Gold rush letter, 1849 Feb. 11.

ArchivalResource

Robertson, Susan. Gold rush letter, 1849 Feb. 11.

Gold rush letter, 1849 Feb. 11.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58926848

Two-page letter on folded sheet, dated Feb. 11th, 1849. Addressed to "Dear Cousen" and signed Susan Robertson, Stephen M. Whitney. With transcription. Susan is probably writing from Saratoga Springs, New York, to her cousin, Charly, somewhere in Dutchess County, New York. She is evidently quite fond of him and much of the letter discusses her happy memories of time they spent together: "It can not be you have forgoten that evening we spent there or the last evening we was togeather to Mrs. Smith. O that was the last but the parting kiss is warm on my cheeke yet. Is it not on yours." Nonetheless the big news in her letter concerns her upcoming departure: "I have made a bargein to go to California with a young man in the next ship that sails." She has made provision for Charly, however: "... so I will bring a lady for you the more the merryer we will be. She is first best her eyes is blue and bright her hair is the coller of yours. I think you and she will do well a diging gold Charly and I will help if the lump is to heavy for you to manage." From the tone of the letter, it is likely that Miss Robertson was only jesting with this proposal -- and there is no way of knowing if she did indeed sail off for California with her young man. News of the California gold discoveries no doubt excited many an adventurous spirit and this letter is illustrative of the widespread appeal of the California dream.

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