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EXPLORATION AND WAR continued...

THE OREGON TRAIL continued...
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
441 c   [On the Oregon Trail en route to California] folded letter with integral address leaf to Ohio datelined Platte River Ferry 125 miles from Fort Laramie, that according to the letter, it was carried east by the Captain of the Ferry in the fall of[On the Oregon Trail en route to California] folded letter with integral address leaf to Ohio datelined "Platte River Ferry 125 miles from Fort Laramie," that according to the letter, it was carried east by the Captain of the Ferry in the fall of 1852 and placed in the mails at St. Joseph with "St. Joseph, Mo/Nove 8" datestamp and manuscript "10" rate, very fine.In 1852 Saml H. Graham writes from the Platte River Ferry 125 miles from Fort Laramie: "Dear Uncle I have just been informed by the Captain of the Ferry that he would carry letters back to the States or nearest post office free of charge as soon as the Emigration was past & here I have seated myself upon the ground with my paper spread out upon my pack to sketch a few lines & let you know where I am & how we are getting along &…I cannot enter into particulars as my time is 25 minutes to write - all the Boys are well & in good spirits - D.L. Norton says for me write what he is doing - he is eating lasses with a spoon by the side of me - the rest are getting dinner - We sold our wagon at Fort Laramie for 6 Dollars (six$) & some Bacon at 10 cts - Flour 13 cts pr lb. we left the Fort the 5th & find packing a speedeer way of traveling - we make from 25 to 35 miles per day - our provisions consist in Bacon & hard Bread - Dried peaches Tea & Coffee - sugar & some Flour - Our load per mule is about 125 lbs - in all our stock seem to stand it better - I have nothing but a Buffalo Robe for my bed as we cant carry a tent without overloading our Horses - It doe not go very hard - It is nothing to see from 10 to 20 wagons a day that is thrown away & (owners) have gone to packing - our mode of traveling is as follows: we start (at) sun half an hour high, stop at 12 (noon), start again at 2 & stop again at sun an hour high (hour before sundown) but vary (the time) as Grass is good or bad. We aim to travel 10 hours a day. the Grass is Ginerly good & it sems to be much stronger than our tame grass. Equal I think to the Best Timothy (hay). - I have seen but 2 or 3 sick on the road. It is healthy more so than the same No. probably would be in the States - here they are from all the states - all grades & sexes bending their steps like us for the El Dorado of the west - …the Rocky Mts are in sight partly covered with snow & also dotted over with Cedar presenting a beautiful view for those who admire natural curiosities…We expect to get to California in July perhaps by the middle…"The Platte River Ferry, also known as Mormon Ferry, is on the North Fork of the Platte, near present day Casper, Wyoming. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,800.00
Will close during Public Auction
442 c   [Fort Laramie, Oregon Route], two covers, first with Ty I Ft. Laramie, O.R postmark with matching negative 5 rate handstamp on buff cover to Albany, N.Y., second with Ty. II Ft Laramie, O.R. postmark with the same negative 5 rate handstam[Fort Laramie, Oregon Route], two covers, first with Ty I "Ft. Laramie, O.R" postmark with matching negative "5" rate handstamp on buff cover to Albany, N.Y., second with Ty. II "Ft Laramie, O.R." postmark with the same negative "5" rate handstamp struck in its center and matching "Jun 15" handstamped date, very fine duo. Both these postmarks are crude devices probably carved from wood or cork, probably both used in 1852.The FORT LARAMIE POST OFFICE was established on March 14, 1850 in what was then unorganized territory. The Post Office Department had attached it to Clackamas County, Oregon, apparently, for administrative reasons. Its first postmaster was John S. Tutt the sutler at the fort and a partner of John Dougherty the sutler and Indian agent at Fort Leavenworth. On May 30, 1854 Fort Laramie became part of the newly formed territory of Nebraska. Thence was successively in Idaho Territory from March 3, 1863 to May 26, 1864; Dakota Territory from May 27, 1864 to July 29, 1868; Wyoming Territory from July 30, 1868 to July 10, 1890 and finally in the State of Wyoming to the present day. It is Wyoming's first post office located in Goshen County. (imagea) (Image) Est. $3,000-4,000

