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Original handwritten manuscript letter dated June 4, 1854, written from “Rocklands,” containing a desirable contemporary reference to traveling to California during the Gold Rush era.
The writer discusses work, health, family news, and possible westward migration, including the notable passage:
“if you go to California please let me know it and perhaps I may go with you”
A wonderful example of ordinary Americans contemplating the opportunities and risks associated with the continuing California Gold Rush migration movement of the 1850s.
By 1854, California had already become a state, but the Gold Rush economy was still drawing miners, laborers, merchants, tradesmen, and adventurers westward in enormous numbers. Personal correspondence discussing possible travel to California during this period remains highly collectible and historically evocative.
The letter is written in attractive brown ink on blue paper with an embossed stationer’s mark visible in the upper left corner. Folded as mailed with light age wear and a small edge loss at the lower fold, but fully legible and highly displayable.
Transcription Excerpt
“if you go to California please let me know it and perhaps I may go with you”
Details
- Date: June 4, 1854
- Location: Rocklands
- Writer: William Francis
- Format: Handwritten manuscript letter
- Ink: Brown ink
- Paper: Blue laid-style paper with embossed mark
- Condition: Fold wear, minor edge wear/loss, otherwise very good and legible
An excellent piece for collectors of:
- Gold Rush history
- California ephemera
- Westward expansion
- Americana manuscripts
- 19th century correspondence
- Migration history
Authentic original period document, not a reproduction.
