 16 Mile House by Van Sickle & Follansbee, squatters, good men, good improvements, very disirous of buying the land, anti-renters. 15 Mile House by C . C. Stewart, moving away on a/c of sickness of himself & family. I gave him a lease for 5 years with the clause, "not permitted to sell or underlet or underlease without your permission." He has sold out and wanted to turn over the lease, but I did not feel authorized in permitting it, without your especial permission. Consequently the lease is null & void at present, untill your sanction. 19 Mile House by Geo. Walling, wants a lease for years, has several partners. 14 Mile House by Stone, squatter, no improvements of much value. 13 Mile House by two labouring men, squatters, taken up the place on speculation. 12 Mile

House by Cox & Curtis, good house & well & hay, squatters. 11 Mile House, emigrants & squatters, just arrived with some (our or five families who have settled on the lower end of this ranch. 10 Mile House, by Dr. A . H . Cooper, am not certain about his Doctorship— pretends to have been one of the settlers association of Sacremento City. Has a wife just arrived over the plains, pretends to be a wise & knowing one, a man given to much words, consequently must "lie" some, one of those very sort of men calculated for a bad neighbor, very friendly & insinuating—very poor and p r o u d — & in everybody's opinion very lazy. His improvements will not exceed $200, very much opposed to Spanish grants, a squatter in every sense of the word. The above is as correct a character of the Doctor as I can give and not from any malice on my part, as we are on friendly terms, but to represent him in any other way, I feel that I would not be doing him justice. When the Doct. first came here I notified him that he was trespassing on private property. He endeavored in a lengthy argument to convince me to the contrary and finally in reply said he did not blame me, perhaps it was my duty, but that he would like for M r . Larkin to tell him it was his land. From the manner in which it was spoken, I apprehend that you would have stood a good chance of getting a kicking, but since having learnt the character of the man, you need not fear anything from him when you pay us a visit. W e are all well and as I have no news of interest, will close here. Very respectfully, Your obt Serve C . B. Sterling [Rubric]

[EDWARD T. DUNN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 70.]

Norfolk, V».Sepr 8th 1852 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr San Francisco, California My dear Sir I

HAVE been endeavouring for several years passed to dispose of the

Benitia lot you were kind enough to present to me; but owing to the neglect of my instructions by Hobson to sell when Benitia property was in demand I have not been able to do so. I ree'd a letter a short time since from Purser Wilson

informing me that you had kindly consented to extend the building condition in the deed for one year; but had declined to acceed to my proposition to take back the lot and refund to me the amt of expenses I have incurred for taxes & c &c. I have now no hope of making anything by this lot, and am only desirous of getting rid of it without loss, but do not think I can do so unless you will strike out of the deed for the lot the building condition. If you will consent to this I believe M r . Wilson will be able to dispose of the lot so as to save me from loss. If you consent to this proposition will you be pleased to inform M r . W . I have been ordered to the Frigate Columbia, the Flag Ship of the Home Squadron. A s we will probably be in New York next summer I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you & Mrs. L. Yours very truly, Edward T. Dunn

[ELISHA W H I T T L E S E Y TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII ¡ 7 1 . ]

Washington National Monument Office September 8th 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esq San Francisco, Cal 1 Dear Sir I MUST call your attention to the necessity of making regular reports of your proceedings in the prosecution of the duties of your agency for the "National Monument," and in accordance with the condition of your bond; aside from this consideration, it is of great importance that the Board of Managers be kept advised of the progress made by each agent in his collections, and a prompt remittance of the funds realized, either by certificate of deposite made in some safe banking institution, or by draft drawn to the order of J. B. H. Smith, Treasurer, which should be forwarded to this office. The scale upon which the erection of the work is conducted, depends mainly upon the success of our agents. You will therefore readily see the necessity of keeping us advised upon this point. The obelisk is now 1 1 7 feet high, and is steadily advancing. I hope to receive an early report and remittance from you, as we truly need funds. I had forwarded

co you by Adams & Co. Express on the 5th inst. 300 large prints of the Monument, 200 large prints of Washington, 1,000 small prints of the Monument, and 200 Certificates which I hope have arrived in good order; they were ordered on the 29th of July, but unaccountably delayed until, as I learn, the Steamer of the 5th inst. Most Sincerely Yours, Elisha Whittlesey, by T . W . Eckloff, Clk.

[A. JUAN ATOCHA TO T H O M A S OUVER LARKIN. VIII: 7 2 . ]

México Setiembre 10 de 1852 Sor. D n . Thomas O . Larkin San Francisco Muy Sor. mió I

IACE

un mes que he llegado á esta ciudad, y desde entonces me he

ocupado en ver si puedo conseguir el documento que me ha encargado V . y tengo algunas esperanzas de conseguirlo, aunque no con la facilidad con que V . me ha autorizado á hacerlo; pero esto no sera un obstáculo, porque haré lo que sea necesario y después nosotros nos arreglaremos. En la copia que V . me ha mandado de la concesion, no consta que la junta departamental la haya aprobado según lo previene la misma concesion, y esto nos ha entorpecido algo, pues es menester ver como salvamos esta formalidad en la declaración que se haga por este gobierno, en caso que la aprobación no exista. En el comviente del mes proximo Octubre, pienso poder remitírselo á V . si se puede obtener en los términos convenientes, y si asi no fuese, le manifestare cual haya sido el resultado, para su conocimiento, y que obre arreglado a las circunstancias según pueda hacerlo. Y o saldré de esta capital para Nueva York á principios de Noviembre proximo, por cuya razón si V . quiere escribirme aqui, puede dirigirme su carta bajo la cubierta de los señores Jecker Torre y O , y á Nueva York bajo mi nombre, 120 Madison avenue N . W . Cor. 3ist St. Queda de V . y se ofrece á sus ordenes, su atento servidor y amigo que lo aprecia A . Jn. Atocha [Rubric]

[A. J U A N ATOCHA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. VIII: 7 2 . ]

Mexico city, September 10,1852 Mr. Thomas O. Larkin San Francisco My dear Sir in this city a month ago and since then have busied myself with investigating the possibility of obtaining the document which you commissioned me to get. I have some hope of acquiring it, though not with your ease in authorizing the task; but this difficulty will not be an [insuperable] obstacle, since I shall do whatever is necessary and we shall come to an agreement afterwards. I

ARRIVED

The copy of the permit that you sent me does not contain the statement of approval by the Departmental Board (Junta) provided for in the text of the permit itself, and this omission has retarded our progress somewhat; if it is not approved, it will be necessary to find out how we can dispense with that formality in the declaration to be made by the government here. I expect to be able to send you the document at some time during the coming month of October, if it can be obtained on suitable terms; and if it cannot, I shall report the results for your information, so that you may act in accordance with circumstances and the possibilities open to you. I am leaving this city for New York at the beginning of November next. Consequently, if you wish to write to me here, you may address your letter in care of Messrs. Jecker, Torre & Co.; or you may write to me in New York under my own name at 120 Madison Avenue, N . W . , corner of 31st Street. Placing myself at your disposal, I am, with kindest regards, A . Jn. Atocha [Rubric]

[CHARLES DE S ELDING & ANDREW W Y L I E , J R . , TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 7 3 . ]

Washington Sept. n , 1852 Col. T . O. Larkin San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir W

-

I wrote you by the last steamer, I supposed that the provision

for the payment of Col. Fremont's expenses had failed between the two houses, in the confusion and hurry with which every act was pushed through or rejected in the closing hours of the session. I find, however, that the army bill still retains the amendment, which was reported by Genl Shields and advocated by Dr Gwin appropriating the sum of $168,000 "for the pay and equipment of mounted riflemen, finding their own horses and forage, of the volunteers serving under the command of Capt. J. C . Fremont in California during the year 1846, as appears from the muster rolls upon file in the War Department, and for the subsistence and supplies furnished to such volunteers in said service." This amendment also provides for the appointment of a Board of three army officers to examine and report upon all such claims. T h e Secretary of War has already appointed this Board, and it is to meet here on Monday next It consists of Col. C . Smith; Col. Chs. Thomas, and Major R. B. Lee. These are good and competent men, and we will present your claim and use all proper exertions to have it allowed. Our firm wrote some time ago to Col. Fremont on the subject, but we have not yet received an answer. Very Respy & c . Andrew Wylie, Jr. for D e Selding & Wylie P.S. The receipt of Col. Fremont, in my possession as the evidence of your claim, is "duplicate." It might be that the Board would make some difficulty out of this fact, unless the original was accounted for, or produced. Can you not send it, or direct your friend in Boston who has it to send it on. A . W., Jr.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 7 6 . ]

Washington, Sept. 17/52 Dear Bro. A r the late session of Congress an act was passed relating to the Fremont claims, a copy of which I enclose, tho' I suppose you may have seen it or heard of it. Yesterday Mr. De Selding asked me, isc, if I had a power of attorney from you, or if I knew who had, as he (Mr. Wylie is now in New Y k ) wanted some authority to appear before the Commissioners to urge and argue the claim, not collect it, & in fact they cannot be paid without some further action of Congress. 2d, if I knew where the original certificate was, the one he had being "duplicate" and, 3d, if I knew whether you could not give the items of the claim and furnish vouchers. In answer to his first enquiry I told him that I supposed Mr. Hardy had a power, & that I would write to him on the subject; to the 2d that Mr. Gwin had the original paper, & 3d, that I thought you could not give particulars or vouchers, as the whole business was conducted in great haste, and while you were a prisoner to the Californians. Mr. De Selding then requested me to state the matter to you & I told him I would, but I do it reluctantly, inasmuch as no notice whatever has been taken by you of anything I have said regarding your claims on the government, & I do not wish to be officious or meddlesome in other men's matters, tho' willing to go all lengths in the way of obliging a friend. Mr. De S. does not, as I understand it, want a power of attorney exactly, but something to show why they act in the matter—a simple letter might be sufficient In regard to the vouchers he thought the board of army officers might be punctilious in requiring the same proofs and particulars that are exacted of them in settling accounts. Mr. Wylie told me he intended to write to you by the last mail, and perhaps he has made these same enquiries—you can address them in reply. I was in New Y k two months ago, and again one month since, and saw your wife each time; from her I heard that Capt. Cooper has been on and has taken back Mrs. Webster & Sophia L. I was also at Lynn and Maiden and saw all my relatives and found them all well. I made quite a long journey, on official business, first into Maine, then to Western New York, from Buffalo twice across the Lake, to Michigan, & Illinois; on Lake Michigan to Wisconsin, and back

through Ohio & Pennsylvania—next week I expect to go again to Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. I continue to wish that I was in some settled business, and was where I could think, act and feel like a free man, and never hear politics mentioned. I bitterly regret that I asked & that you let me off in 1 8 5 1 — n o t that I wish or expect to be sick, or that I want more income than I have now. I have now more than would provide for myself and wife, tho' not enough to do as I would like by others who depend in part on me, but I would like to feel that my living depended on m y own exertion, and not the breath & caprice of another and I want a permanent home. I think it not unlikely that I may go out to Cal a with the mail this fall. I wish to show to myself and my friends that I can brave the seas, and that I did injustice to my own character in showing such fear of it when m y nerves were completely unstrung by excitement and the talk of others. It would cost me more than I can afford, or I would certainly go, the pay, $2 a day while on the Isthmus and at Cal does not pay expenses, and my life policies would be forfeited unless I paid a large extra premium. I intend to see what I can do. D o you ever see Samuel Childs, and will you attend to some business with him for my sister Mrs. Bigelow, of Jackson, Tenn? I ree'd a letter to day from Amanda, my neice, respecting Sam's son Eddy, who has been with them 4 years—she says her mother has beome so much shattered in body & mind by affliction that she has given up her school and house, & feels unable to take care of the boy any longer & wishes to be releived of the burden. She asks me to assist in getting him to Lynn or to his father, & I am willing to be at some expense, but I cannot do much. If Samuel cannot send funds for his support & education (he has never yet remitted one dollar) I think he should sign a paper that any necessary expenses may be reimbursed out of the share yet coming to him from his father's estate, after Mother's decease. If you «Si M r . Eames will represent the matter to him I do not see why he should not consider it a matter of duty. M r . Breed has one of his children, & none of the family are really able to take charge of the other. Very truly Yrs. E.L.C

[JANES & NOYES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 7 5 . ]

San Francisco September 17th 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir E to take notice that we arc dissatisfied with the ground rent paid you by us under and by virtue of a certain lease made and executed by you to Thornton F. Hickey, dated October 1st 1851, recorded in office of County Recorder of San Francisco County in Liber No. 2 of Leases, page 7, and by said Hickey assigned to us, of the lot of land on the west side of Sansom Street in the City of San Francisco, and that we wish the same appraised for the year commencing on the first day of October next. We are ready to nominate an appraiser on our side if you will do the same on yours. Respectfully, Janes & Noyes Wells Building, 3d Story. The lot of land is the same in which the brick building occupied by D. S. Lord & others is erected.

[GEORGE E. BALDWIN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : J J . ]

New York 18th Sept 1852 50 Wall St. T. O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco Dear Sir ^ o u r s of the 10th Augt last reached me in due course of mail. Mr. Parker of Boston, the friend of Mr. Dorr, called upon me some days since. He has seen all the houses & from what I could gather seemed pleased, but he did not say much. He however told me he greatly preferred property in N . Y . or Boston to San Francisco property. If you sell the property sell it subject to the

mortgages, deducting them from the value. The 6th & 7th Avenue 36th St. & Brooklyn h[ouse] & lots were valued, if my memory serves me rightly, about $108 000. The mortgages now on the same are I think about 34.336—leaving the nett sum of 73.664. This includes the six Brooklyn houses—if you sell but five of them of course you have to make a corresponding deduction in value & incumbrance. I am impressed with the belief that Mr. Parker's report will be favorable. Let me advise you to be very careful & see that you get full value for your property. Mr. Kissam called in to see me yesterday & speaks in the highest terms of your Broadway & other vacant lots—I said nothing to Mr. P. about your vacant property. Col. Stebbins & myself were delighted to receive the intelligence of the confirmation of your titles & we immediately despatched the paper to England. Yesterday we ree'd news from Wainwright of the most cheering nature, & we feel assured when he recieves the paper which we sent him in relation to the confirmation of your titles all obstacles will be removed. I make you herein an Extract from Mr. W letter: "There are one or two things to be done which are very necessary before we can sell those parts which show on the map present occupancy. Mr. Larkin must get a written agreement from the Squatters to pay a royalty—never mind bow small. If only a dollar a year, it would be very valuable here. I think from what Mr. Grey writes in his report that the miners would be likely to do this, at least it should be attempted at as early an hour as possible. Our aim should not be to drive these people off, but rather to induce them to remain there as when things are settled it will vastly enhance the value of the property." Wainwright also speaks in his letter about the very favorable manner in which the whole matter has been placed before the parties in London & confidently as to the final results. Rest assured our whole energies shall be devoted to the successful termination of this matter. If you procure any agreements from the Squatters or Miners—be careful to have them authenticated properly—or witnessed by the Surveyor Genl. or his Depy. This last week a gentleman owning large interests in California called upon me to aid him in negotiating a sale thereof. I declined, as I do not wish to let any other matter interfere with our Feather River matter. Permit me to suggest that it is adviseable not to let any parties in California know of our movements. I saw Mrs. Larkin not long since. She was in good health & spirits. As I

wrote you in my last she decidedly objects to mortgaging any of her property. She will however write you fully on the subject. Mr. Ditmars desires to be remembered. Very truly, I am & c . G. E. Baldwin P. S. Dr. Gwinn is a true prophet. M r . Ditmars says he doubts whether you can read my writing. The fact is, I have been very busy & have been repeatedly interrupted. Col. Clinton desires to be remembered. Give my respects to surveyor, GenL Eddy, & Judge Wells if you fall in with them. By the bye that was an excellent speech Wells made to the Democracy of your City recently. Mention to Eddy that his friend M r . Bates of N . Y . desires to be remembered.

[SAMUEL A. CHAPIN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 8 o . ]

San Francisco Sept 24th 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr DrSir I N accordance with the contract existing between us bearing date Oct 1 st 1851 wherein a certain lot of land situated on Sansome St. is leased to me on certain terms & conditions I would hereby give notice of my dissatisfaction of the amount named for the rent of the said lot—and do name and appoint Samuel R. Throckmorton Esqr as the person to value the rental thereof for the ensuing year in connection with such suitable and disinterested person as you may appoint. Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. Saml. A . Chapin [Rubric]

[ABEL STEARNS TO WILUAM J . EAMES. VIII: 8 3 . ]

Angeles Sept. 28th 1852 Wm. J. Eames Esqr Dear Sir "YOURS of Agt. 3d was duly ree'd, and agreeable to your request have paid the State & County taxes on Mr. Larkin's lots in this City, amounting to four dollars 15/00 ($4.15). There will be a small city tax to pay. As yet I have not assertained or rather the assesment is not made. When known what it will be shall pay it and will advise you. Yours Verry truly & c . Abel Stearns [Rubric]

[CHARLES BOLIVAR STERLING TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VIII: 8 5 . ]

Larkin's Rancho Colusa, 30th Sept 1852. Wm. J. Eames Esq. Dear Sir SINCE my return here I have entirely recovered from that attack of ague & fever, experienced in your City and have the pleasure to state that the balance of my household enjoy fine health at present. We will hold our convention (Whig) in Colusa, on Saturday next for the purpose of nominating county officers and have not a doubt but what we will cany the day for Scott & Graham. We will endeavor to bring out a man 'good & true' for the legislature, that will beat all such men as Geo. R. Parburt, the nominee of the Monroeville Democratical Mass County Convention, composed of at least six men. You were speaking of giving leases to settlers on this ranch when I was down; I have conversed with some of them on the subject. They appear willing to take leases for 3 & 5 years and a few do not think the terms you propose, $100 per annum for a quarter section, too much. Some are very desirous of arranging

this business as soon as possible, as they are anxious to go on making improvements—fencing, putting in crops & c and wish to know the footing upon which they will stand. I saw Robert B. Ord, dep. sherrif this morning. I asked him in regard to the taxes &c. He did not have the assessor's roll with him, consequently did not know the amount, but said he would write to me about it & when he does so, will inform you immediately. Tell Maj. Brenham I should like for him to send me if possible quite a number of Whig documents, pictorials & c for distribution among the freshly arrived emigrants. I remain, Very respectfully, Yours truly & c . C. B. Sterling [Rubric]

[CHARLES DE SELDING Be ANDREW WYLIE, JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 8 6 . ]

Washington Sept. 30,1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir J . HE Board of Army officers appointed under the recent act of Congress to investigate and report upon the claims against the Government, arising out of Col. Fremont's operations in California, have required us to produce some evidence to shew for what particular items Fremont's certificate which we presented on your account was given. We have examined every account and paper in the Treasury, War and Navy Departments which we supposed might possibly throw some light upon the subject, but have not been able to discover any thing satisfactory. The Board say that Mr. Green must have kept books, and they want either the original books, or a proved copy of the entries shewing what they want. Can you not supply this evidence so that we get it by the return mail, in time for the report to Congress early in December? Very Respectfully & c . De Selding & Wylie On opposite folio you will find a copy of that portion of the account you left with us, which embraces the items for which Fremont's certificate was given.

[c. F. SMITH TO CHARLES DE SELDING & ANDREW WYLIE, JR. COPY. VIII: 87.]

Office of the Board from the examination of claims contracted in California under Lt. Col. Fremont. Washington, D . C. Sept. 30th 1852 Messrs. De Selding & Wylie, Washington, D . C Gentlemen: Y o u * letter of the 28th inst. accompanying a claim of Thos. O. Larkin (as assignee of T . H . Green) for $10,885 16/100, on account of supplies furnished Fremont's California Battalion in 1846 has been received and will be duly considered by the Board. The Board deems it nessesary to see a full statement in detail of the supplies furnished, accompanied by receipts of the proper officers and the authority for the supplies with such other proofs and explanations as the nature of the case admits. The letter of the Third Auditor of September 25th 1852, enclosed with the above, does not appear to affect the case. By directions of the Board: C . F. Smith, Col. U. S. Army

[CHARLES DE SELDING & ANDREW WYLIE, JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 89.]

Washington Oct. i, 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr San Francisco, California Dear Sir SINCE

we addressed you yesterday we received a communication from

Col. C. F. Smith, stating more in detail what the Board of Officers require to admit your claim. A s Senator Gwin is now in California, it has been suggested to lay your case fully before him. W e inclose copy of Col. Smith's letter and would recommend an examination of M r . Green's books, where most likely

the required evidence can be found, and if duly authenticated, will be received by the Board as sufficient to establish your claim. We remain very respectfully, Your obdt. Servts. De Selding & Wylie

[EBENEZER LARK IN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: g o ]

Washington City, Oct. 2,1852 DearBro. ^^OUR letter of Aug. 10 was not ree'd until Sept. 20, a week after the mail arrives at N e w York, and on the day the next mail left; where it has been so long I do not know, but the delay will explain why I did not allude to it in my last, dated about Sept 17. Gilbert's early death is to be lamented, & the manner of it—a victim, as he was, to a foolish quarrel about political distinctions, not differences, and of a barbarous code which ought long since to have been swept from the earth as a relic of the dark ages. I remember him as a dashing young man driving a pair of fine horses through our streets, & probably looking forward to a long life of honorable activity. I am glad to hear that your land titles are likely to be established, or have been, as I saw by the newspapers, tho' I have no definite idea of what was the difficulty. Do you allude to the Feather river property? Is your title to that tract clear and undisputed? And have you any prospects of making sale of this estate? Your wife said your attorney in New Y k intimated something about the necessity of going or sending to London on this business. That I did not go out with you has been the source of more "regret" to me than to you, I suspect, tho' I have no idea that I should have made "7 to $9000 in 12 months," for though I have entire confidence in my ability to conduct any ordinary business with care and prudence, I have no skill in speculating— perhaps it is as well as it is—one of the family is getting rich at any rate, but that will do me no good. What I have felt and suffered no one knows or can know, but Him who made me—let me say no more about it. If Peirce is elected President I shall feel secure in office, for tho* not of his political school, he is my personal friend and will, I am sure, permit me to remain where I am, tho' I

could expect no advancement from his party. On the contrary if Scott succeeds I know there are several who will try their utmost to get me out, and for no other reason than that Peirce is my friend, & that I have defended him when assailed. It is not unlikely that Benicia may bring me up yet—how would a good book & stationary business do there? M r Wylie tells me that they have written to you fully in reference to your Fremont claim, now before the board of A r m y officers, & I trust you may be able to obtain the evidence they require. They (De S. & Wylie) seem to have been industrious & persevering in the matter, & deserve success. T h e Cal. mail of Sept i is not yet in. If, when it comes, I get anything from you I will write a second letter—it is expected very soon. I have nothing to write with but the wreck of a gold pen—so excuse the scratches. Very truly Yrs. E.L.C.

[GEORGE E. BALDWIN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I I : 9 1 . ]

N e w York Oct 5 1852 T . O. Larkin Esqr San Francisco Dear Sir M .

. Wainwright returned here on Sunday last & reports having

effected a sale of the Feather River property. I therefore consider it your interest to come on here as speedily as your business will allow. M r . W . states that Col. Freemont & party were very hostile. Say nothing about this matter, but get all the evidence & papers in relation to the property you can & bring them on here. The Ohio has not yet arrived with mails, having put into Norfolk short of coal. I will not therefore receive your letters until tomorrow. Your family are well. In haste, Most Truly, G . E. Baldwin P. S. Ask my friend M r . Eddy if he has attended to my request in relation to the appt. of Commissioner for California. N o w it is very important for me to have it.

[ j . J O N E S GRIFFITH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII ¡ 9 2 . ]

t-u r\ 1 i • t~ 1 hos. U . Larkin esquire

Marysville Octo 7, 1852 1 D '

Sir H o m my conversation with Mr. Morris or Morrison, I forget which, a gentleman from Baltimore, in Colusa last May I was given to understand that I had settled on land claimed by you. M r . M . doubtless will recollect the circumstance of shewing me his own papers—this will no doubt refresh his memory of the fact. I remarked to Mr. M . that it was not my intention to intrude myself upon the rights of any gentlemen—that I would obey the mandate of the law & c that I had not done anything that was in any way injurious to the property nor would not. Previous to this information from Mr. M . I had been given to understand, and was asked to be a party to join the settlers and especially those in Colusa and resist any and evety attempt made by the grantee in the recovery of his claim—alleging that there was no bona fide grant—that the claim made was made so in fraud, and that the land was without any doubt public land & c . In consequence of these representations I became a settler only. This statement I made to Mr. M . and promised to call on him at San Francisco during the summer with a view of calling to see if I could get a lease of the land as I was led to believe by Mr. M . under a nominal charge in the mean time, with a right with a little time if possible to pay up, to purchase at a certain price per acre. This charge I understood would not exceed $2 per acre. The reason I did not call on Mr. M . is, I became the subject of deciase \sic\ contracted on the ranch, which has kept me on my back the entire summer. I have suffered much from it and the mosquitoes, I assure you. The ranch is situated some 25 or 30 miles below Colusa, near and adjoining a slough, which causes an overflow of at least one half the land, and contains some 500 or 600 acres. I am making this application, altho, not knowing whether you have a claim in law or not, and if so, if you will lease, under such terms and conditions as will enable a poor man, who is desirous of acting honorably in the matter, to get on and meet the conditions imposed in the lease if granted. It is now or soon will be time to prepare for winter opperations, therefore an early answer is respectfully solicited. Respectfully j j o n e s Griffith Box 88, Marysville

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 9 3 . ]

San Francisco October 12th 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir S i n c e you left I have leased the vacant lot on Washington Street to H. F. Williams at ninety dollars per month for five years, he agreeing to build brick buildings on it immediately. This is ten dollars per month more than I could get any one else to give and I thought it better to let it at once as the rainy season will soon set in & then it would have to remain unoccupied until spring. The rent is to commence Nov. 2d. M r . M . D. Butler brought in a note for six hundred dollars with your endorsement and I procured the money for him at the same rate expressed in the note, viz. 3 % . Page Bacon & Co. paid me the money for Robert Rodger's note for two thousand dollars less 3 % per month. I paid your note for two thousand dollars given to Mr. Leese, on the 5th inst., he deducting two hundred & ninety dollars, being balance of old a/c and two hundred & fifty which he received from Kamp & Campbell. I also paid him $120 being for draft & Frederick's a/c. Capt. Cooper left for Monterey the 6th inst. I sent the chest of books & papers by him. Mess. Gwin & McCorkle arrived in the California Oct. 6, but have not been seen in this city. There course in Congress on the Land Bill and Assay Office has made them very unpopular in this City. The rejection of Gen Wilson is very much regreted here, as he was a faithful public officer, and as his successor has not arrived it will greatly retard the progress of the Commission. I took from the office several letters that came for you by last mail and have remailed them for New York. Enclosed I send duplicates of the bills of exchange you took with you, viz. one for $1,000, & one for $500 payable to your order and one for $500 payable to the order of Mrs. Larkin. Brooks & Green have boarded up the side of their building adjoining the Alley but not being filled in it is not passable for carriages. I presented the petition for opening Merchant Street to nearly all of the property holders interested, none of whom refused to sign it except Abell & he says he will not oppose it. It was laid before the Common Council last Monday night and refered to the Committee on Streets. The City Hall in Benicia is

progressing finely. They have commenced on the brick and stone work and will probably have it completed by Dec. ist. I shall go to Sonoma this evening via Benicia as there are several payments now due for land sold on the Huichica Rancho. Mr. Trench who stops with Snooks is putting up a large brick building 150 x 187 on the North West Corner of Washington & Montgomery Streets to be used for a hotel & theatre. It is said that Niblo of New York is interested with him. Potter's contract with you & Belden requires that he should have the whole of the Market & First St. property and the streets graded to a level with the City grade of those streets by last Saturday, the 9th inst. I had the City Surveyor on the ground on that day and find the whole is graded on an average about one foot below the grade with the exception of a small piece south of Stevenson & between Ecker & Anthony Streets which is about four feet above the grade & he is still at work on it with carts and on the lots beyond Second Street with the "Paddy." Minturn & Cunningham arrived in the last Steamer. Mr. Potter has spoken to them about taking cash instead of the land but they have not as yet come to any decision in the matter. I have seen Hulton again about his lots on Market Street. He asks ten thousand dollars for the whole, which embraces one lot on Market St. 40 x 80 ft. and one 20 x 155 running through to Stevenson Street, but I think he will take eight thousand for them. This I think is too high. I suppose $6000 would be a fair price for them. Please write if you wish me to buy them before you return. Property remains at about the same price as when you left. New brick buildings are being commenced almost every day. All kinds of California stocks have advanced, as you will see by the Steamer Herald which I send you by this mail. Mr. Hobson has sold his barley for 4 cts. The profit on it was $370. He has not yet decided what business to engage in. I have just learned that there is to be a meeting of the stockholders of the Benicia & Marysville Rail Road Company tomorrow evening at Marysville and as business of importance will undoubtedly come before them, I shall start this evening so as to be there in season. I shall then proceed to Hamilton & Monroeville to pay the taxes on your Feather River & Children's Rancho. Respectfully yrs. W m . J. Eames [Rubric]

[ELISHA WHITTLESEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 9 4 . ]

Washington National Monument Office Octo. 16, 1852 Thos O Larkin Esqr. San Francisco, Cal a Dear Sir ^(^our favors of the 31st Aug. and the 1 ith of Sepr. last were duly received with the first and second bill of exchange for one thousand and three dollars, five hundred and three dollars of which is the proceeds of a concert generously given by Senora E. Biscaccianti. We arc also in receipt of newspaper slips containing the correspondence & c upon the subject. Be kind enough to hand or transmit the accompanying letter to Madame Biscaccianti. I hope, my dear Sir, we shall be in receipt shortly of another remittance, as from the zeal and activity evinced by yourself and Sub Agent Mr. Ball, we anticipate a successful result in your state. Your explanation in regard to Mr. Blanchard is very satisfactory. Most Sincerely Yours, Elisha Whittlesey by T. W. Eckloff, Clk.