SOLD for $8,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
443 c   [Fort Laramie postmark collection] twelve covers ranging from 1853 to the 1870s, starting with January 30, 1853 folded letter with integral address leaf with one of the few early manuscript postmarks, and continuing with one of only two recorded[Fort Laramie postmark collection] twelve covers ranging from 1853 to the 1870's, starting with January 30, 1853 folded letter with integral address leaf with one of the few early manuscript postmarks, and continuing with one of only two recorded examples of the Ty. II datestamp with no territorial designation, blue and black examples of the Ty. III postmark with Nebraska Territory designation on folded letters, one with description of an attack against the Indians, cover with 3c Rose (#65) and Ty. II postmark with Nebraska Territory designation used while Idaho Territory (with letter datelined "Ft Laramie Idaho Ter, June 28th 1864), cover with 12c Black (#69) and "Fort Laramie, N.T." datestamp, cover with 19 June, 1865 Ty. V datestamp with Montana Territory designation (in 1865 Fort Laramie was in Dakata, Idaho and Montana Territories), cover with double circle Ty. VI datesamp with Montana Territory designation and 3c Ultramarine (#114), cover with Ty. VIII datestamp with Dakota Territory designation and two 3c Rose (#65), cover with Ty. X datestamp with Wyoming Territory designation and 3c Rose (#65) (apparently the postmasters in the 1860's just used whatever handstamp they picked up without regard to territorial designations), and ending with 3c Bank Note covers with Ty. XI and XII datestamps, a few inconsequential faults, mostly very fine covers and strikes; an interesting lot to say the least. (Image) Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $3,250.00
Will close during Public Auction
444   [Fort Laramie] Remarkable association autograph letter signed by rancher and merchant W.G. Bullock, Fort Laramie, June 29, 1864. He writes to Robert Campbell & Co. in St. Louis:On the 26th ulto. I instructed the Pacific Telegraph Co. at Omaha[Fort Laramie] Remarkable association autograph letter signed by rancher and merchant W.G. Bullock, Fort Laramie, June 29, 1864. He writes to Robert Campbell & Co. in St. Louis:"On the 26th ulto. I instructed the Pacific Telegraph Co. at Omaha to remit to you for Mr. Ward's credit Five hundred Dollars...I also instructed the same Co...to remit for Mr. Ward's Credit Eight hundred Dollars...Please find enclosed...the checks & Drafts...I am pleased to inform you that our Indians are all peacible and the wanton unprovoked attack upon the Cheyenes on the South Platte by the Colorado troops will not Extend to the Band of the Cheyenes in the North. Emigration still continues large but we derive no benefit." He also forwards orders for military equipment (including a bullet mold) in two postscripts. Bullock would witness the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868 and enjoyed a position of trust among his Cheyenne neighbors. This single letter brings together many threads of the narrative of western expansion: the fur trade in which Campbell was a major figure; the westward migration, for which Fort Laramie had long been a vital outpost; clashes between American settlers and military, and the Native Americans of the west; and the spread of communications and commerce into previously isolated places. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $600.00
Will close during Public Auction
445 c   [Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory], yellow cover to Prussia with three 5c Brown (76, two with fault) tied to each other by target cancels and to cover by Ty. IX Fort Laramie, DakMar 14 territorial datestamp, red N. York Brem Pkt12 PaidMa[Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory], yellow cover to Prussia with three 5c Brown (#76, two with fault) tied to each other by target cancels and to cover by Ty. IX "Fort Laramie, Dak/Mar 14" territorial datestamp, red "N. York Brem Pkt/12 Paid/Mar 28" exchange office postmark, blue "America/uber Bremen/Franco" handstamp and backstamp with no year date, trivial opening tear at top, very fine; a rare usage of the 5c 1861 stamps from Fort Laramie to Germany. (Image) Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $800.00
Will close during Public Auction
446   [Fort Laramie] Three items from Fort Laramie, perhaps the most important fort on the Oregon and California trails. Includes a Civil War-date document signed by John B.E. Coulomb and approved by John G. Reeves (of the Ohio Volunteer Cavalry) regar[Fort Laramie] Three items from Fort Laramie, perhaps the most important fort on the Oregon and California trails. Includes a Civil War-date document signed by John B.E. Coulomb and approved by John G. Reeves (of the Ohio Volunteer Cavalry) regarding a load of gunpowder, balls, tobacco, sugar, vermilion, cloth, shirts, flour, etc., furnished to Maj. John Loree, Indian Agent, as goods given as presents to the Indians of the Upper Platte Agency. With an autograph letter signed, April 24, 1874, from John C. Smith to General EOC Ord, commander of the Department of the Platte, regarding the removal of troops from camps near the various Indian agencies, which the agents oppose "Notwithstanding they report the Indians are all friendly." Smith has also asked to to be authorized "to make arrangements to carry the mails from the Agencies to this Port at 30$ per month." Mounting strip on second page. With a registry bill with postmarks of Fort Laramie and Omaha, NE, 1887. (Image) Est. $300-400

SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction

WESTERN EXPANSION

CALIFORNIA
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
447   California and Its Gold Regions. Fayette Robinson. New York, Stringer & Townsend, 1849. 8vo, later leather with brown cloth. Original front wrap was bound in but is detached, present (with Yale College Library pen identification at top of fCalifornia and Its Gold Regions. Fayette Robinson. New York, Stringer & Townsend, 1849. 8vo, later leather with brown cloth. Original front wrap was bound in but is detached, present (with "Yale College Library" pen identification at top of front wrap and library label on bound-in original back wrap). Fold-out map at rear, small closed tear in map repaired with tissue, some foxing and wear to page edges. Exceptional condition for this volume! (Image) Est. $1,500-2,000

SOLD for $4,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
448   Illustrated Historical Sketches of California with a Minute History of Sacramento Valley... John F. Morse with S. Colville. Sacramento, John J. Hand, 1854. 8vo, original paper wraps. Presented as the first of a series. Some minor dampstainingIllustrated Historical Sketches of California with a Minute History of Sacramento Valley... John F. Morse with S. Colville. Sacramento, John J. Hand, 1854. 8vo, original paper wraps. Presented as the first of a series. Some minor dampstaining and very light edge wear, with protective slipcase. We have to go back 25 years to find a copy at auction in as good or better condition. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,400.00
Will close during Public Auction
449   The Annals of San Francisco. Soule, Gihon, and Nisbet. NY, D. Appleton & Co., 1855. 8vo, leather with pressed designs, gilt title and edges, banded and gilt spine. Folding map. Risvold labels on pastedown and on dedication page. Closed interiThe Annals of San Francisco. Soule, Gihon, and Nisbet. NY, D. Appleton & Co., 1855. 8vo, leather with pressed designs, gilt title and edges, banded and gilt spine. Folding map. Risvold labels on pastedown and on dedication page. Closed interior tear to map, light foxing of extremities and some plates, exterior wear, but interior tight. (Image) Est. $300-400

SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction
450   [Christopher Kit Carson] Exceedingly rare carte-de-visite Photograph Signed Kit Carson on mount below image. A seated, waist-length Civil War-date image of Carson as a brigadier general, by Hoelke & Benecke of St. Louis. In outstanding condit[Christopher "Kit" Carson] Exceedingly rare carte-de-visite Photograph Signed "Kit Carson" on mount below image. A seated, waist-length Civil War-date image of Carson as a brigadier general, by Hoelke & Benecke of St. Louis. In outstanding condition. This very photograph was used by legendary autograph dealer Charles Hamilton in his 1979 standard The Signature of America (NY, Harper & Row), where it appears on page 4. The vast majority of Carson autographs available on the market are as "C. Carson"; "Kit" was typically used only for his acquaintances. With an ALS to Carson by his nephew, George H. Carson, from Fayette, MO, July 20, 1864. Carried by a Dr. Snyder to Carson in New Mexico, it is a letter of introduction for the doctor. Also with the Book: The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson. DC Peters. NY, WRC Clark & Meeker, 1859. Apparent 2d Ed. - 8vo, original morocco with gilt illustration, spine, edges. 24 plates. Rebacked. Cover well worn, interior choice.Carson, Christopher "Kit" - American wilderness guide and soldier (1809-68); joined a caravan to Santa Fe at age 16, becoming a fur trapper at age 20; in that capacity he gained a personal intimacy with the American West, and was hired by John C. Fremont to guide his 1842 and 1843 expeditions, showing them the route to California; Fremont's account of the treks made Carson nationally famous; made a lieutenant, he served in California and New Mexico during the Mexican War; fought for the Union in the Civil War, primarily against Native American tribes. (Image) Est. $20,000-30,000

