Finding Aid for the Jonathan Drake Stevenson papers, 1840-1892, bulk 1845-1880
Processed by UCLA Library Special Collections staff; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé.
UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections
Manuscripts Division
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Email: spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
URL: http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/special/scweb/
© 2008
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Jonathan Drake Stevenson papers
Date (bulk): 1840-1892, bulk 1845-1880
Collection number: 2040
Creator:
Stevenson, J. D. (Jonathan Drake), 1800-1894.
Extent:
1 box (0.5 linear ft.)
Abstract: The papers of Jonathan Drake Stevenson consist of correspondence, miscellaneous legal and business papers and a few accounts
and clippings. They are contained in one document box and range in time from 1840 to 1892, although the larger part of the
material falls within the time span 1845-1880.
Language: Finding aid is written in
English.
Repository:
University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.
Los Angeles, California 90095-1575
Physical location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department
of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Administrative Information
Restrictions on Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library, Department
of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Restrictions on Use and Reproduction
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library,
Department of Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of
the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the
copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC
Regents do not hold the copyright.
Provenance/Source of Acquisition
Robert E. Cowan, purchase, 1936.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Jonathan Drake Stevenson papers (Collection 2040). Department of Special Collections, Charles E.
Young Research Library, UCLA.
UCLA Catalog Record ID
Biography
Stevenson was born Jan. 1, 1800 in NY; private secretary to NY Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, later accompanying him to Washington,
DC, when Tompkins was elected Vice-President in 1816; won a seat in the NY State Assembly; accepted command of military volunteer
regiment in CA from President Polk in 1846 and arrived in San Francisco in March 1847; made commander of post in Monterey
and later became military commander of the southern district of CA (headquartered in Los Angeles), May 1847; after his regiment
went out of service in 1848, he later entered the mining and real estate businesses; appointed Shipping Commissioner, Port
of San Francisco, 1872; died in San Francisco on Feb. 14, 1894.
Expanded Biographical Narrative
Jonathan D. Stevenson was born with the century on January 1, 1800, in Richmond, Staten Island, New York. His father, an old
time shipmaster attached to the Revenue Department, was an intimate friend of the Vanderbilt family. Young Stevenson and Cornelius
Vanderbilt were contemporaries, and through Stevenson's influence, Vanderbilt received his start in the shipping business
that was to lay the foundation for the Vanderbilt fortune. Although Vanderbilt often urged him to go into business, Stevenson's
proclivities were in the direction of mercantile pursuits which eventually brought him into New York state politics.
At an early age, he attracted the attention of New York Governor Daniel D. Tompkins and became his protege. He served as private
secretary to the Governor and accompanied him to Washington in that capacity when Tompkins was elected Vice President in 1816.
Through his work at Washington and later in New York State, Stevenson made friends with men like Martin Van Buren, Cave Johnson
of Tennessee, Levi Woodbury of Connecticut, William Henry Haywood
of North Carolina and Silas Wright of New York. His friendship with prominent politicians and his temerity in helping to expose
the notorious Glentworth election frauds of 1839-1840 gained him a certain stature in the Democratic Party. He won a seat
in the New York State Assembly and supported James K. Polk for the Presidency in 1844.
While on a visit to Washington in 1846, President Polk offered Stevenson the command of a regiment of volunteers to be raised
for military service in California. He accepted the command and returned to New York. Within three days after the rolls opened,
the Regiment. was recruited. Stevenson sailed for California with his Regiment of New York Volunteers on September 26, 1846,
and arrived at San Francisco March 7, 1847.
After his arrival in San Francisco, Stevenson joined General Stephen Watts Kearny at Monterey and was made commander of the
post. In May, 1847, he became the military commander of the southern
district of California with headquarters in Los Angeles. While there, Stevenson did much to gain the goodwill of the native
Californians and became known for his justice and kindness.
When his Regiment was mustered out of service in 1848, Stevenson went to the mining community of Mokelumne Hill. He was appointed
alcalde of the settlement, and drew up a code of mining laws and regulations. He remained in the "diggings" long enough to
amass the respectable fortune of ten thousand dollars.
He returned to San Francisco to enter the real estate business with William C. Parker. He remained in the city carrying on
his real estate business and was appointed Shipping Commissioner for
the Port of San Francisco in 1872. He held this position for many years. Even after his term as Shipping Commissioner expired,
he continued to engage in his law practice and to manage real estate transactions. He died in San Francisco on February 14,
1894, a respected and prominent figure among local celebrities.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of correspondence, legal and business papers, accounts, and clippings related to the life of J.D. Stevenson.
Includes materials related to his political career in NY, his command of the 1st NY Infantry Regiment of Volunteers in CA
during the Mexican War, and his law practice and real estate business in San Francisco.
The papers cover the larger share of Stevenson's life, but are especially important for the years 1840 to 1870. The Bancroft
Library, University of California, Berkeley acquired a larger group of
Stevenson's papers from the General Library of the University. These papers were sold to the University by Robert E. Cowan
in 1897 and were paid for with funds donated by Collis P. Huntington. The Stevenson papers described in this guide were purchased
by the University of California Library, Los Angeles, with the Library of Robert E. Cowan in 1936.
Organization and Arrangement
Arranged in the following series:
- Incoming correspondence
- Outgoing correspondence
- Correspondence to and from various persons re: Stevenson
- Legal papers re: lots acquired by Stevenson in Santa Cruz, CA
- Miscellaneous legal papers
- Receipts, accounts, etc.
