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Finding aid to the William Chapman Ralston Correspondence, 1864-1875
BANC MSS 77/88 c  
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Container List

Box 1

A - Cn

Box 2

Co - Gq

Box 3

Gr - K

Box 4

L - Md

Box 5

Me - O

Box 6

P - R

Box 7

S - V

Box 8

W - Z

Inventory of the Collection

Box 1

item 1000

Adams, E[----], Secretary, [per] G[----] Genealogical Society, 185 Fifth Avenue, New York, March 13th, 1875. To Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Requested Mr. Ralston to send whatever data he may have regarding his branch of the Ralston Family for the Ralston Genealogy.

LS 1p.
item 1003

Adsit, L[----] D., Binghamton, New York, Oct[ober] 10, [18]72. To A[----] E. Hill, Esqr.

Additional Note

Has quit drinking; plans to visit San Francisco as he wants to break off from his Chicago Associates; asks Mr. Hill what chance there is for him with ten to twelve thousand dollars and possibly more to invest in business in San Francisco; asks that the morning Call be sent to him since he wants to see one number for a particular purpose.

ALS 2pp.
item 1005

Allen, Franklin, The Silk Association of America, 93 Duane Street, New York, March 11, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Hoped the Union Pacific Silk Co. was on a sound financial basis since Mr. Ralston was its treasurer; inquired whether he was merely the depository for the company's fund or whether he took a personal interest in the company since in the East Ralston's connection with a company was a "guarantee of its responsibility"; would like to hear about the prospects of the company and would be glad to serve the western company in any way in New York if asked.

ALS 2pp.
item 1010

Allen, Gerard B., Office of the Fulton Iron Works, Corner Second and Carr Streets, St. Louis, [Missouri]. Oct[ober] 6, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

[John] McCullough has lived up to Mr. Ralston's description of his excellence as a gentleman and an artist; has performed admirably before packed houses every night; Mr. Allen regrets that the shortness of his stay prevented showing the personal attention that was due anyone who brought letters from Mr. Ralston.

ALS 1p.
 

Allen, Nashl T.

Additional Note

See Hall, Andrew T.
item 1015

Allison, W[illiam] B., Brevoort House, New York, Nov[ember] 2, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Returning to Washington. Thinks their mutual friend D[----] S. Wilson can be of great service to Ralston's friends there should "anything take place there affecting your [Ralston's] interest or that of your [Ralston's] friends." Asks that advice be kept private.

ALS 1p.
item 1016

Ames, W[illiam], San Francisco, April 30, 1887. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

The Bank was in debt to Spring Valley Water Works for 513 Second Mortgaged Bonds at $1,000 each making a total with the premium of $516,078 for which payment was received.

DS 1p.
item 1020

Anderson, Thomas, San Francisco, 29th (?) Novem[ber] 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

On behalf of the Invitation Committee of St. Andrew's Society extends an invitation to attend its annual banquet at the Lick House. Complimentary tickets enclosed.

ALS 1p.
 

Anderson, William M.

Additional Note

See Oriental Bank Corp. Collection.
item Unnumbered

Anderson (?), William W., New York, 2 Oct[ober] 1874. To [William] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanked Mr. Ralston for the "very valuable introductions" he gave him, especially to his friends in Salt Lake City and Chicago; found his hotel bill in Chicago was paid as a result; went from there to New York via Canada; to leave the next day by the Oceanic.

ALS 2pp.
item 1030

Arnold, Lucy L., Sacramento, [California], Feb[ruary] 12, [18]74 To [William C.] Ralston. Two letters--also one of May 22, 1875

Additional Note

Would like to include a letter to her sister if Mr. Ralston is sending letters by private hands on the Vasca de Gama which is to sail for Japan soon; inquires when Mr. John McCullough makes his first appearance; to tell Mrs. Ralston that she has a very sick child but symptoms are more favorable recently.

ALS 2pp.
item 1035

Atlantic Publishing Company, [per] MK, 141 Fulton Street, New York, Dec[ember] 9th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The company would like to publish a sketch of Mr. Ralston in its forthcoming 2d edition of its biographical work; asked Mr. Ralston's approval and way of procuring a sketch or the necessary data to prepare one and also for an autographed photograph if Mr. Ralston desired it.

ALS 2pp.
item 1040

[Austin, Alexander], Tax Collector of the City and County of San Francisco, [San Francisco], undated To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Statement of Real Estate Taxes for 1871-72 on four lots fully described; taxes due Sept[ember] 18, 5 per cent added Oct[ober] 16, [1871]; receipt on reverse side for $23.02 for taxes due paid Oct[ober] 16, 1871 signed by M[----] Waterman, Deputy Tax Collector.

DS 2pp.
item 1045

Avery, Benj[amin] F., San Francisco, April 13th, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his "very kind behavior" regarding a picture of the late John Wilson long coveted by Mr. Avery for his collection of California art; will attach double value to it because of Mr. Ralston's courtesy.

ALS 1p.
item 1050

Avery, B[enjamin] P., Peking, [China], February 10th, 1875. To W[illiam C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Chin San Pin delayed in presenting note of introduction from Mr. Ralston to Mr. Avery in United States diplomatic service in China; death of Chinese Emperor "has imposed retiracy upon all officials"; Chin San Pin's report on Coolieism in Cuba exposed a dreadfully cruel system; considered a pity that eminent United States citizens "unjustly stigmatize the free Emigration of Chinese to California as Coolieism"; invites wrong comparison in China at a time when the United States minister is one of the arbitrators on that subject between Spain and China; comments on complimentary attitude toward Ralston of Sir Henry Parks and Judge [John A.] Gingham both of whom he met in Japan; comments on his own situation in China and on the social life of the diplomatic corps and the missionaries; death of the Emperor ended all festive occasions; since he died without heir, it was quietly arranged for another boy emperor under the same female Regency as was established for the late Emperor before he reached his majority; Mr. Avery surprised at the "decorum and peacefulness of the Chinese" yet these are "The Heathen Chinese . . . despised and pelted in our superior community of San Francisco"; country easily governed but it is in a state of decay; comments upon the latter; government to maintain the status quo; Danish Telegraph Company had strung thirty-five miles of land wire, Foochow to near Amoy; no popular disfavor yet local officials say it must stop or they will tear it down; at request of all the leading treaty powers the Peking government authorities have directed the officials in the seaboard provinces to protect the cables along the coast; Chinese natural bankers and traders have a good system of exchange; Mr. Avery does not understand Chinese bills and money; when China becomes modernized it will be a great benefit to itself and also to the enlargement of commerce of America.

ALS 8pp.
item 1055

Axtell, S[amuel] B., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., April 10th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Gratified to know that his suggestions about letters met with Mr. Ralston's approval; thinks Mr. Ralston should make himself "felt in Washington"; considers the Washington Chronicle cause in the McGarrahan case as shameless; a marked copy is laid upon the desks of members of Congress every morning; does not convince anyone's judgment, but may unconsciously make one think "there is something to it"; considers the "press gang" as venial, but feels that its influence can be counteracted; suggests that "particular, individual attention" be given to members of Congress and other public men who plan to visit San Francisco during the coming summer; Mr. Avery will return in time to help in having them meet "our solid men"; tells Mr. Ralston that he must have influence in Washington to help "in defeating McGarrahan and similar swindles"; feels that all affairs look encouraging.

ALS 3pp.
item 1055

Axtell, S[amuel], House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Feb[ruary] 6th, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Anxious to pass the Senate Bill but the difficulty is that the bill is a general measure which applies to all the details of the merit system; has been referred to the House Committee on Coinage [Coinage, Weights, and Measures]; Kelly [William Darrah Kelley], its chairman, will not try to pass it but hold it over until the next session of Congress; Kell[e]y and [Aaron Augustus] Sargent do not speak; Axtell on good terms with Kell[e]y but cannot induce him to act; no hope for the measure in the current Congress.

ALS 2pp.
item 2005

B[----] (?), W[----] E., n.p., undated To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Returning Mr. Ralston's letter; has nothing to suggest about New Idria; Thompson and [Christopher J.] Hutchinson to leave soon; the letter, if he thinks it proper, can communicate with your friend.

ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Bacon, H[enry] D., San Francisco, Feb[ruary] 28th, 1872. To William C. Ralston, Esq., Present [President] (?).

Additional Note

Sends a statement of the Tule Lands which he owns in San Joaquin County, [California]; states the financial arrangement made with Mr. Ralston regarding the lands; states his plans for the improvement of several of the lands.

ALS 2pp.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Bacon, H[enry] D., San Francisco, [California], Ja[nuar]y 22, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Present [President] (?).

Additional Note

When Mr. Ralston was spoken to about iron interests, he thought he "could manage the Fay property at bed rock prices"; had asked Mr. W[----] G. Hughes to get all the possible information about the property and send it to Mr. Bacon's nephew W[illia]m D. Marks; had written his nephew that Mr. Ralston probably would not take any direct interest in the business but was interested in everything that would build up the west coast; suggested that his nephew give a letter of introduction to his friend M[----] Bowrard of a large English Iron House to confer with Mr. Ralston; asks that the usual attention be given this gentleman and that he send for Mr. Hughes.

ALS 2pp.
Original in Huntington Library
item 2010

Badger, J[oseph] B., Red Bluff, [California] March 10th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to subscribe for ten tickets for the debut of his daughter, Miss Ella F. Badger, as a Comedienne at one of the leading theaters of San Francisco; wants to obtain for her the support of those citizens who will make her opening night an encouraging one for her.
ALS 4pp.
[P.S.]
Encloses address and asks for a reply by return mail.
item 2015

Bailey & Co., Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Oct[ober] 10, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had sold marble statuary some time ago to Mr. Ralston who likes beautiful works of art; calls his attention to work in bronze, just imported, of "Perseus and Andromeda"; sends photographs, price $750; sends two other photographs of figures matching the above; describes other bronze pieces and marble statuary.

ALS 2pp.
item 2020

Baldwin, I[----] G., The Levant Oil Co., New Haven, [Connecticut], June 15th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asks for a position if Mr. Ralston has an opening; gives his experience and qualifications.

ALS 3pp.
item 2025

Ballard Bland, Louisville, [Kentucky] (?), April 25th, [1873] To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for boxes of magnificent cigars sent him; indicates "the variety and excellence" of California products; refers to summer spent in California and Mr. Ralston's hospitality.

ALS 2pp.
item 2035

The Bank of California, San Francisco, undated, Memorandum.

Additional Note

Montgomery Street R E Co.---------------$1,944,018.20



Mission & P. W mf $677,909.10

Overdraft 300,067.17

Subtotal 977,976.27



Kimball mf 404,581.12

Overdraft 181,966.28

Subtotal 586,547.40



Total 3,508,541.87
item 2035

Bank of California in account with Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 1st Aug[us]t, 1872.

Additional Note

Statement of Debit and Credit.

ALS 1p.
item 2035

Bank of California, [per] Tho[mas] Brown, San Francisco, July 22, [187]5. To H.M. Newhall & Co.

Additional Note

H.M. Newhall & Co. deposited with The Bank of California ten bonds of $1000 each of the Hospital Fund Bonds of the City and County of San Francisco; bonds dated November 1, 1871 and payable November 1, 1891; bonds deposited under agreement between H.M. Newhall & Co. and Atlas Assurance Company of London.

LS 1p. Probably office copy. [includes typewritten copy]
 

Bank of California

Additional Note

See also Oriental Bank Corp. collection.
 

Barnia (?), Y. (?)

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz collection.
 

Barnum, H.H.

Additional Note

See Lansing, H.S.
item 2037

Barron & Co., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, San Francisco, 29 Nov[em]b[er], 1967. Telegram. To D[arius] O. Mills care Lees & Waller, New York.

Additional Note

Telegram. In code.
 

Barry and Patten

Additional Note

See Rosa, Carl.
item 2040

Barry Tho[ma]s Gallatin, Tenn[essee], Dec[ember] 6th, 1870. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Mr. [----] Todd, just returned from California, informed Mr. Barry that Mr. Ralston liked thoroughbred horses and farmed on a large scale; account of Barry's experience in raising thoroughbred horses; has two for sale; gives references; would like to go to California to live if a fine opening for stock exists; enclosed two clippings about the horses for sale.

ALS 2pp.
item 2045

Bartlett, W[ashington], Senate Chamber, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 27, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Concurs fully with most of Mr. Ralston's views on a Bill and will do all he can to defeat it; will show Ralston's letter to doubtful Senators; believes Bill will not pass but cannot be certain until Bill is before the Senate.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Would be glad to hear from Mr. Ralston regarding any bill before either house in which he has a special interest.
 

Bassett, George A.

Additional Note

See Smith, Francis H.
item 2050

Batters, Geo[rge], 5 Av[enue] Hotel, New York, 27 Oct[ober], 1869.

Additional Note

To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston]. Leaving for the old country [England] and hopes to be of service to Mr. Ralston; asks for some information about a 60,000 acre tract of land in the San Joachin [Joaquin] Valley which might help him to find a customer for Mr. Ralston.

ALS 2pp.
item 2050

Batters, Geo[rge], 76. Old Broad Street, London, E.C., Dec[ember] 31st, 1869. To C.W. [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for abstract of title to the Buckeye Mining property and related materials; waiting to hear that possession has been taken of the "Union Hill" and "Buckeye" mines and the money given to the parties concerned; next he will bring out the "Eureka;" will ask for 100,000 down payment and balance in March; shareholders will retain possession until balance is paid; objectors will be paid off; relies upon Mr. Ralston to look after his interests and he will do the same for his friends in California.

ALS 2pp.
item 2055

Beans, T. Ellard, Bank of San Jose, San Jose, Cal[ifornia], Jan[uary] 22, 1872.

Additional Note

Mr. Beans explains his unsuccessful efforts to get the leading citizens of San Jose to give a reception to the "Princes of the Japanese Empire" in San Jose; "Leading Citizens" failed to appear at the designated time and place to make plans as they were requested to do; local officials not interested; enclosed clipping shows why.

ALS 4pp. clipping.
 

Belknap, William W.

Additional Note

See French, William H.
item 2060

Bell, Alexander D., Esq., Capitol, Sacramento Jan[uary] 21st, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending Mr. Ralston a copy of bill which creates the office of Bank Commissioner; would be glad to hear of any features needing attention or which are especially objectionable.

ALS 1p.
 

Bell, Alexander

Additional Note

See also Garrison & Fretz collection.
item 2065

Bell, James, 21 Pembridge Square, London, [England] 2 Nov[ember], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[----] Walker indebted to Mr. Ralston for sundry good turns; [----] Bell thanks him for same; glad Bank is doing well and making a good showing but advises that it should get rid of its nonresident directors; sorry for Ralston's brother in the Pacific due to poor business management; brother should easily find another position; advises Mr. Ralston how to obtain water at the Cañada.

ALS 2pp.
 

Bennett, J.G.

Additional Note

See Brisbin, James S.
item 2070

Beveridge, Arthur B., 621 Sansome St[reet], San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], 16th August, 1873. To [John] Robertson.

Additional Note

Last time Mr. Beveridge met Mr. Robertson was in Australia many years ago; has been in the United States three years engaging in sheep farming; has been advised to become a stock and station agent successfully; hopes to work up to something like the Melbourne Houses; asks the favor of Mr. Robertson of writing for him a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston whom he considers a man of influence and of considerable property; several Chinese have come over and become sheep farmers; should Mr. Robertson know of anyone coming over for that purpose he asks that they be sent to him and he will give them the needed information about property and stock; has several sheep and cattle stations for sale; never was better time to invest in California property; his brother Horation has a good position in California.

ALS 3pp.
[Note added] "Is not this the man upon whom we have a claim from Melbourne? An acceptance-" [No signature]
 

[The following note from Mr. Robertson to Mr. Ralston, Sept[ember] 23, 1873 was enclosed with the above letter.]

Additional Note

Arthur Beveridge is the son of the Agent for the National Bank of Scotland at Kirkcaldy where Mr. Robertson began his banking career; has been a great run about; saw him last in Australia twelve years ago; has a brother in Falkner Bell Co[mpany] in San Francisco; will not reply to his letter but if Mr. Ralston can do anything for him Mr. Robertson will be glad if he lets him know Mr. Robertson mentioned his name to Mr. Ralston.

[No signature] 1p.
item 2075

Beynon, William, Toronto, [Canada], December 2, [18]70. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Always wanted to come to California; sailed from England to Canada; does not like it; farmed for a gentleman satisfactorily; can produce good character; will take any work to earn an honest living; Horace Greeley wanted Mr. Beynon to go to Kansas; heard Mr. Ralston was in a high position in California and would give him information about the State.

ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

E.H. Biederman & Co., N.Y.

E.W. Teackle

Additional Note

Re German California Bank. 1872.
item 2080

Biederman, E[----] H. & Co., New York, April 20th, 1872. To Frank Livingston, Esqr., San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Livingston's letter of April 10. Had Seen Mr. Ralston's letter of March 25th to Mr. [E----W.] Teackle and had forwarded an extract of it to their European friends; feels that everyone is of the same opinion and that the only thing left to be done is for Mr. Livingston to draw up the necessary paper and obtain from one third to one half of the capital needed together with the signatures; these to be sent to Mr. Biederman who wants to take the paper with him when he leaves for Europe so that the Europeans can sign it and get the Bank started promptly; expects it to be easy for Mr. Biederman to complete all arrangements when he arrives; Frankfort and London seem to favor the proposed projects; invites Mr. Livingston to call at the office of E.H. Biederman and Company when he arrives in New York City; refers to an enclosed circular.

LS 3pp.
See Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, n.p., March 25th, [187]2. To E[----] W. Teackle, New York.
item 2080

Biederman, E.H. & Co., 22 William Street, New York, April 22d, 1872. To Frank Livingston, Esqr., San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had written Mr. Livingston on the 20th of April and now wants to give further information about the proposed Deutsch-Californische Bank; capital to be $5,000,000 or 12 1/2 million florins; 40% to be called up immediately; Bank of California to do all of its California and the New Bank to do all of the former's European business except in England; requested that Mr. Livingston push the matter in California and Biederman & Co. will do the same on the Atlantic coast and in Europe.

ALS 1p.
item 2085

Bingham, Jno. [John] Armour, Yokohama, Japan, Oct[ober] 30th, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston requested information on the reception Mr. Bingham received in Japan; generally well received and kindly treated especially by Mr. Ralston's friends; and equal laws in Japan would bring in capital and skilled labor necessary to develop its untouched resources.

ALS 2pp.
item 2085

Bingham, Jno. [John] Armour, Yokohama, Japan, 23d Feb[ruar]y 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for New Year's greeting; enjoyed his "glowing accounts of the mines and agricultural products of the country"; ships in port displayed flags in honor of Washington's birthday; Mr. Ralston's friends could, if there were proper treaty provisions, help add to the wealth and advance the interest of Japan and the United States; Japan's natural resources; hopes that treaty revisions will give Americans "a field for their skill, capital & enterprise" which Japan wants; regrets that he cannot secure a few shares of stock in Nevada mines of which Mr. Ralston speaks so confidently.

ALS 3pp.
item 11030

Bishop, Charles R., Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Island, December 13th, 1866. To William C. Ralston

Additional Note

Mr. Bishop granted Mr. Ralston general power of attorney to handle all his business for him which he stated in great detail.

DS 1p.
See Paty, John, Commissioner of Deeds for the State of California, Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu, Oahu. To Cha[rle]s R. Bishop.
item 2095

Blaksley, H[----], San Francisco, Aug[ust] 16, [18]69. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had requested Mr. [----] Tottingham to mention that Mr. Blaksley and party would call upon Mr. Ralston to set a time to spend a night at latter's "Country Mansion"; his daughter seasick on trip to San Francisco; recovered and thought best to visit the Geysers; Mr. [----] called home by sickness in the family; regretted being unable to accept Mr. Ralston's invitation but not less obliged for it.

ALS 1p.
item 2100

Blankman, (Mrs.) [----] Monterey, April 21st, 1869, Bahia Vista Cottage. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asked to have Dr. [----] Blankman's bank account sent to her; Rosie and Lillie [----] to be at their uncle's, Capt[ain] [John Bautista Roger] Cooper and would like Mr. Ralston to call upon them; Amelia Cooper to be married; Rosie Cooper to be married; Rosie to be a bridesmaid; Mrs. Blankman has a baby boy two months old named Louis Washington; asked "do you like it?"

ALS 1p.
item 2105

Bofinger, W[----] H., St. Louis and New Orleans Packet Co., No. 104 Common Street, New Orleans, 26th August, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received letter of the 17th and two packages of newspapers; representatives from Louisiana certain to support the proposed measure; company willing to mortgage the road to government as security; sending New Orleans Bulletin with facts; if republished asks for several copies.

ALS 1p.
 

Booth, L[----] A.

Additional Note

See Central Pacific Railroad collection.
item 2110

Borreck, M[----] D., Sacramento, [California], Feb[ruary] 13th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Alteration desired and consideration of subject by Committee postponed; if Mr. Ralston wishes bill could be killed in Senate by delay and direct opposition; probably would be well for attention to the matter be called to [George] Oulton of the Committee on Corporations in the Senate; Mortgage Tax Bill delayed; bill reducing fares and freights will be postponed indefinitely by a large majority; substitute bill may be offered if Company so desires; San Francisco Delegation to meet to discuss Board of Public Works Bill and name Commissioners; Montgomery Avenue Bill, made satisfactory to the Delegation, will be reported back to the Assembly and disposed of; asked how stocks are.

ALS 3pp.
item 2110

Borreck, M[----] D., Sacramento, [California], March 27, 1874. To Friend [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Bill introduced into State Assembly to oust the Board of Regents [of the University of California]; conversation Mr. Borreck had with Mr. Ralston in latter's office somewhat confirmed by a conversation the former overheard between Professor [----] Swinton and Father [----] Scanlan of St. Rose's Church, Sacramento, "You have done well and right Mr. Swinton. The treatment you have been the recipient of has been shameful. I will assist you all I can. Send me some more of those printed statements..."; Sacramento Union [March 27, 1874] printed a tirade against the University; Governor [Newton Booth] the worst enemy of the University; Charter Bill has "gone up the flume"; so has Board of Public Works; Water Bill is "dropsical."

ALS 3pp.
 

Boutwell, George Sewell

Additional Note

See Bowles, Samuel
item 2115

Bowles, Charles, The Japanese & Foreign Agency Company, No. 1 Toori, Tokio, March 23d, 1875. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Decided success here;" made a contract between Bowles Brothers & Co. and Japanese & Foreign Agency Company to take over work of former's Japanese liquidation; Oriental Bank in Tokio acting as Company's Bondholders Trust Depository; [John] Robertson acting "right up to the mark"; thanks to Mr. Ralston's letter, and also to his own shrewdness; "man of this age -- not of past"; will consider the Japanese campaign, when it ends with the departure of Mr. Bowles for Hong Kong and Europe, as being the most remarkable of their business moves; mentions this in return for Mr. Ralston's kindness.
ALS 1p.
[P.S.]
Asked that [Warren] Leland be told that Mr. Bowles has not forgotten "for a moment the big Hotel and His Commission."
[The following two documents were probably enclosed with the above letter.]
item 2115

The Japanese & Foreign Agency Company, No. 1 Bamboo-River Street Main Avenue Jeddo-Tokio, March 23d, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Lists head office and branch offices; lists its services under Communications, Finance, Forwarding, and Commission.

D 1p.
item 2115

The registered agent's offices & sub-offices of special agents of the company.

Additional Note

[Note in handwriting:] "This is only their rotation of opening co-operation without involving the responsibility of the Company." Lists each city and province where an office is located.
[In handwriting:] Company will have only four offices; its agents will be all over Japan, spreading like Wells Fargo & Co. in the United States; outlines its financial operation; to be "one of the commercial powers of the 'East.'"; an office to open in Shanghai and a clearing house in Singapore.

D 1p.
[Note at top of page in handwriting]: "You must remember this is quite new & crude here. Nothing like it in all Japan."
item 2115

Bowles, Charles, Cairo, Egypt, May 15th, 1875. To Dear friend [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Interviewed Hussein Pasha, son of the Vice-Roy and Minister of Public Instruction; presented a photograph of the University of California and "explained the object of its projected Oriental Branch"; Professor [----] Davidson of the University of California arrived while discussing with Gen[eral] [----] Stone, Consul Gen[eral] [----] Beardsley and Professor [----] Watson of Michigan University American Bank interests and reviewing Charles Bowles' work in the Orient; tried to impress upon Professor Davidson and Mr. Watson the importance of that part of their official reports on the labor systems of India and Egypt (coolie question) when they return home; also the importance of the "great resources and capacities of Egypt" which would benefit American products; Gen[eral] Stone was very careful not to discriminate in his administration of the Rail Road and Telegraph enterprises in the Nile Valley; is a patriotic American and a good ally of the Pacific transit interests; planning a four day trip up and down the Nile with the above mentioned men; Mr. Bowles going to Geneva for council in June; has been able to carry every point in the work which Mr. Ralston helped start; those in business circles are beginning to look across the Pacific; in a few years there will be an "American full westward drift"; cannot send a report to the University before going to Geneva; it will be an interesting one and give added impulse to the Oriental Branch; wants [William] Ashburner and [----] Howard to see this letter.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
To interview the Viceroy and urge the issue of "Metric Dollar for Indio-Mediterranean circulation"; had news that the United States intended to coin 20 cent pieces which Mr. Bowles had worked for since the Paris Monetary Congress in 1867; had promised Gen[eral] Stone a photograph of the staff of the Bank of California.
item 2115

Bowles, Charles, Cairo, [Egypt], May 15th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston, Esq. Memorandum.

Additional Note

Suggested Professor [----] Davidson as an excellent president for the University of California; stated his qualifications.

[No signature] 1p.
item 2120

Bowles, Sam[ue]l, The Republican, Springfield, Mass[achusetts], Jan[uary], 5, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Senator [Thomas James] Robertson of South Carolina promised to send Congressional documents for Mr. Ralston's library; Mr. Bowles has sent a book on the West from his library and will send the books he has written on the western United States for same; California "weathering her trial times" and if there is no "ground crash and breakdown" it will be due to Mr. Ralston more than anyone else; shall say so publicly sometime; looks to the future with "hope and faith"; "reconstruction, leveling of prices, habits of business & c" were inevitable; Geo[rge] [Sewel] Boutwell considered honest himself but sometimes yields to "dishonest politicians," and following rather than leading in financial reform; the country and Congress drifting along without knowing exactly what they want or whither they are tending"; Mr. Bowles lists financial reforms he hopes will come during current session of Congress; plan fully illustrated in The Republican; best financiers East and West favor it; Washington slow to react to it; believes it to be just that which the Pacific Coast wants since it will lead it out of its "currency complications"; [Schuyler] Colfax is very sensitive to the criticism of himself in connection with [----] Richardson; Sees Captain [George(?)] Bradbury often who says Mr. Ralston had sold his "stud" and was walking; advised him not to do so; wants to know why Mr. Ralston left the Board of Regents of the University of California and how his financial matters are.

LS 9pp.
item 2120

Bowles, Sam[ue]l, The Republican, Springfield, Mass[achusetts], February 15, 1870. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Glad to hear how things go with California and especially with Mr. Ralston; also with the Bank; attack upon Mr. Ralston in New York Mail sent west; had no circulation in respectable newspapers in East; Mail considered a sort of "guerilla jobbing and lobby organ" being used by those who hate Mr. Ralston; the "piece" Mr. Bowles wrote gave him a chance to say that which he wanted to about the Bank; Bank not a monopoly; commented on Mr. Ralston's help to build up [Milton S.] Latham Bank with a capital equal to that of the Bank of California; considered that the kind of monopoly California wanted; commented on way both San Francisco and California are undergoing the current reaction and revolution; things in "a drifting, wallowing condition" in Washington; business ready for resumption of specie payment, but neither the administration nor Congress are willing to act; commented on current reform; enclosed note from [George S.] Boutwell; Mr. Bowles going to Washington where he will See Mr. Ralston's friends and ask about his enemies there; advised Mr. Ralston to become acquainted with men outstanding in journalism and literature and others in San Francisco; listed them; all men whom Mr. Ralston should have on his side; requested that [Stephen H.] Franklin send Mr. Bowles anything developing in monetary matters and business on the Coast.

LS 8pp.
[The following note was enclosed with the above letter;]
item 2120

Boutwell, Geo[rge] Sewel, Washington, [D.C.], Jan[uary] 29, 1870. To Sam[ue]l Bowles, E[sq.], Springfield, Mass[achusetts].

Additional Note

Acknowledges receipt of clipping from The Republican [Springfield, Massachusetts]; discusses briefly the question of resumption of specie payment.

ALS 3pp.
item 2120

Bowles, Sam[ue]l, The Republican, Springfield, Mass[achusetts], February 22d, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed clipping entitled [Our Stock of Gold and Silver], possibly from the New York Times; requested judgment of Mr. Ralston and [Stephen H.] Franklin regarding the article, especially amount of coin in circulation in the Pacific States; also intelligent estimates of amount of gold and silver made into jewelry and household articles in past ten years; understood Mr. Ralston advocated free coinage; if so, asks for publications Mr. Ralston had made about it; inquired whether anything had been done about Gold Banks and currency Banks in Pacific States; noted the parting of California and Bret Harte, a case of "incompatibility of temper."

LS 2pp. clipping.
 

Boyd, Archibald B.

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz collection
item 2125

Bradbury, Geo[rge] H., 7 Broad St[reet], 21st Sept[ember], [18]69. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed a money article clipped from the New York Times, September 21, 1869 [regarding railway speculation and sale of Pacific Mail [Steam Ship Company] shares which showed an advance; reason for advance due to the alliance between some heavy holders and Bank of California]; Mr. Bradbury considers it "good, very good" that Bank is running the Pacific Mail; thought Allan McLane would enjoy running it with his friend Mr. Ralston; Mr. Bradbury applied for "something under the new regime"; mentions positions he would like to have in order of preference.

ALS 3pp. clipping.
item 2125

Bradbury, Geo[rge] H., Office of Frame, Hare & Lockwood, New York, 30th Sept[ember], 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Bradbury offers his apology and explains why he had Seemingly meddled in Mr. Ralston's affairs; tells that which he did in answer to requests about stories that the Bank "was speculating in all sorts of mining stocks," that Mr. Ralston was also, and "all sorts of nasty stories"; Mr. Bradbury defended Bank; all information he obtained was favorable; stories considered to be "travelers yarns" or the invention of some person who had not been accommodated at the Bank.

ALS 3pp.
item 2125

Bradbury, Geo[rge] H., New York, May 3rd, [18]71. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has taken the liberty of giving a Mr. Robeson a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston; asks him to make it pleasant for Mr. Robeson, his wife and niece; "what will they not say [about] your poor Bank yet?"; encloses a clipping entitled "The Mineral Wealth of Utah", Engineering (London), April 14th, 1871; magazine sent to Mr. Bradbury to show model of a steamer for the Amazon mines; "How is that for the Emma mine?" he queried; knows of no Emma mine he would give so much money for; would like to see Mr. Ralston and drive over to the Spring Valley Water Works and lunch with his friends.

ALS 2pp. clipping enclosed.
item 2125

Bradbury, Geo[rge] H., Office of Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, New York, June 9th, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses two statements which may interest Mr. Ralston; "Things behind hand & money to rain"; wanted to go out to West Coast but impossible; when he remembers Mr. Ralston's hospitality at his "Glen" and the guests he met there, it is a relief to Mr. Bradbury in his work.

ALS 2pp. Statements missing.
item 2125

Bradbury, Geo[rge] H., Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, 59 and 61 Wall Street, New York, Sept[ember] 27th, 1873.

Additional Note

Had obtained from Lees & Waller $50,000 on 2085 shares of California Dry Dock stock; had been told by [Darius O.] Mills that he would not be pushed for the loan but the 1873 financial situation resulted in Mr. Bradbury being called by Mr. Laidlow; had expected to receive $250,000 from the Panama M[----] M[----] Co. on October first but cannot get it; asked extension of time to at least January 1, 1874; if he receives money earlier he will pay loan; considers company's assets worth $6,000,000; will go to San Francisco to see Mr. Ralston as soon as he gets his company's ships ready to sail for their destinations; has worked hard to keep things going during the summer; half sick but the overland trip will cure him.

ALS 2pp.
item 2130

Bradley, L[----] R., San Jose, [California] 27 Feb[ruar]y, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to procure tickets for himself and daughter to either New York or Washington; will remit money.

ALS 1p.
"Have you any answer to telegram [?]"
"What answer shall I make--to this--[Signed] W.C. Ralston"
item 2132

Brannan, Samuel, by A[----] Badlam, Office of Samuel Brannan, No. 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, [California], 4th Dec[ember], 1868. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Requested that the [Bank of California] pay $500 to E[----] L. Sullivan to pay for a bet between Mr. Brannan and T[----] J. Shackelford.

LS 1p.
item 2133

Breck, J[----] Lloyd, Missionary College of St. Augustine, Benecia, Cal[ifornia], Aug[us]t 12th, 1868. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Expresses "sincerest thanks" of the Mission for Mr. Ralston's contribution to the building fund; refers him for information about the college but would prefer that Mr. Ralston visit it and form his own judgment regarding the value of the school to the State; its work greatly encouraged by the cooperation of both the clergy and the laity.

ALS 2pp.
item 2135

Brereton, R[----], M., n.p., July, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"Nothing can be done in England . . . in regard to any of our four California projects;" people do not believe in California and are suspicious; friends of Mr. Brereton and Mr. Benny think they have been "let in by the Californians"; Mr. Brereton feels that he must try to convince people that his belief in California is correct; has induced about a dozen men to go to San Francisco, see the country, and he believes they will invest money if it can be done with safety; Mr. Brereton has promised to stay in California for the ensuing ten years and act as their trustee and agent should they wish; confidence must be restored in American securities so that England's cheap capital will be invested in America; Mr. Rodiwald had written about this to [Milton S.] Latham and [Charles J.F.] Stuart of the Oriental Bank Corporation; will probably write the same thing. England's climate is "beastly" after California.

ALS 4pp.
item 2135

Brereton, Robert Maitland, Post Office-Victoria, V[ancouver] I[sland], 10, July, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to forward his mail; outlined the itinerary of his travel north from San Francisco to Victoria; believed he has had a better idea of the country than if he had taken the regular travel routes; felt it a mistake that Portland had not been located elsewhere; would not invest in the North[ern] Pacific Railroad since he has seen the country through which it is to go; compared Pacific Northwest with California; pleased with location of Victoria; going to Fraser and Thompson rivers.

ALS 2pp.
item 2140

Brisbin, Ja[me]s S., Omaha, Neb[raska], April 17th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed telegram from [J.G.] Bennet of New York Herald to Brisbin; while in California made some notes about the country; would like to add more; asks Mr. Ralston's help; wants full account of Bank of California, Almaden Quick Silver Mines, San Francisco manufactures, and Naglees Brandy efforts; asks that Mr. Ralston, [Isaac] Friedlander, [W.F.] Babcock, and others give him information to put into letters on the Coast in the New York Herald; "would do the Coast good"; asked that pamphlets or books on your [Mr. Ralston's] interests, resources, advantages, and curiosities" as sources of further information be sent him; asked whether [Charles] Nordhoff is reliable and worth using; appreciated Mr. Ralston's kindness and "will always strike a Lick for the Coast."

ALS 2pp. Telegram enclosed.
[The following telegram was enclosed with the above letter.]
item Unnumbered

Bennett, J[----] G., New York, 8 M[ar]ch 1875. To Colonel Ja[me]s Brisbin, Lick House.

Additional Note

"Should like letters. Interview Brigham."
Telegram. 1p.
item Unnumbered

Broff, W[----] N., New York, Oct[ober] 7th, [1870]. To My dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

"With the kindest remembrance of Yours Truly."

ALS 1p.
item 2145

Brooks, Cha[rle]s Wolcott, Washington, D.C., Mar[ch] 26, 1872. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"WS Huntington of First National Bank died this morning of pneumonia."

Telegram 1p.
item 2150

Brooks, Noah, New York, July 14, 1874 (?). To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Considers Mr. Ralston's idea concerning the establishing of "a sound, able and honorably conducted journal in San Francisco as "admirable"; would like to be "editorially connected" with such a paper if it were on a firm basis; discusses "horrible" situation of journalism in San Francisco and the difficulties a new newspaper would face; reluctant to take a journalism position in San Francisco that does not promise permanent improvement; should Mr. Ralston know of any opportunities of which Mr. Brooks has no knowledge, the latter will help in any enterprise that has a good promise; if he were to organize an editorial staff he could secure some of the best talent in that line; otherwise he is too well situated in New York to change; has moved from the Tribune to the Times.

ALS 8pp.
item 2155

Brooks, (Mrs.) Tho[ma]s L., n.p., June 20th, [1873] To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks him for his "kind attention"; grateful for his efforts to secure a position for Mr. B[rooks].

ALS 1p.
item 2160

Brown, E[zekiel], Crimea House, Green Springs P.O., Tuolumne Co[unty], Nov[ember] 10th, 1864. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston had advanced $750 to Mr. Brown which expected to repay by the date of his letter but such was not the case; explains that when he saw Mr. Ralston he knew that copper had been struck in Copper Mountain; thought to be the main lode and copper would soon be shipped to San Francisco; which opinion was backed by Mr. [----] Sheldon who had made a report to Mr. Brown and which was enclosing to Mr. Ralston; gives Mr. Sheldon's qualifications as a copper mining expert and then superintendent of the Keyston Copper Mine of Copperopolis; that which was thought to be the main lode proved to be only another spur; worked on the tunnel day and night; gives facts regarding its "economical working"; enclosed a letter form the late Gov[ernor][----] Marcy addressed to Mr. Brown just before he left for California; he also gave the sender letters to Gen[era]l P[ersefo] Smith and Col[onel] [----] Stevenson; states the advantageous assets of Copper Mountain for mining; his own shares are covered by 825 feet in the mine, 275 feet of which is pledged as security for $1500 loan; nothing is for sale; in order to pay Mr. Ralston later he prepared a new note for $2000 enclosing with it 375 shares of stock in the copper mine, if Mr. Ralston approves of that he may deduct the $750 with interest from the $2000 and credit the balance to Mr. Brown's account; states that he intended to retain only one-fourth of the entire mountain so he will give Mr. Ralston the privilege of buying 25 or 50 feet of it at $15 per foot all assessments made prior to the expiration of the option; states that the Copper Mountain mines are located between the Union or Copperopolis Mine and "La Victoria" recently opened a few miles from Bear Valley, the latter of which has proved to be very rich; its outcroppings are very much like though not as extensive as those at Copper Mountain; should those prove to be rich it will require much capital to operate, so Mr. Brown will be able to reciprocate Mr. Ralston's kindness to him.
ALS
P.S.
As an afterthought Mr. Brown decided to send Mr. Sheldon's original letter to Mr. Ralston; would consider it a favor if the latter would return it and Sec[retar]y Marcy's one. E.B.
item 2160

Brown, Ezekiel, Crimea House, Green Springs P.O., [Tuolumne County], [California], Nov[ember] 30th, 1864. To William C. Ralston, Esq., San Francisco. Private!

Additional Note

Fears that his letter of November 10th in which was enclosed a note for $2000 and stock of the Copper Mountain Mining Company as collateral has miscarried since he has not heard from Mr. Ralston; states his plans for business confidentially; cites the fact that the local gold mines are "upon the wane" and his business is no longer profitable so no reason to remain; stopped in view of his Copper Mines which are very promising; also a new road to Mono has opened which is of important general interest locally; road being improved to divert most of the travel to Stockton via Copperopolis; not wanting to depend entirely on copper had had a proposal for the Weber Hotel in Stockton for which he had made a proposition to Mr. Ralston in his first letter; now has a proposal for a hotel in Copperopolis which suits him better since it is not far from Copper Mountain and it will require less money, only $750.00; gives assurance why he will succeed in the hotel and why the mining stock sent will prove valuable; will pay the assessments himself; the tunnel is progressing night and day with economy; considers Copperopolis no "mushroom" town; if Mr. Ralston will let him have the money he will be a happy man.

ALS 6pp.
item 2165

Brown, Ezekiel, Langham Hotel, London, [England], 21st Oct[ober], [18]70. To My dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Enclosed a newspaper report of the meeting of the Oriental Bank Corporation held the previous day; congratulates Mr. Ralston as one of the regents of the University of California and thanks him for establishing "the 5th class"'; his fourteen year old son had passed the examination necessary to enter that class; son much pleased with the university.

ALS 3pp. clipping.
Note added: "Thank Mr. Brown for his letter & be glad to hear of his Prosperity, & c." W.C.R.
item 2165

Brown, Ezekiel, Oakland, [California], Jan[uar]y 22d, 1873. To My dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending an article from a London paper and a letter for Mr. Ralston's approval before mailing it; assures him that he never allows an opportunity to promote Mr. Ralston's welfare pass without doing so; wants to know his view of that which he has sent him which he will give to a London friend for insertion in the Journal and also in the Times.

ALS 2pp. Enclosures lacking.
item 2170

Brown, J[----] McLeary, S.S. Colorado, May 12, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Having a pleasant voyage; Mrs. Burlingame slightly injured by a fall; sends a memento.

ALS 1p.
item 2175

Brown, [Joseph], Mayor's Office, St. Louis, [Missouri], Oct[ober] 15th, 1873. To W[illiam] A. [C.] Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Asks whether Mr. Ralston would loan him from three to five thousand dollars to increase his stock in the Paymaster Mine in Nevada should he wish to do so; can furnish collateral; heard Mr. Ralston quite sick.

ALS 3pp.
Clipping encl.
item 2175

Brown, Jos[eph] Mayor's Office, St. Louis, [Missouri], Nov[ember] 10, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Brown's two drafts accepted; stopped at the New mine on his way home; "it will astonish you yet"; because of the scarcity of money Mr. Brown had to [illegible] the enclosed.

ALS 1p. Enclosure missing.
item 2175

Brown, Jos[eph], Mayor's Office, St. Louis, [Missouri], Feb[ruary] 8, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston whether he thinks Mr. McKerny (?) can make a good living for Mr. Brown's protege Miss Spotts whom it is expected he will marry.

ALS 1p.
Note added: "Any reply to this [?]"
item 2175

Brown, [Joseph] Mayor's Office, St. Louis [Missouri], July 26, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Would like to move to California; plans a trip there.

ALS 1p.
item 2175

Brown, Joseph, Mayor's Office, St. Louis, [Missouri] Ap[ri]l 13th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Retiring from Mayor's office for health reasons due to climate; wants to move to California; asks Mr. Ralston regarding an opening for him.

ALS 3pp. clipping enclosed.
item 2180

Brown, Richard, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 19th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had sent Mr. Ralston a bill which originated in the office of the State Controller; prepared by a leading member of the Code Commission who considered its general features good and beneficial; clause regarding making it obligatory upon banks to turn over unclaimed money of escheated estate to the State would be favorably considered by the Legislature; banks and savings and loan companies with small depositors will be the principal objectors; wants Mr. Ralston to state his opinion; if banking interests want the bill beaten, Mr. Brown believes it can be done.

ALS 4pp.
item 2185

Brown, Shipler & Co., London, [England], 28th Feb[ruar]y, 1873. To William C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Letter of introduction to Madame Arabella Goddard, the eminent pianiste who will tour the United States and the Colonies professionally; will feel obligated to Mr. Ralston for anything he can do for her which will make her San Francisco visit agreeable.

LS 1p.
item 2185

Brown, Shipler & Co., London, [England], 28 Feb[ruar]y, 1873. To William C. Ralston, Esqr. Per Parthea. Private.

Additional Note

Sending a press copy of a letter of introduction to Madame Arabella Goddard, the eminent pianiste who plans a professional tour of the United States and the Colonies; will appreciate any attention Mr. Ralston is able to show her; comments on her personal character.

ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas], The Bank of California, San Francisco, April 5th, 1871. To H.R. Linderman. Sight draft (?).

Additional Note

Pay H.R. Linderman thirty-five hundred dollars in U.S. Gold Coin, "value received."

DS
[In upper left corner:] " See letter to HRL dated 2.8.71."
item 2090

Brown, Tho[mas], n.p., Nov[ember] 3d, [187]1[?]. To H.M. [?]kall.

Additional Note

Receipt for bonds received from Messrs. H.M. [?]kall & Co.; gives number of bonds with their inclusive numbers of Southern Pacific Railroad Company of California, each bond for $1000 and for whom to be held; the same for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, each bond likewise for $1000.

DS 1p.
 

Brown, Thomas

Additional Note

See also Central Pacific Railroad collection
item 2095

Brown, W[----] E., Sec[retar]y, Office of the Contract and Finance Company, Sacramento, [California], Ap[ril] 28, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

According to Gov[ernor] [Leland] Stanford there were no encumbrances on the Bay View Railroad when sold; therefore the fee charged by [Joseph M] Nongues in a suit which he defended concerned a matter before the sale of the Railroad and should be charged to the parties interested then and not to Contract and Finance Company.

ALS 1p.
See Nongues, Jos[eph] M., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], April 12th, 1873. To Central Pacific Railroad Company, Memorandum.
item 2095

Brown, W[----] E., Secretary, Office of the Contract and Finance Company, Sacramento, May 5, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston., Esq.

Additional Note

Requested that the enclosed checks amounting to $1676.08 be credited to Contract and Finance Co[mpany]; the bill for legal services of M. Anegues is being returned since Mr. Brown had consulted Governor [Leland] Stanford in regard to it and he stated that it was up to the parties who had an interest in the Potrero and Bay View R[ail] R[oad] before the purchase to pay the bill.

ALS 1p.
item 2200

Browne, J[ohn] Ross, S[an] F[rancisco], Nov[embe]r 25, 1871. To My dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Enclosed notes he had promised; if any statistics or special data are wanted, please let Mr. Browne know.

ALS 1p.
Notes enclosed with the above about marsh lands in California, their purchase, reclamation, and cultivation, with special reference to those around San Francisco Bay.

[Unsigned] 5pp.
item 2205

Burlingame, Anson, Copenhagen, [Denmark], Oct[ober] 24th, [18]69, 1 A.M. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Copy.

Additional Note

Governor [Frederick F.] Low must be seen before he leaves for China advised Mr. Burlingame; "better go to Europe"; "late for Peking"; Mr. Burlingame given "warm reception in Sweden and Denmark."

Cable unsigned. 1p.
item 2210

Burlingame, Edward L., Boston, Ap[ril] 29, 1870. To William C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Thanks him for telegram and letter received; to reach San Francisco about May twentieth.

[Unsigned] 1p.
item 2215

Burnett, (Mrs.) Margaret A., San Francisco, 30th January, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston

Additional Note

Asked for an interview with Mr. Ralston; gave Gov[ernor] [Peter]Burnett and Gov[ernor] [Henry G.] Blaisdel [Blasdel] as references.

ALS 2pp.
item 2220

Burnett, P[eter] H., Pacific Bank, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], Dec[ember] 1st, 1869. To Mess[rs] McLaughlin & Ryland.

Additional Note

Sent a draft for $2000 for collection; proceeds to be sent to Pacific Bank.

ALS 1p.
Regrets mess in Santa Clara.
Rec[eived] Dec[ember] 2nd
[Returned, as per instructions, Dec[ember] 7th.
item 2225

Burroughs, C[harles] G., St. Mary's College, Jan[uary] 15, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thankful for Mr. Ralston's kindness during the past year and hopes to repay him at some future time; laughed when he read the morning Call that Mr. Ralston had "boosted him out"; hoped Mr. Ralston will be successful in his factory and in everything; thanked him for his kind advice.
ALS 2pp.
P.S. Asked that his poor writing be excused since he had little time. Drawing below postscript.
item 2230

Burt, J[----] Gus, San Francisco, [California], May 25th, [18]70. To W[illiam] C. Ralston Esq.

Additional Note

Resigns his position in the Bank of California and requests that it be accepted to take effect on June 1st.

ALS 1p. Includes typewritten copy.
item 2235

Butterworth, [----], Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of the Bank of California, 33 Pine Street, New York, May 25, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received letters of credit, one of introduction, but no exchange on London as Mr. Ralston had promised him a 60 day bill on London; asked that it be sent him since he had deposited money in the Bank; mentioned trip and is sailing for England [?].

ALS 1p.
Note added at top of page: "Make draft order S.I. [?] Butterworth. 60 dfs 2000L $9846 $5 W.C.R."
item 2235

Butterworth, [----], New York, Sept[ember] 30th, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to send him his letter of credit without which he came; everybody "panicky"; [Henry B. or Charles E.] Laidlow "says the worst is over"; hoped there will be no scare in California; stated possible future plans.

ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Butterworth, S[----] F. [and] W[illiam] C. Ralston, Exec[utive] Comm[ittee], San Fran[cis]co, July 8th, 1869. To Gentlemen [Trustees of the College of California].

Additional Note

The Executive Committee of the Board of Regents of the University of California was authorized to rent the needed buildings from the College of California on a one year lease and to make preparation for opening the first session of the University of California in Oakland in September, 1869; the classes of the college then to be transferred to the University.

ALS 1p.
Original in the Archives of the Board of Regents of the University of the University of California Library.
item 3000

C[----], [----] W., California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Jan[uar]y 7, 1860[?]. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Thinks Mr. Wade will make a satisfactory arrangement regarding Mr. Ralston's matter; should include both past and future which is to be determined before C[----] leaves; pledged that matter to be "absolutely private and confidential"; inquires about the Bank's business.

T 1 p.
item 3005

C[----], J.[?], n.p., [June 10th, [18]74]. To W[illiam] C. R[alston].

Additional Note

Dispatch sent to [----] Wetmore that his proposition would be met that day (as directed by MacC----); no dispatch direct from Mr. Wetmore but received a letter from him to the effect that the Committee would "report adversely to [Adolph] Sutro, but dare not publish the fact"; dubious what the Senate will do since "Sutro Seemed to have them in a spell--yet I think I have compassed him"; explains about the work he has done; Sutro has no way to get news through to those on his side; "cannot explain more."
ALS 1 p.
[P.S.]
Necessary to send the papers there--"all over the state--to speak out on the Judiciary Committee report and telegraph pointed points at once"; Mr. [----] MacC----agreed with that suggestion and "has started the ball in two places"; this must he done quickly since action may occur any day as the bill is on the calendar.

ALS 1 p.
item 3010

Cabrello, Margaret Louise, Janesville, Rock Co[unty], Wisconsin, June 11, 1875. To Hon[orable] [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston for his kind reply to her letter inquiring about "a home for friendless women in San Francisco"; had made other inquiries since the person referred to was anxious to make that her home; Ralston had misunderstood since the lady was not poor but had some means with which she would have endowed the home; her death intervened; Mrs. Cabrello collects pictures of distinguished persons of merit and asks Ralston for his; mentions some prominent people who have given her their pictures.

ALS 3 pp.
item 3015

Caduc, Philip [per] W[illie] M. Firderer, San Francisco, [California], March 10, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Calls Ralston's attention to a sidewalk laid with Hydro Carbonized Brick in front of A.C. Peachy's property on Mission Street near 4th Street; considers it far superior and more durable than any other sidewalk material; sidewalk mentioned laid 6 years and as perfect as when laid.

LS[?] 1p.
item 3020

Caldwell, R[----] L., Du Bois, Washington Co[unty], Ill[inoi]s, February 6, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has seen newspaper account of Ralston in a St. Louis paper portraying his character and his wealth; writes him asking him to send him money for transportation for himself, wife, and 16 year old son to California and to provide himself and son with work to repay him; gives his qualifications and list of public offices he has held; also qualifications of his son.

ALS 4 pp.
 

Cameron, R.

Additional Note

See Oriental Bank Corp. collection.
item 3025

Cameron, Simon, Harrisburg, [Pennsylvania[?]], Nov[ember] 3, 1874. To Hon[orable] W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston "for one of the most pleasant evenings of [his] life"; while he had highly appreciated California people and resources he had come away with a greatly exalted opinion of everything relating to San Francisco and the State; everything is on a grand scale yet; the city and state are "in the infancy of their greatness;"

ALS 1 p.
item 3030

Campbell, A.H., Petersborough, Ontario, 20th August, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esquire.

Additional Note

Regarding trip of Miss Fanny Cargill from England to Japan with special emphasis upon trip from Canada to San Francisco; asked Mr. Ralston to arrange for ship accommodations and to send Mr. Campbell an introduction to the [Pullman car] manager in Chicago which would secure for her care and attention from Chicago.

ALS 4 pp.
Answered by William C. Ralston, September 8, 1874.
 

Campbell, P.

Additional Note

See Oriental Bank Corp. collection.
item 3035

Canavan, P.H., San Francisco, [California], March 13, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses a ticket of invitation to the Grand Banquet of the St. Patrick's Society to be held the following Friday evening; Dinner Committee desires that he honor them with his presence.

ALS 1 p.
item 3040

Cannon, Geo[rge] L., Salt Lake City, [Utah], Oct[ober] 14th, 1874. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The request in Ralston's letter of the 12th was so in accord with the feelings of Mr. Cannon and those of his friends that immediate steps were taken to comply with it; meanwhile Mr. [----] Y[----] arrived and drew up the communication he thought would answer the purpose.

ALS 1 p.
 

Cany, Mo Gemda [?]

Additional Note

See Stevens, Robert J.
item 3045

Capel, I[----] J. Rector, The Catholic University College, Kensington, [England], July 7, 1875.

Additional Note

In view of Ralston's sympathy for that which is done for the advancement of Education he appeals to him to do something for the college, either by donation or by yearly subscription.

ALS 2 pp.
Note added: "This is Impudence. W.C.R."
item 3050

Carandini, Marie, Adelaide, Australia, Sept[em]b[e]r 6th, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Grateful for all the attention Ralston gave her and family while in San Francisco; gives an account of herself and children; cautions Mr. Ralston about working his brain too much; hopes the birds she sent laid; encloses draft for L50 that Mr. Ralston loaned her.

ALS 4 pp.
Enclosed newspaper clipping regarding a concert given by The Carandini Company.
item 3050

Carandini, Marie, Off Kitika [?], New Zealand, Feb[ruar]y 10th, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Pleased to hear from Ralston but regret to learn of his serious illness; trusts he has recovered from those painful pills [?]; gives an account of her children and herself.

ALS 4 pp. The following letter was probably enclosed with the above letter:
item 3050

Neill, William, The National Bank of Australia, 9th Sep[tember], 1872. To Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending a draft for L50 on London to Mr. Ralston at request of Mr. W[alter] Sherwin.

ALS 1 p.
item 3055

Cargill, Fanny D., London, [England], 15 August [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Leaving England for Quebec and then through Canada to San Francisco; asks Mr. Ralston to make cabin reservations on the Pacific steamer and take tickets to Yokohama for herself and party; comments on health of small sister and possibility of her father coming to California to meet them.
ALS 3 pp.
[P.S.]
Going by way of Canada hoping to see their Uncle Mr. Campbell.
item Unnumbered

Cargill, (Mrs.) [Helen], place and date illegible, To Mrs. [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Sailing against wind and current; Mrs. Cargill finding it a most tedious and uninteresting voyage; very few passengers and "those only passable"; only the Captain has something cheery to say; Seeing whales was the only worthwhile incident; looks back with pleasure to her visit with Mr. & Mrs. Ralston and their great kindness; thinks her husband would say the same; love to the children.

ALS 4 pp.

Letter partly illegible.
item 3060

Cargill, Helen, Yokohama, [Japan], August 6th, 1872. To Mrs. [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had written to congratulate Mrs. Ralston on the advent of another child, "but the letter was mislaid"; Mr. Cargill in Kobé "on railway business"; will send orchids soon; wants "a lot of rose trees sent to her"; should have written Mr. [----] Walker for them but did not know his address in Cargill's absence; comments on horses and cow that were sent; asks where Ralston boys and daughter are; inquires about Mrs. Ralston's French maid; Mr. [William E.] Barron's passing; though it "very queer" that Mrs. Ralston had never written her.

ALS 4 pp.
item 3060

Cargill, (Mrs.) Helen, Yokohama, [Japan], November 8th, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The family arrived safely; thanks Ralston for his kindness to them and making them comfortable; loss of portmanteau; Mr. Walker, Mr. Cargill and daughters left for the hills soon after their arrival; "Why don't you come to pay us a visit?"

ALS 3 pp.
 

Cargill, William W.

Additional Note

See Oriental Bank Corp. collection.
item 3065

Carleton, (Mrs.) [S.W.], 1227 Pine Street between Leavenworth & Hyde, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], Aug[ust] 28th, [18]73. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Not surprised that the warm weather has prostrated Mr. Ralston; gives a number of remedies--drink ale with quinine, or brandy, beef essence with directions for preparing it, tonics, egg nog, carbonate of magnesia, cold water enemas, ice poultices, and the prescription Mrs. Carlton gave him; if these directions are pursued he will be restored to health; "Dismiss all doctors, they make you worse"; looking forward to Ralston's promised visit."

ALS 3 pp.
item 3070

Carnes, Adolphus, Cincinnati, [Ohio], June 27, [18]74. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received check for ten dollars and answered Ralston's letter; heard that letter had not been received so writes a second acknowledgment of payment; except for check Carnes would not have known of any business transaction between Ralston and his deceased son-in-law.

ALS 1 p.
Note added: "Letter received & all O.K."
item 3075

Carnes, (Mrs.) E[----] H., 32-4th Street, [San Francisco, California], undated To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Gives an account of misfortunes in the family and asks for "a little Christian charity...for my children's sake."

ALS 3 pp.
Note added: "Send $20--with a note. W.C.R."
item 3080

Carnes, (Mrs.) F[----] G., [San Francisco, California], Sep[tember] 6th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Seeks Ralston's aid by the way of influence in behalf of her husband, a Professor of Music, who has had many reverses; asks for an appointment for an interview to explain herself satisfactorily.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3085

Carpentier, Horace W., Washington, [D.C.], April 3, 1869. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Ralston's dispatch about [William] McGarrahan; nothing more to be done about the matter in the current session of Congress; will explain reasons for his dispatch to Ralston whsees him; "case looks well now"; "Hutchinson managing it with skill and ability."

ALS 1 p.
item 3090

Carr, Clark E., Galesburg, Ill[inois], Nov[ember] 4th, 1869. To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston, Esq.].

Additional Note

Has given a letter of introduction to Ralston to Mr. Charles Hurd who is marrying Miss Day and leaves for California on his "bridal tour"; gives background of both; any attention or courtesy to them will be appreciated; Carr "perfectly delighted with his trip to California"; indebted to Ralston for his attentions.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3095

Cary, T[homas] G., Cambridge, [Massachusetts], June 9th, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has given a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston to Mr. Sylvester L'tmy (L'Amy) and asked that he be given information about traveling through the country of interest to him; also giving letter to Professor Gibbs of Cambridge and one to Professor Benjamin Pierce; gives brief account of each; Cary will pay a visit to Ralston as soon as he can find someone to take his place at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass., where Mr. Cary is "Chief Cook & Bottle Washer."

ALS 4 pp.
item 3095

Cary, Tho[mas] G., Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sept[embe]r 9th, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Giving a letter of introduction to Ralston to Ferdinand Becker who is going to California "to see what he can do"; has been spoken of as a Professor of Metallurgy at the University of California but there is some difficulty about the arrangements; states qualifications of Mr. Becker; asks Ralston to give Mr. Becker advice if he can.

ALS 4 pp.
item 3095

Cary, Tho[mas] G., Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 19, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Ben[jamin] T. Reed when visiting California was enthusiastic about Ralston's style of driving and his taste of horse flesh; his son Jack Reed wants to write Ralston to recommend to his care a confidential clerk who goes to California to look after a dilatory agent and will refer to Cary's letter of introduction; account of Reed and his business; obliged to Ralston for his kindness to Mr. [Ferdinand] Becker.

ALS 4 pp.
item 3100

Casey, Tho[mas] Lincoln, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, D.C., August 8, 187[1]. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending Ralston "a copy of Vol. III (Mining Industry) Report on Exploration of the 40th Parallel, with Atlas," for his use.

LS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Casey, Tho[mas] Lincoln, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, D.C., Feb[ruary] 28, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending Ralston "a copy of Vol. V (Botany) Report on Geological Exploration of the 40th Parallel" for his own use.

LS 1 p.
item 3110

Casserly, E[ugene], Dec[ember] 11th, 1867. To [William C.] Ralston. "Private."

Additional Note

Wants to know whether Ralston knows any member of the Legislature whom he could influence in Casserly's favor; "If yes, now is the time to strike."

ALS 1 p. marked [Private].
item 3110

Casserly, E[ugene], New York, Feb[ruary] 26, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. "Private."

Additional Note

Account of N[ew] Idria claim in Congress and its opposition by Mr. G & Co. and "ring"; possible appointees to be attorney-general; contacts with [James] Lees.

ALS 6 pp. Marked [Private].
item 3110

Casserly, E[ugene], Washington, D.C., M[ar]ch 13, [18]69. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Bill affecting Pacific Coast passed both houses of Congress in session [ending March 3, 1869] and was pocket vetoed by the President; brought up again in new session [beginning March 4, 1869] where it had every prospect of passing in the Senate; gives an account of how it was defeated whereby Pacific Coast was saved from "a piece of very mischevious legislation"; Ralston should have a the Alta [California] and [San Francisco] Bulletin publish a paragraph about "this incident in legislation affecting the Pacific Coast; rush of California schemes, rail roads, water ditches and canals, land grants by the millionaires, each one "clamoring to be put right thro"; sees no trouble for New Idria this session; Republican caucus "to defer all business not political or of general interest."

ALS 6 pp. Franked envelope.
item 3110

Casserly, E[ugene], N[ew] York, May 21, [18]69. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had waited in vain to meet [Schuyler] Colfax either in Washington or New York so sent him Ralston's last long letter on mint matters; Cyrus A. Eastman to be U.S. Treasurer in San Francisco; Democratic politics in New York City, especially for Mayor, are "getting warm"; [----] Baird a friend and a "true man. "

ALS 2 pp. Franked envelope.
item 3110

Casserly, E[ugene], South Orange, N[ew] Jersey, Sept[ember] 22nd, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[William Pitt] Fusenden's death a loss to the country but not to be regretted in the N[ew] Idria matter, his prejudices were all wrong and violent; Two others have resigned from Senate and should be replaced by good men; a vigorous campaign on the other side must be prepared for the next session of Congress; saw Mrs. Ralston & children in New York; "Things financial are not satisfactory and likely to grow worse rather than better." [part of last page obliterated]

ALS 3 pp.
item 3111

Casserly, E[ugene], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], Feb[ruary] 8, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Ralston's letters on Pioch's Rancho and The Union Mail subsidy.

ALS 1 p.
item 3111

Casserly, E[ugene], South Orange, N[ew] J[ersey], July 30, [18]70. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Action regarding "mint-bullion matter"; amendment to money bill failed; China mail subsidy; Australian line; enclosed an article from Alta [California] of personal malice toward Casserly regarding income tax; Casserly worked hard to defeat it in Senate; tells how; enclosed clipping from Congressional Globe, July 7, 1870 showing vote in Senate; Casserly "pained" with Senate Lot Myrick Morrill of Maine.