SOLD for $57,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
451   [Mountain Man Seth Kinman] Delightful carte-de-visite Photograph of Seth Kinman (1815-88), a California 49er, hunter and trapper, who embodied the popular look of the mountain man. By Mathew Brady of Washington, ca. 1865. With 2-cent revenu[Mountain Man Seth Kinman] Delightful carte-de-visite Photograph of Seth Kinman (1815-88), a California 49er, hunter and trapper, who embodied the popular look of the "mountain man". By Mathew Brady of Washington, ca. 1865. With 2-cent revenue stamp on verso. Kinman, in buckskins and fur hat, sits with his rifle and knife. (Image) Est. $100-150

SOLD for $3,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
452   Serra plans missions and mail service in Alta California in 1776Junipero Serra. Rare Autograph Letter Signed Fr. Junipero Serra, in Spanish, 2 pages, legal folio, on laid paper, Presidio de San Diego, July 27, 1776. He responds to Captain Don FerSerra plans missions and mail service in Alta California in 1776Junipero Serra. Rare Autograph Letter Signed Fr. Junipero Serra, in Spanish, 2 pages, legal folio, on laid paper, Presidio de San Diego, July 27, 1776. He responds to Captain Don Fernando de Rivera y Moncada, Military Lieutenant Governor of New California (i.e., Alta California). This important document is devoted entirely to the study of the convenience and procedures for the proposed establishment of the mail service in upper California. Father Serra's letter is in response to a letter from Rivera dated July 24, 1776. Serra replies that he approves of the proposed establishment of a monthly mail service from these new establishments to those of Old California, and by way of them to the court of Mexico, because truly, as concerns the missions, if it is feasible, I consider the measures very useful. If His Excellency would content himself, for now, that from this Presidio of San Diego, on the first day of each month, a mail courier would leave for the frontier of Old California whether or not there are letters from Monterey and San Francisco. Letters from farther north would come whenever conveniently possible. In this I do not find any major difficulty. It would take a mail courier 3 or 4 days except in times of bad weather. But to have to make the trip monthly from the Port or Fort of San Francisco, I confess, would be plagued by all the difficulties that you warn about.He would like to see way stations between Monterey and San Diego of missions at a distance of 25 leagues from one another, both for the propagation of the Holy Faith and also for the convenience of travelers, and to secure peace with the tribes along the way. And for that, nothing more is needed except to re-establish the one at San Juan de Capistrano and to restore that of San Buenaventura in the spot that it was assigned at the beginning; and only one more, the Immaculate Conception, next to the point at the upper extreme of the channel of Santa Barbara. The mail couriers from Monte-Rey to San Diego could sleep every night in Christian towns. He adds that Santa Barbara is a point especially vulnerable to attack. In remarkably Fine condition for a letter of its age. With the Book: Palou's Life of Fray Junipero Serra. Francisco Palou, edited by MJ Geiger. Washington, Academy of American Franciscan History, 1955. 4to, blue cloth with gilt design and spine. Ballpoint owner's identification on free endpaper and half title. Signed by Geiger on title.Serra, Junipero - Spanish Franciscan monk (1713-84); established the chain of missions in Alta California, spreading and solidifying the Spanish presence there; beatified in 1988; his missions would be essential to the growth of many California's major cities. San Juan de Capistrano had originally been consecrated in 1775, but was soon abandoned so unrest among the natives at San Diego could be put down. Its re-establishment occurred in November 1776, and a chapel added in 1782 is the only one remaining in which Serra is known to have celebrated mass. While suppressing the revolt, Rivera y Moncada violated sanctuary by seizing an insurgent who was hiding in a church; for this he was excommunicated, though clearly he and Serra were able to maintain a working relationship. At the time of this letter, his replacement as governor had already been chosen, but it would not be until a year later that Felipe de Neve took office as the first governor of the Californias. San Buenaventura, which Serra wants to finally see established, would be the last of the missions he founded, and was not built until 1793. Serra is exceedingly rare and extremely desirable in autograph letters of any kind; one with such important postal history content may be unique. (imagea) (imageb) (Image) Est. $75,000-100,000