- Clippings concerning Stevenson.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Subjects
Stevenson, J. D. (Jonathan Drake), 1800-1894 --Archives.
Politicians --New York (State) --Archival resources.
United States. Army --Officers --California --Archival resources.
Index of Names and Subjects
Subject references are capitalized; individuals or corporate entities for which there are materials by or to are in lower
case.
Alley, S.
-----Folder 3
Anderson, William
-----Folder 8
"APOSTLE THOMAS'S EPISTLE TO THE CALIFORNIANS"
-----Folder 4
Bankhead, J.
-----Folder 8
Bayerque, J.B.
-----Folder 13
Bayesteros, Maria de Figueroa
-----Folder 12
BEBB, GEORGE D.
-----Folder 8
Bennett, James
-----Folder 7
BENNETT, JAMES
-----Folder 13
BENTON, THOMAS HART
-----Folder 5
Berry, Richard N.
-----Folder 10
Billings, Frederick
-----Folder 6
Blackburn, William
-----Folders 8 & 9
BLAIR, FRANCIS PRESTON
-----Folder 2
Blair, James
-----Folder 10
Boorman, James
-----Folder 3
Bowden, Joseph S.
-----Folder 9
Brady, J.H.
-----Folder 9
Brewley, Jackson
-----Folder 9
BUTLER, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 1795-1858
-----Folder 2
Carns, Henry S.
-----Folder 14
Carr, Jesse D.
-----Folders 12 & 15
CENTRAL WHARF CO., SAN FRANCISCO
-----Folder 11
CHERIS, FRANCIS
-----Folder 6
Clark, Francis D.
-----Folder 6
Coffin, George W.
-----Folder 14
CONTAN, GUSTAVE J.
Cook, Elisha
-----Folder 8
COOKE, PHILIP ST. GEORGE
-----Folder 4
COOLEY, R.H.
-----Folder 14
Cooper, M.
-----Folder 8
Crane & Peckham, Attorneys
-----Folder 6
DALE ( U.S. SLOOP OF WAR)
-----Folder 4
Davis, Francis
-----Folder 9
Dias y Suisa Soto, Benito
-----Folder 10
Du Bois, Francis B.
-----Folder 2
DU BOIS, FRANCIS B.
-----Folder 7
Dye, Howard
-----Folder 9
Elections, New York
-----Folder 1
Flagg, Azariah Cutting
-----Folder 1
Folsom, Joseph Libby
-----Folder 8
Fowler, J.V.
-----Folder 7
Fredericks, William
-----Folder 6
Freemasons, San Francisco, Lodge No. 1
-----Folder 14
FREMONT, JOHN CHARLES
-----Folders 4 & 5
Fuller, J.D.
-----Folder 6
Gallagher, F.
-----Folder 8
Garrison, C.K.
-----Folder 12
GENEVA AWARD FUND
-----Folder 14
Gibson, Randall Lee
-----Folder 6
Gillespie, Charles V.
-----Folder 11
GLENTWORTH ELECTION FRAUDS, NEW YORK
-----Folders 1 & 7
Graham, David
-----Folder 1
GRAYSON, ANDREW J.
-----Folder 8
Gros, Camille
-----Folder 14
Haight, Samuel W .
-----Folder 12
Halleck, Henry Wager
-----Folder 5
Hammond, Richard P.
-----Folder 10
Hardie, James Allen
-----Folder 3
Hardy, William H.
-----Folder 8
Hart, Mary
-----Folder 15
Hart, William
-----Folder 12
Haywood, William Henry
-----Folders 2 & 7
Haywood, Wright
-----Folder 6
Hensley, Samuel J.
-----Folder 12
Hibernia Savings & Loan Association, San Francisco
-----Folder 16
Hillen, Solomon
-----Folder 1
Hubbard, George C.
-----Folder 9
HUDSON RIVER RAILWAY CO., NEW YORK
-----Folders 3, 6, & 7
Hunt, Washington
-----Folder 8
INDIANS--CALIFORNIA
-----Folder 5
Jamison, George
-----Folder 9
Jenkins, Griffith L.
-----Folder 8
Johnson, Cave
-----Folder 2
Johnson, Thomas P.
-----Folder 11
JOHNSTON, ALBERT SIDNEY
-----Folders 6 & 7
Jones, Elbert P.
-----Folders 10 & 11
Jones, Roger
-----Folder 8
Kearny, Stephen Watts
-----Folder 4
Kearster, J.V.
-----Folder 7
Kellogg, E.B.
-----Folder 8
[Kemp, C.)
-----Folders 6 & 7
Kemp, S.A.
-----Folder 8
Knight, William Henry
-----Folders 6 & 7
Lawyer, Lorenzo
-----Folder 8
LEIDESDORFF, WILLIAM ALEXANDER
-----Folder 5
Levanworth, T.M.
-----Folder 7
LEXINGTON. (U.S. SHIP)
-----Folder 4
LIEBRANDT, JOHN
-----Folder 6
McDougal, George
-----Folder 9
Maclay, William Brown
-----Folder 8
Marcy, William L.
-----Folder 4
Martin, William H.
-----Folder 8
Mason, Richard Barnes, 1797-1850
-----Folder 5
MASON, RICHARD BARNES, 1797-1850
-----Folder 4
Matsell, Henry C.
-----Folder 4
Mesa, Jose Antonio
-----Folder 10
MEXICAN CLAIMS
-----Folders 6, 8 & 14
Milford, Edmund N.
-----Folder 4
Miller, Albert
-----Folder 9
MISSIONS--CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
-----Folder 5
Moore, Eli C.
-----Folder 8
Moore, J.
-----Folder 2
Morehead, James Turner
-----Folder 8
Morris & Co., San Francisco
-----Folder 11
Morris, Robert H.
-----Folder 1
Naglee, Henry M.
-----Folder 4
NAGLEE, HENRY M.
-----Folder 4
N[etenari], P.M.
-----Folder 6
NEW YORK INFANTRY, 1st REGIMENT, 1846-1848,
-----Folders scattered references, 3-17
NEW YORK OF THE PACIFIC, CONTRA COSTA CO., CALIF.
-----Folders 10 & 12
NEW YORK STATE--POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
-----Folders l, 2, 3, & 7
NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, see NEW YORK INFANTRY, 1st REGIMENT, 1846-
Niles, John Milton
-----Folder 8
O'Sullivan, James
-----Folder 14
Pacheco, Sylvestre
-----Folder 12
Palmer, Joseph C.
-----Folder 12
Parker, Richard
-----Folder 9
Parker, William C.
-----Folders 6, 8, 9, 10 & 11
Parsons, Levi
-----Folder 7
Perlee, J.B.
-----Folder 8
PICKETT, CHARLES EDWARD
-----Folder 5
Polk, James Knox
-----Folder 8
POLK, JAMES KNOX
-----Folders 2 & 7
Pollard & Co., San Francisco
-----Folders 10 & 12
Preston, William L.
-----Folder 8
RANCHO DEL MEGANO
-----Folder 10
Randall, Albert G.
-----Folder 12
REAL PROPERTY--SAN FRANCISCO
-----scattered references.
REAL PROPERTY--SANTA CRUZ, CALIF.
-----Folder 9 (entire folder) and scattered references
Ridley, Robert T.
-----Folder 9
Rives, John Cook
-----Folder 2
Rodriguez, Manuel
-----Folder 13
SAN BUENAVENTURA MISSION, CALIF.
-----Folder 5
SAN RAFAEL ARCHANGEL MISSION, CALIF.
-----Folder 5
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
-----scattered references.
SANDERSON, GEORGE B.
-----Folder 4
SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.
-----Folders 4, 5 & 14
Santa Cruz, Calif., Town Council
-----Folders 8 & 9
SCOTT, ABEL F.
-----Folder 12
Shannon, William E.[dward]
-----Folder 4
Sheall, John
-----Folder 9
Sherman, William Tecumseh
-----Folders 4, 5, 7, 8, 10
SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH
-----Folder 6
Shulters, John
-----Folder 9
Sime (John) & Co., San Francisco
-----Folder 14
Skirm, Joseph H.
-----Folders 6, 7, 8
Smith, Alexander
-----Folder 9
Smith, Henry
-----Folder 9
Smith, John James
-----Folder 8
Snyder, J.R.
-----Folder 15
Spence, J.
-----Folder 6
Stearns, John P.
-----Folder 8
Stevenson, Mathew R.
-----Folder 9
STEVENSON, MATHEW R.
-----Folder 4
Stevenson, Parker & Co.
-----Folder 10
Stevenson, Sarah Clementine
-----Folder 10
STEVENSON'S REGIMENT, see NEW YORK INFANTRY, 1st REGIMENT, 1846-
Stockton, N.H.
-----Folders 6 & 13
STOCKTON, N.H.
-----Folders 7 & 16
SUISUN BAY
-----Folders 6 & 10
Swords, Thomas
-----Folder 4
SWORDS, THOMAS
-----Folder 4
Tansant, J.
-----Folder 8
TARIFF--CALIFORNIA--LAW
-----Folder 5
Thomas, Francis
-----Folder 8
Thomson, William
-----Folder 8
Tobin, Robert
-----Folder 8
Tomson, Maria Antonio
-----Folder 13
Town Council [Santa Cruz]
-----Folder 8
Townsend, James B.
-----Folder 13
Turner, Henry S.
-----Folder 4
U.S. COURT OF CLAIMS
-----Folder 12
U.S. CUSTOM HOUSE, SAN FRANCISCO
-----Folder 12
U.S. DISTRICT COURT.
-----Folder 12
CALIFORNIA (NORTHERN DISTRICT)
-----Folder 12
U.S.--HISTORY--WAR WITH MEXICO, 1845-1848
-----Folders 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17
U.S. QUARTERMASTER, SAN FRANCISCO
-----Folder 8
U.S. SHIPPING COMMISSIONER, SAN FRANCISCO
-----Folder 7
VAN BUREN, MARTIN
-----Folder 1
Vanbussum, John
-----Folder 9
Vance, James R.
-----Folder 14
VANDERBILT, CORNELIUS
-----Folders 6 & 7
Vanderbilt, William Henry
-----Folders 6 & 7
Vansant, Joshua
-----Folder 8
Wells Fargo & Co.
-----Folder 7
Wetmore, P.M.
-----Folder 6
WHIG PARTY
-----Folder 8
White, John A.
-----Folder 13
Whiting, J.R.
-----Folder 1
WILDE, ASA E.
-----Folder 8
Williams, Edward
-----Folder 16
Williams, Henry G.
-----Folder 14
Williams, John
-----Folder 7
WILLIAMS, ISAAC
-----Folder 13
Williams, Stephen H.
-----Folder 12
Wilson, Nathaniel
-----Folder 8
Windom, William
-----Folder 7
Woodbury, Levi
-----Folders 1 & 2
Wright, George
-----Folder 6
Wright, Silas
-----Folders 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7
WRIGHT, SILAS
-----Folder 2
Box 1, Folder 1
Incoming correspondence, various persons to Stevenson
Physical Description: (13 items)
Folder 1
2 from A.C. Flagg, Albany, New York
Folder 1
1 from Levi Woodbury, Washington
Folder 1
1 from D. Graham, Jr., New York
Folder 1
1 from Solomon Hillen, Jr., Washington
Folder 1
1 from J.R. Whiting and Robert H. Morris, New York
Scope and Content Note
concerning the Glentworth Fraud exposure and trial
Folder 1
7 from Silas Wright
Scope and Content Note
concerning national politics, election campaigns in New York state, Martin
Van Buren and the presidential campaign of 1844.
Box 1, Folder 2
Incoming correspondence, various persons to Stevenson
Physical Description: (15 items)
Folder 2
7 from Silas Wright
Scope and Content Note
concerning national and New York state politics and Stevenson's efforts to
obtain various political appointments
Folder 2
1 from William Henry Haywood, Jr., Raleigh, N.C.
Scope and Content Note
discussing national politics and James K. Polk's campaign with reference to
North Carolina
Folder 2
1 from Cave Johnson, Clarksville, Tenn.
Scope and Content Note
discussing Polk's campaign and Silas Wrights's nomination for governor of
New York
Folder 2
1 from John Moore, New York
Scope and Content Note
a character reference for Stevenson at the time he was a candidate for the
New York State Assembly
Folder 2
2 from Francis B. Du Bois, Boston
Scope and Content Note
concerning his claim to certain property belonging to Julius H. Walker,
deceased
Folder 2
1 from Levi Woodbury, Washington
Scope and Content Note
letter of recommendation for Stevenson
Folder 2
1 from John C. Rives, Washington
Scope and Content Note
stating he had been informed by Francis P. Blair that President Polk had
referred the matter of the appointment of a Collector for the Port of New York to Benjamin F. Butler
and would appoint whomever he recommended.
Box 1, Folder 3
Incoming correspondence, various persons to Stevenson
Physical Description: (14 items)
Folder 3
2 from James Boorman, New York
Scope and Content Note
concerning the bill before the New York state legislature for charter of the
Hudson River Railway Co.
Folder 3
1 from Paul Alley on the same subject as the preceding letter
Folder 3
3 from Silas Wright, Albany,
Scope and Content Note
concerning a New York state Assembly matter and the raising of Stevenson's
Regiment of Volunteers for service in the Mexican War
Folder 3
1 from James A. Hardie, New York
Scope and Content Note
objecting to the date set for the departure of Stevenson's Regiment for
California.
Box 1, Folder 4
Incoming correspondence, various persons to Stevenson
Physical Description: (21 items)
Folder 4
6 from Stephen Watts Kearny, Monterey, Calif.
Scope and Content Note
concerning the following subjects:
- his plans for the disposition of Stevenson's Regiment in California and the arrangements for its transport from San Francisco
to Monterey via the U.S.S. Lexington with official orders signed by Kearny and a letter of instruction attached
- ammunitions
- an order to send Capt. William G. Marcy directly to Monterey
- Kearny's plans to depart for Washington with Fremont, Major Thomas Swords, Captains Philip St. George Cooke, Asst. Surgeon
George B. "Dad" Sanderson and fifty men
- the engagement between General Zachary Taylor and Santa Anna
- and the General Winfield Scott's victory at Vera Cruz.
Folder 4
1 from Lt. Henry C. Matsell, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
resigning his post as Adjutant of the Regiment of New York Volunteers
Folder 4
7 from Capt. Henry S. Turner, Monterey, Calif.
Scope and Content Note
concerning the following subjects:
- detailing of two men to San Miguel and other details ordered by Kearny
- the dispute over precedence in rank between Capts. William E. Shannon and Mathew R. Stevenson and between Capts. Henry M.
Naglee and William G. Marcy
- and the numbering of orders
Folder 4
1 from Maj. Thomas Swords
Scope and Content Note
concerning the continuation of rations for men detailed to carry the mail
Folder 4
2 from Capt. Henry M. Naglee, Monterey, Calif.
Scope and Content Note
concerning the issue of clothes and funds for his company
Folder 4
3 from William T. Sherman, Santa Barbara, Calif.
July 25 and Monterey, Calif., Aug 23 and Nov. 24, 1847
Scope and Content Note
concerning
- the arrival of Col. Robert B. Mason at Santa Barbara on the U.S. Sloop of War Dale
- and Mason's orders to Stevenson to come to Santa Barbara the extent of aid to
be given by the military to civil authorities and the custody of civil prisoners by the military when
advisable
- and Stevenson's authority to allow suiters to collect debts of soldiers contracted up to
the date of the reception of the act of congress approved, Mar. 3, 1847
Folder 4
1 from Pvt. Edmund N. Milford, Co. F, New York Volunteers, Santa Barbara,
Calif.
Scope and Content Note
vindicating himself of accusations of intemperance made by Stevenson in his
address to Co. F at Santa Barbara.
Box 1, Folder 5
Incoming correspondence, various persons to Stevenson
Physical Description: (24 items)
Folder 5
11 from William T. Sherman
Scope and Content Note
concerning the following subjects:
- the discharge and payment of the Mormon Battalion
- illegal sale of ammunition by replacements in Stevenson's Regiments
- the administration of the missions south of San Buenaventura
- discovery of a coal deposit
- supply and disciplinary problems in Stevenson's Regiment
- Leidesdorff's death and his estate
- problem of desertion of U.S. troops caused by the gold discovery
- lack of military force to back civil authority in California
- Charles E. Pickett
- the gold fever
- property purchased by Stevenson in San Francisco
- and the acknowledgment of the colors presented by Stevenson's Regiment to the Territorial Government of
California
Folder 5
5 from Richard B. Mason
Scope and Content Note
concerning
- the duties on goods carried by foreign vessels engaged in the California coastal trade
- requesting information on the shooting of three Californians near San Rafael Mission and Col. John C. Fremont's part in this
affair; additional troops for Stevenson's
regiment
- the prohibition of organized parties against the Indians under the authority of the Alcalde of
Santa Barbara
- Stevenson's opportunities as a permanent resident of California
- "Apostle Thomas' Epistle to the Californians"
- Senator Thomas H. Benton's proposal to place John C. Fremont on the California Land Claims Commission
Folder 5
1 from Lt. Henry C. Matsell, La Paz, Lower Calif.
Folder 5
from Henry W. Halleck, Monterey, Calif.
Scope and Content Note
relative to the leasing of the San Buenaventura Mission and property for the
Army's use.
Box 1, Folder 6
Incoming correspondence, various persons to Stevenson
Physical Description: (32 items)
Folder 6
1 from N.H. Stockton, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Scope and Content Note
offering to buy lo`s in Santa Cruz to which Stevenson held title
Folder 6
1 from Crane & Peckham, Attorneys, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
concerning the sale of Stevenson's property in Santa Cruz
Folder 6
1 from Frederick Billings, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
concerning a quit claim to the north half of 50 vara lot no. 298 in San Francisco
Folder 6
6 from Joseph H. Skirm, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
concerning
- Stevenson's claim to property at Santa Cruz
- recommending that he file claims against squatters residing on it in the U.S. District Court instead of the Santa Cruz
County Court
- and stating in his letter of May 24, 1860 that he could no longer continue as
Stevenson's legal representative as he was arguing in another case against the validity of alcalde
grants
Folder 6
1 from William Fredericks, San Francisco,
Scope and Content Note
requesting information on his land warrant
Folder 6
4 from F.M. Kittridge, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
concerning a squatter, John Liebrandt, settled on land claimed by Stevenson
Folder 6
2 from Charles Kemp, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
concerning fees owed by Stevenson in the case of J.D. Stevenson vs. N.H.
Stockton et al.
Folder 6
2 telegrams from the Sheriff of Santa Cruz County
Scope and Content Note
concerning Stevenson's property at Santa Cruz
Folder 6
1 from General George Wright, Sacramento
Scope and Content Note
stating that he has forwarded Stevenson's petition to be appointed Provost
Marshall of California to the War Department with an endorsement of recommendation
Folder 6
1 from G.P. Work, New Orleans
Scope and Content Note
inquiring re the power of attorney granted to Stevenson in the case of Francis
Cheris vs. Mexico and enclosing a letter from Nathaniel Wilson to Randall Lee Gibson,
Washington, Mar. 5, 1880, stating that the claim of Cheris against Mexico has been allowed and
that the power of attorney to collect is to Stevenson
Folder 6
1 from Francis D. Clark, New York
Scope and Content Note
probably concerning the claim of Stevenson on the Hudson River Railway Co.
for services rendered in 1845-1846
Folder 6
1 from William H. Knight, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
concerning William T. Sherman's statement relative to the contemplated
transfer of California to the Confederacy during the Civil War, the disloyalty of General Albert
Sidney Johnston and the correction of Sherman's statement by Stevenson in articles published in
the Post and Bulletin; also re the publication of a history of Stevenson's requesting a share of the
money received by Stevenson from the California State Legislature for the survey of Suisun Bay
Folder 6
1 from William C. Parker, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
requesting a share of the money received by Stevenson from the California
State Legislature for the survey of Suisun Bay
Folder 6
1 from William Henry Vanderbilt, New York
Scope and Content Note
(copy) thanking Stevenson for the biographical sketch of his father's (
Cornelius Vanderbilt's) life
Folder 6
Notes from Silas Wright, P.M. Wetmore and Wright Haywood, Jr.
Box 1, Folder 7
Outgoing correspondence, Stevenson to various persons
Physical Description: (13 items), drafts and copies
Folder 7
1 to J.V. Fowler, New York
Scope and Content Note
requesting that he obtain the papers relating to the claim of Francis B., Du
Bois and including copy of the order for the release of the papers touching on the Du Bois claim
Note
(see Du Bois to Stevenson, Nov. 21, 1845, folder 2)
Folder 7
1 to John Kearster, Albany
Scope and Content Note
requesting maps and surveys of land claimed by the Du Bois family
Folder 7
1 to Silas Wright, New York
Scope and Content Note
requesting that he be allowed to enroll and organize a regiment of volunteers
for service in the Mexican War (original and typescript copy)
Folder 7
1 to T.M. Levanworth, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
requesting the grant of a lot 50 x 100 varas in San Francisco, bordered by
Jackson, Sansome and Washington Streets and partly under water at high tide, and promising to
defray expense of filling in Jackson and Washington Streets to provide a convenient landing for the
City of San Francisco; with this are copies of Levanworth's grant of the lot, Jan. 7, 1849
Folder 7
Certificate of the grant by Judge Levi Parsons
Folder 7
Levanworth's certificate of compliance with conditions of the grant
Folder 7
1 to Joseph H. Skirm , San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
concerning lots granted to Stevenson in Santa Cruz
Folder 7
2 to John Williams, Deputy Sheriff of Santa Cruz Co.
Scope and Content Note
concerning the power of attorney to John A. White to settle Stevenson's suits
against N.H. Stockton and James Bennett, et al.
Folder 7
1 to Wells Fargo & Co.
Scope and Content Note
enclosing money to be forwarded to Santa Cruz to pay for a transcript of
statement for the California State Supreme Court in the case of Stevenson vs. N.H. Stockton, et al.
Folder 7
1 to William T. Sherman, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
requesting him to present a claim to the Hudson River Railway Co. for services
rendered to them in 1845-1846 and mentioning his friendship and services to Cornelius Vanderbilt
and correspondence with William Henry Vanderbilt, owner of the Hudson River Railway Co.
Folder 7
1 to William H. Knight, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
acknowledging the appearance of an extract of a letter from William T.
Sherman to Knight in the San Francisco Bulletin concerning Stevenson's alleged expose of
Johnston's conspiracy to deliver fortifications in California to men in sympathy with the Confederacy
and enclosing a copy of his vindication of General Johnston
Folder 7
1 to William Window., Secretary of the Treasury, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
stating his gratitude that his application for the office of United States Shipping
Commissioner for the-Port of San Francisco has the support of Congressmen from the Pacific
Coast and requesting that his application not be rejected on the ground that his age would render
him incompetent to perform the duties of the office
Box 1, Folder 8
Correspondence to and from various persons re: Stevenson
Physical Description: (17 items)
Folder 8
1 from Silas Wright to John Milton Niles
Scope and Content Note
introducing Stevenson and his wife
Folder 8
1 from Francis Thomas to Silas Wright, Wash.
Scope and Content Note
enclosing a commission for J.D. Stevenson as a reward for his service to the
people of the United States in the expose of the Glentworth Frauds
Folder 8
1 from Washington Hunt, New York, to James Turner Morehead
Scope and Content Note
stating he learns that President Polk will probably nominate Stevenson for the
post of Surveyor of the Port of New York, and because of his services to the Whig Party in New
York, the Whig senators ought not to oppose the appointment
Folder 8
1 from William Henry Haywood, Wash.
Scope and Content Note
requesting that it be brought to President Polk's attention that Stevenson was
not nominated for the position of Surveyor of the Port of New York and that he therefore be named
Naval officer of the same port - *Possibly to William Brown Maclay
Folder 8
1 from William Brown Maclay to James Knox Polk, Wash.
Scope and Content Note
recommending that Stevenson be appointed Naval Officer for the Port of New
York
Folder 8
1 from Joshua Vansant and William L. Preston to James Knox Polk,
Baltimore
Scope and Content Note
recommending Stevenson for the post of Naval Officer for the Port of New York
on behalf of the Democratic Party of the City of Baltimore
Folder 8
1 from R. Jones, Adjutant General of the U.S. to Col. James Bankhead,
Wash.
Scope and Content Note
directing him to muster in Stevenson's Regiment for the service of the U.S.
with authority for raising same
Folder 8
1 from Joseph Libby Folsom to William T. Sherman, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
mentioning the resignation of Andrew J. Grayson as wagon and storage
master at the Quartermaster's Depot in San Francisco and requesting the transfer of either Sgt.
George D. Bebb or Pvt. Gustave J. Contan of Stevenson's regiment to the vacant position
Folder 8
1 from the Santa Cruz Town Council
Scope and Content Note
(Eli C. Moore, Griffith L. Jenkins, William Anderson and William H. Hardy),
Santa Cruz, to William C. Parker concerning the payment for the 58 lots in the town of Santa Cruz
sold to various persons in San Francisco
Folder 8
1 from T.R. Per Lee to E.B. Kellog, Santa Cruz,
Scope and Content Note
stating the amount of taxes due on Stevenson's property at Santa Cruz
Folder 8
1 from John P. Stearns to William
Folder 8
H. Martin, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
stating he wishes nothing more to do with Stevenson's legal cases
Folder 8
1 from John James Smith to Messrs. Cooper & Co.
Scope and Content Note
requesting that Mr. Ghanky be notified to send all lumber sent to his wharf by
Stevenson to Smith in San Francisco
Folder 8
1 from Joseph H. Skirm to Elisha Cook, Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
enclosing quit claim deeds and releases for property in Santa Cruz and
requesting that Stevenson acknowledge same
Folder 8
1 from Nathaniel Wilson to S.A. Kemp, Red Wing, Minn., Wash.
Scope and Content Note
stating he has received a copy of a letter and power of attorney sent by Kemp
to Stevenson in re the claim of Asa E. Wilde before the American and Mexican Mixed Claims
Commission and that it would be unwise for Kemp to interfere in the case in behalf of the heirs of
Asa E. Wilde
Folder 8
1 from Robert Tobin to Lorenzo Lawyer, San Francisco
Scope and Content Note
concerning a title search of title on property which had been made for
Stevenson.
Box 1, Folder 9
Legal papers re: lots acquired by Stevenson in Santa Cruz,
California
Physical Description: (70 items)
Folder 9
Petitions for and grants of lots in the town of Santa Cruz made by William Blackburn,
Alcalde of Santa Cruz
Scope and Content Note
to the following:
- George McDougal
- William C. Parker
- Joseph S. Bowden, Feb. 20, 1849
- C. Bowden
- Henry Smith
- Harvard Dye
- Robert T. Ridley
- Richard Parker
- John Vanbussum
- Albert Miller
- George C. Hubbard
- Mathew R. Stevenson
- J.H. Brady
- Alexander Smith
- William C. Dotter
- Francis Davis
- John H. Huddart
- R.M. Colley
- Jackson Brewley, Feb. 22, 1849
Folder 9
Indentures concluded between Jonathan Drake Stevenson and the following for the
transfer of their lots in Santa Cruz to Stevenson
Scope and Content Note
- Alexander Smith
- George Jamison
- John Sheall
- Robert T. Ridley
- Jackson Brewley
- Francis Davis, Feb. 24, 1849
- Albert Miller
- William C. Dotter
- Henry Smith, Feb. 25, 1849
- John Shulterrs
- Harvard Dye
- Richard Parker, Feb. 26, 1849
- George C. Hubbard, Feb. 28, 1849
- Mathew R. Stevenson
- George McDougal
- John Vanbussum, Mar. l, 1849
- Joseph S. Bowden
- William C. Parker, July 5, 1849
- Joseph H. Brady, Dec. 31, 1849
Folder 9
Receipt of the Town
Council of Santa Cruz to Stevenson for payment of amount due on Santa Cruz lots purchased by
various individuals and deeded to Stevenson
July 11, 1849.
Physical Description: (duplicate copy)
Folder 9
Lists of lots in Santa
Cruz and a manuscript town plat map of a portion of the town of Santa Cruz.
Box 1, Folder 10
Miscellaneous legal and business papers
Physical Description: (13 items)
Folder 10
Pre-emption claim to land on San Francisco Bay by Stevenson
Physical Description: (certified
copy)
Folder 10
Power of attorney from Benito Dias y Suisa Soto to Stevenson, Monterey, Calif.
Folder 10
Deed from Jose Antonio Mesa to Stevenson of 2000 varas of Rancho Del
Megano
Folder 10
Articles of agreement between Richard P. Hammond, William T. Sherman, and James
Blair
Scope and Content Note
parties of the first part and Jonathan D. Stevenson, party of the second part for
the survey of a town to be located at the mouth of the San Joaquin River on Suisun Bay
Folder 10
Photographic copies (surveyors reports, receipts, etc.) of documents relating to the
survey of Suisun Bay
Folder 10
Agreement between Stevenson and William C. Parker forming the partnership of
Stevenson and Parker, a real estate firm, San Francisco
Folder 10
Power of attorney from Sarah Clementine Stevenson to Jonathan D. Stevenson, New
York
Folder 10
List of lots on Clay and Vallejo Streets, San Francisco sold at auction by Pollard & Co.,
by order of and on the account of Stevenson, Parker & Co., Sept. 14, 1849, San Francisco, Sept.
20, 1849
Folder 10
Deed of Stevenson to Richard N. Berry of lot no. 45 on Louise Street, San Francisco
Physical Description: (2
certified copies)
Folder 10
Quit claim deed of Elbert P. Jones,and Sarah Jones to Stevenson, Parker & Co. of 4 fifty
vara lots nos. 696-699 in San Francisco
Box 1, Folder 11
Miscellaneous legal and business papers
Physical Description: (7 items)
Folder 11
Sales account of real estate sold by Morris & Co. on account of Stevenson, Parker &
Co., San Francisco
Folder 11
Proposal of Stevenson and Parker
Scope and Content Note
to grant the Central Wharf Co. a right of way through 100 vara lot bounded by
Front, Davis, Clay and Sacramento Streets and the privilege of building stores along the line of the
wharf (with diagram of lot attached), San Francisco
Folder 11
Deed of Charles V. Gillespie and Sarah Beutner Gillespie to Stevenson of 13 plots of
land in San Francisco
Folder 11
Release of mortgage held by Elbert P. Jones to Stevenson and Parker on 2 fifty vara lots
in San Francisco
Folder 11
List of personal effects belonging to the firm of Stevenson, Parker & Co. sold by William
C. Parker to Stevenson
Folder 11
Deed of William C. Parker to Stevenson of his interest in certain Santa Cruz town lots,
San Francisco
Folder 11
Mortgage of Stevenson to Thomas P. Johnson of certain 50 vara lots in San
Francisco
Box 1, Folder 12
Miscellaneous legal and business papers
Physical Description: (21 items)
Folder 12
Deed of J.D. Stevenson to Samuel W. Haight of a tract of land in San Francisco
Folder 12
Release of mortgage, Elbert P. Jones to Stevenson and Parker
Scope and Content Note
on 50 vara lots no. 696-698 in San Francisco
Folder 12
Affidavit of Albert G. Randall
Scope and Content Note
stating that the firm of Pollard & Co. sold Sylvestre Pacheco section 5 of 50
vara lot no. 175, ca. 15 Sept., 1849 for the account of J.D. Stevenson, San Francisco, May 7, 1852
Folder 12
Deed of J.D. Stevenson and Joseph C. Palmer, his assignee to Stephen H.
Williams
Scope and Content Note
of subdivision 32 of 100 vara lot no. 45, San Francisco
Folder 12
Extract from the minutes of the U.S. District Court,.Northern District of
California
Scope and Content Note
re the U.S. vs. Abel F. Scott, Indictment for Perjury
Folder 12
Receipt of William C. Parker for certificate given him by Stevenson
Scope and Content Note
certifying Parker as joint owner of Stevenson's property at Santa Cruz, Sutter,
Sacramento Co.
Stevenson's claim of Praesidio Rd., San Francisco and the unsold portion of his water
lots in San Francisco and a half interest in "New York of the Pacific" located on the Ranch of
Magonis, San Francisco
Folder 12
Memorandum of agreement between Stevenson and C.K. Garrison
Scope and Content Note
whereby Garrison agrees to advance the necessary money to allow Stevenson
to carry on the business of claim agent in San Francisco in the conducting and prosecuting of
claims against the U.S. before the Court of Claims, Washington, D.C.
Folder 12
Agreement between Stevenson and Maria de Figueroa Bayesteros to prosecute her
claim against the U.S., San Francisco
Folder 12
Receipt of Samuel J. Hensley (signature per Charles J. Brenhan)
Scope and Content Note
for bounty land, warrants deposited with him by Stevenson, San Francisco
Lists of land warrants deposited with various persons by Stevenson as collateral on loans
(5 pieces)
Folder 12
Power of attorney from Stevenson to Jesse D. Carr to manage his property in Santa
Cruz, San Francisco
Folder 12
Agreement between Davis and William Hart & J.D. Stevenson
Scope and Content Note
to prosecute Davis' claim for rent due on his building when used as San
Francisco Customs House by the U.S., San Francisco
Box 1, Folder 13
Miscellaneous legal and business papers
Physical Description: (7 items)
Folder 13
Deed, J.B. Bayerque to Mary Hart of 50 vara lot no. 149, San Francisco
Folder 13
Agreement (stipulation) as to the taking of testimony in the case of Isaac
Williams
Scope and Content Note
Isaac Williams, claimant vs. U.S. between James B. Townsend, agent of the
U.S. Solicitor and J.D. Stevenson to the effect that Townsend is to take testimony at Los Angeles
in behalf of the U.S. and Stevenson is to take testimony at San Francisco in behalf of the claimant,
San Francisco
Folder 13
Copy of summons in no. 7479, Jonathan D. Stevenson vs. James Bennett, et al., Calif.
District Court, 12th Judicial District
Folder 13
Translation of grant of two hundred square varas at Santa Cruz to Maria Antonio Tomson
by Manuel Rodriguez, Santa Cruz, used in the case of Stevenson vs. Stockton, et al.,
1860- 1862
Folder 13
Power of attorney from J.D. Stevenson to John A. White to settle and collect his claims
in the suits, Stevenson vs. N.H. Stockton et al., and Stevenson vs. Bennett et al.
Folder 13
Affidavit of Stevenson as to the ownership, character and tide lines of the land situated
on the east side of Montgomery Street between Washington and Jackson Streets during the period
1847-1863, San Francisco
Box 1, Folder 14
Miscellaneous legal and business papers
Physical Description: (5 items)
Folder 14
Power of attorney, Stevenson and Camille Gros to John Sime & Co.
Scope and Content Note
authorizing that firm to receive from the U.S. any awards for Gros' claim
against the government of Mexico, Stevenson being the agent for this claim, San Francisco
Folder 14
Agreement Henry G. Williams and Stevenson
Scope and Content Note
whereby Williams assigns his interest in and authorization to prosecute the
claim of the estate of R.M. Cooley, deceased against the Geneva Award Fund to Stevenson, San
Francisco
Folder 14
Stevenson's certificate of membership in the California Lodge of the Free and Accepted
Masons, Calif. Lodge No. 1, San Francisco
Folder 14
Petition and resolution
Scope and Content Note
presented to Congress requesting that Stevenson be awarded a pension for his
services to the United States as commanding officer of the Regiment of New York Volunteers,
Santa Barbara, signed by Henry S. Carnes, George W. Coffin, James R. Vance and others
Folder 14
Agreement between J.D. Stevenson and Ellen O'Sullivan widow of James O'Sullivan,
private in the Regiment of New York Volunteers
Scope and Content Note
appointing Stevenson as her agent and representative to secure a pension
from the U.S. Government, San Francisco.
Box 1, Folder 15
Miscellaneous legal and business papers
Physical Description: (15 items)
Folder 15
Short abstract of title and description of property owned by Mary Hart, San
Francisco
Folder 15
Stevenson's draft of instrument revoking his power of attorney to Jesse D. Carr to
manage Stevenson's Santa Cruz property
Folder 15
List of the owners of 50 vara lots no. 475-477
Folder 15
Inventory of J.D. Stevenson's debts
Folder 15
Title search of 50 vara lot no. 298, San Francisco
Folder 15
List of questions put to J.R. Snyder relating to his survey of the town of Santa
Cruz.
Box 1, Folder 16
Miscellaneous receipts, accounts, etc.
Physical Description: (42 items)
Folder 16
Receipts to Edward Williams for copies of maps of Santa Cruz properties
Folder 16
Bill for attorney and court fees in the case of Stevenson vs. N.H. Stockton et al.
Folder 16
Receipts from the Hibernia Savings and Loan Association for interest paid by Stevenson
on his mortgage.
Box 1, Folder 17
Clippings concerning Stevenson.
Physical Description: (15 items)
Folder 17
Newspaper clippings chiefly from San Francisco newspapers
Scope and Content Note
concerning the Regiment of New York Volunteers, Stevenson's recollections of
early San Francisco, etc.
Folder 17
Notice concerning the appearance of Stevenson's autobiography and his
obituaries.
