Heading: (California Gold Rush Letter)
Author: Hammond, R.P.
Title: Letter from R.P. Hammond in Stockton, to James L. Fraener in San Francisco, advising him to pack up various goods and bring them to gold region where they could be sold for a fortune
Place Published: Stockton, Cal.
Publisher:
Date Published: August 14, 1849
Description:

One page on 4-page lettersheet folded to make a stampless cover, addressed on p.4. 28.5x23.3 cm (11¼x9¼").

Mr. Hammond is enthusiastic on the prospect of striking it rich, not from mining the gold in the ground, but by separating the gold miners from their hard-earned wealth. "I think about the best thing you can do is to pack one of those Sibley waggons with both your big tents and as many traps as you can buy - principally flour (tis high & scarce now and going to be more so), liquors & provisions - put it in charge of a good man and drive it direct up to our place - he must go to San Jose, thence to Livermore's ranch and after he gets through the hills to strike for the Toulumne - the road is good - and as soon as these things get up to our place ?? will have customers from the diggings. If you have not funds enough show my letter to Sibley and he will go in with us..." A significant early gold rush letter, revealing the American mercantile instincts that kept the gold rushing.

A few small nicks and tears, very good.