SOLD for $95,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
453 c   [Mexican Period - Island of Catalina, Coast of California], Dec 28 1826 dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Ipswich, Mass., carried by the ship Harbinger on its return voyage around Cape Horn with a cargo of hides per do[Mexican Period - Island of Catalina, Coast of California], "Dec 28 1826" dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Ipswich, Mass., carried by the ship Harbinger on its return voyage around Cape Horn with a cargo of hides per docket "Mr. Manning of Brigg Harbinger brought this, A.S." (Captain Aaron Sweet, to whom this letter is in care of), entered the mails with red "Boston, Ms./Jul 5" datestamp and manuscript "6" due, an extremely early use from California, very fine.John Richards writes to his sister in Ipswich: "...We arrived at this Island about the 25th of last month and have been at this Isle ever since waiting for orders from the ship Franklin which arrived about a week ago....we shall go in a day or two and that is to a place called St Diego to get the Supercargo of the ship (Thomas Shaw) and he will order us where he chooses for Hides - I have given up hopes of going to Canton (China) - Our doom is fixed I expect to cruise up and down the coast of California collecting Hides and fetch them to this Island and cure them and when we have got enough to fill the Brig then start for home ....We were about two months from Callo (Peru) to St Diego on our passage from Callo to St Diego we had to put into one of the Gallipagos Islands for wood - There we shot from 8 to 10 seals and got 24 terapin or land tortoise - they will live a year with out any kind of food and are excellent food themselves .." (Image) Est. $7,500-10,000

SOLD for $12,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
454 c   [Mexican Period - San Diego] San Diego 20th July 1830 dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Santa Barbara, carried up the coast by the Mexican ship Leonor, with large manuscript 4 reales applied for postage due at Santa Ba[Mexican Period - San Diego] San Diego 20th July 1830 dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Santa Barbara, carried up the coast by the Mexican ship Leonor, with large manuscript "4" reales applied for postage due at Santa Barbara, cover with some internal splits mended with tape and hinges and internal stains, very fine appearance.The writer, Henry Virmond, was a German merchant trading out of Acapulco and Mexico City into California. He was the owner of the Mexican ship Leonor and had great influence with the Mexican government. Virmond reports on the voyage up from Acapulco to San Diego, giving a list of the passengers and 53 convicts under military escort. He also reports the birth on board of a baby boy to the wife of Captain Fitch. The Andreas Pico listed was the brother of Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California. Fitch had come to California from Massachusetts in 1826 and was baptized into the Catholic faith in order to marry Josefa, the daughter of Don J. Carrillo of San Diego. Wm. G. Dana, to whom the letter is addressed, was the cousin of Richard Henry Dana Jr. the author of Two Years Before The Mast. Both Fitch and Virmond used the name Enrique, the Spanish equivalent of Henry. (imagea) (Image) Est. $3,000-4,000

SOLD for $3,750.00
Will close during Public Auction
455 c   [Mexican Period - Santa Barbara], California Sta. Barbara 16th Nov. 1831 dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to London, carried by sailing ship to Mazatlan, Mexico where it arrived on 4 January, 1832 and was forwarded to Vera C[Mexican Period - Santa Barbara], "California Sta. Barbara 16th Nov. 1831" dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to London, carried by sailing ship to Mazatlan, Mexico where it arrived on 4 January, 1832 and was forwarded to Vera Cruz as per notation on reverse by "Butler & Kennedy", at Vera Cruz it was forwarded by Robert Werner on 14 February by entering the Mexican mails with two line straightline "Franco en/Veracruz." postmark, arrived in London with dotted circle "FPO/Ap 5/1832" backstamp and "6/-" due, fresh and extremely fine.The letter is from a merchant in the hide and tallow trade and refers to a shipment of 5883 hides via the Brig Elvia. The California Missions were selling cattle hides to American and British ships who plied the trade. See the classic Two Years Before the Mast by Richard H. Dana Jr. (Image) Est. $4,000-5,000