ALS 4 pp. Clipping from Congressional Globe, and article from Alta [California] lacking.
item 3111

Casserly, E[ugene], South Orange, N[ew] J[ersey], Aug[ust] 5, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed "official act for Gold Note Banks"; does not see why such a Bank should not pay in S[an] F[rancisco] if "under proper auspeices"; sending "act for Int[ernal] Revenue, Tariff and Inland transportation"; will send others in Ralston's line when he receives them.
ALS 2 pp.
P.S. Will be in S[an] F[rancisco] next month.
Note added at bottom of page 1: "I want to answer this. W.C.R."
item 3111

Casserly, E[ugene], [Washi[ngto]n D.C.], Dec[ember] 10, [18]70. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

McGarrahan thieves, not able to steal the New Idria Mines for themselves, are seemingly determined to steal them for the U[nited] States; General [----] Butler was their leader in making out the mines belonged to the U[nited] States; Butler foreshadowed this in his speech and letter in the telegraphs; will so report with Brerton Cook of Ill[inois] and possibly others on the same committee; issue made a party question by [U.S.] Grant's scandalous course; if Ralston's title is right under Congressional Mining Act "the trial will eventually help the company"; suggests best articles from California newspapers of each party be selected and printed in a pamphlet as "The Voice of California"; David S. Wilson asked to write same suggestion; predicts that no one will be safe in his possessions if they can be reached by present Congress or the Administration; considered the President [Grant] the worst of all; President shows gratitude toward the S[an] F[rancisco] men, of whom Ralston was the chief, who saved California for him in 1868; presumes Ralston will do it a second time.

ALS 3 pp.
item 3112

Casserly, E[ugene] Washi[ngto]n, Ap[ril] 29, [18]71. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sent Ralston a 6 volume set of the "Paris Exposition" which he had had especially bound for friends' libraries.

ALS 1 p. Casserly, E[ugene], Wash[ingto]n, Nov[ember] 17, [18]71. To [William C.] Ralston. Enclosed letter from [George G.] Wright, a Senator from Iowa, an able man who has weight; does not know why D[avid] S. Wilson's services were dispensed with; New Idria [Mine] people are tired of heavy expenses, thought if fight is to be kept up, does not See how they can "dispense with his experience and information"; enclosed "official statement of Chicago's losses by N[orth?] A[merican?] Ins[urance] Co[mpany]; mentioned death of Andrew Hill; if buried in S[an] F[rancisco] there should be a monument worthy of him and he wants to help."
ALS 4 pp.
P.S. "Did you see [----] Morton during his stay in S[an] F[rancisco]?"
item 3112

Casserly, E[ugene], Wash[ingto]n, Nov[ember] 17, [18]71. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed letter from [George G.] Wright, a Senator from Iowa, an able man who has weight; does not know why D[avid] S. Wilson's services were dispensed with; New Idria [Mine] people are tired of heavy expenses, thought if fight is to be kept up, does not see how they can "dispense with his experience and information"; enclosed "official statement of Chicago's losses by N[orth?] A[merican?] Ins[urance] Co[mpany]; mentioned death of Andrew Hill; if buried in S[an] F[rancisco] there should be a monument worthy of him and he wants to help."
ALS 4 pp.
P.S. "Did you see [----] Morton during his stay in S[an] F[rancisco]?"
item 3112

Casserly, E[ugene], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, Dec[ember] 23, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Ralston and Casserly only two persons really interested in defeating the McGarrahan swindle; no response to letter asking Ralston to have Mr. W.H.L. Barnes render certain services to help "the honest side of the case"; coinage tax; mint bill; free coinage.

ALS 4 pp.
item 3112

Casserly, E[ugene], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, Jan[uary] 23, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Wanted [W.H.L.?] Barnes' statement with dates in regard to the negotiations in the office of C.V. Barnes for the purchase by W[illiam] R. Garrison of the titles to the New Idria Mine; coinage charge kept at 1/5th of 1%; attitude of Pacific Coast friends toward it and his own.

ALS 3 pp.
Note added: "Answered February 4th, [18]73."
 

CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD COLLECTION (Begin)

Additional Note

The following letters are from the Huntington-Hopkins Papers, Stanford University Library, listed chronologically.
item Unnumbered

Crocker, E[----] B., S[an] F[rancisco], Ap[ril] 12, [18]67. To Mark Hopkins.

Additional Note

Has been getting up papers for bankers [Darius O.] Mills, [William C.] Ralston, [----] Bagon and others to sign regarding [Central Pacific]; wants 100 Land circulars gotten up by [----] Redding sent; wants [----] Steiner to send tracing ordered; wants Hopkins action regarding the purchase of the Western Pacific Railroad; makes fools out of Governor [Leland] Stanford and himself who has worked out all the details, if "it falls through," because his brother Charles and Mr. Hopkins oppose purchasing it; expects [Collis P.] Huntington to say "buy"; from his letters he is anxious to buy the northern roads but more so on a San Francisco or Goat Island road; asks Mr. Hopkins' views regarding the manner of dealing with the Northern lines or purchasing them and building them or purchasing only the Western Pacific which Huntington favors as their company would probably not be able to carry both.

ALS 2pp.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p.15. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Crocker, E[----] B., S[an] F[rancisco], Ap[ril] 16, [18]67. To Mark Hopkins.

Additional Note

Out of patience with the mismanagement of the drilling machine matter which Charles [Crocker] and [----] Stro oppose; the former is in the confidence of the latter and swears by him in everything; wrote an outspoken letter to his brother Charles, enclosed it to Mr. Hopkins who can send it on to him if thought best; [Leland] Stanford busy getting letters from capitalists; [---] Wilson not having much success, due to absence of [----] Emmett; considers W[estern] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad] of importance to the [Central Pacific] and [Collis P.] Huntington's letters indicate same feeling but has not heard from him; expects Stanford to receive letters from other financiers mentioned; Emmett and [Milton S.] Latham pleased with their trip to the summit; Emmett was impressed with the work going on and its management; train would not have been stopped by snow if snow plow was kept running all night; men not willing to work during storm; steamer arrived with a lot of glycerine which was immediately sent to Sacramento; excellent letters being received from local capitalists.

ALS 2 pp.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p.17. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, Nov[ember] 3rd, 1868.

Additional Note

To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California]. The notes given to buy Mr. Cohen's stock due 7th-10th November; will put them in Bank of California for collection if Mr. Hopkins approves.

LS 1 p. Answer at bottom of page:
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, November 4th, 1868. To A[lfred] A. Cohen, Esq.

Additional Note

Wants notes to lie over until return of Governor [Leland] Stanford, if satisfactory to Mr. Cohen; requests advisement.

LS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 61. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, Nov[ember] 5th, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Telegraph reply, "all right" to Mr. Hopkins' reply of November 4th; would like to have Mr. Hopkins pay the interest due on the notes to November 7th; amount is $6534.37; requests check for that amount.

LS 1 p.
Answer on same page:
item Unnumbered

H[opkins], M[ark], n.p., Nov[ember] 6, [18]68. To [Alfred A. Cohen].

Additional Note

Enclosed check on Bank of California to pay the interest on notes given on Aug[us]t 7, [18]68 as requested.

L[?] 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, [California], Nov[ember] 9, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Received check for $6534.37 for interest on four notes of August 7th due November 7th, 1868.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collection, Vol. X, p. 69.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] Cas[hier], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Nov[ember] 11th, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Had telegraphed Mr. Hopkins that day to transfer money for it was impossible to send draft in the amount needed because of the current money market; would be hazardous to supply the amount of money needed in the ordinary way; coin not within reach; a deposit with Less and Waller will make it possible to manage it; business is dull; light demand for exchange; the Bank's arrangement with the Government is the only way coin can be obtained.

LS 2 pp.
For telegram see:[Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, San Francisco, [California]. To Mark Hopkins, C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad].
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collection, Vol. X, p. 71.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, p[er] J[----] Dunn, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Nov[ember] 17th, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treas[ure]r, C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad] Co., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

The Bank of California had credited Mr. Hopkins account with $505,000 the amount a telegraph payment in N[ew] Y[ork]; Bank returned Hopkins draft for $500,000 on Nov[ember] 10th.

LS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 73.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Nov[ember] 21, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer] & C., Sacramento.

Additional Note

Due to the current monetary situation Mr. Hopkins is advised that the Bank of California cannot furnish him coin for disbursements unless money is placed with Lees & Waller in time to transfer it to the Bank of California; can only be done by sale of exchanges for which there is only a limited demand; had arrangement with U.S. Treas[ur]y to make telegraphic transfer of funds but it has been suspended.

LS 2 pp.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. X, p. 75.
item Unnumbered

Huntington, C[ollis] P., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, New York, Nov[ember] 24, 1868, 8:20 A.M. To Mark Hopkins, Treas[urer] C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad] Co.

Additional Note

Mr. Huntington had paid Lees & Waller $250,000 in gold.

TS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 77.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas] Ass[istant] Cash[ie]r, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, San Francisco Nov[ember] 25, 1868, 11:20 A.M. To Mark Hopkins, Treas[ure]r.

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account has been credited with $250,000 which was transferred from New York.

TS[?] 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 77.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t, for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, Nov[ember] 25, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Esq. Treas[ure]r Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

S252,500.00 credited to Mr. Hopkins account transferred by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 73, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, [Alfred] A., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, San Fran[cisco], [November] 30, 1868. To E[----] B. Crocker.

Additional Note

"All right will write fully."

TS[?] 1 p.
Note added in Crocker's handwriting[?]:
"This in reference to arrival of Cohen's note of $20,000 to Carpentier."
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 79.
item Unnumbered

Booth, L[----] A., The Atlantic and Pacific States Telegraph Company, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 4, 1868, 4:45 A.M. To E[----] H. Mills, Jr., K St[reet].

Additional Note

Inquires about selling his C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad] Stock at par 44.

TS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 79.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 8, 1868. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.

Additional Note

Requests check for $2613.75 as interest on four notes due December 7.

LS 1 p.
Answer on same page:
item Unnumbered

H[opkins], M[ark] n.p., Dec[ember] 9, 1868. To [Alfred A. Cohen].

Additional Note

Sent check for one month's interest to January 7, [18]69. L 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 69. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cas[hier], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Dec[ember] 8th, 1868. To Leland Stanford, Esq.

Additional Note

The Bank of California holds ten notes for the account of the Marysville Rail R[oad] Co[mpany] for bonds; expect these notes to be paid by December 28th, 1868.

LS 1 p.
Note added: If no word to the contrary, the Bank will charge these notes to Mr. Stanford's account and hold them for collection on this account since the matter must be closed.

NS
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. X, p. 81.
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, Sac[rament]o, Jan[uar]y 11, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq., Cash[ie]r & C. [Copy].

Additional Note

Would like to postpone drawing on New York until [Collis P.] Huntington arrives there about January 25; in the interval Mr. Hopkins asks the consent of the Bank of California to make out checks for disbursement which would probably amount to $500,000.

1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol X, p. 87.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas], Ass[istan]t C[ashier], The Bank of California, San Francisco, Jan[uar]y 12th, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Trea[surer], Sacramento, California.

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins letter of January 11 received and "contents noted"; his check on the Bank of California for the amount named [$500,000] will be duly honored.

LS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 87. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Jan[ua]ry 22d, 1869. To [Mark] Hopkins, Treas[urer], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins was credited with $253,125 as per a transfer by telegram from [Collis P.] Huntington.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 10, p. 93.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t, The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Jan[ua]ry 27, 1869. To M[ark]Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer].

Additional Note

Gave Mr. Hopkins account credit for $253,125 in gold transferred by telegram by [Collis P.] Huntington through Lees & Waller the previous day.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 10, p. 93.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t, The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Jan[ua]ry 29, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins' account credited with $253,125 by a transfer by telegram from New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 10, p. 101.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, Feb[ruar]y 12, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.

Additional Note

Requests that check for interest to February 7 be sent to him.

LS 1 p.
"Ans[were]d Feb[ruar]y 15th & sent ch[ec]k $2613.75."
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 109. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California] Febr[uar]y 13, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

$253,125 in gold had been credited to the account of Mr. Hopkins for transfer from [Collis P. Huntington] per telegram from Lees & Waller of the previous day.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 10, p. 107.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Febr[uar]y 16, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account has been credited with $304,500 which [Collis P.] Huntington had deposited with Lees & Waller as per their telegram of the day before.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. 10, p. 107.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Febr[uar]y 20, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

The Bank of California credited Mr. Hopkins with $253,750 in gold which was transferred from [Collis P.] Huntington through Lees & Waller to the Bank.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 107.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, March 8, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Esq., Treas[ure]r, Sacramento.

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account credited with $5-8,750 in gold per telegram from N[ew] York, on March 6.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 117.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, March 11, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[ure]r.

Additional Note

$305,250 in gold from [Collis P.] Huntington credited to Mr. Hopkins account as per telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 117.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, p[er] J[----] Dunn, The Bank of California, San Francisco April 1st, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treas[ure]r Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

The Bank of California charged Mr. Hopkins account with a check for $24720 made by A[lfred] A. Cohen on his account; Leland Stanford paid April 1st, 1869.

LS 1 p.
[Note added probably at Mark Hopkins direction]
"(This was to pay for Oakland R.R. Stock)"
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 129.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad company, San Francisco, April 10, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento.

Additional Note

Requests that interest on notes to April 7 be sent; asks to have such interest payments arranged at the Bank of California instead of writing Mr. Hopkins every month; purchased 30 shares of Oakland R[ail] R[oad] stock at 60 1/2 for Mr. Hopkins' account and paid for by [William C.] Ralston who received the stock.

LS 1 p.
"Ans[were]d with ch[eck] $2613.75 and authority to B[ank] of Cal[ifornia] to pay hereafter on presentation of note."
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 131. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, April 10, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[ure]r, Sacramento.

Additional Note

$612,000 transferred to the Hopkins account by [Collis P.] Huntington as per telegram from N[ew] Y[ork].

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 129.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad Company, San Francisco, April 27, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Sending $5000 in silver by Wells Fargo & Co. and will continue to send in such amounts until all is delivered since this company charges less for small parcels; Bank of California paid Mr. Cohen $ for stock bought from Charles Mayne.
LS 1 p.
[P.S.]
"The silver will be addressed E.H. Miller Jr."
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X., p. 139. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas], Ass[is]t[ant] Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], May 8th, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treasurer and C.

Additional Note

Money market so close that nearly all of the Bank's customers have asked for money; Bank wants to do all it can for legitimate commercial trade and important local interest but cannot carry any large amount of money for Mr. Hopkins' company without injuring the Bank's other customers; states condition of the account of both Mark Hopkins and Leland Stanford; would be glad to have amount of money to cover their credit in New York.

LS 3 pp.
First two pages in handwriting of W.C. Ralston; last page and signature by Thomas Brown.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. 10, p. 143.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, May 10, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.

Additional Note

Paid for 10 shares of Oakland Railraod stock at 60 1/2 by the Bank of California and charged to the account of Mr. Hopkins.

LS 1p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 145. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for Cashier [William C. Ralston], The Bank of California, San Francisco, May 10, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[ure]r, Sacramento.

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account has been credited with $306,000 by telegraphic transfer from [Collis P.] Huntington, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library, Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 147.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, May 20th, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento [California].

Additional Note

The purchase of 657 shares of Oakland Railroad Stock advised by Mr. Cohen has been completed in the manner stated; stock has been placed with the other stock in the Bank of California; wants acknowledgement of the note given for it and that Mr. Hopkins will pay principal and interest as due or send another note.

LS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 151. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, June 2, 1869.

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account has been credited with $101,250 in gold from [Collis P.] Huntington by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol X, p. 157.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], June 4, 1869. To C[----] Crocker et al.

Additional Note

Notice of note due June 5th, 1869 to the Bank of California.

L[?] 1 p.
[Note added]: "This was note dated June 8, [18]67 to order of administrator of Mott Robinsons Estate."
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collection, Vol. 10, p. 157.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco June 10, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins was requested to call at the Bank and to receive $203,000 in gold from [Collis P.] Huntington as transferred by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 157.
item Unnumbered

[Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, June 17, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

The Bank of California has credited Mr. Hopkins account with 101,250 in gold sent by [Collis P.] Huntington, transferred by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. 10, p. 165.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas] [for William C. Ralston, Cashier], The Bank of California, San Francisco [California], July 3d, 1869, To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer] Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

$75,000 in currency from E[----] H. Miller D[arius] O. Mills and W[illia]m C. Ralston had been placed to the credit of Mr. Hopkins' account by special deposit with which the Bank of California had paid his checks for that amount.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 10 p. 105.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t, for W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], July 15, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

Account has been credited with $202,500 in gold from [Collis P.] Huntington, as telegraphed by Lees & Waller in New York; the rate of exchange of 1 1/4 percent is "a very full one" as the Bank would sell at the same rate any large amount of exchange; probably will allow only 1 percent next time.

LS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collection, Vol. 10, p. 175.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco July 20, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[ure]r.

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account has been credited with $253,125 in gold from [Collis P.] Huntington as telegraphed by Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 175.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, July 22, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins was requested to call at the Bank of California to receive $253,125 in gold sent from [Collis P.] Huntington by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 175.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Aug[ust] 7, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

Mr. Hopkins account was credited with $506,250 in gold which was sent by [Collis P.] Huntington as transferred by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X, p. 175.
item Unnumbered

Sharon, W[illia]m p[er] B[----] Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company, Virginia, Nev[ada], Aug[us]t 28, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Sharon's letter of August 26, 1869; and was in agreement with his views "as to assessment of R[ail] Roads; will try to prevent the contemplated injury which would check the extension of rail roads.

LS 1 p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collection, Vol. 10, p. 181.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Rob[er]t for W.C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Aug[ust] 30, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[ure]r.

Additional Note

Credited to Mr. Hopkins account was $201,500 in gold from [Collis P.] Huntington which was transferred by telegram from Lees & Waller, New York.

ALS 1p.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. X., p. 183.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], August 31, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Returning two notes in favor of F[axon] D. Atherton which Judge [----] Robinson had left with Mr. Ralston to be exchanged for two notes of specified amounts by Mr. Hopkins.

LS 1 p.
[Note added probably by Mr. Hopkins]:
"Done in accordance with above request and sent W.C.R. October 21, 1869."
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collections Vol. 10, p. 183.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cas[hier], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Octo[ber] 2nd, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer] C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad] Co[mpany], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Wants note sent to Mr. Hopkins which was made by the railroad Directors in favor of F[----] D. Atherton for $53,718.12 to be replaced by "two notes of same tenor and date," one in favor of F.D. Atherton and the other for A[lfred] A. Cohen; requests that the notes be executed and sent as soon as convenient.

LS 1 p.
Note added probably by Mr. Hopkins: "These notes were sent Oct[ober] 2d before this letter was received."
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Transportation Collection, Vol. 10, p. 191.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, October 19, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Inquires whether it will be convenient to pay the notes of August 7, 1868 given for the purchase of stock of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad on November 7, 1869.

ALS 1 p. Notes itemized.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Robert for W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Nov[ember] 3d, 1869. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, San Fran[cisco], Dec[ember] 1, 1869. To Mark Hopkins. Telegram.

Additional Note

Lees & Waller telegraphed that [Collis P.] Huntington had deposited $200,000 in expectation of receiving [Governor Leland] Stanford's draft which will be cancelled when it reaches New York.

T 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, Sacramento, [California] Dec[ember] 1st, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, Bank of California.

Additional Note

Knows nothing about Governor [Leland] Stanford's draft but presumed it would be honored; his account is separate from Governor Stanford's and wants it treated that way; inquired whether his check would be honored against the transfer.

T 1 p.
Answered by telegram of W[illiam] C. Ralston, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 1, 1869:
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, San Fran[cisco], Dec[ember] 1, 1869. To Mark Hopkins.

Additional Note

Replied "all right only telegraph [Collis P.] Huntington accordingly"; [Governor Leland] Stanford covered his account with a draft; Mr. Huntington had Lees & Waller telegraph the Bank of California of the anticipation.

T 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 16 (Vol. 11 for Hopkins, Mark telegram, Dec[ember] 1st, 1869), Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Robert for W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 6, 1869. To Mark Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

$201,500 gold credited to Mr. Hopkins' account as deposited by Mr. [Collis P.] Huntington as per telegram from Lees & Waller.

L 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Stanford, Leland, et al., Sacramento, [California], Dec[ember] 7, 1869. To Alfred A. Cohen. Promissory note.

Additional Note

The undersigned "jointly and severally" promise to pay Alfred A. Cohen $50,000 in United States gold coin with interest at one per cent per month the same payable at the Bank of California.

NS 1 p.
"Cancelled" written across signatures.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII, p. 39, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

[Morgenstern, Robert for W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Jan[ua]ry 6th, 1870. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[ure]r.

Additional Note

Has credited to the account of Mr. Hopkins $202,000 gold deposited by [Collis P.] Huntington according to a telegram from Lees & Waller.

ALS 1p.
Original Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Morgenstern, Robert for W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Jan[ua]ry 14, 1870. To M[ark] Hopkins, Treas[urer].

Additional Note

The account of Mr. Hopkins has been credited with $202,000 by [Collis P.] Huntington according to a telegram received from Lees & Waller.

ALS 1p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Feb[ruary] 15th, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.

Additional Note

Had talked to Gov[ernor] [Leland] Stanford requesting that Mr. Hopkins would order [Collis P.] Huntington for a transfer to cover the account of both Mr. Hopkins and Governor Stanford for $230,000.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Cashier, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, San Fran[cisco] Feb[ruary] 22, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Treas[ure]r C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] Road. Telegram.

Additional Note

Had received no answer to the request of the Bank of California to Mr. Hopkins to find out whether he had telegraphed [Collis P.] Huntington to deposit with Lees & Waller to cover Mr. Hopkins' and Governor [Leland] Stanford's accounts.

T 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas] Ass[istant] C[ashier], The Bank of California, San Francisco M[ar]ch 26, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Esqr., Treas[urer], Sacramento.

Additional Note

The Bank of California had credited Mr. Hopkins' account with $656,500 for deposit by C[ollis] P. Huntington according to a telegram from Lees & Waller.

ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Brown, Tho[mas], Ass[istant] C[ashier], The Bank of California, San Francisco, March 28, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Treas[urer], Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Have debited the account of Mr. Hopkins with $500,000 which had been paid to Messrs. Newhall, Wayne and Donahue on order from Gov[ernor] Leland Stanford; enclosed receipt for same.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, A[lfred] A., Office of the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad Company, San Francisco, April 14, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California.]

Additional Note

Enclosed note for $24,000 for Mr. Hopkins and [Collis P.] Huntington to be signed by the former and returned; to be used to settle Mr. Cohen's note of April 24, 1869 for $24,420 to Charles Wayne for his Oakland R[ail] R[oad] stock; the balance to be paid in money.

ALS 1 p.
Notes added re payment of notes.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, San Francisco, May 2, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Enclosed note for $25,000 to replace note for $24,000 discounted with Bank of British Columbia, which was to pay his note given to pay for S[an] F[rancisco] and Oakland R[ail] R[oad] Stock purchased; requested Mr. Hopkins to have the note executed and returned and he will send $24,000 to him.

LS 1 p. Notes added.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., Office of the San Francisco and Oakland Railroad Company, May 2, 1870. To Mark Hopkins, Esq., Sacramento, [California].

Additional Note

Enclosed check for $3953 on the Bank of California which returns to Mr. Hopkins the amount he sent to the London San Francisco Bank for his interest on his note of $100,000 which Mr. Cohen had negotiated with that Bank; had paid said Bank all of the interest due it for which the Bank of California had reimbursed him; wants receipt acknowledged.

LS 1 p.
Note added.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uary] 13, 1872. To C[ollis] P. Huntington, V[ice] P[resident], 54 Williams Street, New York.

item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Jan[uar]y 23rd, [18]72. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

Invitation to dinner at the Ralston home to meet the Japanese Embassy; requested to telegraph that he is coming.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Correspondence, Vol. 11, Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Stanford, Leland et al., Sacramento, [California], February 14th, 1872. To Alfred A. Cohen. Promissory note.

Additional Note

The undersigned promised to pay Alfred A. Cohen six months after date, i.e. August 7, 1869, $100,000 with interest at 1% per month until paid, all in the gold coin of the United States.

NS 1 p.
[Charles Crocker did not sign.]
"Cancelled" written across signatures.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII, p. 39. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Stanford, Leland et al., Sacramento, [California], August 15th, 1872. To A[lfred] A. Cohen. Promissory note.

Additional Note

The undersigned promised to pay Mr. Cohen six months after the date one hundred twenty thousand dollars with 1% interest per month paid monthly, both principal and interest to be paid in United States gold coin.

NS 1 p.
"Cancelled" written across signatures.
[Charles Crocker did not sign.]
[Note added]: "Dec. 23, 1873, these four notes taken up by new notes," i.e. by three notes totaling $370,000.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII, p. 39. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., San Francisco, Dec[ember] 21st, [18]72. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

During a talk with [Leland] Stanford it was agreed that Stanford and [Mark] Hopkins must telegraph [Collis P.] Huntington to deposit a designated sum with Lees & Waller to the credit of the Bank of California and to Mr. Hopkins credit with the latter; Wants Mr. Hopkins to come down for a talk since Mr. Ralston feels that the former and his associates are not informed of the financial situation.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.]
[Mr. Ralston to be at his rooms the next day and the following Monday evening.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 5.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Dec[ember] 27th, 1872. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

Disappointed that [Collis P.] Huntington cannot deliver Sterling to Lees & Waller nor pay money now; expects to have plenty after February first; Mr. Ralston insisted that Mr. Huntington do that which was stated to Mr. Hopkins previously; the Bank of California limited the amount it will carry; the combined accounts for the railroad associates and those indirectly connected with them has far exceeded that amount; Bank of California has always been willing to do all it could for them in every way possible but must insist that Mr. Huntington deposit the money; some let up generally may occur in a few months.

ALS 2 pp.
Answered by [Hopkins, Mark], Sacramento, [California], Dec[ember] 29, 1872. To William C. Ralston.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 7.
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, [California], Dec[ember] 29, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Copy.

Additional Note

After the interview with Mr. Ralston, Mr. Hopkins telegraphed [Collis P.] Huntington to buy sterling and deposit it as was suggested; Mr. Huntington replied that it could not be done then but hoped to do so in January; also wrote him and hoped for a more satisfactory reply to it, (the letters); daily receipts to go to reduction of account; willing to place collateral with Mr. Ralston to guaranty the account or do anything within his power; useless to offer regrets instead of money for the situation; assures Mr. Ralston that he will take personal charge of reducing the account.

L 1 p.
Answer to Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Dec[ember] 27th, 1872. To Mark Hopkins.
Answered by Ralston, W[illiam] C., S[an] F[rancisco], [California], Dec[ember] 20th, [18]72. To Mark Hopkins.
Copy in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 9.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C. S[an] F[rancisco], Dec[ember] 30th, [18]72. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

Regrets that [Collis P.] Huntington "cannot respond promptly"; hopes more may be done than expected; as explained verbally to Mr. Hopkins it is required that he do so.
ALS 1 p.
[P.S.]
". . . not a question of security; . . .[wanted] simply a response."
Answer to Hopkins, [Mark] Sacramento, [California], Dec[ember] 29, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Copy.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 11.
item Unnumbered

Huntington, C[ollis] P., New York, Jan[uary] 3d, 1873. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Hopkins letters Nos. 173 and 174 and was greatly surprised at their contents; [Leland] Stanford had just told Huntington that [William C.] Ralston was not expecting any money then; will try to give Hopkins some money since he states he owes California banks a large sum of money but considers it not large for a corporation like the C[entral] P[acific] to owe banks; other large sums owed as well which should be paid as soon as possible; has concluded Stanford is not to be trusted business-wise; Ralston had telegraphed him via Lees & Waller he must pay or there would be trouble; telegram in cypher which was translated by Pheem [?] and given to Stanford in the morning but he did not show it to Huntington until afternoon because it was so disagreeable; had not been to see Lees & Waller nor answered the telegram because he did not know what to say; Huntington went to see Lees & Waller and told them the amount owed the Bank of California was not large for a business like the C[entral] P[acific] to owe a large bank but the interest should be paid and would pay them some money soon.

ALS 3 pp.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. III, p. 93. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Cohen, Alf[red] A., San Francisco, January 4, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq., Cashier, Bank of California.

Additional Note

As Mr. Ralston requested a telegram was sent to Mark Hopkins, "Do you require a quarter of a million dollars--answer immediately;" receiving no answer Mr. Cohen made the loan as advised; borrowed from Michael Reese L50,000 Sterling Exchange of the Bank of British North America enclosed for Mr. Hopkins; Mr. Cohen gave Mr. Reese a note for $251,020.38 bearing no interest; wants Mr. Hopkins to arrange for the transaction to relieve Mr. Cohen of the responsibility.

LS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII, p. 19. Stanford University Library
item Unnumbered

Ralston. W[illiam] C., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Jan[uar]y 4th, 1873. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. [Alfred A.] Cohen with the help of Michael Reese had obtained a loan for Mr. Hopkins from the Bank of British North America at the name rate that Mr. Reese paid that Bank; the Bank of California guaranteed the loan but will lose 1/4 to 3/8 per cent on the transaction; enclosed note to be executed and returned; Mr. Hopkins' checks to H[----] B. Tichenor paid; money market is closer than expected; due to heavy withdrawals for taxes.

ALS 1 p.
Answered by Mark Hopkins, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 6, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.
Original in Stanford University Library -- Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 15.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., S[an] F[rancisco], [California], Jan[uar]y 7th, 1873. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

Referred Mr. Hopkins to [Alfred A.] Cohen's original letter to Mr. Ralston and enclosed a copy of it; explains that the interest for the first two months is added to the cost of the Sterling and the note bears no interest until after March 5; explains how the loan was made with [Michael] Reese and the terms agreed upon; the Bank of California would lose over 3/8% on the transaction but everyone did his best to serve Mr. Hopkins.

ALS 2 pp.
Answer to Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 6th, 1873.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 23.
Copy of Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 6th, [18]73. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr., with above letter. Copy seems to be in the handwriting of Mr. Ralston:
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, [California] Jan[uar]y 6th, [18]73. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr. Copy.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of January 4th with enclosures; have done that which Mr. Ralston asked and is returning the note due March 5th for the amount of Sterling plus 2 1/2% monthly interest payable monthly.

LS 1 p.
Answer to Ralston, W[illiam] C., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California] Jan[uar]y 4th, 1873. To Mark Hopkins, Esq.
Copy in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins, Collection, Vol. 12, p. 23.
item Unnumbered

Hopkins, Mark, Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 8th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

While thanks are owed to Mr. Ralston for his efforts in purchasing sterling, Mr. Hopkins owes an apology to Mr. Ralston for the blunder he made in his note to him on January 6th; due to haste as he understood it and made a correct entry.

LS 1 p.
Answer to Ralston, W[illiam] C., S[an] F[rancisco], [California], Jan[uar]y 7th, [18]73.
Original in Stanford University Library--Mark Hopkins Collection, Vol. 12, p. 25.
item Unnumbered

Huntington, C[ollis] New York, Nov[ember] 25th, 1873. To M[ark] Hopkins, No. 68.

Additional Note

Had received Hopkins letter of November 15th, No. 127; writes regarding notes to be paid by bonds in manner he proposes; Huntington does not understand plan but telegraphs Hopkins to do for him that which he would do for himself; among the bills payable Huntington is surprised to find nothing due the Bank of California and asked regarding not owing it anything; January interest must be paid from daily earnings.

ALS 1 p.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. V, p. 201. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Stanford, Leland et al., San Francisco, December 13th, 1873. To Alfred A. Cohen. Promissory note.

Additional Note

Three months after date (i.e. March 13, [1874]) the undersigned "jointly and severally" promised to pay Alfred A. Cohen at the Bank of California $100,000 with interest at 1% per month until paid, all payable in United States gold coin.

NS 1 p.
"Paid by new note March 13, 1875" written across note.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII, p. 41. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Stanford, Leland et al., San Francisco, December 13th, 1873. To Alfred A. Cohen Promissory note.

Additional Note

Three months after date (i.e. 13 March [1874]) the undersigned "jointly and severally" promised to pay $120,000.00 to Alfred A. Cohen at the Bank of California with interest at 1% per month until paid, all to be paid in United States gold coin.

NS 1p.
"Paid by new note March 13, 1875" written across note.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII p. 41. Stanford University Library.
item Unnumbered

Stanford, Leland et al., San Francisco, May 11th, 1874. To Alfred A. Cohen. Promissory note.

Additional Note

The undersigned "jointly and severally" promised to pay Alfred A. Cohen four months after date (i.e. Sept 14) $150,000 with interest at 1% per month until paid all in United States gold coin payable at the Bank of California.

NS 1p.
[All signatures crossed out.]
"July 14/75. Renewed for 3 months without grace at 1%," underlined and written across note.
Original in Mark Hopkins Transportation Correspondence, Vol. XII, p. 113. Stanford University Library
 

CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD COLLECTION (End)

item 3300

Chadwick, David Esq., 65 Moorgate Street, London E.C., Jan[uar]y 1st, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"Very pleasant voyage" back to England; hopes this will encourage Ralston to travel to Europe next summer; presented Mr. Ralston's letter to Mr. [Charles J.F.] Stuart, Manager of Oriental Bank; discussion regarding investment of English capital in California; reasons for not investing given; conditions for investment suggested.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3310

Chapman, F[----] B., Honor West, G[eorgi]a[?]. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Announces death of his mother; asks Mr. Ralston, a cousin, for capital to invest in a stock farm; outlines plans.

ALS 6 pp.
item 3315

Chapman, G[----] W. n.p. June 24th, 1872. To A[ndrew] J[ackson] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had written to Jackson Ralston but had received no letter from him; presumes he had heard of the death of his wife and gives all the details about it; there is a family grave yard on the point above the house where Mr. Ralston's mother, one of his aunts and members of Mr. Chapman's family were buried; he plans to move all the bodies to the New Cumberland Cemetery as his farm may pass into other hands and the graves destroyed; wants to get a monument suitable for all; Jackson Ralston's grandmother nearly 87 is growing weaker and may not live another year; her husband is 91; "with mutch love to you all, your cincere unkle."

ALS 4pp.
item Unnumbered

Chapman, W[illiam] S., Office of W.S. Chapman, Dealer in Real Estate and Agricultural College Scrip, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], July 15, 1875. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Esq.

Additional Note

Had drawn on Mr. Yerington for $1000 for Surveyor [----] Carlton; his account if more than the $1000 draft but it covers his present demands; advanced him money from time to time.

ALS 1 p.
[Answer added]
item Unnumbered

Y[erington], H[enry] M., July 19, [1875]. To W.S. Chapman.

Additional Note

Had paid B[ank] of Cal[ifornia] in V[irgini]a [City] a $1000 draft which Mr. [----] Carlton is to refund through W.S. Chapman when he receives his pay for his survey in Lake Valley; The U.S. Government, El Dorado, W[ells] and F[argo] advanced money to help him out.

ANS 1 p.
item 3325

Charles, D [----] T., Albany, N[ew] Y[ork], June 30th, 1870. To [William] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending horse shoes and the hoof and connecting bones of the horse's leg showing the anatomy of the latter with directions on how to use the shoes; sending a toilet set as a present to Mr. Ralston's little girl; did not call upon Mr. Ralston before leaving for fear of imposing upon him during business hours.

ALS 1 p.
item 3330

Chin, Kwonaki, Chinese Commissioner, The Windsor, Fifth Avenue, New York, 26th Nov[ember], 1874. To Hon[orable] W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston for letters of introduction to General [----] Babcock and Gen[era]l [----] Meigs; introduced to President of the United States; writes of visit to Philadelphia and New York before going to London.

ALS 2 pp.
 

Chittenden, L.E..

Additional Note

See Sargent, Aaron A.
item 3335

Clay, Susan M. Lexington, K[entuck]y, April 12th, 1875. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Forced to sell real estate owned near St. Louis, Missouri; saw newspaper column headed "W.C. Ralston, Billionaire" so asked him to purchase the property; gives some account of the property.

ALS 6 pp.
item 3340

Clayton, Cha[rle]s, Forty-Third Congress of U.S., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Jan[uar]y 8th, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

In an interview with President Grant he stated that he had promised Col[onel] [James] Coey the position of postmaster in San Francisco; Business Community of San Francisco opposed to his nomination; strong showing of opposition necessary or Col[onel] Coey's name will be sent to the Senate where Senator [Aaron Augustus] Sargent has promised that it will be confirmed; trusts measures will be taken regarding local sentiment.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3340

Clayton, Cha[rle]s, Forty-third Congress of U.S., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Jan[uar]y 11th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Introduction of Billion appropriating money for a post office site in San Francisco; suggested site on New Montgomery street near Mission; it is thought that Ralston and others interested in property there would donate site but Clayton does not approve unless bill does not pass; has borrowed money from Bank for farming interests; loan due and sales of crops cannot meet it; pledges private property to cover loan.

ALS 4 pp.
item 3340

Clayton, Cha[rle]s, Forty-third Congress of U.S., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., M[ar]ch 7, 1874. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Appears that inflationists in Congress will fix currency limits; Congress opposed to making more appropriations for Public Buildings or grounds which effects bill in regard to San Francisco Post Office site.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3340

Clayton, Cha[rle]s, House of Representatives, Washington D.C., May 8th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for letter regarding a subsidy for P[acific] M[ail] S[team] S[hip] letter relating to President's veto of the Currency Act was handed to President [Grant] and he was assured that it represented the general attitude of the People on the Pacific; gratified that he had done the right thing; crop prospects in California "cheering."

ALS 3 pp.
item 3340

Clayton, Cha[rle]s, Forty-third Congress of U.S., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Dec[ember] 30th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Will do everything possible to obtain an additional subsidy for P[acific] M[ail] S[team] S[hip] Co[mpany] but cannot tell what the effect of the investigation under way will be; hopes House will pass Senate Finance Bill; pleased with evidences of prosperity in California; sending Ralston the Congressional Record so he can keep posted.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3340

Clayton, Cha[rle]s, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Jan[uar]y 15th, 1875. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to suggest name of a San Francisco boy interested in entering the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, whom Clayton could nominate.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
If Mr. Ralston has no one to suggest he is asked to give the letter to [Issac] Friedlander.
item 3345

Clowes, Jna. [John] C., Reno, Nev[ada], M[ar]ch 8th, [18]72. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Relative to surveying land in Reno area of Nevada; Truckee River meandered and River and land within meander lines thrown out and left as unsurveyed land subject to location under Nevada law; U.S. Survey made of lands below Reno; Clowes and friend surveyed such land above Reno which will become valuable; asks Ralston to go in with him.

ALS 1 p.

Box 2

item Unnumbered

Co[----], David D., Pres[ident] R[ocky] M[ountain] C[oal] and I[ron] Co., Pacific Coast Office, 402 Montgomery St[reet], San Francisco, Sept[ember] 25th, 1872. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Gen[era]l Sup[erintenden]t Virginia and Truckee R[ail] R[oad].

Additional Note

Regarding establishing freight rates for coal by the carload by the Rocky Mountain Coal and Iron Co.; suggests rates to the Superintendent of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad for different towns on that route; long tons to be used; suggests that Mr. Yerington collect all of the freight and after deducting all freights to place the balance to Mr. Co[----] credit in the Bank of California in Virginia City; requests Mr. Yerington to telegraph any orders he may have to his office at once and he will give the orders; requests suggestions for their mutual interests; will try to visit Mr. Yerington's place.

ALS pp.
Original in University of Nevada Library, Special Collections. Yerington Collection.
item 3355

Coe, O[----] R., Rockester[?], P[ennsylvani]a, Feb[ruar]y 25, 1875. To [William] Chapman Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks regarding prospects of getting a position as a salesman in a jobbing House and the wages paid; wants to go West but wants to be sure of work; knew Mr. Ralston's father in Wellsville [Ohio] and remembered Ralston when doing business for C[entral] P[acific] Rail] R[oad].

ALS 1p.
 

Cohen, Alfred A.

Additional Note

See Central Pacific Railroad Collection
item 3360

Cole, C[ornelius], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.] Jan[uar]y 24, 1870. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

If tariff laws are revised will see that tariff on copper ores and the salts [?] of copper is not reduced; very important to West Coast and to parts of the Union.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3360

Cole, C[ornelius], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.] May 2, 1870. To Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Acknowledged letter from Ralston which "alluded to a communication in the New York Sun"; thought Ralston mistaken in naming [Morton] Cheeseman or [Francis E.] Spenser [?] as author; "the thing" never met with Mr. Cole's approval. Thanked Mr. Ralston for his expressions toward Mr. Cole regarding matters of interest to California.
item 3360

Cole, C[ornelius], Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate, Washington, [D.C.], Feb[ruary] 2, 1873. To My Dear Friend [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Has been pushing irrigation matter before Committee on Public Lands and urging a report; Mr. [Eugene] Casserly and Mr. [William Morris] Stewart are both on the committee; hope for favorable action; chances for success this session not good; will see that Mr. Brereton has hearing before the committee.

ALS 3 pp.
item 3365

[Cole, Mrs.] O[live], n.p., Dec[ember] 18, [18]72. To Dear R. [William C. Ralston]. Private. Destroy.

Additional Note

Believes and trusts Ralston; to see Fr[----] herself and declare conditions; wants Mr. Ralston to urge him to proper action; important.

ALS 2pp.
item 3365

[Cole, (Mrs.)] O[live] C., [Washington, D.C.], Feb[ruary] 22nd, [18]73. To My dear R. [William C. Ralston]. Personal.

Additional Note

Social life in Washington; returning to California; Gorham & Co. to get a large sum of money for successfully lobbying Australian Bill so there would be an extra amount to use in the next campaign against [Cole] and the people; could not work with such a gang so [the Coles] knew the course they should follow; hope Ralston not interested in Webb line--a poor investment.

ALS 7 pp. Clipping re Mrs. Cole's reception. Envelope.
Marked: "Personal."
item 3370

Coleman, W[illia]m and Co., n.p., Mar[ch] 21, [187]2. To Thomas Brown, Esq., Cash[ie]r Bank of California.

Additional Note

Advised the Bank of California that Mr. Carlton C. Coleman authorized to sign for the firm of William T. Coleman and Co.; his signature at the bottom of the page is to be recognized; [Signed] Carlt C. Coleman.

ALS 1 p.
item 3375

Comer Bro. and Co., Tahoe Fishsery [sic] July 24, [18]71. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Would like to stock Mr. Ralston's ponds with trout; would like to inspect his ponds and make test of water; asks how much he would pay per thousand.

ALS 3 pp.
item 3380

Conger, Adelaide, Janesville, Rock Co[unty] Wisconsin, August 21, [18]71. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Ralston help in finding a position for Horace McElrey who has studied law and would like to obtain a position in law or business elsewhere.

ALS 3 pp. 2 xerox copies.
Note: Not answered.
 

Conn, William D.

Additional Note

See Fry, James B.

See Williams, H.L.
 

Conner [?], B.R.

Additional Note

See Williams, H.L.
item 3385

Conness, John, Washington, [D.C.], Jan[uar]y 31st, 1867. To My Dear Sir William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Conness has been advised against the impolicy of [William B.] Thornburg being nominated by President [Johnson] [as U.S. Surveyor General for district of Nevada]; some Senators hesitant to act against him; Mr. Conness will take responsibility for his rejection in the Senate if nominated; favors an "independent and just man in that office or the mining law intended to be a blessing will prove a curse"; will see the President and try to get a good man; letter for Mr. Ralston only so that he "may know who is who."

ALS 3 pp.
item 3385

Conness, John, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, Washington, D.C., June 1, 1868. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Telegram.

Additional Note

Impossible to tell; Impeachment [of President Johnson] has delayed everything; will soon try it on."

T 1 p.
item 3385

Conness, John, Wash[ingto]n, D.C., June 15, 1868, via the Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram. Private.

Additional Note

Requested Mr. Ralston to have [Alvinza] Hayward telegraph [Samuel B.] Axtell to have O.H. Burnharn appointed assessor of Internal Revenue in second district instead of [----] Savage.

D 1 p.
Two brief notes partly illegible signed W.C.R. written across telegram.
item 3385

Conness, John, Washington, [D.C.], June 28th, 1868. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had telegraphed Mr. Ralston about the Pinoche Grande case; in no other case before Congress has there been so much influence used to bring about a one-sided result; Mr. McGarrahan has been smart enough to distribute his interests among able and desperate men that it was a difficult case to fight and it has been been very much out of sight; many men have strongly supported the case but Mr. Conness expects them to fail; would have taken no interest in the case had it not been for Mr. Ralston's interest in it; [William M.] Stewart believed case would be decided as he believed; will confirm [Charles N.] Felton if he comes in; [----] Miller will be confirmed as a judge in Idaho; except for Mr. Conness, [----] Cummings could have gone out of office two years previously.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3385

Conness, John, Washington, Jan[uar]y 10th, [18]69. To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston, Esq.]

Additional Note

Has information that the "Comstock Mines will succumb in the next year or eighteen months and Virginia City will probably go through an experience unlike any that has yet occurred to it"; advised Mr. Ralston to "shape his affairs so as to avoid loss"; would like him to sell to a few of Conness's friends or "give them an opportunity to buy themselves rich"; wants this kept secret if possible and Mr. Conness's name not mentioned.

ALS 3 pp. Marked "Private."
item 3390

Cooke, Isaac McKim, Panama, [Panama], A[u]g[us]t 16th, [18]73. To Friend [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

A friend of Mr. Ralston when he was in Panama; mentions Cooke family; sends Ralston a bottle of government whiskey over 25 years old from the condemned Warren; "when you taste think of your old friends in Panama."

ALS 1 p.
Note added: "have got the whiskey. W.C.R."
item 3395

Coolbaugh, W[----] F., Union National Bank, Chicago, [Illinois], Aug[ust] 28, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Warren Leland given "sumptious apartments" in the Union building where he holds levees 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; "If the Palace Hotel don't get built it won't be Leland's fault"; 60 men have been recruited and shipped to California; 40 more expected to go the next day; since Leland is near the military headquarters on floor above him, the impression is that the men are going to help Custer in the Black Hills; "It works like a charm."

ALS 1 p.
item 3400

Cooper, (Mrs.) Sarah Brown, San Francisco, [California], Oct[ober] 16, 1873. To Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to send any information regarding education that he wants included in Mrs. Cooper's Annual Report for the State of California for the and United States Commissioner of Education. Printed signature. 1 p.
item 3400

Cooper, (Mrs.) Sarah Brown, San Francisco, [California], Oct[ober] 28th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to send her information about any donations he may have made for "art, Literary, Scientific or Educational purposes" during the past year for her report to the Bureau of Education; would like to know of anything he has donated to the University [of California]; also any data of interest relating to education.

ALS 3 pp.
item 3405

Corbett, Henry Winslow, n.p., March 11, [187]2. To the President, U[lysses] S. Grant.

Additional Note

Wishes to Join with Mr. Ralston in the request that Master Frederic H. French may be appointed at large; understands such appointments must be sons of officers or soldiers as the President had ruled; withdraws his application and would be pleased if this appointment could be made.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3410

Corwine, A.B., New Rochelle, N[ew] Y[ork], Jan[uary] 8th, 1875. To My Dear Sir [Hon[orable] W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Will send a letter of introduction to Ralston to his son whom he wants his son to meet upon his arrival at the port of San Francisco on the steamship "City of Peking"; should he hear from his son that he and other cadets have received the same treatment as those on other ships of the same company have, he will advise his son to leave the ship; asks Ralston to find a position for his son and be a "father" to him; called upon Mrs. Ralston; congratulates Ralston upon his prosperity.

ALS 3 pp.
item 3415

Corwine, (Mrs.) David M. In Memoriam.

Additional Note

Obituary of Mrs. Corwine, the oldest foreign lady resident of Panama. From Panama Star and Herald, February 25, 1873.

D 1 p.
item 3415

Corwine, (Mrs. [David] M.), February 23, 1873.

Additional Note

Invitation to her funeral.

D 1 p.
item 3420

Covode, Jacob, Farmers and Mechanics Bank Sharpsburgh, [Pennsylvania], April 14th, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had lost trace of Mr. Ralston after he left Panamaugh [Panama]; learned of his position and wealth three years ago; asked to give a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston by a local citizen; Mr. Covode hopes to travel to San Francisco to see Mr. Ralston and the country; inquires whether Mr. Ralston knows anything about several people whom they both knew in Panama.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3425

Cox, Addie Gardey [?], Nashville, Tenn[essee], May 18th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Her son Thomas G. Cox is unemployed and wants to go to San Francisco; asks Ralston to use his influence in obtaining a position for him before he leaves home.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3430

Cox, Jennings S., Agency Pacific Mail Steamship Company, San Francisco, [California], April 21st, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for that which he has done for him above all others while he was the San Francisco Agent for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; consulted Ralston frequently; considers his success due largely to Ralston's good judgment and advice to him; hopes social relations will continue after leaving his position.

ALS 2 pp.
item 3435

Craighead, S[----], San Francisco [California], Oct[ober] 4, 1869. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston for his hospitality and would like to reciprocate if Ralston is ever near Dayton, Ohio.

ALS 1p.
item 3440

Crawford, (Mrs.) R., "Anzerais House," San Jose, Sept[ember] 30, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has heard of Ralston's handsome villa as surpassing many of Europe's palatial houses; as a correspondent of the English Press, Mrs. Crawford asks permission to visit his country home; then she will name it as another of the "rare beauties of this great, and most nature-blessed country!"

ALS 1 p. Her card enclosed.
item 3445

Crerar, John, Chicago and Alton Railroad Co., President's Office, No. 53 Dearborn Street, Chicago, [Illinois], Sep[tember] 1, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has given a letter of introduction to two noblemen, Lord Berkley Paget and Lord Waterpark to Ralston; clever young fellows; "Gen[era]l [Philip Henry] Sheridan has them in charge" on the day the letter was written; they want to go buffalo hunting at Fart Hayes; Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan said Ralston remembered Crerar, otherwise he would not have written; met [J.P.] Morgan and party at Cedar Rapids and took them over his Iowa line to Fort Dodge; intends to visit Ralston; [most of last page illegible]; remarks about whereabouts of mutual friends and/or acquaintances.

ALS 4 pp.
 

Crockett, E[----] B.

Additional Note

See Central Pacific Railroad Collection.
item Unnumbered

Crockett [----] and Crittenden [----], San Francisco, [California], Oct[ober] 19th, 1858. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Captain [----] Gerard has called upon Crockett and Crittenden regarding his statement with Daniel Gibb and Co. who insist upon full payment of $500.00 for commissions; Mr. Gibbs had promised to return $250.00 of the commissions to the ship and Mr. Ralston had guaranteed payment on the part of Daniel Gibbs and Co. and promised Captain Gerard to pay him if Mr. Gibbs and Co. did not; Mr. Gibbs has refused to pay; Mr. Ralston now liable for $250.00 to be paid to Capt. Gerard; wants to know whether he will pay.

ALS 2 pp.
Answered by Ralston, W[illiam] C., San Francisco, [California], Oct[ober] 19th, 1858. To Mess[ier] D[aniel] Gibbs and Co.
Original in Calif. Pioneer Soc.
item 3455

Cronise, Mr. H.V., San Francisco, May 7th, 1868. To Dr. B. Silliman. Statement.

Additional Note

Note made Jan[uar]y 3, [18]68 plus 126 [?] days interest equals $22,560.50 less 9 dividends on 1/2 share of Eureka at $500 per dividend $4,500 leaving a total of $18,060.50 which was the "amount of W.C. Deans's note held by the Bank of California as collateral for note made by B. Silliman dated Jan[uar]y 3d, 1868."

D 1 p.
item 3460

Curtis, Geo[rge] Ticknor, New York, Dec[ember] 15, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[Samuel P.] Barlow gave Mr. Curtis a letter to introduce his son Joseph S. Curtis to Ralston; gives an account of son's education and experience in mining; has equipment; seeking new position as mill where he is employed is about to close.

ALS 3 pp.
item 4000

Dalzell, M[atthew?], Maquoketa, Jackson Co., Iowa, M[ar]ch 3rd, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thurston C. Owens, a cousin of Mrs. Dalzell, has some connection with the San Francisco Health Office; wants to retain his position and thinks he can do so through Mr. Ralston's influence; has given him a letter of introduction to Ralston and will call upon him; Ralston can judge the suitability of the young man for the position; will feel under renewed obligations to Ralston if anything can be done for him.
ALS 3 pp.
[P.S.]
"Should be glad to hear from you at any time."
item 4000

Dalzell, Matt[hew?], Maquoketa, [Iowa], March 4, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thought he would not ask another favour of Mr. Ralston but is asking for another loan of five hundred dollars; explains why; if Ralston does not wish to do so or cannot, he will not think him unkind; will transfer a paid up life insurance policy for about $1600 to Mr. Ralston as security if he will make the second loan to him.

ALS 4 pp.
item 4000

Dalzell, Matt[hew?], Maquoketa, Jackson Co., Iowa, Dec[em]b[e]r 3rd, 1874. To W[illiam] Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Asks to borrow $500 for one year which he can pay in this time, while his father lived he would endorse for him and could borrow money at local bank; has no one to endorse for him now; gives references; finds it "no disgrace to be poor but very inconvenient sometimes."

ALS 2 pp.
item 4005

Davidson, Geo[rge], Cairo, Egypt, May 15, [18]75. To My Dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had seen one of Watkins' views of the University of California and he feels he could make good use of a few of them in making the institution known in Europe before he is through; asks that a few unmounted ones be sent care of American Minister in London; will place them "where they will do the most good"; gives an account of his examination of the irrigation schemes of India, Japan, China and partially that of Egypt; believes he has "a broad and comprehensive view of the results present and prospective"; also has "a vast amount of information" which will be of interest to Ralston in the development of California.

ALS 3 pp.
item 4010

Dawes, Henry Laurens, Pittsfield, Mass[achusetts], Oct[ober] 1st, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Had a most delightful trip to which Mr. Ralston contributed so much enjoyment; thanks him and feels obligated for his "truly Californian hospitality."

LS 2 pp.
item 4015

Dawson, O[----] S., New York, Nov[ember] 20, 1867. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Greatly obliged for Mr. Ralston's kindness to his sister while at his house; explains why he demanded money be forwarded to his sister in Honolulu; he had forwarded money to Ralston through Wells Fargo & Co. by telegram but they neglected to notify him; all right now since they refunded the money last week; hopes he may reciprocate the kindness to his sister at some future date.

ALS 2 pp.
item Unnumbered

Deane, Coll, n.p., Dec[ember] 22, [18]84. To Judge T[----] H. Rearden. Copy.

Additional Note

Thanks Judge Rearden for his "kindly and truthful reference (in a recent Judicial decision) to the late Wm. C. Ralston" whose generosity and disinterested acts of friendship are still remembered by thousands of people; Mr. Rearden able analysis of the motives that were back of these good deeds shows how well he was acquainted with Mr. Ralston's character; considers Mr. Ralston's business mistakes due "to disloyalty and treachery of those ... [whom] he implicity trusted"; despite how grave the consequences of these errors right-minded men shared General Wm. T. Sherman's public comment on Mr. Ralston; under Mr. Ralston public and private enterprises flourished but they are now languishing and dying due to "the selfish dishonesty and greed of those who succeeded him in finance;" especially was that true in the management of the Comstock Lode.

ALS 6 pp.
Answered by letter of Rearden, T[----] H., New City Hall, [San Francisco?], Dec[ember] 26, 1884. To Coll Deane, 328 California [Street], [San Francisco, California].
Copy in Bancroft Library.
item 4025

Deane, Josephine, 804 Stockton St[reet], [San Francisco, California], Ja[nuar]y 17th, [18]73.

Additional Note

"Assured of Ralston's kind patronage and support," tickets for a ball are enclosed leaving it up to him how many he retains or disposes of.

ALS 1 p.
N.B. "Please make a return before day of ball."
Added note: "Returned tickets with check for $100. W.C.R."
item 4030

Deas, Z.W., Paso Robles, [California], May 20th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has taken the baths regularly, feels much better and the physician thinks his health will be restored; further comment about his condition; have been given good accommodation for which he is grateful to Mr. Ralston; Mr. Jos[eph] Eastland has been seriously injured when thrown from his waggon [sic].

ALS 1 p.
item 4030

Deas, Z.W., Paso Robles, [California], June 13th 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

After four weeks Mr. Deas feels the water has benefited him and thinks he can return in two weeks much improved; taking the baths regularly and follows the doctor's directions for he is anxious to get well and return to work; grateful to Ralston for sending him there.

ALS 1 p.
item 4035

Delano, C[olumbus], Department of Interior, Washington, D.C., May 31st, 1872. To My dear Sir [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mentions stops made after leaving San Francisco en route to Washington; he and Mrs. Delano express their sincere thanks for Mr. Ralston's kindness and hospitality.

LS 2 pp.
item 4040

DeLong, C[harles] E., Grand Hotel, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], January 22nd, 1872. To My Dear Sir W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's note with enclosed copies of his correspondence with Mr. [T. Ellard] Bean of San Jose, [California] "relative to the proposal for the Japanese Embassy to be given a collation at that place"; could add little to Ralston's reply which was a rebuke to those who refused the courtesy which Ralston had suggested; wants Ralston to convey to Mr. Bean his sincere acknowledgements for his efforts; were it proper he would inform the Ambassadors of these matters but Mr. Bean would agree that it were better that they should not know that there is any feeling of dislike for them in San Jose or elsewhere; one of the first orders of the Embassy was for several thousand fruit trees of every variety and large orders of shrubs and vines for Japan; the country has excellent soil, but inferior; fruit since the culture of fruits is not understood; will probably result in Japan placing large orders in the United States for such and also asking for skilled labour to plant and care for their orchards; "mistaken people of San Jose" have a direct interest in this; regrets they should have acted as they did and repeats his assurance of gratitude to Mr. Beans.

ALS 3 pp.
item 4040

DeLong, [Charles E.], Great Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb[ruary] 10th, 1872. To My Dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Still blockaded but hope to get out in two days; the community has exerted itself to make the stay pleasant; the [Japanese] Ambassadors are delighted with the people; Mormon people have been most active and obliging; not numbskulls nor niggards; Ambassadors are all well and wish to be remembered to Mr. Ralston; Mr. Ewackura expressed himself very complimentarily about Mr. Ralston.

ALS 2 pp.
item 4040

[DeLong, Charles E.] Clipping: New York Herald, March 1, [18]72.

Additional Note

Caption: Minister DeLong's Pretensions and Hopes--Treading on the Toes of Jim Nye--A Delicate and Dangerous Position.
item 4040

DeLong, [Charles E.] Arlington House, Washington, D.C., M[ar]ch 5, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Letter received your advice at once followed thanks."

D 1 p.
Telegram--Western Union Telegraph Company.
item 4045

DeLong, C[harles] E., United States Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], August 17th, 1872. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has arrived safely in Japan; the horses and carriage also; has tried the horses on the open wagon which attracted great attention and brought forth praise and admiration; comments on the horses; things progressing favorably; Emperor is visiting all parts of the Empire which indicates to Mr. DeLong that he is "actually leading off a great reform movement"; thinks the civilized world will "feel very confident in the rapid advancement" of Japan; has not met Mr. Cargill but has received broadsides from his organ, the Japan Mail; will try to improve relations with him as Mr. Ralston suggested; thinks that good relations based on a spirit of mutual accommodations would result in each doing more than at present to serve the people of the United States and also save the Japanese from doing many unfortunate things; asks Ralston to command him if he can do anything for him; would be happy to reciprocate his kindness; kindest regards to Mr. Ralston and friends.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S. Asks to be remembered to his brother [James Alpheus] Ralston in Virginia City.
item 4045

DeLong, [Charles E.] Yokohama, [Japan], Oct[ober] 1, [18]72. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending Mr. Ralston a Japanese figurine which Captain Warsaw will deliver; he and Mrs. DeLong thought it would be a curiosity if put in Ralston's saloon; "At all events you can give it to the Baby."

ALS 2 pp.
item 4045

DeLong, [Charles E.] [Yokohama, Japan], undated [1873?] To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston for his favors received on the last steamer; DeLong has met Mr. Ralston's friend Professor [----] Seely [?]; need Mr. Ralston's note of introduction; have tried "to put him through according to his desires"; the same for Professor [----] Hitchcock and Mr. Fitch who seem to be exceedingly well pleased; Mr. DeLong's horses are working [illegible]; generally admired and referred to as "the finest team in Japan"; got his carriages off of the America a few hours before it burned; Mr. Cargill had called upon him and Mr. DeLong will return the following day; wants to establish a friendly feeling with him; wants Mr. Ralston to give his friend and colleague Chevalier Van der Hown [?] a little of his "polite attention"; "Dutch nationals here amount to a great deal"; DeLong honored by being selected by him to take charge of Dutch affairs during Van der Hown[?]absences; asked to be remembered to Mr. Ralston's brother in Virginia City [James Alpheus Ralston]; asks "who will be elected President. How will California go?"

ALS 4 pp.
item 4045

DeLong, C[harles] E., U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], Feb[ruary] 16th, 1873. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his attention to the physician matter; expects him by the next mail; Ralston friend Thomas Ap Catesby Jones [?] arrived and was made trustee of his interpreter's services and "all personal official assistance he may require"; heard that Mr. Ralston was not well but hoped he had recovered.

ALS 2pp.
item 4045

DeLong, [Charles E.], U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], March 4th, 1873. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sorry that the physician did not come but realize that Mr. Ralston would not send one that he could not "swear by"; had received a hint from the Secretary of State that the President would accept his resignation; sent it; Secretary writes that this is not being done from "diminished confidence" in his ability and integrity, but changes in the diplomatic service made it necessary and the President feels that a change should be made in Japan; asks Ralston to give an opinion as to where DeLong can locate when he returns and obtain a good home and a good outlook for a fair professional business.
ALS 4 pp. Page 2 marked "(confidential)".
[P.S.]
Wonders just what caused the President [Grant] to do this after the strong personal assurances he had given him; "Quien sabe!"; understands the Japanese government has "handsomely complimented" him and asked as a favor to itself that DeLong not be recalled; promised a copy and will send Ralston one if it arrives in time; will always be proud of this piece of evidence; the action taken by the Oriental Bank and other English Honsed [?] whom he has often opposed; has paid him a tribute which makes him feel very light-hearted.
item 4045

DeLong, C[harles] E., U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], March 8th, 1873. To My Dear Sir [W. Margill, No. 2, British Bluff].

Additional Note

Suffered from a headache and had much mail so sent his regrets that he could not be present at a social affair that evening; assured Mr. Margill of his appreciation of his kindness to him.

ALS 2 pp.
item 4050

DeLong, [Charles E.], U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], May 5th, 1873. To My Dear Friend, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

[William W.] Caigill and Mr. DeLong "feel profound pleasure in the knowledge that his telegram was so handsomely responded to"; due more to Mr. Ralston's "kind heart and powerful influence" than anything else; ignorant of the results; "has worked like a dog at this post and received a dog's pay and a dog's thanks from [his] government"; only a question of time before going into bankruptcy, should he remain in Japan; must do something to support his large family; feels "justly proud" of the things he has acomplished in Japan; raised position of United States with Japan from that of below any other nation to "Crown Point Stock on its list"; tributes received from Japanese government and from Peru, Hawaii, and Holland whose government he has represented; feels himself above the eastern press reporters whose instrument he would not become; blames his difficulties on the State Department because Mr. [Hamilton] Fish sent out a former clerk, E. Pishim Smith, as legal advisor to the Japanese Government; Smith "pursued [a] course of unparalleled indecency and debauchery" which forced DeLong to denounce him; Mr. Fish did not believe this and felt DeLong was oppressing him - "the whole thing in a nutshell"; had followed Ralston's suggestion and cultivated [William W.] Cargill and his friends; considers him "a capital good man;" considers Mr. Cargill's telegram to Mr. Ralston "most unexpected but a noble tribute of praise'' to himself; thanks Ralston for his trouble and consideration regarding a physician and begs him to send him there since he is required; has a new sow.

ALS 4 pp.
item 4050

DeLong, [Charles E.], U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], May 22, 1877. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Pleased with endorsements he has received and grateful to Mr. Ralston; "left entirely in the dark as to results"; J[ames] H. Latham, a mutual friend, spent some time with DeLong before returning to California "can very fully explain the position of things" in regard to Mr. Delong to Mr. Ralston.
ALS 3 pp.
P.S.
Mr. DeLong's interpreter N. [?] E. Rice has heard that Mr. Ralston had been told some "tough things" about him; pays his own way and conducts himself "as a square [?] active man."
item 4050

DeLong, [Charles E.] U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], July 5th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Wishes he could express his gratitude to Ralston and all of his friends for the "herculean" work done for him; its defeat does not detract from its merits nor from DeLong's sense of gratitude; determine to redeem his character in the opinion of the public from all the unjust criticisms against it, has written to friends expressing his gratitude; grateful for Ralston's offer to assist him in business; will do nothing in that regard until after he has turned over his office; will not enter Japanese service; if he does anything it will be in a commercial course; has had several promising offers; cannot leave before October as he does not want to sail during typhoon season; the sooner Bingham comes the better for DeLong so he can get out of the office and "be free."

ALS 4 pp.
item 4050

DeLong, C[harles] E., U.S. Legation, Japan, Yokohama, [Japan], August 28th, 1873. To My Dear Friend, W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Convinced of Mr. Ralston's suggestion [probably about DeLong going into mercantile business in Japan] but sees no opening in Japan preferable to a life of labor at home; not a merchant and it would be unwise to go into business at his age; could not engage in his profession in Japan as there is no opening and if there were it would mean loss of self-respect; Japanese employment never offered him and probably never will be; would not accept it since Japanese mistrust all foreigners; explains why disinclined to do anything more in politics; to decide that which he will do after he returns home and counsels with his friends; spent an evening at the Palace and spoke of Judge [John A.] Bingham's qualifications and warned against being influenced by newspaper reports; trying to make Mr. Bingham's way as smooth as possible; believes Japanese will receive him well; but they seem to feel piqued that the request preferred by their sovereign was not accorded or even answered; will probably sail November 6.

ALS 4 pp.
Added: H.G. Moss
item 4053

DeLong, [Charles E.], Yokohama, [Japan], October 5, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Gives a detailed account of how well he tried to carry out the advice of Mr. Ralston in relation to the arrival and assistance to Judge John A. Bingham, the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the court of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan, who replaced Mr. DeLong; reaction of Judge Bingham to Mr. DeLong's friendly courtesies; sending 6 enclosures relating thereto; and copies of the speeches of DeLong at his farewell audience and of Bingham's introductory one with the Japanese Emperor.
ALS 7 pp.
P.S.
Asks that these copied enclosures be preserved and should any attempted injustice to Mr. DeLong occur to have a "friendly editor know the facts of the case."
7 Enclosures. Copies.
item Unnumbered

Enclosure No. 1

DeLong, C[harles] E., Minister for Foreign Affairs, U.S. Legation, Yokohama, [Japan] September 26, 1873. To His Excellency Soyoshima Tanevim [?].

Additional Note

Informs His Excellency of the arrival of the Hon[orable] John A. Bingham with credentials as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to Japan; asks him to designate the time when he could receive both Mr. Bingham and himself.

ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Enclosure No. 2

Bingham, John A., Yokohama, [Japan], September 25, 1875. To Sir C[harles] E. DeLong.

Additional Note

Advises Mr. DeLong of his arrival and informs him of his commission as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to reside near the Court of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan; ready to receive the archives and assume the duties of the office; asks that Mr. DeLong inform Mr. D.W. Stevens, the duly commissioned Secretary of the Legation, that a time be set to take the necessary steps to effect his installation into office.

ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Enclosure No. 3

DeLong, C[harles] E., U.S. Legation, Yokohama, Japan, September 27, 1873. To John A. Bingham.

Additional Note

Acknowledges Bingham's communication of September 25 advising Mr. Delong of his arrival and of his commission and readiness to receive the archives and assume the duties of his office; Mr. DeLong has received no official communication from the Secretary of State regarding this nor instructions to do this except that the Secretary, in instructions on another subject, has urged Mr. Bingham to hasten to Japan to relieve Mr. DeLong; assumes information has been given and will do everything necessary to effect his installation and afterward transfer all the property and archives belonging to the U.S. Legation; has written the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding a time to receive Mr. Bingham and Mr. DeLong so that they might arrange for an audience with his Majesty the Emperor; asks Mr. Bingham to submit his credentials for examination as a basis for giving up his duties; expresses his willingness to assist Mr. Bingham in any way regarding his taking over the office.

ALS 2 pp.
item Unnumbered

Enclosure No. 4

Bingham, J[ohn] A., Yokohama, [Japan], Sept[ember] 27, 1873. To Sir [Charles E. DeLong].

Additional Note

Reply to Mr. DeLong's note of September 25; has authorized Mr. D.W. Stevens, Secretary of the Legation, to submit his credentials from the United States government to Mr. DeLong for examination.

ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Enclosure No. 5

DeLong, C[harles] E., U.S. Legation, Sunday, October 5, 1873. To John A. Bingham.

Additional Note

Mr. Herai, Secretary and interpreter to Mr. Soyoshima, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has called and informed him that His Majesty the Tenno will receive Messrs. Bingham and DeLong at a farewell audience for Mr. DeLong and an introductory one for Mr. Bingham at the Asakma [?] Palace at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning; states arrangements for transportation both in Yokohama and Yedo subject to Bingham's approval; after the audience Mr. Delong will formally transfer all property to Mr. Bingham.

ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Enclosure No. 6

Bingham, Jno. [John] A., Grand Hotel, [Yokohama, Japan] 5th October, 1878. To C[harles] E. DeLong.

Additional Note

The arrangements made for an audience with his Majesty the Tenno at the Imperial Palace are most agreeable and satisfactory to Mr. Bingham; a change in time table necessitates taking a train the evening before and suggests that Mr. DeLong join him then.

ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

DeLong's Speech. Your Majesty

Additional Note

Comes "to bid farewell"; extends wishes of the President, the government and the people of the United States "for the health, well being and continued prosperity of [His] Majesty and people of Japan"; assures the Emperor that the President of the United States wishes to continue the feeling of amity between the two countries; asks that the confidence and support that His Majesty has given him be bestowed upon his distinguished successor; speaks of the kindness and courtesy extended to him by His Majesty's Ministry and proofs of royal favor; expressed his gratitude and reverence for His Majesty, respect and esteem for the Ministry, and kind regards for the Japanese people; comments favorably upon the many changes brought about by the Japanese government - adoption of the policy of western states, release of Christian Japanese from captivity; efforts to suppress Coolie trade; the negotiation of Treaty of Peace and Amity with China; sending distinguished Japanese to western nations, sending students abroad to learn and bring back a "correct knowledge of the customs, manners and policy of western states"; has enjoyed the confidence and association of his Majesty's Ministry; steps aside to be a spectator of Japanese affairs; Adieu.

D 3 pp.
item Unnumbered

Bingham's Speech. Copy.

Additional Note

The Emperor has already been informed by his Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bingham's commission to Japan; will endeavor to strengthen the existing friendship between Japan and the United States; assures the Emperor that he has the goodwill of the President and people of the United States who are aware of the trust and confidence of the Japanese Government toward the government and citizens of the United States; Thanks his Majesty for the consideration shown him; desires that the growing empire will continue advancing; presents to His Majesty his credentials "Signed by the President of the United States and authenticated by the Great Seal of the United States of America."

D 3 pp.
item 4055

DeLong, [Charles E.] Yokohama, [Japan], Octo[ber] 18th, 1873. To My dear W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Condition of affairs remain unchanged; Mr. Bingham does not return Mr. DeLong's official or private calls except by sending a card; makes his legation at the hotel; trying Consul Shepard on charges which DeLong had professed to the Department of State; DeLong not invited to be present at this court; held in private; states his conclusion as to meaning; will write the President reviewing his course in Japan; some matters affecting some cabinet members; will ask for Congressional investigation; DeLong's letter of recall was sent in a sealed sack addressed to Bingham; states implication of the meaning of that action; will do nothing to prejudice interest of U.S. nor to hurt Bingham's chances of success; sending printed copies of his speech, the Mikado's reply and Bingham's address; may not sail before November 22.

ALS 4 pp.
item 4055

DeLong, [Charles E.] Yokohama, Japan, October 20th, 1873. To My Dear W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Introducing his brother-in-law Dr. R.Y. Hayes and family of Los Angeles, recently from Japan; Dr. Hayes will deliver a letter and some papers from Mr. DeLong to Mr. Ralston.

ALS 1p.

item 4055

DeLong, C[harles] E. Virginia [City] [Nevada], March 5th, 1875. To My Dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Geo[rge] W. Dent had written Mr. DeLong whether he would accept a mission to Peru if offered; must first learn the wishes of Mrs. DeLong and Mr. Ralston's views and to be assured of the Administration's support; Mr. DeLong had represented Peru for four years while in Japan with its government's repeated thanks; feels he would go there "under very favorable auspices"; states his financial situation in relation to the position; queries whether his absence would impair his chances for the Senatorship; had asked Mr. Dent to call upon Mrs. DeLong and Mr. Ralston and learn their views; asks Ralston to write him his views frankly.

ALS 2 pp.

item 4055

DeLong, C[harles] E., Virginia [City, Nevada], May 1st, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

A correspondent in Japan who seemed to speak for the Japanese Government wanted Mr. DeLong to find out whether the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company would accept one million dollars in currency for four named steamers together with other company properties in Shanghai, Nagasakie, Kobe, and Yokoska; other factors involved which seemed to make advantageous for the company to sell; immediate reply requested; not knowing a company representative in San Francisco, Mr. Ralston was asked to present this offer to him and telegraph the answer; if currency was unacceptable there was a possibility that the payment might be in Mexican [dollars] or would the company accept "a gold draft In New York less 2 1/2 % for commission."; Japanese government might not want to be known as being directly in the business, yet the correspondent, an American, was acting for a Japanese official; Mr. DeLong did not want it known that he was acting on the Japanese side; advised the offer being accepted and stated why; begged Mr. Ralston's pardon for the trouble.

LS 7pp.

[At top of first page] "answered 3d, [18]75"
 

DeLong, Charles E.

Additional Note

See also Dent, George W.
 

DeLong, Charles E.

Additional Note

See also Oriental Bank Corp.
item 4060

DeLong, [Charles E.], U.S. Appraiser's Office, Virginia [City?], [March] 12, 1875. To G[eorge] W. Dent

Additional Note

"At your service unless unforseen business difficulties prevent."

D. 1p.
[Telegram - The Central Pacific Division of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company.] Enclosed in letter of Geo[rge] W. Dent to [William C.] Ralston, Custom House, San Francisco, Appraiser's Office, March 12, 1875.
item 4060

Dent, Geo[rge] W., CustonHouse, San Francisco, Appraiser's Office, March 12th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Suggestions regarding those people who might have influence in bringing about the nomination of [Charles E.] DeLong by President [Grant]; enclosed dispatch from DeLong.

ALS 2 pp.

Telegram enclosed.
item 4065

DeSales, Sister M., Grass Valley, Roman Catholic Orphan's Asylum, [California], January 19th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to contribute to the support of an orphanage in Grass Valley, California.

ALS 3pp.
item 4065

DeSales, Sister M., Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, Grass Valley, [California], May 13th, 1875. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Due to fluctuating mining situation in the area the orphan asylum feels obliged to ask charitably minded people to help in providing food and clothing for "the destitute little ones of Christ"; trusts Ralston will contribute a donation to support parentless young boys.

[Second request]

ALS 3 pp.
 

DeThielb, Samuel

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz
item 4070

Devenny, Lafayette, Cincinnati, [Ohio], September 22nd, 1874. To My Dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had written Mr. Ralston some four years ago and was grateful for his reply; had heard of his success and congratulated him; wants to obtain a position on the Pacific Coast; hopes there might be an opening for him in the various industries in which Ralston is interested or which might be made available through his influence; outlines his experience and qualifications.

ALS 4 pp.

Added note: "An A No. 1 man. W.C.R."
item 4070

Devenny, Lafayette, Office of Devenny, Weaver and Clough, General Commission Merchants, No. 46 Vine Street, Cincinnati, [Ohio], Nov[embe]r, 19th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

No reply to his letter to Ralston of several months ago; encloses circular of the business in which he was currently engaged; still desires to engage in some commercial interest on the Pacific Coast; firm recently purchased barley from Mr. Isaac Friedlander of San Francisco, which made necessary a telegram to the Bank of California regarding the firm's financial standing; suggests Ralston add his personal knowledge of his old friend.

ALS 1p.

Circular enclosed announcing the General Produce Commission Business of Devenny, Weaver and Clough; identifies each member; gives references.
item 4070

Devenny, L[afayette], Office of Devenny, Weaver, and Clough, General Commission Merchants, No. 46 Vine Street, Cincinnati, [Ohio], February 18th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his friendly interest expressed in his last letter and his request for Devenny's present status and future plans; gives an account of the commission business into which he had entered; the situating confronting it, and the reasons for dissolving the partnership; "More anxious than ever to obtain some salaried position on the Pacific Coast"; solicits Ralston's advice and assistance; better qualified for a position in connection with railroad transportation; states why he wants to leave Cincinnati for the West.

ALS 6 pp.
 

DeYcaza, J.J.

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz
item 4075

Dickinson, J[----] B., California State Telegraph Company, New York, June 16, 1866. To William C. Ralston. Telegram. Partly in code.

Additional Note

Requested that a certain number of shares in designated mining companies -- Crown Point, Savage and Yellow Jacket -- be sold; asked that result of sale be telegraphed and amount sent by steamer.

T 1p.
(Statement of sale on reverse of telegram.)
item 4075

Dickinson, J[----] B., California State Telegraph Company, New York, August 6, 1866. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Wants only one share of Crown Point [Mining stock] and ordered June 16 sold if Mr. Ralston held balance; wants five shares of Yellow Jacket stock ordered this date sold.

T 1p.
(names of stock in code)
item 4075

Dickinson, J[----] B., California State Telegraph Company, New York, Aug[ust] 6, 1866. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Wants Crown Point and Yellow Jacket stocks bought under order 23rd sold and $14,000 place to the credit of Oneida; wants telegraph reports as to the amount of purchase and sale.

T 1p.
(Names of stocks in code.)
item 4075

Dickinson, J[----] B., California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Aug[ust] 9th, 1866. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Ordered to sell all Crown Point [mining stock] bought on twenty-third; wants report by telegraph.

T 1p.
Crown Point in code.
[On Verso]
August 10

2ft sold by $900

2ft sold by $900 (check original)

3ft sold by $890

1ft sold by $900

2ft sold by (illegible, check original)
item 4075

Dickinson, J[----] B., California State Telegraph Company, New York, August 15, 1866. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Asked that three shares of Savage [mining stock] be sold. Eureka dividend to be drawn in New York.

T 1p. The word savage in code.
Note at bottom: "Sold average [?] 70 "(check original)
On verso
Sold by PB Conivall:

1 at 1180

1 at 1170

1 at 1160

Average 1170
 

Dinneford, William

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection
item 4080

Dixon, J[----] and William C. Ralston, November 1, 1873. Lease.

Additional Note

William C. Ralston of San Francisco, party of the first part, "does grant, demise, and to farm" leases to J. Dixon of Fresno County, California, party of the second part, certain specified lands in Fresno County described according to the United States Government Survey containing 5760 acres together with appurtenances for one year from November 1, 1873; annual rent to be $720, payable June 1, 1874; it was agreed that if any rent should remain unpaid or default occur in any of the covenant, the party of the first part had the right to re-enter the premises and remove all persons from it; should Mr. Ralston sell the property or any part of it before the lease is terminated, Mr. Dixon had agreed to, he may if he so desires quit and give up the same if Mr. Ralston returns him the amount of rent he had paid to cover the unexpired term; when the lease expires, Mr. Dixon is to leave and return the property in good condition, as reasonable condition; should Mr. Dixon comply with all parts of said lease, he may continue on said land for another term.

DS 2 pp.
item 4085

D[----], J., [----] S., n.p., undated, To Allen [Allen]

Additional Note

"For answer to this." 1. Mr. Ralston not personally interested in the property; his name used for benefit of deceased friends of family. 2. Deed to city ready to be delivered upon receipt of the award; technical difficulty has caused a delay but both sides are doing their best to settle it. 3. Matter in charge of Mr. Doyle who has details. 4. Any complements and c [illegible]

A.N.S.[?] 1p.
item 4100

Dodge, (Mrs.) E.M. 1065 Broadway, [San Francisco, California], Dec[ember] 24th, 1874. To Hon[orable] W[illia]m [C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has a son for whom she wishes to obtain employment; knowing Mr. Ralston's wealth and position he is asked to help in getting employment or giving him some; would like to talk with Mr. Ralston.

ALS 2 pp.
Note added: "No position. Will be glad to do anything we can. W.C.R "
item 4105

Dominis, Jno [John] O., Office of the Governor of Oahu, Honolulu, [Hawaii], May 25th, 1869. To Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

His Majesty the King of Hawaii has commanded Mr. Dominis to send His respectful compliments and to present to Mr. Ralston in His name a sideboard of Island woods "as a token of His consideration"; shipped by steamer "Idaho" to the Hawaiian Consul in San Francisco with instructions to deliver it to Mr. Ralston.

ALS 1p.
item 4108

Donohoe, Kelly and Co., Bankers, et al, San Francisco January 20th, 1869. To the Committee on Coinage, Weights and Measures. [Copy].

Additional Note

The undersigned Bankers and Assayers of San Francisco are surprised and regret that the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of the Philadelphia Mint have reccommended the passage of a law which would give the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to "contract with a private refinery to refine unparted bullion, deposited with U.S. Refinery for Coinage;" reason given is "economy to the Government" which the undersigned says is not based upon fact; explain why; even if said Mint could not meet its expenses, it was maintained that a country which produces such large amounts of precious metals annually should not, to save a few thousand dollars, give itself over to the interest of a private refinery; outlines history of attempts to close the United States Refinery in San Francisco; states the possible results if the refinery is closed; "the undersigned for themselves, ...the public...and the Government protest against being placed in the power of any company who could control both the bullion and the Mint on the Pacific Coast."

DS 5 pp.
item 4110

Donahoe, Kelly and Co., per J[----] W. Flarr [?], Exchange and Banking House of Donohoe, Kelly and Co., San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], Aug[ust] 20th, 1869. To Messrs. McLaughlin and Ryland, San Jose, Cal[ifornia].

Additional Note

The checks enclosed in letter received amounting to $2,005.25 have been paid and credited to the account of McLaughlin and Ryland; the draft on Redington Hostetter and Co. was paid on August 18th as advised.

ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Dore, Maurice and Co., per [----] Kent auctioneer, San Francisco, July 13th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Statement of a private sale of real estate (i.e. two lots in San Francisco) sold to A [----] K. Grim for $10,000 less commission charges of $250 leaving a net sales of $9,750 for Mr. Ralston's account. End. O.E.

DS 1 p. See folder 8545
item Unnumbered

Dore, Maurice and Co., Ub a/c with Maurice Dore and Co., San Francisco, July 13th 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Statement of net sales of $97.50 according to the statement of account listed below: cash paid for the dismissal of three suits, for a deed and its recording, for a release and recording of same and for a commission which leave $97.50; End O.E.

DS 1 p.
item 4120

Downing, Cha[rle]s, San Francisco, [California], [August, 1870?]. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sends Mr. Ralston a copy of the Second revised edition of Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees which he asked him to accept as a small token of respect for [his] courtesy and kindness "while ill at Ralston's home."
Added Note: Explains why he did not call upon Mr. Ralston and present the book personally; thanks him for the many kindnesses and asks him to thank the lady who administered to their wants while ill.

ALS 2 pp.
item 4125

Dun, R[----] G., The Mercantile Agency, Dun, Barlow and Co., New York, Dec[ember] 6, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

While enjoying Mr. Ralston's hospitality Mr. Dun glanced around his mansion looking for some place where he might put "some little remembrance of Mr. Ralston's polite attention and support and assistance in setting up of his business on the West Coast"; since every room was so elegant and complete that he almost despaired; thought a megileloscope might give some pleasure in showing California views to Ralston's many guests; sends one by Wells Fargo & Co. Express together with one dozen illuminated foreign views; explains how the instrument works; apologizes for the oversight of the shipper in not prepaying the freight and insists that Mr. Lugsdin refund the amount.

ALS 2 pp.
Added: Queries whether they shall have the opportunity of Seeing Ralston in New York and reciprocating his kindness.
Added note: "answered Dec[ember] 27th, /71."
item 4130

Dyer, William, L Fr Furgenion [?], and Edward Smith, Taboga, [----], Sept[emb]er 20th, 1854.

Additional Note

The undersigned certified that at the request of W.G. Dyer that they surveyed a lot of rope rigging once owned by H. Harris of Taboga and upon examination found the rope rotten and estimated its value to be not more than 5 cents a pound; weight 3027 lbs. Certificate 1p.
item Unnumbered

E and O.E., n.p., June E, 1869. Statement. To B. Silliman, Esqr., Dr.

Additional Note

Amount due on each of four notes total $12559.45. Interest on each of four notes total $492.28. Balance due for principal and Int[erest] June 8th, 1869 $13051.73 [error]. should be $13051.63.

DS
 

E. and O.E.

Additional Note

See Also Garrison & Fretz
item 5010

Eagar, Thomas, California State Telegraph Company, Virginia, [City, Nevada], M[ar]ch 13, 1867. To D[arius] O. Mills. Telegram.

Additional Note

States that a word from Mr. Mills to [James] Nye and [William] Stewart would result in Mr. Eagar being appointed Surveyor General; asks him to answer whether he would do so.

T 1 p.
item 5010

Eager, Tho[ma]s, Virginia, [City], M[ar]ch 14, 1867, via California State Telegraph Company. Telegram. To D[arius] O. Mills.

Additional Note

Does not think James [....] can get position [of Surveyor General]; requested Mr. Mills to telegraph; "have recommended James but Eager equally acceptable."

D 1 p.
item 5020

Earl, Blanche, San Francisco [California], Aug[ust] 17th, [18]69. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has heard about Ralston's mansion and superb horses; has come from Ohio to see the "sights" of California and would like to visit his place; assures him she is not a Chicago delegation nor a Congressional Committee; if Ralston does not think it "highly improper" she asks him to write her a note telling her when it would be most convenient for him.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5025

Earl, Jno., [John] O., California State Telegraph Company, New York, Ap[ri]l 10, 1867. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Believed that officers and friends of the Bank have organized opposition Steamers; Bank rumored interested and, if so, Mail Co. and leading stockholders will use their influence against Bank.
item 5030

Eastwick, Edward B., The Lick House Hotel, San Francisco, [California], November 23rd, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esqre.

Additional Note

English capital to be used in forming a company to purchase and reclaim land likely to be inundated located on the San Francisco Bay, the Sacramento River and Tulare Lake; would like to know Ralston's opinion of such a project; lists the various tracts of land and acreage involved; also asks his opinion regarding legal title to the land, quality of its soil, its general value, desirability of reclaiming and expediency of investing English capital in the project and whether Ralston would cooperate and endorse the scheme.

LS 2 pp.
item 5035

Eckley, Geo[rge] R., Yokohama, [Japan], Octo[ber] 7th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Delayed writing hoping to have something definite on business to report; has not; and has not accomplished anything though he has one or two things in view; a banking system similar to U.S. National law, but "more lax and liberal" has been set up in Japan; two have been organized and have announced business, the notes being engraved in America; business limited chiefly to discounting and advancing on warehouse receipts; positions all filled but Eckley may obtain one if a vacancy occurs; Chinese control the "Exchanging of Coin and Currency and Brokerage business"; some friends have proposed making a small capital if Eckley will take charge and conduct the business; disappointed in the country and states why; many foreigners employed by the government at large pay but dissatisfied with the authorities under which they work; employees recruited abroad resulting in many incompetent men; real work done by Japanese salesmen; about 1200 white inhabitants, mostly Englishmen, the French next; only rush of business is about four days per month when steamer arrives; states Mr. Cargill's position as superintendent of the railroad being built to Yedo and other railroad employees are Englishmen except Japanese in subordinate positions; predicts English capitalists will gain control of all important branches and revenue of the government; heard Ralston had been ill.

ALS 4 pp.
item Unnumbered

Eckley, [----], Agency of the Bank of California, Virginia [City], Nev[ada], 22 May, 1872. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Esq., Carson [City], [Nevada].

Additional Note

A rate of $92.50 was charged on the New York draft which totaled $1480, the amount filled in on Mr. Yerington's check.

ALS 1 p.
item 5045

Edelen, W.R., Washington, D.C., March 13th, 1873. To Sir Hon[orable] Cashier, Bank of California, San Francisco, [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Professor Thomas J. Chubb had informed Mr. Edelen that Mr. Ralston was interested in forming "a company for the advancement of mining interests, using his recent patents in Separators and furnaces, for the advancement of [his] project"; learned of Professor Chubb's death only when letters to him were returned marked "Deceased"; writing Ralston for more definite news about his death; Professor Chubb had written on January 7 that he would forward funds to Mr. Edelen to come to California as he understood the professor's business; had "done all his drafting, framed all his specifications, and done the majority of his work, in general"; was to make all the draftings in California for the separators and to estimate and superintend the construction of the separators and furnaces"; the Professor very ill when in Washington; had told Mr. Edelen that he would draw up a paper giving him full power to act in case of his death; left for California before doing so but stated he would send him "power of attorney" giving him full control of his business; if Professor Chubb left any papers for Mr. Edelen with Mr. Ralston or with any other interested person he wants them mailed to him immediately; had received descriptions of plans and designs for an important invention of which Mr. Edelen was to make drawings for the Patent Office; it is a steam generator, of which he has the secret; if Ralston has any information about Chubb's business would like to have it.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5050

Edwards, Henry, Bohemian Club Rooms, Corner Sacramento and Webb Streets, San Francisco, [California], Sept[ember] 8th, 1874. To My dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Ralston's letter with reference to rejecting Judge [William T.] Wallace as a Bohemian Club member; thanks him for his interest but believes he will in common with the vast majority of the Club it is as Edelan consider it "an outrage upon good taste"; a special meeting that afternoon to take decided steps to set aside the action; hopes to be able to announce that the matter has been pleasantly settled in such a way as to be honorable to Judge Wallace.

ALS 1 p.
item 5055

Eells, Rufus S., San Francisco, Dec[ember] 8th, 1867. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston had assisted Mr. Eells in the sale of his San Francisco property; saving him several thousands of dollars; promised himself he would show his grateful appreciation for Mr. Ralston's kindness to him at that time as well as subsequent occasions and also with financial aid; thought of ways to do so including a gift, decided upon a letter of thanks expressing his great gratitude and concern for Mr. Ralston's health.

ALS 4 pp.
item 5060

Emmett, C. Temple, Office of Richard S. Emmett, 56 William Street, Union Building, New York, July 14, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Capt[ai]n [----] Brenham had informed Mr. Emmett that Mr. Ralston had told him that Mr. Emmett "had spoken disparagingly of the B[an]k of California"; tries to defend himself against such a remark; admits he ''may have said that the Bank of California felt the pressure of the present hard times in San Francisco"; if so, he said it to persons whom he supposed to be as warmly interested in [Ralston's] success and welfare as himself; hopes Ralston will let him know from whom he obtained the information "and...the particulars of it."

ALS 5 pp.
item 5065

Estee, Morriss M., Assembly Chamber, Twentieth Session, Sacramento, [California], Feb[ruary] 18, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had not given the subject of which Mr. Ralston writes in his letter much consideration; finds bill referred has been reported out of the committee "without recommendation"; thinks Ralston's "argument strong and conclusive"; Estee's views are that "this subject should be left to the parties contracting save only after judgment or legal proceedings"; feels the Legislature should offer "some protection to parties after judgment even against their own when the rate of interest is exorbitant"; Thinks it unwise "to interfere with contracts made between borrower and lender on commercial paper"; price of money "depends upon sup[p]ly and demand."

ALS 2 pp.
Marked "Personal" on first page.
item 5070

Euxine, N[ew] York, Dec[ember] 27th, 1864, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

"Very confidential"; mostly in code except last several lines "here there might be disappointment perhaps trouble would be careful about new account."
"m.a.r.i.p.o.s.a. Crisis evidently coming. Be prepared for dishonor drafts."
[Not on telegraph blank. May be office copy or translation of code. Last two sentences the same as in Euxine to Bank of California, New York, Dec[ember] 28, 1864, via California State Telegraph Company.
item 5070

Euxine, California State Telegraph Company, New York, Dec[ember] 28, 1864. To Bank of California. Telegram. Partly in code.

Additional Note

To refer to dispatch of the day before [statement in code]; "crisis evidently coming"; warns Bank of California to prepare to dishonor drafts.

T 1 p.
item 5500

Fauntleroy, Ch[arle]s M., P[acific] M[ail] S[team] S[hip] "New York", Yokohama, Japan, Aug[us]t 23d, 1868. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Acknowledges Mr. Ralston's letter of credit and one of instructions; assures him that he can depend upon him in regard to Ralston's expressed wishes in carrying out the commission using his discretion; he feels called upon to exert his power to the utmost to do everything to Mr. Ralston's satisfaction; market very unsettled due to an unusually large Fleet of Foreign Men of Star in port; sending a letter and package in care of Ralston for their friend Cash; so many naval commanders there that the price of Japanese curios has gone up ridiculously high; since Mr. Ralston is in no hurry, he will bide his time; two ships expected.
Added Note: "My Dear Cash I send you this [letter] for perusal and return to me. Caps [?] Fauntleroy's Head is level --I don't care if he waits a year rather than to pay any fancy prices besides, I will not be ready for anything short of abt[e] [?] that time." "R-------"

ALS 4 pp.
For reply to this letter see: R[alston], W[illiam] C., n.p., October 2d, [186]8. To Captain [Charles M.] Fauntleroy.
item 5500

Fauntleroy, Ch[arle]s M., P[acific] M[ail] S[teamer] "New York", Yokohama, [Japan], Sept[ember] 25, 1858.

Additional Note

Encloses voluminous documents relating to 4 small bronzes being sent to Mr. Ralston by "Japan"; the vendor asked $271.00 but they were bought for $150.00; export duty of $3.50, freight and consular fee $7.50 making total of $161.00; leaves $23.00 in the Oriental Bank for buying other "Curios"; when Mr. Ralston starts building will order from Singapore "Penang Rattan" chairs and sewing chair for ladies; Japan in an unsettled condition; people leaving Yedo rapidly; Civil War in Japan sickens Mr. Fauntleroy; very wet summer destroying the rice crop, a serious thing for the people whose food is "Fish, Rice, and Vegetables"; no steamers in as yet; heard of death of Thaddeus Stephans by telegraph; sent Mr. Ralston a little box for "Cash" by the "Republic."

ALS 4 pp. Documents lacking.
item 5500

Fauntleroy, Ch[arle]s M., Steamer "New York," Yokohama, [Japan], Sept[embe]r 25, [18]68. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Since finishing his note of same date several ships have arrived in port; reports of the markets seem to indicate that there is an unusual demand for blankets and none are offered for sale; thought it a good chance to speculate and have a lot of common double blankets sent out by the firm of Lazaid and Fring, the Bills of Lading to be sent to Mr. Fauntleroy; Blankets to be sold by a Japanese on a percentage basis; $2.50 to $3.00 blankets could be readily sold in Japan--$2.50 ones for $5 or $6; should be rushed out from England before European speculators arrived; Fauntleroy wants "to turn an honest penny" and this is the only way he can see to do it; if this is agreeable to Mr. Ralston and he will tell those who might be interested in speculation of this kind he would greatly be obliged to Mr. Ralston; suggests that a few blankets of a higher quality would have a ready sale at a higher price.

ALS 4 pp.
item 5500

Fauntleroy, Ch[arle]s M., Leesburg, London Co., V[irgini]a, March 8th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Since the Pacific Mail [Steam Ship Company] has reorganized Mr. Fauntleroy feels that Mr. Ralston may be willing and able to help him obtain a position with the new management; thinks that Mr. Ralston's great influence and his power could obtain a position for Mr. Fauntleroy if he is so inclined; found it difficult to obtain a livlihood in Louisiana because of dishonesty of state officials so would like to again be employed by the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company; would prefer an agency but would take one of the new steamers.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5505

Fay, C[aleb] T., San Francisco [California], Nov[ember] 8th, 1872. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Wishes to have "a square talk" with Mr. Ralston; best elements of the City and those who should be its protectors are at war; "this should stop-divided both have been beaten--united some practical plan--great and lasting good will come"; wants to talk the matter over with Mr. Ralston, not hurriedly at the Bank but outside of business hours for two hours; asks Mr. Ralston, if agreeable, to name the time and place.

ALS 1 p.
At top of page: File away.
item 5510

Felton, C[harles] N., Office of U.S. Assistant Treasurer, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], Dec[ember] 13th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Sends a copy of a letter addressed to Sec[retary] [George S.] Boutwell explaining a matter on which Mr. Ralston's influence is desired if he can lend it; the Sec[retary] has caused a bill to be introduced into the Lower House of Congress relieving Felton "from loss by reason of the checks referred to in the copy"; bill referred to the Ways and Means Committee; asks Mr. Ralston to use his influence with any members of the House outside of the San Francisco delegation who favor the bill.

ALS 1 p. Enclosure lacking.
item 5510

Felton, [Charles N.], [n.p.], Dec[ember] 19, [18]72. To [William C.] R[alston].

Additional Note

Enclosed will show the action of Secretary [George S.] Boutwell in regard to Mr. Felton's relief bill; thinks it favorable; has written to all their delegation; if Ralston has written Mr. Hooper "nothing else can be done"; should any letters be enclosed that should be done immediately as this is short session and the one most favorable to Felton.

ALS 1 p. Enclosure lacking.
item 5515

Feuerstein, R[----], New York, [June?] 18th, 1868. To [William C] Ralston.

Additional Note

Writes to Mr. Ralston to tell why be left San Francisco "in an irritated and most unpleasant state of mind" which he blamed principally on Mr. Ralston's actions; Mr. Feuerstein had acted only upon Mr. Ralston's advice and counsel; thunderstruck at learning about Mr. Stanger Tate's defalcation and supposed Mr. Ralston and others knew about the ways in which Mr. Tate had betrayed Mr. Feuerstein; Mr. George Gordon's last charge against Mr. Feuerstein had added nothing to any that [Frederick] Roeding and [----] Deko had told him; looked to Mr. Ralston to "quiet that nasty business"; was told his views and "to keep cool, to say as little as possible and let the matter blow over until some proper moment"; Mr. Gordon and Mr. Deko were of the same opinion; did not suspect that Mr. Ralston would change his views; before his departure Mr. Feuerstein considered the time right for action but Mr. Gordon wanted to complete the repairs to the refinery first which meant further delay; if Mr. Gordon thought Mr. Ralston knew all the particulars in the case he must have thought Mr. Ralston had made up his mind and "some proposition would settle the business at once"; if Mr. Gordon thought Mr. Ralston did not know them "he must have intended to prevent action by delaying his charge to the last day" before Mr. Feuerstein's intended departure which would keep Mr. Feuerstein in a "fearful suspense"; if his departure was delayed Mr. Feuerstein might have been forced "into some kind of arrangement which [he would] ever have regretted as incompatible with [his] self respect and honor"; was mortified when he learned that Mr. Ralston's accusation that Mr. Feuerstein "had been in the way of a timely settlement"; explains that which he considered the reason for Mr. Ralston's action and is willing to forgive and forget and hoped Mr. Ralston would do the same; had planned to leave for Europe at an early date but changed his plans after being pressed by Mr. Ralston in view of the interests of the Company; no matter what happens Mr. Feuerstein will not change his opinion of Mr. Ralston, but will say that he "acted solely according to [his] sense of justice and propriety."
ALS 9 pp.
P.S. Mr. Harris of Washington has informed Mr. Feuerstein that no change has taken place there regarding the treaty question; Mr. Deko has been written to in that regard.
[Comment by Ralston added]:
Dr. Roeding
Their friend "has given entirely improper construction to [Ralston's] views; he insisted that Feuerstein remain over one steamer until Gordon should be forced to end that cursed business of his"; wanted a chance to end it by action and suggested they try "to agree on a program or it will never be ended." Ralston.

ALS 1 p.
item 5520

Field, Barnum W., Pioche City, Ely District, Nevada, Apr[il] 8, [18]70. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending the enclosed letter for Mr. Ralston's "own personal and thoughtful considerations"; asks that it be read outside of business hours so as not to interfere with his official duties; apologizes for length of letter but the circumstances as given make that necessary.

ALS 1 p.
Via Hamilton [at top of page]
See Field's letter of April 7, 1870 for enclosed letter.
item 5520

Field, Barnum W., Pioche City, Ely Mining District, Nevada, April 7, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Lengthy letter explaining why he was forced to resign from the Agency of the Bank of California at Hamilton, Nevada; had sent the December, [1869] returns for the Hamilton Agency to Mr. [----] Paxton at Treasure City with a letter in which he mentioned that a $300 loan to Agnes Hall was made under Mr. Paxton's "special order"; with only a gold watch and chain as security; Mr. Paxton angered by the fact and that which he considered the transaction "un-business like"; secondly, Mr. Paxton did not like the allusion in the Field letter to "the heavy indebtedness during the month of December [1869] of the Treasure City to the Hamilton Agency" so that Mr. Ralston could "see clearly the course that business was taking" in that district; Being depressed and desponded as a result of Mr. Paxton's abusive language and manner, Mr. Field resorted to the use of stimulants for the remainder of day; went to work next morning and upon Mr. Paxton's arrival his resignation was desired and he was notified to vacate the room in the Bank building which he occupied at once; Mr. Paxton made the excuse changes had been contemplated for some time; Mr. Field was considered "unreliable"; Mr. Field had been requested by Mr. Paxton to influence the customers of the Bank to give their assaying to Van Wyck and Co. and did so until he found that Mr. Paxton was sharing in the business profits, which added to his dislike of Mr. Field; other banking situations added to Mr. Paxton's dislike; Mr. Field blamed himself only for lack of strength at the time; staying in a camp near the Pioche Mine the superintendent of which is going to resign; asks Mr. Ralston whether he could obtain the position for him; makes promises if request is granted.

ALS 8 pp.
At top of first page: Via Hamilton. Personal.
Enclosed with Field's letter of April 8, [18]70.
item 5525

Field, [Mrs.] Hattie I., Boston, April 28, [18]70. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston's kind consideration for herself in regard to her husband's situation; Mr. B[arnum] H. Field had lost his position at the agency of the [Bank of California] in Hamilton, Nevada; he had tried to explain the causes that lead up to it; his dismissal is believed in Boston to such an extent that his wife cannot advise him to return East; asks that her husband reenter Mr. Ralston's employ and atone for that which he has done; his wife feels he will by "earnest endeavour and strict temperance" merit Mr. Ralston's entire trust if given a second chance.

ALS 4 pp.
Note added at top of first page: "I wish to answer by Reference to ours to Field we cannot Reinstate him on principal [sic]." W.C.R.
item 5530

Field, [Mrs.] M.A., Chicago, [Illinois], July 25, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Nearly lost her health when she opened Mr. Field's letter and saw Mr. Barlier's letter and statement to Mr. Ralston; expresses her gratitude for the kind words spoken in their behalf, has five sons all good business men; have had business reverses in Chicago; Mr. Field has been in California for two years; Mrs. Field wants the family united; asks Mr. Ralston whether the chances would be better for the boys in California than Chicago, or should Mr. Field come home; expects no written answer but can give his views to Mr. Field when he sees him.
ALS 4 pp.

P.S. "If old Tilton comes to you to stay 'Shoot him like a dog'--(pardon this foolish cut paper)."
item 5535

Fish, Ros A., Treasury Department, Washington, D.C., Dec[ember] 16th, 1870. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending Mr. Ralston copies of the Secretary of Treasury's report; made up tables G.K.L. and M. himself from the books of the office from 1791 to 30 June, 1870; calls special attention to Table M which is valuable; thanks him for his "polite attention" to himself and friends when visiting San Francisco.
ALS 2 pp.
P.S. "I beg that you will present my remembrance to Mrs. Ralston."
item 5540

Fitzhugh, P[erry], San Francisco, [California], January 30th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Heard that Ralston suffered from piles; takes pleasure in giving him a recipe and box of salve; gives recipe and directions for using the salve; states that it had benefited an old sheep partner of his.

ALS 2 pp.
Note added: "Acknowledge recipe with best thanks and c. W.C.R."
item 5545

Florens, W[----] I., Salt Like City, [Utah], Dec[ember] 22d, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Wants Mr. Ralston to sell his Con[solidated] Vir[ginia] stock when it reaches $500, realize and send him draft in [currency]; Mr. Florens and wife expect to be in San Francisco in May; obliged to Ralston for introduction to Ralston's people in Salt Like City; has seen Ralston's brother and liked him; tells Ralston to ask Sandy Austin to show him Florens' "report on the Virginia Consolidated Mine."

ALS 4 pp.
"Merry Christmas" at top of first page.
 

Fogle, H.C.

Additional Note

See Williams, H.L.
item 5550

Forbes, C[harles], St[eamer] Nevada off San Diego, Feb[ruary] 2nd, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Apologizes for not seeing Ralston to say good bye after his many kindnesses; getting better every hour; nothing Ralston can do for him except keep his letters until his return in the fall; wishes he were not going away; [----] Stuart has nearly lost his voice and is going to Egypt; thanks Ralston for the Panama introduction and his many kindnesses.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5555

Forney, J[----] W., Office of "The Press," Phila[delphia], [Pennsylvania], Sept[ember] 13, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston for his many kindnesses during his visit to [San Francisco]: states that the letters he wrote (enclosing copies of them) "have excited universal interest" to such an extent that the demand for the papers [containing them] cannot be supplied and Forney not half through publishing them; convinced that the publication of the facts about California which he had gathered will advance the interests of California, especially with the people who wish to emigrate to California; people in Philadelphia know little about California; has made mistakes which will be corrected in the pamphlet which will be published by Colonel Scott after the series of letters is complete; hopes to revisit California in the spring.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5560

Foss and Connelly, Office of the Geyser Stage Co., 214 Montgomery St[reet], San Francisco, [California], Calistoya, [California], May 29th, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asks Ralston to advise his friends who desire to see the geysers to take the evening train to Calistoga and leave on the morning stage for the geysers; can do better for them than if they came up on the morning train since the stock must make a double trip in that case so cannot give them a good ride.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5565

Foster, W[illiam] H., Jr., Hong Kong, March 19, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston. "Japan."

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his note of January 30 with enclosures; by the trial balance from Shanghai there were Taels 360.07 to Mr. Ralston's credit as of December 31, 1868; will write to Shanghai for information Mr. Ralston requested and will report to him; sending 16 Penang chairs as per invoice which cost $1105 [?] Mex; Mr. [----] Bowman charged a very moderate freight rate; will send more lounges by the "China" which will be made in Hong Kong; has given his old friend David Maclean a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston; will always be glad to be of service to any of Mr. Ralston's friends who come his way; Mr. Foster was married on February 13th, 1869; sends his regards to [Thomas H.] Brown and [George H.] Thompson of the Bank of California and [Zoeth S.] Eldredge.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S. Mr. McDonald had told Mr. Foster that he had ordered through Mr. Ralston a pair of horses; Mr. Foster's horses have given him much pleasure in riding and driving and are much admired.
Enclosures and invoice lacking. "Japan" at top of first page. Some words illegible.
item 5565

Foster, W[illiam] H., Hong Kong, April 19, [18]69. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. "China."

Additional Note

Thanks Ralston for his letter of the 3rd of March and for his kind offer of services; sent 16 chairs by "Japan"; sending by China 12 Ratan Lounges, sufficient for the large verandah of the Belmont house; if not, he will send more; encloses invoices and B[ill] [of] L[a]d[in]g for the 12 chairs--cost $29.00 at Ralston's debt; freight $12.96; Exchange market locally, now favors the buyers and expects it to remain so as long as Manila requires money; "sales of first class paper at x/7 [?] for bills on London at 6 [illiegible]."

ALS 2 pp.
item 5565

Foster, W[illiam] H., Hong Kong, June 14, [18]69. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his note of May 2 and for his attention to his friend Maclean and for Ralston's promise to "put through"' anyone Mr. Foster might send him; has already availed himself of this by giving a "line" to Ralston to Baron de Traittenberg of the Austrian Expedition who will be in San Francisco about the end of the year and will be delighted with the fine city; missed seeing the Admiral except at an evening party given by the Governor but Mrs. Foster told him about San Francisco where he will go and Ralston will have the opportunity to make arrangements for him to see San Francisco; Dr. Scherder, chief of the scientific department of the Austrian expedition, will want to know about the mines; if more can be made in time additional chairs will be sent for the verandah of Ralston's house; frequently during the summer Mr. Foster has thought of the contrast in climate between where Mr. Ralston lives and he lives; very hot weather in Hong Kong; business dull; tea markets at Foochow and Canton not yet open; much money lost in tea in 1867/69; doubts whether there was half a dozen English Houses solvent in China; Mr. J. McDonall "has astonished the slow people of Shanghai with the horses [Ralston] sent him; Mr. Foster's horses much admired and are excellent saddle horses; thanks Ralston for his congratulations; praises married life.

ALS 6 pp.
June 17th. Encloses Bill of Lading for 6 Lounges and 6 arm chairs costing $[----] at [Ralston's] debit in a/c.
Bill of Lading missing.
item 5565

Foster, W[illiam], Hong Kong, June 19th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, esq. "Japan."

Additional Note

Encloses B[ill] [of] L[a]d[in]g by this steamer ["Japan"] and Mexico; the cost is $34 for six packages of 6 Lounges and 6 arm chairs which Mr. Foster presumes Mr. Ralston will be glad to have for his new house; will send no more chairs without further orders; Mr. [----] Edmondson asked to have some chairs sent to him and was sent the same number as to Mr. Ralston; and charged the cost to Ralston's account; Mr. Edmondson has been requested to pay Mr. Ralston $39 in gold, "the equivalent of $34 Mexican;" hopes Mr. Ralston will approve of his action.

ALS 2 pp.
At top of first page "Japan."
Note added at bottom of first page: Send this to Mr. Smith at Custom House [probably added by Mr. Ralston].
item 5565

Foster, W[illiam] H., Jr., Hong Kong, June 30th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Introducing his friend Hon[orable] W.H. Rennie, Colonial Auditor General and member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and asks for "any civilities" which Mr. Ralston may be able to offer him; is an experienced traveller and knows that Ralston will make it possible for Mr. Rennie to see the grand scenery of California and Nevada; has hinted that Mr. Ralston's "stables can turn out...something wonderful in beauty and strength, or rather power, as well as tremendous in spirit"; asks that he be recommended to [----] Foss at the Geysers and to be driven down from the summit in 7 1/2 minutes.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5570

Foster, W[illiam] H., Jr., Hong Kong, July 19th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Introducing to Mr. Ralston his friend, W.H. Rennie, an Englishman of liberal ideas, who sails from Japan; wants to see California; fond of horses, has been one of the best supporters of the races in Hong Kong; won the "challenge cup"; has been told about Mr. Ralston's stables and hopes to see them; gives an account of business conditions in Hong Kong.

ALS 3 pp.
item 5570

Foster, W[illiam] H., Jr., Hong Kong, Sept[em]b[e]r 16th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's second order for chairs and forwarded it to Singapore; gratified that the chairs sent were satisfactory; suggested being commanded at any time; the house [Russell and Co.] letter will give Mr. Ralston information about the market.

ALS 1 p.
item 5570

Foster, W[illiam] H., Hong Kong, Oct[ober] 16, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr. Per "Japan."

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his order for chairs which will be sent him as soon as they come from Penang; greatly obliged for the attention Mr. Ralston gave his friend Mr. Rennie who wrote that he was received very cordially and entertained very hospitably; he was very enthusiastic about the many interesting things to be seen in and around San Francisco; his letters to friends in Hong Kong will influence people traveling to the United States and Europe to go by way of San Francisco; Governor of the Colony of Hong Kong thinks he may return to England by the Pacific route and overland but has waited to learn Mr. Rennie's opinion of that route; Mr. Foster has rearranged his plans for the future and would like to settle in California; asks Mr. Ralston's advice regarding future business arrangements, cites his qualifications along that line, and feels he is competent to take any responsible position in a mercantile firm; would prefer a business such as that of his friend [----] Edmondson who had thought of selling out; Mr. Foster would like to succeed him; Mr. and Mrs. Foster prefer the climate of San Francisco.

ALS 4 pp.
item 5570

Foster, W[illiam] H., Jr., Hong Kong, Dec[ember] 18th, [18]69. To [William C.] Ralston. Per "American."

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his note of November 3 giving "much interesting information about the state of monetary affairs in California"; a hard time existed for a time and there were malicious reports started about the Bank of California according to the papers; rumors stopped and confidence restored; sends Bill of Lading and 19 chairs on the steamer "American"; son born on November 25, 1869 and registered with the U.S. Consulate as a citizen and "he cannot be claimed as a Britisher"; baby born on Regatta Day and that evening received a note from U.S. consul that Captain English of the U.S. Flagship Delaware proposed the baby's health which was drunk by forty true Americans when the news was received during lunch; business dull but manage to cover expense; the much talked about coolie business does not proper with the people here to inaugurate it; after the Chinese New Year that business may improve.

ALS 3 pp.
Per "American" at top of 1st page.
item 5570

Foster, W[illiam] H., Jr., Hong Kong, Jan[uar]y 11th, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his "frank note" assuring him that he may have his [Ralston's] advice and recommendation upon arrival in San Francisco; appreciates Ralston's kindness and will let him see that he [Mr. Foster] is worthy of it; may leave by March steamer instead of April as first planned; leaves his share of the profits for the year when he sails; Mrs. Foster looking forward to being able to say that she is at home again; comments on his little son; sending 16 more chairs as per Bill of Lading enclosed; brisk business in staples during past month--"Rice, Sugar and Salt in Japan"; very little trade with the United States.

ALS 3 pp.
Per "Japan" at top of first page.
Bill of Lading lacking.
item 5570

Foster, W[illiam] Jr., Hong Kong, Feb[ruar]y 12th, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending Ralston Bill of Lading for 15 more Rattan chairs by the steamer China; he and family will leave by the next steamer for San Francisco and hopes to find Ralston well upon arrival; leaving the firm of Russell and Co. and his responsibilities will end then according to the agreement with Mr. Cunningham, Attorney for Mr. [Paul] S. Forbes; Mr. Foster will then be able to trade on his own in any field he chooses; Mr. Cunningham did not favor Mr. Foster's personal expenditures over which it was considered that he had no control; no criticism of his economy in the management of business matters; states real reason for leaving was that Mr. Forbes wished to provide positions for his relatives; considers his connection with the company as being agreeable; will have some business in hand upon arrival.

ALS 4 pp.
Per "China" at top of page one.
Bill of Lading lacking.
 

Fowlkes, Dr. Jeptha

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.
item 5575

French, W[illia]m H., San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], February 7, 1872. To Hon[orable] W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

His seventeen year old son Frederic Halver French has applied for an appointment at large to West Point; Mr. French gives some family history; asks Mr. Ralston's "assistance in bringing this prominently before the President of the United States"; this action "will be highly esteemed and appreciated. "

ALS 3 pp.
"Senator Cole has taken charge of my son's letter asking the President for the appointment."
item 5575

French, W[illia]m H., Presidio of San F[rancisc]o March 21, 1872. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

A telegram had been received from Washington announcing the appointment of his son Hal to West Point; thanks Mr. Ralston for bringing his "very strong influence to bear in his favor"; this favor is "high appreciated" and will be remembered by both father and son.

ALS 2 pp.
item 5575

Belknap, W[illia]m W., War Department, Washington City, March 27th, 1872. To Hon[orable] C[ornelius] Cole.

Additional Note

The Secretary of War, William W. Belknap informed Senator Cornelius Cole that Frederic H. French, whose application Senator Cole had endorsed, had been appointed by President [Grant] as a Cadet to the Military Academy to enter in 1873.

ALS 2 pp.
"Respectfully refered to Mr. Ralston." [Signed] C. Cole.
2 copies, one dated March 26th, 1872; the other March 27, 1872.
 

Fretz, A.C.

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.
 

Fretz and Ralston

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.
 

Fretz, John

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.
 

Fretz, Ralph

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.
 

Fretz, Ralston

Additional Note

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.
item 5580

Fry, (Mrs.) Caroline, Louisville, [Kentucky], Aug[ust] 31st 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enjoyed seeing Lizzie (Mrs. Ralston) and the children in New York; comments on each one; furnishing a new house and making new friends; hopes Mr. Ralston will send his friends to visit the Frys and they will do the best they can for them; asks Ralston what he has "done for the 'widow' and her oil painting."

ALS 3 pp.
item 5585

Fry, James Barnet, Headquarters Military Division of the South, Louisville, K[entuck]y, July 18th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed clipping entitled The Chinese in California which gives "the leading democratic view on the Chinese question" in the local area; it will be a mistake for Senator [Eugene] Casserly to appease the Irish by making "war on the Chinaman"; will not be supported by the party on this side and he will be "out in the cold"; "a fair chance for all will be the result of the war"; Capt[ain] [----] Brenham has gone East, his wife confined to her room in Galt House; hopes to start housekeeping in a few weeks after Mrs. Fry arrives; if Mr. Ralston cannot visit them then, he can send them any of his friends who come that way and a promise to do all he can to make their visit pleasant; obliged for the business the Bank has done for him so promptly every month; supposes that Ralston has been kept busy by the influx of people from the East.

ALS 2 pp. Clipping enclosed.
item 5585

Fry, James B., Phila[delphia], [Pennsylvania], Aug[ust] 18, [18]69. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

When [General] Fry arrived in Philadelphia he learned that Dr. I.H. Baxter had started on a trip to California with a party made up mostly of members of Congress; he is a personal friend of General Fry, stationed in Washington, distinguished professionally, "has a large acquaintance and a strong power" among members of both houses of Congress; commends him to Ralston; General and Mrs. Fry go to New York expecting to see Lizzie [Ralston] and from there to Louisville to settle down; will try again to see [James] Lees in New York; met Gov[ernor] [Richard James] Oglesby in Chicago who was delighted with his visit [to California] and who told much about Mr. Ralston.

ALS 2 pp.

Please answer at top of first page. - R
item 5585

Fry, James B., Louisville, [Kentucky], October 10, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has given a note to Mr. Ralston to W[illia]m D. Conn, his chief clerk who sails for California to find employment; is not asking any favor for him, only if Mr. Ralston has an opening for such a man as he, gives an account of his character and qualifications; "Well, you did put the delegations through! Some fair drinkers sh!"; "a pity to pour that fine wine into some of those rat holes"; did not think much of the way some of the Chicago and Cincinnati people behaved; criticized them; "Douglas and Ogden have parted as pretty fully [?] as to matters generally and especially as to the return of Lizzie [Ralston] and the children...the greatest among the great events at Belmont"; often discussed and wonder how she gets "along with the big house and all her duties and responsibilities"; "she has the ability and nerve to meet it all and more too"; met Governor [Richard James] Oglesby in Chicago after he returned from California which he praised highly and also Mr. Ralston particularly; "all the men of sense and standing" do the same but there are others who are not of that kind; Colonel [----] McDowell was charmed, was at Belmont; did not wonder that California was lively after going from Louisville; a dull place with a heavy trade in pork, whiskey and tobacco, local society does not have "the purpose of making things agreeable and jolly for the people in general"; has single purpose of marrying off the girls; Mrs. Fry gets along well but complains about the coal dust.

ALS 3 pp.
Specimen of Mr. Conn's handwriting enclosed:
item Unnumbered

Conn, W[illia]m D., Baltimore, [Maryland], October 6th, 1869. To General James B. Fry.

Additional Note

Has received General Fry's letter and the letter of recommendation; however the result may or may not justify the endorsement of his character, General Fry, General Halleck and Colonel Scott can rely upon his gratitude; will not decline nor accept General Fry's offer; leaves for New York on the 30th and from there by steamer for San Francisco.

ALS l p.
With letter Fry, James B., Louisville, [Kentucky], October 10, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston. As a specimen of Mr. Conn's handwriting.
item 5585

Fry, James B., Louisville, [Kentucky], Oct[ober] 24, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses a newspaper article [Wealth as King] for Mr. Ralston to read "for relief from Bank business"; considers parts of it good others not so good; expresses better than he could some of the views he advanced when discussing Mr. Sharon's taking the Senatorship with Ralston; Mr. Fry's "idea is that bad government will sooner or later result in all evils and carry every body to pot; purity and efficiency in legislation and c, is therefore a prime consideration"; states how all ought to seek to secure it; 1st, "a fair degree of fitness and then the more wealth...the better" since that would make the incumbent less apt to be corrupted since a wealthy man can be independent, 2nd. the fit man if wealthy is under stronger obligations to accept the office and should do so; 3d should "be held responsible and not be the tool [of] whom he controls as at present; "all quiet, very quiet on the Ohio."

ALS 2 pp. Clipping enclosed.
item 5585

Fry, James B., Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri, Chicago, Ill[inois], Dec[ember] 4th, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Heard that Mr. Ralston is going to send an expedition from Belmont to the south (New Orleans etc.); hopes it will be directed to encamp on the military grounds if it goes over the Chicago line of March; "How are you Diamond Mines?"; best thing for that kind of a case is the "argumentum ad hominum ... Latin for beating a man over the head with a club"; warns not to "send any Gospels with the expedition...plenty to be had" en route.

ALS 1 p.
At top of page one: "Answered. W.C.R."
item Unnumbered

Fry, James B., Headquarters Military Division of the Atlantic, New York, February 8th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's "decision of character does not show itself as much in educating your boys, as it does in other things"; encloses a clipping which he advises Mr. Ralston to read since it shows "how fully and promptly a Wall Street man settles the matter with the school master."

ALS 1 p. Clipping enclosed.
The following clipping enclosed with the above letter: "The Chinese in America," The World, New York, July 12, 1869.
item Unnumbered

Gardner, Robert, State of California, Office of Surveyor General, Sacramento, 13 January, 1875. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Esq.

Additional Note

Acknowledges receipt of telegram and letters sent to C[----] E. Hartnell as well as warrants Mr. W[illiam] C. Ralston sent to be located on certain specified land according to Mr. Yerington's instructions; some of the land has not been surveyed so it cannot be located with School Land Warrants; office records show that there is on file a Warrant Location filed by Mr. [----] Bliss in the name of W[----] R. Eckhart; lists land he has located in the name of C[----] E. Hartnell; there are preemption filings on some of it on which an abandonment can probably be obtained.
LS 2 pp.
[Note added]
"The scrip located as above was withdrawn for cause."
Original in University of Nevada Library, Special Collections, Yerington Collection.
item Unnumbered

Garner, Robert, Sacramento, State of California, Office of Surveyor General, 13 Jan[uar]y, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Ralston's letter with land warrants listed by number and had located that day all the land that could be located according to H[enry] M. Yerington's instructions; listed warrants used in locating the land with the acreage for each and those that were not used which were subject to Mr. Ralston's order.
LS 1 p.
Original in University of Nevada Library, Special Collections, Yerington Collection.
 

Gardner, Robert

See also Hartnell, C.E.

 

Garrison, Cornelius Kingsland

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 6020

Garrison, D.R., Pacific Railroad (of Missouri), President's Office, Saint Louis, [Missouri], Feb[ruar]y 15th, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq. Strictly Confidential.

Additional Note

C.K. Garrison of New York is to leave for San Francisco on important business; informs Mr. Ralston that the M[iss]o[uri] Pacific R[ailwa]y Co[mpany] then owned by various New York parties can be purchased to such an amount as to give the purchaser control of the Road; "the Road is leased to the Atlantic and Pacific Ry. Co. but the lease's illegality can be easily proved; "gives an account of the Railroad, its receipts, its bonded indebtedness as shown by enclosed clipping, value of the property, the Union Depot, its charter; suggests that Mr. Ralston and a few of his friends consider "obtaining control of this magnificent property"; C.K. [Garrison] will see Mr. Ralston and would be pleased to have him consult with him about the railroad.
LS 4 pp. Clipping enclosed.
item 6020

Garrison, D.R. per C.K.G., Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company and Leased Lines, St. Louis, [Missouri], Feb[ruary] 17, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Is sending the attorney for the above railroad company, P.N. Lilton, to San Francisco on business for the railroad; he will probably call upon Mr. Ralston who is requested not to inform him of the contents of his first letter, since he does not want this attorney to know about any of his movements.
LS 1 p.
Mr. Ralston may make any inquiries he pleases about the condition or management of the railroad.
item 6025

Garrison, J.L., Home Mutual Fire and Marine Ins. Co. of St. Louis, St. Louis, [Missouri], August 9th, 1873. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Cha[rle]s Holland of Chicago is in St. Louis to dispose of a marble patent for manufacturing Manhattan Artificial Marble of which he is one of the owners; he has stated that he has sold his patent for California to Mr. Ralston and others and that the factory for producing artificial marble is in operation in Oakland [California]; "would like to know whether the thing is a success."
ALS 1 p.
[Note added] Answered Aug[ust] 19th, [18]73.
 

GARRISON & FRETZ COLLECTION (BEGIN)

Additional Note

Garrison & Fretz--1849
Garrison, Fretz & Co.--Sept., 1851
Garrison, Morgan, Fretz & Ralston--Jan. 1, 1856
Fretz & Ralston--July 11, 1857
item Unnumbered

Clippings, miscellaneous.

Additional Note

Number of clippings, sources. not indicated. Some apparently from Congressional Record, but no date; others probably from newspapers.
item 6030

Dinneford, W[illia]m, Esq. n.p., undated To Garrison & Fretz. Statement of account with amounts stated.

Additional Note

"For your note to us dated June 16th, 1850.
For Interest on do to 16th Decr., 1851, 18 months at 1% per mo.
For your note to us dated from 20th June, 1851 at 30 days not yet paid.
Interest on do to 16th Decr. 1851, 5 months and 25 days at 3%
American currency
GG Pina and Co.
Dft returned
Int and Damages
Total $1,227.10"
DS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Dinneford, W[illia]m, Esq., n.p., undated To Garrison & Fretz. Statement of account with amounts stated.

See Dinneford, W[iliiam], Panamá, June 16, 1850. To Messrs. Garrison & Fretz or order. Promissory note.

item 6030

Fretz and Ralston, n.p., undated

Additional Note

Sundry statements regarding coal at San Francisco; including cost of storage and wharfate, money collected, credit to Fretz and Ralston and debits to Fretz and Ralston.
D [No signature] 1 p.
item 6030

Fretz and Ralston, n.p., March 28th, [18-]1. To Ben Holladay.

Additional Note

Receipt for having received from Ben Holladay 120 shares of stock of the Ophir Silver Mining Company as collateral for money loaned.
ANS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

G[arrison], C[ornelius] K[ingsland], n.p., undated To F[retz] and R[alston].

Additional Note

Statement of C[ornelius] K[ingsland] Garrison's charges and credits to Fretz and Ralston.
D 1 p.
item 6030

[Garrison Fretz and Co. ?], n.p., undated

Additional Note

Our 1/2 San Fran[cisco] coal.
46,768.96 Dr.
35,452.78 Sale of 1/2
$11316.18 Loss
D No signature. 1 p.
item Unnumbered

[Garrison Fretz and Co.?], n.p., undated

Additional Note

"Sundry statements regarding coal at San Francisco "
D [No signature] 1 p.
item 6030

Garrison, Fretz and Co., Bankers. General Agents, Commission and Forwarding Merchants, Panamá, N[ew] G[ranada], undated

Additional Note

Memo. Notes of Edw[ar]d McGovern and S.P. Dorsey given to Fretz and Ralston, San Francisco for collection.
S.P. Dorsey note to Ran Runnels and int[erest] 3%.
Give up note if principal is paid "or do the best you can to collect it."
E. McGovern to W.R. Buker
2 notes
"Compromise the above two by his paying $500 and give him up the notes."
[On Verso]
"Dorsey and McGovern Notes for Collection for a/c Ran Runnels"
Garrison & Fretz
item 6030

[Garrison, Fretz and Co.], n.p., undated To W[illiam] Dinneford. Statement of Account.

Additional Note

"Advances made by Wm. Dinneford for a/c of Ship Kingston and owners" plus interest on loan of Garrison & Fretz
"Less amt paid him a/c of disbursements."
"Our int[erest]...for which were [?] are indebted to Dinneford."
Dinneford Dr
"To amt of Chas Jacksons bill Pork and Beef for Kingston rend[ered] in a/c as paid
Amt. G and F Bill oil casks do do
Amt. G and F Notes --
Dinneford Dr
Dinneford Cr
Bal[ance] due us by Dinneford $666.58."
[On verso]
"Memo Kingston and Dinneford."
The following letter was with the above note:
item Unnumbered

Dinneford, W[illiam], n.p., undated, for a/c of ship Kingston and owners.

Additional Note

Statement of amount advanced and interest on money loaned of Garrison & Fretz; less amount paid Mr. Dinneford and balance due him by Garrison & Fretz; Mr. Dinneford is debtor for supplies for Kingston and with deduction of interest he owes [Garrison & Fretz] $666.58.
D [No signature]
item Unnumbered

Garrison, Fretz and Co., undated To John Mathison, [Panamá, Nueva Granada].

Additional Note

Inv. Power
$500
Due 2/5 Nov[ember]
Pay to John Mathison Esq., or Order.
DS
item Unnumbered

Mathison, John, I.I. de Ycaza, Panamá [Nueva Granada], 30th July, 1856.

Additional Note

To Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co.
Pay to the order of Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co.
DS
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., San Francisco. To Fretz and Ralston.

Additional Note

Eleven checks signed by Mr. Ralston, most of which are made out to "myself" or "W.C.R." or "W.C. Ralston" on one; most state purpose or are to be charged to "general account"; dates of checks; Mr. Ralston's signature partially blotted out on all except one check.
DS
item 6030

Thomas H. Somonson and Horatio N. Gallup agt. [vs] Cornelius K. Garrison and John Fretz, Supreme Court, City and County of New York. Copy.

Additional Note

Complaint of Plaintiffs against the Defendants shows to the Court that the Defendants at Panamá, New Granada on May 18th, 1853 "collected and received on the account and for the use of Samuel Churchman...the sum... of the value in the City of New York of $2245.10...being the proceeds of a certain Bill of Exchange..drawn by said Churchman in favor of said Garrison & Fretz on Ferand and Co....and by them paid to the Defendants for the account of...Churchman and that thereby the said Defendants...were indebted to...Churchman the..named sum with interest from the said 18th day of May, 1855"; After being requested to pay the Defendants have refused to pay the money collected or any part of it; before starting this action Mr. Churchman for "a valuable consideration" which the Plaintiffs paid him, "assigned, transfered and set over" to the Plaintiffs "all his... claim and demand against the...Defendants to the money...collected by them for his account...and that the Plaintiffs are...the lawful holders, owners and assignees of said claim and demand...the same remains wholly due and unpaid"; Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants for $2,245.10 with interest and costs of the action; sworn statement of Thomas H. Simonson.
D 2 pp.
[On verso]
"Supreme Court. Simonson and Gallup vs. Garrison & Fretz. Copy complaint. F.F. Marbury for Plffs. I have just procured a Copy of the Complaint in order that you and Mr. Garrison might see the matter more fully on seeing their claim and that I might more easily make a defense. Yours truly W.K.T."

See E O E, Panamá, March 23d, 1853. To Samuel Churchman, Esqr.
15.15 To Balance when party was made up for coco
To Cash Jany 24 to Feb. 1 and amounts paid to several individuals and for supplies with amounts
558.70 Total
279.35 1/2 for your a/c
294.50 Total
item 6030

Dinneford, W[illiam], Panamá, June 16, 1850. To Messrs. Garrison & Fretz or order. Promissory note.

Additional Note

Promised to pay Messrs. Garrison & Fretz or order $200.00 in American Gold on demand with interest from date or value received.
S 1 p.
[On verso]
"W. Dinneford
$200
Pay to the order of Garrison Fretz and Co.
Garrison & Fretz."
item 6030

Dinneford, W[illiam], Panamá, June 20th, 1851. To Garrison & Fretz, Promissory note.

Additional Note

Promised in thirty days to pay to the order of Garrison & Fretz $250.00 American Gold with 3% interest per month.
DS 1 p.
[On verso]
"W Dinneford. Note due July 20 for $250.00"
"Pay to the order of Garrison Fretz and Co. Garrison & Fretz."
item 6035

Jenkins, Tho[mas] H., Panamá, January 15th, 1852. To Garrison & Fretz. Promissory note.

Additional Note

Promised to pay to the order of Messrs. Garrison & Fretz $630.67 American Gold for value received.
DS 1 p.
[On verso]
Pay to the order of Garrison Fretz and Co. Garrison & Fretz
Tho[mas] H. Jenkins due--Jany 15th $630.67
item Unnumbered

C[illegible], M. [L. or S.?], San Francisco, Oct[ober] 25th, 1852. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Receipt for $50
DS 1 p.
item 6035

Bell, Alexander, Panamá, Nov[em]b[er] 24th, A.D. 1852. To Edgar Wakeman. Bill of sale.

Additional Note

Sold to Edgar Wakeman "30 head of hogs...one cart and farming utensils on the ranch of Algodono and a number of fowls"; acknowledged payment of $500.00 and bound himself for the good title to all the property.
DS 1 p.
"Signed and Sealed this day Panamá Novb 24th, A.D. 1852. Witness Geo. S.[?] Keen."
item 6035

Raymond, J[----] W., San Francisco, Jan[uar]y 14, 1853. To Messrs Garrison & Fretz, Panamá.

Additional Note

Acknowledged receipt of letters of Dec[ember] 12th and 21st; New Orleans advertized for January 14 but as...no tickets of consequence were sold up to 1 o'clock (neither on her nor any of the other steamers) it was deemed better to withdraw said steamer rather than suffer a heavy loss on the down passage which might not be made up on the return trip; regretted this loss because Mr. Raymond wished the New Orleans to wait until after Cortez had left Panamá so as not to compete with other boats under the management of Garrison & Fretz; less expensive to wait in San Francisco; would like to send New Orleans on February 1st and "let Capt[ain] Wakeman have time to go on the beach and examine the ship's bottom"; since both his bookkeeper and purser are ill Mr. Raymond has had much extra to do so has not been able to examine the accounts of Garrison & Fretz; has noticed that both "damages and interest" were charged on the protested draft of J. Howard; Messrs. Page, Bacon and Co. is his authority that when "damages" are claimed "interest" is not customarily charged; "but the holder takes his option of either"; returning "t[----] Lynch's draft on D[avid C.] Broderick protested"; requested that it be collected of the endorser "Bell."
LS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Garrison & Fretz [Panamá], After March 8, 1853.

Additional Note

Items charged and credited in Profit and Loss a/c of Garrison & Fretz from March 9, 1853 to October 31, 1853.
D 3pp.
item Unnumbered

Garrison & Fretz, per S[amuel] W. Ralston, 10 M[ar]ch, 1853. Balance Sheet Ledger.

Additional Note

Undated itemized list of debit and credit. E and OE.
DS 2 pp.
[Vertical]
Balance sheet
Garrison & Fretz Ledger
Panamá 10 M[ar]ch, '53
Prior to transfer of Stock to G[arrison] F[retz] and Co.
item Unnumbered

E and OE, Panamá, March 23d, 1853. To Samuel Churchman, Esqr.

Additional Note

Statement of unpaid draft on J.B. Ferand and Co., Panamá, cashed by Mr. Garrison in New York, plus interest.
DS 1 p.
[?] See Thomas H. Simonson and Horatio N. Gallup, agt [vs] Cornelius K. Garrison and John Fretz, Supreme Court, City and County of New York. Copy.
item Unnumbered

Garrison & Fretz [per] S[amuel] W. Ralston, Panamá, 29 March, 1853. Current account with.

Additional Note

Statement of cash received and interest at 3% per month from Nov[ember] 20, 1852 to March 29, 1853.
DS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Stevens, Curtis, Taboga, May 29th, 1853. To Messrs. Garrison, Fretz and Co., Panamá.

Additional Note

Requested that payment of balance of $200 due Mr. Stevens be paid to Charles Tripp, Captain of Taboga.
LS 1 p.
Not in handwriting of Mr. Stevens but signed by him.
[Receipt added]
"Received from W[illia]m Nelson for Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co. Two hundred Dollars being above am[oun]t. $200 Panamá, 11 June, 1855 Charles Tripp"
[On verso]
"Curtis Stephen [sic] order and receipt June 11th, 1855 from Wm Nelson $200"
item 6035

McLean, A[----] C., Panamá, August 20, [18]53. To Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co.

Additional Note

"Due Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co. or order Fifteen Dollars Am[erica]n Gold on Demand, --borrowed Cash--$15--"
DS 1 p.
item 6035

Marks, Robert, Panamá, Sept[ember] 3rd, 1853. To Garrison Fretz and Co, Promissory note.

Additional Note

Promised to pay to Garrison Fretz and Co. two hundred ninety four 50/100 dollars American Gold ten days after date for value received the preceding January.
DS 1 p.
[On verso]
R Marks
Sept 3rd
$294.50
item 6035

Marks, Robert, Panamá, Sept[ember] 3rd, 1853. To Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co. [Promissory note].

Additional Note

Mr. Marks promised to pay Messrs. Garrison Fretz and Co. $45 five days after date which was the amount held by them for value received.
S 1 p.
[On verso]
"A Marks
Due 8/11 Sept
$45"
item 6040

Bartty [?], Mary Ann, Panamá, [Nueva Granada], Sept[ember] 10th, 1853. To Garrison Fretz and Co.

Additional Note

Thirty days after date I promise to pay Garrison Fretz and Co. or order the sum of Fifty Dollars American Gold for value received (being loaned money) without defalcation or discount.
DS 1 p.
item 6040

[Garrison Fretz and Co..], n.p., Sept[ember] 17, 1853. To Mrs. [A.] Mayer.

Additional Note

Receipt for $1,000 from Mrs. Mayer, [Garrison Fretz and Co.] going her security for a claim against her in court; if Mrs. Mayer lost the suit [Garrison Fretz and Co.] to pay over the $1000; if Mrs. Mayer won the case, the $1000 was to be returned to her.
D [No signature]
The following letter was with the above letter:
item 6040

[Garrison Fretz and Co.], Dec[ember] 28, 1853. To Mrs. A. Mayer.

Additional Note

Paid Mrs. Mayer $1000 she having won the case in court; Garrison Fretz and Co. were obliged to return the money to her; $1000 was credited to Mrs. Mayer's bank account as appears in her account below.
item Unnumbered

Garrison Fretz and Co. In a/c with Mrs. Mayer Deposit of $1000 returned to Mrs. Mayer indicated by a star.

Additional Note

[No copy of verso]
item Unnumbered

Barnia [?], Y.[?], Panamá, Oct[ober] 27, 1853. To Middleton and Boyd. Promissory note.

Additional Note

Promised to pay Middleton and Boyd $75.00 in American Gold, on or before March 1, 1854 with interest at 3% per month from date until paid.
DS 1 p.
item 6040

Items charged and Credited In Profit and Loss. From March 9, 1853 to October 31, 1853.

Additional Note

[No signature] 1 p.
item 6040

Rohde, W[illiam], Panamá, 19 April, 1854. To Mr. [----] Scott.

Additional Note

Receipt for four [?] boxes of lard in good order received from Mr. Scott.
DS 1 p.
[Vertically across receipt]
Two cases.
AJR [Andrew Jackson Ralston]
item 6040

Boyd, Arch[ibald] B., Panamá, 30 April, 1854. To Augustus Tyreet, San Francisco.

Additional Note

"Mr. A. Tyreet To A.B. Boyd, Dr. To amot. of account due latter by former at time of leaving Panamá American Cy $35.00"
Disappointed that above amount had not been remitted since Mr. Boyd had heard that Mr. Tyreet had done well since he arrived in San Francisco; requested that the amount be handed to W[illiam] Ralston which was for rent and a cash transaction; hoped for his continued success in California.
ALS 1 p.
[On verso]
"Additional documents from Boyd Panamá"
item Unnumbered

Middleton and Boyd [?], Panamá, 30 April, 1854. To Augustus Follur [?].

Additional Note

Mr. Augustus Follur to Panamá Star Dr.
To Amo[un]t of a/c due for advertising and c as rendered $24.00
Requested Mr. Follur to hand the above amount to Mr. W[illiam] C. Ralston as the firm is closing up its business.
D[?]LS 1 p.
item 6040

Middleton and Boyd, Panamá, 1 May, 1854. To Augustus Hogg.

Additional Note

"Mr. Augustus Hogg To Panamá Star Dr.
193.25 - To amount of a/c rendered due 31 December 1852
10.00 - To cash lent Mr. Miller
$203.25 - Total
Request to pay the above amount to W.C. Ralston
D
The following letter was with the above letter:
item Unnumbered

Boyd, Arch[ibald] B., [Panamá], 1 May, 1854. To A[ugustus] Hogg.

Additional Note

Had written Mr. Hogg frequently regarding the balance due the Panama Star but had never received an answer regarding it; Requested Mr. Hogg to settle the account immediately with Mr. Ralston as Mr. Boyd was "now fully tired of letting the matter stand open."
ALS 1 p.
item 6040

Rohde, W[illiam], n.p., May 6th, 1854. To Mr. [----] Scott.

Additional Note

Receipt for eight cases of lard received in good order from Mr. Scott.
DS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Protest $245.00

Additional Note

[Probably on verso of protest]
Thomas G Johnson for Lees & Waller. New York, June 25, 1854. Jueph [?] C. Camern [?], Notary, 67 Wall St.
Fees 75 cents
Charges $1.50 chg do in acct.
item Unnumbered

Protest $245.00

Additional Note

[Probably on verso of second copy of protest]
Thomas G. Johnson for Lees & Waller. New York, July 3d 1854. Jueph [?] C. Lamero [?], Notary, 67 Wall S[t]
Fees 75 cents
1 Protest 75
$1.50
item 6045

Lamern [?], Jueph [?] C., United States of America, State of New York, City of New York, June 26th, 1854. To Drawer [Thomas G. Johnson] and Endorsors [Jno. C. McLemore, Lees & Waller, and Fretz and Ralston], Atlantic and Pacific Rail Road Company and all others concerned. Protest.

Additional Note

On June 26, 1854 at the request of Lees & Waller, Jueph [?] Lamern [?] presented the original Bill of Exchange to the Secretary of the Atlantic and Pacific Rail Road Company at its place of business, No. 63 Beaver Street, New York City, the said drawee being absent, and demanded acceptance but the Secretary refused to accept the same "for want of advice and authority to draw"; the Notary Public thereupon entered a protest against the drawer and endorsors of the Bill of Exchange and all others concerned, "and all costs, damages, and interest...incurred" or that may be incurred because of non-acceptance.
DS 1 p.
Bill of Exchange attached to this:
item Unnumbered

Johnson, Thomas G., San Francisco, May 30th, 1854, To John C. McLemore. Exchange for $245.

Additional Note

"Five days after sight of the FIRST [Bill] of Exchange (Second and Third unpaid) pay to the Order of John C. McLemore Esq. The sum of Two Hundred and Forty-five Dollars; Value received and charge the same to account of (Signed) Thomas G. Johnson." "2nd July 1854 To L. Chatfield Esqr., Prest. Atlantic and Pacific RRd, 229 Broadway, New York
DS 1 p.
[On verso]
"Pay Fretz and Ralston or order Jno C. McLemore
Pay Lees & Waller or order Fretz and Ralston"
Attached to protest of June 26, 1854.
item 6045

Fowlkes, Dr. Jeptha, Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Memphis, Tenn., Office 37 Wall Street, New York, New York, July 20th, 1854. To Col[onel] [John C.] McLemore.

Additional Note

Has had to make several large payments and found it impossible to pay him $245; "should it go back instead [?]... to draw on me [Jeptha Fowlkes] at three days sight; if it goes back and I will pay it--[illegible] doubt or fail!"
ALS 1 p.
[At bottom of same page]:
item 6045

Johnson, Thomas G., [New York, July 20th, 1854]. To Col[onel John C. McLemore].

Additional Note

Regretted that he had not been able to pay the draft that day as all expected as the Doctor [Jeptha Fowlkes] had to make some large payments as his note shows; impossible to meet the payment as expected; requested Mr. Johnson to draw on Dr. Fowlkes for the amount plus all damages caused by the delay; in haste because the mail closes very soon; asked Colonel McLemore not to think hard of him as he had done all he could; knows the Doctor's situation and he could not ask or insist that he pay; certain that the doctor will pay the draft on him; stated that all this things were ruined as he was not able to get them across the Isthmus [of Panamá] in time; requested that he hear from Colonel McLemore by the next mail.
ALS 2 pp.
item Unnumbered

McLemore, Jno [John] C., San Francisco, August 22, 1854. To Fretz and Ralston. Bill [of Exchange] for 250.80.

Additional Note

"Three days after sight of this First of Exchange (Second and Third unpaid) pay to the Order of Fretz and Ralston To hundred and fifty 80/100 dollars and charge the same to account of (signed) Jno. C. McLemore"
"To Dr. Jeptha Fowlkes No. 37 Wall Street New York"
[across end of Bill of Exchange] "Office Farmers and Merchants Bank of Tennessee, 37 Wall Street, New York, September 27, 1854. Protested for [illegible] Jueph C. Lamern [?] Notary Public, 67 Wall Street N.Y."
DS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Rohde, William, Esq. N 11°, Panamá, Sept[ember] 6th, 1854. To Garrison Fretz and Co. Dr.

Additional Note

Sept[ember] 6th, 1853. Ssdkd amount of Wm Rohde less amount paid on a/c in goods. 10 cases, sold for cash.
item 6045

Rohde, William, Esq, N 11° Panamá, Sept[ember] 6th, 1854. To Garrison Fretz and Co. Dr.

Additional Note

1853, April 4 - Amount of Wm Rohde note less amount paid on a/c in goods.
1854, May 6 - 10 cases, 2400 lbs. Lard at 24 sold for cash.
1854, Sept. 6 - Interest on $832.94, 17 months at 1 % per month. Interest on $546, 4 months at 1 % per month.
Total 1,573.56
DS 1 p.
item 6045

Harris, H[----], St. Francisco, Sept[ember] 13th, 1854. To Ralph S. Fretz, Esqr., Panamá.

Additional Note

$100.00
One hundred dollars in American currency to be paid to the order of Fretz and Ralston; the money to be charged to the account of the rope which Mr. Harris had placed in the possession of Fretz and Ralston and delivered to Mr. G.W. Dyer on the Halk Superb.
S 1 p.
[On verso]
"Rec'd value from Messrs. Fretz and Ralston. (signed) H. Harris. By Garrison, Fretz and Co., Fretz and Ralston, B.F. Voorher, Cash[ie]r
item 6045

Lamern [?], Jueph [?] C., Notary Public and California Commission, 27th September, 1854. To Drawer Jno. [John] C. McLemore, and Endorsers [Fretz and Ralston, Lees & Waller, Dr. Jeptha Fowlkes] and all others concerned, United States of America, State of New York. Protest.

Additional Note

On September 27th, 1854, at the request of Messrs. Lees & Waller, Jueph [?] C. Lamern [?], a Notary Public, presented the original Bill of Exchange "to a man in attendance at the purported office of the drawee of the said bill, No. 37 Wall Street in the City of New York, the said drawee being absent and demanded acceptance who refused to accept the same"; whereupon the Notary Public entered a protest against the drawer and endorser of the Bill of Exchange and all others concerned, "and all costs, damages, and interest...incurred" or that may be incurred because of non-acceptance.
DS 1 p.
Bill of Exchange attached to this.
[On verso]
"Pay to the order of Lees & Waller
The Following Bill was attached to the above protest:
Protest $250.80
Jno. [John] C. McLemore for Lees & Waller, New York, Sept. 27, 1854, Jueph [?] C. Lamern [?], Notary
item Unnumbered

Lamern [?], Jueph [?] C., Notary Public and California Commission, United States of America, State of New York, 3rd October, 1854. To Drawer, Jno. [John] C. McLemore, and Endorsers [Fretz and Ralston, Lees & Waller, Dr. Jeptha Fowlkes] and all others concerned. Protest.

Additional Note

On October 3rd, 1854, at the request of Messrs. Lees & Waller, Jueph [?] C. Lamern [?], a Notary Public, presented the original Bill of Exchange "to a man in attendance at the office of the drawee of said bill, No. 37 Wall Street in the City of New York, and demanded payment who refused to pay the same"; whereupon the Notary Public entered a protest against the drawer and endorsers of the Bill of Exchange and all others concerned, "and all costs, damages and interest...incurred" or that may be incurred because of non-acceptance.
DS 1 p.
Bill of Exchange attached to this.
[on Verso]
"Pay to the order of Lees & Waller"
Protest $250.80
Jno. [John] to McLemore for Lees & Waller, New York, Sept 27th, 1854. Joseph [?] Co. Lamern [?] Notary [attached to protest of September 27th, 1854.]
 

Garrison, Morgan, Fretz and Ralston

See Garrison & Fretz

 

Garrison & Fretz COLLECTION (END)

item 6300

Gassaway, F.H., The First National Bank of Washington, [D.C.], July 27[?], 1871. To My Dear Sir W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's letter of the 18th with enclosures of pictures of himself and family had been received; Mr. Huntington had sailed from New York "On an important financial mission to St. Petersburg, Russia." He will be gone two months after which Mr. Ralston will hear from him.
ALS 1p.
item 6300

Gassaway, F.H., The First National Bank of Washington, [D.C.], April 27, 1872. Personal. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. [Wm S.] Huntington died on 26th of March from plura-pneumonia; while Mr. Huntington had never seen Mr. Ralston he considered him a good friend and looked forward to seeing him on a contemplated visit to San Francisco; considered that there was a "certain similarity" between himself and Mr. Ralston; Mr. Huntington had the "idea that his immense service to Jay Cooke and Co. in securing and holding for them the almost absolute monopoly of the Government business was not properly appreciated by them"; had thought of starting another house in Washington "which would represent some other large firm or institution" and spoke of going to San Francisco to see if he could make some arrangement with Mr. Ralston's bank in that respect; Mr. Gassaway expected to be assigned Mr. Huntington's position and to represent Jay Cooke and Co. but that was given to another and he was given another position; plans withdrawing from First National Bank and starting a new one; if Bank of California would like to be identified with the new bank or be "represented by it" he would be glad to correspond with Mr. Ralston in that regard.
ALS 4pp.
item 6300

Gassaway, F.H., Washington, D.C. Jan[uar]y 7th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had been the cashier of the Second National Bank of Washington, D.C. which he organized shortly after the death of their mutual friend Wm. Huntington; as administrator of Mr. Huntington's estate he had to bring suit against some of the more important members of the "Washington Ring"; as a result evidence was brought out which resulted in the abolition of the current government of the District of Columbia; those people bought up most of the stock of the new bank and made Mr. Gassaway's position so unpleasant that he resigned; anxious to get back into banking business and asks Mr. Ralston for a position in his bank.
ALS 4pp.
item 6300

Gassaway, F.H., Offices 503 D. Street, Washington, D.C., Feb[ruar]y 12th, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Anxious to receive a reply to his letter of some three weeks back [January 7th, 1875]; begs that he be favored with a line at his earliest convenience.
ALS 1p.
item 6305

Geisse, P.F., Willsville, Ohio, July 24th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Introduces the "Barer" [sic], Mr. Fready Knowland to Mr. Ralston; who is going to California as an agent of the Pa [Pennsylvania] Centeral [sic] RailRoad Co.; any attention or information Mr. Ralston can give him "will be axcepted [sic] as a personl [sic] favour"; he may live in San Francisco.
ALS 1p.
item 6305

Geisse, P.F. n.p., undated, [Willsville, Ohio], [July 24, 1869]. To [William C.Ralston.]

Additional Note

Congratulates Mr. Ralston on his "great sucksiss [sic] in buissness [sic]; has "felt a deept Intrust [sic] in [his] sucksiss [sic] in life ... heare [sic] God has prospured [sic] [him] wounderfully [sic]; would like to hear from him personally; gives an account of himself and family and of several of the older people in the town.
ALS 1p.
This may have been enclosed with Mr. Geisse's letter of July 24th, 1869.
item 6310

Gibson, Rev. M[atthew] M., 114 Eddy St[reet], San Francisco, California, San Francisco, California, November 13th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Help Mr. Ralston gave in connection with Dr. Lord's lecture was greatly appreciated by Rev. Gibson and his people.
ALS 2pp.
item 6310

Gibson, Rev. M[atthew] M., [San Francisco, California], Aug[ust] 3rd, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

[Rev.] Gibson has learned that a large number of sewing women in clothing and shoe manufacturing have been thrown out of work or have to work for very low wages because of the introduction of cheap Chinese labor in order to compete with Eastern trade; spent part of his summer vacation visiting the manufacturing establishments and the working women in their homes and learning of their hardships; proposes to use the basement of his church [United Presbyterian Church] to establish a work room for these women and soliciting work for them; asking aid from the public to pay off the church indebtedness; with the debt removed it is possible to go forward with the proposed plan to help the working women; gives an account of that which would happen if help is not given them.
ALS 7pp.
item 6315

Gift, Geo[rge] W., Office of the Napa Reporter, Book and Job Printing Office, Napa City, [California], June 7, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to advertise in his newspaper and cites reasons why he should, (1) his newspaper circulates widely in surrounding counties and is read by several thousand people who do business with banks; (2) 200 copies circulate in Eastern States; (3) has written two pamphlets to induce immigration to California and plans to write another; has been working for California for more than a year at his own expense.
ALS 2pp.
Willing to insert the accompanying advertisement to occupy five inches space at $5 per month.
S.
[Note Added]
"Answered with check for $50.00 W.C.R., June 8th, [18]75."
item 6320

Gilman, Daniel C[oit], New Haven, Conn[ecticut], September 13, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Acknowledges "the confidence and support" Mr. Ralston gave him and his "marked kindness and courtesy" when he left San Francisco; thanks him; has been inspired with hope and strength for the new work he is soon to do; met at Sacramento by Mr. [----] Towne who presented him with a railroad ticket to New York and a pass for himself and family on the Central Pacific Railroad good until December [18]72--the pass "with Gov. Stanford's compliments"; indebted to Mr. Ralston for all this; his friends protest his leaving New Haven, but they can hardly object when he tells them of the cordiality and opportunities in San Francisco; hopes to see Mr. Ralston about November l.
ALS 3pp.
item 6320

Gilman, Daniel C[oit], University of California, Oakland, Cal[ifornia], May 14th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Gilman a messenger for the tickets Mr. Ralston has purchased for him; queries as to how he can repay his indebtedness to Mr. Ralston and acknowledge the latter's many kindnesses; mentions Mr. Ralston's repeated encouragement and assistance and if he successfully serves the University of California it will be due in large part to Mr. Ralston's "counsel and cooperation."
ALS 2pp. Photocopy
Original in Bancroft Library.
item 6325

Glidden, John M., Boston, [Massachusetts], Jan[uary] 14th, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

San Francisco papers tell of great excitement in mining stocks; queries whether it would not be a good time to put the Union Copper Mine on the market; if Ralston thinks so, he should "drop [him] a Postal Card."
ALS 1p.
item 6330

Goldsmith, J.C., Editor, Frank Leslie's Publishing House, 537 Pearl Street, Corner of Elm St[reet], New York, Sept[ember] 2nd, 1874. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Frank Leslie's Illustrated newspaper will shortly "publish views and sketches" in San Francisco; wants Mr. Ralston's portrait; asks permission for some friend to send his photograph and a short sketch.
ALS 1p.
Added Note:
"No -- respectfully."
item 6330

Goldsmith, J.C., Editor, Frank Leslie's Publishing House, 537 Pearl Street, corner of Elm St[reet], New York, Sept[ember] 8th, 1874. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Requests again for a portrait and sketch of Mr. Ralston with recommendation of Senator A[aron] A. Sargent, a friend of both Goldsmith and Mr. Ralston; hopes they will be sent; Senator Sargent has given him a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston which Mr. Goldsmith may soon present in person.
ALS 1p.
item 6335

Goodnough, A.M., October 6th, 1867.

Additional Note

San Mateo congregation Sunday School at a meeting voted to express its "sincere thanks" of the Sunday School to Mr. Ralston for the books he had donated to its library; committee of these boys, three girls appointed to present its acknowledgement to Mr. Ralston; names appended. Attest, A.M. Goodnough, Pastor.
DS 1p.
item 6340

Gordon, Ge[orge], Refinery, Nov[ember] 6th, 1867. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Will not bother Mr. Ralston with refinery details but will point out things of interest; 1st has decreased indebtedness -- owe only the Bank and Pacific and Union Insurance Company; expects to decrease the Bank's balance in next two months; 2nd, has convinced both Bay and Shuckles that it is to their interest to talk with Mr. Gordon and they have talked about the large sums they have presented to the public; gives an account of them; suggests other things that may be accomplished; has three things he would like Mr. Ralston to do; 1st, Backup Mr. Gordon in moving the town office to the Refinery, will be opposed but Mr. Gordon wants the men under his eye; 2nd, Mr. Gordon wants conversations referred to him in the matter of Tate's stealings permitted by [R?] F[....] and [Frederick] Roeding and Deko; 3rd, advises Mr. Ralston to "keep a stiff talk about [their] stock and tells him that which he should say.
ALS 3pp.
Also copy of letter. 4pp.
Copy of the above letter in handwriting of another.
item 6340

Gordon, Geo[rge], Refinery, Jan[uar]y 14, [?]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Doyle's well posted Washington friend wrote "the impression here [Washington] is that the S.I. [Sandwich Islands] treaty will be ratified"; negotiations with the Refineries are about closing -- Mr. Gordon's "with the Bay [Sugar Refinery] is favourable - De Ro's with the [clans] Spreckels crowd [California Sugar Refinery] not so much so but in one respect good, they bind themselves under penalty but exact none from us.
ALS 1p.
item 6345

Gorham, Geo[rge] C., Hamisin Square, Mass[achusetts], June 24th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of 6th with Mr. Nye's letter to Mr. Ralston enclosed; assures Mr. Ralston he "will figure for the young man to the best of [his] ability"; will be in San Francisco before the middle of July and wants to consult with Mr. Ralston on various subjects; President Grant to win again "through the imbecility of his opponents"; praying that [Horace] Greeley may be endorsed at Baltimore whereby Grant will lose only Delaware and Virginia; "blunder as we might, the Democracy will outblunder us."
ALS 2pp.
item 6345

Gorham, Geo[rge] C., Office of Secretary of the U.S. Senate, Washington, [D.C.], Jan[uar]y 30, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of the 21st with enclosures to [William M.] Stewart and [James W.] Nye; bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Public Lands; when Mr. [----] Biereton calls will have an early conference between him and all friends and himself where modes will be discussed; assures Mr. Ralston he can rely upon him to put forth his best efforts in this matter of such public importance; hopes Mr. Ralston's health has improved.
ALS 2pp.
item 6345

Gorham, Geo[rge], Washington, D.C., Feb[ruary] 16, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Would not sustain the mess about whom Mr. Ralston writes if they were his friends on the basis of that which they have done; never were his friends; Senator [Cornelius] Cole recommends the charges against them against Mr. Green's opposition; considered the men "incompetent and personally and politically offensive" and should they interfere with the operation of the Mint "it will be because it cannot be helped"; thinks they will be removed; comments favorably on Mr. [----] Biereton; indicates that which may be done the next session of Congress, but legislation was "absolutely impossible the current session"; thought best to have such progress made as would give assurance of future success.
ALS 4pp.
item 6345

Gorham, Geo[rge] C., Washington, D.C., Feb[ruar]y 14, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has received a letter from Mr. Ralston and would be glad if it were possible in any way to have a hearing on a proposed measure for promoting ship building on the Pacific Coast; nothing can be done; win necessary general legislation for operation of the Government is very much behind; many important questions will have no attention paid to them; would be impossible to attract any attention on the subject of Mr. Ralston's letter.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Has an idea [Newton] Booth will be able to defeat all measures relating to California; can do so if he is as able as [Cornelius] Cole was; [----] Irwin lifted Cole off of Whiting; Anthony and Merrill may do a little lifting; Booth goes out in six years, then California can breathe again unless she has another Booth.
item 6345

Moulin, Alfred, Clerk of the United States Circuit District Court for the Northern District of California, [n.p., undated] . To Geo[rge] C. Gorham.

Additional Note

To the case of Alfred Moulin, Appellant vs. Steamship "Sonora" Pacific M.S.S. [Mail Steamship] Co., Appellees charges against Mr. Gorham is impeding justice in the case.
D 1p.

Box 3

item 6350

Grant, Mary C., San Francisco, March 10th, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

As a favor she asks Mr. Ralston for a loan of $25.00; her husband died in Peru and she wants the money until she can recover the money due her on her husband's insurance policies.
ALS 1p.
Added Note:
"I gave the money." W.C.R. M[ar]ch 15th, [18]72.
item 6350

Grant, Mary C., San Francisco, March 23rd, 1871. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for the favor with which he complied; asks for another loan of $50.00 for a short time to pay small bills; offers her little homestead as security; says her father's brother will have that policy; [her husband's insurance policy]; will be fixed for her in a few days and then she would repay him.
ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

Gray, Nathaniel and Co., Undertakers, San Francisco, [California], Aug[ust] 28, 1875. To Hon[orable] Ogden Hoffman.

Additional Note

Requested him to attend the funeral of William C. Ralston as Pall Bearer at the residence of J.D. Fry, Esq., on Monday 30th, at 10 A.M.
L? 1p.
Original in U.C.L.A. Library.
item 6360

Greene, Ben[jamin] B., Southern Hotel, St. Louis, [Missouri], October 5, [18]70. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Overwhelmed by Mr. Ralston's kindness; his telegrams preceded Mr. Greene's arrival in Salt Lake City, which resulted in a very warm reception and great hospitality; the same upon his arrival in St. Louis; gives details of his visit to both cities; has learned that Bank of England has reduced its rate of discount to 2 1/2 per cent per annum; better use could have been made of the money in California; his heartfelt thanks for Mr. Ralston's kindness, hopes Mr. [Stephen H.] Franklin none the worse for his tour with Mr. Greene who enjoyed the excursion with him.
ALS 4pp.
Leaving for Cincinnati the same afternoon.
[some words illegible]
item 6360

Greene, Benjamin B., 25, Kensington Palace Gardens, W., London, 29 Oct[ober], 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Arrived in London after crossing the Atlantic on the "Java" which left New York October 12, 1870; found his family and friends well; hopes Mrs. Ralston enjoyed and benefitted by her trip to Oregon; mentions war news; Mr. [George P.] Kimball had promised to send him a catalogue of his carriages together with illustrations, weights, and prices and would like to have him mail one to him; asks Mr. Ralston to send him the amount of payments he had made for him but none has been received; wants Mr. Ralston to draw upon him or his firm or let him know the amount and he will pay it to Mr. Ralston's account in Oriental Bank Corporation; greatly enjoyed his tour of the United States, especially his stay in California made so by Mr. Ralston's kindness and attention; asks to be remembered to Mr. [Stephen H.] Franklin with whom he enjoyed a trip to the Geysers and the Big Trees and to other gentlemen whom he met in San Francisco; asks to be commanded if he can be of any service to Ralston.
ALS 7pp.
Reminds Mr. Ralston that he had promised him a list of the gentlemen he had met at Ralston's home and asks him to do so.
item 6360

Greene, Benj[amin] B., 15 Philpot Lane, London, 9 November, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Praises California and believes it the state to which people should go to make money and to enjoy themselves at the same time; his description of California has inspired some people to take a tour there; may result in settlers going there, which is that which California needs as well as England's cheap money; thanks him for his account and has paid £30 to the Oriental Bank Corporation on the Bank of California's account; the French are being badly punished during the war and the men at the head are totally incompetent to meet the situation; comments on money situation in England; remarks on Mr. Fiss' wonderful drive [to Geysers at Calistoga].
ALS 3pp.
item 6360

Greene, Benj[amin] B., Bank of England, London, 22 April, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received the specimens of California and Oregon woods; considered them "really objects of great beauty [and] ... deserving a place in our International Exhibition"; but the authorities did not consider "such productions...receivable..."; asks regarding expense and will credit it to the Ralston's account at O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation]; Mr. Greene now Deputy Governor of Bank of England; after serving two years will be Governor for two years more which he considers a position of honor; hopes there will be no commercial storm during his governorship; Oriental Bank Corporation has declared a 12 per cent dividend and assured its shareholders of its prosperous condition; comments upon the bad state of business and money matters in France and its effects; sends his regards to Mr. [Stephen H.] Franklin and asks that he be told that "the seed from the cones of the Big Trees" picked up in Calaveras is coming up nicely; comments on condition of things in California and that English people would have confidence to send money to California.
ALS 6pp.
Asks that Mr. Ralston let him know whether he can be of any service to him in England.
item 6360

Greene, Benj[amin] B.

Additional Note

List of California Woods
38 woods listed
1 (perfumed wood) Box
1 lot veneer and Large board of samples.
Sent to Benj. B. Green, Esq., London, by Kimball and Co., March 1871.
item 6365

Griffith, W.W., Merchants National Bank, Toledo, O[hio], Aug[ust] 14th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Takes the liberty of addressing Mr. Ralston and encloses the letter of H.V. Siveringen of H. Wayne, Ind[iana] which "speaks for itself"; a way of making known "the wants of a very worthy young man" whom Mr. Griffith believes is a relative of Mr. Ralston; anything that could be done for him would be well received; gives an account of Mr. Siveringen's family; Mr. Griffith and family spent three months in San Francisco in 1868 and did business with Mr. Ralston's Bank.
ALS 3pp.
Letter enclosed.
P.S.
Sending photo of Mr. Siveringen "which too speaks for itself."
item 6365

Siveringen, H.V., Office of J.T. Losee, Real Estate, Insurance and Collection Agency, Journal Building, Court Street, over Post Office, Fort Wayne, Ind[iana], Aug[ust] 12, 1873. To W.W. Griffith, Esq., Toledo, Ohio.

Additional Note

His book has been published and given good announcements in the leading pharmaceutical and chemical journals and adopted as a text book in colleges; had become considerably involved while writing the book and wants to get out of debt; book cost about five thousand dollars; to do so and attend a course of medical lectures and purchase a home for his family, he will sell his copyright for $5000.00; has heard that W.C. Ralston of the Bank of California is worth millions, is some way related to his family and has sent for a copy of his book; because of this Mr. Siveringen believes Mr. Ralston might be willing to help him by purchasing his copyright which would be a good investment, with royalty payments twice yearly; requests Mr. Griffith to write Mr. Ralston "an earnest letter in his behalf"; has planned two more books which will fill a void in medical literature; one to be dedicated to Mr. Ralston, "provided he will have no objections"; asks that the letter be written soon and a copy sent to him.
ALS 3pp.
P.S. $5,000 would be worth more now than $20,000 in payments over 14 years, the time of copyright runs, which can be renewed; wishes to attend lectures in October but next payment is not until Jan.
item 6370

Guthre, Emma, New York, 137 West 42nd Street, Dec[ember] 15th, [1873]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Teaching in New York; has some pupils whom she wishes to bring out in concerts; if she could give the concerts herself she could make some money; asks Mr. Ralston for $500 and begs him not to refuse; promises to repay with interest in a few months.
ALS 4pp.
[Added note]
"I must decline the honor -- W.C.R."
 

Guttierez and Co.

See Garrison & Fretz

item 6375

"Guyescutes", Washington, [D.C.], Jan[uary] 14th, 1870. To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston.] Confidential.

Additional Note

Had informed [Louis H.] Garnett [president and manager of the San Francisco Assaying and Refining Works] that the Mint Bill would pass without difficulty; an interview with Judge [William D.] Kelly, chairman of the Coinage Committee cast doubts since [Samuel] Hooper, a member of the Committee seemed inclined to delay action on it; pointed out advantages of bill to Pacific Coast; Kelly agreed to call a committee meeting with "Guyesctes" present to make explanations; fears an amendment will endanger the bill; hears there will be a general cabinet reorganization which will occur March 4 [1870]; thinks it "highly important that the Mint Bill pass the House of Representatives; there seemed "to be some apathy in the House and a quiet opposition from Philad[elphia]"; writing to California members of the House of Representatives, especially [Aaron A.] Sargent and [Samuel B.] Axtell and ask them to give special attention to Mint Bill in House of Representatives, pointing out how important the Bill would be to the Pacific Coast; must work up enthusiasm there to cause the committee on Coinage to act early; should Mint Bill pass there should be no "disposition or chance to distrust its propositions."
ALS 3pp.
or
[Regarding the advantage of the Mint Bill [to establish a U.S. Branch Mint in San Francisco] and possibility of its passage.]
item Unnumbered

"Guyescutes", Washington, [D.C.], Jan[uary] 14, 1870. Confidential. To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

P.S. Requests that Mr. Garnett be told that the Senate made only one alteration in the bill which was to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to appoint the clerks in the office of the Director of the Mint instead of the latter "as provided in the Bill when first submitted."
item 6380

Gwin, W[illia]m M. Jr., Gwin Mine, 10 March, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Since his last letter drifting has been continued on the 800 foot level, north and south; 240 feet of tunnel has been run on the fissure; no sign of quartz; discouraging since there were hopes of striking the lead in the south anytime; shall continue working and food is furnished to them; hard to get along with them but will do all he can for he feels that as long as mine is worked there is hope that everything will turn out all right.
ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Hager, [John S.] [n.p., undated], last page a fragment, probably [Washington, D.C.]. To [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

The Chronicle exposed the fact that the directors were dividing the earnings of the company among themselves; Mr. Hager feels that it looks like a fraud against the general stockholders; leaves it to Mr. Ralston to decide as to that which may be worth looking after in the general wreck; hopes to return home in April or May; "nothing new here but dresses --mostly for the ladies."
ALS 1p.
item 7005

Hager, Jno [John] Sharpenstein, Paris, [France], Nov[ember] 15th, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had written Mr. Ralston to ask his assistance in looking after his affairs in case Capt[ain] Brenham was not able to do so because of illness; a letter from his clerk Thomas stated that he had recovered; if he is unable to attend to business Mr. Hager will send Mr. Ralston a power of attorney; offers to be of any service to Mr. Ralston while in Europe; Bowles Brothers and Co. had closed up, did not pay depositors, and will probably not reopen.
ALS 2pp.
Note Added.
"Answered Dec[ember] 13th, [18]72. W.C.R."
item 7005

Hager, Jno. [John] S., Nice, France, Dec[ember] 25th, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has had no information in regard to the purchase of the Connelly estate; held in common with Mr. Hager, nor of payment of purchase money; Capt[ain] [----] B[renham] had not written to Thomas; all done before receiving Ralston's letter that Capt[ain] Brenham had substituted Mr. Ralston in his place; glad Ralston is to take charge of his affairs; acknowledges his offer to select mines or anything else but repudiates "the French nurse" and describes Nice and mentions people he has met there; going to Italy and had intended to go to Egypt but report of cholera may scare them off; told Capt[ain] B[renham] to sell his savage stock when thought advisable and hopes Mr. Ralston will exercise the same discretion; inquires how Pres[ident] [Daniel Coit] Gilman succeeds; how he has been received and the people's impression of him; hopes he will be a success and that the University may flourish; thinks it justly his due to elect Gov[ernor] [Henry H.] Haight to vacancy on the Board of Regents; expects to remain in Europe until after the Vienna exposition but his wife wants to return sooner and states why.
ALS 4pp.
item 7005

Hager, Jno. [John], Naples, [Italy], Jan[uar]y 30, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Newspapers tell of Mr. Ralston's illness; from his letter recovery is presumed; asks for information regarding the new Gass [sic] Company of which he has 2400 shares and which had frequent assessments at $1.00 per share; fears that will overrun his income; asks questions regarding it; had his "opinion about the diamond bubble..." and "not disappointed with the exposure"; hopes Mr. Ralston had not suffered much as a result; gives an account of his travels in Europe; expects to return to San Francisco; if Madame likes it well enough remain there; if not will go elsewhere; has some drawbacks; glad to hear that Mr. John [?] Brougham [?] is likely to recover his health; "too good a man to lose."
ALS 4pp.
item 7005

Hager, [John S.], Paris, [France], Mar[ch] 11, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's note of January 22 reached Mr. Hager in Venice; had received no current account of his finances since December 4th; [----] Brenham told to use his discretion about selling Mr. Hager's Savage stock; would like to get his money out of it; left private papers with Brenham to deposit in bank; Mr. Brenham in London and expects to go to Paris; fears he is not well; glad President [Daniel C.] Gilman [University of California] proved to be a success and hopes the University will advance to greatness and prosperity; gives Mr. Ralston the credit for having him elected; wants to be accommodated if his bank account is overdrawn while in Europe; does not know amount of assessments on Gass [sic] stock and Savage stock and amount of his taxes; queries re: terminating war between rival gas companies; expects to see [----] Twis in Paris; plans to return in May or sooner if the health of Mr. Lucas makes it necessary; Mrs. Hager will be pleased to meet Mr. and Mrs. Ralston; requests that Mr. Darby be asked to send him his account unless he has already done so.
ALS 6pp.
item 7005

[Hager, Jno. [John] S.], Paris, [France], March 20th, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received his current account but noted that bank dividends have not been credited to it; lists the money he has drawn on the bank since he has been in Europe; does not know how much more he will need until he returns home; Capt[ain] Brenham has moved from London to Paris and will soon go to Italy; Mr. Hager states he was one of the stockholders in the California Mutual Ins[urance] Co[mpany].
Fragment 2pp.
item 7005

Hager, Jno. [John] S., St. Louis, [Missouri], May 28, [1873]. Private. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Suddenly called home because of Mr. Lucas' declining health, who has improved; expect to leave for California in a few days; Mr. Lucas wants Mr. Hager to remain in St. Louis and manage his estate and also to be one of his executors; as it would be necessary to remain for some years, he has decided not to do so; will arrange his overdrafts when he returns; has seen many of Mr. Ralston's friends there who inquire about him.
ALS 3pp.
item 7005

Hager, Jno. [John] S., S[an] F[rancisco], Sept[ember] 17, [1873]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has been requested to ask Mr. Ralston for a letter to Governor F[rederick] A. [Ferdinand] Law, United States Minister at China, in behalf of an application to be made for the appointment of Reverend Doctor [Augustus W.] Loomis of San Francisco as Consul General for the Empire of China at San Francisco; encloses a sample letter.
ALS 2pp.
item 7005

[Hager, Jno.] [John] S., to His Excell[enc]y F[rederick] A. [Ferdinand] Low, Minister and C. [Sample letter]

Additional Note

Friends of Revd. Dr. [Augustus W.] Loomis [pastor of the Chinese Mission Church in San Francisco] will apply to have him appointed Chinese Consul General in San Francisco; states his qualifications; will facilitate trade between the United States and China; asks that Mr. Low give such recommendations to this the application as he can.
D 2pp.
[Enclosed with Jno. [John] S. Hager, S[an] F[rancisco], September 17, [1873]. To W[C] Ralston.
item 7006

Hager, Jno. [John] S., United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], Mar[ch] 26, 1874. Personal. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Ralston's dispatch [re Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company subsidy]; the California Legislature in its resolution had instructed the Senators to vote against the subsidy and that must be obeyed "or else and c"; the opposition to the company is that it is waging war against the State coast steamers and is determined "to run them off"; those engaged in the coast trade state that the P.M.S.S. Co. is using government money to monopolize that trade; if so, it is "an ill-advised movement"; Mr. Hager has no personal concern or feeling against the Company and presented the resolution because it was sent to him to do so; have been instructed to vote for an appropriation for an artificial harbor at Oakland; have received about 100 resolutions of instructions from the California Legislature; has heard that the C[entral] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad] Co[mpany] is hostile to the P.M.S.[S.] Co. and favored the passage of the resolution by the Legislature; knows of no action in Congress beyond the presentation of the petition; had written Mr. Ralston "about assessment in Pioche west extension in stock" and to balance his account.
ALS 3pp.
item 7006

Hager, Jno. [John] S., United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], Mar[ch] 30, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had seen an assessment of 50 cents a share on the Pioche West extension stock in the San Francisco papers; presumes he had better pay it since the stock has no market value; paid it; had left the certificates with Mr. Ralston; asks to have his bank balance made out and sent to him; has been ill since he had been in Washington; offers to do anything for Mr. Ralston in Washington.
ALS 2pp.
item 7006

Hager, Jno. [John] S., United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], Ap[ril] 12, 1874. Private. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received a dispatch from Mr. Ralston about the P[acific] M[ail] S[team] S[hip] Co[mpany]'s subsidy; had replied; a resolution was passed by the legislature instructing the California Senators to use their influence against Congress granting the company any additional subsidy; Governor sent the resolution and as customary Mr. Hager presented it to the United States Senate and some California representatives presented it in the House; has taken no further action; private parties have sent him reasons why subsidy should not be granted but he has made no use of them; an article appeared in the Chronicle assaulting Mr. Hager for presenting a petition intimating that it is bogus and saying that he had done so to protect his wife's railroad stock; had presented no petition and does not know of his wife having any such stock; presumes the Chronicle would not have published such an article without being paid and presumes the Company at the bottom of it; if that is the way it does things would like to know and asks Mr. Ralston for information since he was interested in the matter.
ALS 4pp.
item 7006

Hager, Jno [John] S., United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], Ap[ril] 16, 1874. Private. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received his account and "documents relating to the Sutro project"; does not think the measure will pass the Senate since the members from California, Nevada, and Oregon will "work against it"; unless friends of the measure put up a better argument than has been used; extraordinary things have happened and he is prepared for almost anything; "a California legislature is no proper preparatory school for the atmosphere of Washington; his wife writes that the baby is quite sick but he is afraid that she does not tell all and that the baby is more dangerously ill than she has stated; asks Mr. Ralston to let him know should anything be wrong; had written him about "an article in that dirty Chronicle in which [his wife's] name was used without regard to decency or propriety."
ALS 3pp.
item 7006

Hager, Jno. [John] S., United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], June 2, 1874. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Received a letter [of May 25th] from Mr. Ralston and supposes "the certificate of Ins[urance] stock is all right"; asks that his bank balance be continued up to date and sent to him before June 14 since he may want to make a remittance to Paris before Congress adjourns and he leaves for California.
ALS 2pp.
item 7006

Hager, Jno. [John] S., United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], Jan[uar]y 22, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had formerly written asking that his bank account be sent to him but have had no response; reports that the Senate bill "to remove the limitation on the circulation of gold Banks [national] has passed both houses" of Congress and is expected to become a law; gold national Banks may be formed with any capital and its circulation will be equal to it; Jones arrived that morning.
ALS 2pp.
item 7010

Hager, Mrs. Lizzie [n.p.] 4th May, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"...all well and not going to St. Louis."
item 7015

Hall, And[rew] T., Office of Andrew T. Hall, 41 State Street, Boston, [Massachusetts] Jan[uar]y 28, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Assures Mr. Ralston that he shall have pleasure in looking after his two boys at Newton; will go to see them and do everything needed for them; will ask to be advised of any illness or casualty that may occur; if not against the rules of the school, would like to have them spend an occasional Sunday with him.
ALS 1p.
item 7015

Hall, And[rew] T., Office of Andrew T. Hall, 41 State Street, Boston, [Massachusetts], Feb[ruar]y 17, 1874. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had gone to Newton to see Mr. Ralston's boys, found them pleasantly located in good health with "cheeks like two red apples"; they were out coasting in two feet of snow; shall take pleasure in seeing them occasionally and if they become ill his wife will give them the best of attention; with their father's permission he would like to have them come to spend an occasional Sunday with him and his wife; encloses a note received from Mr. Allen.
ALS 2pp.
Note Enclosed:
item 7015

Allen, Nashl T. To Andrew T. Hall, West Newton, [Massachusetts], Feb[ruary] 16, 1874. Letter enclosed in letter of Andrew T. Hall to Mr. Ralston, Boston, February 17, 1874.

Additional Note

Thanks him for his letter and for one from Mr. Ralston which he encloses; regrets that he was not at home when Mr. Hall called and to have spoken of Samuel and Willie Ralston; characterizes them; glad that there is a friend of the family to consult in emergencies; will call at the bank to make Mr. Hall's acquaintance; sending a school catalogue.
ALS 2pp.
item 7020

Halsey, J.L., Manhattan Life and Insurance Co., No. 156 Broadway, New York, March 18th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's letter resigning his seat as Director of the Manhattan Life Insurance Company; points out the value of his services in his section; thinks that will offset the trouble he may have had; does not lessen the company's obligation to him nor its regret that the reasons he gave for resigning will not let him remain a member of the Board.
ALS 1p.
P.S. Have written Messrs. Landers and Co. to withdraw Mr. Ralston's name from publication and [?] to publicize his resignation.
 

Hampton, Henry

See Holladay, Ben Collection

item 7025

Hanahan, H.D., Agency of Bank of California, Office of Laidlow and Co., New York, Aug[ust] 11th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has been bookkeeper in the above office for seven years and has made an effort to fill the position creditably for the Bank; has no knowledge of Mr. Ralston's arrangements with the Agents; asks that he be given "an appointment with a general surveillance over all the books"; feels it would benefit the Agency and free him of perennial patronage; if his statements prove him fit he would be "happy to have such a compliment and position conferred upon [him]".
ALS 2pp.
item 7030

Hanbury, T. [----], Shanghai, [China], 11 May, [18]70. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had forwarded Mrs. Ralston's order to friends in Canton who say that it is in process of execution; hopes to send the goods by the next mail; the brown horse is now "very stiff and groggy" and no pleasure to ride; would sell him for half price; "horses often go in this way in Shanhai", if no longer young.
ALS 2pp.
On Envelope per "Golden Age"
item 7035

Harbaugh, Springer, Pittsburgh, [Pennsylvania?], May 3, 1875. Personal. To My dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Acknowledges and thanks Mr. Ralston "for the many civilities and the great kindness" he had shown his son which is appreciated; wishes that he proves "as faithful true and honest to, and with others, as he has always been" to his father.
ALS 1p.
item 7040

Harder, J., [San Francisco, California], Mission Street 1049, Feb[ruar]y 23rd, 1875. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Generally known that Mr. Ralston helps people in carrying out plausible ideas; solicits his favor in establishing a Stock Broker's Office in San Jose; if this plan is not favored, Mr. Harder will submit a "few proposals in regard to the Grand Jubilee July 1876"; thinks there is a chance to make a fortune; hopes he will write him granting an interview.
ALS 2pp.
[Note Added] Probably crazy, not answered.
item 7045

Harlan, John M., Louisville, K[entuck]y, May 2nd, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received through their mutual friend Dr. Rogers four boxes of California cigars Mr. Ralston sent him; found them to be excellent and so have several friends whom he had asked to test them; asks that Mr. Ralston accept his "warmest thanks" for his kindness; while not personally acquainted he feels he knows him well; Kentuckians who go to California speak well of him; hopes he can come there and is sure Kentuckians will repay his hospitality.
LS 2pp.
 

Harris, H.

See Garrison & Fretz

item 7050

Harris, Header, St. Thomas, West Indies, 13th Jan[uar]y, 1874. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston]

Additional Note

His brother-in-law, Mr. P. Campbell, manager of the Oriental Bank Corporation in London has forwarded letters to Mr. Harris to Mr. Ralston; requests that such letters be returned to said bank.
ALS 1p.
[Note Added] No letters Jan 31/74
[Note added on another page] No answer required.
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency of Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Yokohama, [Japan], January 23, 1874. To My Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Reached Yokohama the morning of December 29th; have heard nothing from the [American] side and only one ship, "Vasca De Gama" has left; found Myon [?] Hammond and Mr. Chas Crocker agreeable companions; remained there a week and went on to Shanghai via Hioge and Nagasaki; received a letter from Mr. Crocker from Shanghai who will go to Hong Kong; does not like the country; is there only on business and not trying to combine pleasure with it; sending Mrs. Ralston a box of dried persimmons and two pots of rare plants in charge of the purser (Mr. Hill) which he begs her to accept; instructed Mr. Hill to send them to the Bank of California; when their friends Crocker and Hammond return home he wants Mr. Ralston to ask them how his friend Mr. [---] Robinson treated them; trusts that Mr. Ralston will permit him to serve him in that part of the world.
ALS 2pp.
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency, Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Hong Kong, Feb[ruar]y 27, 1874. To My dear Sir [William] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending Mr. Ralston a basket of oranges and a package of Lychees by Mr. Harris, steward of the "Alaska"; also sending a package of Lychees addressed to a friend in New York which he requests Mr. Ralston to forward by express.
ALS 1p.
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency of Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Yokohama, [Japan], Aug[ust] 3d, 1874. "Japan." To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston' s letter per "Colina" and says it is impossible to make him understand how much he regrets having given a letter to such a man as Mr. Conny proved himself to be; begs his pardon; admitted Pennack [?] had asked that he be introduced to someone in San Francisco who would help him; when the "Colina" arrived he met Mr. A[lvinza ] Hayward and family and brought them ashore and took them to his home; assures Mr. Ralston that he will be well looked after; Mr. Hayward liked the "Colina" so much that he remained on board and goes to Hong Kong; Mrs. is unwell and thinks a sea voyage will do her good; has put her in charge of Mr. Hayward to Hong Kong and will return with the party; when Mr. Hayward returns Mr. [----] Robertson and Mr. [William W.] Cargill "will do the needfull" as will Mr. Hart; has to dispatch both the "Japan" and Colina" at noon that day.
ALS 2pp.
Mr. Hayward says "tell Ralston I am allright and better."
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency of Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Yokohama, [Japan], Aug[ust] 13, 1874. "Great Republic." To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending a bed quilt by the Capt[ain] of the "Great Republic" which he begs Mrs. Ralston to accept; since the telegraph line has been seriously damaged he does not know of the arrival of "Colina" at Hong Kong but expects her in Yokohama on the 18th of August and should reach San Francisco as soon as the bearer; Mrs. Hart and the Hayward family must be experiencing hot weather in the south; gives an account of the fine business he is doing for the P.M.S.S. Co. in Japan; "as soon as Hayward returns will commence [?] to try to make him happy."
ALS 2pp.
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency of Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Yokohama, [Japan], Sept[ember] 29th, 1874. "Japan" To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mrs. Hart is leaving for San Francisco and will proceed Eastward; has given her two small drafts and asks Mr. Ralston to discount them and give her the funds; also asks that she be assisted with her baggage when she leaves San Francisco and shown any other courtesies thought proper which will be appreciated; has made Mr. [Alvinza] Hayward and family comfortable; Mr. Hayward's daughters and Miss McConnel return on the "Japan" while Mrs. Hayward remains in Japan and has been located at Kiya, a watering place where he lives as luxuriously as in his own home in the San Jose valley; Mrs. Hayward and Mrs. Hart will tell Mr. Ralston all about him.
ALS 2pp.
Has given Mrs. Hart another "draft for $1500 @ 3 months sight a No.1 plan discount."
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency of the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Yokohama, [Japan], Dec[ember] 5, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for the information he received in his letter by the "Colorado"; also received a letter from Mrs. Hart telling of the many acts of kindness shown her by Mr. and Mrs. Ralston while in San Francisco; hopes he may have an opportunity to show his appreciation of his goodness.
ALS 1p.
item 7050

Hart, Henry, Agency of the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, Yokohama, [Japan], Jan[uar]y 29th, 1875. Per "Vancouver". To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Encloses Bill of Lading for two boxes of 100 lanterns made expressly for Mr. Ralston and asks him to accept them.
ALS 1p.
Statement of duty and storage on 2 boxes. $8.20; payment receipted Feb[ruar]y 23, 1875.
item 7055

Hart, Mrs. Julia, Palmer House, Chicago, Ill[inois], 5th Dec[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses some slips from a morning paper; wants to know what is the matter with the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company; it was in a flourishing condition when she left Yokohama; feels an interest in the company since her husband has devoted his time and energies in building up the company; startling rumors from New York regarding it; feels toward the company like she would a relative; visiting a sister in Chicago; has learned that Mrs. Ralston is expected there shortly and hopes to meet her; asks Mr. Ralston to write to her.
ALS 4pp.
item 7060

Hart, W[illia]m K., Hart, Caughey and Co., Bankers, Pittsburgh, 187[?]. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has learned that Mr. [John] Pearce, a large owner of the Blue Gravel Co[mpany] at Smartsville [California] on the Yuba River lives in San Francisco; Mr. Hart and friends have a large interest in an adjoining claim known as the Pitts and Yuba River tracts; has heard the Blue Gravel Co. is washing up to their claim with better than expected results; asks Mr. Ralston to see Mr. Pearce and find out the situation in relation to the Pitts and Yuba River tract and the possibility of making some arrangement regarding it.
ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

H[artnell], C.E., The Central Pacific Division of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, Sac[ramento], [California], Jan[uary] 12, 1875. To H[enry] M. Y[erington]. Telegram.

Additional Note

Had received the papers from below but the instructions not arrived; will acknowledge receipt to the Bank [of California] in San Francisco; Mr. [----] Rice went west this day.
T 1p.
Original in University of Nevada Library. Special Collections. Yerington Correspondence.
item Unnumbered

Hartnell, C[----] E., Sacramento, [California], Jan[uar]y 13th, [1875]. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Ralston's letter of January 11th, 1875, with the documents regarding the land matter which H[----] M. Yerington had ordered W[----] S. Chapman to forward to Mr. Hartnell with Mr. Yerington's instructions; he turned over the papers and instructions regarding the lands to Robert Gardner, Surveyor General of California.
ALS 1p.
Original in University of Nevada Library.
Special Collections - Yerington Collection.
Letter of W.C. Ralston Esq., January 11th, 1875 to C.E. Hartnell not located.
item Unnumbered

Gardner, Robert, State of California, Office of Surveyor General, Sacramento, [California], 29 May, 1875. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. C[----] E. Hartnell had located certain designated lands for Mr. Yerington to the amount of 2252 48/100 acres; lists the School Land Warrants used to locate said land; W[illiam] C. Ralston sent the above listed warrants except three to the Office of the Surveyor General; prior to the locating of land for Mr. Yerington W. [----] R. Eckart had located lands listed for Mr. [----] Bliss; condition of the land described may be obtained from T.B. McFarland, Register of U.S. Land Office, Sacramento, California; some of the land may have been filed on by pre-emptors.
LS 2pp.
item 7068

Haskell and Buckelew, Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Choice Teas and Groceries, per Sprague, San Francisco, March 31, 1868. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Bill for 2 baskets, price $3.00, paid April 1st, 1868. E.O.E.
DS 1p.
item 7069

Hastings, B.F. and Co., Banking House of B.F. Hastings and Co., Sacramento, [California], M[ar]ch 16, 1871. To Messrs. McLaughlin and Ryland, San Jose, [California].

Additional Note

Will give attention to the enclosures received in letter of March 14.
ALS 1p.
item 7070

Hatch, Rufus, Office of Pacific Mail Steamship Company, 59 and 61 Wall Street, New York, July 14th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his dispatch of the 13th inst; Mr. Ralston's objections seems to be in regard to changing commanders on the ship with which Mr. Hatch differs; states his idea of a captain and gives individual detailed accounts of various changes with the reasons made and the gratifying results of such changes; mentions swindlers whereby many more Chinese were brought in than were entered on the way bill; this being done by Company employees at Hong Kong and Yokohama and also by ships employees, also stowaways; mentions "entire want of discipline system and honesty everywhere, and the interests of the Company neglected at every point"; all employees now held strictly accountable and he gives no excuses or explanations except to Board of Directors or a good friend like Mr. Ralston; states condition of Company when Mr. Hatch became managing director and the change for the better brought about under his management; negotiating for a lease with Panamá R[ail] R[oad] C[ompany] soon to be completed which will be an advantage to San Francisco; plans to visit San Francisco and will explain many things to Mr. Ralston and discuss other matters.
LS 16pp.
item 7070

Hatch, Rufus, Office of Pacific Mail Steamship Company, 59 and 61 Wall Street, New York, Dec[ember] 9th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Hatch's reply to Mr. Ralston's telegram indicates that he expects Mr. Ralston to take care of [Jennings T.] Cox and that Mr. Hatch will manage the New York end and will send "three millions additional security on the Peking, Tokio and City of Panamá, insured for seventeen hundred thousand dollars"; "will yet be proud of the only Steam Ship Company that floats the American flag on the Atlantic and Pacific"; its ex-President, Russell Sage, with Jay Gould have tried to undermine the Company's credit; hence his reason for telegraphing Mr. Cox was to show that it still had credit in San Francisco, New York and London; comments on the attitude toward "Steam Ship men" but believes that Ralston, Cox and Hatch will be considered "successful Steam Ship men", the opposition to the company's China line and its San Diego line, the overland railroad and Jay Gould trying to injure its credit and with little support from the merchants have made it "uphill work" for the company; without Mr. Ralston's assistance it would have been difficult to tell the outcome; company coming out all right and with "flying colors"; has not made known Mr. Ralston's dispatch to anyone except Mr. [----] Park but will have it published in the [New York] Herald the next day; thanks Mr. Ralston for his generous confidence.
LS 3pp.
item 7070

Hatch, Rufus, Office of Pacific Mail Steamship Company, 59 and 61 Wall Street, New York, Dec[ember] 29th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston Esq.

Additional Note

Gratified at receiving Mr. Ralston's words of encouragement; comments on newspaper notoriety; gives an account of the problems with which Mr. Hatch has had to contend with since he took charge of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; states the current condition of the company; wants to sell its San Diego line and pay Mr. Ralston the amount owed him; considers it advisable to sell the unused real estate the company owns in San Francisco and put it into iron steamships; agrees with Mr. Ralston that [Jennings T.] Cox should have a three to five year contract with the company; suggests Mr. Ralston write the company president Mr. [----] Alexandre regarding placing other than Wall Street men in the Direction, the condition of the company's "ships, property, and their future prospects" and that San Francisco merchants would like to be assured that Mr. Cox would be the company's agent there for a term of years, whereby the company's credit would be helped and its business increased; will do all he can regarding Mr. Cox but believes Mr. Ralston's letter will be influential; Mr. Ralston need not apologize for making suggestions as Mr. Hatch will be glad to have them.
LS 6pp.
item 7075

Haussman, H., Oldenburg, Germany, February 16th, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had talked recently with his fellow townsman, Mr. Schussler, Chief Engineer, S.V.W. Works about California and it had occurred to him that Mr. Ralston might find it desirable to have a European agent; offered his services; states qualifications; gives an account of transoceanic steamship business in Europe with the idea that Mr. Ralston might make use of the information.
ALS 3pp.
item 7080

Hay, J.S., Office of the Daily and Weekly Onyhee Avalanche, Silver City, Idaho, April 23rd, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sends Mr. Ralston a copy of the Avalanche with which he is associated; had been connected with the St. Louis Press for several years and may return; had a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston from Martin Collins, Esq.; Mr. Ralston might want to do a little business with them in Silver City.
ALS 1p. Author's card enclosed.
P.S.
I send you a copy of the Avalanche.
item 7085

Hayward, Thompson, and Stow, Virginia [City], June 20th, 1864. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Protect our acceptance for twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) due at your house this week."
D 1p.
item 7090

Heath, Mary E., Oakland, October 29th, [1867]. To [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Expresses thanks to Mr. Ralston for his kindness and help in times of trouble; relates the reverses and regrets that Mr. Ralston should suffer from his confidence in herself and her husband; offer the house they live in to Mr. Ralston toward paying him for that which they owe him; resigns her claim to it; knows that her husband when relieved of his debts will be able to keep the family from wants; mentions efforts to economize; no words can express her gratitude and hopes that her year old son who bears Mr. Ralston's name may when older "prove the gratitude and affection which his father and [herself] will never cease to feel."
ALS 4pp.
item 7090

To My Dear Madam, [n.p., undated]

Additional Note

Right for her and her husband to offer the property and from a legal and business point of view the Bank had a right to take it; however, it might be wrong in another and higher sense; as far as the writer is concerned the property shall continue to belong to Madam and her children; hopes that "better and happier days are in store" for her and her husband.
L 1p.
This letter may refer to the property mentioned in Heath, Mary E., Oakland, October 29th, [1867], to [William C. Ralston]. Madam may be Mrs. Heath. Sender may be Mr. Ralston, but not signed by him.
item 7090

Heath, Mary E., "Edge Hill", St. Helena, [California], March 1st, [1875]. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Wants to procure an appointment for her second son Charles as a Cadet in the Naval Academy at Annapolis; needs letter from friends to influential members of Congress and to the President; asks Mr. Ralston's help in this regard; daughter's illness prevents her going to San Francisco.
ALS 2pp.
item 7095

Heimké, Wm [William], Headquarters Department of the Missouri, Office of the Chief Quartermaster, Fort Leavenworth, K[ansa]s, July 5th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston is the only gentleman Mr. Heimké knows in San Francisco and asks him to purchase a very nice feather fan for ladies in the Chinese Notion store on Kearney Street where he had seen them while on a visit to San Francisco; wants one of the finest of these as a birthday present for a twin sister living abroad; wants not to pay over ten dollars; since the girl's birthday is the first of August he requests that the purchase be made at the earliest possible time; will always be grateful for this kindness.
ALS 3pp.
item 7100

Henderson, (Mrs.) J.J., Albany, New York, Oct[ober] 11, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mrs. Henderson is about to start for China, and asks Mr. Ralston to reserve a stateroom for her sister and herself on the steamer leaving San Francisco November 1st.
ALS 1p.
[Note added]
My Dear Taylor
Will you please do me the favor and lay aside a good room as requested for this lady - Her husband is the U.S. Consul at either Hong Kong or Shanghi I think it is. - Ralston
Please return this letter by bearer or your messenger - R
All right -E. Taylor
item 7105

Henschell, (Mrs.) F., Paris, [France], January 17th, [18]69. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Gives an account of trip to New York, of the time spent in that city and of the "awful" voyage to Paris; likes Paris and would like to have all her San Francisco friends there; mentions Lucy of whom Mr. Ralston is guardian.
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Received the note of Mrs. Lamuche and asks Mr. Ralston to give her the one enclosed; hopes he has paid the bill of the real estate agents.
[Note added]
"Ans[were]d June 18"
item 7105

Henschell, (Mrs.) F., Paris, [France], April 5th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has been to see Mrs. Ralston and finds her charming; wants to remain in Paris until June or July, 1870; asks Mr. Ralston to take care of some business matters for her; hears that Montgomery Street is to be lengthened which will increase the value of her property; gives an account of the obligations she must meet each month; Lucy has a fine voice and may make a fortune out of it; states her living situation in Paris; states her financial situation; hopes a good tenant can be found for her house; asks whether Mr. Ralston can send her "a rich, young Californian to marry Lucy and take her back to her Darling San Francisco."
ALS 6pp.
item 7110

Hewston, John Jr., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, Philadelphia, June 10th, 1868. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Bank of Cal[ifornia]. Telegram.

Additional Note

No quorum of Committee [in Washington]; has been active daily; no failure "if perserverance can succeed"; hopes to succeed without Legislation if he fails.
T 1p.
item 7110

Hewston, John Jr., Washington, D.C., June 25th, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

From Mr. Ralston's telegram he was tired of Mr. Henston living in Washington; Ralston cannot "appreciate the misery of having to live in Washington and transact business with the set one finds here"; can send some definite results in a few days; tries to justify his lengthy stay in Washington; [Cornelius] Cole had been to the Department and requested that nothing of the kind should be done; E. Kelly of New York made the strongest kind of a fight and is still fighting his bill in Congress; tried to get the secretary of the Treasury to give the contract, "decided that no authority existed"; had the bill sent to Congress and beat E. Kelly before the Committee; it agreed upon its propriety but the impeachment of the President [Andrew Johnson] prevented a quorum of the Committee from meeting; should bill be reported out of committee E. Kelly would prevent it from being passed unanimously; decided to get contract from Secretary of the Treasury as first proposed but first had to get the Director of the Mint to admit that he had made a wrong statement officially and to endorse Mr. Henston's proposition to refine; has reviewed such an endorsement and [Cornelius] Cole has given a partial one; gives an account of how matters are to be worked out, i.e. to get business for the S[an] F[rancisco] A[ssaying] [and] R[efining] W[orks]; will send the papers to Louis A. Garnett, its president and manager; will return to San Francisco.
ALS 7pp.
 

Hewston, John Jr.

See also Henschell, Mrs. F.

item 7115

Higgins, W[illia]m T., Assembly Chamber, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Sacramento, [California], M[ar]ch 18th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

State prison bill passed the House, amended by [----] Norton; seconded by Charles C. Terrill; gives a few details of it; account of investigating Committee of the University [of California] meeting and its report; may not be able to get Mr. Ralston's report into it but believes it has furnished the groundwork for the report; San Francisco Water bill passed the House but will be opposed in the Senate and states why; suggests Mr. Ralston explain the amendments to the Convict Labor bill and that which he wants done to it to [George] Oulton, [W.T.] Garratt, and [Washington] Bartlett; it can be passed in the Senate as there will be opposition in the Senate by the Prison Committee but these men can save it.
ALS 2pp.
[P.S.]
Advises Mr. Ralston that if he does anything about the State Prison matter he must do it at once as the bill is before the Senate and may be taken up at any time. - W.T.H. 1p.
"Stow is here, W.B; Carr also, have you heard from Hartson."
item 7120

Hill, A.G. and E[dney S.] Tibbey, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Oct[ober] 12, 1866. To [Bishop and Co.?].

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston had instructed the undersigned to send twenty thousand dollars in coin to the correspondents of the Bank of California in Honolulu, Messrs. Bishop and Co., by the steamer Vanderbilt; gives way in which the coin was sent.
A note S 1p.
item 7125

Hill, William, New York, Ap[ri]l 3rd, 1873. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks him for his "most liberal and generous action" that he did for his deceased brother Andrew while he lived and that he and the rest of his brothers and sisters are deeply indebted to Mr. Ralston; account concerning the settlement of the brother's estate.
ALS 4pp.
item 7130

Hilliard, Elizabeth, Manchester, [New Hampshire], Nov[ember] the 19th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has seen Mr. Ralston's name frequently in the newspapers and writes to ask for employment in the Ralston family since she has been advised to go to California by her physician; can bring letters of recommendation; asks for $875 for steerage passage from New York and could earn enough to pay it back; requests a yes or no answer.
ALS 2pp.
item 7135

Hite, W. C., Office Commercial Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, K[entuck]y, May 3rd, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's friend [Isaac] Friedlander and family spent a day in Louisville, Kentucky; mentions how they were entertained; wanted them to stay another day; sent him letters from several army officers to President Grant and letters to men in Philadelphia; requested that he investigate the syndicate "Ten Million dollars to build the California and Texas Railroad"; expects it to pay "verry [sic] largely" but not up to Credit Mobilizer"; has invested one hundred thousand to show his faith; many of their friends interested in it and could get Mr. Ralston and his friends some if they desired it, but would have to act quick.
ALS 2pp.
item 7135

Hite, W.C., Office Commercial Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, K[entuck]y, July 10th, 1874. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mentions stops made en route home from California; names Mr. Ralston's friends who have called to inquire about him and his family; attended a breakfast where many asked about Mr. Ralston and his health; doctors think he is "working too hard"; suggests coming to Kentucky or going to Europe for a year; thanks him and his friends "for the most delightful visit [he] ever had in [his] whole life"; can never repay him but asks to be of service in any way; hopes Mr. Ralston has recovered his health.
ALS 2pp.
item 7135

Hite, W.C., Louisville, K[entuck]y, August 13th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asked Mr. Ralston to find out for him who owns the patent for making ice (thinks it is Senator [John P.] Jones) and for how much they will sell the privilege; may be induced to make use of it in several cities; would like to know cost of building machinery capable of manufacturing 20 to 30 tons of ice daily; if owner will not sell all the patent; he might sell one-half or three-fourths with Mr. Hite managing it; not much money in the business; Mr. and Mrs. Marves sends kindest regards; Mrs. Marves advises everyone to go to California to see Mr. Ralston; suggests that C.A. Peters could get the information for Mr. Ralston if he is too busy; will continue to do all he can for the Palace Hotel; his son will probably visit Mr. Ralston and will be grateful for any attention given him; wants his children to enjoy themselves.
ALS 3pp.
item 7140

Hodgman, C., Edwards, Matthews and Co., Loan Real Estate and Gen'l Agents, St. Louis, [Missouri], Feb[ruary] 11th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had heard his father speak of Mr. Ralston as one of his friends of his youth, he is writing to ask him to use his influence in getting a position for his brother in San Francisco; states his qualifications; gives references for himself; he and his mother would highly appreciate anything that Mr. Ralston can do for his brother.
ALS 2pp.
 

HOLLADAY, BEN (BEGIN)

Additional Note

The following letters from the Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society, contain references to William Ralston or the Bank of California. Listed chronologically.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., undated To My dear Will, [William Norris, Esq.].

Additional Note

"I write a note to friend Ralston, which after reading seal and send to him."
LS 4pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 51-54, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item 7150

Holladay, Ben, n.p., May 17th, [18]69. To Gen[eral] Rufus Ingalls, New York.

Additional Note

Telegram.
Regarding rumored likely appointment of C[----] A. Eastman as Assistant Treasurer, U.S. in San Francisco [?]; while General Ingalls and General [Ulysses S.] Grant would probably approve, Mr. Holladay does not consider it proper because of his recent transactions; sending letter overland stating particulars.
ALS 1p.
Probably office copy.
item 7150

Holladay, Ben, n.p., May 19th, [18]69. To Gen[era]l Rufus Ingalls. Telegram.

Additional Note

Investigated C[----] A. Eastman's case and found himself cleared of matter referred to in telegram of May 17th; advocated his appointment.
D 1p.
Original in Oregon Historical Society.
item 7150

Holladay, B[en] N., n.p., May 20th, 1869. To Gen[era]l Rufus Ingalls, New York. Telegram.

Additional Note

Since his telegram of May 19th, Mr. Holladay is of the opinion that no Assistant Treasurer or other officers should be appointed until after an investigation has been made; telegram was probably too hasty, but thought it might please General Rufus Ingalls; [----] Eastman's "associates bad"; have grave doubts about him.
TS 1p.
Original in Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., A[u]g[u]st 12th, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Gives an account of the needs for the railroad, (i.e. iron, bolts, etc.) and plans for construction; writes that "all we want is time - and Ralston must help us out. He will bond nothing and shall make money;" Mr. [----] Garfield, a delegate from Washington Territory, an able man and the best speaker on the coast, is in [Portland, Oregon] and plans to go down to San Francisco; Mr. Holladay wants Mr. Norris "to sho[w] him to Ralston and others."
ALS 3pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 30-32, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, Portland, [Oregon]; Sep[tember] 10th, [186]9. To W[illiam] C. Ralston and W[illia]m Norris, San Francisco.

Additional Note

"Governor Seward sailed on Taylor this morning will arrive in San Francisco Monday morning."
T 1p.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, Portland, [Oregon], Sep[tember] 10th, [186]9. To W[illia]m Norris, Office of N.P.T. Co., San Francisco.

Additional Note

"You must arrange at once with Tichnor for through business, for Ralston and fix it up."
T 1p.
Both of the above telegrams on one page.
Letter press copy in Book 5, p.83, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Sep[tember] 16th, [186]9. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

"I proposed to [William C.] Ralston that we should get [----] Cohen obligation but he said it was not necessary - all would be right."
ALS 5pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp.91-95, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Sept[ember] 22nd, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Mr. Holladay considered that it would be ruinous to their business to act upon the suggestion of their "good friend [William C.] Ralston" and go off to New York; felt he must remain on the job until the completion of the first section of the railroad, otherwise their securities are "worthless;" was quite aware of the embarassment that the situation was causing Mr. Ralston, "but what on earth can we do;" the only thing Mr. Holladay could do was to accept Mr. [William L.] Halsey's proposal even at "a great sacrifice," as the only quick way to pay the Bank of California; Mr. Ralston urged Mr. Holladay to accept that proposal which Mr. Halsey advised him to do; he telegraphed Mr. Ralston their acceptance; was very willing to sacrifice anything to pay the Bank and when that is done could go on building the road; had instructed Mr. Halsey to sell one million of the bonds which would get them out of trouble.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
"Their [sic] is no change to Ralston for rent of my rooms, until Ben returns. His care of them is all I want and will take."
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp.99-100, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Sept[ember] 23rd, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Had received a letter from Mr. Norris and Mr. Holladay writes that he was "not surprised at Ralston's charge on you - but what can we do?" he asks; Mr. Holladay states that which he is doing, (i.e. building the railroad), will pay all debts later on but should 20 miles of the road not be completed on time [in order to receive the grant from the United States government] he asks, "where and when can we get the money?" Tells Mr. Norris that he "can sho[w] the enclosed letter (41) to Ralston." Had telegraphed Mr. Norris to sell his (Holladay's) Nav[igation] Stock . . . which he could have sold away up in the Seventys, but at the request or advice of [William C.] Ralston he held on to it.
ALS 3pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 101-103, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Sept[ember] 24th, [18]69. To [C. Temple] Emment.

Additional Note

Gives an account of the construction material on hand and that expected to arrive for the building of the railroad to Salem, [Oregon]; "We owe Bank of California $280,000 - with that paid - we are all right."
ALS 3pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. n4-116, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Oct[ober] 22nd, [18]69. To [C. Temple] Emment.

Additional Note

Mr. Holladay's great objective is to "get free of the Bank of California;" the Bank seems to be "pushed for money" and he feels that he must reduce the interest being paid to it.
ALS 3pp.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Oct[ober] 25th, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Capt[ain] [J.C.] Ainsworth had taken passage on the Taylor to San Francisco, but Mr. Holladay does not know that which is taking him there; claims Captain Ainsworth is "trying hard to get someone to run as opposition;" considers him his "worst enemy on the entire coast;" thinks it possible that [Alvinza] Hayward had told him of something that takes him down; is of the opinion that Mr. Hayward does not own any of their stock with the exception of that which was given him "for working up the Scheme;" -and he believes "Ralston knows it - I am right;" requests that Mr. Norris inform [----] McAllister that he "work up" [his] law suit and not let them play any "dirty tricks;" asserts he "never will pay it until the law is executed;" tells Mr. Norris, "Get us clear of Ralston first - then we are all right."
ALS 4pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 171-174, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Oct[ober] 27th, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Prayed that Mr. Norris had been able to make an arrangement with [----] Gallagher to get the money so that payment could be made to the Bank of California; [Williams] Ladd and [J.C.] Ainsworth make out that [William C.] Ralston is a close friend of both theirs and the Holladay group at the same time; asserts that Mr. Ralston was aware that when Mr. Norris gave him a draft on [C. Temple] Emment that the letter was not in a position to pay without selling bonds; wondered how he could say he was being used; states that Mr. Ralston was "in with [----] Cohen on the iron question by which we were most [illegible];" Mr. Cohen informed Mr. Holladay with Mr. Ralston present that the 25 miles [of iron] had all left Europe in Mehana in April when Mr. Norris already knew that the iron received was not ordered until after an agreement was made with Mr. C[ohen]; Mr. Holladay informed Mr. Norris that everything possible had been done to obtain more but had failed and Mr. Ralston knew it; considered it their misfortune that money was owed to the Bank of California when both were "short."
ALS 7pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 177-183, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, B[en], Portland, [Oregon], Nov[ember] 5th, [186]9. To C[harles] J. Brenham, San Francisco. Probably a telegram.

Additional Note

Refuses to sell interest in Union Hill Mine for $6,000.
ALS 1p.
Answered by the following:
item Unnumbered

Holladay, [Ben], Portland, [Oregon], Nov[ember] 5th, [186]9. To C[harles] J. Brenham, San Francisco. Probably copy of a telegram.

Additional Note

"Ralston's telegram received. You can sell the interest in Union Hill Mining Company."
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 5, p.186, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
Both items on same page.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Nov[ember] 25th, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Believes with Mr. Norris that [C. Temple] Emment has no appreciation of that which those building the 20 miles of railroad have gone through; if he is unable to help them by obtaining bonds and funds he does them no good; Mr. Holladay thinks that some bank, perhaps Mr. Ralston's, would be willing to extend enough credit for iron for 15 miles of railroad.
ALS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 210-211, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., Nov[ember] 27th, [18]69. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Mr. Norris telegraphed Mr. Holladay that the California had been bought by [----] Wright, [----] Donahue, and [----] Baning; will probably run the ship south with freight only; [----] Tichner will not make through freight rates with the purchasers because he had agreed to make such rates with Mr. Holladay's company; should he refuse, Mr. Holladay will fight him [illegible] of railroad which Mr. Holladay dropped at the request of [William C.] Ralston.
LS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 226-227, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, Portland, [Oregon], May 4, [18]70. To Holladay and Brenham, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia].

Additional Note

"Send three hundred (300) pounds ice instead two hundred (200) by first steamer."
T 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 5, p. 357, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

[Holladay, Ben], n.p., May 4th, [187]0, To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Gives instructions for settling money matters with [Milton S.] Latham and [----] Gallagher of the French Bank of [San Francisco]; states some specific amounts to be paid and "also what amounts you and Ralston agree on, is just for the last transaction;" will be liberal no more.
L 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 356-357, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., May 18th, [187]0. To Judge [George H. Williams]. Private.

Additional Note

Regarding raising funds for the election of Mr. Williams to the Senate; "Ralston will give $2,500 - God bless him but no one else a dollar in that State." Wrote Mr. Holladay.
LS 8pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 374-381, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, n.p., May 21, [18]70. To [William] Norris.

Additional Note

Valued on Mr. Norris for $2,500 which is the amount that [William C.] Ralston contributed for the election of [George H.] Williams; the only help received to date; comments that Mr. Williams will always be a friend of Mr. Ralston; election very expensive to Holladay et al but they "must succeed."
LS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 5, p. 385, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Holladay, Ben, President, O[regon] and C[alifornia] R[ail] R[oad] Co[mpany], April 1st, [18]70. To W[illia]m Norris, San Francisco. Telegram.

Additional Note

Sent Mr. Norris the authority but thought it should not be used because they had agreed to contract for only 3 1/2 million and would not pay the money until the bonds were sold; also Mr. Holladay stated that his railroad company had nothing to do with putting the bonds on the market, but it was speculation on the part of [Milton S.] Latham and [----] Rulofson for their own profit at the expense of the railroad company; states that he did not authorize Rulofson to put 5 million on the market; requested Mr. Norris to show this telegram to Mr. Ralston.
T 1p.
"BH decided not to send it - withdraw from Tel[egraph]/office."
Letter press copy in Book 5, p. 275, Ben Holladay Papers, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

[Holladay], Ben, n.p., Ap[ri]l 26th, [1870?]. To W[illia]m Norris.

Additional Note

"Ralston is a humbug and always was;" -both he and [Leland] Stanford had promised to work with Holladay's railroad company on railroad matters, but instead had done everything they could against it."
ALS 3pp.
Letter press copy in Book 5, pp. 333-334, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Towler, R[----] H., Seaside House, Clatsop Co[unty], Or[egon], August 6th, [18]74.

Additional Note

[Sam] Butterworth will be on board a steamer to Portland; W[illia]m C. Ralston of San Francisco had given him a letter of introduction to both R[----] R. Thompson and Capt[ain] [----] Ainsworth.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 8, p. 56, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Towler, R[----] H., Seaside House, Clatsop Co[unty], Or[egon]. To A[----] G. Cunningham, Portland, Or[egon].

Additional Note

Mr. S[am] Butterworth, a friend of Ben Holladay is to arrive in Portland and is to take some trips in the Pacific Northwest; W[illiam] C. Ralston has given him a letter of introduction to both [R R.] Thompson and Captain [----] Ainsworth.
ALS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 8, pp. 53-54, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Towler, R[----] H., Seaside House, Clatsop Co[unty], Or[egon], Aug[ust] 6th, [18]74. To W.L. Halsey, Esq., Portland, Or[egon].

Additional Note

Mr. S[am] Butterworth visited Mr. Ben Holladay, a long time friend, and plans several trips in the Pacific Northwest; W[illiam] C. Ralston has favored him with letters of introduction to both R[----] R. Thompson and Capt[ain] Ainsworth.
ALS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 8, pp. 51-52, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], n.p., September 30, [187]4. To S[----] O. Putnam, Esq.

Additional Note

Explained that a $500 refund was one-half of a check for $1,000 which had been given to [William C.] Ralston which was to be paid on some "subteranean [sic] account;" the other $500 was charged to the Australian Line; believed he had explained that the N.S.N.Z. and Aus. M.S.S. Co. accounts ought to "square the balance"; this includes the %00 of the old business in the account of W[----] H. Webb; trial balance shows to debit of Webb and Holladay Australian Line; $99,726 of the amount is included in balance debited to Mr. Webb and N.S.N.Z. and A.M.S.S. Co. but really belongs to P. and L.; suggested that [William] Norris could give him all the details regarding the check said check, since Mr. Hampton never knew for the purpose for which it was given.
ALS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 7, pp. 44-45, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, [Henry], n.p., Oct[ober] 29th, [187]4. To W[illia]m Norris, Esq.

Additional Note

According to a letter from Mr. [William] Norris, Mr. Hampton was of the opinion he had given Mr. [S O.] P[utnam] a memo of a $10,000 note, in Aug[ust] [18]73, and he thought it was to pay a note of the same amo[unt] at Bank of Milton S. Latham; enclosed two 1st Nat[iona]l Bank checks on Donahoe K[elly] and Co. with which Mr. Norris was to pay Mr. Holladay's int[erest] at Bank of Cal[ifornia] one mo[nth] to Oct[ober] 31 on $30,150 and B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] one mo[nth] to Nov[ember] on $1,000,000.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 67, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, [Henry], n.p., Nov[ember] 27th, [1874]. To My Dear Sir [Probably William Norris].

Additional Note

Sends First Nat[iona]l Bank check on D[onahoe] K[ell]y and Co. which he indicates how he wants it distributed for interest at B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] on $40,150 for Nov[ember] and the Fr[ench] B[a]nk.
ALS 3pp.
Letter press copy in Book 7, pp. 87-89, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], n.p., Jan[uary] 29th, [187]5? To W[illia]m Norris.

Additional Note

Enclosed an Exchange on the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] and Donahoe Kelly and Co. for $1118.93 to be used to pay the interest owed by Mr. Holladay
ALS 3pp.
Letter press copy in Book 7, pp. 114-116, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, [Henry], n.p., Feb[ruar]y 26th, [187]5. To W[illia]m Norris, Esq., 210 Battery St[reet], S[an] F[rancisco].

Additional Note

Sends Mr. Norris $1088.76 "out of half drawn. Ja[me]s Stule [?] Cash Exch[ange] on D[onahoe] K[elly] and Co. of S[an] F[rancisco] to pay Mr. Holladay['s] int[erest] at . . . Bank [of] Cal[ifornia]" [also to pay interest at Fr[ench] B[a]nk.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 131, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], n.p., March 27th, [187]5. To W[illia]m Norris, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Enclosed a draft for $1,118.91 by W[illiam] L. Halsey, V.P. on M[ilton] S. Latham with which he is requested to pay the March interest of $411.55 to the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] and the Apr[il] interest to two other banks.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 140, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], n.p;, Ap[ri]l 23rd, [187]5. To W[illia]m Norris, Esq., San Francisco.

Additional Note

Enclosed a draft by James Steele, Cashier, on the firm of D[onahoe], K[elly] and Co. for the amount of $1,208.86, $407.50 of it to be used to pay the interest at the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia], the remainder to pay the interest at two other banks; regarding Mr. Holladay's E. and O. Land Company stock, Mr. Hampton states that no one locally had ever seen the certificate and does not recall ever having seen it himself but was under the impression that either the B[a]nk of California or Latham's bank held it.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 149, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], n.p., May 28th, [187]5. To W[illia]m Norris, 210 Battery Street, S[an] F[rancisco].

Additional Note

Encloses a 1st Nat[iona]l B[a]nk check on Donahoe, Kelly and Co. for $1,218.91 to be used to pay the May interest of $411.55 owed to the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] and the remainder to two other banks.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 155, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], Portland, [Oregon], June 30, 1875. To S[----] O. Putnam, Esq., 210 Battery Street, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Requested that Mr. Putnam pay out of the enclosed check of the 1st Na[tiona]l [Bank] on D[onahoe], K[elly] and Co. for $1,208.86 Mr. Ben Holladay's interest at the B[a]nk of California to the amount of $401.50 and the remainder to two other banks.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p.161, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], Portland, [Oregon], July 29th, 1875. To S[----] O. Putnam, Esq., Sec[retary], 210 Battery Street, S[an] F[rancisco]

Additional Note

Turned over to Mr. Putnam a 1st N[ationa]l B[a]nk check on D[onahoe], K[elly] and Co. for $1,208.86 with which Mr. Putnam was to pay Mr. Holladay's interest at three San Francisco banks, $401.50 of which was to be paid to the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia].
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 172, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], n.p., Sep[tember] 25th, [187]5. To W[illia]m Norris, Esq., San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Norris' letter of September 17th and writes, "I can understand what a terrible blow the failure of the Bank of Cal[ifornia] must have been to you; and the embarassment that must follow as affecting the N.P.T. Co. and Mr. Holladay." Mr. Holladay had telegraphed Mr. Hampton that he was leaving the next day for Oregon; the letter had hoped he would return by way of San Francisco and stop there "long enough to arrange for his indebtedness at the banks;" Mr. Norris had inquired about the stock of the 'Oregon Real Estate Co.' held by Bnk [sic] Cal[ifornia] as collateral security for Mr. H's indebtedness." The reply was, "It represents real and personal property in the shape of houses and lots here and East Portland, farms and land in adjoining counties and the Clatsop outfit;" taxable value almost $350,000.
ALS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 7, pp. 191-192, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], Portland, [Oregon], Sept[ember] 27th, [18]75. To S[----] O. Putnam, Esq., San Francisco.

Additional Note

Enclosed a 1st Nat[ion]al B[a]nk check on Donahoe, Kelly and Co. for $1,208.86 with which to pay Ben Holladay's interest on the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] and two other banks.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 193, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon. Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], Portland, [Oregon], Oct[ober] 29th, [18]75. To S[----] O. Putnam, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Enclosed a 1st Nat[iona]l B[a]nk check on Donahoe, Kelly and Co. for $1,108.86 with which to pay Ben Holladay's interest at the B[a]nk of Cal[ifornia] and another bank.
ALS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p. 201, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry] n.p., Nov[ember] 29th, [187]5. To W[illia]m Norris, Esq.

Additional Note

Sent a 1st N[ationa]l Bank draft on Donahoe, Kelly and Co. for $1108.86 which Mr. Norris is asked to distribute in the usual way as interest payment for Ben Holladay to the San Francisco banks which include the Bank of California.
LS 1p.
Letter press copy in Book 7, p.226, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
item Unnumbered

Hampton, H[enry], Secretary, O[regon] C[entral] R[ail] R[oad] Co., Jan[uary] 6th, [187]6. To S[---] O. Putnam.

Additional Note

In June, 1871, The Bank of California was paid for the cr[edit] of Ladd and Tilton $625,543.33 by the N.P.T. Co. [North Pacific Transportation Company] on account of O.C.R.R. Co. (Oregon Central Railroad Company); later Mr. Holladay informed Mr. Hampton that $17,000 of the above amount should have been charged to Mr. Holladay on the books of N.P.T. Co. instead of the O.C.R.R. Co.; Correction made by Mr. Hampton.
ALS 2pp.
Letter press copy in Book 7, pp. 254-255, Ben Holladay Collection, Oregon Historical Society.
 

HOLLADAY, BEN (END)

item 7300

Holland, Dr. G[ustave], Stuttgart, [Germany], 8th Aug[ust], [18]73. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has found a way to be of some service to Mr. Ralston while on a trip to Europe; gives an account of the Royal Bank of Wurtemburg at Stuttgart, [Germany], its organization and operations; in conversation with bank officials Dr. Holland had shown there the need to extend their field of operations because of changed business conditions in the world; the Bank has authorized Dr. Holland to tell Mr. Ralston that it is ready and willing to act as the principal agents of the Bank of California in Germany and is anxious to learn whether Mr. Ralston approves of this connection and how it should be arranged; could not give full details of the Bank's ideas in a letter but will tell Mr. Ralston when he returns to San Francisco.
ALS 4pp.
item 7300

Holland, [Dr. Gustave], [Stuttgart, Germany], 8th Aug[ust], [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Personal letter enclosed with business letter of [same date]; hopes Mr. Ralston's health has improved; writes of the places where he has been and mentions the mutual friends he has met in Europe; wherever he goes everything is "running over with Americans. California is fully represented"; extreme heat - "an unusual summer"; heard that Mr. Ralston had been elected President of the Bank, merely "an idle form" since he had "always been the Bank no matter who had the name of President".
ALS 4pp.
N.B. asks to be remembered to several friends.
Oregon R[ail] R[oad] bonds have damage this country in Europe; [Milton S.(?)] "Latham especially is looked upon as the head man of what they call here the "great swindle."
item 7305

Hollister, W.W., Santa Barbara, [California], May 25th, [1873]. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has found a horse for Mr. Ralston after looking at a number but all had some fault or other; describes this one as being "as ugly as a Jack Ass" but guesses that it will suit; With Mr. Ralston's "own good looks and reputation ready made, what," he queries, "is the difference to [him] now whether [he] mounts an regular Brucephalus or an Ass"; the horse is eight years old [a pinto], raised by a Mr. Heath of Carpenteria, "gentle as a lamb -and broken to harness (double)"; Mr. Hollister has him at his house and states that the horse is a little thin, as he is "just recovering from eppizoottis [sic]"; will send the horse before long; does not know the cost to him but will charge it "to the acc[ount] of Buckeye friendship Jr. and will settle this with other matters of like kind on the other side of Jourdan [sic]."
ALS 3pp.
item 7305

Hollister, W.W., Santa Barbara, [California], July 30th, [18]74. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

If Mr. Ralston is not prevented by his heavy expenditure there is a good opportunity to invest in a local seaside hotel, a very pretty one near the coast called Barton's Mound; could be bought at a fair price; thought it might be just the thing to supplement the grand hotel Mr. Ralston was building in San Francisco; if Mr. Ralston will say that he will think about it, such a picture of it will be painted as to make him hurry to Santa Barbara; wants to see him again and have "a good old-fashioned talk."
ALS 2pp.
item 7310

Holmes, S., San Jose, Cal[ifornia], April 4th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had heard that Mr. Ralston was willing to spend a few thousand dollars in testing and prospecting for leads of various minerals; knows of a good quartz lead - and his acquaintances know of another; in a fair way to be privileged to develop two quicksilver mines; another acquaintance knows where there is "floating stone coal" [anthracite]; if Mr. Ralston thinks favorably of furnishing money to prospect, Mr. Holmes will call upon him in San Francisco and have a talk with him; if he wants to furnish money and be interested with him and others they will be willing to go ahead and test these leads; will give him good references.
ALS 2pp.
item 7315

Homans, H[arry], S., New York Life Insurance Company, London Office-76 and 77 Cheapside, London, June 15th, 1870. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

At the request of Mr. Henry Starr he has been given a letter to Mr. Ralston stating that he would like to be a correspondent for drawing drafts and c.; knows little about Mr. Starr since he has known him only a short time; however, Mr. Starr will be able to give "abundant references as to his standing"; Mr. Homans has suggested the Bank of California to Mr. Starr with the thought that it might lead to some business for it; working hard in his new field; American Room is fast becoming the headquarters for California people in London.
ALS 1p.
item 7320

Hooff, Lewis, First National Bank of Alexandria, V[irgini]a, Alexandria, V[irgini]a, July 15, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Hooff's desire to go to San Francisco is so great that he is writing to ask whether there is any vacancy in the Bank of California; would be willing to act as a messenger hoping to work his way up; gives as references bankers and merchants in Alexandria, Virginia; has had lung trouble and knows the climate in San Francisco would benefit him but is not an invalid; would be satisfied with just sufficient salary to live on; would like to be favored with an answer.
ALS 2pp.
item 7325

Hooper, S[amuel], Boston, [Massachusetts], Sept[ember] 5th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq. Private and Confidential.

Additional Note

Assured Mr. Ralston that he would not forget the many kind attentions shown him and his Committee by Mr. Ralston and his friends on their trip to California; Mr. [William] Sharon did all he could to make the trip across Lake Tahoe to Virginia City a most enjoyable one; had been sent articles in the Alta California and the Bulletin about the connection between the Treasury Department and the finances of California; showed them to Mr. [George S.] Boutwell, [Secretary of Treasury] with whom he discussed the subject; gives an account of the discussion; seemed to him that the Treasury Department "had been prejudiced in references to any transactions with the Bank of California"; understands that such prejudices can be started by some unimportant officer or clerk who handles the transactions; asks that this information be kept confidential; is willing to do anything he can for Mr. Ralston and the Bank; Mr. Boutwell asked regarding his impression of [Charles N.] Felton, (sub-treasurer at San Francisco) as Mr. Boutwell was favorably impressed; as to Mr. Hooper's remarks about the late Superintendent of the Mint he stated that his only objection was too much other business, but "the change was made by General Grant."
ALS 4pp.
item 7325

Hooper, S[amuel], Office of S. Hooper and Co., 2 Pemberton Square, Boston, [Massachusetts], Sept[ember] 8th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Encloses a clipping from the Boston Daily Advertiser announcing the death of Secretary of Treasury [----] Rawlins, September 6th, 1869; comments on Treasury transfer.
ALS 1p.
Part of letter covered by a chipping.
Nothing additional.
item 7325

Hooper, S[----], The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, Washington, D.C., Jan[uary] 4th, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

A fund is being raised in the Eastern cities to the memory of Edwin M. Stanton for the benefit of his family; inquires whether San Francisco can be depended upon and for what amount.
T 1p.
item 7325

Hooper, S[amuel], 1501 H Street; Corner of 15th, Washington D.C., Jan[uar]y 31st, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston on behalf of the Committee for his liberal contribution to the [Edwin McMaster] Stanton fund; Mr.. Hooper feels that no personal prejudice should exist against Mr. Stanton since he acted only professionally in the New Almaden suit and had no personal interest in it; had not been able to go to Treasury Department since he had received the newspaper clipping about Mr. Ralston's bank, but will see Mr. [Francis] Spinner and then write.
ALS 2pp.
Enclosures lacking.
item 7330

Hopkins, L.B., Julian City, [----], Feb[ruary] 29th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had borrowed $60.00 from Mr. Ralston; had sent him $40.00 but had not received an acknowledgement of its receipt; sending $30.00 including interest; has had a hard time to live after having lost the little he had; not possible to make anything there; have good mines but the miners and prospectors are poor and have no capital; is willing to go anywhere where he is certain of permanent business and a living for himself and family and make himself useful to his employer.
ALS 2pp.
 

Hopkins, Mark

See Central Pacific Railroad Collection.

item Unnumbered

Hopper, P.J., Attorney-at-law and Land Agent, Notary Public, Sacramento, Cal[ifornia], Ap[ri]l 23rd, 1875. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Esq.

Additional Note

Knows a local gentleman who has him scrip for 120 acres in the [Sacramento] District which he is willing to sell at $3.75 an acre; Mr. Yerington might want to purchase it and locate it on good timber land; gives township plats filed in U.S. Land Office; asks how Mr. Yerington is getting on with the choppers; if he wants land surveyed in Alpine [County] Mr. W[illiam] C. Ralston could arrange to have it done by seeing the Surveyor Gen[era]l.
ALS 1p.
[Answer added]
Yerington, H[enry], May 1st, [1875]. Answered - To P.J. Hopper.
Wants Mr. Hopper to buy the 120 Lieu Scrip at $3.75 and send it to him by Express and will send payment.
ALS 1p.
item 7340

Horner, A.L., Sedalia, M[issouri], Feb[ruar]y 16th, [18]75. To W[illiam] [C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks for information about Ernest H. [?] Woodward who was in San Francisco about two years previously; circumstances necessitate knowing some record of his life in California; rumor of a wife still living in California; has led to this inquiry; Mr. Woodward claimed Mr. Ralston and family and other prominent Californians as personal acquaintances.
ALS 1p.
item 7345

Houghton, S[herman] Otis, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., April 10th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asks why Mr. Ralston persists in "Hunting Down" [Adolph H.] Sutro and not allowing him "to gobble up the Comstock Lode and so be rewarded for his great enterprise."
ALS 1p.
item 7350

Howe, T.O., Sacramento, [California], July 23rd, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Because of Mr. Ralston's courtesies to him during his short stay in San Francisco, Mr. Howe could not leave for the East without saying "good-bye" to his generous host; because of illness while under jurisdiction of Commodore [----] Fass, he could not return to San Francisco, he is saying "good-bye" by letter; had a delightful and he hopes profitable visit to California.
ALS 2pp.
item 7355

Howland, G.[?] H., Salt Lake City, [Utah], May 15th, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has not had the hoped for success in business and does not expect to have in the future; satisfied with his three years experience in the mining business, his only profit being the knowledge he has gained of that business; wants to go to California and asks whether Mr. Ralston's former offer of employment can be renewed; can give references.
ALS 2pp.
item 7360

Hull, C.B., Office of K.C. Barker and Co., Detroit, Mich[igan], Nov[ember] 17th, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The day before Mr. Hull left he called to see Mr. Ralston who was so busy taking part in the distribution of the Mercantile Library prizes that he could not see him to thank him for his kindness to Mr. Hull during his visit in San Francisco; does so with this letter and wishes that some day either his father-in-law (Mr. Barker) or [him]self or booth [sic] "may do something for him in Detroit."
ALS 1p.
item 7365

Hull, W.W., Panoche Valley, [California], Sept[ember] 21, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Wants to explain about school matters about which he thinks Mr. Ralston had been misinformed; Mr. Hull was one of the trustees who raised the school tax for the Belmont School district after which Messes. Phelps, Maces, Robinson, and the Railroad Company agreed to pay $400 ($100 each) into the treasury for the school; agreed that no one who had paid school tax in 1872 should pay any in 1873; had explained this to Mr. [----] Alison whom it was supposed would inform Mr. Ralston.
ALS 2pp.
Answered by Ralston, W[illiam] C., n.p., October 2nd, [1873].
To W[----] W. Hull, Esq. and Amasa Johnson.

See also Mezes, S[----] M., Belmont, [California], October 1, 1873.
item 7370

Hulse, Geo[rge] T., The Mechanic's Bank, St. Louis, [Missouri], [February] 26, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Contemplates a visit to California and take a rest from close application to business for thirty years or more; length of stay depending upon whether circumstances warrant and whether the climate proves to be invigorating to him as it has to his friends; would like to stay in some pleasant little town with a mild and agreeable climate where the cost of living is less than in the large cities; makes inquiry as to whether he use twenty to twenty-five thousand dollars at a good rate of interest at a secure loan from sixty days to four months; wants to use his means to cover his expenses; should he remain as long as six months he would give up his present position; asks Mr. Ralston to give him any suggestions in regard to his visiting California.
ALS 2pp.
item 7375

Humbert, A[ugustus], Paris, [France], May 30th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Acknowledges receipt of Mr. Ralston's remittance of £100 and statement of various collections made and credited to Mr. Humbert's account; has noted Mr. Ralston's remarks about the Gas Company and judging from what Mr. Cunningham has told him, he presumes that all their surplus funds have been expended in buying as additional million in the new company which would mean that they would lose a large dividend; thinks last quotation of 75 1/2 for the old stock pretty high and would have been glad to have accepted it; presumes Mr. Ralston thought it better to keep it for a higher price; wants to keep his capital intact and states why; if Mr. Ralston decides to keep the stock, Mr. Humbert would like to know his arguments for doing so.
ALS 3pp.
[note added] Dead
[See Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], June 9th, [18]73]. To [William C.] Ralston.
item 7380

Humbert, Pierre, New York, 15th March, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Letter introducing Mr. David J. Magnin who will visit San Francisco for a short time since he leaves for Europe at the end of April; his visit is somewhat connected with his business and will be thankful for any information given him; suggests to Mr. Ralston without any consultation with Mr. Magnin that if it is desired in regards to the ornamentation of the Palace Hotel, "in artistic bronzes, Real and immitation [sic], clocks, candelabra", Mr. Magnin is well qualified to take up the matter with Mr. Ralston; states family background and personal qualifications of Mr. Magnin; has seen Mrs. Ralston; Mr. Frye has left, and Mr. Kellogg has arrived from Oswego.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Has decided to send this letter by mail and will give Mr. Magnin a separate letter of introduction.
item 7385

Hume, W[----] G., Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, [Kentucky], 17th April, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has received two boxes of California cigars, the kindness of Mr. Ralston; considers himself "an ardent lover of the Indian weed"; so the gift has a value beyond the evidence of Mr. Ralston's kindness; thanks him.
ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Huntington, C[ollis] P., New York, Jan[uary] 3rd, 1873. To [Mark] Hopkins.

Additional Note

Surprised at the contents of Mr. Hopkins' letters since [Leland] Stanford had told him that [William C.] Ralston "did not expect any money at present and c. and c"; will endeavor to send some money in a few days but does not consider the $1,173,000 owed to the California Banks a large amount for a corporation like the C[entral] P[acific] and S[----] P[----] R[ail] R[oad] to owe; believes money should be paid as soon as possible for he is of the opinion that it is not safe to do business with Mr. Stanford since the latter had received a dispatch from Mr. Ralston that payment should be made or there would be trouble, since the Bank could not carry the large debt; a message in cypher to L[ees] and Waller was translated and sent to Mr. Stanford that morning but he did not show it to Mr. Huntington until afternoon because he thought it "a disagreeable dispatch"; Mr. Stanford later talked with Lees & Waller and Mr. Huntington informed them that the amount owed the Bank of California was not large for a concern like the C[entral] P[acific] Co[mpany] to owe but that some payment should be made and that Mr. Huntington would likely send the Bank half a million dollars the following week.
ALS 3pp.
Original in Mark Hopkins correspondence, volume 3, Stanford University
 

Huntington, Collis P.

See also Central Pacific Railroad Collection.

 

Huntington, Collis P.

See also Nordhoff, Charles.

item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., First National Bank of Washington, Washington, [D.C.], Oct[ober] 14th, 1870. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of September 24th and the enclosed draft for $3,000 with which he credited [----] Stevens' account; Stevens will write Mr. Ralston; thanks him for his hospitality to his friends and hopes to present his acknowledgments in person some day.
LS 2pp.
P.S.
He thinks that Mr. Stevens has been of great service to Mr. Ralston and has earned the draft; [----] Drek, Miss Emnia and Col[onel] Jones are all with Mr. Huntington; the Colonel sends "ever so much love."
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., Washington, D.C., Dec[ember] 21st, [18]70. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had promised their good friend Col[onel] [----] Jones that he would send him a picture of himself; Col[onel] Jones made Mr. Hutchinson believe that Mr. Ralston would also like one; is sending two to Mr. Ralston and requested him to give one to Col[onel] Jones; would like to have one of Mr. Ralston in return; Gen[eral] [----] Sherman mentioned to Mr. Huntington that Mr. Ralston had alluded to him in a letter and likewise to the tax on coinage.
ALS 2pp.
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., First National Bank of Washington, Washington, D.C., Dec[ember] 29th, 1870. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

After a talk with [----] Stevens it is the opinion of Mr. Huntington that Mr. Ralston could have no better or more effective man to look after his interest than Mr. Stevens; he has "the time to devote to the matter and to push whatever it takes"; better than Sherman or himself.
LS 1p.
Added note on next page in Huntington's own handwriting.
Not implying that he is not ready and willing to do anything he can for Mr. Ralston; will be grateful for anything Mr. Ralston can do for his friend Col[onel] Jones.
ALS? 1p.
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., First National Bank of Washington, Washington, D.C., Jan[uar]y 11th, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Ralston's dispatch that morning and telegraphed him that the bill had passed the Senate; had been trying to help Mr. Ralston in this matter; want to see [John] Sherman in the Senate and then to the Capitol to see [----] Kelly, the chairman of the Committee on Coinage [----] and other members and considers the matter in "good shape"; [----] Stevens is working hard and effectively.
LS 2pp.
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., First National Bank of Washington, Washington D.C., Jan[uar]y 25th, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Tells Mr. Ralston that he need not apologize for calling upon him whenever he can be of service; encloses a note from [----] Stevens; Mr. Ralston could not have a better man to represent him in Washington than Mr. Stevens; has done all he can for Mr. Ralston's matter; has seen members of Congress whose opposition he believes he has removed because of the strong feeling against it; it is feared that the bill will not pass in its present form, but will have to be a ride on another bill or be introduced in some other way; suggests that he write Mr. Stevens and "get his views and plans."
Ls 3pp.
Note enclosed.
item 7395

Stevens, [----], n.p., Tuesday A.M. To [William S.] Huntington.

Additional Note

Believes that S[enate] Bill No. 859 will not pass; will continue to keep up his attention and interest in the matter; finds it "curious" that he has not heard from [----] Kaslin or [----] Garnett; will follow up the matter and secure it in the way he has indicated.
ALS 1p.
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., The First National Bank of Washington, [D.C.], Feb[ruar]y 25th, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

[William D.] Kelly, Chairman of the Committee on [----] is opposed to the bill Mr. Ralston wants passed; [----] Stevens feels certain it can be put as a rider on some other bill and pass it that way; has received Mr. Ralston's letter introducing Mr. Vogel, the Post Master General of New Zealand who is to call again and will show him any attention.
Ls 1p.
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S., The First National Bank of Washington, Ap[ri]l 19th, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Pleased with Mr. Ralston's invitation to visit California and finds it difficult to resist accepting the invitation; circumstances prevent him from doing so at the time; is recovering well; rheumatism has left him; absence from work for two months has resulted in an accumulation of many matters and things which will take time to straighten out; believes all of the virtues of "San Luis Obispo"; supposes Col[onel] Jones has left for the East; inquires whether Mr. Ralston ever intended to go East; confesses he cannot separate California and Mr. Ralston; hopes he will visit him in Washington.
LS 2pp.
P.S.
"Frank Tuck an old friend has just dropped in and wishes to be kindly remembered to you (Mr. Ralston)."
item 7395

Huntington, W[illia]m S.

Additional Note

Respect to the Memory of the Late W. S. Huntington.
Newspaper clipping, n.p., undated
W.S. Huntington by H.M.G.
Poem.
Newspaper clipping, n.p., undated
item 7397

Hurford, O.P., Omaha, [Nebraska], April 2nd, 1875. To C.W. [William C.] Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Writing in the interest of Mr. E.W. Yates, brother of H.W. Yates, Cashier of the First National Bank of Omaha; has been employed and gives his qualifications; if Mr. Ralston employs Mr. Yates it will be to his advantage or if he lends him his influence he will live up to any recommendation given him.
ALS 1p.
Note added at top of first page. "Shall I reply to this?" In handwriting of Mr. Ralston.
item 7400

Hutchinson, C[hristopher] J., Willard's Hotel, Sykes, Chadwick and Co., Washington, D.C., June 30th, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's letter of June 10th regarding the appointment of C[----] N. Felton, as assistant Treasurer of the United States in San Francisco but does not believe that he has much chance of being nominated; [John] Conness seems to favor [----] Dacoly but has said that he would exert his efforts to secure the confirmation of "any decent man in the place of [Morton?] Chessman"; had seen Senators [James W.] Nye and [William M.] Stewart who are first rate men and Mr. Ralston's friends who present no difficulty in the matter under consideration; will see Senators [John] Conness and [Cornelius] Cole, the latter has little influence; mentions other possible nominations; President [Andrew] Johnson feels confident he will be renominated but Mr. Hutchinson does not believe he will obtain a corporal guard; asks that Mr. Ralston does not mention that which he has said to anyone; Senate Committee on Private Land Claims reported unanimously against the House bill for the relief of [William] Mc Garrahan; hopes Senate action will be taken soon; wants the New Idria mine papers gotten ready for the patent before he leaves, but will not leave until "all is safe."
ALS 4pp.
item 7400

Hutchinson, C[hristopher] J[ohn], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], March 11th, 1869. To [Darius Ogden] Mills.

Additional Note

Rather detailed account of the report of the Senate Committee on Private Land Claims on the Bill for the relief of [William] McGarrahan and that which happened in the case; this "frank, full statement to be considered confidential"; "Mission case - San Buena ventura is secured"; had a rough time in the mountains; came from a foot injury.
ALS 4pp.
item 7400

Hutchinson, C[hristopher] J., Washington, D.C., March 27th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Wells Fargo & Co. offered Mr. Hutchinson the general local agency of San Francisco and vicinity for the Nat[ional] Life Ins[urance] Co[mpany]; the company has talked with Mr. Ralston who was desirous that Mr. Hutchinson should consider it; has asked the company to show his letter to Mr. Ralston; since he does not know about the company's terms he cannot decide; while the company would suit him the salary would have to be adequate; comments on the situation and asks Mr. Ralston to place it in a position so that he could afford to accept it; discusses briefly the "hard old time" he has had since leaving San Francisco; comments regarding his health.
ALS 4pp.
item 7400

Hutchinson, C[hristopher] J[ohn], Washington, D.C., Ap[ri]l 6th, 1869. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq. Private.

Additional Note

Had meant to say something about the Judgeship under the proposed new law; mentions the names of the men who have been suggested; bill may not pass but seems likely to; appointments will not be made until the following December; requests Mr. Ralston not to commit himself to the appointment of anyone until Mr. Hutchinson could talk with him since there is much difference in the names mentioned; getting along well in changing public opinion; Congress to adjourn soon; then will put forth great effort for the patent [to New Idria mine]; every preparation is being made and hopes for success; as regards the insurance requests that they be told that they must give [Mr. Hutchinson] California; "make them do it."
ALS 4pp.
item 7400

Hutchinson, C[hristopher] J[ohn], Washington, D.C., Ap[ri]l 28th, 1869. To W[illia]m R. [C.] Ralston, Esq. Strictly Confidential.

Additional Note

Feels that he should tell Mr. Ralston that [Frank M. ?] Pixley, who wants to be appointed District Attorney for California, has told Gen[eral] [----] Mc Cook that he was going out to California in that position to send Mr. Ralston and others like him "to San Quentin or some other delightful resort"; ordinarily Mr. Hutchinson would not feel at liberty to repeat this but in this case he thought it right and Proper that he should; asks that his name and that of General Mc Cook not be mentioned in connection with this matter; as a result Mr. Pixley has caused much opposition to his appointment and it does not seem possible that he will be appointed; Mr. Ralston's friends in Washington are doing everything possible in his behalf; Mr. Pixley's proposed action against Mr. Ralston is based on internal resource matters; Mr. [----] Evarts is moving for a patent to the New Idria mine; hopes that all may leave for the west in a few days; complains about the weather; [----] Deady of Oregon almost certain to be appointed judge under new law; believes [----] Hoffman does not have a chance; Coast Delegation nearly a unit on this matter; Pixley fight has been the sharpest since he has been in Washington.
ALS 4pp.
item 7400

Hutchinson, C[hristopher] J., Via Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, Washington, D.C., May 7th, 1869. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Keep Hale insurance Man satisfied until my return. Strong hopes obtaining patent."
DS 1p.
item 7600

Ito, Juehe Hi[----], Yokohama, Japan, May 25th, 1872. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Informs Mr. Ralston that a refinery has been established in Japan since the contract between the Bank of California, Okubo, and Ito was made; as a result, he does not think that the Finance Department will consider it necessary that the $20,000,000 more or less in Japanese coin mentioned in the contract should be sent out of the country; the Finance Department will inform the Bank of California officially; thinks that the Bank will not lose anything since smaller amount may be sent to San Francisco; because of his business Mr. Ito will not return to the United States by the mail steamer of the current date; will take a later one for Europe; regrets that he will not be able to see Mr. Ralston.
LS 2pp.
 

Ivon [?] Hoffman and Co.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item Unnumbered

Iwakura, Tomomi, Tohei, Japan, Dec[ember] 5th, 1873. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Letter written in third person expressing the gratitude Mr. Iwakura feels for Mr. Ralston's kindness and attention given him during his visit to San Francisco; he has pleasure in remembering Mr. Ralston's generous hospitality and the many interesting things shown him; Mr. Ralston had made a lasting impression upon him.
LS 1p.

See Ralston, W[illiam] C., at Belmont, undated To His Excellency Iwakura.
Original in Bancroft Library.
 

The Japanese and Foreign Agency Company

See Bowles, Charles.

item 7700

Jenifer, W.H., Baltimore, M[arylan]d, Dec[ember] 5th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has learned that Mr. Ralston admires thoroughbred horses and owns many valuable ones, so Mr. Jenifer offers him his Arabian stallion, the "Jenifer Arabian"; "is one of the best and purest family of the desert Arabians"; Mr. Jenifer served as Inspector General of the Egyptian Army and selected this horse from among the many thousands he had inspected as the purest; imported the horse by the permission of the Khedive of Egypt; gives as reference "any old Army Cavalry officer"; if Mr. Ralston wants a description of this horse verified he will give every assistance.
ALS 2pp.
A printed sheet giving the pedigree, description., etc. of the Jenifer Arabian probably enclosed with this letter.
 

Jenkins, Thomas H.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 7705

Jewett, M.P., Milwaukee, Wis[consin], Oct[ober] 17th, 1870.

Additional Note

To Hon[orable] W[illia]m C. Ralston.
Having returned home Mr. Jewett acknowledges Mr. Ralston's courtesy in giving him one of the happiest days of his whole trip, the one spent at Mr. Ralston's beautiful country seat; having enjoyed English and European hospitality he had seldom seen evidences of a higher taste, culture and refinement than that of Mr. Ralston's mansion and grounds; "not prepared to find it in a country not a quarter of a century old!"; amazed that an American gentleman involved in extensive financial and commercial interests has time to "dispense such princely hospitality in such surroundings"; as a memento of his visit to San Francisco and because Mr. Ralston's name is associated with the enterprise, Mr. Jewett has purchased a few tickets at the Chicago office for the concert for the Mercantile Library Association.
ALS 3pp.
item 7710

Johnson, Amasa, Belmont, [California], Sept[ember] 27th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Alison has requested Mr. Johnson to inform Mr. Ralston that he paid $355.50 as a special school tax the preceding year; has the books if Mr. Ralston would like to look at them; will give any information wanted.
ALS 1p.
Answered by Ralston, W[illiam] C., n.p., Oct[ober] 2nd, [1873]. To W.W. Hull, Esq. and Amasa Johnson.

See also Mezes, S[----] M., Belmont, [California], October 1st, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.
item 7715

Johnson, J.A., San Buenaventura, [California], May 16th, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Shall always praise Mr. Ralston for drawing a check for $500.00 on Mr. Johnson's Santa Barbara Press project; it started influences which will be astonishing in the future; Mr. Ralston's "hearty words were worth more than his gold" to the recipient; sending Mr. Ralston a Ventura Signal to look at the reference to his "little game" in it, which will please him; Mr. Johnson is en route to Los Angeles; has raised over twenty thousand dollars; predicts a "grand success."
ALS 1p.
item 7720

Johnson, T[?] Rogers, I.O.O.F., Office of the Grand Secretary of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the State of California, San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], Aug[ust] 13th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Notification of a meeting of the Committee of Arrangements on reception of members of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the United States will be held in Parker Hall, on Friday, August 20th at 7 1/2 o'clock, P.M.; his presence is desired.
DS 1p.
 

Johnson, Thomas G.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

 

Johnson, William B.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 7725

Jones, [John] P., San Francisco, [California], Aug[ust] 18th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq. Confidential.

Additional Note

Will give his opinion to the questions Mr. Ralston asked regarding local policy which somewhat affects their mutual interests in Nevada "frankly and unreservedly"; not hostile toward the Virginia and Truckee Rail Road but considers it useful and necessary and that its freight and passenger rates are "fair and reasonable"; and would oppose any method of changing them; would like to see the railroad extended and will give it such aid as he can; the companies with which Mr. Jones is connected are among the road's heavy customers; regards the Sutro Tunnel of great importance to Mr. Ralston and himself and to all others who have an interest in the Comstock but does not "believe it will [illegible] the interests of the mining companies or the people at large"; considers the scheme as oppressive, unfair and unjust and will oppose it in all possible ways; believes that his interests and those of his friends in Nevada are in general the same as those of Mr. Ralston and his friends as well as those of the public at large; thanks Mr. Ralston "for the pleasant and complimentary terms with which you [Mr. Ralston] referred to my [his] [illegible] and the kindly expressed personal feelings."
ALS 4pp.
item 7725

Jones, John P., The Western Union Telegraph Company, Washington, D.C., June 8th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

"Have drawn on you for ten thousand dollars will explain and pay when I see you in July."
DS[?] 1p.
item 7805

Kamm, Jacob, June 5th, 1973

Additional Note

Forwarding letters to Gilroy Hot Springs.
Includes typewritten copy.
item 7810

Kelley, Eugene and Co., 21 Nassau St[reet], New York, July 13th, 1870. To Hon[orable] G.G. Cox, M.C. [Member of Congress].

Additional Note

Had received a telegram from Washington stating that "A refining clause has passed the Senate"; considers this "the iniquity which designing parties have for so long a time and in so many different ways been trying to force through Congress for the benefit of a few Monopolists, and against which a large number of Bankers and others strongly protested in a communication addressed to the Committee on Coinage and C., H.R. [House of Representatives] in January, 1869"; sends a copy of that communication and protest for Mr. Cox's attention and hopes that he will use his influence to defeat the selfish scheme.
LS 1p.
item 7815

Kelley, W[illia]m D., Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Aug[ust] 10th, 1869. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Letter introducing his friend Alex[ander] G. Cattell, United States Senator from New Jersey; has been president of the local Coin Exchange Bank from its beginning and member of Finance Committee of the Senate for some years; as a result his health has been impaired and Mr. Kelley urged him to recuperate on the Pacific Coast; knows Mr. Ralston need not be requested to introduce him to their friends; with restored health Mr. Kelley is enjoying pleasant memories of his California visit in which Mr. Ralston had such a part; kind regards to all of Mr. Ralston's circle.
ALS 2pp.
item 7822

Kellogg, J.G., Hotel de la Mediterraine, Nice, [France], M[ar]ch 14th, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg saw Mrs. Ralston and Mrs. Ogden frequently while in Paris; mentions places the Kelloggs had traveled to in Europe and mutual friends they had met there; Mr. Kellogg had heard that [----] Hewston had some hard feeling toward him because of the Alameda Railroad matters; Mr. Kellogg's inquiry regarding whether or not Mr. John Hewston had endorsed the bank stock he had given him as collateral for a loan caused the latter to feel that his good intentions were being questioned; Mr. Kellogg had been informed that unless the endorsement and transfer had been made the bank stock could be seized for Mr. Hewston's debts; he is of the opinion that Mr. Kellogg is in some way connected with the debts of the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad; Mr. Kellogg had left a note bearing Mr. Hewston's name at the bank which was overdue and no interest had been paid on the most of it and no satisfying reason given; had telegraphed Mr. [----] Mastick to collect or sue; [Alfred A.] Cohen and [Faxon D.] Atherton, the makers of a $30,000 note not yet paid, want Mr. Kellogg to take payment in Railroad bonds and the latter asks Mr. Ralston's opinion in regard to such a transaction; Pacific Insurance Company had loaned $20,000 on them at 70 cents; too large amount of money to be left as is; asks Mr. Ralston many questions about business concerns and many friends and acquaintances.
ALS 7pp.
item 7822

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], May 1st, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[----] Mastick had written Mr. Kellogg that the note of [Faxon D.] Atherton and others had been collected and that Mr. [----] Minturn had paid it to Mr. Ralston, so asks whether it is so; called to Washington as Mr. [William M.] Stewart thought Mr. Kellogg might get the bill "for exch[an]g[ing] refined for unrefined bullion" through Congress; gives an account of that which he had done, discusses the situation in regard to the bill, the attitude of members of Congress and the impossibility of the bill being passed during that session; thinks "something may be done next session with from $3 to $5,000"; hopes [----] Knox may be retained in his place but not [----] Chessman in the Treasury since the papers state that Mr. Ralston and all the best business men do not like him; about three years since we [Kellogg and Mr. Ralston] made an agreement and Mr. Kellogg would like to know how things stand; asks whether the stock for the 75 shares premium on the old stock been issued and his put in his box in the bank vault; wants to know "condition and prospects of the bank and Refinery"; asks whether Mr. Ralston wants his refinery stock, how the Gutzkow process of refining without copper works and whether Mr. Ralston is in the Montgomery Street Extension and how it is doing; may try the new railroad and visit California this summer; will see Mrs. Ralston if he knows where she will be in New York.
ALS 4pp.
item 7822

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], Oct[ober] 17th, [18]71. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The agent of the Pacific [Insurance Company] in New York had written Mr. Kellogg of the leaving of 75% on the stock of the company to pay for the losses caused by the Chicago and other fires and to make good the capital of the company; relieved to know that it had not been worse but the newspapers that morning reported the loss of the Pacific Insurance Company as $2,000,000 instead of one and its stockholders are refusing to pay the 75%, even questioning its illegality and want of a binding force "in the personal liability clause"; has been trying to find out his loss ever since the Chicago fire and wants to pay his share and believes most of the men in the company will do the same - a chance to practice "the golden rule"; asks whether Mr. Ralston had been able to do anything about the S[an] F[rancisco] and Alameda Rail Road Bonds [being paid] since he will want all the money he can get; does not want to sell his securities at a loss as they have shrunk in value; asks whether the matter could be closed up somehow; [Alfred A.] Cohen ought to do as much as [----] Minturn; [----] Farwell, [----] Hewston he considers hopeless; latter owes $1,500 on the note and said he would pay when he gets money on the Stanford and Co. note; inquires about the selling price of Bank stock and whether affected by the Chicago fire; [Darius O.] Mills and James Lees were anxious to have definite information about the Chicago fire; thanks Mr. Ralston for his sympathy expressed in the loss of his wife; must carry on cheerfully for the sake of his boys.
ALS 4pp.
item 7822

Kellogg, J.G., Office of the Lake Ontario Shore Rail Road Co., Oswego, N.Y., Dec[ember] 28th, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Regrets that the Pacific Insurance [Company] had to liquidate at a time that was never better for making business profits; other companies are recovering their losses; as regards the San Francisco and Alameda Rail Road Bends, Mr. Kellogg is of the opinion that [Faxon D.] Atherton gave "a very lame" excuse but really has not intended to pay anything; [Alfred A.] Cohen's statement that he "will pay when Atherton does" is rather surprising because he has stated in several letters that he would pay his share and once offered to pay one thousand dollars but Kellogg thought it should be $15 or $1600 and left it for Mr. Ralston to settle; comments upon the liberality being taken advantage of and of attempts to get out of paying which has resulted in a dead loss of $18,000 plus the interest; has an idea Mr. Cohen will pay; will help all he can in Washington (probably regarding bill for exchanging refined for unrefined bullion); thanks Mr. Ralston for saving $1,600 "from the wreck"; trying to recover from the shock of the loss of his wife; willing to be of service.
ALS 2pp.
item 7821

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], M[ar]ch 17th, [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mailing a copy of the New York Tribune containing a speech by [----] Shaw on the [William] Mc Garrahan claim which describes Mr. Ralston and the Bank [of California] "as being very naughty"; supposes nothing more has been done about the Alameda R[ail] R[oad] Bends; feels that [Alfred A] Cohen ought to pay the part he owes as he had repeatedly offered to do in his letters to Mr. Kellogg; [Faxon D.] Atherton will do nothing unless forced to do so; asks Mr. Ralston's pardon for troubling him with this disagreeable business but he has lost so much money that he feels he must try to get something out of it;. had received a letter from [Andrew] Jackson [Ralston], signed the deed enclosed and sent it to Mr. [----] Underhill who in turn had sent it to [Andrew] [Jackson] Ralston.
ALS 4pp.
item 7821

Kellogg, J.G., Office of the Lake Ontario Shore Rail Road Co., Oswego, N.Y., May 28th, 1872. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has just received an explanation of the overdrawing of his bank account because Mr. Ralston drew a check against it for $3,225 to pay an assessment on 153 shares of Pacific Ins[urance] stock which Mr. Kellogg owned; Mr. Kellogg would like an explanation as he had not heard about this before; presumes there was a good reason for doing so but would like to know about at the time the same as Mr. Ralston would.
LS 1p.
[Note added at top of letter, probably in Mr. Ralston's handwriting]
"J.H. Sterns - Reference."
item 7821

Kellogg, J.G., Office of the Lake Ontario Shore Rail Road Co., Oswego, N[ew] Y[ork], June 18, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had written Mr. Ralston after receiving a letter from [----] Mastick stating that Mr. Ralston had drawn a check against his account as an assessment on Pacific Insurance Company stock; since then a Bank statement shows that Mr. Ralston had drawn several checks against his account; wants an explanation of all these actions; also wants to know about the present condition of the Pacific Insurance Company, possibility of future assessments, and how the Refinery is doing, the prospects for dividends and the value of its stock; should Mr. Kellogg suffer any more financial losses he would have to ask for employment; occupied with a railroad enterprise; saw [Alfred A.] Cohen in New York but when the Alameda R[ail] R[oad] Bonds were brought up Mr. Cohen "excused himself as having business to attend to"; Mr. Kellogg realizes he had trusted too many times to good promises; not finding fault with Mr. Ralston as he is not responsible for that which other people do; remembrances to Mrs. Ralston, and regards to Mr. [Stephen H.] Franklin and all friends.
LS 2pp.
item 7821

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], May 30, 1873. To My dear friend W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Kellogg wants to know the condition of the Pacific Insurance Company's business, whether there is still unsettled claims from the Chicago fire and others upon which action may be taken against the individual stockholders; asks further questions as to the condition of his account at the bank in this connection, and what arrangement was made with [Louis] Mc Lane and Co. who paid its share after the fire; hopes Mr. Ralston will find time to answer these questions which "may be of a great deal of importance" to Mr. Kellogg; also wants to know how the Bank is doing, the success of the Refinery and the prospects for selling his stock in the latter; would like to visit California that spring but is tied down with a railroad project.
ALS 2pp.
[Note added]
Mr. [Henry D.] Bacon will please answer ab[ou]t Pacific Ins[urance] matters and I will enclose it. R.
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], June 9, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for sending him a telegram announcing the death of Augustus Humbert; with the passing of this "honest man" Mr. Kellogg as well as Mr. Ralston have lost another true friend; praises him highly; will probably hear the particular of his sudden death from his brother.
LS 2pp.
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], June 27th, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's letter "covering certified copy of [Augustus] Humbert's will"; his brother Pierre is leaving Paris with his remains and Mr. Kellogg will do nothing until after his arrival; thanks Mr. Ralston for his offer to be of service and may find it necessary to accept; may visit Pacific Coast; regarding [Pacific] Insurance Company Mr. Kellogg has written Mr. [Henry D.] Bacon that he will do that which he is asked in transferring his stock to him; hopes Refinery stock will turn out as Mr. Ralston expected; "Col[onel] [----] Brackett has returned a confirmed Californian and a strong Ralston man." He "had a good time."; notes that the papers report that [Darius O.] Mills, [Alfred A.] Cohen and c. have bought an interest in the Pacific R[ail] R[oad] which Mr. Kellogg thinks is a "good thing"; asks how [Faxon D.] Atherton is and who will succeed Mr. [Darius O.] Mills in the bank.
LS 3pp.
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], July 20th, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Met Pierre Humbert at the wharf with his brother's remains which were taken directly to Trinity Cemetery and placed in the receiving vault since there had been services in Paris; Pierre is the last of the family and feel his brother's death keenly; Pierre will write Mr. Ralston about his brother's property in California; the brother left a will in New York where it has been filed and the Surrogate [Court] has issued letters testamentary to Pierre Humbert who is sole executor ... [and] sole heir; Mr. Humbert will send the certificates needed to the companies in which his brother had stocks so that they can be transferred; asks Mr. Ralston whether he could not have the transfers made without any court action on the will in San Francisco; "no debts, claims or demands ... against the estate"; Mr. Humbert will give a bond if necessary; if the companies can make the transfers without court action it will not make it necessary for him or Mr. Kellogg to go to San Francisco much as the latter would like to but is very busy with the Rail Road; Mr. Humbert is anxious to return to his family in Berlin; congratulates Mr. Ralston on becoming President of the Bank.
LS 3pp.
[Note added]
July 29th/73
"My dear [Samuel M.] Wilson
How about this - tell me what to write Kellogg he has Gas - Water and Rail Rd stocks. Yours Ralston"
For answer to Mr. Ralston's note to S[amuel] M. Wilson see:
Wilson, S[amuel] M., Law Office of Samuel M. Wilson, 420 California Street, San Francisco, Aug[ust] 4th, 1873.
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Lake Ontario Shore Rail Road Co., Secretary's Office, Oswego, N[ew] Y[ork], July 30, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Congratulates Mr. Ralston upon becoming President of the Bank; their good friend [James] Lees has passed away, a great loss; wishes Mr. Ralston could be there for a short time; will call upon Mrs. Lees; glad that Mr. Ralston has closed the P[acific] I[nsurance] Co.; Mr. Ralston wrote encouragingly about the Refinery and the Bank; has little hope of getting any money from [Faxon D.] Atherton despite the fact that he made a good profit on his S[an] F[rancisco] and A[lameda] R[ail] R[oad] bonds all because Mr. Kellogg was liberal and held off his claim because the company was in need and as a result may lose everything; [Alfred A.] Cohen should pay the $1,000 he promised; glad there is to be a fair wheat crop; "Crown Point and Belcher have done well"; asks Mr. Ralston whether [Alvinza] Hayward held his stock and about his health; [----] Stearns arrived and is on Staten Island; had written about arrival of P[ierre] Humbert with remains of his brother; having a fine summer but dreads the winter and will try to spend it on the Pacific Coast, his home.
LS 2pp.
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], Dec[ember] 1st, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had not received his October "Divy" from the Bank and asks that a duplicate be sent; glad to hear that Mr. Ralston's health has improved and hopes it will continue; advises him to "take a run over onto this side. Your friends will receive you with open arms, houses and hearts"; saw [Henry B.] Laidlow in New York who seemed to be doing well, [James] Lees having educated him well in the banking business; congratulates Mr. Ralston for having adhered to a [illegible] basis in California; it has saved the bank before and will again in the current financial "Cyclone" in the east; had greenbacks been adopted the California banks would have been overwhelmed as were the eastern ones; his boys are well and growing; supposes the Refinery is doing well and would like to get some income from his investment in it; if Merchants Exch[an]g[e] stock is offered Mr. Ralston, Mr. Kellogg would like to Know about it; had intending spending the winter in Cal[ifornia] but the panic and other affairs had kept him at home.
ALS 3pp.
P.S.
"Pierre Humbert left N.Y. for Berlin Oct 18th - K"
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Oswego, [New York], Jan[uary] 14th, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had just received Mr. Ralston's letter informing him that $31,250 had been deposited to his credit in the Bank of California, the amount he had paid for 250 shares of Bank stock on June 28th, 1866; feels as if a bond had been broken and makes him feel sad; assures Mr. Ralston that it is all right for him to put his business in good order; hopes he is preparing to take a little respite from his arduous work; asks how the money should be reinvested; has many needs; probably leave money in bank until good investment found on the Pacific side.
LS 2pp.
[Note added at top of first page]
"Read and Return for an answer - Wm"
item 7820

Kellogg, J.G., Ogden, [Utah], Dec[ember] 11th, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Arrived in Ogden on time; had just seen Mr. [H.R.] Linderman and Yoshida; Mrs. Ralston has invited the former to have breakfast with them, while she is going to send coffee, etc. to Yoshida and his wife; fine weather but cold; found that everything had been fixed about sending their car over the U[nion] P[acific] R[ail] R[oad]; will leave in an hour; everyone enjoying the comforts of the [private] car; comments on members of the party.
ALS 3pp.
item Unnumbered

Kelly, Mrs. Ellen, 82 N. Street, bet[ween] 3rd and 4th St[reets], Sacramento, Cal[ifornia], Dec[ember] 16th, [1871]. To William Sharmon [sic], Esq.

Additional Note

Wrote to Mr. Sharon regarding the death of Joseph F. Griffith, a conductor on the Virginia and Truckee Rail Road on December 13th at his wife's grave; was on leave because of illness; had said he had several shares in the Yellow Jacket [Mine] and ready money in Carson [City] or Virginia [City]; since Mr. Sharon was with the Bank connected with the Rail Road she inquired about Mr. Griffith's affairs, i.e. money and possessions; Mrs. Kelly is his mother-in-law and is responsible for his funeral expenses, but is a widow dependent upon her minor sons for support; has his little eight year old daughter; gives Sacramento references.
ALS 3pp.

See W[illia]m Sahron, The Bank of California, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 20, 1871. To H[enry] M. Yarrington [sic], Superintendent.
Mr. Sharon requested Mr. Yerington to answer.
Original in Huntington Library.
item 7830

Kelly, Jno. [John], London, 24th July, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has given a "letter of introduction to Mr. Harry H. Cochran who belongs to swell people here"; advises Mr. Ralston not to put himself out of the way other than "showing him ordinary civility"; hopes to visit San Francisco again if only to see the Palace Hotel, and to see old friends; will give him pleasure to be of service to Mr. Ralston or his friends in London.
ALS 3pp.
item 7835

Kinder, Tho[ma]s W., Director's Office, The Mint, Osaka, [Japan], 26th Sept[ember], 1874. To My dear Sir [William C. Ralston, Esq.]

Additional Note

A year ago Mr. Kinder was on his way to San Francisco and was so greatly benefitted by his visit he would have liked to have spent this year's vacation there but time does not permit it; will not forget Mr. Ralston's attention and kindness; preparations are being made in Japan for a war with China which will set Japan back a half century; has asked Mr. [John] Robertson to arrange with Mr. Ralston to send the enclosed to Messrs. Houseworth and Co. and to pay their demand on my [his] ok; hopes Mr. Ralston will not think he has trespassed on his good nature.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
"Kind regards to Mr. [Stephen H.] Franklin."
item 7835

Kinder, Tho[ma]s W., Director's Office, The Mint, Osaka, [Japan], 13th January, 1875. To My dear Sir [William C. Ralston, Esq.]

Additional Note

Letter and photographs have arrived and thanks Mr. Ralston for his trouble; the cost has been charged to his account with the O[riental] B[ank] C[orporation]; the Japanese Government has taken over the operation of the Mint so Mr. Kinder is about to leave Japan and had expected to pass through San Francisco on his way home but there have been so many sea disasters that he does not want to go on one of those "touch-wood ships" so will take a French mail steamer instead; the United States Trade dollar is in the field and doubtless will increase in favor; Japan is about to issue one of the same weight and fineness in opposition but thinks "their chance is over"; thinks he sees a way for the introduction of large amounts of silver from Nevada into Japan soon and will let Mr. Ralston know if his plans work out; events move slowly in that part of the world; regards to [Stephen H.] Franklin and [Louis A.] Garnett.
ALS 2pp.
item 7840

King, Edward, New York, Sept[ember] 24th, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had shipped merchandise to Mannheim Schoenwasser and Co., San Francisco by Ocean Queen; have heard they [steamship company] were in difficulty but resident partners unable to say why; since immediate action was necessary, Mr. King telegraphed Mr. Ralston to take whatever proceedings were necessary to stop the goods - (2 cases and 2 bales) - in transit; Bills of Lading were sent overland; exchange of telegrams; Power of Attorney and other papers sent overland and hopes Mr. Ralston will be able to get possession of the goods and put the case into proper hands with instructions to let consignees have the goods by paying for them or reship them back or let anyone else who might wish to take them at 5% to 10% of invoice value; leaves everything to Mr. Ralston; lists papers enclosed which his lawyers say are all that are required.
ALS 4pp.
Papers lacking.
item 7840

King, Edward, New York, Oct[ober] 20th, [18]68. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's telegram stating that Mr. King's letters and documents have all been received and all is in process but thinks things will come out all right; grateful for Mr. Ralston's help but regrets the trouble it is causing him; mentions family affairs; reports their friend John E. Vose is making a fortune in real estate in Orange, [New Jersey], is building a fine home for himself but overtaxes himself with this and his legal business and fears for his health.
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
"Em would send love if she knew I was writing."
item 7840

King, Edward, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, New York, Oct[ober] 24th, 1868. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Do whatever you think best."
D 1p.
item 7840

King, Edward, New York, Oct[ober] 29th, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's telegram stating that he has possession of the goods but cannot sell at private sale at limit and suggests at auction; asks what he should do; Mr. King wired, "Do whatever you think best."; will consider anything done as satisfactory but would like the loss to be as small as possible; "thankful and lucky to get the goods at all"; indebted to Mr. Ralston for that which he has done in their behalf; states how his firm usually does business; realizes that merchandise in the shape this is in can only be sold at a loss and expects that; leaves everything up to Mr. Ralston and will be satisfied with the outcome; letters from Mr. and Mrs. Thorn still in Paris but anxious to return home and they think Mrs. Ralston will not return with them as they had expected; all well.
ALS 3pp.
item 7845

Kinney, G.O., New York, June 18th, [18]75. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Wants to sell 250 shares of Panoche Grande (Mr. Garrahan) Quicksilver Company at $10 per share; [illegible] value $100.00; awaits an early reply.
ALS 1p.
[Note added]
"Mr. Bell will please answer or dictate what I should say. W.C.R."
[Note added on another page]
"The stock buy in my Estimation entirely valueless. I would not give 10 cents for the whole of it." [unsigned]
item 7850

Knowlton, Cha[rle]s, Paso de Robles Hot Springs, San Luis Obispo County, Cal[ifornia], Oct[ober] 5th, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Wants some enterprising person to buy the place; if advanced, positive information can be obtained that the Southern Pacific Railroad will go through that county before the public knows about it and if Mr. Ralston invested in the place it would be very profitable investment; thinks the whole could be bought for $40,000; railroad would increase its value to $100,000; could be "made the leading place in Cal[ifornia] for pleasure seekers and invalids"; describing its location in regards to routes of access possible future ones; place contains one league of land and can accommodate 100 guests and has enough springs to always supply increased business; has a lease but would buy the place if he could borrow $35,000 or will do so in partnership with a person who can furnish half the purchase money; asks Mr. Ralston to get a purchaser.
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Place has a house worth $6,000 in addition to the hotel.
item 7855

Knox, John Jay, Treasury Department, Office of Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, [D.C.], Nov[ember] 16th, 1869. To My dear Sir, W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanked Mr. [Louis A.] Garnett in a letter for his pamphlet and a ch[illegible] that since Mr. Knox has read it he has been "retailing his thunder as opportunity offered"; considers his chapter on the relative cost of converting gold bullion into coin in England and France admirable"; at Mr. Knox's suggestion, the Comptroller "will recommend the establishment of National Banks upon a specie basis"; Congress will probably pass a bill authorizing [them] to issue currency at 10% less than the gold value of bonds and not more than say 80% upon depositing the bonds with the Treasury"; gives further explanation of the law and sends Mr. Ralston a copy; Mr. Ralston had expressed his "intention to be first in the issue of paper currency when the right time came" to Mr. Knox three years previously; makes suggestion as to that which may be done in case the bank does not wish to give up its charter and the bill passes; by being first Mr. Ralston "can not only increase ... [his] reputation as an able financier but also put money in [his] purse"; would like to have Mr. Ralston's views and his suggestions on the proposed act; if he wishes to organize under the act if passed, Mr. Knox can very likely be of service.
ALS 4pp.
 

Krauss, E. William

See Williams, H.L.

Box 4

item 8005

Lackland, H[----] J., St. Louis, [Missouri], Oct[ober] 8th, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had attended the wedding of their friend Judge [John S.] Hager who had asked Mr. Lackland to write Mr. Ralston and say that he "congratulated you"; gives a brief account of the wedding, the bride and her family; the couple leave for New York en route to Europe.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Heard that Mr. Ralston did not favor the subscription to the A and P road; Mr. Lackland says he is right and time will prove it.
item 8005

Lackland, H[----] J., St. Louis, [Missouri], Dec[ember] 12th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Ralston's letter with enclosed deeds for land in Missouri and Illinois and lots in St. Louis with full power of attorney to sell or lease this property; Mr. Mc Gaty had given him some information about the property and had promised to bring a lease for some of it in St. Louis which will give a better idea of its value; gives a description of some of it; will try to find a good agent to handle the business; Mr. Ralston sent three notes of C.W. Shepard for $811.48 each at 6% interest payable in one, two and three years; deposited them in Boatman's Savings Bank for collection and to be credited to Mr. Ralston's account; is willing to attend to any matter locally.
ALS 3pp.
[Note added at top of page one]
Ans[wered] Dec. 21/74.
item 8010

Ladd, Mrs. [----], n.p., undated, To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to call at her house on Washington Street as she wishes to see him on important business; asks that he let her know the day and hour he will call.
ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered?

Laidlow and Co., [Henry B. Laidlow and Charles E. Laidlow]. From: The Evening Post, New York, Wednesday, October 1st, 1873.

Additional Note

The firm of Lees & Waller is dissolved and a new firm organized under name of Laidlow and Co. The new firm will represent the Bank of California in New York as did the old firm.
D? Typescript 1p. See 8105.
item 8020

Laidlow, H[enry] [B], N[ew] Y[ork], 25 Nov[ember], [18]73. To My dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's memo[randum] with Wells Fargo receipts for three boxes; sent those for Mrs. [James] Lees and Mr. [----] Thorn to their homes; opened his and found everything "in good order and the fruit delicious"; "many thanks."
ALS 1p.
 

Lamern ?. Joseph ? C.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 8025

Lansing, H[----] S., 3815 Spruce St[reet], Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], December 5th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Reached home, legs improving but still in bad condition but not poison oak as physicians elsewhere stated but the local doctor thinks it is not, but from a bad blood condition and liver trouble; while in Utah he only "laid pipe" but in Colorado was more successful since more ore than ever is expected there and a stamp mill to run 100 tons of ore daily is to be erected; Director General [----] Graham had circularized all state governors to appoint five state commissioners or managers who with the U.S. Commissioner [----] Creigh, and his alternate [----] Middleton will form a State Board of Managers; warned not to let Mr. [----] Creigh manipulate the appointments but to have the State Committee see the Governor and have men appointed who will work for California; Mr. Lansing will act as one resident in Philadelphia; will write Mr. Ralston about the wine trade in California which seems to be "sadly neglected."
ALS 3pp.
item 8025

Lansing, H[----] S., Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Dec[ember] 6th, 1873. To Dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Notes the absence of the use of California produced wines in San Francisco, yet on a Sonoma County wine ranch he found wine equal to that of the Rhine country or the south of France, brandy better than most of the imported good champagne could be made from white wine if properly done; Mr. Lansing was so impressed with these facts that he decided to give Mr. Ralston his impressions of that which is done and that which could be done to make California "the France of America in wine trade" since Mr. Ralston is interested in everything that affects the welfare of California; cites figures from "The Report of the Eighth Industrial Exposition of the Mechanics Institute for 1871" of the amount of wine produced in several parts of California; gives a lengthy account of the "over one hundred years" history of wine production in the state, methods of manufacture, awards won, comparison of imports of foreign wines with exports of native wines, low price of California wine; control of the wine trade; how California wine can be promoted, comparison of the selling price of California wines with other wines in United States cities; make drinking of California wine "fashionable", foster manufacturing of wine in the State, give it protection, all will promote propriety in California.
ALS 10pp.
P.S.
"My trotters are still bandaged."
item 8025

Lansing, H[----] S., Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago, Jan[uar]y 6th, 1874. To My dear friend, W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Extends New Year's greeting to Mr. Ralston's family; is on a financial mission with Chicago as his headquarters for some time; thanks Mr. Ralston for his "attention to his [---] in the Graham [?] matter"; hopes the Governor will put "no more judges, Creighs in the state commissions"; wants to be made resident state commissioner in Philadelphia; Mr. Lansing's "wine treatise" was written for Mr. Ralston only but the latter may publish it if thought worthy; gives an account of California wines in casks being shipped to New York and then being put up as Rhine wines and sold as such; feels that the wine should have a California brand name; gives an account of the future of the wine situation if that change is not made; grape growers advised to make raisins; praises Gilroy's "Miss Quality American Cigars".
ALS 4pp.
Newspaper clipping "California Wine in Europe" enclosed.
P.S.
Asks Mr. Ralston to watch the Committee and see that it speeds up its work in getting subscriptions soon; wants to get the Cal[ifornia] quota filled so it will be the first of any state outside of [Pennsylvania]; wants doubters to learn that which he says about California is correct and his confidence warranted.
ALS 1p.
item 8025

Lansing, H.S., 1776 - International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876. Centennial Board of Finance, Stock Subscription Committee of the West, Rooms, Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago, [Illinois], Jan[uar]y 26th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

His wife's health is not good and the climate of San Francisco would benefit her; likes San Francisco and its people himself and would like to go into business there; both his 28 year old son and himself would accept any business that offered a fair wage and had "a good prospect"; asks Mr. Ralston with his varied interests whether he can indicate positions.
ALS 1p.
item 8025

Lansing, H.S., 1776 - International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876 Centennial Board of Finance, No. 904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], March 7, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

"Centennial matters are ... in check", the United States Senate having defeated there through the influence of Charles Sumner and [Aaron A.] Sargent and Co.; Mr. Lansing was appealed to during the current session, instead of appealing to the people first which would have to be done now; his argument was met by pointing to California, the promise made and that which the state had done; Mr. Lansing has been "speaking to Legislatures, Agricultural Boards, and Chambers of Commerce" in Middle Western cities; states are organized and ready to go to work but a commission is needed for those canvassing; otherwise nothing can be done; thanks Mr. Ralston for promise to remember his desire to locate in San Francisco; hopes there will soon be an opportunity for he wants to be settled "as much as I [he] desire[s] to get away from Quakers"; his young sculptor has a nearly completed large piece of which Mr. Ralston will be sent a photograph with the first chance to purchase it.
ALS 2pp.
item 8025

Barnum, H.A., The United States Dry House Company, B.R. Hawley's System, n.p., March 11, 1874. To My dear General [H.S. Lansing].

Additional Note

Has delayed answering a day or two in order to send the new circular; states terms upon which the company will take for its California interest; wants to know what the General will do since the firm is in correspondence with another party in California on the same subject; gives assurance that "there is a big fortune in this offer."
ALS 1p.
Enclosures.
P.S.
I sent Mrs. Col. the pamphlet.
Certificates.
B.R. Hawley's Bottom Exhaust Dryers.
Testimonials regarding the dryers.
Ack - M[ar]ch 11.
Heading:
1776 - International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876, Centennial Board of Finance, Stock Subscription Committee of the West.
Hawley's Patent Bottom Exhaust Drying System.
Rather detailed account of the dryer, with cost of manufacture and selling price.
item 8025

Lansing, H[----] S., 1776 - International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876, Centennial Board of Finance, No. 904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Mar[ch] 14th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Calls Mr. Ralston's attention to the enclosed papers regarding "Hawley's Patent Dryer"; lists them; considers it "a most useful and important invention for California, especialy [sic]"; suggests that a company be found to do a profitable business or a firm would be better; would do so if he had the means; if Mr. Ralston would put up the capital or capitalize a company Mr. Lansing would like to manage it; lists the various things that could be dried with this dryer.
ALS 2pp.
item 8025

Lansing, H[----] S., International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1776-1876, Centennial Board of Finance, No. 904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Mar[ch] 19th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Encloses letter from Gen'l Barnum which gives the terms for sale of Hawley's Patent Dryer's; will send fruit and lumber circular; feels money can be made on the dryer in California and it will also be of aid to the state; hopes Mr. Ralston will not be [illegible] with his search for "Biz in Frisco."
ALS 1p.
Letter enclosed.
2 copies of description of various kinds of dryers and extracts from certificates.
item 8025

Barnum, H.H., Illinois Dry House Cleaning, Principal Office, 236 South Water Street, Chicago, [Illinois], March 16th, 1874. To Gen[eral] H.S. Lansing.

Additional Note

States the terms of the various possible offers for the patents to [Hawley's Patent Dryer] for the state of California; the company in Chicago is "already a big thing"; sending more copies of the fruit and vegetable dryer and will send the lumber circular when issued; feels there is big business in the dryer for Mr. Lansing in California or he may choose a big speculation; admonishes him to "Go ahead and win."
ALS 2pp.
Circular enclosed.
Letter enclosed with Lansing, H[----] S., International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1776-1876 Centennial Board of Finance, No. 904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Mar[ch] 19th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.
item 8025

Lansing, H.S., 1776 - International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876, Centennial Board of Finance, No. 904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Mar[ch] 21, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

If Mr. Ralston is allowed a 10% commission on "This C.B. of F." [Centennial Board of Finance] stock would be able "to place the quota of California 150,000 or more."
ALS 1p.
item 8025

Lansing, H.S., 1776 - International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876, Centennial Board of Finance, No. 904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], Dec[ember] 4th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Have not heard from Mr. Ralston since his letter of August 28th regarding the "Sick testimonials"; have been watching the Press for news about them and find some progress being made but have seen nothing about the artists' competition; "The beggar maid" is being cast into bronze at the foundry; when in San Francisco he felt certain that California people would fill their quota that he telegraphed Philadelphia that it was secure, but is being "chaffed" about it not being forthcoming and "taunted to go after it and secure it"; feels that if Mr. Ralston would take the lead and use his influence the quota could be raised; if he could be sure of getting half the quota he would go to California and take his wife; his expenses and time to be taken from the commission on the subscriptions he obtains; California can pay 40% of its $150,000 quota and the rest in nine months; if he could raise that much he would redeem his pledge and go to California to live if his wife likes it; asks Mr. Ralston to think of the great value to California this exhibition will be and the reasons he has given and if important enough to help him to send him a telegram and he will leave as soon as ready.
ALS 3pp.
item 8030

Laton, Cha[rle]s A., Chas. A. Laton, Wholesale Dealer in Vesper Kerosene Oil, Jersey City, [New Jersey], May 19th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Wants to return to San Francisco for business and to make his home if he can obtain an opening for which he is fitted; asks Mr. Ralston to advise him of such and he will be very much obliged; his father has decided to move from Grass Valley to San Francisco or near there and he wants to be near his parents as they so wish; his wife believes she will be as well in San Francisco as anywhere; it seems that it would have been better to have stayed in San Francisco the preceding summer but thought it wiser not to; Mr. Laton went into his present business with the intention of turning it over to his brother-in-law, who is currently engaged with him, as soon as something else developed more suited to his qualifications; when he wrote to Mr. [----] Bacon on other business he referred to this subject.
ALS 2pp.
item 8035

Lavington, W.I., 14 A. Austin Friars, London, 11th May, 1875. To Dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Informs Mr. Ralston that a company has been organized under the title of The Oregon Hydraulic Gold Mines Limited "to purchase and work some gravel mines"; Mr. J.I. Bowe who has a power of attorney from the company will call on Mr. Ralston since the purchase money will be sent to his order at the Bank of California; trusts that Mr. Ralston's usual attention will be given.
ALS 1p.
The Oregon Hydraulic Gold Mines Limited [written at top of page].
item 8035

Lavington, W[----] I., The Cedar Creek Gold Mines and Water Company Limited, Offices 14 Austin Friars, London, 21st May, 1875; To Dear Sir, [William C. Ralston, Esq.].

Additional Note

Acknowledged receipt of Mr. Ralston's telegram of May 13th (?) "Proposition declined."; thanks him for his prompt reply to the suggestions made in Mr. Lavington's letter.
ALS 1p.
item 8040

Leary, Arthur, New York, 29th Feb[ruar]y, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Will be obligated to Mr. Ralston if he can arrange an agency of one or two of his good Marine Companies for his brother; his brother, Daniel D. Leary, has had experience and Mr. Leary will make his aid and influence available to him in getting the best class of business and will be responsible for the management; the underwriters will have to be satisfied with a moderate business at first; permanently satisfactory results come only with time and patience; some companies to limit the class of risks; can get Mr. [----] Kelly to write to San Francisco as well as other but believes Mr. Ralston can do it himself; wants to be useful to Mr. Ralston and asks him not to hesitate to ask when he can.
ALS 2pp.
item 8040

Leary, Arthur, New York, 11th March, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has formerly written Mr. Ralston asking him to obtain the agency of some of his good underwriters for his brother Dan[ie]l D. Leary; will be glad to hear that he has done so; Mr. [----] Kelly had informed his brother that he had the agency of the National Company to dispose of but regretted that he did not know that his brother would have accepted it as he would have preferred giving it to him; a party is going to San Francisco to try to arrange with the companies for a consolidated interest in New York but does not believe it can be done; knows Mr. Ralston will do anything he can; when he had a large insurance he had a good opportunity to know the business, most of it was for foreign accounts; the business should be conducted so that loss can be avoided as far as possible.
ALS 3pp.
 

Lee, H. Austin

See Mc Creery, Andrew B.

 

Lees, James

See Lees & Waller Collection.

item 8100

Lees, (Mrs.) S[----] P., Hazelwood, [----], April 19th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses letter from Robert W. Smith, Jr. to Mrs. Lees in which he asks her to write a letter to Mr. Ralston regarding a possible position in the Bank of California or procure some position in San Francisco; characterizes Mr. Smith and gives something of his background; sent someone to see Mrs. Ralston and had received a letter from her.
ALS 3pp.
Letter of Robert W. Smith, Jr. to Mrs. Lees, Chesapeake Bank, Baltimore, [Maryland], M[ar]ch 31st, 1875, enclosed.
item 8100

Smith, Rob[er]t W., Jr., Chesapeake Bank, Baltimore, [Maryland], M[ar]ch 31st, 1875. To Mrs. [S.P.] Lees.

Additional Note

Has been unsuccessful in finding a better position than the one he has in the Chesapeake Bank in Baltimore, Maryland and one which offered advancement; he writes to Mrs. Lees asking her to be so kind as to write to the President of the Bank of California [Mr. Ralston] to find out whether he could employ him in his bank or use his influence in getting him some position in San Francisco which pays more than his present salary; he and his brother have to support his mother and the rest of the family; gives his experience in banking; appreciates any trouble that Mrs. Lees may take on his behalf.
ALS 6pp.
Enclosed with letter of Mrs. S.P. Lees to [William C.] Ralston, Hazelwood, [----], April 19th, 1875.
item 8105

From: The Evening Post, New York, Wednesday, October 1, 1873.

Additional Note

The firm of Lees & Waller dissolved by the death of Mr. James Lees and the formation of a new firm of Laidlow and Co. by Henry B. Laidlow, the one surviving partner, and his brother Charles E. Laidlow; continue to represent the Bank of California and New York City.
Typed. Copy of original.
item 8105

From: The Journal of Commerce, Monday, July 9, 1886.

Additional Note

Regarding changes in the firm of Lees & Waller due to retirement of Mr. [Edward] Waller.
Typed. Copy of original.
 

Lees & Waller COLLECTION (BEGIN)

item 8105

[Lees & Waller ?], n.p., undated, To [Bank of California ?]. Telegram.

Additional Note

Mr. Lees had returned; arrangement of [Lees & Waller] with [Oriental Bank Corporation ?] had been undertaken as an experiment; realized magnitude of the business and have some knowledge of its requirements; asked what compensation Bank of California proposes for conducting the business of [Oriental Bank Corporation ?] in California but supervised in London.
D [no signature] 1p.
[not on telegraph blank; may be office copy or translation of code]
item 8105

L[ees] and W[aller], n.p., undated, To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Refered [sic] to in our letter 20th July 1869."
Memo.
item 8105

[Lees & Waller], n.p., undated, To [William C. Ralston ?].

Additional Note

"Advise [John] Robertson that a party of Jews bought Treadwell and Co. stock at 63% cash over two bids somewhat lower; Jews had expected parties to pay premium rates but no offer so they are sick of the bargain; Lees & Waller rejoice; Robertson will get more this way but he must say nothing."
Probably a telegram
"Rec'd from Lees & Waller."
item 8110

Lees & Waller, N[ew] York, Dec[ember] 30, 1864, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California. Telegram.

Additional Note

Interest on [code] bonds to be protected in New York; stockholders to meet but not expected to "put up funds"; advised Bankers to take care of themselves.
D 1p.
item 8110

Lees & Waller, N[ew] York, Dec[ember] 30, 1864, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

Telegram entirely in code.
D 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Jan[uary] 30th, 1865. To Bank of Commerce. Telegram.

Additional Note

Proposition of Oriental [Bank] Corporation as agents in London, California and the East; will accept drafts of Bank of Commerce and Lees & Waller with the same currency existing privilege with the Bank of London; outlines that which Bank of Commerce is to do regarding shipment of specie to branches of Oriental [Bank] Corporation and [end].
T 1p.
Some notations on reverse side.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, N[ew] York, Jan[uar]y 30, 1865, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California. Telegram.

Additional Note

"Burnside"; Brook [Commerce or Commercial Bank of India] declined confining credit of Mr. [----] Newby exclusively to Bank of California but willing that it should take all his exchange; his credit considered all right by Mr. Lees and recommended Bank of California start doing business with him at once; [Commerce or Commercial Bank of India] also all right; Mr. Newby's bills can be sent to Lees & Waller or to haven [London [illegible] Bank] or to Basin [Bank of London] and Bank of California can draw on either.
D 1p.
[on verso]
Telegrams [illegible] touching London and China [illegible].
item 8115

Lees & Waller, N[ew] York, Jan[uar]y 30th, 1865, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

"Bogart"; Mr. Lees sends proposition of Oriental [Bank] Corporation to act mutually as agents in London, California and the East; states basis upon which the Oriental [Bank] Corporation will accept the drafts of both the Bank of Commerce and Lees & Waller, and aspects of the banking business.
D 1p.
Partly in code.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, N[ew] York, Feb[ruar]y 1, 1865, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

In a letter from Mr. [James] Lees he stated that if the Bank of California "authorizes arrangement with Oriental Bank [Corporation] they will open credit" with the Bank of California for a [code] specified amount; and conditions for payment; Mr. Lees considered the arrangement desirable, thought it would become better and Lees & Waller agreed.
D 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Feb[ruar]y 1, 1865. To Bank of California. Telegram.

Additional Note

[----] Babcock will open a credit with the Oriental Bank [Corporation] for the Bank of California if it will authorize it, the amount to be covered by bullion or bills; Babcock considers such credit "very desirable" and will increase with which Lees & Waller agree.
T 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Ap[ri]l 1, 1865. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

Mr. Lees has made satisfactory arrangements with Oriental [Bank Corporation] with the exception of "issuing of credits for the East" because of the current "aspect of things" but will correspond about it, expecting to be able to do everything the Bank wants; business to start May 1st; Gold Benton Paddock [may be code].
T 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Ap[ri]l 7th, 1865. To Bank of California. Telegram. Partly in code.

Additional Note

Oriental Bank [Corporation] agreed to issue a designated number of pounds at first; Bank can start shipping specie immediately if it wants to.
T 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Ap[ri]l 14th, 1865. To Bank of California. Telegram.

Additional Note

Easter letter from [James] Lees states silver steadily declining in London; all exchanges in East favor England; British Government and other bills are being offered at rates lower than specie can be shipped for exchange in Hong Kong; no more silver shipments to East; rapid accumulation of reserves in London and Paris; "business stagnant" and interest rates falling.
T 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, Ap[ri]l 17th, 1865. To Bank of California. Telegram. Partly in code.

Additional Note

The number of pounds [money] credited to the Bank of California by its first arrangement with the Oriental [Bank Corporation] has been cancelled and replaced by being authorized to issue credit on East for a designated number of pounds.
T 1p.
item 8115

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, N[ew] York, May 26, 1865. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram. Partly in code.

Additional Note

Requested by Goddard Ogden to send Mr. Ralston the following message for his Brother: [message in code].
T 1p.
Below possible translation of the message:
"Transfer all my interests except the Schooner to Ralston at once, letters explain."
item 8115

Lees & Waller, N[ew] York, May 27th, 1865, via California State Telegraph Company. To Bank of California. Telegram.

Additional Note

Oriental [Bank Corporation] discouraged shipments to the East as exchanges are unfavorable; quotations for bar silver and Mexican are in code.
D 1p.
Partly in code.
item 8105

Lees & Waller, [James Lees and Edward Waller], Monday, July 9th, 1866. From: The Journal of Commerce.

Additional Note

Gives the various changes in the partnership of the firm of Lees & Waller.
D? Typescript. 1p.
item 8125

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, New York, Ap[ri]l 9, 1867. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's message communicated to [----] Mc Lane; Pacific Mail will not give in to Mr. Ralston's proposal since there is no New York opposition to support opposition of Bank of California; advises Bank to continue relations with Pacific Mail and not become mixed up with opposition; Pacific Mail will make no special concessions for freight; Lees & Waller will try later on to obtain some revision of its excessive charges.
T 1p.
item 8125

Lees & Waller, California State Telegraph Company, New York, Ap[ri]l 10, 1867. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Friends of the Lees & Waller Bank consider as injudicious "any prominent action" Bank officers may take regarding the new opposition Line.
T 1p.
item 8125

Lees & Waller, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 10th Aug[ust], 1867. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

In compliance with Mr. Ralston's telegram to send Mrs. Lizzie Ralston a draft for $5,000 have instead upon the advice of Mr. [----] Ogden sent her their letter of credit to the Oriental Bank for £1000; Mr. Ogden felt Mrs. Ralston had sufficient money to last her for a while.
ALS 1p.
Copy of letter of credit enclosed.
item 8125

Lees & Waller, [New York], 9th Aug[ust], [186]7. To The Oriental Bank Corporation, London.

Additional Note

Begs the bank to cash the drafts of Mrs. Lizzie Ralston to extent of £1000 sterling within twelve months and charges the same to the account of the Bank of California.
ALS 1p.
Enclosed with Lees & Waller, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 35 Pine St[reet], New York, 10th, Aug[ust], 1867. To [William C.] Ralston.
item 8130

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, New York, 30 May, 1868. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received photographs of Mr. Ralston, the best one being the one in costume; hopes he has had an opportunity to show it at "a grand fancy ball"; Mrs. Lees comment on them; both thank him for them and the evidences he has given of his regard and friendship for the Lees; Mr. Lees has not had a picture taken of himself for a long time and now is "too old and ugly" for one but Mrs. Lees insists he must have one taken for Mr. Ralston and will do so when he feels and looks younger.
ALS 3pp.
P.S.
Sent one of each view of your costume picture to Mrs. Thorn.
[added note, possibly by Mr. Ralston]
Telegram ab[ou]t going off.
item 8135

Lees & Waller per J.G. Baldwin, Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of The Bank of California, 33 Pine Street, New York, March 11th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq. Per steamer.

Additional Note

Sends key to decipher letters and telegrams in code; explains how it works.
LS 5pp.
item 8135

Special code between Bank of California, San Francisco and Deutsch - Asiatische Bank Hongkong.

Additional Note

Typed. 11 pp.
Additional Cyphers of Treasure City and Hamilton Agencies.
2pp.
item Unnumbered

[Lees & Waller ?], n.p. [New York ?], April 9th, 1869. To [William C. Ralston ?].

Additional Note

Account of Bank of California in debt to Lees & Waller $300,000 in gold and $200,000 in currency; could meet Bank's $250,000 in drafts only because [----] Huntington deposited $600,000 in coin; some of Lees & Waller's heavy deposits liable to be withdrawn; sterling cannot be sold at 108; scarcity of gold and currency and states the value of gold.
[unsigned] 1p.
item 8136

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 11th Sept[ember], 1869. To D[arius] O. Mills and W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Lees & Waller had difficulty in selling the drawn bills with the endorsement of the Bank of California because of undercurrent of distrust; rumored that the Bank's operations on the outside were reckless which Mr. Lees believed were wholly unfounded; Mr. Lees was questioned about the Bank; he thought because of the close business relations between the banks the Bank of California would have kept its credit above suspicion; trouble was "from the Bank having locked up several millions of its means in utterly unavailable securities"; lists them and states that no bank should lend on them; comments on the credit of the Bank of California with Lees & Waller and the O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation]; cannot understand why he was not informed so he could help; had waited for remittances but was asked to deposit coin in the Treasury for relief of bank; a sudden change in the market forced Mr. Lees "to come down on the Bank suddenly and largely"; in New York no bank is expected to overdraw its account unless security is given that same day; comments on the position of Lees & Waller; asks that Bank keep its accounts covered.
ALS 7pp.
item 8136

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 17th, Sep[tember], 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received two boxes of fruit from Mr. Ralston which Mr. Lees feels has put him in Mr. Ralston's debt again; took a large basketful home which his wife distributed among the neighbors; comments on himself as a fruit raiser; hopes Mrs. Ralston and children have arrived home safely.
ALS 2pp.
item 8136

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of The Bank of California, 33 Pine Street, New York, 18 Sep[tember], 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for the statement from the St[eam] Nav[igatio]n Co.; thinks "the Company has no proper business with all the surplus" and states that which he thinks should be done about it; has written Mr. Ralston and Mr. Mills how Lees & Waller feel about the Bank of California and the necessity of keeping their office strong; should keep their accounts good and Lees & Waller will take care of themselves; must be done; discusses the effects of the uncertain market, the depositers' reactions and the financial dangers foreseen; hopes that the Bank of California will arrange transfers before its heavy drawings of recent days reach Lees & Waller; expects "another lock up in gold" and a severe financial pinch.
ALS 4pp.
item 8135

Lees & Waller, New York, Oct[ober] 14, 1869, via The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division. To Bank of California. Telegram in code.

Additional Note

D 1p.
item 8135

Lees & Waller, New York, Oct[ober] 28, 1869, via The Western Union

Additional Note

Telegraph Company, Pacific Division. To Bank of California.
Telegram in code.
D 1p.
item 8125

Lees & Waller, [New York], 9th, Aug[ust], [18]67. To The Oriental Bank Corporation, London.

Additional Note

Requests the Bank in London to cash drafts of Mrs. Lizzie Ralston up to £1000 Sterling within one year from date and charge them to the account of the Bank of California.
LS 1p.
item 8140

Lees & Waller - 1869

Additional Note

65 telegrams to and from the banking firm of Lees & Waller, New York City, regarding the financial situation in 1869-70.
item 8150

Lees & Waller - 1870

Additional Note

65 telegrams to and from the banking firm of Lees & Waller, New York City, regarding the financial situation in 1869-70.
item 8152

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 17 Feb[ruary], 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had written Mr. Ralston about their account with O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] and had received Mr. Ralston's letter which greatly pleased Mr. Lees to see that the Bank of California was putting its business in order; was glad that a million and a half surplus dissipated was a self-delusion and the actual truth came out; considers the surplus good and if well-managed will give the Bank a practical capital; pleased with the Bank's statement but suggests the amount of coin be reported as well as bullion in the refinery; creation of an Executive Committee considered wise; pleased with the Bank's improved condition; learns that Mr. Nills has reduced his bank stock and wants to retire; suggests the type of man to fill the presidency of the Bank.
ALS 4pp.
item 8152

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of The Bank of California, New York, Feb[ruary] 23, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. [William W.] Cargill from [Oriental Bank Corporation, London] and wife are expected in New York in early March en route to Japan; when in New York the previous fall Mr. Cargill mentioned that Mr. Ralston had spoken to him about entering the Bank [of California]; praises him as suited to a position there; advises Mr. Ralston to take over the presidency of the Bank when Mr. Mills retires as it would be advantageous for him to be there instead of a new person; would like to get rid of his shares in the North Pacific Steam Nav[igation] Co. of [Ben] Holladay's and explains his reasons; states that Mr. Ralston may sell it for anything he likes.
ALS 2pp.
item 8152

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of the Bank of California, 33 Pine Street, New York, 30 March, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Inquires regarding the circumstances of the resignation of B.W. Field from one of the agencies of the Bank of California at the request of Mr. Flint who has a bank openings for him if worthy; had given Mr. Field a letter to Mr. Ralston at the request of a friend and after his appointment to the Bank had heard his habits were irregular, although Mr. Flint gave him a good character; Mr. Halsey is anxious to acquire Mr. Lees' stock in [Ben] Holladay's steam ship company and Mr. Lees is willing to let him have it if nothing can be done with it on the Pacific Coast; asks whether "individual liability attaches to a shareholder in all corporations" in California, especially in the Water Company and Steam Nav[igation] Co.
ALS 2pp.
item 8152

Lees, James, New York, 14th May, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Regrets that he has to decline Mr. Ralston's invitation to him and his family to visit California; delayed answering until Mr. Mills arrived since there might be reasons for his going out right away; would be delighted to go next fall or winter if all is well and it is desirable for him to go; business is very dull; people "are afraid of the currency, of Congress with their funding bills and other Bugbears and afraid of prices falling"; comments on situation; sorry that California will have only half a wheat crop this year; hopes price will compensate; other industries in healthy condition.
ALS 2pp.
item 8152

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 13th June, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses Annual Statement of the directors of the Bank of Montreal; was impressed with the amount of that which is called "Rest" and the near 7 millions of dollars of coin on hand; such a bank showing "swallows up" the smaller banks or "gets the cream of the business"; "nothing so telling as strength in a Bank"; suggested to Mr. [Drury J.] Tallant that Lees & Waller negotiate sterling in their bank for his firm which would give Lees & Waller something more to do in exchange since business with them is very dull; not even paying expenses and unless there is improvement their bank will be a tax on the Bank of California; if that becomes the case Mr. Lees will want to quit since he could not stand being in "an unthrifty concern"; Mr. [Darius O.] Mills to leave that afternoon.
ALS 2pp.
item 8152

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of The Bank of California, 15 Pine Street, New York, 23 June, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Can understand from Mr. Ralston's letter what a trial and drain entertaining is on Mr. Ralston; comments on Mr. Ralston's hospitality and all who go to California want to see him and want letters; gives them only to those specially requested and does not expect him to put himself out for them; only should give the usual courtesies at the Bank; should have a visitors' bureau; about going to California; Mr. Ralston's comments on [illegible] prospects and business upturn coincide with those of Mr. Lees; glad that account with O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] is getting in order again; the account of the Bank of California with Lees & Waller is "all right"; discusses money situation; is obliged for Mr. Ralston's information about stockholders liability in California; cannot doubt his view about North Pacific T[ransportation] Co. but does not believe in B[en] H[olladay] comments on a railroad in Oregon, Companies, etc.; going to Virginia Springs and will write about their business on his return when their half yearly report is ready.
ALS 4pp.
item 8152

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 1st Dec[ember], 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses an article from [----] Evening Post on the [William] Mc Garrahan claim which includes a letter from Gen[era]l [Francis E.] Spinner defending the President [Ulysses S. Grant] in the case; Post does not believe the letter convincing but still believes "that the President very unwarrantably interfered in the business"; Gen[eral] [----] Butler brought about the President's position through the newspapers by allying himself with the President; may become his Secretary of State when [Hamilton] Fish "gives up"; General Spinner took up the case, made out that it was difficult and hoped to change public opinion against the President and those in favor of [William] Mc Garrahan; wished they would hurry up and "bust up" so there could be peace.
ALS 1p.
Enclosures lacking ?
item 8155

Lees, J[ames], n.p., 4? Jan[uary], [18]71. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter which advised the sale of Mr. Lees' 245 shares of stock in the North Pacific Transportation Co[mpany] to the Company - at a far greater price than they were thought to be worth; if really worth that much Mr. Lees will be satisfied but if not he will not be and will not confirm the sale; appreciates the consideration of the matter given by Mr. Ralston, Mr. [D.O.] Mills and [Ben] Holladay but feels he has no claim on the Company for he took his chances in making the investment; would not sell his shares except "for the personal liability attached to me [him] as a shareholder"; will only accept that which the shares are currently worth and will not accept more than that.
ALS 2pp.
item 8155

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 29 March, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Outlines plan for his trip to California; mentions those who will go at the same time; had written Mr. Ralston a letter on Jan[uary] 4, after receiving notice from him that he had sold Mr. Lees' shares in North Pacific [Transportation] Co[mpany] but had not heard that the letter had been received, so is sending a copy; could not accept a favor from Mr. [Ben] Holladay, a comparative stranger; does not like the way he operates the company so wanted to sever connections with it.
ALS 2pp.
item 8155

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of The Bank of California, 5 April, 1871. To [William] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received the Bank's telegram regarding the sale of the property of Steam Nav[igatio]n Co[mpany]; interested parties satisfied and Mr. Lees considered it a wise thing; a representative of Mr. David Stewart then in Europe, was the only one seen who was dissatisfied with the Board's action, asked for a copy of the charter and seemed to want to upset the transaction; given no encouragement to do such a thing; if power of attorney sent Mr. Ralston is not sufficient to complete the transfer, the enclosed is.
ALS 2pp.
No enclosure.
P.S.
Request that when first payment is made that it be deposited in the Bank to his credit.
item 8155

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 15 June, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Arrived home safely and nothing happened en route or at the office to mar the trip; gratefully remembers the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Ralston which added so much to their enjoyment while in San Francisco; "trip to Omaha in the new car was a real luxury"; worth the cost; had to leave it at Omaha because of "the treacherous Missouri"; everyone anxious to see it; gave Capt[ain] [----] Ogden a letter of credit for the money needed to take it east.
ALS 2pp.
item 8155

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 5 July, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had forwarded a semi-annual statement of business to the Bank of California; had gone over every item and with two exceptions "there is nothing bad or doubtful"; business has just about paid its way the past 6 months; no money could be made under the current state of business; everyone is either a banker or a speculator; "regular old-fashioned business is gone, killed by ... "progress"; sometimes thought it almost a pity that old fogies [like himself] and a few others had not been knocked out of the way by the Rail Roads and telegraphs and Bonds and Greenbacks long ago; plans to close out most of the gold accounts carried for a long time; has a large amount of gold on hand and explains the possibilities of that which may be done with it; hopes the Bank of California is doing well and will prosper as well as those connected with it.
ALS 2pp.
item 8155

Lees, James, [New York], 7 Sep[tember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Memo.

Additional Note

Lees & Waller's broker had learned that £200,000 in bill drawn on J.C. Hanbro and Sons were on the way to L. von Hoffman and Co. from San Francisco; and he asked whether Mr. Lees knew anything about it; he did not but thought it must be from sale of mining stock; asks that which Mr. Ralston knows about it; does not know what to believe; hopes Mr. Ralston will keep the Bank of California and Lees & Waller very strong; Mr. Lees feels there is danger ahead.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 8 Sep[tember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. R[alston].

Additional Note

Simon Wormser has told Mr. Lees that his firm owns 200 shares of L[add] and T[ilton] and Co. Bank [of Portland, Oregon] was bought at par but had increased to 155; Bank will declare an extra dividend of 8% in addition to its regular 10% one; will have a large surplus on hand; "Is the atmosphere full of lies?" asks Mr. Lees.
Memo S 1p.
item 8155

Lees, James, [New York], 15th Sept[ember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Lees & Waller borrowed $500,000 in gold to send Mr. Ralston for bank; made Lees & Waller "uncomfortable to be called on to [----] heavily and sharply"; had recently had so much sterling to sell that their friends are "full up to the neck"; must stop for a while; some have put rates up, but everyone holds off in expectation of a squeeze in gold; Lees & Waller will not be able to sell and will have to borrow coin until they can sell; hopes Mr. Ralston wants "no more sent through the Treasury" and that he keep Lees & Waller in funds that will cover all the bank's drawings and transfers; Lees & Waller "sold only 172,000 on the last order to cover Ship[men]t to Lima."
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 16 Sep[tember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. R[alston]. Memo.

Additional Note

Sterling up to 8 3/16 and could have sold at that rate but next morning there was a heavy demand from Jay Cooke and Co. and Lees & Waller refused to name a rate; could have sold their balance at 8 3/8 but decided to hold off as sterling expected to go higher the following week; hopes that Mr. Ralston has cover arranged for the £100,000 that Lees & Waller had sold on the Bank of California account at 8; otherwise it will be frightfully costly if the Bank has to cover when due; will probably ship coin at the same time as the heaviest exports of produce are shipped which will drain market.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 19 Sep[tember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. R[alston]. Memo.

Additional Note

Comments on the effect of the position of gold in New York, city finances, the Banks of the City which may result in a loss of confidence; fears Mr. Ralston not ready for the financial situation in New York; if he is not Mr. Lees advises him to put his house in order without delay; some appearance of a panic; rise of gold to 15 has caused excitement on the street but there are no buyers for sterling; ordered Mr. Ralston to keep the Lees & Waller office fully covered for when gold increases the depositors want to sell and it would be bad to offer silver.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 20 Sep[tember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. R[alston].

Additional Note

Mr. Lees "best thanks to Mr. Ralston" and his brother [Andrew] Jackson [Ralston] for selling 40 shares of his insurance stock; has ordered all of it sold; "Gold awfully tight and loaned at 1/2 to 5/8 per day"; depositors calling for their balances and bank may run low; if Treasury does not sell more than 4 million the next day the rate will be high so that depositors will call for their money and the bank will "be very dry"; mentions deal pending and money situation; does not think it will result in loss of confidence but there is great uncertainty.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 22 Sep[tember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. R[alston]. Memo.

Additional Note

The market but little affected by the treaty sale of 6 million coin; Bank of England rate rose to 3% and Master Boutwell 5% to 98 1/2 appears that J[ohn] Bull does not like such large negotiations which may decrease the amount of Bullion he has; criticizes paying off the debt in gold and suggests a simpler way; focuses a "failure which will put back the country uneasy about the state of things" in the east; Lees & Waller "are very snug and prepared for anything" with the account of the Bank of California kept covered.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 7 Octo[ber], 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Hopes Mr. Ralston is "getting the Bank in a Strong position"; anticipates financial trouble soon in the East by raising the price of gold; points out that which may happen if the depositors call for their money at the Bank of California to sell at the high price of gold in the East; Lees & Waller to export coin in November and expect double eagles to be at a premium; cites that which may happen and it cannot be prevented; the only thing to do is "to make the Bank strong."
Memo S 2pp.
item 8155

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 13 Octo[ber], 1871. To W[illiam] C. R[alston].

Additional Note

Encloses copy of letter Mr. Mills wrote to [Charles J.G.] Stuart [asking for additional credit for the Bank of California with the O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation]]; request granted; gold to be disbursed from Treasury and exchange to go up, then Lees & Waller will sell and send all money possible to Bank of California; warns not to pay "immense losses now from the Chicago fire" or the bank will suffer.
Memo S 2pp.
Letter enclosed:
Mills, D[arius] O., Man[age]r OBC, London, Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of the Bank of California, New York, Sept[ember] 26th, 1871. To Charles J.G. Stuart, Esq.
item 8155

Mills, D[arius] O., Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of The Bank of California, New York, Sept[ember] 26th, 1871. To Cha[rle]s J.G. Stuart, Esq., Man[age]r O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation].

Additional Note

Mr. Mills went to New York on private business and will return to San Francisco soon; considers that it might be useful and convenient to have the credit of the Bank of California raised from £250,000 to £300,000 for the rest of the year; despite the great developments in mining and sound general trade, business is slow to react from a two year depression as a result of a partial failure of the grain crop because of insufficient rainfall the previous winter; lack of water caused a decrease in the production of bullion; with plenty of rain in the fall and winter every interest "will revise and prosper"; in case the Bank used the credit it would cover in either bills or bullion soon after the New Year.
ALS 2pp.
p.1. "Copy" at top of page.
p.2. "Copy to O.B.C., Sept. 26th [1871]."
Enclosed with L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 13 Octo[ber], 1871.
item 8155

Lees & Waller, Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 3 Nov[ember], 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Replying to Mr. Ralston's letter of October 25, Lees & Waller regard the House of Dennistown and Co. "entirely responsible"; consider it will be solvent and states why; its many changes in partners has diminished its credit tone and also that it has little of the business that high class Merchant Bankers have; have less "regular connections" but are doing a great deal of business with Wall Street which is generally profitable; think the firm "can safely take a line of 20,000 to 30,000 pounds on the responsibility of the House ..."
ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

L[ees], [James] and W[aller], n.p., 1 Feb[ruar]y, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Memo.

Additional Note

"This comes in response to your telegram 29th [illegible] sent by us to Sargent."
D 1p.
item 8164

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine Street, Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 9th April, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Despite the expected enormous production of wealth on the west coast, Mr. Lees regrets that Mr. Ralston considers he needs to increase credit to £500,000; berates Mr. Ralston for this and discusses why that increase in credit is not warranted; has no objection to his asking the O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] for increased credit if really necessary; regrets that Lees & Waller did not sell sterling the preceding week at 9 1/16 but they had not expected the sudden call for $500,000 through the Treasury or they would have sold; "the lock up took place" the day they expected to sell and will have to sell at a loss; blames themselves and tells why; could send Mr. Ralston only $200,000 of the $500,000 and even that left them short so that they have to borrow; warns Mr. Ralston to give them as long a notice as possible especially when they have to sell sterling; the worst lock up they have ever had; determination to break the stock market; great indignation against Gould and confederates who "have the right to use their money or lock it up"; Lees & Waller "must not be caught napping."
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Sold £80,000 at 9 1/16 a loss of 1/8 on that which they could have gotten the week before.
item 8164

Lees, James, New York, May 21st, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Copy of telegram.

Additional Note

General [G[----] R.] Williams had written Mr. Lees to send Mr. Ralston a message to the effect that the Goat Island matter had been postponed until the next session of Congress; "This is confidential."
DS 1p. Copy of telegram.
item 8164

L[ees], J[ames], [New York], 24th May, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Memo.

Additional Note

In a letter from W.M. Anderson to J[ames] Lees, London, May 14, [1872] he stated that [----] Robertson had written Mr. Ralston in such a way that has greatly annoyed Lees & Waller; their correspondence with the Bank of California had always been pleasant and they regret that one of their officers should have written such a letter; the letter in reply from the Bank of California has to be submitted to the Board, but Mr. Lees has written Mr. Ralston so as to assure him that there is no unpleasant feeling on the part of Lees & Waller and have telegraphed him to that effect.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8164

Lees, J[ames], [New York], 7 June, 1872. To W[illiam] C. R[alston]. Memo.

