Peter Burnett (1807-1895) , California's first Governor (1849-1851), is represented by a document commissioning Ludlow Thomas as notary public for Shasta and Trinity counties (July 16, 1850). Burnett first came to Oregon (1843) where he was a member of the Oregon Supreme Court (1845-1847). He later moved to California (1848) where he was active, following the California Constitutional Convention, in seeking the Governership. A Democrat, Burnett's administration was plagued by an inability to raise sufficient monies to carry on the business of state government. He is remembered for his opposition to slavery in California. Burnett resigned in mid-ter to settle his own debts (1851). No "Ludlow Thomas" appears in the Index to the 1850 Census of the State of California in either Shasta or Trinity County, nor is a "Ludlow Thomas" mentioned in the Annals of Trinity County (1857).

Collection is open for research.