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Charles C. Donnell correspondence, Sacramento, California
SFH 143
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Table of contents
Title: Charles C. Donnell correspondence, Sacramento, California
Dates: January 26, 1853 – February 3, 1860
Collection Number: SFH 143
Creator/Collector:
Donnell, Charles C., 1825-1910
Extent: 2 folders
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: Five letters to family in Newburyport, Massachusetts from a Sacramento drayman.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Charles C. Donnell correspondence, Sacramento, California . San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
Purchase.
Biography/Administrative History
Born in Newburyport, Donnell sailed from that city in November 1849 for California. In 1850 he worked as a drayman for Harmon
& Co., boot and shoe importers and dealers at 79 J St. in Sacramento, living with cousin John T. Bayley in that city. Bayley
was later superintendent of the Marysville Water Works (1860) and president of the Marysville Water Co. (1862). In 1862 Donnell
returned to Newburyport, working as a rope maker, remaining there until his death.
Scope and Content of Collection
One folder includes letter to his sister dated Jan. 26, 1853, describing heavy rains, flooding, and mud in Sacramento; letter
of May 13, 1853 remarks about continued rain; letter of April 3, 1859 discusses weather and the possibility of Charles returning
to Newburyport; a letter addressed to his parents, Dec. 2, 1859 mentions Thanksgiving dinner with cousin John Bayley in Marysville;
and one addressed to sister Mary, Feb. 3, 1860 discusses the bereavement of another sister. Several letters mention John
Bayley. One folder includes transcripts of letters.
Floods--California--Sacramento River
Bayley, John T., 1826-1864
Donnell family.
Sacramento (Calif.)--History--19th century.
Newburyport (Massachusetts)--History--19th century.