Additional Note

Had written O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] to find out whether the original £150,000 credited to Lees & Waller was still enforce; since it was credited to Lees & Waller, they drew out £120,000 which was lent for six months against gov[ermen]t bonds at 7% interest and 1 1/2% com[mercia]l; states the possible future possibility in this regard.
Memo S 2pp.
item 8164

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 10 June, 1872. To D[arius] O. Mills and W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Was glad to see from both letters of May 31, [1872] from Mr. Ralston that they agreed with the points in Mr. Lees' letter that his "Office have control of the monies for which the managers are responsible to the Public, and that the Bank [of California] will ... keep its accounts with us [Lees & Waller] in good order"; assures them of his future zeal for the Bank and its prosperity but when general prosperity comes to the bank and its people Mr. Lees will ask to be relieved; everything indicates the products of the Pacific Coast will exceed in value any previous year; Mr. Lees plans to go to V[irgini]a and K[entuck]y for a few days but will remain in New York during July and August to allow Mr. [Henry B.] Laidlow who has been ill to go to the mountains of Vermont for "a change of air"; pleased to learn that the "bursting of the mining stock bubble caused the Bank no loss and no bank officer was involved"; interested in hearing about the Sharon fight and delighted that Mr. Ralston's brother A[ndrew] J[ackson] R[alston] is at Virginia.
ALS 2pp.
item 8164

Lees & Waller, n.p., July 18th, [18]72. To Samuel W. Williams, Esq., Finance Department, Yokohama, [Japan].

Additional Note

Letter very dim and illegible. Check original.
LS 6pp.
item 8164

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 3 August, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Regrets that Mr. Ralston did not inform him of his full conversation with Mr. [W.M.] Anderson and the understanding he had with the latter in regard to the Lees & Waller account with the Oriental Bank Corporation which would have relieved Mr. Lees' anxiety; tried to find from Mr. Anderson how he felt on the matter but only found that "he had great confidence"; glad O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] will do that which Mr. Ralston wants it to do; his bank will have to lean heavily on it for money to move crops on the west coast; trusts the English Market will not require a change in the Bank of California's method of disposing of silver; deeply moved by Mr. Ralston's comment of the "long and harmonious connection" with Lees & Waller and by the regret he expressed in regard to the firm giving up the Agency of the Bank of California; Mr. Lees discusses his attitude toward the Bank of California and why he feels he must leave; thinks about organizing a gold Bank under the National System (without circulation) "capitalized at $500,000"; gives an account of how that money would be raised and the economics he planned; asked Mr. Ralston to think about the plan and discuss it with Mr. Mills and when the latter visits Lees & Waller they will see.
ALS 3pp.
[Note added]
"This the thing W.C.R."
item 8164

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of The Bank of California, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 20 August, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter enclosing his letter to A.B. Stockwell which Mr. Lees read and then delivered; sterling is still depressed but firmer than the preceding week; will have to sell sterling heavily in order to meet Mr. Ralston's drafts; comments on gold drain in the west; a note from Mr. [W.M.] Anderson intimates that O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] wants Lees & Waller to reduce their account and has written the same to Mr. Ralston; distrust in their own money market is the reason; while not official it is important the one complies; comments on decrease in gold reserve and the amount held.
ALS 2pp.
item 8165

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of The Bank of California, New York, 18 Sep[tember], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] of London is preparing for an adverse money market and has written Mr. Mills and Mr. Lees for a reduction in account; telegraphed Mr. Ralston about it and the unsatisfactory condition of things there; hopes Bank of California can respond promptly in order to preserve their credit and good name; no use waiting for better times but should start at once to reduce; has had immense sales of sterling; asks Bank of California for some relief or else to authorize Lees & Waller "to draw part on demand"; Lees & Waller are "uncomfortable from your [Bank of California] extreme pressure."
ALS 1p.
item 8165

Lees, James, Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of the Bank of California, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 7th Nov[ember], 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The uncertain financial situation in both the United States and Europe is forcing Lees & Waller into a difficult situation as regards the "enormous liability" to which they are personally subjected because they have endorsed the drafts of the Bank of California on the Oriental Bank [Corporation, London] which Lees & Waller sold; discusses the effect this would have upon the firm for in the last O.B.C. statement the Bank of California has £1,739,000 in unpaid drafts on the corporation and £200,000 more in transit, the most of which Lees & Waller have endorsed; suggests a way whereby the Bank of California can relieve the situation and asks whether it can be done or a better way suggested.
ALS 3pp.
Letter seems to be in handwriting of H.B. Laidlow.
item 8165

Lees, J[ames], Lees & Waller, Agency of The Bank of California, 33 Pine Street, New York, 9 Nov[embe]r, 1872. To [Darius O.] Mills.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Mills for his letter of October 31 and the check for $300.00, the October dividend on his shares in the Rolling Mill; stated how the Bank of California could establish a standing and credit of its own with Lees & Waller so that no interruption in its business would occur no matter what may happen; requested that this be considered with Mr. Ralston and instruct Lees & Waller accordingly; Bank of England raised its rate to 7%.
ALS 3pp.
item 8165

L[ees], J[ames], and W[aller], [Edward], [New York], Dec[ember] 6, [1872]. To [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Sent copy of Ralston's telegram to Oriental Bank Corporation; obliged to draw sterling but will use as little as possible; since things seem critical financially Lees & Waller ask that Messers. [Darius O.] Mills, [William C.] Ralston and [Thomas] Bell send them a bond which will guarantee them against loss on account of any assumed personal liability as a result of Bank of California business; will inspire confidence and result in good relationship; "answer promptly."
Telegram 1p.
item 8165

Lees & Waller, Office of Lees & Waller, Agency of The Bank of California, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 7 Dec[embe]r, 1872. To Messrs. D[arius] O. Mills, W[illiam] C. Ralston, Thomas Bell.

Additional Note

Received dispatch stating that the guarantee Lees & Waller requested to cover their personal liability for the Bank of California was being sent; relieves their anxiety and will enable them to work in harmony with the Bank; will try to help the Bank to recover the position it once had with OBC [Oriental Bank Corporation] but advises the Bank that it must send every available pound it can get to them; Mr. [Charles J.F.] Stuart of OBC "sore"; gold and currency are scarce and lending at a premium; if it goes higher the country will be drained of its gold; has dropped from 102 to 68 millions in a year; Europe countries to continue demanding gold; predicts that which may happen; must keep trying to meet the situation.
ALS 2pp.
The letter referred to is probably Stuart, Charles J.F., London, Nov[embe]r 23, 1872. To James Lees, Esq.
item 8165

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 9 Dec[embe]r, 1872. To [Thomas] Bell.

Additional Note

In his letter of December 7, 1872, to Messrs. [Darius O.] Mills, [William C.] Ralston and [Thomas] Bell, Mr. Lees alluded to a letter from Mr. [Charles J.F.] Stuart; Mr. Bell is probably aware of the position of the Bank of California with O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation]; encloses letter from [Charles J.F.] Stuart "to show" how sane they are in London; situation grave; cannot understand what the Bank of California is doing with 2 to 3 million dollars of O.B.C. money which Mr. Lees breaks down into amounts in three categories and criticizes the Bank of California for always appearing to be in difficulties and asking for remittances from Lees & Waller which is "galling and humiliating in the extreme"; thinks it is "high time" for the Bank officials "to bring the Bank into line without delay"; everything possible should be done to reduce the balance with O.B.C.; gives his views on European capital sent to the United States, its effects, and the reduction of gold supply - a very serious situation; will close Lees & Waller's credit of £50,000 with OBC in December.
ALS 2pp.
The letter enclosed in Mr. James Lees' letter to Thomas Bell, 9 December, 1872, is probably Stuart, Charles J.F., London, Nov[ember] 23, 1872. To James Lees, Esq.
item 8165

Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 19 Dec[ember], 1872. To [Darius O.] Mills.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. [Darius O.] Mills letter of December 6 and the letter of guarantee signed by [William C.] Ralston, [Darius O.] Mills and [Thomas] Bell, which is satisfactory; glad that Bank of California is getting things in right shape with OBC [Oriental Bank Corporation]; surprised from bank's telegram that the Bank of California had advanced $218,000 to Eureka Consolidated and does not approve since Mr. Lees thought that all advances made were by Lees & Waller through O.B.C.; explains why; principles of good banking; hopes to get into this way soon; things in London are easier but not so well in Europe.
ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

Lees & Waller, Agency of Bank of California, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], New York, 26 March, 1873. To Messrs. D[arius] O. Mills and W[illiam C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

As Messrs. Mills and Ralston wished the joint letter of guarantee to Lees & Waller on December 6, 1872 was cancelled and returned to them.
ALS 1p.
item 8165

W[illiam] C. Ralston, D[arius] O. [Mills], and Thom[as H. Bell], The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], Dec[ember] 6th, 1872 To Messrs. Lees & Waller.

Additional Note

Complied with telegram of Lees & Waller; the undersigned agreed to jointly and personally guarantee to hold Lees & Waller "harmless against loss by reason of any personal liability assumed ... or which may ... be assumed in the lawful prosecution of the Bank of California"; guaranteed to remain in force until Bank of California's account with the Oriental Bank Corporation shall be put in a condition satisfactory to both parties.
ALS 1p.
Cancelled March 26, 1873.
item 8165

Lees & Waller, Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 30 Nov[embe]r, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for the way he met their complaints in regard to their endorsement of the Bank of California's bills they issued; suggests that January first be the time for the changeover and explains why; hopes the Bank of California will continue its business with the firm after the change; Mr. Ralston thought it a mistake that Lees & Waller had gotten into the habit of endorsing Bills but the firm explains why; feels that the threatened financial troubles in Europe have passed over which may be followed by renewed speculation and inflation and higher prices; should keep a watch on the situation because of this country's financial relations with Europe; is of the opinion that "the monetary and commercial prosperity" of the West Coast will be realized though it seems a long time in coming.
ALS 3pp.
 

Lees & Waller COLLECTION (END)

item 8300

Leland, Warren.

Additional Note

Gen[era]l H.S. Lansing offers to sell a patent drying machine for $50,000; considers $5,000 "A large price for a patent that will not hold Water"; since it can expell water he may be excused "for charging 10 prices."
DS 1p.
item 8305

Leonard, E.W., New York, May 5, [18]72. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. [----] Drexel and Mr. [----] Morgan had requested Mr. Leonard to sign a letter of introduction for a Mr. White who has a connection with the British North American Ins[urance] Company; they vouch for him but since they were not personally acquainted with Mr. Ralston asked Mr. Leonard to sign it; glad California is so prosperous.
ALS 1p.
item 8310

[Lexicon], Monarch, New York, Oct[ober] 14, 1869, via The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

Telegram in code.
D 1p.
item 8310

Lexicon, Monarch, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, New York, Oct[ober] 15, 1869. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

Telegram. Entirely in code.
item 8315

Lindenberger, J.H., Merchants Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, K[entuck[y, Ap[ri]l 23rd, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Acknowledges the receipt of the cigars brought to him by his friend Dr. Lewis Rogers courtesy of Mr. Ralston; appreciates them the more since they are a product of California and indicate "the enterprise and skill" of the West Coast manufacturers; thanks Mr. Ralston for his "courteous remembrance and wishes that his influence and usefulness may give him pleasure for future years, a future for San Francisco and for California.
ALS 1p.
 

Linderman, G.B.

See Linderman, H.R.

item 8000

Linderman, H[----] R., n.p., undated To [William C.] Ralston. Prescription for wash for Mr. Ralston's face.

Additional Note

Gives the formula of the above prescription and directions for applying it and the frequency; states it will generally cure all irritations of the skin.
ALS 1p.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., [n.p.] Sep[ember] 3, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"Head level [?] and all o.k. after last night's glorious trip"; overcoat returned; trying to get ready to start last the next afternoon; wants to call and see Mr. Ralston the next day.
ALS 1p.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., Washington, [D.C.], Feb[ruary] 3, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Changes in the President's cabinet; difficulty in getting coinage committee of House of Representatives to act on the Mint Bill but hopes to in a few days; influence by [----] Mason of the Assay Office; New Yorkers are claiming to do refining more cheaply than San Francisco; "we have the matter well in hand"; spent an hour with Judge [----] Dent at the White House and will see President [Grant] later to talk over "the condition and prospects of our western mining interests"; after the session of Congress closes the President will spend two to three months visiting California, Oregon, Utah and Colorado; Mr. Linderman to remain in Washington until end of Congressional session.
ALS 1p.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., Washington, [D.C.], Feb[ruary] 8, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

[John] Sherman and [----] Merrill "got the [Mint] Bill put quietly to sleep in the hands of the Committee on Coinage"; pressure upon the committee is telling and gives hope of early action; will probably have to have a coinage charge of 1/5 of one per cent until the following winter but Mr. Linderman plans to put through a reduction; advocates free coinage of gold but there will be Senate opposition; determined to bring the cost of treatment of bullion and coinage down equal to that of England and France; refers to an item in New York Times of February 6, 1871 on refining at the Philadelphia Mint and Assay Office both of which must charge the same under the law; a little amendment to the appropriation bill would separate the two if the New York people would act in that regard; Mr. Linderman had "smashed up their bar and coin loan business" which made them feel uneasy; suggests to Mr. Ralston that [Louis A.] Garnett and [John B.] Raymond drop their war of words and he should so advise them since it can result in no real good and might bring criticism by Raymond in his newspapers; if he interferes in their business the mining appropriation of about $10,000 a year should be cut from under him; more effective than a newspaper was; Mr. Linderman will attend a meeting of the Coinage Committee on the Mint Bill.
ALS 4pp.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., Washington [D.C.], March 26, 1871. Confidential. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

A detailed account of the obstacles to the efforts to pass the Mint Bill, the reasons why the Bill was not taken up by the committee a month earlier when its passage would have been certain and the present situation in regard to it; indicates that which should be done to achieve its passage in the next regular session of Congress; certain prominent men have suggested that Mr. Linderman be kept employed "until the Mint and Coinage legislation is disposed of" but he does not want to enter into any such general service since he prefers to act independently; but will take care of any special matters that may come up; asks $3500 for services and expenses to the end of June, 1871; supposes he will be wanted to continue with the bill in the next session of Congress and asks $5000 for his services payable January 1, 1872; if Mr. Linderman had not recommended both private refining and free coinage before he "undertook this business" he would not do it; if satisfactory to Mr. Ralston he will work diligently for the passage of the Mint Bill and a satisfactory arrangement for refining bullion after the expiration of the contract then in force.
ALS 7pp.
His wife has been ill with a severe cold for 10 days; trusts Mrs. Ralston and children are well.
P.S.
Will remain in Washington for a week or ten days and then return to Philadelphia; plans "to prepare a careful review of the Mint Bill and have it printed"; it is to be used during the recess of Congress and for the new members; people in general know little about the subject and only a few men on Congress know anything about "Bullion manipulations"; Senate reported the Bill just as prepared but "the House [of Representatives] Committee would have made sad work of it if Mr. Linderman had not made corrections in the copy of R.J. Stevens [?] who had prepared for [Cornelius] Cole who showed it to Mr. Linderman and asked if it was right; explains that which might have happened if not corrected; Mr. Ralston is fortunate that he is "Entirely clear" of him as he is of no account; considers that all the men from the Pacific Coast have done their part on the Mint Bill; expects success in the next session of Congress.
Initialed. 4pp.
For reply to this letter see [William C.] Ralston, San Francisco, [California], Ap[ri]l 5th, [18]71. To [H.R.] Linderman.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., Washington, [D.C.], 30th March, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has learned that the High Commission has come to an agreement on all but the San Juan islands points of dispute; the British claim they cannot give up any territory while United claims the islands; probably will not be a barrier to a full understanding; Mr. Linderman remaining in Washington hoping to "attack an amendment repealing the coinage charge to the deficiency appropriation Bill"; not to accept anything less than "a free gold coinage" which will pass "as an important feature of the Mint Bill."
ALS 2pp.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., August 19, 1871. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq. Private.

Additional Note

Has been negotiating with Grant and Co. regarding selling them the Sacramento Lands which John Taylor, then in the United States, will examine or supervise their examination; if statements made by [Louis A.] Garnett are thus verified the sale will be made; Grant heads a powerful ring of speculators in England and once they are satisfied with property a sale is quickly made and printed circulars are then printed and mailed to all money centers and brokers in Europe; thinks Mr. Ralston should point out to the examiner the favorable aspects of the property regarding income from rentals and probable increase in value; suggests ways of financing; has kept Mr. Garnett informed on Mint, bullion, and coinage matter; plans to examine mints in Brussels and Paris; will return to Washington in time to give the Mint Bill an early start in Congress; after that has succeeded hopes to visit Mr. Ralston.
ALS 2pp.
item 8320

Linderman, H.R., Metropolitan Hotel, Washington, [D.C.], May 19, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq. Private.

Additional Note

Has been having a fight with Eugene Kelley, the Assay Office, and the New York Chamber of Commerce over the Mint Bill, especially its refinery section; has "kept them whipped" and will not let up on them until the bill is disposed of; has meant hard work and extra expense for which he asks Mr. Ralston to credit his account (Lees & Waller) with $1500; has had the German coinage law of 1871 and Baron Northcomb's review of it translated for the use of the Committee on Coinage; it backs up the Committee in several of the most important sections of the Mint Bill; the New York men will have the "rod ... laid on unmercifully" when the Bill comes up again after the Tariff Bill is disposed of; next the fractional paper notes must be replaced by silver coins; Germany has demonetized $350,000,000 silver; countries with a double standard will be overrun with silver bullion unless the United States can locate $50,000,000 here or it will result in a serious price reduction which must be prevented; was asked how greenbacks could be forced on California in order to release its gold for the Government to which he replied that his idea was just the opposite to force gold on the Atlantic states.
ALS 6pp.
Harvey [Mr. Linderman's son] is at the Quaker College near Philadelphia; Mrs. Linderman has been with him in Washington; she partakes of Washington society, transcribes large amounts of writing for reports and speeches; will have much to tell Mr. Ralston if they should meet again.
[Signed] L
May be a postscript to Linderman's letter of May 19, 1872.
item 8321

Linderman, H.R., [n.p.], March 9, 1873. To [William C.] R[alston].

Additional Note

The next day Mr. Linderman starts to make the arrangements needed for putting the Coinage Act of 1873 into effect; he is of the opinion that everything wanted done with the exception of the gold coinage charge of 1/2 of one per cent has been achieved; "a provision in a General Mint law for the exchanging of unparted for parted bullion is settled beyond care or controversey"; the "special Refining Acts of 1853 and 1861 remain unrepealed"; under the new law the government must reimburse itself for the cost of treating deposits in the melting room; important is the issue of a trade dollar and if it is favorably received in China it will be the "most important economic event ever to happen to California"; gold coined in California and Nevada will be a saving to its producer because of the reduction of coinage charges; if it had not been for Mr. Ralston, [Louis A.] Garnett, and Mr. Linderman the coinage bill would never have passed; it will benefit the country and the mining interests and it is hoped that it will benefit Mr. Ralston; the latter primarily responsible for reduction of mining charge; Mr. Linderman thankful for his help; as Director [of the Mint] he must put bill into operation; will try to get out a trade dollar; glad Mr. Ralston improving in health; expects Atlantic coast to have financial difficulties.
ALS 6pp.
item 8321

L[inderman], [H.R.], [n.p., undated], [Washington D.C.?], To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has finished his work, "fought the good fight" and leaves the matter of additional compensation up to Mr. Ralston; whether he desires to "do much, little or nothing at all"; would like to clear everything before starting his new work; shall work quietly; Mr. Ralston can always depend on Mr. Linderman as being willing to serve him.
ALS 2pp.
May have been enclosed with Mr. Linderman's letter of March 9th, 1873.
item 8321

Linderman, H.R., Metropolitan Hotel, [Washington, D.C.], June 20, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The enclosed note from his brother indicates that the reported sale of [Collis P.] Huntington's interest in the East because several parties hold his papers for iron; Mr. Linderman had answered various inquiries during the last year that he considered "the paper entirely safe"; requests Mr. Ralston to give him the facts about Mr. Huntington's financial status; weather very hot and "plenty of hard work"; longs "for the refreshing breezes of Belmont but no use, Uncle Sam has got me [Linderman] tight."
ALS 2pp. Letter enclosed.
[Note at top of first page]
Answered July 2d, [18]73.
item 8321

Linderman, G.B., [Metropolitan Hotel, Washington, D.C.], Linderman, Skeer and Co., Miners, Sugar Loaf and Humboldt, Lehigh Coal, Office: Bethledaena, Penn's, Bethledaena, P[ennsylvani]a, June 19, 1873. To Dear Bro[ther] H.D. Linderman.

Additional Note

States that there must be some mistake about the statement but will have it attended to at once; asks the meaning of the reported selling of [Collis P.] Huntington's interest in the C[entral] P[acific] Railroad; his firm holds 30 Million of his paper; wants to know whether the resignation of [Darius O.] Mills as President of the [Bank of California] has a meaning or whether it was understood; "all well, very warm" - kind regards to Em[----] Harry [Linderman] did not arrive last night - suppose he will come this arm [?].
ALS 2pp.
Enclosed with letter of H.R. Linderman, Metropolitan Hotel, [Washington, D.C.], June 20, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.
item 8321

Linderman, H.R., Treasury Department, Office of the Director of the Mint, [n.p.], Dec[ember] 25, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"...certain that Congress will not authorize the further issue of currency or increase taxation"; "law requiring a sinking fund at the application to the payment of the public debt will be suspended"; Treasury receipts increasing daily and will soon be enough for current expenses; silver plan will probably work in another month; [----] Mitchell doing well and his enemies will probably not have an investigation made; was not surprised at [Newton] Booth' s election; doubtful that [----] Williams will be confirmed.
ALS 3pp.
item 8321

L[inderman], H.R., Treasury Department, Office of the Director of the Mint, [n.p.], June 10, 1874. Private. To Dear "Billey" [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

"The new Secretary is a warm personal friend of Gen[era]l [----] La Grange" apparently has some special significance as indicated by the word "Sabe"; mention of President's [Grant] memorandum to Senator [John P.] Jones and Mr. Linderman's comment; Congress to adjourn; Senator Jones very busy with various types of people who want something, which with hot weather "makes Old Nevada sweat"; Judicial Council has quieted "the Piractical [Adolph] Sutro" due to able and honest men in the Senate.
ALS 2pp.
item 8321

"Old Man" [H.R. Linderman], [n.p.], Jan[uary] 7, 1875. Private. To [William C.] R[alston].

Additional Note

The Senate Finance Bill passed the House and awaits the President's signature which is expected; Bill removes Gold Coinage charge, a victory for those favoring it after a long, weary struggle of four years; has reversed the country's policy to its benefit; considered the editorial in the Alta [California] unwise as per enclosed clipping [of a letter of "Compromise" to the editor of the National Republican]; mining section should be last to complain as it will provide a "home market for silver and prevent recession's depreciators"; when the result seemed doubtful Mr. Linderman was forced to enter the fight in order to save the Bill; a paper was gotten up attacking the refining business entitled "Comments on the Finance Bill" by [----] Edelman which was passed around until it reached Mr. Linderman for a reply; intended to be read in the House during a discussion of the bill; Mr. Linderman put the papers "in shape for a severe shot"; one friend hammered at the bill which was very provoking; Mr. Linderman to see silver resumption safely launched and then will be forced to go into private business because of too low a salary; asks Mr. Ralston to read enclosed clipping, entitled "Subsidiary Silver Coinage."
ALS 4pp.
item 8321

Linderman, H.R., Treasury Department, Office of the Director of the Mint, [n.p.] Feb[ruary] 13, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

After returning from Philadelphia attending to coinage matters Mr. Ralston's letter of February 3, was found relative "to supplying trade dollars on the Asiatic coast for the U.S. Navy Dep[artmen]t"; Mr. Linderman will attend to the request made in the letter.
ALS 1p.
[See letter of February 18, 1875 for answer]
item 8321

Linderman, H.R., Treasury Department, Office of the Director of the Mint, [n.p.], Feb[ruary] 18, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"The enclosed memorandum shows the cost of placing funds for the Navy Dep[artmen]t in certain Chinese and Japanese Ports; was prepared by the clerk who had charge of the matter."
ALS 1p.
Chart enclosed.
D.
item 8321

"Old Man" [H.R. Linderman], [n.p.], March 16, 1875. To [William C.] R[alston].

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's community should be thankful for some of the legislation of the last Congress; sets forth the benefits derived therefrom; suggests that the California newspapers have overlooked the valuable services rendered by Senator [Aaron A.] Sargent in the law for free coinage and redemption of paper notes with silver coin; suggests that the California newspapers should properly commend Senator Sargent's services; Mr. Linderman can appreciate such services having been leading the fight for free coinage since 1867 and silver coinage for two years.
ALS 3pp.
item 8321

"Old Man" [H.R. Linderman], Treasury Department, Office of the Director of the Mint, [n.p.], March 16, 1875. Private. To [William C.] R[alston].

Additional Note

In talking with Mr. Morgan [Drexel Morgan and Co.] about the gold movement he believes that the "present lock up will continue until May 1st"; he also said the movements of United States Bonds had been "much interrupted by the serious illness of Baron Rothschild"; the syndicate is trying to "contract for the sale of silver alleged to be in a German account"; Mr. Linderman has prevented sale of any United States silver; may have to ship silver from the West to supply the Refinery of the Assay office at N[ew] Y[ork] and the United States mint in Philadelphia; with the price of silver kept down and operations within the law all silver bullion can be sold at home and government demand for coinage met without importing any silver; as soon as all the mints are coining small silver coins, Mr. Linderman will go to [California] and look over the ground and decide what the general plan of operations should be.
ALS 3pp.
item 8321

"Old Man" [H.R. Linderman], [n.p.], April 17, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Sent Gen[era]l [----] Garfield as a passenger with Mrs. Ralston to San Francisco which was done to prevent him from making a mistake; "a willing student of free coinage, refining and [----] payments" and asks Mr. Ralston to see that he has chances to find out for himself about these matters; learned of Mrs. Ralston's early return home and she managed everything well; rumored cabinet changes are that [Columbus] Delano [Secretary of Interior] and [George H.] Williams [Attorney General] will soon resign.
ALS 2pp.
item 8325

Livingston, F[rank], Paris, [France], September 30th, [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thinks there is a great opening for a new bank; talked with Mr. Baron Erlanger of Frankfurt, [Germany] who was interested in the kind of a bank Mr. Ralston and Mr. Livingston had talked about; Mr. Erlanger and about twenty of the best Houses in Europe planned to start the Bank of Commerce with its headquarters in London, to be managed by Mr. Edward Halsey of London and "to have connections all over Europe"; gives detailed account of new bank; will send Mr. Ralston a copy of the by-laws separately and enclosed a memorandum of that which they intend to do; Bank of Commerce would like to know the intention of the California people before its opening date so would like Mr. Ralston to let him know by telegraph per enclosed "syphor" [cipher]; the bank's New York business will be left entirely to Mr. Ralston's judgement and all its business in the United States will be done with Mr. Ralston.
ALS 8pp.
Cipher incorporated with letter.
[Note: n.p., undated] On reverse side printed "The Bank of California."
"No possibility of doing anything with your Friends on plan proposed."
N [no signature] Probably in handwriting of William C. Ralston. May be answer to F[rank] Livingston, Paris, [France], September 30th, [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.
item 8325

Livingston, F[rank], Frankfurt, [Germany], October 28th, [18]72. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Obliged to Mr. Ralston for his "strictly quick attention" by telegram; Mr. Baron Erlanger has told him that it was right the California shareholders should have one half of the Directors in the new bank and has written to his son who is in charge of the new bank to that effect and to give them liberal facilities; the bank there would like for the California shareholders "to make some arrangements"; Mr. [----] Halsey is also anxious for them to do the same; the new Bank of Commerce is not starting until it hears from Mr. Ralston again; very good arrangements can no doubt be made now; the bank had planned to open the first of next month but, has postponed it until "everything is fixed"; House of Erlanger not represented in America but its influence and business is worth a great deal to any institution; banking business is good in Europe - one starting in Austria "with thirty million florence [florins] cash paid up"; speculation, property value increasing; laborers becoming scarce and wages higher than before the French war; American railroad bonds with few exceptions do not sell well; in September steamship line cleared $30,000 0/100 and the railroad $20,000 0/100; some bondholders are rich; hopes Mr. Ralston is in best of health.
ALS 4pp.
[On a separate sheet]
F. Livingston - Paris
Bank of Commerce
item 8325

Livingston, [Frank], The Western Union Telegraph Company, Cable 14, [n.p.], February 2, 1873. To William [C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"If willing yet negotiate new bank Erlangers No. party will then send somebody over -answer."
D 1p.
item 8325

Livingston, F[rank], Frankfurt, [Germany], August 21, [18]73. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Will deposit twelve hundred pounds sterling in the Oriental Bank Corporation to be credited to the Bank of California; asked Mr. Ralston to pay its proceeds to his agent, Mike Lewis; had gotten money in Frankfurt at 4 1/2 per cent; had written Mr. Lewis.
ALS 2pp.
On last a number of figures apparently representing the value of holdings in various businesses.
item 8330

Livingston, O[----] H., Wiesbaden, [Germany], May 8th, [18]73. To My Dear Friend [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Misses Mr. Ralston "no little" since his arrival in Wiesbaden where he is spending his time with his folks; going to Vienna with his family and brother Frank; Sieg Steinhart is there; exhibition in Vienna has opened but not much interest in it, but may be later; American securities, especially Oregon and California bonds, find a dull market but may advance when the Committee sent over by the House of Sulzbach Andolhers gives their support; money in good demand and at good rates; regards to Mr. Ralston's family and bank associates.
ALS 3pp.
item 8335

Lockwood, Le Grand, New York, May 17, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Presents the thanks of his party to Mr. and Mrs. Ralston for their kindness and hospitality while in San Francisco; "never more hospitably entertained"; "would like to reciprocate in kind."
ALS 2pp.
item 8340

Low, Frederick Ferdinand, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division, New York, Dec[ember] 18, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Wants Mr. Ralston to try to have Union Insurance Company prevent foreclosure of January Street property; Mr. Low will return in early January.
T 1p.
On reverse side:
Ralston, W[illiam] C., n.p., Dec[ember] 19th, [18]69. To [----] Kittle.
Asks that which Mr. Kittle can do regarding above; advises off for a while as he thinks something will be done.
ANS 1p.
item 8345

Lynch, M[ichael], San Francisco, April 18th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Lynch, Chairman [of] Fire and Water Committee has received Mr. Ralston's letter requesting that the Steam Fire Engine built by the Kimball Manufacturing Company be examined and suggesting that local industry be patronized; Mr. Lynch and his colleagues agree on purchasing from home manufacturers; the fire engine had been tested in a public trial attended by Chief David Scannel, some Fire Commissioners and the Board of Supervisors; satisfactory test; cannot officially say that an order will be placed with the Kimball company but thinks it may.
ALS 2pp.
item 8105

Mc Allister, Eliot., n.p., undated To Rowland Hill.

Additional Note

"These were given me by Laidlow and Co. and can be added to your files."
S
Check for enclosures.
item 8405

Mc Allister, Jula B. (Mrs. Cutler Mc Allister), Rincon Hill [San Francisco], May 21st, [1869]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mrs. Mc Allister selected to raise $400 toward the completion of a building needed for the College of St. Augustine in Benicia; had found everyone out when she called that morning, so has taken the liberty of writing; has collected $260; can only ask for $10 but can accept more; asks Mr. Ralston to send a check in care of her husband if he thinks well of this.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Cause a very worthy one; clergymen receive no salary and are supported out of a common fund.
Sent $20.
item 8410

Mc Clelland, J[ohn] A., San Francisco, June 7th, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Notifies Mr. Ralston of a meeting of the Trustees of the "Odd Fellows College of California" to be held in Napa, [California] Friday June 16th at 12:00 M.; requests acknowledgement of the receipt of this letter and that he indicate his intention of attending the meeting.
ALS 1p.
Trip pass to Napa for Mr. Ralston over the California Pacific Railroad, dated June 8th, 1871.
item 8415

Mc Cook, Edward Moody, Willard's Hotel, Washington, D.C., May 1st, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has not deserted Mr. Ralston just because he has accepted the appointment of Governor of the Territory of Colorado; thought that position had more political future in it than the one the President offered in San Francisco; goes to Colorado "to annex it to the Pacific Coast"; should he become a United States Senator the Pacific Coast will "have one more warm and earnest advocate of its interests"; hopes that Mr. Ralston and his San Francisco friends will remember him as kindly as he does them; shall never forget the kindness and courtesy extended by Mr. Ralston and can never do enough to repay it; believes he has succeeded in rendering him some service this past winter.
ALS 2pp.
item 8415

Mc Cook, E[dward] M., Executive Department, Colorado Territory, Denver, [Colorado], Sept[ember] 15th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanked Mr. Ralston for his "kind letter of advice" and has tried to follow its precepts; thinks he has real friends in Denver; life there is not as satisfactory or as pleasant as it would have been on the Pacific Coast for San Francisco was more attractive to him; going on a long trip to visit the Indians for several weeks; wants to take a trip to the Pacific Coast with his family if possible upon his return; had heard "glowing accounts of [Mr. Ralston] and his princely entertainments from many returned travelers"; deduces that "Ralston is the Pacific Coast"; has named one of the territory's Creeks after Mr. Ralston so his name will live forever on the map of Colorado; encloses an advertisement [of Ralston Creek Stock Range] so it can bee seen what a Paradise the Territory is; would like Mr. Ralston to see the country; richer in minerals than California but needs the latter's "experience, knowledge, and energy to work it."
ALS 3pp.
Advertisement enclosed.
item 8415

Mc Cook, Edward M., Territory of Colorado, Executive Department, Denver, [Colorado], April 25th, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses a letter to the Hon[orable] Columbus Delano, Secretary of Interior then in San Francisco, and requests Mr. Ralston to deliver it to the Secretary promptly.
ALS 1p.
item 8415

Mc Cook, E[dward] M., Willard's Hotel, Washington, D.C., Jan[uary] 30, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Found Mr. Ralston's letter of December 25 upon returning from a long trip through Texas; thanks him for the assaying of the ore sent; thinks that in time the Colorado mines will be of great value since the quality of the ore is "something marvelous"; Mrs. Mc Cook forbids the sale of those lots, so they can remain as they are; praises Northern Texas as a fine agricultural county and tells why; emigration there by thousands a week; when the road is finally finished to San Diego shall pay a visit and possibly before then if Mrs. Mc Cook's health does not improve, she was quite ill and may have to go to Southern California to prolong her life.
ALS 3pp.
item 8415

Mc Cook, Edward M., Denver, Colorado, United States, June 2nd 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to forward all letters he may have for him to the Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D.C.; sees that [John] Bingham has been appointed Minister to Japan as Mr. Mc Cook had predicted; Mrs. Mc Cook is well.
ALS 1p.
item 8415

Mc Cook, Edward M., Washington, [D.C.], June 5, [18]74. To My Dear Friend W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Ralston's "kind letter of sympathy and condolence"; his wife had passed away and near the end regretting that she could not see her San Francisco friends again but to give her love to them; Mr. Mc Cook and wife had determined to go to the Pacific Coast to live permanently since they both loved California and its people so much; greatly affected by his wife's death and had planned to go to California as soon as his contest was over; thinks he will go there to live in a few weeks.
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Mentions all the United States government officials who attended his wife's funeral; gratified with this "great and unusual respect" paid to Mrs. Mc Cook.
item 8415

Mc Cook, E[dward] M., Cleveland, O[hio], July 14th, [18]74. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Ralston's letter enclosing one from [----] Tucker and thanks him for his trouble; stopped in Cleveland to see his boy en route to resume the Governorship of Colorado for four years "after a long hard fight"; wants to stay in office only long enough to get rid of the "scoundrels who have ridden the territory to death" then resign and go the Pacific Coast to live; "tired of politics and politicians" and wants to get away from it all; asks Mr. Ralston whether he can provide something for him to do in San Francisco; both he and his wife had determined upon going to the Pacific Coast no matter how his contest for the Colorado Governorship turned out; both felt they had many friends there; would like to have Mr. Ralston write him in Denver; "No clue yet to Mrs. Mc Cook's diamonds and lace."
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Would take two or three months to arrange his Colorado property so he could leave it.
item 8420

Mc Creery, A[ndrew] B., St. Moritz, [Switzerland], July 22nd, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses a letter from H. Austin Lee, a secretary at the British Embassy, Paris, asking for a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston for friends who are about to make a world tour - names given in letter; Mr. Lee, a friend of Mr. Mc Creery, who feels certain that the gentlemen for whom the letter has been solicited will be worthy of any attention that can be shown them in San Francisco; Mr. Mc Creery and wife are spending the summer in Switzerland and returning to America in October.
ALS 2pp.
item 8420

Lee, H. Austin, British Embassy, Paris, Monday, [July ?, 1874]. To [Andrew B.] Mc Creery.

Additional Note

Names four friends of his who soon will start on a tour around the world; would like to have an introduction to Mr. Ralston in San Francisco and asks Mr. Mc Creery to give them one; "They are all young and very eligible young men"; hopes Mr. Mc Creery has had a successful trip to St. Moritz.
ALS 4pp.
Enclosed with letter of Mc Creery, A[ndrew] B., St. Moritz, [Switzerland], July 22nd, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.
item 8425

Mc Crellish, [----], n.p., May 21st, [1874 ?]. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

[----] Wetmore wrote him that the Sutro bill was practically dead but wants it completely killed; Mr. [Adolph] Sutro contends that his endorsement by the Pacific Press Association has done him much good; suggests that Gold Hill and Virginia miners will send him testimonials to show that the people are interested in his tunnel as well as the newspapers and banks; a small silver brick, inscribed, when shown to the newspapers would capitalize Sutro's cause; fight centered on Sutro in Washington; Mr. Mc Crellish had made a copy of the letter for Mr. Mac C-? which will probably be sent to Mr. Ralston's brother in Virginia City, A[ndrew] J[ackson] R[alston] which he might obtain to read if he can get it so the source of information is not revealed; newspapers are taking up the tunnel matter.
ALS 3pp.
P.S.
Encloses a dispatch of possible interest to Mr. Ralston; [San Francisco] Chronicle had a duplicate which was too late to publish in the morning paper.
Enclosure lacking.
item 8430

Mc Donald, Peter J., San Francisco, Feb[ruary] 22nd, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Wants to show Mr. Ralston his invention for the operation of gang plows by a steam engine which will do six to eight times more work going over the field once; has tried unsuccessfully to have the machine built in San Francisco, but those approached are skeptical about it working; have steam cultivation in England and Scotland which is so successful as to declare dividends; sees no reason that it could not be done here; same machine will dig ditches and cut canals; some enterprising man should take this patent and secure all foreign patents which will doubtless solve the success of steam plowing; wants Mr. Ralston to take action in this matter.
ALS 4pp.
 

Mc Donnall, James

See Oriental Bank Corporation

item 8435

Mc Dowell, Irvin, Headquarters Department of the East, New York City, May 14, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for sending him a draft without charge for some money Major Hoyt had to send; sending a note to Gen[era]l Fry which he asks that it be forwarded if the General has left California; explains reason for.
ALS 2pp.
[note added]
Answered May 25, [18]69. W.C.R.
item 8435

Mc Dowell, Irwin, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Rothery, an English lawyer, member of the Queen's Privy Council and the British Commissioner to the United States on the Fishery question is en route to San Francisco with Cyrus Field; Judge [Stephen J.] Field had given his brother a letter to Mr. Ralston and mentioned Mr. Rothery; had promised to give the latter a letter but he left before he did so; Mr. Rothery is accompanied by his wife; well liked in Washington; "Take good care of them."
ALS 2pp.
 

Mc Jenkin, Ebenezer

See Mitchell, John Hipple

item 8440

Mac Kenzie, Norman K., M.D., Wellesville, Columbiana County, Ohio, Nov[ember] 18th, 1872. To Hon[orable] W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Hopes Mr. Ralston has not entirely forgotten him as he was often at his father's home with Dr. Patterson with whom he studied medicine and has practiced for more than 28 years; some friends had visited California and were hospitably entertained at Mr. Ralston's country home; his wife is an invalid and thinks California's pure air would benefit her; gives occupational qualifications of younger members of his family and positions they hold; inquires about chances for them to obtain employment in California and for him to practice in some thriving town; asks the price of good farming land and improved ranches; Wellesville is growing rapidly; Mr. Ralston's friends there are well and doing well; asks his honest opinion about the questions asked.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Request answer soon; sends specimen of son's penmanship. [ornate design]
 

Mc Kinney, Jacob

See Garrison & Fretz Collection

 

Mc Lain and Hunt

See Williams, H.L.

item 8445

Mc Lane, Cha[rle]s E., San Francisco, June 10th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston's assistance in selling some of his stock to get out of debt; unemployed and cannot afford to pay interest and "make both ends meet"; had paid interest on a former loan at the Pacific Insurance Company but transferred to Brons [?] the third, caused by having to pay assessments on the Reclamation Land, Clear Lake and Risdon" the first good, the last two of little value; lists his dividend paying stocks with valuable property attached to them with the thought that many people are interested in good investments; lists three prices for each kind of stock with explanations of each price; sale would relieve him of trouble and anxiety; asks Mr. Ralston to consider the matter and give him his advice.
ALS 2pp.
[note added]
"Statement from Chas. E. Mc Lane June 10th/73. W.C.R."
item Unnumbered

Mc Lane, L[ouis], n.p., [San Francisco ?], [October 30th, 1869]. To [James Lees].

Additional Note

"Bank has turned the corner - has clear track and sufficient security for loans. Will work out in due time. I am satisfied."
DS Probably office copy.
 

Mc Lean, A.C.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 8455

Mc Lean, Jno. [John] T., Cosmopolitan, Yosemite Valley, [California], May 27th, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

About the new road to Yosemite Valley via Coulterville which is expected to be completed by June 5th or 10; will make travel time from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley only 2 days; gives mileage of trails for horseback riding via various routes; advises visitors to the Valley to wait until the new road is completed but if they cannot, to visit it and take the discomforts of traveling rather than not see the Valley's wonders.
ALS 3pp.
 

Mc Lemore, John C.

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 8460

Mc Lennan, D[onald], Office of the Mission and Pacific Woolen Mills, Nos. 517 and 519 Market St[reet] near First, San Francisco, April 3, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The enclosed letter [from Dunedin, New Zealand] will inform Mr. Ralston that the woolen mills will probably not receive much of the wool Mr. Mc Lennan purchased when there in excess of credits; due to "discouraging letters by Mr. Simon and the Bank [of California]" which the agents of the mills received after Mr. Mc Lennan left to return to San Francisco, prevented shipping all the wool he had engaged and selected; critical of the Bank's action, restrictions upon himself, and the meddling letters; his efforts have made the woolen mills what they are and hints that when he is no longer connected with the mills his "judgement [sic] services and foresight may possibly be better appreciated."
LS 1p.
Two enclosures.
item 8460

[Murray, Roberts and Co. ?], Murray, Roberts and Co., Dunedin, [New Zealand], 18th, Jan[uar]y, 1872. To D[onald] Mc Lennan, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Mc Lennan's letter from Honolulu and noted that which was said about the purchase of wool in excess of credits; James and Simon have written discouraging letters that the sender hesitates "to go in so heavily" as Mr. Mc Lennan wished; Mr. James "growls about the cost of wool being 1 dollar clean but doubts that much wool could be obtained for less"; a buyer expected wool to cost him 1 dollar clean in New York; wool market has gone up since Mr. Mc Lennan left as he thought it would; sure he can sell all the wool obtained for Mr. Mc Lennan at 1 dollar profit.
[no signature] 1p.
Only first page of the letter.
item 8460

[Murray, Roberts and Co. ?], Dunedin, [New Zealand], 17th Feb[ruar]y, 1872. To Donald Mc Lennan.

Additional Note

Considers the letter from the Bank of California "a thorough Bank letter - most careful of what is put in writing and commit themselves to nothing"; the business letter will give the information about the difficulty in shipping the wool due to the carelessness of D.S. and Co.; more difficult to ship 1200 bales to San Francisco than three times the amount to London; will have his own dumping press the next season which will facilitate shipping if Mr. Mc Lennan gives the promised order.
[no signature] 1p.
Only first page of letter.
item 8460

Mc Lennan, D[onald], Office of the Mission and Pacific Wollen Mills, Nos. 517 and 519 Market St[reet] near First, San Francisco, April 4, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter asking Mr. Mc Lennan to explain his letter of the day before and why he sent such a letter; wanted to show Mr. Ralston that his judgment was correct and the statements made in regard to the wool business could be proved; may possibly sever his connection with the mills after he has completed the improvements of Estate and machinery; meant nothing unkind or discourteous to Mr. Ralston in his letter but will always serve him honestly and faithfully.
LS 1p.
item 8500

Macondray and Co., et al, San Francisco, April 24th, [186]9. To Honorable

Additional Note

W[illiam] M. Stewart [and] Honorable Eugene Casserly, Washington City.
A large number of business firms and banks in San Francisco, [the latter by some member of its officers], thank Mr. Stewart and Mr. Casserly on the part of the citizens of the West Coast for the efforts they made in resisting changes in the Mint in order to try to prevent a financial crisis; both the citizens and the press have for the first time been unanimous in condemning new Mint appointments and anxious for their recall; the local Chamber of Commerce had memorialized President [Ulysses S. Grant] against removing the present mint officers; resulted in an inspired general confidence that the President would use his constitutional authority [i.e. his veto power] to protest the public interest"; consider the stoppage of the Mint would be a severe blow to the Pacific Coast; nothing greater could be done by the United States Government; "reliance [is] upon the President".
D 1 p.
This document is probably a copy.
Answer to Stewart. W[illiam] M. and E[ugene] Casserly, The Western Union Telegraph, Pacific Division, Washington, D.C., Apr[il] 22, 1869. To [William C., Ralston, [----] Donohue, [----] Otis, [Isaac] Friedlander, [Milton S.] Latham and C. See 12210.
item 8505

Mallory, A[----] H., Boulder City, [Colorado], Feb[ruary] 7th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Mallory's friend spoke of Mr. Ralston and from the description given of him Mr. Mallory thought that he was one of his old shipmates on the ship Henry Lee which sailed from New York in 1849; feels a deep interest in the survivors; if Mr. Ralston is one he would like to hear from him and will write him his history and that of three others since they left the ship in California.
ALS 2pp.
Mr. Ralston sailed from New Orleans to Chagres on the Bark Madonna, July 3, 1849.
 

Marks, Robert

See Garrison & Fretz.

item 8510

Marshall, F[----] L., Hazelwood, [----], Dec[ember] 14, [1874]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanked Mr. Ralston for the box of fine California grapes which Aunty understood he had sent.
ALS 1p.
P.S.
"Aunty sends her love to Mr. and Mrs. Ralston and little Emma."
item 8515

Martin, J[----] P., Cash[ier], Agency of the Bank of California, Virginia City, [Nevada], June 7th, 1871. To Messrs. McLaughlin and Ryland San Jose, [California].

Additional Note

Had placed $2,800 in checks received to the credit of Governor [----] Bradley as directed.
ALS 1p.
item 8520

Martin, Warrick, New York, August 10, 1869. To. William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Gave Senator John S. Harris of Louisiana a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston; had heard Mr. Ralston was very wealthy and one of the first men in California for which Mr. Martin rejoiced; aided Mr. Ralston more than twenty years ago which always gave him pleasure; Mr. Martin has had his ups and downs but his greatest pleasure has been aiding worthy young men; studied law and practiced it successfully; familiar with quick silver case in which Mr. Ralston was interested and offered a large contingent fee on the side opposed to Mr. Ralston but did not accept; has been in Washington. discovering and bringing to justice those in office and those out of office who have defrauded the government in the previous five years of over $2,000,000 in New York alone; with aid of the local district attorney is accumulating evidence against the defrauders; can get about half the amount received by paying his own expenses; finds he does not have money enough so asks Mr. Ralston for $5,000 to $10,000 and states how he will be repaid; better pay than a quick silver mine with a good title; the Government to pay all expenses of the suits; understands both sides of the quick silver case and expects Congress to push the case through at its next session; must have money soon so asks that the Agency of the Bank of California pay him or cash his drafts and to telegraph him also; may go to California for the Government later.
ALS 10 pp.
[At top of p. 9]
"I have not received any fee from the other side."
item 8420

Martin Warrick, Stevens House, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 27 Broadway, New York, Aug[gust] 26, 1869.

Additional Note

Found Mr. Ralston's telegram and "went to the bank and found all right"; has Mr. Martin's "everlasting thanks for the manifestation of kindness and confidence"; will try to make it pay better than any investment Mr. Ralston ever made; has drawn on Mr. Ralston for $3000; "No. 1 in original and duplicate" to his own order; rushing matters to have a large number of cases ready before Court opens October 1st.
ALS 2pp.
item 8520

Martin, Warrick, Stevens House, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 Broadway, New York, Sept[ember] 3, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has drawn upon the Bank of California for $2000 which he asks Mr. Ralston to pay; hurrying up matters before Court opens which requires much money; may not have to draw again soon; has money coming in; has prospect of making much money soon.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8520

Martin, Warrick, New York, Sept[ember] 23d, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Highly appreciated Mr. Ralston's kindness in his case; expects to make $50,000,000 or $10,000,000 in his operations; has nearly $500,000,000 in frauds against the Government ready to go to court; lengthy account of the frauds, those who made them, Mr. Martin's position in relation to the cases of which he gathers evidences; others feared to undertake the matter because it was felt the law could not be enforced; states the differences between collecting an ordinary claim and these fraud cases; [----] McGarringan [McGarrahan] case will have to be well attended to in the next session of Congress or it will confirm his claim; Mr. Martin will use his influence with the members of Congress when it convenes in Mr. Ralston's favor; bribes to Congressmen in the form of stocks to vote for the claim; may show the McGarrahan part of the letter to Mr. Mills: "Is he one of the Millses family that used to live in the South?"
ALS 10 pp.
item 8520

Martin, Warrick, New York, Sept[ember] 29, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Disappointed in not getting money due him, so Mr. Martin has found it necessary to draw on Mr. Ralston for $1500 to continue his work and asks that amount be paid.
ALS 1 p.
item 8520

Martin, Warrick, New York, October 27, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Getting along well with his work but it is taking more money than he anticipated; has made up cases now in the hands of the district attorney of about sixty million dollars; necessary to draw on Mr. Ralston for fifteen hundred dollars more; time for Mr. Ralston to be giving attention to the quick silver mine case preparatory to the opening of Congress; can write Mr. Martin about it in "fullest confidence"; Mr. Martin will do anything wanted of him.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8520

Martin, Warrick, New York, Nov[ember] 8, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

In order to carry through to success his large undertaking he is forced to draw upon the last $2000 of the $10,000 Mr. Ralston furnished him; great expense caused by need of two copies of all papers in addition to the originals; all originals in the hands of the District Attorney; has made one hundred and fifty cases ready for Court, an immense labor; District Attorney says he will make a large amount of money as a result; Mr. Ralston will hear about him soon in the newspapers.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, April 22d, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has been to Washington three times during the winter to aid Mr. [----] Thompson. Mr. Thompson though it important to have some Panocha Granda $10,000,000 stock to put before the House Committee; Mr. Martin obtained $10,000 of the stock and gave it to him, which, if it has not been, will be put before the Committee at a proper time; Mr. Martin tried to sell to friends of Panocha Granda an interest in New Idria but they have not paid for any; should they fail in Committee they will find the money; they have offered money payments; should the House Committee not give a favorable report on the Panocha Granda that will be the end of it in the Congress and perhaps forever; should the report be favorable extreme measures must be resorted to and Mr. Martin and others will be compelled to testify and will have to expose the corruptness of members; a bill has been prepared to lay before the Senate Judiciary Committee asking for an investigation of the distribution of stock among Senators to influence their votes; Senators will all be forced to vote for the bill or be considered guilty; will show corrupt organization and end this protracted and troublesome litigation; members of both houses will be expelled; those members who have sold cadetships will not be the only corrupt men in Congress; by the course Mr. Martin is compelled to take he will lose several professed friends and $4,000 loaned one of them which he promised to pay when the Pancha Granda case is decided and he can sell his stock in it; can summon a witness to prove another has; Mr. Martin will testify if summoned and stand up for that which is right no matter what the consequences may be; when case is before the Committee Mr. Thompson will notify him to come to Washington to testify in the case if so required.
ALS 8 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, April 24, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Martin investigated corruption in internal revenue prosecutions in New York which have peculiarities not found in any other city; when sent by the Secretary of the Treasury he was told by previous investigators that the situation was so corrupt that it was impossible to do anything; that the law could not be enforced and that it would endanger the person, his liberty, and his life if one attempted to do so; Mr. Martin believed that "right must triumph"; had all kinds of opposition and many trials but has made up $75,000,000 of frauds perpetrated upon the Government by distillers, liquor dealers and Government officials; believes 50 million or more can be collected; his hotel watched by detectives; bribes unsuccessful; corrupt officials and distillers reported that Mr. Martin's investigations were for blackmailing in order to use their influence to have his investigations stopped; "met falsehoods at the door" and continued getting evidence; few cases tried; whiskey ring bought every city newspaper which was against him; won several cases and lost two through bribery and intimidation; Court House surrounded and witnesses sometimes kept away; government official responsible was exposed; he departed; change took place, newspapers praise his work; intimidating officials arrested; can continue work of prosecuting guilty; needs more money and asks Mr. Ralston for additional one to two thousand.
ALS 7 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, May 18, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for letter of credit for two thousand dollars which puts him under additional obligations; going to Washington.
ALS 1 p.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, Stevens House, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 Broadway, New York, Oct[ober] 10, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

As authorized by Mr. Ralston's letter of credit dated May 17th, 1870 Mr. Martin had drawn upon Mr. Ralston "to the order of Lees & Waller for $500" all he was authorized to draw; had written to [George H.] Thompson about the New Idria in care of Mr. Ralston as he knew no other address; had a pleasant interview with [Darius O.] Mills regarding sale of New Idria and will see him again.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, April 10, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had spent most of the time for the three previous years "proving and making up ... cases of fraud against the Government by Internal Revenue officials and others" in New York City; amounts to $80,000,000; delay in prosecution of cases but [New York] Herald of [April] 1st, 2d, and 5th points out that over one hundred indictments have been found with more to be made; has worked hard at a cost of about $20,000 in proving these frauds; will soon be paid and will not forget Mr. Ralston's kindness in letting him have $12,000 which he will repay when paid; had a hard time but determined to succeed; asks that his respects be given to [George H.] Thompkins if he is in California and Mr. Ralston sees him.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, Aug[gust] 6, 1873. To [William] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Had given Dr. R[----] S. Lawa a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston stating that he belonged in the Mutual Tunnel Silver Mining Company of Utah, that he was to visit San Francisco on Company business and that he could be relied upon; have learned since that his statements may not be reliable; warns Mr. Ralston that if he wants to make any operations through his Bank to rely upon his security rather than the letter; the Company has valuable mining property in Utah.
ALS 3 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, Washington, [D.C.], June 5, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

In better health than ever and can do more hard work; never abandons anything until there is no hope of success; still working on the same thing he started in 1869, still confident though greatly tried and distressed but has overcome all obstacles; work may take another year; great difficulty is meeting expenses; expects to "realize largely"; troubled by not being able to repay Mr. Ralston; has heard that he is wealthy through a mutual friend, E[----] L. Gould, who has encouraged him to apply for another loan but difficult for Mr. Martin to ask aid, although he has aided others; needs $3000 to $5000 if Mr. Ralston thinks it proper to loan it which will increase his large debt of gratitude to him; if he cannot Mr. Martin "will be equally grateful for the past".
ALS 4 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, Washington, [D.C.], June 25, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's telegram in reply to Mr. Martin's received but not the letters referred to; Mr. Martin making arrangements with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for paying him ten per cent of the claims after the cases are adjudicated which will take nearly a year; states he is without means to support himself and wife; sorry to trouble Mr. Ralston again and ask for money and would not have done so had not he met Mr. E[----] L. Gould who told him Mr. Ralston was very wealthy and that he and another gentleman were building "the largest hotel in the world"; would not have written Mr. Ralston for money had Mr. Gould not told that which he did; promises to pay all back to Mr. Ralston's soon as circumstances permit.
ALS 3 pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, July 18, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Informs Mr. Ralston that he had gotten things arranged for the immediate collection of his claims in proving the time and money he had spent; returned to New York to help the government officers collect the money due; question how to support himself and wife for the six months or a year it will take is unanswered but will not trouble Mr. Ralston further; his youngest son John is building engines in the Central Pacific shops in Sacramento; Mr. Martin prefers that his son become a business man instead of working at his trade; asks Mr. Ralston to take his son and make a business man of him; gives his qualifications; wants him to give a kind, fatherly care to the boy and employ him as a clerk; has given him a letter of introduction and asks Mr. Ralston to write his son that he would be pleased to see him; whether it will better for him to stay at his trade asks Mr. Ralston to advise him so; asks him to point out to the boy the need to save his money and to teach him how to invest it.
ALS 4pp.
item 8521

Martin, Warrick, New York, Aug[ust] 29, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Martin had received a letter from his son John giving an account of his call upon Mr. Ralston and the kind manner in which he was received and a copy of the note given him to Mr. [----] Towne for which he thanks him; his son will report why he did not report back to Mr. Ralston and why he returned to Sacramento; satisfied with the work he is doing and is determined to make progress; realized that Mr. Ralston remembered the small kindness Mr. Martin had shown him when he was young as evidenced by the note to Mr. Towne; Mr. Martin formerly aided many men of all ages but they have not all been like Mr. Ralston; assures him that he will pay all that he owes him; expects to "realize largely during the next six months".
ALS 2 pp.
item 8525

Mason, Lovel, [West] Orange, [New Jersey], M[ar]ch 19, 1874. To My dear Pastor.

Additional Note

Regarding death of John G. Vose by drowning at Atlantic City; had been in a mental institution the result of a mental breakdown over the death of his wife in Europe; had written to a friend that he was going to Atlantic City to swim across to Brighton, [England] and bring his wife back.
ALS 4 pp.
[Note added at top of page 1.]
Grand Central Station.
Enclosed a newspaper clipping re death of John G. Vose from New York Times, 21 March, 1874.
item 8530

Mason, (Mrs.) W[----] H., Oakland, [California], Decem[ber] 19th, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston whether he will loan an honest man $1000 at 10% interest; can give best of references; asks that request be not denied but that he will help a poor man to rise.
ALS 1 p.
item 8535

[Massett, Stephen C.], St. Denis Hotel, New York, 1 May, 1869. To [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Newspaper clipping, [n.p., undated], about the future population of San Francisco and its leading citizens among them William C. Ralston; Lower California and Mexican coast to be settled by Chinese - "Mr. [Anson] Burlingame's favorite theory"; products produced will be sent through the Golden Gate to be sent across the continent now that the transcontinental rail road is completed; "with 'Jeem Pipes' kind regards to William C. Ralston."
[no signature] 1 p.
 

Mathison, John

See Garrison & Fretz.

item 8540

Maude, Ja[me]s L., St. Louis Pearl Hominy Mills ... Office of Wood, Maude and Co., Nos. 934, 936, 938 and 940 N[orth] Main St[reet], St. Louis, 25th May, 1875. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Maude was a nephew of the late James Lees and was cashier for Lees & Waller after they took the agency for the Bank of California; was acquainted with D[arius] O. Mills and others connected with the Bank whom he met in New York; asking for a position in one of Mr. Ralston's enterprises at the request of his friend W[illia]m le Bean who wants to go to San Francisco; gives Mr. Bean's qualifications and experience; mentions other references if needed.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.] Knew Mr. Ralston's brother Sammy well.
item 8545

Maurice Dore and Co. Auctioneers, per [----] Kent, San Francisco, July 13th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Statement of "account Sales of Real Estate at Private Sale for Account of Wm C. Ralston"; describes real estate sold to A[----] K. Grim. E. and OE.
DS 2p.

Box 5

item 8550

Meade, Richard W., Jr., Commander U[nited] S[tates] N[avy]. U.S. Steamer "Saginaw", Sitka, [Alaska], Feb[ruary] 15th, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Account of gathering furs in Alaska for Mr. Ralston and of the difficulties involved; mention of Indian difficulties; has made soundings of most of the inland waters of Alaska; hopes his California friends will induce the Admiral to relieve him; has named an island after Mr. Ralston "right in front of the big glacier" and gives its latitude and longitude; intends to look for gold in dry streams near Schillkat River next time.
ALS 4 pp.
[P.S.] Asks to be remembered to Commo[dore] [----] Alden and to tell him a letter was written to him by the barque "Menchikoff" which has a Russian prince the former Governor of Alaska on board; has had the "Saginaw" on wood at $35.00 a day in contrast to the $225.00 a day with coal at Sitka prices the preceding year.
item 8560

Meeker, David, [San Francisco], June 28, [18]70. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Informs Mr. Ralston that the presentation of the testimonial to Dr. H[enry] P. Coon from Calvary Church will be made by Governor [Henry H. Haight] June 29 after the close of the lecture.
ALS 1 p.
[P.S.] Amount subscribed $460. Cost of watch, chain and locket $460.
item 8565

Mezes, S[----] M., Belmont [California], Ap[ri]l 10, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Get map from [----] or [----] Whitman each has one; [----] Daley's lots are number thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and seventeen.
T 1 p.
[Note added] "My dear Dore have you a map of Mezes Land showing plots of Land----" - W. C. Ralston
item 8565

Mezes, S[----] M., n.p., April 11th, [1871]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Consulted Mr. Healey's map for the distance from Father Dempsey's corner to Mr. Ralston's front gate of his home; basis for his telegram of the day before; closer examination shows that Lot No. 15 has been repealed which changes the distance to 4500 feet by the travelled road and 1400 in a straight line; only an approximation, but if property is to be conveyed an accurate survey is advised.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8565

Mezes, S[----] M., Belmont, [California], October 1, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Bitter difficulty arose between school trustees and Mrs. [----] Smith, then Mr. Robinson and finally to almost the whole community about a school lot situated in Mrs. Smith's lands; last year school trustees asked $1000 for school purposes, then increased it to $1400; some paid their share, Mr. Ralston paying about $300; Mr. Mezes and others refused and were sued but judgment was in their favor, school lot only one-sixth of an acre valued $16.67; Mr. Robinson bought an acre lot for $100 better suited school purposes than the one in controversy and agreed to remove schoolhouse and make other improvements; trustees asked another $1000 in 1873; to defeat this public meetings were held; trustees agreed to drop the $1000 subsidy and to accept Mr. Robinson's offer; for exclusive use of the pupils Mr. Robinson, Mr. [----] Phelps and Mr. Mezes agreed to pay $100 each, and since Mr. Mezes was authorized to act for Mr. Ralston as for himself Mr. Ralston paid $100; Mr. Ralston can judge for himself whether he has paid twice.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8565

Mezes, S[----] M., The Central Pacific Division of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, Belmont, [California], [April] 10, 1874. Telegram.

Additional Note

"From points named distance by road five thousand feet. In straight line two thousand almost exact in both cases."
D 1 p.
item 8570

Middlemiss, Joseph, Santa Barbara, [California], Aug[ust] 31, 1874. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston had asked Mr. Middlemiss what he wanted but the latter could not tell him; Mr. Ralston said that anything he could do he would do and to let him know; "also to my wife"; Mr. Middlemiss will send Mr. Ralston the particulars of that which he considers "one of the best investments on the lower Coast"; asks Mr. Ralston to give him the profits realized from his investments; "It will not admit of delay."
ALS 1p.
item Unnumbered

Middlemiss, Joseph, Santa Barbara, [California]. Aug[ust] 31, [18]74. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending the promised full particulars [Copy of Subscription List "Open" at Santa Barbara]; hopes Mr. Ralston will telegraph him "to close subscriptions"; that will do himself and family a great deal of good "both in this community and in pocket"; leaves the door open for the erection of the hotel by his friends; promises to keep Mr. Ralston posted; "anticipating a glorious response [----] over the wire with power to close".
ALS 1p.
[Enclosed]
item 8570

Copy of Subscription List "Open" at Santa Barbara.