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 9 5 . ]

San Francisco October 27th 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr. Dear Sir by last mail a letter from you dated at Acapulco Oct. 9. Was glad to hear of your safe arrival there. Since I last wrote you I have been to Marysville, Hamilton & Monroeville. The Rail Road Meeting at Marysville was very well attended. Mr. McCorkle, member of Congress, was present and made a very good speech. I was surprised to hear the people there talk so encourageingly of the prospects of the Road. You will see by the papers that I I

RECEIVED

send by this mail that you were chosen one of the Directors. The Directors met again at Benicia last Monday, the 25th inst. A Committee was appointed to collect $8,500, being the amount necessary in order to secure the charter. This I think they will be able to do next week. A committee was also chosen to ascertain the cost of surveying the line of the road & making estimates of the cost of building it. They are to report at the next meeting which will be holden at Benicia Nov. 12th. M r . Bissell takes a great interest in it and thinks the project will succeed. The City Hall at Benicia will be completed by Dec 10th. I went to Sonoma while at Benicia and collected $300 from McGimpsey, being the first payment on his land. Renick's first payment was due the 15th inst. but not having received the money for his barley which he has sold he could not pay it. Says he will pay $1,000 Dec. 15/52. Akers & Grayson refuse to take the deed you executed before leaving as they say you promised to give them a Warranty Deed & say they can bring M r . Cook as a witness to prove that fact. M r . Cook was out electioneering & I did not see him. While at Hamilton I paid the taxes on the Flugge Rancho being but $177.72. I could not pay the taxes in Colusa County as the Sherriff was not at home. When at Benicia I paid your taxes there amounting to $1,572.20. Mr. Gray has made a contract with Dr McKee & Whitcomb to survey the Jimeno & Rodriguez Rancho and is now at work there. I told him to run the back line of your Children's Rancho. I have seen Potter again about the grading contract and he says that Cunningham will not take less than $16,000 in cash as he thinks the lots are worth $20,000. I do not think he can compel M r Belden & yourself to give him a deed as the contract has not been complied with. He is now grading Market Street & says he shall not stop until he reaches the Plank Road. The property holders have nearly all petitioned the Council to have the street graded to that point. The petition has been presented & I have no [doubt] but it will be acted upon favorably. I signed the petition for you & Belden. M r . Potter still holds the old subscription list but as he has marked your subscription paid you will not of course have to pay anything more. I have leased the vacant store on Pacific Street for $50 per month. The Spanish family that you rented the 2d story to on the corner have "vamosed" without paying the rent. I called several times but the lady always said her husband was away but would call «Si pay me. Mrs. Colburn who occupies the house on Ecker Street says that you told her she could have it at the price she agreed with Miss Wheelock—$20 per month—& says she thought Miss W . owned the house. I told her she must

move as soon as she could get another house or pay (40 per month. Her "situation" will prevent her moving at present. Washington St. has been raised so that the building owned by you & M r Wood had to be raised three feet. It cost $256. Wood pays I have remailed your letters that arrived by last mail for New York. I have written to M r . Baldwin enclosing a draft for $500 requesting him to pay it to Mrs L. if she had not left for San Francisco, otherwise to hold it subject to your order. Judge Thornton & Mr. Cooley, the Land Commissioner & Sub Agent, are both in this city loafing. It is said that Judges T . & Hall cannot agree about the tides, hence the delay. Judge H. is now at Los Angeles but will soon go to Santa Barbara where Judge Thornton will meet him. This I learned from Gen. Wilson who is now in this city & with whom I have had several interviews. He has been retained as counsel in several of the land cases, the Jimeno and others. Says he shall now confine himself to the practice of his profession. M r . Gwin is travelling through the country, "stumping" it for Pierce & King and tickling the squatters by saying that there is not a Spanish Grant in the State that is valid & that soon they can have the land for nothing under the administration of Pierce & King. It is thought that his bill which has passed both houses of Congress & become a law giving the U . S. Attorney General 6 months to appeal the cases will have a tendency to hurt the titles. I learned from Mr. Bruce that Mr. Ball sent home to his brother in Salem, Mass. $1,200 of the money collected for the Monument. I have written him in relation to it & received a long letter from him this morning in which he says that he should have paid over the whole amt. collected ere this if he had not been told by a friend of his in this City that you had used towards him very offensive & uncalled for remarks. He says that he is now confined to his room by severe illness but will send me the money before the 1st Nov. & that he will as soon as he is able at any rate before Nov. 15th, render an a/c of his collections, pay over the whole amt. collected & resign his Agency, as after the remarks you have made about him he cannot consent to [remainder of letter missing]

[A. J U A N ATOCHA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. VIII: 9 7 . ]

Mcxico October 28th 1852. Thos. O. Larkin Esqrc San Francisco, California My Dear Sir ^ ^ n c l o s e d I accompany you the documents which prove the legality of the letters of naturalization, and concessions of lands which Genl. Micheltorena accorded and conceded to your daughters [i.e., children], that these documents you may present before the Commission, which will examine the tides of lands conceded in that Department by the expressed General, or in any other competent tribunal of the United States; it being well manifest that they will be acknowledged as valid and legal, as no defect or objection of any kind can be had to them.

In my possession remain copies of the naturalizations and concessions of lands which you remitted unto me with your letter dated 29th of October, last year, from that City, in which you requested me to see how I could make the documents valid with the necessary signatures of those persons invested with the competent authority. And in consequence of the authority, contained in that same letter, and that of date 23 February, with a post script of 12 of March of the present year, from New York, I have managed to procure here the documents I remit to you, on the terms [as] they are, and as you wished them to obtain the object expressed in your letters; altho' notwithstanding the limits which you fixed in them, I was always obliged to exceed by paying more to obtain the things necessarily required; as respects this we will regulate our accounts when I have the pleasure of seeing you. The documents which I accompany you do not only prove the naturalizations and concessions of the lands that General Micheltorena accorded and conceded unto your daughters, are valid and legal, but that also with these same documents may be proved that all the acts of that General are valid and legal; and you may be able to see other persons who have titles of land, conceded by him, and make them pay a compensation for the expenses which have been here incurred.

RESERVED* I should notify you that the concessions and the naturalizations of your daughters, as well as other acts of General Micheltorena, are considered by this Government as entirely Null and of no value, for the reasons I will make known unto you, but not in writing, so that no person may know them, nor make use of them against those interested; and for this reason I have been obliged to adopt the plans I did to procure for you the information you so much desired. The last of this month I leave here for Vera Cruz, and from thence to New York and Washington, where I will pass the winter; if you wish to write to me, you can do so by directing me the letters to New York, 120 Madison Avenue, Corner 31st Street, where I live since last winter when I purchased said house. I renew my assurances of regard to you, and remain, Your aff" friend, (Signed) A. J. Atocha

[GEORGE H. HOWARD TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 98.]

ir •» per California

San Francisco October J31st, 1852 J

Don To mas posponed our departure until the 16th proximo to take advantage of the superior accommodations of the "Golden Gate," thinking also the Isthmus may be in a better condition for crossing. I hope to find you still in New York when I arrive—shall put up at the "Metropolitan," but of course shall learn your whereabouts at the Irving. Leave word at the office where I shall find you. We heard of you through Frank Melius, who wrote from Acapulco—abjure Absynth! Teschemacher has gone to San Mateo with my brother. Thompson is also away from town. Don Alfredo Robinson has been making us a visit but left on Saturday for Santa Barbara (where he left his wife) in the "Sea Bird." He has nearly given up the idea of going into business here. We are to have an opera company here in about a month. They have taken the new French Theatre on Commercial St. The new hotel,1 corner of Jackson I

HAVE

* The Spanish reads, " M u y reservado," which would be "Very confidential." In the San Francisco Alt* for October >6, 185a, there is mention of the building of a new hotel by a Mr. Niblo of New York, on Montgomery Street, from Washington to Jackson. The story is repeated in the issue for October 30, but we find no later references to such a hotel. 1

Street & Montgomery, is progessing. The Concert Hall connected with it is to be opened by Biscacianti about the 13th prox°. It will seat about one thousand people. Our friend Amanda has left Mrs. Whitney. I don't know where she has gone—don't leave until I arrive. Yours truly, Geo. H. Howard [Rubric]

[T. BAILEY M Y E R S TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 9 9 . ]

Friday [November i, 1852] Dear Sir

20

^assau[^l

[New York]

I T seems to me you & I had better trade for the corner of Broadway & 53d Street. Will you give $2,500 for the corner or what will you take for yours. They should be held together. Of course a corner on Broadway is a corner worth having, but I am willing to take a moderate advance from you & get another, or if yours are for sale at a fair price to buy, as the 104 feet & upwards that it will give on Broadway could be cut into 5 or 6 lots to great advantage. Please let me know your views at your early convenience. Yr's truly T. Bailey Myers

[R. A. EDDY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: IOO.]

Marysville Nov 2/52

Dear Sir

I ENCLOSE within one hundred and forty dolls, being received up to the present time in this County. The following precints are all that are yet heard from: City Matysville $103.75 Sewalls Ranch 7Pittmans do 11. 8.25 Industry Bar Bear River

10. $140

The amounts from other precints will be forwarded as soon as they are heard from. Yours Truly,

R.A.Eddy

[CHARLES BOYNTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 0 2 . ]

Jackson, Calaveras County Nov. 8th 1852 Thos. O. Larkin, Esq A g ' t Washington Monument ^ ^ n c l o s e d please find checks on Adams & Co. to the amount of $103.20, collected on election day of the citizens of three towns of this County as follows: Jackson, $55.55; Volcano, 31.00; Clinton, 16.65. [Total] $103.20. I understand that M r E. D. Sawyer, of Mokelumne Hill, has forwarded you the contributions from that place and several precincts in its vicinity. If so, please inform me, and send a receipt for the enclosed, mentioning in it the three precincts above. Other precincts on this side have made collections, which have not yet been received by me. Yours respectfully, Charles Boyn ton Temporary A g ' t for Calaveras Co.

[C. M. BLAKE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 0 3 . ]

Benicia, Nov. 9th, 1852. Dear Mr. Larkin E I n c l o s e d please find a copy of my School Circular. By a reference to an address on Education which I gave here, and which you will find in print (in the Pacific) next week, you will learn that I sought "this location as on the whole the most eligible in the State for educational purposes." I have been at considerable expense in the outfit and shall be at still greater. Of course my interprise will serve to promote every interest of society & property here. I have asked for no donations as yet, though I shall need some lands & c . soon for a building. I trust I have not presumed too much in saying to Mr. Gulick (wharfinger) that I did not believe you would charge me for every little package from time to time landed (gratuitously) by the Steamers as they pass. Please inform me, if I have. And, also, if you will donate a lot of ground in some suitable location for my school & residence?

Capt J. Paty, my wife's relative, is I believe the party by whom I was introduced to you nearly two years since when I was an editor of the "The Pacific News." I shall be very much pleased to see you if you visit here soon, and shall always remain, With esteem, Your friend & Serve C. M . Blake

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: I o 6 . ]

San Francisco Nov. 12th 1852 Tho O. Larkin Esqr. Dear Sir I HAVE shown your contract with Fernando Wood to Mr. Edwards and he says you will be obliged to pay the taxes on the property for the ensuing year and you will also have to pay the taxes on the Jimeno Rancho, as according to the present law he says that the taxes form a lien on the property sold since last March. I learn that a great many people have got caught in the same way not being aware that there was such a saw in force, it having been passed during the last Session of the Legislature. You will see by the papers I send you by this mail that there has been a terrible conflagration in Sacramento, destroying nearly the whole City, causing more damage in proportion to the amount of property left than any fire that has visited any other City in the State. Teschmacher & Co's Tehama Block & Howard's brick building adjoining it on Front Street were among the few buildings saved. This fire will undoubtedly cause a great decline in the price of property there, and some think it will never attain its former size and importance but it is being built up very fast and time will show the final result. The Legislature will probably not think of meeting there this winter although the Court House is still standing. This will add another chance in favor of Benicia being made the seat of government and will cause the Marysville people to make still greater effort to carry the rail road through to Benicia. The first instalment being eight thousand five hundred dollars, enough to complete the survey and estimate and obtain the Charter has, I understand, by the Committee appointed to make the collection been all paid and the stockholders have a meeting at Benicia tonight and tomorrow to hear the report of the Committee

and make a contract for the immediate survey of the road. I shall go up to Benicia tonight to attend the meeting and shall then proceed to Sonoma to make some collections now due there and pay the taxes on your town lot and the Huichica Rancho. As I cannot get back before the mail closes, I shall not write another letter from this City (except a duplicate to Panama as you requested) but may write one from Benicia. The Steamer Tennessee arrived last Saturday the 6th inst. bringing among other passengers Maj. Reading & the news that Beverly C. Sanders had been appointed Collector of this Port which gives universal satisfaction. Was pleased to learn from Mr. Schell that you had a very pleasant trip down. I received from him two packages of Washington Monument Certificates and a letter from you in relation to selling him 320 acres of land on the Huichica & c . A s the price has not varied any since you left, I shall let him have it at the price you named. He will go and look at it as soon as he has time. Would go with me if he was not so busy. I received by last mail several letters for you but according to your direction I shall retain them until I hear further of your movements. There was one letter from your family which remains unopened. The others from Kissam, Baldwin, De Selding & Wylie & Eben I took the liberty to open, presuming there might be something in them that would require my immediate attention. Such proved to be case in regard to De Selding & Wylie's as they say the Board appointed to examine the Fremont claims require the items of the different amounts. These I have sent for from Monterey by Capt. Cooper who has just gone down, as I suppose they can be found among M r . Green's & your old books which I sent down in the Camphor Chest. I have requested him to examine them and send all up relating in any way to that business and shall then get Maj. Snyder & Hensley to certify to their accuracy before the U. S. Commissioner here & will forward them or certified copies of them on to Washington by Steamer of Dec 1st. Would send them by Steamer of 16th inst., but it will not be possible to get them ready if they can be found. M r . Baldwin's letter contains the gratifying intelligence that M r Wainwright had returned from London after having effected a sale of Feather River property. This is most too good news to be true and I shall anxiously look for your letter to confirm it. I called on Judge Thornton a few days ago and had a long and veiy pleasant & satisfactory conversation with him. If Judge Hall would agree with him there would be very little trouble in settling land titles in California so far as the Commissioners are concerned. He informed me that he had received an

order from the President revoking the former one and allowing them to hold a session here the 16th inst. He says they can do nothing towards confirming titles until the other Commissioner arrives as he and Judge Hall cannot agree but he hopes to bring Judge H. around to his views & proceed with business. He said Judge Henry was an intimate friend of his but did not think he would come to California if Pierce was elected President as he would probably be removed. If he was, the 4th of March next & as he was very rich [he] would not come to stay here except as in the capacity of Commissioner. I have requested Whitcomb to press your Feather River Claim as soon as the Board meets. Mr. Baldwin requested that nothing be said about the sale so I have kept it secret except to Henry Lincoln & Capt. Cooper to whom I told it in strict confidence. Mr. Kissam gives a very favorable account of your uptown property in New York. Real Estate remains at about the same price here as when you left There is more enquiry for building lots on Stockton Street. I could get $15,000 for the lot you bought of Lick. Leonard says you agreed to pay this year's taxes on it. Is this so? Please answer by return mail as there is nothing said about it in the deed. He will have to pay them unless you agreed to. M r . Hobson has formed a co-partnership with the firm I wrote you about in my last. I loaned him on your a/c $320 25/100, that being the amount he wished to make up $2000 & took his note for it. There are three other partners, each having the same amount of capital. I think his prospects very good. You will see by the papers I send that this State has gone for Pierce as anticipated, but nearly every Whig in this City has been elected to municipal offices, although by very small majorities, Judge Lake having but 20. Norton who is in the same office with Whitcomb was his opponent. Jas McDougal, the newly elected Member of Congress, is one of the stockholders of the Benicia & Marysville Rail Road and will try and get an appropriation from Congress to help construct it. Henry A . Breed was committed to jail a few days ago for contempt of court in refusing to answer questions put to him by Dennis* lawyers in relation to their accounts. I think the new City Council will act favorably on the petition to open Merchant Street. It has already been presented to them. Nothing more had been done with Potter in relation to the grading contract. I think after he has got Market Street graded to the Plank Road, I shall see Cunningham and tell him how the matter stands & can then probably bring him to terms, but if I say anything to him now it may prevent his continuing his operations on Market Street Since writing the first part of this letter I have been offered eight thousand

dollars for the southerly half of your lot on Stockton Street Of course the other half is worth much more, having buildings on it and being on a corner. There was a fire in this City last Tuesday night, the 9th inst., but there being but little wind and the buildings being damp by the recent rain it did not spread much compared with the other fires. I signed a petition yesterday for the Common Council to prohibit the erection of any wooden buildings between Kearney, Battery, Broadway & California Streets. If it passes it will, I think, be a great benefit to the City. I send you a paper giving an account of the fire, also a view of the fire in Sacramento & in this City. Geo. Howard goes home with his wife the 16th in the Golden Gate. Mr. Ranlett called here day before yesterday. He is the Architect appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury to report a suitable location for the mint, arrange the plans & c . He thinks favorably of Market Street and would, I think, reccommend yours & Belden's 100 vara lot N o . 20 if you would make it an object, as the Custom House is at one end of the City, the Mint should be at the other. I have written to De Sclding & Wylie that I will forward them the items of your Fremont claim if they can be found. I loaned W m T . Cooper (300 on his note, Capt. C . loaned him $80—he intends to go to the Northern Mines as the climate here does not agree with him. I have received from different parts of the State $1,064.63, being amt. ree'd at the Polls for the Washington Monument. I think there has been as much more collected that has not been forwarded to me. I shall acknowledge the rec'pt of the same through the papers. Should remit the am't to Washington by this mail but I wish first to get the whole am't collected throughout the State & also to see Mr. Ball & try to get some from him. He was at Sacramento at the time of the fire & got badly burned. His bondsman was burned out but I learn is still responsible. I should have taken measures to collect the am't due before this if the fire had not occurred in Sac. City. A s it is, I shall see to it before the Steamer of Dec. 1st sails. It has been raining here for the last two days. I remain very respectfully & c . Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: IO8.]

Bcnicia Nov. 13, 1852 Ths. O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir J . HE Directors of the Marysvillc and Bcnicia National Rail Road Co. met here yesterday. Mess. Barbour, Hanson, Paxton & Atehinson of Marysvillc & Polhemus, Mudge & myself from San Francisco were present. The Committee appointed to select Engineers to survey the road reccommended M r . Lewis of San Francisco, who surveyed the San Francisco & San Jose Road, & M r Catherwood of New York (who you will recollect accompanied Mr. Stephens in his travels in Central America & who has been connected with the P.M.S.S. Co.) as suitable persons to survey the road, prepare plans, estimates & c . They agree to complete the whole within 60 days (unless heavy rains should prevent) for eight thousand dollars ($8,000) & it was voted to employ them and have them commence immediately. It was also voted to reduce the original subscriptions from $100,000 to $30,000 & collect $300 apiece instead of $285. Mr. Bissel was chosen President of the Board of Directors. I fear the rains will prevent anything being done in surveying until Spring, but the agitation of this subject at this time will help bring the Legislature here, as Mr. Paxton, a Member of the Senate, told me that all of the members in his vicinity would vote for Benicia now & he had their written pledge to that effect. The City Hall here is being finished rapidly. All the brick work is done and the roof is on. It will take some time to finish the inside. Geo. Bigler was burnt out at Sacramento & intends to take up his residence here. I send you yesterdays "Whig" giving the amt. ree'd for the Wn. Monument Benicia gave $87.1 shall go to Sonoma today & have not time to write more. Respectfully yours, Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[ANDREW WYLIB, JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARJUN. VIII: IO9.]

Washington Novr 15th 185a T . O. Larkin, Esq. New York Dear Sir . A l f t e r learning that you had arrived at New York I was in hopes to see you here, but M r Childs informs me that you may not come, and that you wish to hear from me in regard to your claim. The letters which I wrote you after the adjournment of Congress, I presume, you could not have received prior to your departure. For some days after the adjournment we had supposed our bill had been defeated, but it fortunately happened otherwise. A Board of Army Officers consisting of Cols. Lee, Smith, and Thomas have been appointed in pursuance of that act and are now sitting at this place to examine and pass upon all claims arising out of Fremont's operations in California. I presented your claims very soon after the Board was organized. The Board called for additional evidence in regard to the items for which the certificate of Fremont was given. I overhauled every thing I could find in either the War, Navy or Treasury Departments relating to Fremont's purchases, but could discover nothing which could throw any light on the subject. I also wrote to Fremont himself, but received no answer from him. Now Talbot H . Green must have kept books. The account which accompanied the certificate shews that fact. Where are those books? Can we not get them, or a proved statement taken from them? If not, what next best secondary evidence can you furnish. If none of this evidence can be supplied, we must then shew the reason why it cannot As to my compensation in the event of success, I would be willing to leave it to your own liberality—merely suggesting that I think ten per cent would not be too much. Inclosed are brief forms of agreement and power of attorney which you can execute and return to me. Very Respy & c . Andrew Wylie, Jr.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 1 1 2 . ]

Washington City, Nov. 18, 52 Dear Oliver I HAVE rec'd your note. I think you had better call on Gen'l Dix, as I wrote to him that I had given a note of introduction. You will find him a very pleasant man & cannot help liking him. Perhaps you will not deem it necessary, after seeing him, to consult M r Hoffman. M y wife had a letter from Mrs. D i x yesterday in which she expressed disappointment that we did not call on Friday eve'g, as I had given them reason to suppose we sh'd do. But do as you find it convenient & feel disposed. W e heard yesterday that Wentworth was sick, at Boston, of typhoid fever. I am expecting a telegraphic message every moment. If he is very ill I shall go immediately on with Sarah—it makes us very uneasy of course. The Chief Clk. of 4th Auditor's Office says no special form of an order is required for receiving the money due you—"a common letter will answer." You can write to the Secretary of the N a v y , or you can draw an order somewhat like this—"The Secretary of the N a v y will please pay to the order of the sum of three hundred & fifty dollars acknowledged to be due me as late N a v y Agent by letter from the 4th Auditor of the Treasury dated on the ." You remember he addressed such a letter either to you or me, which I sent you. Yrs. truly,

P

[ JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 1 1 1 . ]

West Newton [Mass.] November 1 8 , 1 8 5 2 Thomas O. Larkin, Esqr. N e w York Mi estimado amigo I HAVE only just learned accidentally that you had arrived in N e w York. I have long since ceased to read the list of arrivals from California, for it is generally printed with such small tipes and in such in a condensed form, that it re-

[ 16! ] quires a mycriscopic eye to decypher it; it is therefore, I presume, that you have been so long in N e w York without my knowing it. However, I am glad indeed to learn of your safe return, and shall be right glad to see you once more. Wether I shall be permitted however to enjoy that satisfaction remains to be seen. I presume that as usual you are a bird of passage and will soon be on the wing again. I judge from your last letter which I had the pleasure to receive, that you have come for your wife and children, and that after disposeing of your property in N e w York, you intend to bid an eternal farewell to these Eastern shores of America, and pitch your tent for life, amidst the golden sands of the more congenial soil of the West. D o pray let me know if you have any intention of comeing this way, for I would not miss of seeing you on any consideration. If I have that satisfaction, it will probably be the last time I shall meet you this side of the grave, to which we are all hastening, and from which, in the natural course of events, neither you nor I can much longer expect to be spared. Perhaps you may conclude to remain a fiew months and taste once more the sweets of a N e w England winter. If so pray come this way, and you will be able to appreciate its attractions; all your frinds will be delighted to see you this way and you shall not want for a harty welcome and good cheer. With Kindest wishes & best regards, Yours very truly, John C . Jones [Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARK IN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 1 3 . ]

Washington City, Nov. 20,1852 Dear Oliver " Y o u r s of 18th is ree'd. As I stated to you we will take your sons and do the same by them as if they were our own children. Sarah will go on for them, if you wish—indeed she would be much pleased with the trip. W e have talked together much as to the best method of providing for them, & have come to the conclusion that the only way to do them full justice is for us to be at housekeeping. It so happens that there are no vacant rooms in the house where we now are, & did we move, which we should prefer not doing, the same thing might exist in any other house. We can find them board in good

genteel places, where they would be comfortable & happy, & have companions, but my wife would be restless & uneasy if she did not have them constantly under her eye, & be able to see & know that they were well attended too, kept clean & neat in their persons, & their clothing kept clean and whole—in fact she would wish to give them all a mother's care in health & in sickness, and to do so they ought to be under the same roof. Now how would you like to invest $5,000 of the money which you will probably receive for the California claim in the purchase of a house & furniture which I will rent of you? Property is continually rising here in value, & will always sell or rent well. If you do not feel inclined to own real estate in this city, I will rent a house if you will furnish it, & for which I will pay the interest, & buy it when able; $750 would be enough, or $1,000 if a piano is required for the boys. If a part of your object is to benefit us as well as provide for the boys, in this way it can be done. I shall wish you to instruct me particularly what they are to study, how much amusement, pocket money & c & c , they are to be allowed, and I will take vouchers & keep accounts of all I expend, & if they are in my family, charging such board as shall be reasonable & satisfactory to you. I consider this a healthy city, & it has proved such to all my family & friends. I do not know why Freddy should be subject to the asthma here, any more or so much so as in New Eng'd, but if he should, or all things sh'd not work right, the boys can be sent to the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria, in the spring, so that in any event your mind can be easy with regard to them. But as I said before I think sincerely that their morals, manners, habits & improvement would be infinitely best promoted by their being directly under our eye. I have great faith in my wife's skill and tact in managing & pleasing children—they all like her. I feel very much obliged for your offer to assist me in business should you dispose of Feather River to advantage—but it is not for that reason that I hope you will succeed to the utmost—that I did not go with you to California is a bitter source of regret, tho I doubt not it was all for the best, & one of these days we shall see it. Very truly Yrs. E L C Mr. Wylie is in New Y k , I learn from his wife. It has occurred to me that next Thursday is Thanksgiving, & a leisure day. I may therefore go on Wednesday eve'g with Sarah & leave her at your house. If so, we should arrive at 6 in the morning, but I shall expect to hear from you first. I do not like to send my wife on alone. She is now on a few days visit to Alexandria.

[ANDREW WYLIE, JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 1 4 . ]

Washington Novr 27,1852 Th. O. Larkin [New York] Dear Sir ^ ^ n c l o s e d herewith is a copy of the paper you left with me, shewing the heads under which the items for which Col. Fremont's certificate was given, have been arranged by some body. I am not informed by whom this statement was drawn up, or from what books or vouchers. The commrs. have again called upon me to give them some information in these respects. I want you to sit down and write out a statement in your own way, accounting in the best manner you are able for the absence of the books and vouchers of Talbot H Green, connected with this claim; also stating why they cannot now be procured; adding also any other facts which may serve to show the confused manner in which this business was transacted and the accounts kept. Conclude the whole with saying that Talbot H Green was your agent, and that your claim of $10,855.16 you believe to be justly due you for supplies furnished to Fremont's Battalion, which have never been paid for, either by him or the Government of the U. S. If I knew the facts which you have it in your power to detail I would have written out a statement for you, but not knowing them, I am compelled to point out to you particularly the object which we must accomplish, leaving the detail to be supplied by yourself in your own manner. Your statement being closed, make an affadavit of its truth to the best of your knowledge, information and belief, and then forward it with the rest of the papers. Please let there be as little delay as possible, as the Commissioners are waiting for your statement. Very truly & c . Andrew Wylie, Jr.

[WILLIAM J. EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 1 5 . ]

San Francisco Nov. 30th 1852 Ths. O . Larkin Esqr Dear Sir . ^ ^ . l t h o u g h you requested me to send duplicate letters to you by mail of Nov. 15th and said nothing about my writing you after that date, yet as you may be detained in N e w York longer than you at first anticipated, I have concluded to write you directing this letter to that place knowing that you will be anxious to hear from San Francisco if you are still in the Atlantic States. You said nothing about my sending any funds to Mrs. Larkin after Nov. 1st so I send none by this mail but if you are still in N e w York, which I shall probably learn by next mail, I shall send $500 by mail of Dec. 15th unless I hear from you to the contrary in the meantime. I went to Sonoma on the 14th inst and collected $675. from G . Bergwall & $500. from M . T. McCellan, being their first payment on land sold them last August. I paid 420$ for taxes on the Huichica & your town lot in Sonoma & 227$ for surveying. The City Council of Sonoma passed an ordinance to survey the land between the line you claim as their boundary and Renick's house & to sell it in 40 acre lots, but Gen. Vallejo, the Mayor, vetoed it. This I suppose will set the matter at rest until the Commissioners decide upon the title and the Surveyor General fixes the boundaries. Mr. Hall has not yet returned from Los Angeles as the Steamers Sea Bird & Ohio have been detained here by the rough sea so the Commissioners are doing nothing. In the meantime the emigrants that crossed the plains this season are squatting on every foot of unoccupied land in this part of the State. I have just leased a lot on Stevenson Street for two years at $40 per month (40 x 80). The Lessee is building a grist mill on the lot. Cunningham called on me last Saturday about the grading contract with Potter. He says that if the contract was not complied with he is willing to pay whatever damages you & Belden have suffered by it, but he must have either a deed for the land or its present cash value. A s I can make no compromise with him that I think will be satisfactory to you, I shall let the matter stand as it is until Belden arrives or I hear further from you. Potter leaves for New York tomorrow, intending to return in the Spring.

Cunningham has sold out his interest in the Sacramento steamers to Minturn and will take charge of the grading business until Potter returns. You will see by the papers I send by this mail that the Supreme Court has decided that the Peter Smith titles are valid. This has caused some excitement here and will undoubtedly make trouble, but this decision only refers to that property the City had assigned to the Commissioners of the Funded Debt & does not affect private property sold by the City previous to that assignment. They have also decided against Leese & Vallejo's tide to a portion of Clark's Point. I went to Stockton last Wednesday with Sophia Larkin & Henry Webster & spent Thanksgiving day with Wallace & Sophia & his sister & husband, M r . & Mrs. Waitt. Henry Lincoln was there also and we had a very pleasant family party. M r . Hobson is doing a very fair business. The concern has two stores in operation & although trade must of necessity be rather dull there during the rainy season, yet I think he will eventually do first rate. I had a letter from Capt. Cooper a few days ago stating that he had [looked] over all Mr. Green's & your old books but could not find the charges of the goods delivered the California Battallion, but I have obtained the items embraced under the head of "Clothing, Transportation & Repairs & Quarter-Masters Department" from Maj. Snyder & have forwarded them with his deposition properly certified to Mess. De Selding & Wylie at Washington. I have written to Col. Russel of Monterey who had charge of the Subsistence Department, requesting him to give me all the information in his power but cannot hear from him in time to send anything by this mail. Hope to be able to get something more in time to send by mail of Dec 15th. I received by last mail a letter from Hon. E. Whitdesey acknowledging the receipt of your draft for $1003. & enclosing one to Madam Biscaccianti which has been published. They say that your explanation in regard to Mr. Blanchard is perfecdy satisfactory. Mr. Ball arrived yesterday and informs me that the book used for subscriptions for the Monument was burned at the great fire in Sacramento and that he lost his own books & papers which were of great value to him. He paid me today $500 and promised to pay the balance which is about $2000, before the next mail day. I have sent $1,000 today to the Board at Washington. P . M . Since writing the first part of this letter Capt. Cooper has arrived from Monterey, bringing the items of all the Battallion a/c sent for by De Selding & Wylie except 350$ placed in their memorandum as Col. Fremont's certificate. I have sent the items with Major Snyder's certificate acknowledged before Judge Hoffman to Mess. De S. & W. by this mail. There will be a strong effort made

this winter (so Gen. Wilson says) to repeal the law creating the Land Commission. Persons have gone on from there to accomplish that object. " A word to the wise & c . " Yrs truly, Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 1 1 7 . ]

Wash" City, Dec. 4 5 2 Dear Oliver with the boys, dog, guns & all, arrived safe last cve'g at 9. I met them at Bait, but they were so well attended to by M r . Tuck & Gov. Cleveland that I could as well have remained at home. They were as polite as gentlemen could be & I feel much indebted to them. The whole party were somewhat fatigued, but are bright & well this morning—the boys complain that their room was too warm—supposing that they would be wet & cold on their arrival the servant made too much fire, probably. Frederic does not, I think, seem disposed to be happy & satisfied, but Francisco is bright & cheerful, and takes everything quietly & pleasantly. He commenced immediately to arrange his clothes neatly & systematicaly in his drawers, & put everything in apple pie order, but Freddy sat in a corner reading—the difference in the character & disposition of the two is perceptable at a glance. They have already become acquainted with a boy of their own age in the house & have gone about the city with him. Sarah says they have "loads of clothes," but thinks they should each have an umbrella, and perhaps a gold pen, and materials for writing in their own room, tho' they can always obtain them in ours. Frederic has written to you this morning. SARAH,

I have delivered your letter to M r Wylie. He has requested me yesterday to say to you that it was quite necessary that you make affidavit to all the facts within your knowledge touching the particulars of the Fremont claim, & let them have it as soon as possible. The board of army offices are very kindly disposed towards it, & are satisfied that it is just, but if they cannot get the particulars of the articles supplied, they want something to show why it is not furnished—some good & plausible excuse for reporting favorably—something in addition to the mere naked document or acknowledgment of Col. Fremont.

If you will sic down & write in any manner, or language, what you do know & what you dont know, of the transaction, that you were a prisoner at the time, that Green who attended to your business is now gone to parts unknown, & c or if you will make any kind of a statement and send it on, they (De Selding & Wylie ) will put it into shape, & return it for you to sign. They say also that if you will give them the address of Mr. Wainwright in London they will prepare interrogations to be submitted to Col. Fremont, for use in case your own affidavit is insufficient. Sit down at once on receipt of this and write out something. I have given the paper you handed to me on the Navy Storekeeper case to Mr. Wylie & he says he sees no reason why you may not recover from the Govt not only salary in that capacity, but commissions as Navy Agt on money paid by Pursers. Yours truly, E. L. C.

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VIII: 1 1 8 . ]

Colusa Deer 6,52 Wm.}. Eames, Esqr Dear Sir ^ f o u R valued favor of 1st inst. is at hand with the $250. per Express, for which recive my thanks. The respective parties advancing the same shall have due credit. Upon measuring down the front of the Jimeno Grant, I find as I expected that the two upper leagues would not reach the Town of Colusa, and in fact three leagues do not quite reach the business part of the town. It will be well enough to be guarded in your conveyances or bargains (if not already -onsumated), and have an eye to this circumstance. The conveyance from Mr. Larkin to Hastings & Seawell I believe were for the two upper leagues, and did not mention the Town of Colusa. I have not yet ree'd my letters from home. There has been no mail, however, for some time up here. There will be no necessity for instructions from the Sureyor Genl on the subject matter I wrote to him about, as the contingency does not exist. The original map or sketch of the Children's, Jimeno, & the Bidwell grant or copies of the same I require, as I did not procure them when I ree'd intructions from the office. Be pleased to procure these & send them up per first oppertunity.

The Sacremento is now very high & the weather is still cloudy and threatens more rain. Only for a two foot levee thrown up here our town would be as much below the water. The river is running out over the banks, into the low grounds behind. Should you see Dr. McKee or have occasion to write to him, tell him if you please that I have finished the survey of his land and am engaged in rainy times, in preparing the maps, and notes for the office, and I shall expect the balance due me for the survey, $400. when I return the notes to the office. Yours truly, Nichs Gray Anything interesting to me from Captn Cooper? Farming & c or bookkeeping & c &c? I wish I had the loan of $3,000. One year I could double it by raising wheat & barley on some land out near the mountaines back of this place. (Land for nothing, uncle Sam's. No need of fencing, plenty of hay for the mowing.) The money is required for the hire of hands, teams, ploughs & such. Don't you know anyone who would like to go into an operation of this sort?

[EBENEZER LARK IN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 1 9 . ]

Washn City, Dec 7,52 Dear Oliver W h a d no mail from New Yk this morning & therefore nothing from you, as I supposed might come. I went to the Navy Dept. to day in reference to your iron safe claim, but did not get the money, all the forms not being yet complied with. Mr. Wylie went with me for the purpose of seeing what evidence he could get to sustain your claim for pay as Naval Store Keeper & Navy Agent—he is sanguine that he can recover it, & after he has got everything ready that can be procured from the Dept. he will prepare a memorial. We then went to the office of the Army Board & had a talk with Cols. Thomas & Lee. They think that some information in regard to the particulars of the articles furnished Fremont must be in existence, & should be produced. They seem to consider it strange that no other papers are filed, either giving some idea of what the things were that are charged for, or saying why the evidence cannot be produced. There is nothing now before the Board showing your connexion with the affair, except Green's assignment of it to you, & I suspect they fear some

roguery on his part, tho' they did not say so; they know that Green has disappeared under a cloud, & they said, in reference to some claims, that claims had been presented for the same articles. I fear that Green's connexion with the paper rather prejudices them against it, in the entire absence of any corroborative testimony. You will therefore see the necessity of writing something immediately. Wednesday. Dec 8. The boys are well and appear happy & pretty well satisfied, tho' they still hanker after New York—they are not yet at school. I think we shall send them to Mr. Morrison's on Monday. It is the best school, but I feared it was too far, tho' they do not mind the distance. I wish you would say what you wish them to study. If either or both are to be sent to College they should commence the dead languages. Frederic says he began Latin but did not succeed. I do not see that he is deficient in capacity to learn anything, tho' he has not the head of Francisco—he, Francisco, will make an able, useful interesting man, or I am much mistaken. Evety one here is pleased with him & he makes friends fast. Intellect and intelligence beam from his bright eye, & good nature, affection & humour, play about his smiling lips. He is docile & obedient, and tho* his calibre is superior to that of Freddy he submits quietly to his dictation, always answering when any measure is proposed, "Yes, if Frederic will." They have been to Georgetown Colleage to sec their Cal" friends, & also went once to try their guns; to day they made an attempt, in the care of a trusty driver, to go to Com. Jones,' but the current in the river was so strong that it was impossible to cross the ferry. They will try again tomorrow. Among our boarders two speak the Spanish tongue; one is Captain Ord, who was several years in command at Monterey, & has a brother there, "Don Pacifico"—he made many enquiries of Frederic about his old friends. I have got the boys some stationery & stamps, & think they should have a second pair of stout boots. With regards to Mrs L, I remain, yrs truly, E.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LAKKIN. VIII: 1 2 3 . ]

Washington City, Saturday Eve'g Dcc. 1 1 , 1 8 5 2 Dear Oliver

to day to send the boys to M r Morrison's "Rugby Academy" and they are to commence on Monday. They have been so long free from any restraint that the confinement & discipline of school & the necessity of study at home will be very irksome to them, & I have no doubt they will complain to you, and if you wish them to obtain even a decent education, so as to be gentlemen, & maintain a standing in that situation in life where their fortune will place them, and without regard to the possibility that they may have to get their own living, it will be necessary that you let them know that they must submit to the necessary control, & think more of study & less of amusement. I have tried to impress them with a sense of the advantages of knowledge, & of the great disadvantages under which you & I, & others have labored in consequence of our defective education, but it seems to make no impression: they answer, or rather Frederic does, "I dont care," or "I dont see any use in it." Frank says but little, only laughs & turns it off with a joke. I wish you to inform them that what we do is by your order & has your approbation. They are not obstinate children by any means, Francisco quite the contrary. He is a most amiable child and can be moulded into any form, but they know we are not their parents & have only a delegated right to control them. We wish to do by them as if they were our own, and to do so we must have your approbation & they should know it. It will be necessary that you say what shall be the design of their education. Frederic seems to have an inclination for the Navy. If that is to be his profession let his studies be directed expressly to that end. I strongly advise that Frank be fitted for College, with a view to the law, & that one of his studies be Latin at once, even if French be neglected. I shall not, however, let him study that language unless you say so. Both are very well—no appearance of asthma, or of any thing like it, tho' they have been exposed to damp & have had two long tramps with their guns. Yesterday I told Frank to come to the office in the forenoon & I would go with him for a pair of boots. Instead of doing so, they went beyond Georgetown 5 or 6 miles to shoot birds, & were gone from 9 to 4, much to Sarah's alarm. I told them they should not go anywhere without our I

concluded

knowledge. They desire to attend dancing school—shall they do so? I wish them to go to Sunday school—but to that they have no inclination. M r . Wylie seems to have a fair prospect of recovering for you upwards of $3,000 as salary for the time you acted as Naval Storekeeper. I was always satisfied that it was a good claim, & he undertook it at my request, and the Navy Dept. gave him all necessary information respecting dates & c . Did Mr. Rogers ever tell you that the power of attorney of yourself & Green to him had no date? He sent it to me, pointing out two defects in its authentication which he feared would be fatal. I read it over, saw those defects, and also that it was not dated, which I was afraid would be still worse—however, I said nothing, but took it to the office. M r . Whittlesey, the Comptroller, examined it, did not see the omission, requested me to certify to the identity of Mr. R. & ordered the warrant made out. I knew that it was all right as to your claim to the money & Mr. R's authority to collect it, and if the error was pointed out the paper would have to go back to Cal a , so kept dark. Yours truly, E. I neglected to say that the boys made a second attempt to go to Com. Jones' but met his son half way, & came back—the Commodore was in the City. We called on him at the National & gave him the seeds. He said he would take the boys down some day in his carriage—sent respects & thanks to you. What kind of trip did you have in the Steamship? Have you sold the house in 10th street?

[ANDREW WYLIE, JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 2 2 . ]

Washington, Deer 1 1 , 1 8 5 2 Th. O. Larkin Esqr. DrStr

I

just returned from making an examination of the papers connected with the settlement of your account as Navy Agent, and have had an interview with the Chief Clerk of the Navy Department in regard to your claim. He told me if I would procure the proper authority and would myself HAVE

bring the facts before the Secretary, he had not a doubt that you would be allowed at the least a salary at the rate of $1,500 a year, as Naval Storekeeper. Inasmuch as you may not be here to receive the money yourself and as I presumed it might be more satisfactory to you, I have inserted in the accompanying blank the name of M r . Childs as your attorney for this purpose. Please acknowledge it before a Notary or Justice. Andrew Wylie, Jr.

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 2 4 . ]

San Francisco Dec. 15th 1852 Ths. O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir Y o u * favors of 4th ult. I received last week. I am not surprised to hear that there has not been any definite sale of the Feather River property although I hoped there was. I have advised with Mr. Howard about employing some one to push the final confirmation of the title before the Commissioners and U . S. Courts and he agreed with me that Gen. Wilson would be the best man I could get. I had an interview with him on the subject and he declined to undertake it at the very small per centage you offer. Mr. Howard thought with me that it would be useless to offer such a fee (it being merely a contingent one) to any one who would be competent to undertake it before the Courts here and at Washington if necessary. I hope if you go to London you will authorize me to offer Gen. W . five per cent of the money you may receive according to your offer, that is, if you wish him to undertake it, as that is the lowest he or any proper person would undertake to carry it through all the Courts. I have urged Whitcomb to do all he can to get it confirmed by the Commissioners. They are in session now in this City but have as yet done nothing. I went to Sonoma last week with M r . Schell to look at the land on "Huichica." He selected Nos. 37 & 38 containing 328 acres. I called on Judge Hopkins while at Sonoma and he told me that he would be down to San Francisco in a few days and thought we could arrange matters between the Huichica Claim and the Town of Sonoma so as not to have any contention before the Commissioners. The Government dry dock which is building at Mare Island will not (so the contractors say who have the lease of it

for three years) remain there and I think there is a strong probability of its being removed to Benicia. Mr. Mudge says he is certain of it but his assertions in regard to that place have to be received with some allowance. It is a floating dock & can be removed without any trouble. You may, I think, rely upon Benicia being made the seat of Government as a fixed fact. The City Council have passed an ordinance to lay side walks from the hotels to the new City Hall. They have at last, after keeping yours & Phelps deed for school lots over one year, decided not to accept it so I shall have to pay more taxes there. I have paid your taxes on the Children's & Jimeno Ranchos amounting to $991.35. I have been obliged to get the buildings on Stockton & Pacific Streets new roofed with tin as the old tin was so much worn that although I had it repaired several times it could not be made water proof. The new roof cost $150. The butcher that occupied the corner store has run off, leaving a month's rent unpaid. One of the stores on Pacific St. is also vacant. I have leased the lot on Merchants Court 25 x 57 next to Snook's for five years at $100. per month. This I consider the best lease I ever made. The street is being planked but nothing has been done in relation to opening it—the 15 ft adjoining Wood's property—as the new City Council have been so busy attending to other matters that the petition still lies in the hands of the Committee on Streets but I think there is no doubt of its final passage. I am glad to hear that your vacant lots in N e w York have advanced so much. Real estate here is a little higher than when you left and in demand. A lot corner of Battery & Bush St. 25 x 80 sold the other day at auction for $6,000. John Parrott was the purchaser. I think your interest in the First & Market St. property is worth $75,000. State stocks arc 2 0 % lower than when you left but are higher now than they were a week ago & have an upward tendency. Henry Lincoln leaves Jan. 1st in the Bro. Jonathan via Nicaragua. He leaves considerable money here at 2 l/i°/0 per month. I think he will return in a year or two but I believe does not now intend to. He has made about $15,000, his partner $20,000. He goes home with Henry. I received a letter and two documents relating to the naturalization of your children a few days ago from Atocha through Bolton Barrow & Co. I am having them translated and they will be presented to the Board of Commissioners as soon as possible. Mr. Cunningham will probably commence a suit against you and Belden to compel you to give a deed to him for x/i of 100 vara lot 21. I have shown the contract to McAllister & Edwards and they say that he cannot sustain the suit as we can show a non-compliance of the contract on his part and written notice

to him of that fact. I don't believe that Potter ever did as he agreed. He was to have Belden's lot on California Street filled in by Nov. 15, and it is not done yet and will not be for a fortnight. I have leased his lot for brick buildings two stories & basements covering both the fronts on California & Davis Sts. for 10 years for 1 / 4 the rents of the buildings for the rent of the land. You wrote me to give Mr. Schell a deed for the land & take a mortgage to secure the 2/3 unpaid but having no authority to sign deeds I have given him a bond for a deed. He has paid me $1,280 & given two notes each $1,000, & I agree to give him a deed within 6 months, he to give a mortgage securing the payment of the $2,000.00, at the same time surrendering the bond. M r . T . Adams & Capt. Folsom are among the passengers of the Tennessee. I send this by Purser Schell with instructions to forward it to New York if he does not find you at Panama. Yrs truly, Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[WILLIAM H. ASPINWALL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 2 5 . ]

Deer 17 1852 Thos. O. Larkin, Esq. My dear Sir I WILL give you for your house & lot the thirteen shares of Pacific Mail Steamship Co. & a check for $4,400 if agreeable to you. If you decline this please let me know at your earliest convenience next week. You may retain possession of the house as long as you elect up to 1st M a y — & on the day of delivery I will settle by paying the money & transfering the stock—the proportion of dividend up to that day to come to me, & the proportion thereafter to you. M y brother will take the furniture at an evaluation, or perhaps on furnishing him a list he will give a round sum in money for the part you do not want. Truly & Respy Yours, W m . H. Aspinwall

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. Vili: 1 2 7 . ]

Washn Dee. 18/52 Dear Oliver I HAVE ree'd yours of 16th. You sent me a short letter dated 6 Dec. & some "rough notes" of Cal a concerns, which I gave M r Wylie. The "power of attorney" & "promise of commission" were not sent to me that I can recollect, probably you addressed them directly to him. I saw the printed power of attorney which he prepared & you signed that is now lodged in the Navy Dept. with a memorial relating to your claim. I have no doubt this claim & the Fremont acknowledgment will be recovered eventually, but it is impossible to say when; some time, if they have to go to Congress. I fear the Secretary of the Navy may put in the old plea in reference to the Navy S. K. salary, that it was once acted on by his predecessor. I have not yet received the price of the iron safe, tho* I think it Has caused me six or eight trips to the Dept's; the difficulty is that, the 4th Auditor will not pay until the old account is closed, & the Comptroller does not have the warrant issued—he told me three days ago that it sh'd be done forthwith, & probably it will to day. The boys have got their mother's letter, yours (on Thursday) & Oliver's. They tell me that you are not going till February, & that Mrs. L. intends coming here with you. We will be glad to see you. Frederic & Francis seem pleased & contented, quite satisfied with their school & teacher. I suppose they do not like restraint, but they say nothing about it—or Francis does not. Freddy is the only grumbler & he does not say much. I do not know that I can explain to you where their school is. It is on the College road or 14th Street, about a third of a mile north of Willard's, which is at the corner of Penn. Avenue & 14th Street. Their studies are not yet fully arranged, but M r Morrison promises to have the French & Spanish classes organized soon. You have not yet answered my enquiries as to what they shall study. Last Monday morning a lady, whose room is next to theirs, told us that one of them coughed much in the night, & on our questioning Frederic he said he did so. I sent for Doctor Hall, who examined him very carefully and said he had not then any sign of asthma. He said, however, that his diet should be plain & simple, and particularly he should not partake of dried fruit, such as raisins, nuts & almonds. We then remembered that on Sunday the desert was mostly of such fruit, & the boys ate largely of it. This was the cause of

the cough. The doctor ordered some drops, & he has nothing of the kind since. We keep them in from the damp, night air, but they require constant amusement, & are apt to be noisy. You will remember you had two awards by the Mexican Commissioners of about the same amounts, I believe: one was in your own name, and one in the name of yourself & Mr. Green. The first, M r . Rogers came on & collected, & out of it was taken the amount standing against you at Navy Dept; for the second award, to Larkin & Green, he had not then the Power of Atty, but when he received it from Cala he sent it to me, pointing out two defects. In looking it over I saw that it had no date, which I feared would require its being returned to Cal. & I think Green had then disappeared. I said nothing about the defects, & they were not noticed, & the money sent M r . R. Had they been noticed there would have been necessity to send it back where it was executed, for correction. Mr. Wylie tells me that he ree'd from you a claim belonging to Mr. Lease— he seemed gratified. I consider him an honest, prudent, careful & persevering man. Yrs truly, E. L. C . Since the above was written I have ree'd yours of the 16th, (two). All the papers you mention have been ree'd but some of them you sent direct to M r Wylie, by Sarah, when she came on with the boys. I think Mr. Wylie should have the 10 pr ct commission on the N a v y claim when collected. I am entirely willing to do any business for you without fee or reward that does not interfere with my official duties, tho* I am too poor and there are claims on my means too sacred to allow me to refuse anything that comes honestly. M y impression is that it is not absolutely necessary for you to come here in reference to your Fremont or Navy claims, but I will enquire & write you on Monday. A s to other matters, you know best. A s mentioned above I have not yet got the $350. but it's of no consequence. I have had no use for the money.

[ANDREW WYLIE, JR., TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 2 6 . ]

Washington, Deer 18th 1852

Dear Sir

I have received all your letters and their enclosures, of which I doubt not Mr. Childs has informed you. The Board of Army Officers will probably be sitting here throughout the winter, if not longer. On the receipt of a letter from your agent at San Francisco, M r . Eames, similar as to contents with that received by yourself, I concluded to reserve your statement, and await the receipt of what he may have sent us by the mail now on its way. Perhaps that evidence may be sufficient to make out the case. If not I shall then use your statement, as well as all such other secondary evidence as I may be able to procure. I

bexjeve

Your claim for salary as Navy Storekeeper is now under consideration by the Secretary of the Navy. I received also the two letters of J. P. Leese to yourself in regard to the papers placed by him in the hands of Rodman M . Price, together with Leese's order on Price for the same, and your order thereon for the delivery of the papers to me. I have made inquiry in regard to these papers with the following result: 1. One obligation on Genl. Kearny (Monterey wharf) $4,059. This claim was placed by M r . Price in the hands of his agent here, Mr. Thomas Pember, who has presented it to, and endeavored to procure payment of it from the War Dept. but without success. Henceforth I shall take charge of the claim and prosecute it for Mr. Leese, but at the same time in conjunction with M r . Pember, whom I regard as an honorable young man and calculated to be useful in the matter. 2. The obligation of Lieut. W . L. Morry [Maury] (ration contract) 1,000$. M r . Price says he knows nothing about this, unless it be amongst his papers at home. 3. Certificate of Lieut. J. W . Revere, $62—the same. 4. " " W . L. Morry [Maury], $21—the same. 5. Approved account of J. C. Fremont, $6189.50. Mr. Price at first confessed to me that he had this paper, but afterwards said he had no knowledge of it, and did not remember to have ever seen it. 6. The accounts indorsed to M r . L. from Lamanture [Limantour], Price says he may have them at his home.

7. The bill indorsed to Leese from Watson for $119.12. This is the only one of all these claims which is now pending before the Board, to whom it was presented by M r Price. Mr. Price has promised to bring me all the papers of M r . Leese in his possession, on his return from New Jersey after the holydays, say about 3d January next. It is possible I may be absent a few days next week. Should you write, you had better probably do so through M r Childs. I shall write, also, to M r . Leese. Very respy & c . Andrew Wylie, Jr.

[EBENEZER LARK IN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 4 0 . ]

Washn Dec 20 1852 Dear Bro. I SAW Mr. De Selding this morn'g & he tells me that your presence here is not essential to the success of your claims, so that you need not expedite on that account. Next week the boys have holiday (Christmas) and will no doubt be glad to see you & so will we. Mr. Cooly is not here, or I could not find such a person at Brown's, Willard's or the National, at all which places I enquired today. Perhaps he is to be here, but has not come yet. I have spent nearly the whole of this forenoon in trying to get the little matter of the Iron Safe Claim adjusted, & such a snarl about a mere question of tweedle dum & tweedle dee I never before heard. It seems you have a credit of $5,087 on the books of the 1st Comptroller, and a debit of the same sum on those of the 4th Auditor. Now the question has been how to make the first offset the latter. This appears to be a simple process, but the big ones are puzzled, the Sec'y of the Treas'y saying one thing & he of the Navy another. Half a dozen letters have passed, & consultations & talks without number taken place between Secretaries, Comptrollers, Auditors, Clerks & c and the more they talk the deeper they flounder in the mire, like a drove of cattle chased by a dog in a swamp. I at last told the Treasury men that they had better pay me the money in gold, & I would deposite it to the credit of the Navy. This would save all the machinery of requisitions, warrants &

counter warrants—which they insisted upon. If it were not for the time and steps which these frequent trips cost me, I should be disposed to laugh at all the fuss and the little wisdom exhibited by the science of government. One good thing will result from the bringing up of this little claim of $350. If it were not thus brought up, I do not think your account as Navy Agent, though paid, would ever have been closed. You would have been reported annually to Congress as a defaulter, & one of these days when you & I and all who know about the matter were dead & gone, your estate might be sued & made to pay the balance with 10, 15 or 20 year's interest. I told the officials so, & they admitted that such might be the case possibly—debtors are always dunned, but creditors are never informed of credits on the books. Your letters to the boys were received yesterday. We were much surprized & greived on reading Francisco's letter to you. It exhibited traits of character which I did [not] suppose was in him. He has always appeared happy, contented & cheerful, & would often be the first to retort upon Frederic when he was disposed to find fault. We thought he was entirely satisfied, as he has never once complained of anything. We have never "grumbled," or objected in any way to the manner or the way in which they spend their pocket money, but have sometimes asked pleasantly why they bought things for which they could have no use, such as a large rat trap, a big hatchet & two or three pounds of sixpenny nails, and a gendeman's handsome crook-necked cane, for a bandy stick. We have never assumed a tone of command, striving first to get their affection & confidence. Respecting Frederic's illness, Francis exagerates, if he does not tell an untruth. He (Freddy) has not had the asthma, tho' it may have been, on the night I mentioned, an asthmatic cough. Yesterday morn'g the lady who sleeps next said she heard him coughing, but on questioning him, he knew nothing of it. If he did cough it was in his sleep & they had the eve'g before eaten a quart of chestnuts. It is near 3 & I must close. Yrs. truly, E.

[CHARLES A. WHITNEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 2 8 . ]

Office of the U . S. and Pacific Mail Steamship Cos., 177 West Street, Corner Warren N e w York, Dec. 21st 1852 Thomas O. Larkin Esq N e w York Dear Sir I

NOTE your wishes in regard to berths reserved pr Steamer Georgia

5th Jany trip & have acted accordingly. I will keep two berths for you in the Steamer Illinois to sail on the 20th Jany untill further notice from you. Very respectfully, Your obt. Svt. Ch. A . Whitney, For the Companies

li. S. ¿Hail Stroms^ Co. \ O J U

j pacific JHail Stcflmsj)ip Co.

T H R O U G H

V.

8.

MAIL

I . H K

F O B

CALIFORNIA AND OREGON, V8A

ASTOJCWA&&

Ry order of the Postmaster General, the United States are to be diapatched on the 6th and 20th of each month, direct for ASPINW ALL. on the 7th und 22d. When these lowiiij? The Pacifie Mail Steamer» aro to be in readiness

AMT9

»AffAKA.

Mail SteamorB. with the treat CALIFORNIA AND OREGON MAILS from NEW YORK direct for ASPINWALL; an G c n

A g c

By T . W . Eckloff, Clk. [Rubric]

[ELISHA WHITTLESEY TO WILLIAM J . EAMES. VIII : 201.]

Washington National Monument Office March 5 th 1853 W

m

5

J Eames Esq for Tho O Larkin Esq

San Francisco Cal* Dear Sir S I N C E writing the accompanying letter [of March 3], we red 1 another communication from Mr. Ball, giving a statement of his account with M r . Larkin, in which besides his commission of 20 per cent he charges items of expences of $562 50/100. This is entirely contrary to the terms of Agencies. The Board invariably rejects all charges for expences, the commission of 20 per cent being intended to cover all expences for travelling, labor & c . Most Sincerely ^r°urs'

Elisha Whittlesey, Gen Agt. by T. W . Eckloff, Clk. [Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 203.]

Wash" March 14/53 Dear Bro of the 12th I rec'd this morning. Mrs L. & the children arrived on Friday eve'g at 9, all well. They are at the National & appear to be pleased with the city. They propose returning I beleive, tomorrow. I am sorry their stay is so brief, tho* it keeps Fred'k & Frank in a state of excitement, & unfits them for school & study. I have nothing more to say in regard to the Collectorship, excepting that I heard F. J. Henly was a prominent candidate. If it were possible I would see the President, but I know that I cannot except in a crowd as you saw him—he refuses private interviews with all but his cabinet. There is much "Gas" in the world I am well aware, & I begin to fear it exists where I least expected it. There may be some of it in me, tho* God knows I am not conscious of it. Why revive matters & events gone by, & resulting, not from the bad, but the peculiar, & it may be unfortunate organization of the human mind. The circumstances mentioned by you have given me more pain than they have you, & if I could recall them I would gladly do so. In my opinion I can be of more use to your children than I could have been to you under any circumstances. Yours truly, ^ o u r s

E. L. C.

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 204.]

San Francisco, Mar 15th 1853 s

Th O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir I RECEIVED your letter from Boston dated Feb 3d with one for Mr. Beiden the 9th inst. Also one from M r . Baldwin enclosing W m H. Aspinwall's draft on Capt. E. Knight for thirty five hundred dollars ($3.500.) which has been paid and the proceeds applied to paying loans received from M r . Beiden which you will see by cash a/c I sent you 15th ult. I was obliged to make to pay M r . Leese the balance due for Huichica, M r Lick, taxes & c . This pays off all

your liabilities and the money I now collect I shall loan out on demand with collateral security. I was at Benicia last week. A good many small buildings are being built on First St. for offices & saloons but if the Legislature adjourns to meet there next winter I have no doubt but that there will be more substantial buildings erected the coming summer. Mr. Davis says that the members of the Legislature are poor pay but that he shall receive enough by April ist to pay one of his notes ($1,250). The survey of the line of the projected Rail Road has been completed and the report and estimate with the maps will be ready in a few weeks. M r . Smith's note of $1,215. for land on Huichica south of the vineyard and near Sonoma due on the 16th of last month remains unpaid. He went to the States last October to drive cattle across the plains the coming season. He has already paid $2,200. and unless he pays this note & the one for $4,000. due in Aug. will of course lose what he has already paid. I have written to M r . Renick who you will recollect bought the section about three miles cast of the Town of Sonoma that unless he pays the $1,000. which has been due since October 25th I should foreclose the mortgage. Capt. Frisbie & wife leave in the Golden Gate tomorrow for New York. Gen. Valle jo agrees to pay his second instalment of $1,500. for land on Huichica due April 15 th. I have not yet succeeded in getting any portion of M . D. Butler's note. I find that he has an interest in a Panorama and probably used the $600.1 procured for him on the note to purchase it. I have had to pay R. Graham $800. for money reed from him for land in St Louis there being but 75 acres that he could take possession of instead of 160 as we supposed. The difference is owing to the streets not being included as we at first calculated, as I found they could not be closed up. Mr. Leese having previously sold lots bounded on the Streets by closing them up you would be liable for damages. The great overflows in the Sacramento valley will I think cause land in Sonoma & vicinity to be more sought after and consequendy bring a higher price the coming season. The Land Commissioners move very slowly and do not confirm more than two or three titles a week. I think you can rely on the Feather River Grant being reached in April. The great trouble is that there are not half clerks enough to do the writing, copy the opinions, evidence & c . M r . Belden & wife arrived on the 9th by the way of Saucelito. They were on board the Tennessee that was wrecked a few miles north of the entrance to the harbor. Fortunately the passengers were all saved. Had she gone on to the rocks near by probably very

few if any would have got safely ashore. I send you the Steamer [edition of the] Alta which will give a more particular account of the accident. M r & Mrs. B went immediately to San Jose. The former returned to this City last Monday. W e have seen Cunningham in relation to the grading contract, but he still refuses to take anything but the land; says unless he can get it without he shall commence a suit for it. T h e rents on the property now amount to $1400. per month and can I think in a year be made double this sum. This does not include the rent of die house you bought of Breed. M r . Belden paid me $200. being amt. ree'd from Henry Leeds, auctioneer in N e w York, on your draft. I paid today to Mess. Burgoyne & Co. a draft for $222. drawn by J. Judson Ames and endorsed by you. I do not find his name among die list of passengers that arrived here the first of the month so that he is probably in N e w York or on the way out People that know him here do not speak favorably of him as a paymaster. By the word "encumbrance" having been left out of Lick's deed to you for the Stockton St. lot, M r . Edwards now says (after a careful examination) that he is not liable for the taxes but I had only to pay the City taxes as it was erased from Lick's county assessment roll & neglected to be copied into yours so there will be no county taxes on it this year. M r . Leonard says he had the deed drawn in this way in order to make you liable for the taxes. Real estate is still improving in this City and many brick buildings are going up. I think there will be more building here the coming season than ever before. M r W . D . M . Howard leaves on the 15th of April with his family for a tour through the States & Europe. Herewith I send cash a/c from Feb 1 5 to date. Very Respectfully & c .

W m

. j.

Eamcs

[Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 0 7 . ]

Wash«1 M a r 1 8 / 5 3 Dear Oliver G E N L Peaslee has seen the Pres1 & opened the matter fully to him of my going to Cal a in reference to the Custom House. Without objecting to it, he says that he shall hold the Collectors responsible for the proper discharge of their duties, & the custody of public money, & shall

not dictate to them any persons for appointment. He assured Gen. P. that I should not be disturbed in my present post, but did not commit himself for or against, in the other matter. In talking with the Collector when appointed he may give it a cant on my side, & may not. Gen. Peaslee expects to leave this City on Monday for Boston, & will try to see you in New York, & tell you all about the prospects. I have been presented to the P. Master Genl. & had business with him, but it is impossible to see him five minutes. If you are ready to go on the 5th. do not postpone on my account, for it is uncertain what I can do, and three or four friends to whom I have mentioned the matter, think I ought not to be away until I am well acquainted with the P M G, & thoroughly established in his good opinion. On the 1st July we will all be legislated out of office, and such as to be retained will receive new papers. It is best at such a time to be on the spot, but I will risk it if necessary. All well—in haste, Yrs.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 0 9 . ]

Washington City March 25/53 Thomas O. Larkin, Esq. New York Dear Bro. ^ o u r note of 23rd came this morn'g. I had been wondering what had become of you, supposed you had gone to Boston with Oliver. I am truly greived at the disastrous nature of the transaction with Wood, but hope it may not prove so bad in the end. I concluded yesterday a bargain for the house, & part of the furniture, now occupied and used by M r Ashe of N . C. on H Street. I am to pay at the rate of $450 a year, which is $100. more than my mark. I can surrender it, however, at any time, & M r Zevely will take it whenever I can find a house suitable for my purpose. M r Ashe will want it in the fall, & as spring & summer opens, tenements will be more plenty; many good houses can be bought, but there are none now for rent. The one I speak of is very genteel, & nearer to the boys school, but farther from my office 6C the church.

I have passed the $500. you left with me to your credit on account of the boys, and have used none of it to buy furniture. What few purchases I have made have been from my own funds. Their dancing bill is paid in advance, & their schooling to July 15. You can send funds for housekeeping whenever convenient. I did not understand that it was part of your tactics that Gen Peaslee was not to mention me to the President, on the contrary supposed that was the best course. If Major Hammond names me to the Pres't I do not think he will give a decided negative, but will tell him, as he did Gen Peaslee that he (the Collector) will be held responsible for his under officers. I would like to get the place, or anything that would make me independent—not rich, that I dont expect or hardly want—but I should call myself independent if I had property yeilding $1000. a year or even $750. According to the enclosed which I cut from a public document, there are not many offices in S. F. worth the sums you name. I have not much faith in anything of the kind for me—not much faith in men, especially politicians. Nothing would surprize me, even sudden dismissal, though hundreds would give a years salary for my prospects. The boys were dressed on Sunday in their best, and on other days in their ordinary clothes, when their mother was here, for ought I recollect. They shall dress in velvet if you say so, but if left to me they shall always be neat & clean, and not extravagant. Frederick is getting too tall for jackets—will need frock coats soon. They went with me to the President's last eve'g. Frank got the enclosed card for French a few days ago, & yesterday he got a handsome 4 bladed knive, as a premium for grammer. Fred'k studies more than Frank, but the latter is quicker; both please us much by their diligence & obedience. They have been talking frequently of a tool chest, & will be wild with delight when they hear it is coming. I am very unwell—feverish. Yours truly, E. L. C.

[FREDERIC HOBSON LARKIN TO RACHEL (HOBSON) HOLMES LARKIN. VIII: 208.]

Dear Mother

Washington March 27th 1853

U N C L E Childs received a letter from father yesterday and he said in his letter that we must write to you. I now sit down to write you one but it will not be a long one so you must excuse me not writing a longer one. I suppose that

you are going to California on the twentieth of next month and I am glad that you are not going on the fifth as you thought at first. Uncle Childs has got a house and he is not going to move into it untill next Thursday as it will not be ready untill that day. I have no more to write to you this time, on the other side of this letter I will write to father. From your affec. son, Frederic H . Larkin

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 2 0 . ]

[March 31, 1853]

JLHE Army Board have allowed $6,000. of your Fremont claim, having rejected $4,000 which they have ascertained was paid by Capt. King to T . H . Green after he had setded with Fremont & taken his obligation. This is strange, but Green's true character begins to show itself. $2,000. of Capt. Leese's claim was disallowed because King spelled the word subsistence wrong! Subsistence— what a set of old maids these officers are. The boys are well, & will write to you by next mail.

[WILLIAM J . EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 1 8 . ]

San Francisco March 31st 1853 Ths. O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir I RECEIVED by last mail three letters from you enclosing Power of Attorney to M r . Belden and deed to Mr. Schell. I also received by Doct Rabe copies of two letters from Mr. Wainwright and catalogues of your furniture and real estate. M r Belden was here when the Steamer arrived and has seen Hutton about purchasing his three lots on Market Street and one on Stevenson Street but he holds them so high that M r Belden has given up all idea of buying them at least for the present. Hutton says he has been offered fifteen thousand dollars cash for his four lots but will not sell less than twenty thousand dollars.

I wrote you a few weeks ago that a Frenchman by the name of Lemantour had presented to the Land Commissioners through Gen. Wilson a claim to that part of the City south of California Street which includes the Market St. property. This claim seems to disturb M r Belden considerably. He has seen Gen. Wilson several times to try and get him to induce Lemantour to release to you & him all his right to the 100 vara lots, No. 19, 20 & 21. He was willing to give (on his own responsibility) five thousand dollars for the release but Lemantour asks twenty thousand dollars. Mr. B. is the only property holder interested that I know of who attaches any importance to the claim. Lots are sold every week at auction in that part of the City and the price does not appear to be affected in the least by this claim. You recollect that Potter as Agent for Cunningham bought a 50 vara lot of Capt. Halleck, corner of Market & Sansome Sts. for $5000. Cunningham sold it a few weeks ago for $20,000 & the purchaser sold it last week for $33,000. This will give you some idea of the value of your property on Market & First Streets. Mr. B. who is now here does not believe the present prices of real estate will be sustained and is inclined to sell his interest in the Market St property if he can get $100,000 for it. If it was divided I think he could get nearly that sum for it. As it is it would readily bring $75,000.1 advised him not to sell it even for $100,000. as the rents are increasing every week by the new leases I am making and when all rented will I think amount $3,000. per month. I do not include in this estimate the two 50 vara lots claimed by Cunningham. He has built a large wooden house on the south cast corner of Second & Stevenson Streets and is very confident of holding the property. I paid the taxes on the three 100 vara lots 19, 20 & 21 in December but Hutton had his lots sold to perfect the tide he got from the Larkin estate. Presume that was what you saw advertised as I never saw any other portion of the lots in the list of tax sales. The City Assessors have at last come to a final decision to assess the property holders on each side of Merchant S t 57$ pr front foot to pay Abell, Winter & Latimer & Brooks for their property. You will have to pay according to this rate about $2400, Williams $5400. He says he had rather pay it & have the Street opened at once than to contest it by a law suit, the result of which would be doubtful as his buildings will rent for much more when the street is opened its full width (30 ft) but Pixley seems disposed to contest i t I think it for your interest to have it opened even at this cost as the value of the land will be increased thereby at least 100 pr cent. If all the other property holders agree to it, I do not think Pixley stand out. The matter will not be finally closed for

sixty days, the property holders having that time to object & I hope long before that you will be here to protest against it if you are dissatisfied. Lubeck & Co. paid the second payment on the land sold them last summer the 29th inst. amounting to $681. G. Bergerall's note of $705. due the same day was not paid. I have written him to pay it immediately if he wished to get a deed, think I shall go up there the last of next week and see him and Renick who owes $1000. if I do not in the mean time hear from them. J. Judson Ames called on me this morning, says he is going to San Diego Saturday to get funds to pay his draft I took up at Burgoyne & Co. "Quien Sabe?" M r J. F. Dye & A J. Ellis & family leave for the States tomorrow the latter intends going to Europe before he returns. M r . H . F. Teschemacher goes with Mr. Howard the 15th April. M r Howard says he shall want the room I now occupy to store furniture in, during his absence, so I shall have to move in a fortnight. Respectfully yrs, Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[WILLIAM LOVERING, J R . , TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 1 7 . ]

Mason & Lovering, Agricultural Warehouse and Seed Store, Agents of the Boston Belting Company Nos. 1 1 and 13 West Seneca Street. Buffalo, N . Y . , March 3 1 7 5 3 Thos. O. Larkin Esq r Metropolitan Hotel, N e w York Dear Sir I

AM much obliged to you for your favor of 28th which arrived in due

course and would have been acknowledged earlier had I not expected to get letters per last Steamer relative to the lot of land in question. I believe the tide is all right from Leavenworth to me and am glad to hear that his grants are considered valid. There has been a squatter on the land but from the tenor of my letters I am led to believe that the only difficulty in the way of dispossessing him is the expense of legal measures. I received a letter from M r Rochester who says he believes it to be worth $5,000. If it is not asking too much from you I should very much like to have you

look at the lot when you reach San Fran00 and write what you think it would sell for and advise what I had better do—hold for a year or two more—or sell now—also what course had better be taken with the Squatter. M r . Chas. H. West, Montgomery Street Broker, owns one quarter of the lot. T h e title of the whole is in me and W m . B. Olds, lawyer, San Fran"», has my power of attorney to execute deeds. If when you arrive you can conveniendy call upon them, they can tell you the exact position of affairs. T h e lot referred to is Lot 72, N . E. Corner of Fourth & Harrison Streets. If you will do me this favor I should be under great obligations as I rely more upon your opinion and judgement than any one's else. Please inform me if you will, for in case you do I shall defer giving any definite instructions to M r . Olds in reference to it till I hear your opinion after arrival out. I am aware I am asking a good deal but have confidence in the kindness you have always shown me and hope you will accede to my request. Hoping soon to hear from you I am, Yours truly, W m . Lovering, Jr. If you like I will send you letters of introduction to Messrs. West and Olds. \ln the handwriting of Larking Mr. William J. Eames, St. Francisco. Take charge of this letter, make such enquiries as you can (as I wish to oblige M r . L.) and report to Mr. Lovering. N e w York, Apr. 2/53. Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric]

[ALPHEUS HARDY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I I : 2 2 1 . ]

Boston April i st 1853 Thos' O. Larkin Esq My dear sir received the $500 from Mr. Bannam [Brannan] & advised him of its receipt. I shall be happy to see you at the River on the 7th. You are right in going to California. That is your country. Y o u do well to drop the brick—You do not want to deal in mud. You may command me as you desire—Give before leaving definite orders and I will follow them.

You must be greatly enriched by Benicia being made Capitol of the State. It is your luck. I should like to see your London affair. You will yet be a Cresus in wealth. You should have it, for you are generous. Wm. H. David pr Trfansfer?] of the Pacific Steam Ship Co. at Howland & Aspinwall's has $2,000 dividend due your Bro' Cooper & he hesitates to pay me. Today I send him M r Cooper's power attorny and write him that you will call and explain my relation to Mr. Cooper, and the propriety of his paying me. Enclosed is my draft on him & should he conclude to pay it please collect and deposit it to my Cr. in the Bank of Republic, comer of Wall & Broadway St. Should they pay, please telegraph me as I want to write Capt. Cooper tomorrow of his account. If M r . David will pay interest on the $2,000 for the time it has been in his hands I should be happy to receive it. If you will see M r . David in the morning & telegraph me you will oblige, Yours Truly, Alpheus Hardy [Rubric]

[ALPHEUS HARDY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 2 2 . ]

Boston April 4 ^ / 5 3 Thos' O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir ^ o u r telegraph at hand, & we now enclose you the certificate for the stock. (Certificate of Pacific Mail Steamship Company no. 43 increased stock owned by John B. R. Cooper.) Please collect the funds & deposit them as before named. Please return the certificate to us. Truly Yours, Alpheus Hardy & Co. [Rubric] I write Cap. Cooper today that the Co. conclude to pay. Should any thing occur which they do not pay—please write Cap. Cooper to that effect. A . Hardy [Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARK IN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 2 2 3 . J

Wash" A p r 7/53 Dear Bro. ^ ^ o u r letter of the 5th inst was ree'd yesterday. O n going home to dinner the day I sent my last I found the box containing the Monterey pictures, which the boys soon opened. T h e y are handsome parlour ornaments. I have frequently regretted that I did not buy the two oval paintings sold in your front parlour. They were very beautiful and have added much to the appearance of our rooms. I knew that it was inconvenient for you now to buy real estate here, because you had said so, & I had no intention of proposing it. I was alluding rather to its advantages for the boys than urging the measure. I have no fear that the boys will disturb us with their noise. T o see them amused & happy gives us as much pleasure as it does them. They seem perfectly content & satisfied and occasion us little or no trouble. I have had suits of clothes for each made from your old cloak & they are quite handsome. Fred'k has a frock or sack coat and a vest and is quite elated. I regret extremely the bad termination of your Wood négociation & hope it may yet prove more favorable than you anticipate. A gentleman told me that he saw in the papers an account of the sale of your Feather River property to a company in London for 150,000 pounds. I hoped it was so, & am surprized to hear that there is any question or difficulty about the tide. W h a t are you sued for in San Fr? $1800 is a small sum to have trouble about. If you come here we have a room for you such as it is—very comfortable but not splendid. Yours truly, E. L C . Wentworth is with us—his health is not strong.

[ELISHA WHITTLESEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 2 4 . ]

Washington National Monument Office April 14th 1853 Thos. O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco, California Dear Sir ^ o u r esteemed favors through W J Eames Esq of the 26th Feby and the 15th of March were duly received at this office, the first enclosing First of Exchange for one thousand dollars which has been paid and First of Exchange for $214.01, which has been placed to your credit. In yours of the 15th March was enclosed First of Exchange for $818.57, and 3 pr cent premium which has been entered on the books making the sum of $843.13. In your last we find that a commission has been charged by Mr. Ball on the generous contribution of the Sansome Hook & Ladder Company. The Board of Managers do not think that this commission should be allowed as had the generous and patriotic contributors been aware that commission would have been charged on their donation they would have remitted it direct to the treasurer. The Board of Managers are much pleased at the intention of the Governor to recommend an appropriation by the State. Should he be sucessful, California will then take the lead and her noble example would soon be followed by her Sister States. Enclosed you will find a copy of acknowledgement of the Board of Managers through their secretary to the Sansome Hook and Ladder company for their noble contribution. The wish of the Company will be complied with and their names inscribed on the large marble panel as contributors for $1,000. The Monument is now 130 feet high from the ground and the work progressing rapidly. The amount expended about $200,000 to raise it to its present height. The amounts contributed by the States and the other information I will send by the earliest convenience. I also send you the Rules adopted by the Board in reference to the marble panels spoken of in your letter. Most Sincerely and Respectfully Yours, Elisha Whittlesey, Genl. Agt. b y T . W . Eckloff, Clerk.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I I 1 2 2 5 . ]

Wash" City, April 1 5 , 1 8 5 3 Dear Oliver ^ o u r letter of yesterday is ree'd. I ree'd the certif. of deposit of $500. from M r . Brannan & ck. for same from M r . Baldwin & acknowledged both. M a n y thanks. I am sorry you cannot come on, & wish I could go to N e w Y k to see you before you embark, but it is impossible, it being in the midst of our annual lettings of contracts, & a critical time in other respects. I intended to ask about the will, where it is kept & c , for tho' I have no idea that I shall ever act under it, yet it is best, as you have made it, & placed this great confidence in me, that I should be prepared for whatever may happen. You are the youngest man, with a sound constitution and active, temperate habits, & excepting the risk of the sea & the Isthmus, are as likely to live as myself. I will do the best I can for your family if called to assume the trust, but God forbid that you be called away from them as long as they need your care. I would be glad if you would draw up & send me particularly directions, showing what are your wishes, & desires, if there be anything that I ought to know more than I do know. I wish sincerely that I was going with you. I have always had a desire to make Benicia my home, & I cannot but think that it was a mean thing in M r . E to get away my lot. I am much pleased that you have decided that the boys are not to go to Newport. They are in excellent training now, & I should dread the effect of six weeks holiday there with Oliver. They are perfecdy happy & content, & will agree cheerfully to any thing proposed. They ree'd your letter yesterday saying that they were not going to Newport, without a murmur. It is amusing to see how much at home & satisfied they are. Sarah will be much gratified to go with them anywhere—to Portsmo' especially, to see her mother. I will write again. Yours truly, in haste, E. L C .

[GUY R. C. ALLEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 2 6 . ]

Morgantown, Virginia April 20th 1853 Dear Sir

O n the 15th M a y 1850!?] as you will doubtless remember I received from you an account current and a letter of credit upon William M . Rodgers, Boston, Mass. for $500 in favour of Dolly Harner as heir (legatee) of her son Joseph Harner who died in Monterey, California. M r . Rogers was drawn upon by Dolly Harner pursuant to your instructions and the amount of $500 was received. This added to $350 before received in sums of $250 and $100 makes the aggregate amount received by her $850 on account of her son Joseph's will of which you forwarded her a copy in 1844. The account current shows a balance in her favour of $648.69 cts subject to the credit of $500 aforesaid and you add in your letter enclosing it and the letter of credit as follows "There may yet be collected from the estate five hundred to one thousand dollars but time must elapse before a final settlement of the Estate can be made." It is now almost three years since this letter was received and Dolly Harner has repeatedly asked me if I thought any further amount would be received. I told her I had no doubt of i t She has left the business entirely with me and depends upon me for information and all things else relating to the legacy. She has often spoken of you with gratitude, but as there appears to be a balance due and you may in some manner have forgotten that from $500 to $1,000 might yet be realized, as indeed you may be far from the scene of business and from those who ought to pay the amount due I have thought best to call your attention again to the subject. I wrote to you at New York some year or so ago and received no reply and even now I have my doubts whether this will reach you at New York. I do not know whether you are yet Consul at Monterey but have this day written to Washington for information, and to be informed of the name of the Consul at Monterey if you are not yet in office. Very Respfy, Your Obt. Servt. Guy R. C. Allen

[WILLIAM J. EAMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 2 7 . ]

_ _ T , _ Ths. O. Larkin Esq.

San Francisco April 29, 1 8 « V

Dear Sir

H,

LEREWITH I send you cash a/c from March 15th to date. Since I last

wrote you the Extension Bill has been defeated in the Senate by the casting vote of the Lieut. Governor Purdy. It took a good deal of the "dust" to accomplish this result. This will give a new impetus to real estate in this City. Gen. Estill tried very hard to get the bill through the Senate and if he had succeeded would have been one of the richest men in the State as he was to have one tenth of the whole. The Huichica Grant was confirmed last week the day before the Steamer arrived bringing the news that the Commissioners had been removed. Had the Steamer arrived a day earlier it would not have been acted on until the arrival of the new Commissioners as Mess. Hall & Thornton ceased operations the day the news of their removal reached them, although not officially informed of the fact. Mess Halleck, Peachy & Billings have presented their bill for services in the Huichica case amounting to $2,045. I shall not pay it until your arrival. I think they charge too much. From what M r Leese said when he was here about two months ago I think he expects you to pay him the $10,000 as soon as the Rancho has been confirmed by the Commissioners, but in reading the copy of the obligation you gave him I do not think you are obliged to pay him until the question is finally settled, and this cannot be until six months after the decree of confirmation has been filed in the U . S. District Court here and a copy sent to the Attorney General at Washington as he has that time in which to perfect the appeal. Of course I know of no verbal understanding between you & M r Leese in relation to paying him and shall do nothing about it until your arrival. H e & Ruckel arc putting up a steam saw mill on Point Pinos. I should not be surprised if it broke him as I do not believe they can compete with the Oregon mills. Capt. Halleck thinks that the squatters can now be ejected from the Rancho, and there are two or three stubborn ones who have refused to buy and advised their neighbors not to that I think should be made an example of. Gen. Vallejo's note due the 15th inst. given for the payment of land sold Capt. Frisbie was not paid. I drew it so that it draws 3 % per month after maturity.

Davis has not paid anything on his notes this month as he promised. I am going to Benicia tonight as your case with Peabody comes off tomorrow and shall then tell him that I shall foreclose the mortgage immediately unless he pays. It seems that the reports we heard last summer about his present name being an assumed one and the woman he has been living with the last three years not being his wife are all true. His real name is Finchley and his legal wife arrived a few weeks ago with three children and has taken the place of the former one who now keeps her room. They are sisters. It has produced quite an excitement in Benicia and he has been presented before the Grand Jury for bigamy but the evidence was not strong enough for them to find a bill. I hear she has applied for a divorce and that he intends to go to Australia with the woman known heretofore as Mrs. Davis. He has been trying to sell out for the last few weeks; has been offered $20,000 for the property but asks $25,000. I have employed Judge Hastings to prosecute the Peabody case. Williams and the other Lessees on Merchant Street now refuse to pay the assessment for opening the street & as the leases say "taxes assessed on the Streets" and not Street assessments, it may be a question whether you are not liable for the whole but as it will take a long time to compel you to pay by process of law and the street will in the mean time remain unopened, I think they will be willing to pay one half the expense to avoid delay as their rents will be greatly increased on the opening of the street. Our rainy season seems likely to continue through the Spring. It has rained nearly every day for the last fortnight. The bill granting the Pacific Mail S. S. Co. the right to construct wharves in front of their works at Benicia has passed both branches of the Legislature, and they will commence operations immediately. M r Dean's petition to obtain the right to locate the U. S. Dry Dock at Benicia will be acted on next week. Very Respectfully Yours Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[ J O H N STONEY MISSROON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 2 8 . ]

[April, 1853] T . O. Larkin, Esqr. Room 141, Metropolitan Hotel N e w York Dear Sir SORRY not have seen you before your departure for Cal a . I have letters by last mail from M r . Wilson—ree'd about a fortnight ago. He expects to be relieved soon, & to leave there for home in all this month. U p to his last date, he had made no sale of the land. H e writes that the land is worth now not less than $5 an acre, at which sales had been made, and that he expected my interest would bring at least $6,000—readily. I hope you will do your utmost to prevent a claim being made on me by Morrison & Whitcomb, but that Wood will be made to pay it, which would be only just & proper. It would be hard for me to pay it out [of] the reduced amt I am to receive from you in August ($1,000) and I depend on you to make the right person pay it Wishing you a safe passage, I am, Yours, J. S. Missroon

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 3 0 . ]

San Francisco M a y 9^1/53 Dear Sir W E N

you reach this City from N e w York I shall probably be absent

on a surveying contract for the Government, and have thought it prudent to write you a few lines, touching your late sale of your Feather river ranch. I see there are two or three contingencies affecting the consummation of the sale either of which might prove detrimental, and with the view to overcome some of them I take the liberty of making a few suggestions, which if they meet your approbation I shall be gratified. The first is possession: T h e easiest way to procure which is, I think, by purchase of one or more of those quartz leads near the river, where the primary machinery would likely be erected. Some person

should be empowered by you forthwith to visit the Estate, and buy out the most prominent establishment. It will not cost much as labor and money invested heretofore in such operations have not realized the expectations of those concerned. Secondly, a person should immediately go up to the Rancho and ascertain the precise locality of the best leads, and situation of any new ones found within the past year so that when the English engineer arrives, there would be then no delay in looking for those places, which delay and the probable fatigue of traveling over the mountains might affect his patience and possibly raise doubts in his mind of their existence, and the Squatters would take all advantages, either by misrepresenting things, or by their pertinacity in holding on, which would defeat your object and mar your interests. Another suggestion I will make for your consideration is the securing the vacant land south of your claim, about 3000 acres of auriferous and farming land, as the machinery to be erected will doubtless be on the south end of the grant, this body of land will be valuable for surface washings, as well as for farming purposes as land for this object is scarce upon the tract. Doubtless persons will be required by this Company in several capacities, and as the Company will go on permanendy I would like to get some situation in their employ. The Company will have cashier, agents, superintendants & c &c. You are now I presume better acquainted with me (although we have had but little personal intercourse) and could by your influence secure something for me, when the time arrives. As the new Surveyor Genl. M r . Hays will probably come out with you, I would be flattered and served by your good word of me. I should like to procure a large contract for surveying up the Sacramento Valley in your vicinity, that is, of the Children's Ranch. There are some Township lines to run there. Col. Hays may require a clerk in his office, and with a good salary would accept that, rather than go into the woods again surveying. I am sorry, M y Dear Sir, so to trouble you with my wants, but the care and support of a large family must be my excuse. Mr. Eames tells me he will return home as soon as you arrive. Perhaps you will think proper then to make me your Agent in San Francisco. I am now better acquainted with men & things in California, and think I could give you satisfaction. Tomorrow I leave for Suisun Valley to finish the survey I'm engaged in. It will take about two weeks to complete it. Hoping when I return to this place to find you in good health, I am yours & c . Nich s Gray [Rubric]

[JACOB PRIMER LEESE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 2 3 3 . ]

Monterey May 21st 1853 Thos. O. Larkin Esquire Mi Estimado Amigo say that we are all happy to greet you and and yours, here again in ower adopted countety. I was vcrrey sorrcy that I did not get down to the wharf in time to embrace you. Roselia ree'd this morning the pic and cake which you sent hit, and when it was handed to hit, she ree'd it with that pleasure as if it had been so much Gold, and said, Pobrey, Ldrkin, es siempre como Amigo. I

MUST

I understand that the new Commissioners has arived with you. Let me know what you think of them, also affairs in jeneral. I shall not be able to go to San Frc° for a week or so as I am anxious to get my saw mill well under weigh first. It has been sawing three days, and cutts 4000 ft. in 12 howers, but I think it will cut about 10,000 in 24 howers, in the course of a week or so. A s the boat is about leaving, I must conclude by giving our lov to all your family and remain yours, como ciempre. J. P. Leese [Rubric]

[N. A. H. BALL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 3 6 . ]

Sacramento, M a y 26, 1853 T. O. Larkin Esqre Dear Sir M R. Brannan on the passage of the Str. Antelope to this place last evening, stated publicly that the monies collected by me for the Washington Monument had never been paid over, & that the i,ooo( of the Sansome's you paid from your own pocket, for that reason. This he re-affirms to me, as the subject of his conversation with you, & which you had publicly stated both in New York & on the Steamer Northerner. A s a reference to the accts in hands of your agt. Mr. Eames, & his personal statements will convince you that you were wrong in point of fact, & that

unintentionally you have done me gross injustice, I would ask that you make a personal explanation to those whom you have thus misinformed & relieve my character from the stigma the statement must have inflicted upon it. T h e money from the Sansome's was paid me on the 25th and on the same day to Mr. Eames in presence of M r . Bruce, and any delay in its transmission was beyond my power to prevent, if any such occurred. The balance sheet rendered shows all collections made, and the amts. therein due have been paid in full, the Com.s on the Sansome contribution, being justly due me, but left to the decision of the Board at Washington by mutual consent of M r . Eames & myself. I shall hear from them by next mail. I sent a duplicate sheet to M r . Whittlesey with all notices from papers, that were saved from the fire, by being in store of Robinson & Co. at the Bay, and have published not only all received from Election day contributions, but all up to date received in the State, including that on the book when I took it. The accts. are all in Mr. E. hands, and I wish a receipt of all monies to date of last payment, and that you will do me the justice that I doubt not your sense of honor will dictate in the premises. I gave a good & sufficient surety bond, that should have shielded me from any assaults that I could not be present in person and meet, and the regret I feel that you should endeavor to degrade a person without good & sufficient cause is the only feeling I have in the matter. I ask only the same favor you would wish extended to your own son if assailed in the same manner, and that I have no doubt you will accord me. I am engaged in difficult & perplexing business for the City, which will prevent my leaving before the 1st, or I would seek an interview in person. Resptly yours,

N . A . H . Ball

[ALEXANDER & MELLUS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 3 7 . ]

Los Angeles June ist 1853 Thos. O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir W

are in recpt. of your two favors of 19th & 28th Ulto respecting

draft of Henry Melius on us for six thousand (6000.) dollars, which amt. we now forward to M r . George Melius San Francisco, with orders to pay to

Messers Page Bacon & Co. the amt. of the order. We congratulate you upon having again arrived to your adopted country in safety in company with your lady & children. Respectfully, Your Mo. Obt. Svts. Alexander & Melius [Rubric]

[GEORGE LEVISTON TO EBENEZER LARK IN CHILDS. VII: 3 0 4 . ]

Benicia June 12/53 Mr. Eben L. Childs Dear Sir I N making enquiry after property in this place with the view of gitting a lot for a private residence I discovered from the records here that you are the owner of Lot Number 12 in Block 43. This lot was deeded to you in 1847 by M r Thos. O. Larkin. I find the lot is somewhat incumbered with tax titles, which if not redeemed and arranged by compromise sometime very soon the tide will pass into other hands. I want to buy the lot. It is worth as property is now selling about $300. It will cost about $200 to compromise the tax titles. I would buy your title on such terms as would enable me to clear the lot $300 and would venture to give you $100 for your title which if not attended and arranged very soon will not be worth one cent. If you have an agent here and will send a properly executed deed of conveyance to me I will pay one hundred dollars upon its delivery to me. Or if you do not wish to sell and you are disposed to constitute me your attorney I [will] release the property for an interest in it in proportion to the amount paid out by me in so doing. Please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Yours &c George Leviston Description of lot. Being lot numbered and laid down in the original plot of said city as lot number twelve (12) in block number forty three (43).

[ J . D. CARR TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN (?). VIII: 1 7 4 . ]

June 27/53 16,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26 all in the vicinity of the Mission De Lores [Dolores]. 1 peice of Land bounded on the North by Geary Street; East by Larkin St; South by McAllister St and West by the city limits—supposed to contain about 260 acres. All of the above property is Sheriffs deeds (more familiarly known as Smith Titles) to Isaac N . Thome. B L O C K S NOS

1 two story Iron Warehouse on North Beach at the corner of Stockton & Bay Streets, 1 1 0 feet front on Stockton by 30 feet on Bay with a five foot alley on Stockton. This tide is from Leavenworth alcalde to Buckelew and I believe from B R Buckelew to B F Edwards, him to Jno C Hays and him to David F Douglass and then by Shff to Dr A Randall. I also have other property at my disposal but cannot at this time get a discrip don of it. If I buy any I shall want at least l/i a league of land. I would not purchase much if any less. Yours Respectfully, J. D . Carr

[ALBERT PACKARD TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 1 7 6 AND 1 7 7 . ]

San Francisco June 28/53 Mr. Thos. O. Larkin

Dear Sir ^ ^ n c l o s e d you will receive a minuete of matter which Messrs. Baker & Stanly, the attorneys in the case, say will be necesaiy points of evidence and I hope you will do what you can in the matter.

The twisting and turning of Montgomery St. Bears and Bulls are as usual that the thing is perfectly horrifying, but I heard the spokesman of one little knot lay down very emphatically that Larkin was not such a darned fool and they would all find it so. Further, one of the most inveterate enemies of the title told Sullivan, myself and another that you had been the smartest of all of us. Heretofore he had allways allowed you to be overrated but now that he was con-

vinced that you was farsighted so you can judge that the thing is taken a favourable turn. And further M r Baker has persuaded me that he can effect a great many compromises and I believe is greatly interested in the case. Brannan begins to take an interest in it allthough he said he should be neutral. So if you could get the necesary evidence called for in the memorandum it would be well to buy out the Spaniards, and if you do so I will take one third interest with you if you should like, provided you can make a favourable bargain. Be careful in getting them to announce to you all the priveliges to the cost in any deed you may get from them. McDougle leaves here tomorrow for Monterey to attend the sale of the McKim. Yours truly,

A.Packard

There is no persons in the shape of speculators interested now but myself, McDougle & the lawyers Stanley & Baker. I kept Parker and Gov. McDougle from having any thing to do with it and at a sacrafice to myself. June 23rd 1853

[Enclosure:]

It will be necessary if possible to prove the fact that the copy recognized and certified by Micheltorena was either delivered to some person in charge for Chavis, or else that it remained in some public office or official custody. It will be well also to trace the history of its possession, as clearly as possible. Let it be stated whether it was originally placed in the Archives, how long it remained there, how it was removed, and in whose custody it has since remained.

[ALBERT PACKARD TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 240.]

Mr. Thos. O. Larkin

S a n Francisco Iunc

3%3

Dear Sir an oportunity of letting you know how matters go here relative to the Chavis title. It appears as far as I can see that the matter is in good hands. McDougle has relinquished all controll over to Baker & Stanly and M r Baker told me last night that he had a treaty under way to settle with Capt Knight of the Mail Cos. lot which will be a feather in that wing in case it succeeds. I

TAKE

I have heard of your trade with M r Lick and rather think that you will beat us all, but I feel sanguine about making something out of the tea privilege. I want you when you get the title from Chavis to get it from Sansom St. to the Sea or Ships Channel or say from Sansom St. east to the waters of the Bay; then you can give a quitclaim for the whole of Lick's lot and then quitclaime to me the ballance as per agreement though I would as well like for you to take a small interest in it as the case is all arraigned to go to the Supreme Corte of U. S . — expenses and all included. I know that you think it is very distant and rather chimercal, but we must keep pace with the progress of the age and the most stupendous fortunes will be made out of matters now passed by as visionary, as a reference to your own experience must tell you, and prehaps a little attention and diplomacy on your part just now may turn to be the greatest act of your Life. I express my views to you in confidence, knowing that it is not misplaced and that you will act with all regard to my interest. McDougle has likewise found out the advantages to be derived from the action of the Agrarian Law and its probable application to this case. Our plan ought to be, take all we can get out of the affair. Yours truly, A . Packard McAllaster and Bond have been examining the papers. Prehaps they are a little alarmed. I told McAllaster that he could probably purchase from Chavis on favourable terms before it went into the hands of some speculator if he aprehended any danger from it

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 4 2 . ]

Washington City, July 3 1853 J . HE letter of M r Eames of May 23, yours to me from Acapulco of M a y 1 1 , & to the boys from San Francisco of June 1, were all duly rec'd, & we were very much gratified to hear of the safe arrival of you all; & that you were preserved from sickness & accident, & permitted to reach the end of your journey free from any of the disasters which have befallen those who have preceded you. To accomplish a journey of such length & attended with so many perils with no accident or sickness should be the occasion of sincere thanks to Him without whom not a sparrow falls, and who holds the seas in the hollow of

his hand. I would have been pleased had you given more minute accounts of the trip, & hope you will yet do so. I have written to you by every mail, & in each letter have been enabled to give you favorable accounts of the health, & improvement of your two sons under my charge. I am glad to be able to continue these accounts, & to say that they are in fine health & are happy & contented. Their improvement at school is satisfactory, tho' they still are not wide awake to the great advantages they enjoy, and the importance of securing a good education. I try to impress this upon them, & Frederick makes a remark or two occasionally which satisfies me that his mind is active, & that he thinks. They are now preparing for the examination at their school, & trying to secure the premiums which are to be awarded to such as are most proficient in the different studies; soon after the examination, which is this week, they will go north, but where is not yet decided. We moved to the new house on Indiana A v a week since, & though it is humble compared to your ioth Street N . Y . residence, a neater, sweeter, prettier house is not to be seen in the city—it was papered & painted throughout, & is clean & genteel as a bandbox. The boys have built up a nice henhouse, and their whole stock has a safe, comfortable home—I had the frame of it made for them by a carpenter, & they did the rest of the work themselves, assisted by their friends Charley & Henry Stanley. I have not yet collected & paid all the bills for furniture & do not know the exact cost—think it will be nearly $900, so that I cannot get a very elegant piano—but I can tell better when I have settled up & cast up the totals. The most costly bedstead we bought was but $10. & another $7. and the best bureau $14. sofa $17. marble top table $20 chairs $26. dozen—&c—yet you could not help being pleased with every article. I have lately cast up my account for expenses of the boys to 1st July, & find that the whole amount for 8 months is about $700. which includes many items which will not occur again, such as dancing &c. The acct is long, & by next mail I will send a copy of it; have not time now to prepare it, & I am not very well. The boys will send their accounts of monies received & sent, but Frank has not made his out neatly, & I cannot induce him to copy it—he is one of the most active, restless boys I ever knew, & finds it hard to confine himself to the desk—had rather play than write any day. I have had notice, informally, that I am to retain my rank & position in the Dept. tho' I have not had any written re-appointm1 (nor have any of the old Clerks). This will give me $1800. a year, & is very gratifying to me. Eight out

of 22 in my bureau were taken, and about 25 in the whole Department. Some of our best men were taken, much to the injury of the public service, but that consideration has no weight—what a man does or does not think is the question. I enclose a letter from Mr. Wellington, giving very favorable accounts of Oliver, but I suppose you have had similar letters of as late date. I shall go out to Cambridge if I visit the East. I have heard nothing lately from Lynn or Boston. What do you hear from London about the sale of the Feather river property? I received the survey of the Benicia & Marysville R. R d —this work must greatly benefit Benicia. I would like to be concerned in that Road. With my respects to Mrs L. I remain, Very truly Yours, £ ^ Childs Mr. Wellington's letter is mislaid—I will send it next mail.

[CHARLES M. BLAKE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 2 4 3 . ]

Thos. O. Larkin, Esq.

S a n FrandsC0

' W

1853

San Francisco. Dear Sir I N regard to the Collegiate Institute which I am establishing at Benicia, as you arc already advised by my friend Rev. S. H. Willey & Capt. John Paty, a relative of my wife, I would state: That the site selected for the buildings is upon those eligible lots (Nos. 2,3, 6, & 7) in Block 91, which I have secured for the purpose of Messrs. Hayden & Mudge. I am desirous of securing also as many other lots in the same & adjacent blocks as will enable me to keep the greater part of the grounds in that neighborhood unencumbered as play grounds. I can obtain many of these no doubt for nominal rates, or as donations. If you can contribute something of the kind I shall be gready aided thereby, & shall fully appreciate the favor. The whole enterprise of the Institute is now resting upon myself personally. I have had much experience as a teacher in New England & Philadelphia. A t present we have no Institution of Learning in California under the direction of the Congregational or Presbyterian Church, except this of mine recently established at Benicia, a location better adapted for such a purpose, probably

than any other here. M y family, wife & three children, are now in Benicia; and we have had 30 pupils the past term—18 boarders & 12 day scholars. The buildings of brick & finished as designed by R. Clark, Architect, a plan of which I will lay before you, it is estimated will cost not less than $20,000, and will be an ornament to the town where they shall be located. The funds necessary to erect these will be raised in part by my friends, and in part by a loan which I am promised from the East. The Library, Aparatus (chemical, astronomical & philosophical), & c . will cost a large sum more; and to secure these I am already using every effort here & at the East, with good promise of success. I am in correspondence with the Astronomers at various Observatories on the Atlantic side, with a view of establishing at Benicia an Observatory for mounting a first class telescope. We need such an instrument on this side very much, and from my acquaintance with & interest in astronomy, I hope to be able, at no distant day, to secure all the appliances for such an Observatory at Benicia. For this purpose we might occupy the tower of the Institute, or better (but more expensive) the hill behind Maj. Loring's residence, a site I would be glad to secure for this object at once, if possible. The present value of such lots as would be ultimately most desirable for the Institute cannot be very great. You are aware that all lands belonging to Literary Institutions, are, by the laws of this state, exempt from taxes. Hoping that you may feel inclined to do liberally, as God has given you the means, for the benefit of this Institution of learning which we hope to render a blessing to many thousands hereafter. I am dear Sir, with entire regard, Your humble obdLservt. Charles M. Blake

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 4 4 . ]

Dear Oliver

Washington City, July 18 1853

I H E last mail brought your letter from Monterey for the boys, but nothing for me. I was pleased, however, to hear that you are all well, & have a prospect of going to housekeeping. We continue in good health, and are very pleasantly situated in our new house, which we all like very much. The boys succeed well with their hens, chickens & pigeons, & are never weary of the care of them. I am now putting

up the turning lathe, & was much surprized to find it so imperfect—it lacks a wheel & several bolts, & other things, to put it in working order—the carpenter says you were cheated in the purchase. I send enclosed my account to the 30 June, showing a balance of $134.84 in your favor. In order to show the actual expenses of the boys, the account must be dissected, there being several items not applicable to them. Sarah starts, with the boys, on the 21st for a cruise; first to N e w York, then to Portsmouth & other places, as inclination may prompt them. I think they will go to the White Mountains & the rich Lake scenery of New Hampshire, and to Tiverton before returning here. I shall start them with $150, which I hope will meet all expenses, but fear it may not, as they must be some day in New York & Boston hotels at %i1/i pr day. The summer term of Rugby Academy closed a week ago, and the scholars passed a good examination, & the exhibition was quite interesting, tho' there was no declamation. Frank received two very pretty silver medals, and Frederick one. The boys who carried off the highest honors of the school had been long at the institution, and under the same systematic instruction and by the same teachers, an advantage which your boys have not enjoyed. They have intellect enough for any thing, & only need right views of the importance of Education, and proper training to be anything & everything you can desire. They have both good and amiable dispositions and are very obedient, make no objection to any order, and though full of play and fun, never quarrel among themselves or with other boys. Neither of them have much physical courage, tho' Fred'k has the most, & he is also the most whimsical & difficult to please in dress, food & c . Frank is satisfied with any thing that is given him, or with whatever Frederick says. He has the best mind, yet he defers often to Fred'k & seems willing to be controlled by him; I am frequendy told that, "that youngest boy of yours is a very bright fellow," and he is so. I suppose I am fixed in my official position tho I know nothing more than when I wrote last. Such has been the slaughter in the office that I suppose I am indebted solely to the President for my place, tho' I do not know, having said nothing to him or any one in power on the subject, & nothing has been said to me. I met the Pres't in the street yesterday & had a short talk with him, but not about office. What a mistake I made in not going with you in 1851. Very truly yours, E L C July 15. It is said that Gray had another wife & child.

[ c . E. WETMORE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 4 9 . ]

Benicia July 23rd 1853 Mr. Thos. O. Larkin Dear Sir Y o u are no doubt aware that very handsome speculations have been made in the purchase and sale of American cattle for the last two years. On arriving from across the plains many are obliged to sell to raise money for their necessary expenses and therefore prices often rule very low. Stock judiciously purchased in this way and carefully herded for three or four months easily bring from sixty to one hundred per cent advance on the cost. Last year oxen that were purchased in Sept. at one hundred dollars per yoke sold in February for $250 in some cases within my knowledge. The percentage may perhaps be less this year, but still it will be a handsome business. I look upon it as one of the surest and safest operations in the country. A s I am not at present engaged in any particular business my mind has been directed more especially to this subject, and I should like to go into an operation of this kind with you if agreeable. If you will furnish me the necessary capital, say about fifteen thousand dollars, by the middle of August, I will take charge of the operation giving my personal time and attention to the purchase, care, management, and sale of the stock, the expenses of travelling vaqueros & c being shared equally by both parties, and divide the profits equally with you. I think the operation may be closed out entirely in about six months with advantage. The enterprise might also be extended for two or three years with profit. The rearing of catde and hogs in connection with a dairy is a very profitable business. I had considerable to do with stock in my younger days and having always been a close observer since, I consider myself a good judge in that line—while my experience in business ought to qualify me for the skilful management of such an enterprise. If you should think favorably of the proposition, we can speak farther upon the details &c. I should be pleased to hear from you as soon as possible as there is not much time to be lost, if we should decide to go into it. In haste, Yours Truly, C. E. Wetmore

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 2 5 0 . ]

^

^

Washington City, 3 August 1853

X o u r letter of June 25 was rec'd on the 31st July, and also two letters & a paper for the boys, which I sent the same day to them at Portsmouth N . H . They left with Sarah on the 21st, passed days at New Y k (Metropolitan), and three at the Winthrop House, Boston; and at my last dates were at my wife's mothers in P. Sarah writes that Fred. & Frank have enjoyed themselves so far, saw Oliver in Boston, visited M r Wright & M r Parker; and at Portsmo. soon became quite intimate with their cousins, the Boardmans (next door neighbors) and were quite amused with the old fashioned things in the old mansion. They will go to the White Mountains, & Rye Beach, and Tiverton if they wish. Sarah is quite alarmed at the expense, present & prospective. I gave her $150, and paid the Rail Rd fare of the three to N e w Yk, $21.75, & she says money melts away like butter on the coast of Guina. The boys tell her that "Tom" is to have $100. for 4 weeks vacation, & they think they ought to have as much. They expected that I was going to give each of them $75, and were surprized when I declined, but they submit quietly to anything we direct. I repeat what I have before said, that I never saw two more docile and tractable boys, their dispositions are indeed excellent. They have no vice whatever—if they have any fault it is selfishness, they think of themselves only, but when told of their own abundant blessings & of the misery which others suffer, their feelings of compassion are aroused at once—they can be made anything by proper training. By the mail of July 30 I sent my accounts for 8 mos, to June 30—also a letter from G. Leviston of Benicia, about the town lot. I shall feel obliged if you will attend to this—do as you think best. Do I understand you as saying that you will pay $30,000 to make good some titles to property in the city? This is severe, certainly. I see M r . Ferguson is the San Fr. post office—that is, he signs letters as "Assistant P.M."—do you know if he has left Benecia? & the employ of the Steam Ship Co? He was also postmaster. Mr. McLean, formerly mail agent, is reappointed and goes out with this mail. He said he would see you. I thought he was harshly treated by the last administration, & I am glad he is restored. I have been reappointed as Prin. Clerk, & have received my first month's salary at $1800. Such has been the slaughter in the office that I have no doubt I

am indebted to the President for retention and promotion; but I dont know. As to obtaining the $8000 place in San Fr., of which you speak, the idea is little else than preposterous. The Pres1 knows that I am his warm & sincere personal friend—more sincere than thousands who fawn about him for what they can get, but he also knows that I have not been of his school of politics, & his fealty to his party is stronger than personal friendship. Prominent political men seek for such places, & the selection of an obscure man like me, & of the opposite party, would give such offence as he would not «Si could not subject himself to. I am sensible of many defects of character & of injudicious actions resulting from my peculiar organization, but in this respect I do not reproach myself. Since I commenced this letter I have received a letter from Sarah dated on the 1 st. The boys are quite pleased with Portsmo* & say they would like to go to school there; they have formed many acquaintances and are favorites with all. They had been to a party at Col Dimick's of the Army (an old friend of mine) at tea at Dr Boardman's with some girls, among them Kate Larkin (Sam's daughter) whom Frank liked much, She is a pretty black eyed child. On the day I wrote Fred'k was going to Rye beach, on horseback, with Robert Boardman. She was afraid to trust Frank on horse, & promised him a carriage ride there with herself & Fred the next day. She was trying to amuse them in N . H. so as to prevent there going to R. I. where Oliver had promised to meet them, but they seem bent to it, and I suppose will go. I am sorry the Feather River sale seems doubtfull; hope the scheme will yet go on successfully. Do you hear or see anything of Samuel? How is Capt Cooper— my respects to him. With regards to Mrs. L. Yours truly, E. L. C.

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VALLE J O DOCS. XXXVI: 1 7 4 . ]

[August (?), 18537 Private and for you alone. I hardly know how to write you after haveing so decieved you on my leaving but as long as I was in your employ I acted true and faithfull to you. M y reason for now writing to you is that I have had the misfortune to lose 3200$ out of my trunk and am left entirely penniless and destitute. M y spirits are broken and energy gone. M y wish is that you would send me drafts for my share of the four thousand & odd hundred dollars which you

recieved from the U. S. and if you will give mc 1000$ more for all my interest in the Fremont claim and store debts, I will release you from all obligations. For God sake send me the first and if you conclude to take the other offer send the necessary papers and I will sign them before witnesses and send them back and then you can send me the 1000$ to some place where I shall designate. Write me how things have gone but do not let anyone know that you have ever heard from me, and if you can find out without suspicion ask Thompson how my affairs stand. I have decieved him so much that I had not the heart to write to him, but if you should neglect me I must do so as a last resource. Some day you will recieve a package that will give you a full history of my life and you will prehaps not blame me so much. I trust you and know me as you once knew me, not as you know me now. When I recieve the money my intention is to go to the west and buy a small peice of land. Write me how your family are. I often think of you all. Oh, the bitter tears I have shed since I left you. Write me about Howard, Teschmaker, Thompson and all them. I suppose you will think this a strange letter, but as my mind is, it is all I can write. Your well wisher, T. H . Green [Rubric] P. S. Direct to me as below enclosed in a good envelope and on the outside direction put the name of Henry Green as he is a friend of mine and knows my whereabouts. Henry Green, Esqr., Bellville P. O., Roane County, East Tennessee. I shall send this by N . York and the other by N . Orleans. Get the drafts in quadruplicate and make the drafts payable to your order and indorse to my order simply (T. H . Green) leave the Talbot out. 1

T h i s letter, undated by Green, was dated by Bancroft's clerks as of December 30, 1853. This is clearly an error. The evidence suggests rather that it was Green's first letter to Larkin, and probably his first to anyone in California, after his departure from San Francisco on April 15, 1851, and that it was probably written early in August, 1853. Note his first sentence: "Private and for you alone. I hardly know how to write you after haveing so decieved you on my l e a v i n g . . . . " This is also the only one of his many letters to Larkin in which he gave an address. In fact, he was in hiding and determined to remain unknown and out of contact with the world. C f . John A. Hussey, "New Light Upon Talbot H. Green," California Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. XVIII, pp. 32-63.

[GEORGE L. S C H U Y L E R TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 2 . ]

New York Aug ioth 1853 Thos. O. Larkin Esq Dr Sir I HAPPENED accidentally to be present on the 1st August at the Union Club House, when the names of members who have not paid their annual dues are stricken from the roll. Being informed that you were in California & had probably forgotten this rule, although personally unacquainted with you, I paid for you on the principle of doing as you would be done by. I enclose the treasurer's receipt. Very respectfully Yours & c George L Schuyler [/« the handwriting of Larkin:] Answered Decr/53 with draft of 33$ on A . Hardy, Esq., Boston, Mass.

[WILLIAM H E N R Y ASPINWALL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 3 . ]

New York Aug 1 12th 1853 Thomas O. Larkin Esq re San Francisco Dear Sir ^ o u r favor of the 14th ult° covering first of Exch'ge for five hundred and sixty dollars is duly to hand and credited as interest on bond & mort'ge for $16,000, held by me as trustee of R. B. Howland (now Mrs. Roosevelt) say for six mos. being up to the 15th inst; and the receipt is endorsed on the bond. I cannot inform you of the present supposed value of the 14 lots on Broadway between 58th & 59th Streets, all I know regarding the property being that at the time the loan upon them was made, the security was considered sufficient; I think the probability is against the construction of a Rail Road in Broadway. It is meeting with powerful opposition. Very truly, Your obt. servt. Wm. H . Aspinwall

[ JIRAH LUCE AND THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. AGREEMENT. V m : 2 5 4 . ]

San Francisco Aug 12,1853

L

LN consideration of One Dollar to me paid by Thos. O. Larkin, I hereby agree to lease of him the easterly 50 ft. of 100 vara lot No. 127 in this City for the term of 6 months from the date hereof and in payment for the use of the same I hereby agree to grade that portion of said lot in which the water now stands to at least one foot higher than the level of the water as it now stands and also to build a good and substantial fence along the easterly boundary of said lot being 275 ft. long and leave the same in good repair at the expiration of this lease and surrender up possession of said lot at the expiration of this lease in good order and condition, the said Larkin hereby agreeing to pay me for said grading and fence the further sum of two hundred dollars in 6 months from the date hereof, provided this agreement is fulfilled to his satisfaction in accordance herewith.

Jirah Luce [Rubric]

Witness, Wm. J. Eames [Rubric]

[CHARLES L. LEYTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 5 . ]

Rocky Bar Mining Co's Office Grass Valley, 13 Aug. 1853 To Thos. O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir I MUCH regret that the short stay I made in San Francisco on my way to this place did not afford me the opportunity of seeing you as I had promised in New York. You and Messrs Stebbins & Wainwright had expressed a wish that I might have something to do in the operations of the Feather River Land & Gold Mining Co. and it will give me much pleasure to hear from you of the progress of the Co. and also if its proposed plan of operations is so systematised as to warrant a hope on my part that the desire expressed to me, by Mr. Wainwright in London, that I might be engaged as one of the agents, may possibly be fulfilled. I may be detained here for some time by business but should be glad to receive a letter from you on this subject.

Permit mc to introduce to you the bearer of this note, M r . Hensh, a mining engineer of much experience and ability. H e has been long engaged in gold mining in Europe & Africa, & has been for some time in California. For the last year he has been Engineer to the West Mariposa Co. and during that time he has seen much of this country and acquired most valuable information in relation to the "diggins" & especially the quartz veins. If M r . Hensh's assistance can be of use to you in any of your undertakings I can recommend him to you as a most able engineer & as very skillful & intelligent in preparing mining reports. His letters & reports to England during the past year have excited great attention & been much approved by all who are conversant with mining there as well as by those who have a Californian experience of their own. I should be most happy to learn that you had secured his valuable assistance, and am very Sincerely yours, Char,cs L ^ ^ C . Hensh, Mining Engineer, Claraville House, end of Montgomery St. near Bush St.

[S. W. RIPLEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 60.]

Thos. O. Larkin Esq

B

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Au

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i8

53

San Francisco, Cal. Sir I H A V E received information from the Department of State that you, while holding the office of U. S. Consul at Monterey, Cal a under authority of instructions from Goverment, appointed Capt. Wm. A. Leidesdorfi to be Consular Agent at San Francisco, January 6th 1846.1 have learned recently that the said Leisdesdorff is deceased and have seen an account published several years since of his death & funeral and a statement that he left no heirs, but did leave a large amount of property. I have also seen in the N e w York Journal of Commerce a letter dated Jany 1, 1853, written from your place stating the heirs of said Leidesdorfi had sold a large lot of Land to Col. John L. Folsom for one hundred thousand dollars. Now until recently all this has been unknown to myself and other friends of his. But we have been trying to trace his whereabouts for a long time, and have only quite recently learned these facts. We knew that

he was in California but that was all. W c did not know that he had heirs in California and have some reason to think that there is falsehood in the matter, consequently feel disposed to investigate matters. And if you will please ascertain who are the heirs claiming his property, their names and all about them, and also the amount of property left by Leidesdorff and what it consisted of, and also whether a will was left by him or not. You shall be well paid for it. And if the facts are such as to warrant us in pursuing it before the Courts we shall be glad if you would consent to act as die agent of myself and friends here. By giving this your immediate attention and using this as confidential and writing me soon on the subject you will oblige. Yours Very Respectfully, S.W.Ripley

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 3 1 . ]

Washington, 18 Aug./53 Dear Oliver " Y O U R letter of July 14 was ree'd by the last mail, which arrived on the nth, & I also ree'd two newspapers, & several small pamphlets. I informed you in my last that Frederick & Francisco were in N . H . with Sarah. The boys have enjoyed their vacation, tho' they would have had a pleasanter time at Portsmo' if the schools there had also given their vacation, but they do not begin till September, so that a portion of their time they had none to play with. They went up into the Lake country by Rail Road, & had some fine sails by themselves on the Lake. I should have been afraid of this if I had been there, but Sarah says they preferred it to the Stm. Bt. & seemed to manage a sail boat well. I suppose they are now at Tiverton, where they will remain till I go for them, say 10th September. Expenses I am afraid will be heavy—I mentioned in my last, that I had supplied nearly $175» and I have since sent $50. more; & I suppose another $50. will be required before they all get back. We have followed your directions literally & have endeavored to keep expenses down, but you know money will go rapidly when travelling. I expect it will cost us $50. or more beyond what is properly chargeable to you. Sarah says Fred'k complains that he has no more money, thinks "as father is so rich" there should be no limit to his allowance. Frank never complains & is satisfied with anything.

There is the greatest difference in the two lads in regard to their likes & dislikes. It is all one to Frank what is provided for him, clothes, shirts, hats, shoes, any thing that we get for him, he puts on & is satisfied, while his brother is whimsical & hard to please. If a shirt collar is a quarter of an inch too small, or too large, he wont put it on. If his shoes are a hairs breadth too sharp, or too "stubbed" he cannot be persuaded to use them. Frank will select a straw hat, or other article in two minutes, cut up a caper, and go off satisfied, while Fred'k will look over a whole stock, or two of them, before he is pleased, & yet Frank always looks the most genteel. We now never chose for Fred, but show him the best stores & let him select his own. I shall not fail to impress on their teacher your views in regard to the study of Spanish & French, & they shall be perfect in those languages if they will. Their young teacher, whom you saw, they offended in some way (he says they laughed at him, which they deny) and I suspect he neglected them latterly. He has never sent his bill. I will see that the monthly reports are made. I am afraid I must hire a piano for the present, for I cannot get a good one for less that $230. Vice President King's sold for $247. It was a most beautiful Chickering instrument, just the one I desired, but I could not conveniently pay for it. Yours ought to be splendid, even in Cal. for $500. Why are you selling Benecia property? If the Marysville R. Rd. goes through, will not property rise there? Will it not advance anyhow? Your Rail Rd. in San Fr. must be good business, I should think, if there are no opposition or rival roads. You do not seem to fear the Lemantour claims, yet they may be troublesome. The Fergusons were unpopular here—he is an amiable, upright man whose honesty & integrity is above suspicion & his character spotless; but sycophantic & a narrow minded politician. She is vulgar & ignorant, & the daughters pert & vain. Sarah cut them long ago, & they had not many acquaintances here— dont they brag much about "General Dodge." The six cent stamped envelopes are not yet prepared. Of course none can be sent, but you can get the others, & , also stamps of 3 cts. at the San Fr. P. Office. To send them by express would make them cost double. The 6 cent envelopes will be sent by the next mail after this (3 Sept). I have not heard from Lynn for some months. Wentworth is still here, his health very good. He has charge, temporarily, of St. Johns Church. With love to all your family, I remain, Yrs truly, F T P

P. S. In speaking of the female Fergusons I only repeat what I have heard. I really do not know most of them personally. I often heard they were unpopular in their boarding houses. I respect him much. We have had very warm weather, but not so warm as in Phil»- New York & even Boston. In New York the deaths from heat were 180—in this city one. I had rather pass the summer here than New Y k or Philad2.

[ s . DRAPER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 7 . ]

46 Pine st. N . Y . [August 23,1853] Hon T . O. Larkin New York DrSir I HAVE just ree'd a copy of "An Act to incorporate the Atlantic and Pacific Rail Road Co. passed July 21st 1853," and write this line to say that I have great pleasure in noting your name among the list of Incorporators. Yours Very truly, S. Draper

[W. W. LELAND TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 8 . ]

Albany 28 Augst 1853 friend Larkin J . HE Books of The N . York Co. are to be opened at the Metropolitan Hotel on the 25 of Sept. You are one of us. Please write on recpt. of this how much stock you wish to subscribe. Lem' S. Chetfield of Alb'y is President of our Co. & you can write direct to him. Our Co. have large grants of lands from the State of Texas & will have larger ones at the comeing of the next legislation. Please write on recpt of this. W.W.Leland

[A. JUAN ATOCHA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 5 9 . ]

Sor. Dn. Tomas O. Larkin

MexÍC° AS°St°

3o d e

i853

San Francisco C a Muy apreciable señor mió y amigo M i hijo Alcée, que se halla en esa ciudad, me ha escrito diciendome que V. lo habia tratado con mucha bondad y cariño, ofreciéndole intererarse en su obsequio para que él pudiese colocarse de un modo satisfactorio y lucrativo. Por todas estas consideraciones que V . tiene la fina bondad de dispensarle á mi dicho hijo, yo le estoy á V . sumamente agradecido; suplicándole que continué puertandole el apoyo que necesita de personas como V. que tiene tanto valimiento en ese pais, bien merecido de todos cuantos tienen el gusto de conocerlo, por la nobleza de su caracter franco, generoso y amable. Si en alguna cosa me considera V . útil en este pais, puede ocuparme con la mayor franqueza, seguro que yo tendré la mas grande satisfacción en poder complacerlo, para lo que se ofrece á sus ordenes como su muy atento, agradecido servidor y amigo que con sinceridad lo aprecia. ^ Atocha

[A. J U A N ATOCHA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. VIII: 2 5 9 . ]

Mr. Thomas O. Larkin

Mexico city, August 30,1853

San Francisco, California Dear Mr. Larkin M Y son Alcee, who is staying in your city, has written to tell me that you showed him much kindness and affection, offering to concern yourself with his welfare so that he might find a satisfactory and lucrative position. I am exceedingly grateful to you for all this attention which you have so kindly and courteously accorded my son, and beg that you will continue to extend to him the support he needs from persons like yourself, a man of such high standing in your country, and most deservedly so in the opinion of all who have the privilege of knowing you, because of the nobility that marks your open-hearted, generous, and amiable nature.

If you think that I could be useful to you in any way here in my country, please call on me without the slightest hesitation, in the assurance that it will give me the deepest satisfaction to find that I am able to serve you. With this end in view, I place myself at your disposal as your grateful servant and true friend. Very sincerely, A.Jn.Atocha

[SOPHIE L. LARKIN TO RACHEL (HOBSON) HOLMES LARKJN. VIII: 2 6 0 . ]

,, » ,. Mrs. Larkin

[Monterey, Aug. 31/53] Sunday1 Morn.

Dear Cousin w left the wharf about half past nine, had a delightful trip, and arrived safely at half-past seven. Alfred and myself were both sea-sick in the morning, but got over it before dinner. Alfred broke his bow, lost one of his arrows over-board. He is very happy, and tries hard to learn Spanish. I said to him this morning, in reply to a question, "Ladies dont know about such matters; ask Uncle Cooper." He replied "not ladies, Señoras." He corrects me at table when I dont speak in Spanish. He sends his love, and wants to know if he is to have his two bits on Saturdays. He thinks you ought to give him something for learning Spanish, says he should like a pony or one of those "ten dollar box of toys, that it takes two hours to set up." I want you to write to him, and lay your commands upon him about his daily lessons. He will be more apt to do better. I expect it will be hard work to keep him at it; he is so fond of play. He sends love to Mamma particularly, and all the rest in general. Capt. C. and family are all well. Amelia and the little boy have grown; I hardly knew them. Mr. & Mrs. Abrigo, Miss Julia, and several others called to see me today. All enquire particularly for Mrs. Larkin and family. Give my love to Mrs. L. and Carolina. I will write soon to C. Please write me as soon as possible. Yours truly Sophie L. Larkin I would like to have my saddle and hat sent. I forgot to speak of it but will write particulars to Miss Osgood. She will tell you. She said she was coming to see Mrs Larkin. When you send my saddle will you send me a few boxes of flea powder.

[ALPHEUS HARDY & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 6 1 . ]

Boston Sept 3rd 1853 Thos O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir ^^OURS of the 23rd July at hand & noticed. I have read carefully your documents relating to the Benicia Custom House. M y reflections are 1st, That the Lessor must have had some intimation of the intended course of the Collector and sold to you with the intention of avoiding the loss & that he is held liable to you on the plea of fraud. 2nd, I cannot with the documents before me see any good reason why Collector Misner should violate the contract made in good faith. Nor does he assign a reason. 3d, W i t h what I now know of the facts I would advise you to place the matter in the hands of M r . Childs who is at court and can have influence and has experience in such cases. If, however, I can aid y o u — I am at your service. I called this morning upon M r Peasly & he has much the same view as myself. Of family affairs I have nothing to add to my last—by the last steamer. All well, I remain, Truly Yours Alpheus Hardy & Co. [Rubric]

[PABLO DE LA GUERRA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 6 3 . ]

Santa Barbara S'bre 12 de 1853 Dn. T . O . Larkin Muy Señor mió E

respuesta de su grata del 19 ult° diré á V . que la rubrica que V . me

mostró en San Fran co es tan desemejante á la que estilo poner á mí nombre que sí como aparese en la certificación del papel sellado, apareciese en otra clase de documento cualquier, yo me atrevería á negarla, mas como está en el papel sellado, no me determino á afirmar de su falsidad, en razón á que al rubricar 500 ó 600 pliegos á la vez, es muy posible, ya cansada la mano y la paciencia, el

poner algunas rubricas con tal enfado y precipitación que despues yo mismo las estrañe y aun desconozca. Esa que V me mostró en San Fran 00 puede haber sido hecha del modo que llevo dicho y en consecuencia no me determino á negarla. Con espresiones á Su Señora de parte de la mia, quedo de V . afmo. P. de la Guerra [Rubric]

[PABLO DE LA GUERRA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. VIII: 2 6 3 . ]

Santa Barbara, September 12, 1853 My dear Sir I N reply to your letter of August 1 9 , 1 must inform you that the rubric you showed me in San Francisco is so unlike the one I commonly place after my name that I should venture to disown it if it appeared on any other kind of document whatsoever, rather than in the certification on tax-stamped paper where it does appear. However, since it is on stamped paper, I hesitate to deny its authenticity, in view of the fact that when I am writing rubrics on some five or six hundred sheets simultaneously, with my hand and my patience already exhausted, it is quite possible that I may write some so irascibly and hastily as to wonder at them afterwards, even failing to recognize them. The one you showed me in San Francisco may have been written under the circumstances I have just described, and consequendy I cannot make up my mind to repudiate it. Please convey the kind regards of my wife to Mrs. Larkin. Very sincerely, P. de la Guerra [Rubric]

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVES LARKIN. V M : 2 6 4 AND 2 6 5 . ]

September 13 th 1853 Private Thomas O. Larkin San Francisco via N . Orleans Dear Sir I H A V E recivd two papers & the pamplets from you through H Green but in vain have I looked for a letter and the draft for some money to keep me from starving. I am now indebted near 100$ for boarding and was so confident that you would send it to me but find I am disapointed. Prehaps you may say to youself that I dont deserve any aid. I suppose it is true but of all men I think I have some claim on you. You perfectily well reccollect that you offered me the whole of the U. S. money collected but I refused it. Now all I ask is my share of what has been colected. If you dont see propper to send me any of it, I wish you to speak to J P Thompson and tell him my situation but to him alone. I left near 150,000$ of notes and property in his hands but I would rather no other person knew where I am beside yourself.

M y friend here Henry Green has been verry kind to me but as he is poor himself I cant tresspass any more on him. I say once more for God sake send me a draft for some money, and dont think to hard of me though I deserv it all and write me how all are. Oh what bitter tears have I shed on thinking how you are all enjoying your selfs with good names and happy homes and I am out cast and a loathing to my self. I was glad to see your land claim confirmd also Cap. Cooper and many others of my old friends. Would you advise me to return to California again with my name staind as it is. Would you give me employmnt at some of your up river places. Let me know. I shall now rest contented untill it is time for the return of the mail—(dont disapoint me). Direct enclosed to H. Green.

^rccn

[JOB FRANCIS DYE TO THOMAS OLIVER LAKKJN. V m : 266.]

S t Joseph's Infirmary, Louisville, Ky. Sep 1 16/853 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir ^ o u r letter & church procedings was duley rec'd this day by me for which I am extremly obliged to you. I was gratifyd to heare of your safe arrival in Cal. with your family, also much pleased to heare from my children, but as to the Madam she can work out her own salvation. The pamphlet you sent me has not yet arrived. I will now give you some description of my sore afflictions. When I left San Franicsco I was quite unwell but continued to keep up in tolerable helth untill the last of M a y when I was sevearly attacted by a bad cold and a sore throat, for which I have been under the doctor's hand ever since. I have changed doctors some three times. I supose that I have as good medical aid as can be found in the U. S. The celebrated Dr. Groce is now attending on me. I think I will get well now but I have lost my speach by the ulseration in my throat. But Dr. Groce tells me he can make a sergical operation and my speach will return to me nealy as good as ever. This is rather tyranicle after doctring my throat three months and a half to turn too and cut in peaces to patch it up again. Hard as it is, I think of having it done in about 15 days from this time. You will think strange to se that I am stoping in a Infirmary. This is a first rate house kept by the Sisters of Charity. They can acomidate some 25 persons with the best of attendance, take none but local or chronick deseases. M y accomodations, fare & attendance is first rate. M y doctor tels me that I will have to stop heer one month more to affect a cure. Then cold weather will be coming on I will have to go south so I will not have the opertunity to travel over the Eastern and Northen states. I arived at my aged mother's on the 22 day of M a y . When I came within 2 miles of wheare she lives thare I found hur in church. After survice the old lady came out, got on hur horse. M y elder brother was with hur. I then about that time got apon my horse and rode in company with them home and they knew me not untill I got of my horse and my brother thaught that he knew me and ventured to ask me. M y mother is 70 years of age and I think the smartist woman on foot I ever saw. She can ride 30 or 40 miles per day and never grunt. She will work all day. She is buisy for ever and never gets tierd.

California gold has affected the price of real estate and live stock all over the U. S. Every thing is allmost as high as it is in Cal. I can not say when I will be in San Francisco, prehaps spring, so I close. I Remain, Very Respectfully vours, T c x^ J. F. Dye P. S. You wright wors and wors, with the gratest deficulty that I can make out your letters. It was a near circumstance that I got your letters. You should of directed to Aliens Springs, Allen County, Ky. [/« the handwriting of Larkin:] M r . T . As you have twice asked about M r Dye, I send his letter. Please return it. Yours. L

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 6 7 . ]

Washington Sept 19/53 Dear Oliver B y the mail of August 1 I rec'd a half letter from you, & by that of the 16th nothing, tho' the boys had one, which contained information intended for me. I wrote you last from Dover, about the 3d, being then on my way with my wife to the Lake & White Mountains. That letter started by the Georgia, but she was overtaken by a storm, came near foundering, and put back to Norfolk, so that her letters will not be much sooner than those by this ship. I mentioned in that, and my previous letters, that the boys had gone on their vacation trip, and were then at Tiverton. On my return to Portsmouth, from the mountains, I found a letter from Fred'k stating that most of the company had gone & that they wanted to leave. I accordingly went for them, and as I was not prepared then to come back to Wash", I took them a second time to Portsmo.' I intended to place them for a few days with M r Wright at Neponset, & so wrote to him, but from their own account I feared they would not be welcome there, & therefore changed my plans. I suspect they were playful, & used the apples & melons freely, and perhaps interrupted the hired boy in his work. They were great favorites at Portsmo,' found many friends, and roamed about there as if they were natives & had always lived there. I found at Tiverton that they had been awfully destructive on clothes, boots

& shoes; everything being worn out or ruined by salt water. When they left here they had, as I supposed, an abundance of good boots & shoes, and they got new boots at Portsmo,' but at Tiverton I found them fishing, running about over the rocks and the beach, and rowing a boat, Fred in his patent leather shoes, and Frank actually reduced to his M a y ball dancing pumps, with red strings. While their jackets, pants and caps were soiled and stained with salt water, so as to be nearly useless. They were, however, hearty & strong with faces bronzed by the sun and wind to the color of an Indian. T h e other boarder told me that they were most indefatiguable in the pursuit of play and amusement, were rowing, fishing, gunning and swimming from morning till night, making the most of every hour. W e left Portsmo' on Thursday, 16th, Boston the next day, staid in N e w Y k one day and reached here yesterday, and the boys recommenced school to day. T h e expenses of the trip much exceeded my expectations & much alarm me. I expect they will be over $300, of which about $50. was for Sarah, all the rest for the boys; traveling, board at hotels, pocket money & c «Sic—their demands for money were incessant, and we could never tell what they did with it. If you had not given them permission to go to Tiverton we think they would have been quite contented at Portsmo,' & the expense would have been less, tho' they rode to R y e beach, & the adjacent country, continually, and wanted to be amused every day. I saw M r . Harney in Boston, & he read to me a copy of his letter to you in reference to the Benicia Custom house, and gave me the papers you sent to him. I did not come to the same conclusions in reference to the supposed fraud on the part of the parties of whom you bought the lease, and yet I cannot imagine the motive of the Collector for so suddenly throwing up the property. I will see the Secretary of the Treas'y as soon as I can, on the subject, tho' I suppose he may have written to you before this. I wrote to a friend at N e w York to send you $ 1 0 . worth of stamps, & he did so, for which I paid him. He sent no envelopes because of the expense of postage, and because they had been sent by the same ship to the Postmaster. M a r y Larkin, Sophia's sister, is now visiting us, and is at this moment writing in the same room with me—she has made up her mind, I beleive, to try her fortunes in California. I found all well at Lynn and Maiden; my neice, M r . Breed's second daugher, was married on Wednesday last to M r . White—he is in very bad health, but their friends thought they had better be one, so that she could be always with

him. Wentworth is here, with health quite restored, has been officiating in one of the City Churches for some months past. I am glad the lot in San F. is improving in value. I will assume the taxes if I know what they are. With respects to Mrs L, I remain, Yours truly, E. L. Childs

[ JOHN B. FRISBIE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 6 8 . ]

Metripolitan Hotel New York Sept i9th/53 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr DrSir

I HAD hoped to have met you in California long ere this, but have been detained in consequence of the dangerous illness of my grand father. M y presence has been to him so great a source of solace that I have not felt waranted in leaving him. It is under the circumstances that I have to beg of you the indulgence of an extension upon the payment due in September on my purchase in Huichica. I shall leave here by the Steamer of the fifth proxino, and will be prepared on my arival in San Francisco to pay you all areages due. In the mean time, confiding in your kindness I am most Truly Your Obdt. Servt. John B. Frisbie P. S. I have just returned from a visit to Don Salvador's little son. Assure him for me that both Manuel [Vallejo] & Edward [Bale] are in perfect health, rapidly improveing and tenderly cared for by the excellant family to his care they have been entrusted.

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VHI: 2 6 9 . ]

Private

September 21st 1853

Thomas O. Larkin, Esqr. San Francisco, Alta California O H how glad was I to see your hand writing on the back of a letter again. I had received papers & pamphlets from you but no letter untill to day. I wrote you again a few days ago. Oh had I received your letter before that time my heart would have rejoiced in knowing that I had one true friend yet in the world. I give you a general outline of my histrory but at some future day you shall recv it all. I was born in Lewisburg, Pa. M y parents were honest & industrious & religious and I was so brought up. At an early age I was taken from school and put in a store with a M r Wilson and reman'd with him for 4 years. I never done a dishonest act to him or any person. I then was employed as assistant engineer on the canal. I remaned about two years in that employm't. M y father then offered me 3000$ dollars to go into the merchadizing buisness. I accepted the offer and took a man the name of J. Walls, which if my father has paid him 1,000$ as you state he has cheated me and him as I found all the cash capital we started with. Be that as it may, we then bought out another store in a neighboring town. I was then married and went their to live, taken in another partner, the brother-in-law of my former. In the Spring of 1840 I went on to Philadelpha to buy goods. I made my purchase and had a large quantity of wheat consignd to a house in Philadepha. When I was about to return home I went & drew 3,000$ on acct. and had it about my person and intended to start home next morn'g but was induced to go out with some acquaintaces and drank to much and my money was taken from me, but on the same afternoon the cashir of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank of Philadelpa sent for me and and asked me to carry money to the Northumberland bank. I told them I would do so. They got a carpet bag and put up 105,000$ in it in my presence and sent a porter with me to the Hotel. I put it in my trunk and went out. On my return I found that I had been robbed of my money. I was under the cxcitment of liquor—no excuse—and was in fact not at myself. I opened the carpet bag and took out nearly 8,000$ and done the parcel up again. I then went to bed. In the morning I then thought of what I had done—the first bad act that I had ever done in money matters but it was done. I then took the

carpet bag to a merchant & told him what it containd and wished him to keep it untill next day. Next day I went and paid a good many of my debts with the money and sent 3,000$ to my partner to pay notes we owed in bank and that night I left Philadelpia with 375$ determined that my peopel should never here of me again. I went west and fell in with the emigration for Californa. I joined it with 1 1 $ and a gold watch which I gave for my passage out. You know my history in California. The reason why I married was this. After I joind M[ellus] & H[oward] as partners I found that from the disapated life I had fallen into I would be ruined. I married the wife I did to save me, although it was wrong and I knew it (but I had a reason from my former wife which I will never reveal to mortal ear). I have erd & done wrong and no one has sufferd more in mind than I have. The first wife I married was not from love or intrest but from pique. The last I married from intrest, knowing her former character well but because she had a strong and determined character, much more so than my own, I thought it was my only salvation at the time. I realy loved her although knowing what I did of her so Vale [enough] on that. The person who seen me in Nashville was M r Irwin. I dont think I ever looked better in my life. It is true I felt myself in a desperate situation and tried to make him think so. It is true I have been for some time without mony and living on charity of others for some time which has sowerd my disposition. As long as you knew me I never wanted for anything. It is hard but prehaps just to be told that if we did not provide for you you must starve. I have not thrown myself away but am broken hearted. Send me a draft for some money and relese me from this imputation. As to the way I got or took the name of T . H. G. is as follows. On going up the Missippi I became acquainted with an Englishman that took sick and died. He told me as I had paid a good deal of attention to him that all he could leave me was his name and some papers that might be some day of great value to me. He made his will and left me his papers and his name, which I took. The papers you will find in a small box in the little closet adjoining the room where I slept. The vouchers for the Fremont claim you will find in your house in the safe all marked & No. [numbered]. Col Fremont knows that the debt was honest and just. I would have him brought up in Washigton but he cant denny it. H King carried duplicates to Washington with him & I think J R Snyder has the duplcutes also, at least for a part. Ever yours, T H G Write me but let no person know wher I am. As usual, T. H Green. What I wrote you last time I dont much reccolect as I was so Excited. Direct enclosed to H. Green.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 7 1 . ]

Dear Bro.

Wash" City, Oct 3, 1853

I N consequence, I suppose, of the mishap which befel the Georgia, & which compelled her to put into Norfolk in distress, the Cal* mail of Sept 1 has not yet arrived, and of course I have no letter of yours to answer. We are all well, very well, & your two sons are again at school, and pursuing their studies with diligence & , I hope, success. M r Morrison has made such arrangements for the thorough & systematic study of the French & Spanish languages as must ensure their aquisition by Fred'k & Frank if they will give but ordinary attention to them. The teacher of Spanish is the same young man whom you saw there, and there are four young Mexicans engaged in the class & endeavoring to learn English, & some dozen boys studying Spanish. The lessons are given after the ordinary lessons of the school, so as not to interfere with the other studies, and to enable Fred. & Frank to join in these lessons, they now dine at M r Morrison's table, so that they are absent from home from 9 in the morning till 5 in the eve'g. Frederick objected to this at first, as it deprived them of half an hour's play, but they soon became reconciled to the arrangement, and now seem to like it. I pay 12/4 cts each per day for dinners—cheap enough. The whole expense of the trip to the East was about $300. Besides wear and tear of garments & shoes. You may not consider this sum extravagant, but to us who are accustomed to look sharp at every dollar before we spend it, it seems alarming. We did precisely according to your directions, and I trust you will be satisfied, but if you will, another season, leave the matter to us. I think we can save half the expense and the boys be as well pleased. I am convinced that so much spending money is injurious to them—it is for the most part actually wasted—they have little or nothing to show for it, except trashy papers & novels. When they came from Tiverton, Sarah found in their trunk no less than nineteen paper covered novels & piratical stories, all of them actual poison to the mind. If boys are allowed a profusion of money they soon lose all idea of its value, & this habit grows with them, & becomes part of their nature, so that if adversity comes they are poorly prepared to buffet against it. At the time Mary Lf arkin] was here the boys were in bad humour about having to dine at Mr Morrison's, and I am afraid they did not appear to advantage, & this may distort her report of them.

I called some time ago at the Treas'y Dept in reference to the Benecia lease. The Secretary was absent, but the Assistant Secy, Washington, said the Collector acted by order of the Departmt in abrogating the lease, that the building was unnecessary, unfit for the purpose, and the rent extravagant, & the making of the lease so near the close of the last administration had the appearance of fraud. When I asked him if he had answered your letter, he said he had not, that it was not necessary, but finally said he would consult the Secretary on his return, & take his directions. T o day I saw him again, & he told me that you would be written to & the letter sent to me, so that I may be able to transmit it by this mail. I do not know what he will say, but it seems to me that the whole transaction is equal to any peice of despotism & oppression ever perpetrated. Your late Postmaster, M r Moore, died a month since—his son Charles, who was his assistant, is now here, settling up his accounts. Tuesday Oct. 4 . 1 have heard nothing from the Treasury Dept—perhaps they have written to you direct—but I doubt it. Very truly Yrs. E. L. C .

[ J . HOWARD WAINWRIGHT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII : 2 7 2 . ]

Office of Wainwright & Co., 54 Wall Street N e w York, October 3d 1853 T . O. Larkin Esq San Francisco Cal'a. My Dear Sir T H I S together with an acompanying letter will be handed to you by my friend Major E. T . Danburghy, who goes to Cal'a on business connected with Gold Mines. He has for the last year been a resident in London on the like business & can give you much valuable information on all such matters. Commending him most kindly to your attention, I remain Yours truly, J. H . Wainwright

[JOHN STONEY M1SSROON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIDI 2 7 4 . ]

Navy Yard Boston, Oct 4, 1853 Mr. Larkin Dear Sir A s our agreement was that whenever information of the non sale of the Land sh'd be ree'd from Mr. Wilson, Mr. Baldwin sh'd forward my deed to you and your note to me; I accordingly sent the evidence of its non sale to Mr. B. under the signature of Mr. Wilson in July last, requesting him at same time to transmit the deed and the note as agreed upon by us. But, it seems Mr. Baldwin thought it necessary to await further instructions from you. I do not comprehend how he came to such a conclusion, as there was certainly no such understanding between us. He informs me that Mr. Detmars wrote you in relation to it by steamer of 20th July, to which no reply is yet ree'd. Mr. Wilson arrived in good health. He writes me that he ree'd the letter I wrote at your request, notifying him of the sale to you, in time to stop the sale at auction, for which it was advertized. I beg that you will releive me from the inconvenience to which I am subjected by the misunderstanding of our friend M r . Baldwin, by next mail, if you sh'd not have done so already, and you will oblige me. I know of no Boston news of interest to you. Respectfully yours, J. S. Missroon [Rubric]

[ J . HOWARD WAINWRIGHT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 7 5 . ]

Office of Wainwright & Co., 54 Wall Street, New York, October 5th 1853. Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir

Yo

.OUR friend M r Murray called on me a few days ago, with a letter from you introducing him & requesting me to furnish him with a copy of the Abstract of Title & other papers relating to your Feather River property. He

sailed on Wednesday for England with the papers in his possession. From a conversation with him, I learn that he is empowered from you to make arrangements with the West Mariposas Co, of which he is a director, for the erection on your property of some of the machinery which they have, being idle in San Francisco. Should this not prove successful, he tells me that you have given him power to form a new company, to effect the same purpose (erect machinery & pay you out of the profits). Should he be successful in the first which I think very probable, I think it the best thing you could have done, and it agrees perfectly with my former advice to you. The second project, however, I think rather unadvised. In the first place (putting myself entirely one side, & speaking as a disinterested person) I think it unwise for this reason: I have been so associated with it from the beginning, that when persons find some one else engaged in it, they will look forward to some of the same troubles as in the Fremont Case. The having so many agents was the rock he split on (he would have been successful otherwise) & I fear the same will happen to you. Not sending me out, you should have gone yourself, not sent another Agent. Time I think will prove to you the truth of this. Again your property as connected with the Feather River Co. is well & favorably known to the public. The parties interested in it before ( & there are not more influential men in London), will in all probability take offence & as they will of course be the first ones referred to, from their former connexion with it, if they do not speak against it, will at least not speak in its favor. But I do not suppose you would take my advice so it is useless for me to give it. Mr. Murray tells me that you had ree'd my letter writen after my return & had shown it to him. I have for some time past looked forward to an answer from you & not receiving it feard it had miscarried. This not being the case I must say that I feel hurt at not hearing from you & am at a loss to comprehend your reasons. M r Murray said that you had shown him the part in which I refered to the refunding of my outlay for expenses. He said that you expressed yourself satisfied that the amt. was not an extravagant one, & from what he knew of London he thought it very much the reverse. To me in your former letters you said that you were convinced I had done everything in my power for the furtherance of your interests, & M r Murray himself told me that he had never seen a Co. as well brought out. If you have been dissatisfied with anything I have done, I think you owe it to me to inform me of it, for I feel very much mortified to think such should be the case, & would wish to have the power of defending myself & explain any doubts which you may have.

With regard to the money, in my last I told you how I was situated & how much I wanted it. I put myself under obligations to meet it, which make it imperative, although almost out of my power. Hoping to hear soon from you & to find that I am mistaken in supposing you dissatisfied, I remain, Yours truly, J. H . Wainwright

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 7 6 . ]

Business Washington, Oct. 12/53 Dear Brother ^ o u r letter, finished August 29,1 ree'd two days ago (10th). The mail (of Sept 1 ) by which it should have come, arrived the previous week, & by it I got M r Eames' letter of Aug. 22, but by some blunder, a bag of mail matter went from Aspinwall to New Orleans, & in that bag was your letters to me and their mother's to the two boys—several papers also were ree'd. Yesterday, the 1 ith, I ree'd your two letters of Sept 15—one by the Isthmus, & the other by Nicaraugua—both in 25 days from San Fr°. One of these contained a Bill of Exchange for $500. & the other a duplicate of the same. I immediately transmitted $200. to M r E. W. Parker, Boston, as you requested, and have credited you with $300. on a/c of board & education of your two sons. You ask how much you have sent on the boys account, & how much for furniture. M y account to June 30, sent you in July, will show my acknowledgment for $305. and $500. for the boys expenses; and I also received two certificates of $500. each for furniture; these were all before you left N e w York. Furniture has cost so far $1200. & a little over. (Carpets just laid down.) M y account for the boys shows a balance in my favor, including board to 1st of October, & the stamps sent you fr New Y k , $375. from which deduct $300. leaves $ 7 5 . 1 have written for Dr. Green's address and will send him $10. soon as I get it. W e have engaged clothing, boots & c for the boys winter use, which I suppose will amount to $50. and the teacher has sent in a bill of $74, but this I shall be in no hurry to pay. Besides wearing out their clothes amazing fast, the boys out grow them as fast. Sarah has had many of Freds things altered for

Frank, which the good natured little fellow puts on and uses very cheerfully. Two of his jackets, of very fine quality, are now altering for that purpose, both because they are too small for Fred'k & because he will now wear nothing but coats. He is tall, & says he is gawky in jackets. We arc now having a frock coat made for him, costing $14. I shall feel very much obliged if you will pay the taxes on the San Francisco lot, and let me know the whole amount, from the date of the deed in 1849, and I will give you credit for it as cash. If the yearly tax is $ 1 5 . it will be $60. for 4 years, if $20, it will be $80, & interest. But whatever it is, inform me, or send receipts. I never before had the slightest idea of the amount I never expect to be benefitted personally by this property, but should I be taken away, it will be a great consolation to know that there is something laid by for my wife. I have no expectation of saving much if anything from my present income. The expenses of housekeeping have increased one third or more within a few years, and in a pecuniary matter we shall not be gainers by our present position, tho' it is immeasurably more pleasant & comfortable, & has enabled us to have Wentworth with us which otherwise would have been impossible. Yours truly, E. L. C. Oct 15. Have received M r Parker's receipt for $200. I saw the Ass't Sec'y of the Treasury in the street on the afternoon of the day I wrote last, & he told me you had been written to about the lease. He did not say what was written, but of course the office defended & justified its first wrong. On receiving the letter, inform me if you intend to appeal to Congress for redress. What is the state of the Feather river sale? If I understand your statement, you will make enough from the sale of two thirds of your lot to pay for putting up your house. This is good, and I hope you will make many such bargains. I sec you are one of the movers in the Adantic R. Rd. project—will it go ahead? & will you hold stock in it? How does your city R. Rd. progress, and the Benecia & Marysville Rd? You say I sh'd make up my mind now to see C a K In one event, which I pray may not occur, I shall certainly sec it, & if I can get a chance to go without losing money by it, I will go anyhow. That I did not go with you in 1850 I have always regretted & always shall—except this I do not know that I have any cause for regret. Do you know who got Ferguson's place in the Stm. Co's. office at Benecia?

Oct. 14 In your last, you said you would send a draft "next month." I had made calculations upon it and its non-receipt subjected me to some petty embarrassment I had an obligation due in bank to day for $175 which I could not meet in full & a friend has taken it up to save my credit and a protest. I am through the same friend to have $300. from bank next week. This is to meet some bills for the boys to teacher, tailor & c , as well as some of my own. It may seem singular to you that small sums should be of such consequence, but small sums are important to men of small resources, as little stones may obstruct little go carts. You could step over a wide chasm when your boy Alfred would tumble in and get well bruised. I owe $150. at Portsmouth for advances made by my friend and agent there to my wife's mother and family, which I intend to pay with the money M r Eames may send me for the Benicia lot, so you see your gift will do good to the widow & fatherless.

[H. L E E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 7 7 . ]

Benicia Oct. 14,1853 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr San Francisco, Cal. Dr Sir SOMETIME since you proposed to lease me Lot N o 6 in Block N o 20 for five dollars a year for ten years. M y reason for not writing you respecting the matter at the time was that I expected to go down in a few days & could then see you on the subject. M y business has hitherto prevented me from attending to the matter. If you are still willing to do so, I will take the lot at that price and pay all the taxes, assessments & c . Please write me on the subject. Respectfully, Your Friend & Obt. Servt. H. Lee [Rubric]

[JACOB PRIMER L E E S E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 2 7 8 . ]

Monterey, October 14th 1853 Thos. 0 . Larkin Esqr. DrSir I DO here inform you that the cause of my not answer your letter was as I had been expecting to go to your City in a few days, and now as I find it imposable for to do so for a week or so trust that you will be patient with me until I see you, relativ to the amount I am owing you. You said that as I had a small amount deposited in James King of W m Bank to let you hav it. I must really say to you that as soon as I ree'd the certificate of deposit I transfer'd it immediately to Mr. Boston & Co. as necessity compelled me to do so. Please hav a lettle patienc with me until I see you and do not make your self uneasy for that amount, and I will allow you all that is right. I am at this moment without funds here, in concequenc of the scoundrel Ruckle. Your words has come out true, but all we hav lost by him we will make up by his part of the mill. When I see you I will satisfy you by much fewer words than what I can do by righting. I here send you a packge of papers of yours which I hav found which belongs to you. Probably they may be of some yuse to you. I have not any thing particular to wright to you. With respects I am, Sir, Yours & truley, J. P. Leese [Rubric]

[GEORGE E. BALDWIN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 8 3 . ]

New York 17th O c t 1853 50 Wall St. T . O Larkin Esqr Dear Sir ^(^ours of the 15th Sept last & enclosure came duly to hand & enclosed you will find your note in favor of Mr. Missroon with his rec't endorsed thereon—& also the deed from Missroon & wife to you. He says it conveys all his right to you, but if you think it necessary he will give further quit claim.

Mr. Dicmars wrote you fully & sent on some time since bills (or taxes & assessments on your property. I presume you have ree'd his letter ere this. "Your Park" will go through—the "Jones Park" will not The money market is in a very disturbed state. We have had a number of huge failures. We have just ree'd intelligence that Turkey has declared war against Russia. Stocks are very low & will go lower. Chrystal Palace sold as low as 55. Mr. Ditmars is now absent in the British provinces on business connected with the Gas Co. for whom we act as legal advisers. Yours in haste, G. E. Baldwin

[SYLVANUS MAYO TO ALPHEUS HARDY. COPY. V m : 285.]

New York Oct 28th 1853 Alpheus Hardy Esq' Boston Dear Sir I HAVE been very unexpectedly to day called upon by the Marshall with legal documents requesting me to fork over the sum of $284.82 costs, and his fees of $10.29 making $295.11, being the amount of costs of court in the case Thos. O. Larkin against Steamer "Brother Jonathan" and in which by your orders Mr. Geo. Godfrey & myself became security for the costs of court & Mr. Godfrey being defunct of course they came upon me, & which amt. I shall have to pay on Monday or Tuesday next, the marshall having promised to wait untill then. By referring to your letter of July 8th/5i to Mr. G. you will notice that you agreed to be responsible for the amt. You will therefore please to remit me a check for said amt. & I will forward you the documents showing that it is paid. Please reply by return of mail & oblige, Yours Respectfully,

(Sig'd) Sylvanus Mayo P. S. I have called upon Mr. Larkin's agent here, Mess. Baldwin & Ditmars, but they have no authority to pay it. S. M . Please direct care of Scrymser, Davis & Mayo.

[ S Y L V A N U S M A Y O TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. VIII: 2 8 4 . ]

NeW Y

Thos. O. Larkin Esq

°rk °Ct

M

l8

53

Dear Sir T H E objcct of the present is to inform you that I have unexpectedly to day been called upon by the "Marshall" to pay the sum of $295 1 1 / being amc. of costs of court in your suit against the Steamer Brother Jonathan which suit was decided against you. A t the time the suit was commenced the writer was only a clerk with Mr. Geo. Godfrey of this City and who at the request of M r A Hardy of Boston with myself became bondsmen, & M r Godfrey having since failed they of course come upon me & the above amt. I shall have to pay on Tuesday next and now have to request that upon receipt of this that you remit the amt. with interest as it certainly seems unjust that I should be made responsible for the amt. as I only acted in the matter to forward your interest. Your early reply will much oblige your Respectfully, Sylvanus Mayo Firm of Scrymser, Davis & Mayo

[ALPHEUS HARDY & CO. TO S Y L V A N U S MAYO. COPY. VIII: 2 8 6 . ]

~ , . , Sylvanus Mayo

r

Boston Oct 20th 18m. y J J

fcsqr

New York Dear Sir YOUKS before me. I have refered to my letter of July 8th/5i & find myself pledged for the "result of that obligation." Before paying it, however, I wish you to call upon the Attornies who commenced the suit, Messrs Griffin & Larocque, and see that the claim of the marshall is correct. They led Mr. Rogers, M r . Larkin's agent, into the suit. When you can get the certificate of Griffin & Larocque that the claim is legally due, you may pay and draw on us at sight. I write them to-day in full. See them. Yours Truly,

( S i g'd) Alpheus Hardy & Co.

[ALPHEUS HARDY & CO. TO GRIFFIN & LAROCQUE. COPY. VIII: 2 8 7 . ]

Boston Oct 29th/53 Mess Griffin & Larocque Attys, New York Dear Sirs I N July the 8th/5i Mr. Rogers the Agent for Thos. R. Larkin Esq. of Cal. asked of me to furnish you with two N e w York names as bondsmen in suit against Stm'r "Bro Jonathan"—which we did and Geo. Godfrey and Sylvanus Mayo were the bondsmen. M r . Godfrey has left New York. Mr. Mayo writes me he has been called upon by the marshall to pay $295.11, the result of that case. If M r . Mayo is bound to pay, I as Mr. Larkin's agent must see that he is paid. As you acted for Mr. Larkin in that suit will you now see if Mr. Mayo is fully bound to pay the sum called for, and if so furnish him a certificate to that effect that we may collect it of Mr. Larkin. We wish you to investigate this claim upon Mr. Mayo fully & your bill will be paid by us. Yours, (Sig'd) Alpheus Hardy & Co.

[BOWDOIN, LAROCQUE, SI BARLOW TO ALPHEUS HARDY & CO. COPY. VIII: 2 8 8 . ]

New York Oct 31st 1853 Gents ^(^OURS of the 29 is received. The firm of Griffin & Larocque was dissolved some time since by the death of Mr. Griffin & the business is now continued by us and we have had charge of the suit which has been more particularly under the charge of Mr. Larocque who is now ill but will write you when he is able to do so. In the mean time we have to say that there is no way of escaping the payment by Mr. Mayo of the money for which the marshall of the United States for this District has an execution against him & Mr. Godfrey. Your Obdt. Svts. (Sig'd) Bowdoin, Larocque, & Barlow

[SYLVANUS MAYO TO ALPHEUS HARDY & CO. COPY. VHI: 2 8 9 . ]

Messrs A. Hardy & Co

N e w York 001

3Ist

i853

Gent I

HAVE

drawn on you this day at sight without grace, (or $295.11, but

the dft. will not probable reach you before Wednesday next in favor of Scrymser, Davis & Mayo. The marshall has not called to-day but will no doubt do so to-morrow as the papers are returnable on that day when I will send you his receipt. I enclose a letter from Messrs Bowdoin, Larocque & Barlow attys. Your Truly, (Sig'd) S. Mayo

[ALPHEUS HARDY & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 2 9 2 . ]

Thos. O. Larkin Esq

Boston Nov 3d 1853

Dear Sir I HAD the pleasure last—3 Sept in which I replied to yours relating to the Benicia Custom House. Now I have yours of die 28 Sept. before me. It gives me great pleasure that the land you have so generously nursed for your late cousin's children promises so well. You have been indeed very kind to them. I now enclose you account current showing a balance to your debt, on the back of the a/c. Please note memo of your directions as to future payments. M r Wellington's bills exceed my ideas & I send you copies of them for you, & for your instructions. You will notice we have paid Oct 11 cash on a/c of future bills—$100. M r Wellington, I think, is paying away more for expenditures not strictly school bills than you expected, but with the bills before you you can best judge of that. By the enclosed letters you will notice I have been called upon to pay $295.11 for result of bondsmen furnished M r Rogers for your a/c. When we get the letter promised in last N o 3 will forward copy. Family matters as when last advised. Business dull and no goods going forward to San Francisco. Yours truly, (Sig'd) Alpheus Hardy & Co.

[ELISHA WHITTLESEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIU: 2 9 5 . ]

„ Thos. O. Larkin Esq

Washington National Monument Office Washington Nov *rd 6

Sacramento, California Dear Sir N O T having heard from you for sometime the Board of Managers have directed me to communicate with you in regard to the progress made in your collections. They hope that the amount due you by Mr. Ball has been satisfactorily settled. The Monument is now 146 feet high and we confidently expect before the season closes that it will reach at least 150 feet. An early reply is respectfully requested. Most Sincerely & Respectfully Yours, Elisha Whittlesey by T . W.Eckloff [Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 294.]

Dear Oliver

Washington City, November 4 53

^ o u r letter of Sept 30 was ree'd on the 30th, with several papers, & one enclosing the speech of the great tree. By the Nicaragua route I ree'd a paper, & the boys a letter from Sophia. These came two days previous, the ship (Northern light) having put into Norfolk in distress, & thus detained. We are all in fine health, your boys especially, & I wish you could see how hearty & plump they are. Frank's face is as round as a dumpling, & Frederick has grown & is growing full & stout. They eat, sleep & play with a will, & I am sorry they do not feel the same interest in study, tho' they by no means neglect or disregard their books. We have talked to them about resuming the study of music. They seem to think it is of no use, but the principal objection is that they have no time, & there is much propriety in this, as they leave the house for school at 81/* in the morning & do not return until 5J/2 or 6 in the evening. To be sure, if we had

[

3 oo

]

a piano in the house they would play some, and 10 or 15 minutes a day would enable them to keep up what they have acquired, and make some additional progress. I would like much to have a piano in the house & would buy one if I could conveniently. I intend to make enquiries & see for how much I can hire one, & procure one if not unreasonable. I read to F. & F. your remarks about your property, & also your wishes as to their education, expenses & c . I think these things make an impression upon them, & though they do not say much; the leaven will work & produce good results. That they are improving is very certain. It can be seen every day, but whether as fast as they ought is another question; M r Morrison is very well satisfied with them. If I correctly understand the matter, the law for the Market Street Rail Rd passed the board of aldermen in spite of the mayor's veto. If so & it is constructed, why will it not be excellent property & advance the value of property on the whole line. A Rail Rd across the continent must soon be made, & this will be a part of it. I trust you will find it an advantageous undertaking. In a country improving so rapidly as Cal a , all projects looking to increased facilities in travel must be successful. As things have since turned out it seems unlucky that you did not invest more in city lots & less in the country, but I suppose most persons would have done the same & it may prove that the Rancho property will be the best for your family, tho' the other would have been more immediately productive. From your description I should think your house would be convenient & elegant, & I should [be] pleased to see it. M r Speiden's oldest daughter was married yesterday in church, & , in the absence of her father, I had the honor of giving away the bride. The church was full, & the bridal procession was brilliant, & made quite a sensation as we marched up the aisle, myself, with the bride on my arm, bringing up the rear. The reception at the house was very numerous, & the good things abundant, & of these your boys partook to their hearts content. They had a holiday on the occasion. The bride & her husband ( M r Bayne, of Alexandria) left in the afternoon for Philad3. She is a good girl, & I am glad she is well married. I am somewhat hurried this morning & must cut my letter short, tho' I do not know that I have anything more to say. M y regard to Mrs. L. & Sophia, Yours very truly,

E. L. Childs

I have ascertained that the letter I prepared to go by the Nicaragua route did not go that way, but by the regular mail route, via Isthmus. I shall try again, however, next trip.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO S . W. R I P L E Y . DRAFT. VIII: 2 9 3 . ]

San Francisco Nov 4 1853 S. W. Ripley Esq Boston Sir S o m e few weeks ago I ree'd a letter from you requesting information of the late William A . Leidesdorff. He arrived on this coast in summer of 42 or 43, Commander of the American Schooner Julia, from New York. Capt. L. was a young man of great acrivety and driving business habits—he died in this town Summer of 48. (I appointed him in 46 Vice Consul as you learnt). By request of Govr Mason, I took a view of L. papers, etc. The Governor, supposing him an American citizen, wished me to take Consular charge of the property. He was a Mexican by naturalization. The Alcalde therefore appointed an Administrator, who in time gave up the property to Captain Folsom, retaining, I heard, 30,000$ as 10 pr ct commission. I believe Capt F. left this country in 48 or 49—and found Leidesdorff mother in Santa Cruz—one of the W. I. Hands, purchased the property, he told me. He told me the price at a later period. I heard the mother was dissatisfied and he repurchased, at another high sum. His history, arrival here, his death, state, etc, class and value of his property, I suppose I am fully acquanted with. The Governor of this State has lately reccommended that the curcumstance of the property should be enquired into with a view of its being escheated to the State. L. not leaving any heirs who are citizens of the U . S. the whole property is in real estate, worth, the Governor thinks, a million of dollars. I have no right to make farther mention of these affairs to a stranger. If you are a relation or represent such, who by being citizen of the U. S. are prefered heirs, I will answer your several enquiries and act as you request, by your giving me a knowledge of yourself and your right to investigate this Estate. In this case you will call on my friend Alpheus Hardy Esq 42 Commercial St., Boston, in this matter. His letter to me of the facts with your statment will be my guide how to proceed. Should you not represent a relation and heirs, I do not see any object you can gain as a friend only of L. He had many true ones here. He died sudden & left no will, no sign. I am with respect

[GRIFFIN & LAROCQUE TO ALPHEUS HARDY 6c CO., AND ACCOMPANYING LETTERS. COPIES, v m : 2 9 6 AND 2 9 7 . ]

Mess. Alpheus Hardy & Co.

N c W Y

°rk

N

° V 7th

i8

53

Boston Gentlemen O N my return to the office your letter of 29th October last has been placed before me. The case of Mr. Larkin against the Steamer Brother Jonathan was decided against him owing to Mr. Howard's testimony on the trial having placed the facts on an entirely different light from what he had previously represented them in to my late partner Mr. Griffin and myself. Mr. Larkin therefore became liable to pay all the costs. That which Mr. Mayo is now called upon for as stipulator is the portion of the costs and expenses receivable by the owners of the Brother Jonathan, Mr. Larkin's antagonist in the suit. He is undoubtedly liable to pay it & I have sent him a certificate to that effect. Our own bill against Mr. Larkin in the same matter amounts to $283.50, for which I will thank you to remit me a check. Respectfully Yours, (Sig'd) Jer. Larocque for Griffin & Larocque j

*

1-

*

i

Jer. Larocque tsqr, A t t y at Law

Boston Nov' yqth i SJ «J

New York Dear Sir Yours of the 7th at hand. We shall forward a copy of your letter to Mr. Larkin & wait his reply as to the payment of your bill. W e are not authorised to do so. Yours Truly, ^ A l p h c u s H a r d y & C()

Thos. O. Larkin Esqr

B

°St°n

N

°V

IOth

/53

Dear Sir W e enclose copy of our last and annex you copies of correspondence between Mr Laroque & ourselves, which please note. Yours Truly, Alpheus Hardy Co. [Rubric]

San Francisco, Jan 30, 54 Mr Jcr Larrocque for Messrs Griffen & Larocque New York Gent.

A month back I ree'd your letter to Alpheus Hardy & Co., Boston, Mass, stating I was indebted to you for 283150 on a/c suit versus Steamer Brother Jonathan. Same time ree'd by mail bill of items signed by you making cost about 183$. I do not remember how or by whose orders this suet commenced. In 52 & 53 I understood M r Mills to say he could pay some 4000$, & had rather do so than have lawsuets with Califomias. M r P. would not agree to it. The week before the case was in court, I think M r Mills would have done so. To please M r Priest I at times called on you. M r Hardy has paid to about 293$ for me in this case. I do not understand if there is one or two bills (or if it is now all paid) or how the suit was commenced. If by me, and how it could be, I do not remember, but if in common with others why I am called on to pay the whole. Mr. Thompson refuses to pay or look at the bills.

[ J . HOWARD WAINWRIGHT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 0 0 . ]

Office of Wainwright & Co., 54 Wall Street New York Novr 18th 1853 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. San Francisco Dear Sir

S i n c e my last to you, under date of Octr 28th I have had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Mr. Wm. Bray, former Secretary of the Feather River Co. He had been sent out from England to make a report on some copper lands in Tennessee, bought by some capitalist friends of his. Besides other matters I had a long conversation with him with regard to matters connected with your property. During his stay here the news arrived of the decision in favor of the Mexican Grant, made by the Supreme Court of Cal'a, & we concured in the opinion that it would be considered a new & very favorable feature in London.

It was his impression, from conversations held with them subsequent to my departure, that some of the former Directors of the Co. would be glad to bring the property forward again. M y idea was that as there would be many companies looking for land now, that they might buy the whole of it & sublet it to others. I desired M r B. to communicate with them again on his return, & inform them that we would be glad to take into consideration any propositions they might make. In the present state of affairs in Europe, should we be prepared to act, I can see that before long we might be in a position to dispose of the whole to advantage, as there will be a great time of speculation again in case of peace. I gave M r B. to understand that I would write to you for power to act in case I ree'd offers from his friends. M y opinion is that your best plan is to send me power to negotiate the sale of these lands for you, in case I receive acceptable offers. Should offers come it would take too long to write from N e w York to California & await an answer. There should be parties here prepared to act at once. If you do not empower me I recommend you to empower others. This need not conflict with your arrangements with M r Murray as I understand them. A t all events I should like to hear from you and understand whether you desire me to take any future interest in the matter, for you have as yet left me entirely in the dark. I hardly know to what to attribute your entire silence. W e have had very hard & trying times here lately among our merchants & monied men but I think a change has come for the better. Hoping to hear from you by return of mail, I remain, Yours truly, J. H. Wainwright

[ A L P H E U S HARDY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 0 2 . ]

Boston Nov' 18th 1853. Thos. O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir ^OURS of the 15th ult. at hand—both mails arriving at the same moment. Your order for mantle pieces can be filled at your limits—of fine quality and patern—packed well & if not roughly handled on board ship will arrive in good order. W e will buy them & ship by first clipper—advising you.

We will see chat they go on board and are packed as they should be here and you must see that (on their arrival) they are not thrashed out like so much timber. The maker of these articles will not warrent their safe arrival—no man would do that—but being packed as they should be, we shall get a Bill Ldg. "in good order" & you must hold the ship responsible for their safe delivery. You may remit for the purchase. Should you order the pictures the writer will with pleasure select them. You do not give me the size of the Chimnies. I must therefore buy them of usual size for such a house & you must build your chimnies to conform. Will annex the measures if possible. Now for the mirrors—this is a more difficult task. I can buy you the two mirrors as follows—one for the front—with marble slab, 2 feet, 9 in. by 8 ft. 2 in., encluding the frame & cornises in good style, $137. Another, for rear room (with marble slab), 4 ft. 5 in. by 8 ft 2 in., good style, $224 or 250. They can be packed in good condition and ought to arrive in good order, but no men here will guarentee there safe arrival. In this case as in the mantle pieces they would be packed in good order as they would to come from England shipped in good order & the ship must be responsible for their safe delivery. Under all your restrictions I dare not send these articles without further orders & if after reading this you desire them send your orders & they shall be promptly attended to. The measures above are from out side to out side of the frames—the glasses will of course be some less. I shall ship the mantle pieces soon to arrive with you in March or April. Yours Tru1

^

Alpheus Hardy [Rubric]

If you reply by return of mail we may have them with you in M a y . Mantle pieces for parlours 5 ft. 9 in. length. Brestwork or chimny should be 6 feet. The whole cost of mande pieces, grates, mirrors & Marble slab & c will not cost over $850. The mirror seller says he has sent many to Cal. & they have arrived safe. They pack them well & sec them stowed well on board ship. A. H.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 0 3 . ]

Washington City, November 19, 1853 Dear Brother I S E N T you a short letter yesterday, by the Nicaragua route, by way of trying it, and I now commence one for the mail ship, which leaves New York on Monday. In that letter I stated that your letter of Oct. 14, to your sons, they received on the 1 ith inst, and yours to me, by the regular mail came the next day. Both ships, however, arrived at New York on the same day, Nicaragua a few hours ahead, I believe. I presume that must be adopted, one of these days, as the mail route unless a still shorter & better one should be opened. Petitions begin to come in from California asking the adoption of this measure, but nothing has been done about it at the Department.

In my letter yesterday I mentioned that Fred'k had been ill for two or three days—the physician said it was a severe cold, & that his liver was torpid and required to be roused. He gave him gentle medicine & kept him in bed two days. He is now well & goes regularly to school. He seems easily fatigued, stretches himself on the sofa soon as he gets supper, sleeps a while & then goes early to bed. Both sometimes sleep io, & even n , hours almost without moving; but if company comes in they are bright enough till 10 o'clock or later. They are making good progress in their studies, as much so as most boys, & more than some, still not what they might if they realized the great advantages of education, and the peculiar priveleges they enjoy. In grammar they have made great progress, & in geography. In French & Spanish they are going ahead steadily, have their regular lessons daily, & have Sarah's patient assistance in the former language. I try to interest them in reading & translating the French & Spanish papers received from you, & in that manner they add something to their stock of words, but they soon get weary of studying out the sentences & turn to their "Privateer" & "Yankee Notions," trashy papers which they will buy, tho* they have an abundance of other papers & books. They sometimes say they have "Nothing to read," though there are hundreds of good books within reach. This is because their taste is vitiated by reading light books & papers without substance. I am in hopes to correct this soon, & have no doubt but they will finally outgrow it by judicious care. I repeat what I have so often said, that they are

very good boys, & have not one vice about them. Frank will make a brilliant man, if not spoiled in the training, & Fred'k a good one. Oliver did not go to Portsmo'—we never thought of asking him; it is a quiet little place, & its simple pleasures would not suit his taste. We both saw him in Boston & he was looking very well. I am sorry the stamps were damaged, but I was afraid it would be so. There were no six cent envelopes here when I wrote ( & there are none now. I sent to N . Y k for some for my own use) & when in New York I was told they had just been to the San Fr. P. Office. You sh'd get well of that diarrhea; it becomes dangerous when so protracted. I knew Capt Knight once. He sailed out of Portsmo' years ago, & has a brother now living there. He was indeed a "gentleman," & a Christian too. What do you want done with your claims? the Fremont, Benecia Custom House, &c? Cannot you say something about Samuel? What is he doing? With regards to all, Yours ever, E L C I received many papers & c by each mail. I suspect all you sent reach me safely. I have done nothing about a piano yet. I dislike to put you to any expense unless certain of some advantage to your children.

[ALEXANDER S . TAYLOR TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 0 4 . ]

Monterey Nov. 30/53 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Montgomery St., San Francisco My dear Don Thomas ^ f o u R of Thanksgiving is received. I see the impression still remains on your mind that I have had some secret or private connection with those valuable books of yours. I assure you on the honor of a gendeman, that I know not in any way where they are, & I have not seen them since I saw them with Capt Cooper as afore mentioned. Morever I cannot surmise where they are. May not Lemantour, Leese, or M r Sullivan have them? I cant find them in Cooper's house and they are not in mine—probably you lent them to Gleason. I wish to ask you now a plain question. Do you intend these books for the use of Messr. Gihon & Soule or some one else writing a book on California?

For you will remember that you distinctly promised me the first use of them to the exclusion of any one else? I have copies from a French book (in Spanish) of certain proclamations of Alvarado, Castro, de la Guerra and Guad. Vallejo, viz— 1 of Gua. Vallejo—Proda, of 29 Nov. 1836 1 of Jose Castro 2 of do

do

do & de la Guerra

2 of "

Castro & do

1

do & Alvarado

1

"

Castro

1

"

Alvarado

5 Dec. 7 Dec.

9 Dec. 9 Dec.

1836 '36 '36 '36

11 Dec.

1 Proclama of G. Vallejo

•36 20 Dec. •36 24 Feby. 1837

1

IO M a y 1837

"

of Alvarado

of which I can send you certified copies being clerk of the U. S. Dt. Court with a seal. M y very best respects to Mrs. Larkin. Our town has got to be an extraordinary quarrelsome, disagreeable place. Old friends all well. Your very truly, Alx. S. Taylor [Rubric] P. S. I certainly saw, when with Capt. Cooper last year overhauling your camphor wood trunk, those very two books—the other one is now in the Monterey Jusgado. I knew old lady Eager would marry again—she dont like sleeping in a lone bed on a cold night and all nights are cold in California. Mrs. Little bears it philosophically—rather glad at it. Have you heard whether Mr. Dye lives or is dead.

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 0 8 . ]

Washington City, 3 Deer 1853

Dear Oliver ^ o u r letter of 19 O a r (finished 22d) I received 30th Nov, & the boys got theirs by the Nicaragua route the 1st Deer next day. The mail was three days behind its time & yet was one day before the line which boasts of being "ahead of the mail," and has a thousand miles, or more, less distance to steam it—truly

the "old tow boats" are looking up in the world. I have no more sympathy for one than the other of these concerns. The object of both is to make money, and each would use tainted food & dirty beds and napkins, regardless of the comforts of passengers & their complaints, if they could with impunity. Let the Nicaragua company succeed in driving off the old line & you will soon see "old tow boats," high fares bad grub, dirty sheets, & insolent officers on that route as you now sec on the old one, notwithstanding the silver cups and trumpets which passengers are fools enough to give to the Captains for "doing their duty." Since I wrote last nothing new has taken place among us. We are all well, the boys are in fine spirits, very happy and contented, and are making visible progress in their studies, though, as I have before said, they do not realize the value of time and the vast importance of knowledge which I could desire. They have now been here one year this day, & Sarah says their improvement in appearance, manners and education is such as to be entirely satisfactory to her. Every one remarks how much better they are in health & how much happier they seem than when they arrived. Then you know they were discontented & were determined not to like Washington. Now no boys appear more satisfied & happy, though I do not know what they write to you. They are never out in the evening unless at some friends house with us, never ask to go to shows, theatre, circus or anything of the kind, though those amusements are all going on here. Once they went went with us to see Wyman, die "Magician," with us & some girls, but did not care much about it & did not ask to go again. I never knew boys of better habits, and ones more tractible. Frank is quite a favorite with everyone, he is so bright, cheerful and quickwitted; he has a head like yours, much larger than Fred's. While buying them new caps lately the hatter said Frank's head was three sizes larger than Fred's which surprized him much. I will write to M r Wellington and enquire about Oliver, though I do not doubt he is going on well. I received the stamps and shall return an equal number by this mail, which I obtain in exchange by favor of M r Marron, 3d Ass't P. M . Gl. I am sorry to learn that there is any question as to the strength of your land titles, & hope you will succeed in getting them all through. The opinions of the Land Commissioners which I have read are certainly very able & show that they are trying to understand the business. I have sent those you requested to M r Baldwin, New York. Frederick has just shown me his letter to you, & we think it vety well written. His hand writing has improved much and there are fewer errors in spelling &

grammar than there were in Oliver's last letter. In two or three years he will make you a good clerk—but Frank should be send to College. I am obliged to close suddenly, being very busy at the Department. Congress meets on Monday, & the office & city are full of members. With respects to Mrs L & Sophia, I remain, Yours truly, E.L.C.

[F. M. DIMONDTO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I I 1 3 1 1 . ]

Bristol, R. I. Dec ioth 1853 Thomas O. Larkin Esq My dear Sir W E N in New York last, I regretted to find you were not one of the directors of the Atlantic & Pacific R. R. Co. and inquired of your friend Leland. He remarked that had you been at the time a stockholder, you would have been elected, and as there is now a vacancy I have written Leland (who is as anxious as I am that the Company should have your services) that you must be elected. N o matter what the papers say, this will be the road, and when the time arrives, the Government will grant this road no small amount of her land through which it passes and she will be bound to give us her mails, troops & c &c, because we can carry them half cheeper and less than half the time. I shall be glad to hear from you. Pray when do you return. Respectfully yours, F. M . Dimond

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V I I I ^ I O . ]

Dec ioth 1853 Mr. Thomas O. Larkin Dear Sir I HAVE recieved no letter or draft from you as you promised, but sec steamer and mail arrive almost every week but alas nothing for me. You little imagine what troubels I have had in consequence of not recieving the draft as

you promised. I have sold my watch and most of my clothes and have lived from day to day on hopes but they are all vain. I hope that you or none of yours may ever be reduced to the same extremities. I now make a last apeal to you. If you will not relieve me yourself I wish you to tell Howard to send me a draft for say two thousand dollars out of what he owes me and I will come to California and try to get as much as will pay up die bank and the balance may go to her and the child, then I would care very litde what would become of me. I have some property there yet that is in my name. In all I suppose it would sell for i o or 12 thousand dollars. Tell me what Thompson is doing. I am aware that you all despise me and prehaps never think about me. It is just you should do so, but know me as you once knew me. I set down to write several pages but so many things rush into my mind that I can think of nothing. Mr. Larkin, I ask one thing, that you keep all knoledge of me secret. Write me, for God sake, and tell me all that concerns my interest there. How I shal live untill I hear from you God only knows. Yours Truly, T . H . Green [Rubric]

[W. W. LELAND TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 1 3 . ]

Office of the Adantic and Pacific Rail Road Company No. 229 Broadway, New York, 15 Deer 1853 Thomas O. Larkin Esq My Dear Sir I WAS most pleased to reed, your kind note of the 10 ultimo this day. I have enclosed the Charter. A t the time of election you was not a stock holder hence according to the Charter you will see no one was elagable to that office of Director but you are now. As I forward by Page Bacon & Co. a certificate for 200 shares with draft at one day's sight for $200. the first assesstment, & I am sure you will be elected as Gov. Diamond & myself are of course your warmest frinds, but I am sorry you wrote S. Draper for he was verry much disapt because he was not elected president nor vice president nor director. He of course is against us, hence we have opposition from Greely Wade «Si Co., all Whig

Abolirion'ts, but thcar oppositin will help us as the mass of people of die country are for a R. Road & it must & will be built by our Co. We have the money & energy & shall get help from the States & the Gen. Govem't. when the time comes for it, as we have already 77,000 stock holders in all parts of the country & directors in nearly all the States. Thear is two vacancies at this time & we will work to have them fild up one more for your State so soon as we get them togeather. The Co. have sent out Col. C. S. Johnson as commissioner to your State & I learn Hon. Joseph E. Watkins of your Senate has charge of our matters at the capital. I wish to have you become posted through Col. Johnson & Mr. Watkins in relation to our movements. The Parnam & Sloan & Gary & Law & Aspinwall1 & the whole party with 20,000,000 of dollars invested in Steamship & Isthmus R. Road & c & c of course are putting stumbling blocks in our way. They dare not come out openly against us but advocate the Gov. building, knowing it would take 50 yrs to build it but it will avail them nothing as we have too many guns for them & we are in the right. I am yours in R. Road bonds

-

W. W . Leland

P. S. I thought best not to send it to any house, but direct to you & have paid the assessment as it would become due before [IP] could get returns & your confirmed check on N . York for the $200. We have verry favorable news from Texas this morning. I am, yours truly, W . W . Leland

[WILLIAM H. HOUSE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 1 5 . ]

Sacramento City Dec 17th / 5 3 Mr. Larkin Dear Sir I HAVE been informed that you own Lot No 8 in Block between N & O, 7th & 8th Sts. I would like you to write me whether you wish to sell the Squatter 1 Parnum was evidently Joseph B. V a m u m , a director of the Panama Railroad Company; Sloan, Samuel Sloan, a director of the Hudson River Railroad in 1855, with special interests in transportation; the others were George Law and William H . Aspinwall, but Gary has proved elusive.

ride to it, on the north half of it on easy terms. I would be glad to have it, for a family residence. Please write in regard to it and oblige, W m H . House. P. S. I think I could buy the squatter off as he wishes to go to the States. W. H . H .

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. ¥ 1 0 : 3 1 9 . ]

Washington, 19 Dec. 53 Dear Oliver i^.GAiN the "old tow boat" line was in advance of your favorite fast Nicaragua line. Your letter to me of Nov 14, with nine newspapers, by the mail, I ree'd on the 13th of this month, and yours to the boys, with two papers, by die ship which boasts of being "ahead of the mail," were received the next day, the 14th. The ship however (Star of the West, I beleive) put into Norfolk in distress, and thus lost a day. But with so many miles less to sail (or steam), the upper line ought to be a week before the other. I am surprised that you got no letters from me by the mail of Oct. 5, for I certainly sent one if not more, & probably the boys wrote also, tho' I cannot say positively. 1 do not remember what I wrote about, but am certain that I did write, as I have done by every mail since you left N . Yk. I cannot remember whether the deed of the Benecia lot was or was not sent by that mail, but think it did not go until that of Oct 20. I suspect the letters were accidentally sent astray, & have since reached their destination. I know Fredlt & Frank did not write by the mail which left two days after we returned from the East, that is Sept 20, as I well remember Mary Larkin was here & she sent a long letter to her sister, but they both think they wrote by the next one which is that missing. Your last letter to your sons they did not show us as they usually do, but took it immediately to their room, from which we infer that you said something to them which was not pleasing, but they make no allusion to anything of the kind in their answers which they have shown to me. They are generally very careless with their letters, leaving them about anywhere, & their Aunt takes care of them. They are both in very good health & seem to enjoy more of life in one

month than you and I did in a year at their age. They are making good progress in their studies, and in intellectual development generally—though they will not realize the value of time & the advantages of education as I could wish, yet they do very perceptibly improve in knowledge & deportment, and, as M r Morrison says, they are becoming habituated to application, and it is having its effects on their minds & characters. They have attended nearly all the Smithsonian lectures this winter, which have been on Astronomy and Chemistry, and have become quite interested in them. Last winter I could not persuade them to go near the institution. They have also read the French & Spanish papers you send them, & in that manner add to their knowledge of those tongues. In the French, Sarah helps them & tries to keep their interest alive, but it is sometimes hard work, as they much prefer reading light stories and anecdotes, especially tales of pirates & of battles. I shall continue Harpers & Putnams magazines & Gleason's Pictorial, for the next year, also Merry's Museum, & discontinue others. It is as well, perhaps, that the boys wear out their clothes so fast, for they would otherwise out grow them—we have given them very good & handsome garments, but I suspect not so costly as you & their mother would have bought. I had a very handsome overcoat made for Frederic out of the old olive colored coat of yours which was in the large box you sent. We were surprised to find what an elegant article could be made of it. W e have not yet found any use for the gold laced Consular Coat, but everything else has turned to account. By the last mail you should receive one letter from me and one from Frederic, and a small box of stamps & two packages of public documents. To day I also send two franked packages, one containing letters of Com. Jones which possibly I may have sent before. What law suits have you on hand? Is there any danger that your land tides will not be confirmed? I thought not. What steps do you wish taken in reference to your claims before Congress? Have you given any instructions to M r Wylie on the subject? I would like to hear what Samuel is doing if you ever see him. With regards to Mrs L. & Mary [Sophia?], I remain, Yours very truly, E.L.C.

[WILLIAM HARNEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK IN. Vili : 32O.]

New York December 20th 1853 Office of Baldwin & Ditmars 50 Wall St. Hon e Thomas 0 . Larkin Sir your letter on the 12th inst. for which I return you thanks for your kindness and valuable information contained in it. I was speaking to Mr. Ditmars, in relation to it, and he told me it would be great deal to my advantage if I could get a situation at any business at one half of the salary you describe. I think I could get to San Francisco myself through Capt. Baldwin, and some exertions on my own part. The Capt. was this week appointed Lieutenant in the Navy. Mr. Ditmars, Baldwin & Clinton wishes to be remembered to you, Dr. Sir. I send you some papers and some memorandum in relation to the R. R. I expect shortly some documents and motions of Mr. Gwin in the Senate. As soon as they shall reach me, I will forward them to you with respect. Allow me to wish yourself and family a merry Christmas and Happy New Year. With Respect &c., Your obt. Svt. W m . Harney I

RECEIVED

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 2 1 . ]

My Dear Friend

Dec 21 st 1853

from your acts I suppose I may still call you so. You cant imagine how your letters have revived my drooping spirits again. I had almost dispaird. I wrote you last week. What I then wrote has passed from my mind as I was so depressed. Today I received two letters from you enclosing Pages Beacon [Bacon] & Co. draft for two hundred dollars (200$) which thank God will pay all I owe here but will leave me without anything left, but now my credit will be restored as I shall pay every one that I owe. M r Larkin, I now promise you and hope for ever never to take liquor to A

S

excess again. Since the last of September I have not tasted it, although I can get it here in the house I live free but I determined never to drink again so as to feel the effects of it I am glad to hear that S. and the child are getting on so well. Do you think that she ever can or will forgive me? It is more than I can hope, for I have done her a great wrong but I was infatuated and all though acting contrary to my better judgment as to the wrong I could not resist. I am willing to act on any plan you may sugest. You speak of another letter of several pages which you have laid down a plan for me to act. I am willing to do any thing right or to make the wrongs right that I have done. I am aware that I lack moral courage. Had I not, I would have disclosed all to you—H., T., & T . [Howard, Teschemacher, and Thompson]. I would to God I had done so but I could not bare the thought of telling all you men who had trusted me as you had. I could not tell you that I had been a theif, better I had done so. Why not you take Howard & Thompson to themselves and tell them that it is my earnest wish and prayer that they should put into your hands enough to pay the bank say 8000$ and compromise after wards about the intrest as I do not know that they would be allowed to take intrest as it would in law be compounding a felony. Howard can not certainly refuse to do so and your receipt on the notes for the amount. If they agree I should like five thousand dollars to be sent to my father, for you know who, if he is still living, if not so they will get it certain. All this for the present keep from Sarah as I will deal with her liberaly in every way. A s soon as I get your other letter I will write again. If you think it best you might say to H. to give you one or two thousand dollars & send me & I will come out to California. I could land at San Diego or some other place on the coast and let you know that I had arrived, if you think it would not be prudent for mc to come direct to San Francisco. Write me all about S. & her child. Below I write you an order on H . for $13,000 to use as directed and tell H . if you all think it best for me to come out I will do every thing fair with him. Let all this be secret & charge H . & T . not to reveal it in any way. I shall expect to hear from you by return of mail. December 21st 1853 Wm. D. M . Howard, Esqr

Sir Please pay to the order of Thomas O. Larkin thirteen thousand dollars and indorse the same amount on certain promisory notes due me. $13,000. Talbot H . Green [Rubric]

[M. T. MCCLELLAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIH: 3 2 2 . ]

Canaras [Carneros], Napa County, Dccmb. 22nd 1853 Mr. T . O. Larkin Dear Sir I WOULD just say to you that my next payment be comes due to you on the 25th inst. and the prospect at the present time is probable that I will not be able to meet it as I should wish to do; I hope you will be up here at that time in person. I will arrainge the matter satisfactory to you and I also wish to make another purchase adjoining on the foot of the high Rocky Mountain just above my field. There is some of your pretended friends that is wishing to annoy me by putting on Squatters that in the eavent of you not being able to sustain your grant they will be able to come in for a part that you sold me. Mr. Moodie, for instance, a man that has never paid you a dollar, and has been speculating off your land in the way of letting and selling claims, he now is one of the buissy ones getting Squatters on your land and you have extended to him all the [opportunity and chances a man could possibly ask. He says now you will never get the place he has bought secured in mortgage, as you had the place he sold to Boggs. I mearly name these things as confidentially to you. M y old neighbor, McGimpsy will tell you the same. Thare are a great many of those Squatters down near the tulies that have and are using & distroying a great deal of your firewood and timber. I have taken notice to several waggons that are hauling arround the corner of my field and are useing pretty much all the timber on that side the Cannaras. If you can possibly put a stop to it I will do any thing possibly in my power to assist you. And I would also be glad to aid you in any way that I possibly could to have your tittle adjusted and settled as spedily as possibly. It would save me a great annoyance and satisfaction. Yours RespectMl

y'

P. S. I wish you to call at my house when you come up.

M . T. McClellan

[NICHOLAS CRAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII : 3 2 3 . ]

Colusa, Deer. 25th 1853 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir Y o u * favor of the 8th inst, came to hand only a few days since. I've made enquiry as to the feeling of those upon the Children's ranch and find generally that they are well disposed to sell their claims from $300 or $800 according to the improvements, &c. I have not yet been over to Feather river and I do not yet know whether it will be necessary for me to go there in the proscecution of the examination of some surveys entrusted to me, tomorrow. I cross the Sacramento river to remeasure some lines over there, and may proceed towards Feather River should it be necessary. I've met with a man who has been in this country a long time comparatively & who built a log cabin near the bank of Feather river upon the Flugge Rancho, whom I think could be induced for a small sum to sell it, or receive from you compensation for building the same on your account. If such an arrangement should be useful, you will please send me a form of such an Instrument of writing as you would like to have & send it per express to this place forthwith. It will cost about $300 I think. Yours truly, Nich 1 Gray I contemplate being at San Francisco the first week in January. Wishing you a happy new year, I am yours truly, N . Gray

[DAVID SPENCE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V i l i : 3 2 4 . ]

Monterey Deer 30th 1853 Tho. O. Larkin Esq S Fran00 Dear Com padre Y O .OUR letter of the 14th inst. I answered on the 22A so before this you will know D. Jose Abrego's answer to the same. When I saw your letter in the "Herald" I remarked to your brother that it was very compact and well written. A s respects Limentour's claims (perhaps as I am no way a party nor have any interest at stake) I never had formed any particular opinion, and if I had there has been so much said of late in pamphlets and newspapers that my weak ideas are confused.

I cannot be certain when I will visit S Fran00 again, except business requires me to do so, but most likely it will not be long. We had a very fine dinner and Ball (something like old times) in the Washington Hotel on Christmas day. Every thing went on well, "Don David Bastonero." With our compts. we wish you and famley a happy new year and many returns & c & c . Very truly yours,

^ Spence

It is so coold I can scardy write. On the return of some of the steamers you may look out for your currents, & rose slips, pines & c . If there is any thing else that you or Mrs. Larkin would wish from our garden just let me know and they will be forw'd with care.

[ o n s WRIGHT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VIII: 3 2 5 . ]

Dorchester Dec Dear Brother A FEW days since I received your letter dated Nov i6th/53 from which I was gratcfull to learn that you are all well. Edward & Harriet are agoing to write you respecting the young lady you speak of in your letter as you request.

Aunt Rogers is dead. She died Sunday eavining Dec i ith & was burned Tuesday afternoon following at 3 o'clock. Thomas calls out to see me once & awhile. I have been over to see him four times with my familey. He is well but as for his schooling I think the money is the chief part of it. The scholars theare are all much smaller then he is & but few of them at that. He improves I think but not so fast as I should wish to see him. I should think it would be for his good now to studey some higher branch now such as bookkeeping so that by & by he may be able to take an interest with you. His habits are good but I think he would improve faster & be for his good if he was with you in your office or placed in some good one here, for he would, I think, be likely to learn far more then wheare he now is. You wish to know if Hellen has gone to her school. She has. She is now just commenced her seconed term. She is at West Townsend about fifty miles from Boston. I have received from M r Hardy the amount you so kindly sent for her & ever shall I feel under deep obligations to you for your kindness ever shown towards me & my familey. You say you are building a new house. I wish I was theare to see it & spend the winter with you & see litde Alfred & all o£ you. M r . Swan begs to be rememberd to him & Caroline. In understand that Daniel N . Breed & Isaac Childs are about comming out theare. We are all well & all beg to be rememberd to you & your wife & litde Alfred & Caroline & we hope & trust that not far distant is the day when we shall all meet again. Tell Alfred Father Wright wants to see him verry much & wants him to come & see him & get his little poney. Hellen wanted to write to Caroline but was called away to her school. Time flew so fast before she was hardley aware of it. That young man you speak of is a verry worthey young man. I beleive he experienced religeon soon after he came theare & the day he was married he erected his familey altar & called all to familey worship & prayer. I haven't received but one letter from you I belive since you left us which is a long time, but I wish as often as time & oppertunity permits you would favour us with a letter from you. When I last wrote you I wrote you something respecting the property at Mount Auburn but have received no answer from you concerning it. And now again as one send our love, our respects, our best wishes & affections to you all & ever remain your faithfull sincere friends till we all meet in another & better world. Yours Respectfully, Otis Wright [Rubric]

PUNTED ON WHITE UNWEAVE TEXT DECKLE-EDGE DESIGNED BY A. K. TOMMASINI COMPOSED, PRINTED AND BOUND BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRINTING DEPARTMENT