SOLD for $4,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
456 c   FRANCO ALTA CALIFORNIA, mostly clear two line straightline postmark on 1834 folded cover from Monterey to Senor Don Fernand Deppe at San Diego, docketed internally as originating from Genl. Jose Figueroa, Monterey 17 Junio 1834 and with his ovaFRANCO ALTA CALIFORNIA, mostly clear two line straightline postmark on 1834 folded cover from Monterey to Senor Don Fernand Deppe at San Diego, docketed internally as originating from "Genl. Jose Figueroa, Monterey 17 Junio 1834" and with his oval "Comandancia General/de la alta California" cachet with spread eagle, very fine; the earliest known handstamped postmark from California, the only reported example; illustrated in Letters of Gold by Jesse L. Coburn on page 9.General Figueroa was the Governor and commanding General of Alta California from 14 January, 1833 to his death on 29 September, 1835. Fernand Deppe was the supercargo (agent) for the fleet of ships trading into California from Mexico for Henry Virmond. (Image) Est. $10,000-15,000

SOLD for $27,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
457 c   [Mexican Period - San Francisco mentions Pueblo Gold], San Francisco July 30th 1844 dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Boston, endorsed Forwarded by Capt. Fluz Barque Brothers and Care of Hiram Grimes EsqSandwich Isla[Mexican Period - San Francisco mentions Pueblo Gold], "San Francisco July 30th 1844" dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Boston, endorsed "Forwarded by Capt. Fluz Barque Brothers" and "Care of Hiram Grimes Esq/Sandwich Islands, arrived in the U.S. with "Stonington, Conn./Feb 27" datestamp and matching "SHIP" handstamp, with "14½" rate (2c ship fee and 12½c forwarding charge to Boston), fresh and extremely fine; one of the earliest letters out of San Francisco.In the letter written by Capt. James B. Hatch of the trading ship Barnstable out of Boston he writes that he has the opportunity to send this letter by the English Barque Brothers which is about to leave for the Sandwich Islands and: "We have now at the house about 25,000 Hides and shall, collect more than this ship will probably stow ... We have a rumor of difficulties between Mexico and the U.S. and the probability of a declaration of war. As yet no American vessels of war have arrived, but are daily expected, as one had been ordered here before this news arrived. The Gen. (Micheltorena) has organized a militia composed of citizens between the ages of 15 and 60 years who are ordered to appear in their respective Pueblos weekly to receive instructions. Which order gives general dissatisfaction to the native Californians. I believe it to be the general wish that the Squadron [U.S. war ships] would take possession of the country, as they are convinced that California will never improve under Mexican government. The people are more afraid of the Gen's soldiers robbing them than the Americans. Although he endeavours to convince them that if the Americans take the country that they will lose their ranchos, cattle and be denied the freedom of religious opinions ... We have also about 50 Sea Otter and some of the Pueblo Gold." (Image) Est. $4,000-5,000

SOLD for $35,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
458 c   San Diego March 4, 1845, dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Boston, Mass., carried by ship to Mazatlan, Mexico, where it was given to Mott Talbot & Co., with their double oval forwarding agents backstamp, for transmission toSan Diego March 4, 1845, dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Boston, Mass., carried by ship to Mazatlan, Mexico, where it was given to Mott Talbot & Co., with their double oval forwarding agents backstamp, for transmission to Vera Cruz, where it entered the Mexican mails with "Franqueado, Vera Cruz/Abril 14" backstamp, arrived in the U.S. with blue "New Orleans, La./May 6" datestamp, matching "SHIP" handstamp and manuscript "27" rate (2c ship fee and 25c postage), the postage and forwarding charges through Mexico apparently paid in cash, very fine.Captain Elliot Libbey reports to the owners of the trading Barque Tasso from San Diego as follows: "Mess Wm Appellation & Co./Gent/ I arrived in this port on the 12th inst after a very long and tedious passage of 188 days having experienced very severe weather during most of the passage - the Barque proves herself to be staunch and strong, and as tight as a bottle. I immediately on my arrival despatched a courier to Mr. Mellus agreeable to your instructions and am now daily expecting him, the country upon my arrival was in a State of revolution which is now all settled, I received on the 28th inst an order from the head department to leave here and proceed to Monterey but before I could get ready for Sea by getting water on board, an extraordinary courier arrived countermanding the order and that I should remain in this place until the arrival of Mr. Mellus - it appiars by a letter I Saw a few days since written by Mr. Mellus he has not received your favour forwarded before sailing of the Barque as he writes that he has seen by papers received by the way of the Sandwich Islands the clearing of the Bark, but says he does not know to whom she is consigned. the Barnstable sailed on the 17th of December with a full cargo of 32, 000 hides - there is now in this house about 10,000 hides but the prospect looks very bad in the leeward ports for this season as there has not been any rains during the winter..." (Image) Est. $2,000-3,000

SOLD for $1,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
459 c   San Francisco, California, October 16th 1845, dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Hanover, Mass., endorsed Politeness of the Mate of Whale Ship Sarah and the changed to Ship Admittance, carried entirely outside the mails,San Francisco, California, October 16th 1845, dateline on folded letter with integral address leaf to Hanover, Mass., endorsed "Politeness of the Mate of Whale Ship Sarah" and the changed to "Ship Admittance", carried entirely outside the mails, edge splits, very fine.John C. Bull writes a long letter to his sister in which he recommends the "Bearer" of the letter as a fine young man of 31 and suggests that she should "set her cap" for him. That he would make a fine husband. After this introduction he continues to describe his travels to his present location at San Farncisco "from St. Barbara we proceeded to a place called Refugia, there is but one house visable from the Beach the Hides & tallow being carted down to the water side from a distance of 5 to 12 miles. .. to Monterey which has been called the Pride of California, but I do not think so. It is at this port the United States consul is established (Thomas O. Larkin, the first and only U.S. Consul ever appointed in California), a mean conniving cheat who thinks more (of) selling out goods by the yard or measure than he does of the Honour & credit of his country & office …(excellent description of San Diego) … At our present Port we lay about two months .. Francisco has a most capacious and splendid Bay where all the Navies in the world might ride at anchor in safety - it is 70 miles in length and 10 or 12 in breadth … there is a plenty of wood and water to be had, and the soil is rich and would be Prolific, did the character of the inhabitants admit of their proving its qualities but they are a lazy set of beings, and only raise enough to supply their present wants ...temperance does not flourish so much in this part of the world as I could wish most every body drinks, and not a few to excess, our ships buy liquor that is distilled at the Leeward Ports, and carry it to the Windward Ports where it meets with a ready sale, and at very advanced Prices, it is and always has been the custom of the country to drink freely of the Juice of the grape and as well might the Ethiopean try to change his skin... we have a regular trade room on board situated upon the same deck (as the) cabin, fitted with a counter shelves &c for goods which has all the appearance of a variety store in Boston. with only one exception there is not quite so much flirting...Your friend & Brother John C. Bull" (Image) Est. $1,500-2,000

SOLD for $5,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
460 c   [Early California correspondence, 1845-1847] from John C. Bull to his sister at Hanover, Mass., December 9th, 1845 to January 20th, 1847, four folded letters with integral address leaves, first datelined Barque Tasso, San Pedro California Dec.[Early California correspondence, 1845-1847] from John C. Bull to his sister at Hanover, Mass., December 9th, 1845 to January 20th, 1847, four folded letters with integral address leaves, first datelined "Barque Tasso, San Pedro California Dec. 9th 1845" and endorsed "Per Ship Admittance", second datelined "Barque Tasso, San Francisco, California Oct. 21st, 1846" and probably carried on the barque Don Quixotte sailing late October for the Sandwich Islands and then forwarded by the first U.S. vessel, third datelined "Barque Tasso, Monterey, California, March 5th, 1847" also carried by the Don Quixotte with interesting letter about the formation of California Territory, last datelined at "San Diego, California, January 20th 1847" with letter stating, This will be forwarded by the U.S. Prize brig Malek Adhel which sails with government dispatched in a day or two., entered the mails at New Orleans with partial strike of their large "10" rate handstamp, very fine.The Malek Adhel was captured by the U.S.S. Warren (Image) Est. $5,000-7,500

SOLD for $8,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

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