Additional Note

Subscribers agree to pay in installments the amounts subscribed to purchase lots in Santa Barbara with the object to erect a hotel thereon; the Sea Side Hotel Association to be formed to carry out the purpose; states amount of capital stock; subscribers entitled to number of shares according to their paid up subscriptions; election of Trustees; terms regarding purchase of the land and the erection of a hotel or, if thought best, the sale of the land; lists subscribers and amount subscribed to August 31, 1874.
D. 4 pp.
 

Middleton and Boyd

See Garrison & Fretz

item 8575

Miller, Frank, National Gold Bank of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, Nov[ember] 22d, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Miller, Cashier of the above bank, "firmly but politely declines receiving pay from Mr. Ralston; returns the latter's check and promises to look in bank records without charge to him; supposes that doctors and lawyers seldom accept fees from others in their respective professions; "bankers can certainly be as polite."
ALS
[Note added]
"Check Rec'd and destroyed. WCR"
"Wilson Read and Return Reply to W.C.R. for..." [incomplete]
item 8575

Miller, Frank, Cash[ie]r National Gold Bank of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, [California], Sep[tember] 12th, 1874. To Bank of California.

Additional Note

Had received a letter from Bank of California dated September 11th, 1874 with enclosures; the collection of Bank of California "accepted by Lindley and Co. and entered for collection"; returning protested checks of A[lonza] Delano on Mr. Miller's Bank and charged the Bank of California $13 protest fees; asked that Bank to talk with D[arius] O. Mills about it.
ALS 1 p.
Totaling of Gold and Silver checks at bottom of page.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O. and Co., Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, [California], April 3d, 1858. To F[----] W. Page, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Page's letter with a $150 draft on Binky and Hansbrow enclosed; enclosed the Bank's check for the same amount.
L 1 p.
The following letter on the same page as the preceding letter of D.O. Mills and Co., Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, [California], April 3d, 1858. To F[----] W. Page, San Francisco.
item Unnumbered

Miller, H[enry], n.p., undated [Probably Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co.], Sacramento, [California], April 3d, 1858. To F[----] W. Page, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had hoped that Mrs. P[age] could get more than $100 for her pew; if it had been impossible to obtain more when the money was needed Mr. Miller would take the deed or bill of sale if sent him; has enough scrip to pay that much for a pew for which he will never get anything out of it, therefore he does not want to pay more.
ALS 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item 8585

Miller, Jno. [John] F., Washington, D.C., Feb[ruar]y 27, 1870. To W[illiam] C. Ralston Esq.

Additional Note

Will set Mr. Ralston right upon that which he mentioned and everything else concerning him; considers the attack upon the Bank of California and Mr. Ralston by the United States Treasurer [F. E. Spinner] and his ring disgraceful; "venomous article in N.Y. Sun ... on the Bank of California": believed to have been written by [F. E. Spinner], [Morton] Cheeseman and a Bohemian associate; has talked with [----] Bowles, a friend of Mr. Ralston and has written about the Bank of California; Mr. Miller interested in making San Francisco the fur market for North America and headquarters for the fur trade though opposed by George S. Boutwell, United States Secretary of Treasury; if that fails some eastern concern will have control and San Francisco will be only a half way station; comments on death of [Anson] Burlingame.
ALS 3pp.
P.S. Hoped San Francisco Chamber of Commerce would keep quiet, i.e. not oppose Mr. Miller in the fur matter; a resolution should be passed by the Chamber asking "Congress to give the Alaskan Commercial Co[mpany] control of those islands on the terms that Company proposes"; the resolutions passed the previous year are being used against those interested in the preservation of the seal fisheries which can be done only by putting the business under one management.
item 8590

Miller, (Mrs.) Gen[era]l Jno. [John] F., et al, San Francisco, Feb[ruary] 17th, 1865. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The undersigned ladies met for the purpose of establishing a "Female Hospital" in San Francisco, selected a Board of Trustees in order to incorporate and hold real estate which included W[illia]m C. Ralston, Governor [Henry H.] Haight, Bishop [William Ingraham] Kip, M[ilton] S. Latham, and Frank M. Pixley; requests an early answer that Mr. Ralston accepts the office.
ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O. and Co., Sacramento, [California], July 4, [18]56. To F[----] W. Page, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Page's letter of July 3, 1856; had tried to contact the parties but no success; collections will have to be delayed until later.
L 1p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, [California], Aug[ust] 11th, 1856. To F[----] W. Page, Esqr., San Francisco.

Additional Note

Enclosed the Bank's check on Tallant and Wilson [?] for $40, the amount of the July dividend of the Tuolumne Co[unty] Water Co. on Mrs. J[----] M. Page's stock.
ALS 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O. and Co., Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento [California], Feb[ruar]y 12, 1858. To Ja[me]s Pownall, Esq., Secretary of Tuolumne County Water Co., Columbia, [California].

Additional Note

Requested that W[----] O. Slupert and Co. be paid all of the dividends on the stock of the thirteen stockholders listed together with the amount of dividend due each one; D.O. Mills and Co., were attorneys for those parties; this letter to be considered the receipt.
L 1p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O. and Co., Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, [California]. March 1, 1858. To F[----] W. Page, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Page's letter of February 27th with the enclosed draft for $150 on Baker and Hamilton which has been collected and is being remitted with this letter by the bank's check on Fretz and Ralston; is returning Mr. Page's draft on Binky and Hansbrow since they have paid their rent to David's agent; no additional news from Columbia or Sonora [California] about which to write.
L 1p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills D[arius] O. and Co., Banking House of D.O. Mills and Co., Sacramento, [California], March 9, 1858. To F[----] W. Page, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Page's letter of March 6th; has found out that the of Rauble and Pendleton is not "good"; they have mortgaged the mill and for more than could be sold for; besides they owe other large amounts, according to the mortgage holder.
L 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., Sanfrancisco [sic], Oct[ober] 23d, 1860. To Ja[me]s Pownall.

Additional Note

This letter to be given to Mr. Pownall by Cha[rle]s Alvord, the gentleman from Sacramento, [California], about whom he had written Mr. Pownall; Mr. Alvord was expected to want "advice and information and perhaps assistance" to help him to be successful in carrying out his plans; Mr. Alvord will explain further about it; Mr. Mills trusts it will "be a good purchase".
ALS 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O., n.p., Febr[uar]y 16th, [186]5. To Lees & Waller. "Domingo".

Additional Note

Suggested things that should be done by Lees & Waller; states objections to proposition; otherwise proposition satisfactory; views of Bank of California in its letter of February 3; when approved by Mr. Lees arrangements can be made with the Oriental Bank [Corporation, London]; to be no interference with with other things.
LS 1 p.
To Hill collect DOM
[Partly in code. Not in handwriting of Mr. Mills but signed by him.]
item 8600

Mills, [Darius O.], n.p., [probably San Francisco], 3rd March, 1865. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had talked with [----] Stow regarding an advance to account of [----] Thompson; Mr. Stow agreed that credit should not be withdrawn; to protect Mr. Ralston Mr. Mills stated that large enough assessment would be levied which would pay Mr. Ralston whenever he said that no settlement was made with [----] Overman.
ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., Office Tuolumne County Water Co., California, Sept[ember] 9, 1865. To The Secretary of the Tuolumne County Water Co.

Additional Note

Requests that payment be made to C[----] C. Holton of all the dividends on the stock of the eleven stockholders listed; this letter to be his receipt [?] for the same.
ALS 1 p.
D.O. Mills and Co. were agents and attorneys for the parties listed.
Original in Bancroft Library
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O., New York, Nov[ember], 23, 1867, via Western Union Telegraph Company, Pacific Division. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Re propositions that can be made for payment.
D 1 p.
[Mostly in code.]
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O., The Western Union Telegraph Company, New York, Jan[uary] 23, 1868. To Barron & Co. Telegram.

Additional Note

Mr. Mills is "doubtful about Policy raising price but advises the Company to use its discretion; thinks nothing should be shipped from New York; recent development telegraphed; New Idria Mine case required his immediate attention in Washington; besides settling with [----] Butterworth, Barron & Co. should telegraph Quicksilver Mining Company that it should give notes signed by the Company's officers which agree with the Directors' officers which agree with the Directors' resolution which can be delivered to Lees & Waller for Barron & Co.
D. 1 p.
[Partly in code.]
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O., n.p., April 30th, [187]0. To [Charles J. F.] Stuart.

Additional Note

Gives reasons for not writing sooner; comments on visit of [William W.] Cargill and wife; wishes that Mr. Stuart would visit the United States, since such a trip would be very interesting to him; lengthy remarks on Bank affairs and the account of the Bank of California with the Oriental Bank Bank Corporation, London; requests Mr. Stuart's views and any suggestions regarding the future of the account.
ALS 5 pp.
item 8155

Mills, D[arius] O., Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, New York, Sept[ember] 26th, 1871. To Cha[rle]s J. F. Stuart, Man[age]r, O.B.C., London, [England]. Copy.

Additional Note

Mr. Mills came to New York City on private business; would "be useful and convenient" for the Bank [of California] to have its credit with the O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] extended from £250,000 to £300,000 for the rest of 1871; despite recent increased mining developments and general trade being sound, business has not recovered from the recent depression due to the lack of rain; lack of water reduced the production of bullion; with plenty of rain during the coming fall and winter everything "will revive and prosper"; should the Bank of California make use of this credit it would cover cotton or bullion soon after [January 1, 1872].
ALS 2 pp.
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O., Office of Lees & Waller, 33 Pine Street, Agency of the Bank of California, New York, Oct[ober] [?], 1871.

Additional Note

Impressed with higher rates for gold being expected; the bank customers will draw on this heavily to take advantage of the higher rates; the extreme dry season will bring an increased demand for money; feels that Mr. Ralston "cannot be too careful in bridging over the fall"; advises that the "Bank of England's rate is up 5%" also exchange; should keep in as good shape as possible and not put too much money in mining operations; things in the office seem to be quiet which gave him a more favorable impression than other places he had called since everywhere else everyone was "sharp for speculation"; enjoys quiet stay and expects to return about October 22.
AlS 3 pp.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., n.p., Dec[ember] 6th, [18]71. To [Henry M.] Yerington.

Additional Note

Had received Mr. Yerington's letter of December 4th and referred it to [William C.] Ralston; afterward J[----] Mackin appeared; Mr. Mackin asked that the weighing charge be taken off which could not be done; made no objection to mill credit being paid; Messrs. [William] Sharon and Ralston had suggested to him that the Park and Bonin claim be bought out to end the controversy regarding; the next day he was going up regarding the Juneitta [?]; Mr. Sharon declined to pay the assessment and asked Mr. Mills whether he would pay it for the stock to which the latter agreed; turned over to him unexpectedly making Mr. Mills a large stock owner and the reason for telegraphing Mr. Yerington; Mr. Mills will be glad to see him with the month's statement; requested not to mention the syndicate since Mr. Sharon paid no attention to it which is all right.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.]
Had received telegram from Mr. Yerington; should he want the additional amount mentioned it "will be all right."
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., San Francisco, M[ar]ch 11th, [18]72. To S[----] L. M. Barlow.

Additional Note

Had received his note of Feb[ruar]y 14th; the delay in sending Mr. Barlow the grape vines was that [Alfred A.] Cohen was going to take them along with some of the same for his friends when he left the following Saturday; Mr. Mills had ordered cuttings as Mr. Cohen was doing; informs him that "the pines and bananas were doing well" but the wet winter had made his work with them very slow.
ALS 2 pp.
Original in Huntington Library.
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O., n.p. [probably San Francisco], April 30th, [187?]2. To Hon[orable] Yoshido Kuyonari, Grand Hotel.

Additional Note

Mr. Kuyonari is given translated copies of the telegrams sent to the Oriental Bank Corporation, London, on April 30th [by the Bank of California] and of its reply "on the 26th of the same month which he requested; The Bank of California is not sending the Finance Department of the Japanese Government a lengthy statement on the subject matter which Mr. Kuyonari will be given to forward the next morning.
ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., n.p., April 30th, [187]2. To Honorable Yoshida Kiyonari.

Additional Note

Sending requested copies of the telegram sent to the Oriental Bank Corporation, London, and its reply; Bank of California is sending a lengthy account of the transaction on the subject to be forwarded through Mr. Yoshida to the Japanese Finance Department.
LS 1 p.
Telegrams included but not in handwriting of Mr. Mills.
item 8600

Mills, D[arius] O[gden], n.p., May 7, [187]2. To The Honorable Yoshida Kiyonari, Vice Minister and c, Grand Hotel.

Additional Note

Acknowledged his kind note of May 3rd and the gifts referred to therein which will be prized as souvenirs of the Vice Ministers "visit and tokens of your [his] regard". hopes to have the pleasure of meeting him again.
ALS 1 p.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., The Bank of California, San Francisco, July 9th, 1872. To H[enry] M. Yerington, Esq., Sup[erintendent, Virginia and T[ruckee] R[ail] Road.

Additional Note

Having consulted with [William] Sharon, he is sending to Mr. Yerington Ch[arle]s E. Johnson with this note; this man needs employment, having been unsuccessful in business and out of work for some time, so is willing to do almost anything; Mr. Mills has known him and his family for a long time so requests that he be given whatever work is available.
ALS 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., San Francisco, 17th Aug[ust], 1875. To A[ndrew] J[ackson] Ralston, Esq., Vice President, V[irginia] and T[ruckee] R[ail] R[oad Co., Virginia City, [Nevada].

Additional Note

Enclosed Invoices and Bills of Lading for assorted kinds of railroad irons shipped to Reno for the account of the V[irginia] and T[ruckee] R[ail] R[oad] Co.; will handle the disbursement for the amount of the invoices himself and charge it to the account on San Francisco on his books to the R[ail] R[oad] Co[mpany], with interest at 10% per annum; additional shipments may be made of which Mr. Ralston will be notified.
ALS 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., San Francisco, 19th August, 1875. To A[ndrew] J[ackson] Ralston, Esq., V[irginia] and T[ruckee] R[ail] R[oad] Co., Virginia City, [Nevada].

Additional Note

Enclosed Invoices and B[ills] [of] Lading for another shipment of Steel Rails which completes the 400 Tons ordered; the amount of the invoice is charged to the Rail Road Company on the books in San Francisco.
ALS 1 p.
Original in Huntington Library.
item Unnumbered

Mills, D[arius] O., San Francisco, 27 Aug[ust], 1875. To H[enry] M. Yerington.

Additional Note

Requested that an account for the Virginia and Truckee Rail Road be opened with Wells Fargo and Com[pany]; [William] Sharon's own "affairs in good order"; no need for [D L] Bliss to come down since The Bank [of California] will be unable to open.
L 1 p.
Not in handwriting of Mr. Mills nor is his name signed by him.
 

Mills, Darius O.

See also Lees & Waller.

 

Mills, Darius O.

See also Oriental Bank Corporation.

item 8700

Mills, E[----], New York, July 8th, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for letter and draft for $100; informs him that he does not seem to remember that in the last account rendered she had a balance of over $500; needs $400 badly; appeals to Mr. Ralston's generosity and his goodness of heart will tell him that the sender has "done something to to contribute to your [his] great advantage and prosperity", and asks his help in her time of adversity; states circumstances and that which will result if Mr. Ralston does not help her; gives references.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8705

Milne, Robert Duncan, San Francisco, 16 Jan[uary], 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Begs to apologize for whatever may have happened the preceding day that was unbecoming a gentleman; would like to apologize to Mr. Ralston in person by waiting on him on the day specified.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8705

Milne, Robert Duncan, S[an] F[rancisco], April 9th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has completed his steam engine and submits the following account about it for Mr. Ralston's consideration; has been tested in the Globe Iron Works in San Francisco; gives a description of his engine, its cubic contents, the cut-off and steam leakage; gives its advantages; would like to demonstrate.
ALS 3 pp.
P.S. Will wait upon Mr. Ralston the following morning.
item 8710

Mitchell, J[ohn] H[ipple], Portland, Oregon, May 16th, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Mitchell and family reached Portland after a "tedious voyage with continued head-winds"; his health has improved; the local press is "partly wrong" and he is forced to talk more than he really should but expects to get along all right; asks Mr. Ralston to ask Dr. [----] H[ague] to send him a certificate of the time Mr. Mitchell was confined to his bed under Dr. H[ague]'s care; some Portland societies of which he is a member want it; thinks it is about 12 days or two weeks.
ALS 2 pp.
[Note added]
Doctor Hague will please give needfull certificate for two weeks. --WRC
item 8710

Mitchell, J[ohn] H[ipple], Portland, Oregon, July 6, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his kind offer to do anything he can for him; has nothing specific at the time; much that is "infamously and naturally false" has been said against Mr. Mitchell which puts him into a position where he cannot afford to engage in a newspaper controversy to fight against the false charges; criticism of those who made the charges; encloses a copy of a letter from Hon[orable] E[benezer] McJunkins, member of congress from Butler, Penn[sylvania], where Mr. Mitchell once resided and who is familiar with his history there; has resided in Portland, Oregon, thirteen years; his former Oregon friends all stand by him; is of the opinion that Mr. Ralston can secure the cooperation of U. S. Senators [Aaron A.] Sargent, [Eugene] Casserly, and [William M.] Stewart for Mr. Mitchell; feels that the Alta [California] has made a more malicious and contemptible attack upon him than any other paper; comments on the health of his family.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S. Anything Mr. Ralston wishes to say to Mr. Mitchell will be "strictly confidence" if so desired.
The following letter was enclosed with the above:
item 8710

McJunkin, E[benezer], Butler, Penn[sylvani]a, June 2, [18]73. To J[ohn] H[ipple] Mitchell. Copy.

Additional Note

Told Mr. Mitchell that it was one of the great pleasures of his life was to see him sworn in as an United States Senator; considered him worthy of the position; characterizes Mr. Mitchell whom he has known since boyhood; compliments him highly.
ALS 3 pp.
item 8710

Mitchell, J[ohn] H[ipple], United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], July 4th, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's kind note with a statement of his affairs with the Bank; thanks him for his kind words of congratulations; has been successful in Washington; false representations made against Mr. Mitchell but an investigation by a full Committee "pronounced the charges malicious and false" with the exception of the one regarding his financial affairs; owns desirable property in Oregon which would not sell for enough to meet his liabilities of about $100,000; Mr. [Ben] Holladay insisted that he would take the property as security and carry his indebtedness; said he would make arrangements but later refused to help him; his agent had advanced Mr. Mitchell $1250 to pay a pressing note but finally had to pay the agent himself; account of Mr. Mitchell's financial condition; asks Mr. Ralston that which he should do to avoid disgrace of bankruptcy; one friend is ready to carry $20,000 and wait three years for interest provided others would carry the balance; all property to be turned over as security; most of the indebtedness due at the time; asked Mr. Ralston's advice; Bank statement indicates interest paid by Mr. Holladay but Mr. Mitchell insisted it was an error and that he paid it himself.
ALS 6 pp.
[Note added]
What answer? [Initials illegible.]
 

Mitchell, Mary A.

See Rice John

item 8715

Mixer, Georgia E., Sacramento, [California], June 17th, [18]73. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Saw a newspaper item that room was being made for a few ladies in Mr. Ralston's banking house, for she is making an application for a position there; is a grammar school teacher in Sacramento; her family is in Marysville, California, where her stepfather is the Mayor; has "no friends, political or otherwise," to take an interest in her and unless Mr. Ralston does she will have to remain in her present position; hopes there is a possibility of obtaining a position.
ALS 2 pp.
[Note added, p. 1.]
Answer.
item 8720

Moore, J[----] S., Custom House, New York City, August 6th, 1875. To Hon[orable] William B. [C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Called at Mr. Ralston's office to say good bye but he was absent and two others were waiting to see him; thanks him for his hospitality and kindness that he and Mrs. Ralston extended to him and his wife and the delightful time spent at Belmont; has partaken of hospitality in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia but nowhere does it equal that of California; hopes it does not change by increase of power, population and wealth; gives an account of the commercial and financial situation; cannot give "a very rose color prospect for the future"; Jay Gould loaded with his dear stocks which he cannot dispose of; distrust buying foreign exchange; outflow of gold; crops damaged by rain; California will not be affected since it will mean higher prices for its grain and her gold is the hope for the country; however, a disaster in the East may affect the West in sympathy; may "transplant" himself and family to San Francisco, in an official capacity perhaps, in a couple of years.
ALS 6 pp.
[Note added]
This is very good. Wm
item 8725

Moran, William I., New York, March 1st, [18]75. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

About to leave for California and would like employment there; gives his occupation qualifications; would like to hear from Mr. Ralston as to whether he could find something for him or have work for him in the new hotel he is building; since he is a stranger he would not dare go to a strange place where he knew no one; learned Mr. Ralston's name from a shipment of plaster to him for the Palace Hotel; "try and do something as I requested of you."
ALS 2 pp.
N.B. Asked to be excused for taking the liberty to address Mr. Ralston "on such business", but hoped he would think about it.
 

Morgenstern, Robert

See Central Pacific Railroad Collection.

item 8730

Morrill, Justin S., San Francisco, Cal[ifornia], Sep[tember] 6, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his "instinted [sic] hospitality and varied attentions" since he came to this "interesting country"; Mrs. Morrill and Miss Swan also offered "their grateful acknowledgements for similar attentions"; wishes Mr. Ralston prosperity and "a glorious future for his country."
ALS 1 p.
item 8735

Morris, W[illia]m Gouverneur, Officer United States Marshall For the District of California, San Francisco, November 15th, 1869.

Additional Note

Encloses a letter received from his sister Mrs. [Anne] Ramsay in New York; sends it in advance of Mr. [----] Bignoli's arrival since he will not arrive until some days later.
ALS 1 p.
The following letter was enclosed with the above:
item 8735

Ramsay, Anne M., Washington [D.C.]. Sept[ember] 30th, [1869]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Letter introducing Mr. Brignoli who intends to spend a short time in San Francisco and wishes to meet some of the prominent men there; will appreciate that Mr. Ralston "make his stay agreeable"; Mrs. Ramsay regretted having to leave and wishes she were back; saw that the "capacious and hospitable mansion at Belmont" had accommodated over a hundred guests; "remembers with great pleasure" her visit there.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8740

Moulder, Andrew Jackson, Sec[retary] B[oar]d [of] Regents, State of California, Regents of the University, San Francisco, August 15th, 1870. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

The Board of Regents unaminously voted to thank Mr. Ralston for the two volumes of "A History of the University of Oxford -- its Colleges, Halls and Public Buildings" which he presented to the University Library; the Regents ordered them inscribed, "The Gift of William C. Ralston" praises the volumes and hopes that as splendid a history of the University of California may be written at some future time.
ALS 1 p.
item 8745

Mulford, Prentice, London, [England], Jan[uary] 6th, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed a notice showing that he is carrying out the proposed programme formulated before he left California; not easy to get a hearing before the English public but thinks he is succeeding; asks that this be shown to Mr. [----] Roberts; grateful for the help given him.
ALS 1 p.
[Enclosure]
Is of the opinion that the many "Strikes" among all classes of working people and continuous rise in the cost of living are tending toward paving the way for a large emigration from London; intends talking about California during his stay in England; after his last a gentleman inquired about the climate in San Francisco which gratified Mr. Mulford; gives his London address.
2 pp.
item 8750

Murchy, Maggie R., Vincent, Washington Co[unty], Ohio, November 16th, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Saw an item about Mr. Ralston in the Cincinnati Gazette which was thought to be about her cousin John Caldwell Ralston who went to California twelve years ago and had not been heard from since; a neighbor met a Mr. Ralston in Kansas about two years before who might have been the cousin; found the initials were "W C" instead of "J C" but thinks Mr. Ralston might be the long lost "Caldwell"; requests that Mr. Ralston write whether he is or is not the cousin; if not, they would have to look elsewhere; asks whether Mr. Ralston's folk came from Scotland.
ALS 3 pp.
item 8750

Murchy, Maggie R., Vincent, Washington Co[unty] Ohio, May 2d, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Reason for delay in not answering letter; gives Ralston family connection; wishes her cousin would come and make Mr. Ralston's acquaintance; does not know his address; grateful for Mr. Ralston's interest in finding him; would like to have a photograph of Mr. Ralston and his family; gives immediate family history.
ALS 4 pp.
item 8755

Murphy, J[----] H., San Francisco, March 5, 1873. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Has the honor to inform Mr. Ralston that he has been elected unaniminously as an Honorary member of the San Francisco Cadets according to the resolutions listed below which were adopted at a Company meeting, December 4th, 1872.
DS 1p.
Reply from Ralston, Letter Press Copy
 

Murray, Roberts and Co.[?]

See McLennan, Donald.

item 8760

Myrick, J[oseph], n.p., undated To Messrs. Fretz and Ralston. Copy.

Additional Note

Leaves the Bankers $5,000 to be invested in California Steam Navigation Stock at not more than 50¢ or less; if it cannot be invested at the rate within a month will be satisfied with any other on good security, but would prefer the one mentioned; believes it will sell for less in a couple of months.
L 1 p.
item 8760

Myrick, [?], New York, Nov[ember] 29, 1864, via California State Telegraph Company. To Fretz and Ralston. Telegram.

Additional Note

Inquired how and at what rates has money been invested.
T 1 p.
[Note added in different handwriting.]
left Crown to buy Cal
S N Co stock $5000
 

Myrick, [?]

See also Garrison & Fretz

item 8700

Naglee, Henry Morris, Exchange and Banking House of McLaughlin and Ryland, San Jose Cal[ifornia], April 18, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Once talked of a scheme which he desired Mr. Ralston and friends to undertake to erect buildings needed for summer entertainment of their families and friends upon the"delightful grounds of the public park" belonging to San Jose; lists its outstanding features; buildings to accommodate 600 people, to pay well and be managed under rules and regulations made by Mr. Ralston and friends; asks Mr. Ralston to name a day when he will bring his friends to examine for themselves; to lease for ten years; sent [----] Wentworth away enthusiastic and delighted with all he saw.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8700

Naglee, Henry M., San Jose, [California], May 17, [18]74. To [William] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for case of Wert and Sons "Golden Eagle" received through Wells Fargo and Co[mpany]; notified that there is a case for him at the depot but fears an error has been made and that the case of wine was intended for Mr. Ralston; the latter's "Copper Bottomed friends", from Cincinnati seemed to enjoy their visit to the [Santa Clara] Valley; exceeding nice people" with whom Mr. Naglee was "muched pleased"; "When are you coming down?"
ALS 2pp.
 

Neil, William

See Carandini, Marie

item 8705

Nelson, W[illiam] Panama, 28 April, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Sending Mr. Ralston photographs of "the beauties of Lima" by the steamer "Constitution" in Wells Fargo Co[mpany's] bag; enclosed note from Mr. T[----] D., Richardson stating he could not procure any artistic scenes; will try to get someone else to get them; thanks Mr. Ralston for his invitation.
ALS 1 p.
The following letter was enclosed with the preceeding one:
item 8705

Richardson, T[----] D., Callao, [Peru], 11th April, 1869. To W[illia]m Nelson, Esq. S.S. "Pazta"

Additional Note

Sending part of the collection of photographs desired by present Steamer; cannot get artistic cartes only the French style which is not wanted because heavy fines have been placed on sellers; cannot obtain as many cartes as desired but sending all that can be obtained; obtained only a very small Chile collection but not sending it until someone can be gotten to put the names on them.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8705

Nelson, W[illiam]. Office Commercial Agent Panama Rail-Road, Panama, 29 May, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending balance of photographs from the South by Wells Fargo & Co. and Bill for $97.60; nothing has come from Europe.
ALS 1 p.
The following letter was enclosed with the above:
item 8705

Richardson, T[----] D. Callao, [Peru, 11th May, 1869. To W[illia]m Nelson, Esq. S.S. Pazta.

Additional Note

Sending by Steamer "Pazta" a small collection of cartes of visite obtained in Chile; no more variety to be obtained; cannot get anything artistic in Callao although he tried his "best effort"; fears he has not been successful in his encargo; has done his best and hopes to be more lucky next time"; encloses memorandum of expenses and has taken liberty of drawing on Mr. Nelson for the amount spent which he hopes will be honored.
ALS 2 pp.
Memorandum listing items and costs enclosed.
item 8705

Nelson, W[illiam] Panamá, 27th July, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letters of June 7 and 18, the latter containing draft for $100 and thanks him for it; returning letter of credit on Lees & Waller for $2500 cancelled; Purser T[----] [D.], Richardson has promised to try again to get some artistic views and if successful he has forwarding address to Mr. Ralston; nothing that Mr. Ralston wanted was obtainable in Bogotá but Mr. Nelson was promised some scenic views of the Republic; Mr. Ralston's old acquaintance, Col[onel] Tollen is going to California to look after his mining property; Mr. Nelson would be obliged for any attention shown him.
Returning to New York for a month, then taking a trip around the world and will return via San Francisco to take the steamer for Panamá; if he can serve Mr. Ralston in any way on his trip, he has only to say so.
Commission is to examine claims against Mexico; Mr. Nelson owned a one quarter interest in the Commodore Stockton which steamer the Mexican Government seized at Acapulco; Mr. Ralston and R[alph] S[tover] Fretz owned the other three fourths; asks about its condition and about the claim and whether they will get anything out of it.
ALS 2 pp.
 

Nelson, William

See also Garrison & Fretz

item 8710

Nesmith, T[----] L., San Diego, Cal[ifornia], 4th March, 1875, To Hon[orable] W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

His son Otto A. Nesmith is en route to California via Panamá; educated; 22 years old; would like to have him enter Mr. Ralston's employ with sufficient salary to pay for his board and clothing; hopes for an early and favorable reply.
ALS 2 pp.
item 8715

New Jersey Party, Oct[ober], [18]69.

Additional Note

List of members.
item 8720

New York and Hartford Publishing Co., 41 Park Row, New York, May 22 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Company is to publish a volume of sketches of the lives of Progressive Men of America and would like to have a sketch of Mr. Ralston's life within two or three weeks; to be the finest kind of work in all aspects ever published.
LS 1 p.
2 page printed announcement of Men of Progress, second series, included.
item 8725

Nichols, Ella F., San Francisco, Sept[ember], 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Explains that the Steamer Excursion invitation of a Committee of Ladies and Gentlemen of the First Congregational Church of San Francisco is an excursion to help complete the payment of the debt for the furnishing of the new church; asks help by purchasing tickets for the excursion on San Francisco Bay in the steamer Yosemite on October 4th.
LS 1 p.
Committee included.
[Note]
Send $20 W.C.R.
item 8730

Nongues, Jos[eph] M., The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], April 12th, 1873. To Central Pacific Railroad Company. Memorandum.

Additional Note

Receipt for $500 for "professional services in the case of J[----] H. Manko vs. Potrero and Bay View Railroad Company in District Court, San Francisco."
[Notes added]
"Received above bill from W. C. Ralston, Esq., April 12th, 1873. Jo[seph] M. Nongues"
"The Bank of California pay and charge Contract Finance Company under orders of [----] Haley and confirmed and c. W. C. Ralston"
Last note written vertically across the receipt.
See Brown, W[----] E., Sec[retar]y, Office of the Contract and Finance Company, Sacramento, [California], Ap[ri]l 28, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.
item 8735

Nordhoff, Charles, New York, Dec[ember] 19, [1872] To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Wonders whether he has done enough for California to warrant asking a favor of Mr. Ralston; his California book is a success and the publishers feel that his magazine articles have been so popular that they suggested that Mr. Nordhoff do a book on Oregon, Northern California, and the Sandwich Islands; does not feel he can do any more books and articles at his expense; Harpers will publish several illustrated articles on Oregon and should also do the same on the Sandwich Islands and Northern California; might send some letters to a New York paper like the [New York] Tribune; would take at least ten months to do this; feels that Ben Holladay and others should help him do Oregon and thinks that three articles on that state and publication in a book with eight letters in a New York paper should bring $7,500 and he will have $1,500 expense for wood cuts; will persuade [Collis P.] Huntington to help him with Northern California; will probably have to do the Sandwich Islands at his own expense; has been told Mr. Ralston is Mr. Holladay's adviser and would like Mr. Ralston to make an arrangement with him; specifies the terms and wants them kept private as he wants it understood he will tell the truth; if Mr. Ralston telegraphs him "ALL RIGHT, YOU CAN COME", Mr. Nordhoff will understand that the money is forthcoming; can draw up an agreement when he arrives in California; his book has sent hundreds of visitors to California; the Oregon book and articles will draw people to that state; comments on Mr. Ralston's action regarding the great Diamond Bubble.
ALS 11 pp.
The following two items are related to the last item:
item 8735

[Ralston, William C.], [San Francisco], undated To C[ollis] P. Huntington.

Additional Note

"Please say to [Charles] Nordorff that the Oregon Land Company and [Ben] Holladay's Road have spent over ten thousand dollars publishing fullest information on Oregon Lands; see [----] Otis, 42 Broadway; -- [William] Nordhoff and I will personally guarantee [Mr.] Nordhoff two thousand dollars -- if he can arrange the balance."
D 1 p.
Probably office copy of a telegram sent by Mr. Ralston and in his own handwriting but unsigned.
item 8735

Huntington, C[ollis] P., V[ice] P[resident], The Central Pacific Division of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, New York, Dec[ember] 30, 1872. Telegram.

Additional Note

"Have you[r] letter from Charles Nordhoff. Please answer him by telegraph."
D 1 p.
item 8740

Norris, W[illia]m, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 4, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[Ben] Holladay understands that Mr. [James] Lees purchased N[orth] P[acific] [Navigation Company] stock at the request of Mr. Ralston and with his guarantee; Mr. Lees dissatisfied; Mr. Holladay requested Mr. Norris to take back the stock and pay back the purchase price; Mr. Lees sold five shares of the stock to Mr. [William S.] Ladd which Mr. Holladay thinks Mr. Ralston should try to control since it was bought for the purpose of embarrassing Mr. Lees in his business operations although he did not know it; wants Mr. Ralston to see that which he can do to control those shares.
ALS 3 Pp.
item 8740

[Norris, William, William?], Frankfort -o[n]-M[ain], [Germany], January 8th, 1874. To H[----] Hohenemser, Esq., President of Committee of Bondholders Oregon and California Rail Road.

Additional Note

Since the bondholders of the Oregon and California Rail Road Company have accepted the propositions made to them, Mr. Norris informs the President of the Committee of Bondholders of the Company that he will assume up to $75,000 of its floating indebtedness but not interest on its bonds, the Oregon Central Rail Road Company to collect it; Mr. Norris agrees that the President of the Rail Road Company shall not be paid more than $600 per month and the Company is to pay the receiver appointed by the bondholders $500 per month; the Rail Road Company to pay the Deutsch VereinsBank one half of one per cent on all money which the Bank pays for the Company.
L unsigned. 1 p.
This may be a copy of the letter sent to H. Hohenemser.
item 8740

Norris, W[illia]m, Paris, [France], Jan[uary] 16, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed copy of preliminary contract regarding [Oregon and California Rail Road Company and Ben Holladay personally] which the Committee of Bondholders of the Company accepted and which it is thought the bondholders will accept; Mr. Norris has improved in health; will be glad to return to San Francisco and talk about his European mission with Mr. Ralston; gives his European itinerary; has written [Milton S.] Latham.
ALS 3 pp.
Contract enclosed outlines the manner of conducting the business of the Oregon and California Rail Road Company which failed to pay interest to the bondholders so that they may obtain their payments.
D 9 pp.
item 8740

Norris, W[illiam], Nice, [France], Jan[uary] 30, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had received telegram that the bondholders had accepted contract [of the Oregon and California Rail Road Company] subject to certain conditions; has written Ben [Holladay] but he may not be in San Francisco so wrote to Mr. Ralston; L[ees] and W[aller] Bank "may try to make Ben [Holladay] think that the prior arrangement will depend upon his giving some security for the debt"; which he must refuse to do; "[----] [Rodewald] and [Milton S.] Latham may try to frighten him"; [----] Sulbachs has greater interest than anyone else and may agree to anything Mr. Rodewald may do since they are anxious to have the matter settled as per the contract; leaving for Rome but will return in early March.
ALS 3pp.
item 8740

Norris, W[illia]m, Paris, [France], Jan[uary] 19, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Always Mr. Norris's luck to be in Paris when there is a chance to do something for himself at home; the stock movement in San Francisco makes Mr. Norris decide to sell his 100 shares of Yellow Jacket mining stock which has cost him $250 a share in the last big movement and asks Mr. Ralston to sell it when he thinks it the best time to do so; been telegraphing Ben [Holladay] regarding a new phase of negotiations between themselves; thinks [----] Rodewald pretends to be honest and the L[ondon] and S[an] [Francisco] Bank creditors are trying to make the contract with the bondholders [of the Oregon and California Rail Road Company] succeed by hanging it upon the fact that Ben [Holladay] is willing to give some security for the West side debt; thinks L and W [Lees & Waller] Bank one of the London creditors; the Chesbachs [Sulsbachs ?] are anxious to have the matter settled and to have bondholders endorse the contract and will put nothing in the way; they are controlled by [----] Rodewald and are almost certain that Mr. Rodewald could do whatever [Milton S.] Latham advised; Mr. Norris has been very ill; going to Nice, [France] and will not return until April; asks Mr. Ralston to write him in Paris.
ALS 4 pp.
item 8800

Oendorff, (Miss) M[----] E., San Francisco, Oct[ober] 20th, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to use his influence to obtain a position for her in the Mint since she heard that a few more lady assistants were needed; needs a position to support her aged parents; unsuccessful in trying to obtain a place to work and now trusts to Mr. Ralston's charity; gives references; is a music teacher but has no pupils.
ALS 2 pp.
item Unnumbered

Official List of Officers Composing the Embassy of his Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, to the Treaty Powers, and Officers composing the Suite.

Additional Note

Gives names, rank, and official position in Japan.
D printed. 1 p.
item 8805

O[gden], R[---] L., Omaha, [Nebraska], June 9th, [18]71. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The "Siempre Viva" [railroad car manufactured by the Kimball Manufacturing Company of San Francisco] has arrived in Omaha with very little trouble on the way; the "Trucks" are outmoded and are being modernized in Omaha at a cost of not over 40; the old foreman of the Omaha shops takes an interest and informs Mr. Ogden of late improvements; delayed in Omaha because a freshet makes it impossible to get over the river and does not know when it will be possible to cross; standing out in the broiling sun scorches the car but no checking yet; alkali dust has taken off the "shine" which will be restored in Chicago; is of the opinion that the cars the Kimball Manufacturing Company builds satisfies Mr. Ogden of its ability to build them and to compete; its car compared more favorably with those in Omaha; getting valuable points which will save money; taking notes, getting familiar with the vital principals; can get needed drawings; [James] Lees and family seemed to enjoy the trip but had to go on to Chicago; mentioned others waiting with Mr. Ogden and several picked up elsewhere; river rising and may have to be rerouted and will depend upon cost about which he will find out; the railroad car is "a great show crowded all the time"; tired of repeating the same thing over and over so is getting out a pamphlet to give to everyone.
ALS 4 pp.
Clipping from Omaha Republican about the California car enclosed.
item Unnumbered

Okubo, Jussammi Tossimitsi, Minister of Finance of Japan and Jushe Ilirobumid, Acting Minister of Public Works of Japan, Consulate of Japan for California, U.S.A., San Francisco, January 30th, 1872. To The Bank of California, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Refers to the agreement made with D[arius] O. Mills, Presi[den]t, and W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier, of the Bank of California, regarding the sending of Twenty Million Dollars in Niboos from Japan to be refined by the Bank and shipped back to Japan in fine gold; requests and authorizes the Bank to send by the next steamer sailing for Yokohama, Japan, about the first of March Five Hundred Thousand Dollars in refined gold so that the Japanese Government may have received it before the Niboos to be refined arrive at the Bank; agree that their Government will pay interest and authorizes the Bank to charge interest on all money advances necessary to be made; authorizes Bank to do whatever they think proper to carry out the instructions "in a manner the most effective, economical and advantageous to our Government."
LS 2 pp.
Signatures in Japanese with a translation.
Original in Bancroft Library, University of California.
item Unnumbered

Oliver, David, Sr., S[an] F[rancisco]; [19]42. To Mrs. Arthur Page [Emilita Ralston, daughter of William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Sending Mrs. Page a manuscript in which he has written his arguments as suggested by her; wanted her to include it with the manuscripts in her possession; gives her permission to use all of it and trusts that it may have some value for her after the lapse of years.
ALS 1 p.
[Note added]
"Born Sacramento Cal[ifornia] Nov[ember] 1st, 1861 Son of a California Pioneer."
Original in possession of Mrs. Dorothy Page Buckingham, a daughter of Mrs. Page.
The following item is the one mentioned in the above:
item Unnumbered

Oliver, David, Sr., [A Statement of Arguments in Favor of William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Overissue of the Capital Stock of the Bank of California of about $1,400,000 hypothecated; Mr. Ralston could not issue stock or have it issued since that was under the exclusive control of the Board of Directors; the Bank controlled by Directors D[arius] O. Mills and W[illia]m Sharon, both of whom after Mr. Ralston's death paid back to the Bank the amount overissued and divided it between themselves; Mr. Mills took all the capital stock of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad which Mr. Ralston had built and paid for; Mr. Sharon seemed to have recovered from six to ten million dollars in value from all properties real and personal which Mr. Ralston had deeded to him; deed was never found nor any partnership agreement either; Mrs. Ralston and children as heirs were forced to bring suit which dragged out in court for four years; settled for about $400,000; no criminal action taken which should have done in order to obtain a fair division of Mr. Ralston's assets; facts indicate Mr. Ralston not the dishonorable one; Mr. Oliver tried to point out the existence of a conspiracy between Mr. Mills and Mr. Sharon to get Mr. Ralston out of the Bank by threatening to expose the overissue of stock which was authorized to keep the Bank from failing; The case of Lizzie Fry Ralston vs Wm Sharon in Superior Court Oct 7, 1880 for $250,000. Attorneys for Mr. Sharon contended "there was no estate at all"; comments by the Judge from the bench favored Mr. Ralston.
DS 6pp. From Mrs. Buckingham.
The original of the foregoing in possession of Mrs. Dorothy Page Buckingham.
item 8820

Ordway, N[----] G., Forty-first Congress, U.S., Washington, D.C., December 10th, 1869. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his hospitality and kindness to the whole party as well as for himself and family; the party arrived in San Francisco total strangers and he took charge of them, advised them and directed them to many points of interest; enclosed a copy of a paper containing a letter he wrote on the trip, Congress has gotten down to work; praises the President's message; considers the whole situation favorable; regards to those whose acquaintance he made while in San Francisco.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Returned part of the way with Mr. [David?] Chadwick of the Willard Hotel who had been in conference with Mr. Ralston about going to San Francisco; considered him "a live man", widely acquainted, and "no doubt would draw well in a new hotel."
 

ORIENTAL BANK CORPORATION, LONDON (Begin)

 

Letters arranged alphabetically according to senders' names, their position in the Oriental Bank or its branches, if known, and the Bank's location.

Additional Note

  • Anderson, W[illiam] M., O.B.C., London.
  • Bank of California, Agent of O.B.C., San Francisco.
  • Cameron, R[----], O.B.C., Hong Kong.
  • Campbell, P[---], O.B.C., London.
  • Cargill, W[illiam] W., Manager O.B.C., Yokohama, Japan. Some letters written from other cities.
  • McDonall, J[ames], Manager of O.B.C., Hong Kong, and Shanghai, China. Some letters written from other cities.
  • Oriental Bank Corporation, London.
  • Robertson, John, O.B.C., Yokohama, Japan.
  • Stuart, Charles J. F., Head manager Manager O.B.C., London.
  • Yoshida, Kiyonari, Special Japanese Commission to United States.
  • Miscellaneous letters.
item OBC 1

Anderson, W[illiam] M., The Union League Club, New York, 2d March, 1872. To Mr. W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Got through the blockade with only a few hours detention; had seen Mr. [James] Lees and had talked with him about the credit system which confirms Mr. Anderson's views; sails for London; hoped to get the folks there to see the same way he does; thanked Mr. Ralston for his hospitality while in San Francisco; omitted leaving "a good bye card" at two clubs which gave their hospitality; asked Mr. Ralston to send the enclosed to them.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 1

Anderson, W[illiam] M., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 16th May, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Those at the Oriental Bank Corporation in London are vexed that Mr. [John] Robertson should have sent Mr. Ralston such letters as he did; he was absent from his post for a year and when he returned he found a changed situation about which he seemed "to have been put out and thereby lost his head" resulting in writing the way he did; he was written to about the London Bank's opinion and its effect and it will be surprising "if he is not sorry and ashamed of himself" as the Bank is; hoped an official letter will satisfy Mr. Ralston and no more will be said about it; fears that the Japanese have lost their chance to float a new loan which could have been done earlier if an agreement could have been reached; bank rates at 5% and trouble in Japan does not favor a loan; [Milton S.] Latham has not come but will show him any attention when he does; regards to D[arius O.] Mills.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 1

Anderson, W[illiam] M., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 8th Novem[ber], 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

A close friend has asked Mr. Ralston to mention the name of his brother-in-law Captain Edward Ray, Commander of H.M. Ship "Tenedos" stationed in the Pacific, to Mr. Ralston; his ship will doubtless go to San Francisco at some time and Mr. Anderson will be very glad for anything Mr. Ralston can do to help or advise him; very busy as he is about to start for the Cape of Good Hope for three months; "things look as black as possible ---dear money --- bad harvest --- failure in the East and rumours of all kinds afloat"; requested Mr. Ralston to be easy on them for the pinch is going to be hard.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 2

Bank of California, San Francisco, April 22nd, 1872. To Oriental Bank [Corporation], London. Telegram, (Translated copy) No. 1.

Additional Note

The Government of Japan desires to cancel the £3,000,000 it had thought of making for railway purposes and make a new loan of £4,000,000 which would be redeemed seventy years later; to pay the £1,000,000 existing loan as already agreed; new loan to pay 7 per cent which was to be used chiefly to purchase certain annual revenues; provision made for a fund for redemption; all revenues will provide more than needed for the yearly redemption; Yoshido, Japanese Minister of Finance, was in London and was awaiting the telegraphic reply of the Bank of California, the whole matter to be put into the hands of the Bank's London office; commissions agreed upon to be paid, but no other obligations to be imposed which would hamper Japan's action as a free nation.
T 2 pp.
item OBC 2

Bank of California, The, San Francisco, April 25, 1872. To Oriental Bank [Corporation], London. Telegram. (Translated Copy) No. 1

Additional Note

Japanese Government wanted to cancel three million dollar loan for railway purposes and negotiate one for four million dollars on specified terms; stated use to which money would be put; these revenues and all other Government revenues will more than provide the yearly redemption fund; Japanese Vice Minister of Finance wanted to place the entire loan negotiation in hands of the Bank's London office upon certain conditions; awaited Bank's reply to this telegram.
T 2 pp.
Enclosed with letter of D[arius] O. Mills, n.p., April 30th, 1872. To Hon[orable] Yoshida Kiyonari.
item OBC 2

Bank of California, The, San Francisco, April 25th, 1872. To Oriental Bank [Corporation], London. (Translated copy ), No. 2.

Additional Note

Yoshida Kiyonari's telegram through the Bank of California is to the effect that the Japanese Government wants to negotiate directly with the Oriental Bank [Corporation], London, and not through an Agency; wants to inform his Government that the Oriental Bank [Corporation] is willing to "negotiate loan on a liberal basis"; advises that Bank "to respond liberally and frankly to his telegram."
T 1 p.
Enclosed with letter of D[arius] O. Mills, n.p., April 30th, 1872. To Hon[orable] Yoshida Hiyonari.
item OBC 2

Bank of California, San Francisco, undated [1873?]. To [A.H.] Campbell, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Telegram.

Additional Note

"Miss Cargill with little Sister arrived. She waits here to know if you can meet her Reply."
T 1 p.
"Telegram to be despatched on arrival of party to A.H. Campbell, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada."
item OBC 3

Cameron, R[----] Hong Kong, 27 Nov[ember], [18]73. To My dear Sir: W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Answering Mr. Ralston's letters of October 1st and 16th to his "much regretted friend" [James McDonald], Mr. Ralston already knows officially about the "Dollar"; Mr. Cameron will do all he can in finding customers; delay in Foochow because of absence of Governor General; "first steps have been made on a good footing"; will be followed up; must be recognized by the Chinese; then Hong Kong, having outlets, will eventually "fall into the same grooves"; Mrs. McDonald and children have gone to England.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 4

Campbell, P[----], Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 12th Oct[obe]r, 1871. To D[arius] O. Mills, Esqre.

Additional Note

Mr. Mills' letter of September 26th, 1871 to [Charles J. F.] Stuart, then in Scotland, was forwarded to Mr. Campbell; Mr. Mills asked the Oriental Bank Corporation to extend the credit of the Bank of California from £250,000 to £300,000 to the end of 1871; to be repaid in bills or bullion early the next year; Bank Directors approved extension; Mr. Mills telegraphed; Chicago disaster may make it necessary for Mr. Mills to avail himself of the credit without delay; tighter money market in London.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 4

Campbell, P[----], Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 19th February, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esqre.

Additional Note

Mr. Stuart, who suffers from bronchitis in the spring, has gone to Egypt, taking a trip up the Nile to Thebes and Luxor; Mr. Ralston sending a large remittance of £200,000 in sterling bills; Bank would have discounted the bills had the Bank of California's cash account required, but the silver remittance made that unnecessary; account has a credit balance; General Election and results in England.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 4

Campbell, P[----], Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 12th April, [18]75. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqre.

Additional Note

Letter introducing W. Alexander McMaster, colonist from New Zealand, a very old friend of Mr. Campbell to Mr. Ralston; will be much obliged for anything Mr. Ralston can do for him during his stay in San Francisco; he can give Mr. Ralston and [Darius O.] Mills the latest account of Mr. Campbell; thanks him in advance.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 4

Campbell, P[----], O[riental] B[ank] C[orporation], London, 12 Apr[il], [18]75. To W[illiam C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Endorses copy of a note of introduction to Mr. Ralston which he gave to an old friend; well posted on affairs in New Zealand where he has been successful.
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam], Brevoort House, New York, 27 Sept[ember], 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Reached New York on the 25th after having taken his daughter Mary from Quebec to Peterboro[ugh], [Ontario, Canada] after having arrived from Liverpool; "nice visit and I only heard of it when in Canada"; John [----] was here and by accident found him at the same hotel; received Mr. Ralston's letter of the 14th [September] and expressed his obligation for his attention; "everybody was mad on Saturday on Gold and today ... nearly as bad on Greenbacks"; consequently has not been able to talk much with [James] Lees but has an hour special with him the next day; impressed with Mr. Lees; New York Banks reportedly "on Short Commons"; remarks on Barron's cigars; asked to be remembered to him, "his worthy partner", [Darius O.] Mills, and give his respects to Mrs. Ralston whom he trusts has arrived home; John [----] had told Mr. Cargill that Mr. Ralston became extra quiet after Mr. Cargill left; said Mr. Ralston would see a great change in the children; "the second boy ... is well named" and W.C. Junior is "a real chip of the old block".
ALS 3 pp.
[P.S.] "I leave for Europe in a few days."
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., London, 21 Oct[ober], 1869. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

After a good passage to London he had many talks with [Charles J. F.] Stuart regarding California matters relative to the account of [the Bank of California with the Oriental Bank Corporation of London] and no further criticism about it has been heard by Mr. Cargill; told Mr. Stuart the views of Mr. Ralston and Mr. [James] Lees regarding the account and he is of the belief that Mr. [Darius O.] Mills' assurance that the debt situation will be lessened to within £250,000 by the date set, and that Mr. Stuart does not want to change it; has told him about that which Mr. Cargill discussed with Mr. Ralston, a possible position in the Bank of California, and has told no one except Mr. Lees and Mrs. Cargill and will not do so until he has a conclusive letter from Mr. Ralston; plans to travel westward by going eastward via the Suez Canal while the weather is cool in that region; feels the need of more active employment and states his reason; sees no obstacles to any arrangement he might make with Mr. Ralston if things turn out as expected regarding Mr. Mills; suggests persuading Mr. Mills to remain and making himself a deputy to do the work since Mr. Cargill must work.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Oriental Bank [Corporation], London, 1 Jan[uar]y, [18]70. To dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Bearer of this letter, John Larengo, leaving by way of Panama for San Francisco with Mr. Cargill's heavy baggage; if Mr. Cargill has not reached San Francisco by the time he arrives, Mr. Ralston is asked to lodge him and the baggage in a hotel.
ALS 2 pp.
P.S.
Mr. Cargill desires quarters for himself and wife.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Peterboro[ugh, [Ontario], [Canada], 8 March, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had a day or two with [James] Lees and almost persuaded him to visit Mr. Ralston; Mr. Lees said he would go if he were asked; Mr. Cargill hopes to leave Chicago on the 16th of March and to arrive in San Francisco on the 21st; asks Mr. Ralston to give Falkner Bell and Co. the equivalent of £101 odd which Mr. Cargill gave Lees & Waller on Mr. Ralston's account; had long conversation with Mr. Lees on all subjects of mutual interest and hopes to have the same with Mr. Ralston.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 21 May, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

According to promise Mr. Cargill is sending a Japanese gong to be put up in the hall at Glenwood; gives instructions on how to install it; illustrates with drawing; sending some assorted Japan shrubs for his garden; since the nursery man is absent names cannot be sent but will send them by the next mail.
ALS 3 pp.
[P.S.]
"Remember me to Madame and 2 the dear children".
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., New York, 28 August, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Safe arrival; Mr. Ralston will receive [Charles J. F.] Stuart's letter of the 9th; [Darius O.] Mills and [James] Lees, "the partners concerned in the arrangements," are together and "can deal with the question raised in the letter"; Mr. Stuart confused about Eastern credits which he supposes are Atlantic Credits, defalcation [?] of a confidential clerk who committed suicide and most likel[y] the absence of [P?----] Campbell as well as the high Bank rate; matter to be gone into fully; Mr. Ralston will be informed of that which Mr. M[ills] and Mr. L[ees] decide; Mr. Lees favors contraction while Mr. Mills keeps his ideas to himself; Mr. Cargill wrote that they were too confused with their recent journey to go into so obstruse a question; the trip from Ogden, [Utah], made most comfortable by Mr. Mills and [Alfred] Cohen.
Fragment of a letter. 2 pp.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., New York, 31st August, 1870. To D[arius] O. Mills, Esqr.

Additional Note

Credit arrangements in Mr. Ralston's and Mr. [Charles J. F.] Stuart's correspondence refers to those made by [James] Lees and Mr. Mills in London; Mr. Stuart's communication on credit summarized; Mr. Cargill states his own impression of credit.
LS 4 pp.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 24 Sept[ember], 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Cargill returned home safely; inquires about Mrs. Ralston's health; very busy with business, chiefly with Japanese affairs; inquires about establishing an agency in Sinaloa which Mr. Ralston once mentioned and requested Mr. Ralston's views.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 5

Cargill, W[illiam] W., San Franc[isc]o, 30 Dec[ember], 1870. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Mr. Herbert Hare has missed the ship to Japan due to an accidental railroad delay; asks Mr. Ralston to give him a reasonable advance of money for his support while in San Francisco and to obtain passage for him on the next steamer to Yokohama; to charge the costs to the Oriental Bank Agency in San Francisco to the account of the Japanese government; address for book packet to be sent to Lt. Colonel Cargill in New Zealand.
ALS 1p.
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., S.S. Japan at Sea, 7 Jan[uar]y, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed a clipping entitled "A Princely Career" which was sent from Canada to his daughter Mary who thinks Mr. Ralston ought to know how he is "spoken of in those regions"; Mr. Cargill did not discover the Bank Club House during his visit; the steamer is to go out of the way to call at Brook's Island where navigation is not well known and rather dangerous; the Japan would not be recognizable to Mr. Ralston with all the changes made after leaving port.
ALS 3 pp.
[Note added]
"Answered Feb[ruary] 1st, [18]71, WRC"
"The New Zealand ... will be in time to catch the Feb[ruar]y Steamer to Honolulu."
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 21 Feb[ruar]y, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Considers it well that Mr. Ralston did not rely upon Mr. Cargill's help in setting up his proposed Agency; time unsuited for it but a good idea; sending him a gong to replace the one at Belmont; tells where it should be put and how to strike it; illustrates method with a drawing; warns to be careful with Mrs. Ralston's crockery and not "let the Customs people smash it."
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 19 June, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Congratulates Mr. Ralston upon the arrival of "so remarkable a person as old [James] Lees" and family; wishes he had been there; expects to hear that Mr. Ralston has "broken his neck or finished him off" by unaccustomed treatment; heard about Sam Pierce's Ball and that [William E.] Barron had gone on a cruise; comments on Tom Bell's vagaries; expects Mr. Ralston has "whisked Lees along" so fast that "he could not tell whether there was any breath left in his body"; if Mr. Lees is still at Belmont asked Mr. Ralston to offer the Cargills' kind remembrances; glad harvest prospects satisfactory which must take a burden off of Mr. Ralston's mind regarding business generally; thought he had sent Mr. Ralston "rubbish enough" about Japanese manufactures but will send more which he desires; purchased some more old bronze pieces and some old enamel articles for Mr. Ralston; Mr. Cargill going to Osaca on Mint and Railway affairs; French disturbance interferes with exchange resulting in difficulties for Indian banks but has apparently not affected the Oriental Bank; will debit for bronzes through the Bank; re shipment; will try to obtain some good lacquer and fine vases which will take time.
ALS 3 pp.
There are two copies of this letter. Duplicate copy includes lists of enamels, bronzes, and porcelains.
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 1st July, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received letter from Mr. Ralston containing two from [James] Lees; asks Mr. Ralston to tell him that Mr. Cargill "will attend to his wishes" when he returns from the Inland Sea on Mint business; thanks Mr. Ralston "for executing [his] wire gauge order"; glad things in California look so well; [James] McDonall and family will be in San Francisco next month and Mr. Cargill will look for him in September unless there is a reason for him to stay longer.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 21 Aug[ust], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received a minute-long letter from a man which contained nothing more than the minute it took to write it; Mr. Cargill has spent money on that man and his friend; will spend no more at present; bills; has given Signor Beato, a landscape photographist, a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston; peace in Europe should cause business to make a great start; Mint opened and Railway will be opened.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 12 Sep[tember], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston will have received last of his "bronze articles or rather the B/L of it", sent by a sailing ship; includes duplicate list of lacquer boxes sent Mr. Ralston; Mary [Mr. Cargill's daughter] would have been pleased to visit Mrs. Ralston but "she has resolved to change her state and commit matrimony," so visit must be postponed; "sorry about worthy and estimable [William E.] Barron"; inquires as to that which will happen to his business and Tom Bell; mentions [Alvinza] Hayward's and [William] Sharon's good fortune; hopes Mr. Ralston has an interest in the "good lode"; will keep in mind Mr. Ralston's desire for several pairs of large vases and when he finds them will send them to him; comments on the lacquer boxes and suit of armor sent.
ALS 3 pp.
[Last page is bill for articles sent Mr. Ralston but not in handwriting of Mr. Cargill.]
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 12 Oct[ober], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Cargill has adopted Mr. Ralston's ideas regarding Eastern credits and wrote to London in support of them; explanation; influences Japanese order for street cars; Railway Engineers doubt whether Mr. Ralston [i.e. Kimball Manufacturing Co.] can supply rolling stock at less than half the cost in England; asks Mr. Ralston to send drawings and estimated cost of railroad cars with explanations; sends advice to [Stephen H.] Franklin; Mary [M. Cargill's daughter] very busy with the help of an American woman.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 6

C[argill], W[illiam] W., Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 3 Nov[ember], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

According to Mr. Ralston's last letter all appeared to be "thriving and happy except poor [William E.] Barron"; Railway Engineers have been turning [George P.] Kimball's estimates and drawing up a car; no report but engineers seem to think its cost will be greater than the English cars; decision soon; asked Mr. Ralston to put the announcement of the marriage of his daughter Mary in the California papers.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.] Daughter married at the British Legation in Japan to T. A. Purcell, Assistant Surgeon of 10th Regiment.
item OBC 6

Cargill, William W., Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 Nov[ember], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Does not know whether Mr. Ralston will thank him for "deluging" him with travellers' introductions; tries to discriminate in the men he does introduce so as not to trouble him with "duffers"; military officers are pleasant acquaintances who speak well of new countries in European society; knows Mr. Ralston wants to spread a good impression abroad; therefore Mr. Cargill has sent good men to see Mr. Ralston, men who could appreciate his jolly, cheerful spirit and give a good account of the country and its people; is a man of high character but reserved; asks that he be introduced to [Darius O.] Mills and Sam Price if he has a chance.
ALS 2pp.
There are two copies of this letter.
item OBC 6

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 22 Dec[embe]r, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Considers Mr. Ralston "a terrible vagabond to go far to send all that rubbish to Mary"; he and his wife are "only spoiling her and making her conceited" comments on [William E.] Barron's passing; Mr. Ralston will hear from Mr. Ito that Mr. Cargill will "remain in Japan for a term to look after Railway and Telegraph matters for the Japanese Government"; his family to come and he hopes via San Francisco so Mr. Ralston can see them; has talked with Mr. Ito about Mr. Ralston's car proposal; if agreed to will send proper measurements; W[illiam] M. Anderson doing Mr. Cargill's work in India; he is going to San Fran[cisco].
ALS 3 pp.
If the Japanese seem inclined to bring more American citizens to Japan, Mr. Ralston is asked to try to see that a good selection is made for that which is required of them; may thereby "cut the hands of politicans" who might not recommend the best men but their "friends or partizans."
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 Jan[uar]y, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

While Mr. Cargill was detained in Yokohama on "special Japan business", W[illiam] M. Anderson, Mauritius manager, was pressed into inspection duties by the people of [----]; after touring India and China he goes home via San Francisco; Mr. Cargill has exchanged views with him on credits and reduction in Cases?; Mr. Anderson's stay in Yokohama was short and it will be so in California; the sooner he reaches London the better for questions requiring early adjustments; glad to hear Mr. Ralston's family prospects are good; requested that Mr. Anderson be given "the right hand of fellowship".
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 26 March, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

General G[----] B. W[illiams] going back to America; will give Mr. Ralston an account of his mission and views; Mr. Ralston can tell him about the tea arrangements and the Joint Stock companies; Mr. Cargill not partial to such companies; considers Mr. Ralston's idea of focusing the tea trade with Americans to San Francisco a good one; [Charles E.] De Long considers Japan an "underpeopled and a poor country"; business situation; [John] Robertson vexed at Mr. Ralston for "appropriating his constituents and doing business over his head."
ALS 2 pp.
[Note added] "General G.B. W[illiams] has just called to shake hands and say good bye."
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 23 April, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"Japanese enterprise ... died out since the Embassy left"; married daughter left with husband; wife and five children arrive from Marseilles; asked [----] Walker to send him a cow and Captain [----] Phelps promised to procure a pair of carriage horses; if they fail asked Mr. Ralston to help them; General [G[----] B.] Williams called before leaving; heard Mr. W[illiam] M. Anderson took up credit question; will be glad to hear that which General Williams reports on Japan; its currency becomes more complicated.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 25 May, [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's letter, a milk cow, and Mr. Mc Donall's wife and family have arrived; had a report of Mr. