Ben Carpenter's sayings and doings, 1849-1850.

ArchivalResource

Carpenter, Benjamin, d. 1850. Ben Carpenter's sayings and doings, 1849-1850.

Ben Carpenter's sayings and doings, 1849-1850.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/166504791

The diary begins in December 1849 when Ben Carpenter left his home in Missouri and commenced his journey to California in search of gold. He first traveled by stagecoach and steamer to New York City, via St. Louis, Cincinatti and Philadelphia (p. 1-18). He arrived in New York on January 13, 1850, and spent almost one month in the city investigating equipment for use in gold prospecting and awaiting the sailing of the "Empire City" on which he had booked passage to Panama (p. 19-28). While in New York, Carpenter was introduced to Ezra Kelsey, who became his traveling companion. The two reached Panama in 11 days (p. 29-33), at which point they crossed the isthmus to Panama City to wait for the "Sarah Sands," which was to take them up the coast to California (p. 34-58). This portion of the diary contains descriptions of the local population, architecture, and plant life, and the activities of Americans in Panama. The diary ends while they are still in Panama, in March 1850. Other documents indicate that Carpenter and Kelsey did indeed board the ship and reach California, but also that Carpenter died before the year was over, in November. Tucked within the journal is a December 1850 "Preamble and Resolution in memory of Brother Benjamin Carpenter" from a masonic lodge in Missouri. Also included are written copies of two business letters by William Carpenter, dated 1873 and 1918, relating to a railroad suit and a health insurance claim.

1 v. (58 p.) ; 32 x 20 cm.

Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum