Rare circa 1850 Gold Rush era letter sheet. Popular souvenir item in the Northern California mining camps, these were also sold to aspiring argonauts as they disembarked their ships in San Francisco en route to the Gold Fields with the intent of writing home on them so relatives could see a glimpse of the excitement. Engraving features at top (largest of 3 illus.) miners shoveling earth and gravel into long toms with houses and trees in background; middle of sheet near left edge, miner with shovel, axe, and pan; below, Native American sitting down; the whole enclosed in a leafy border. CONDITION: Very fine overall with natural age toning along all borders.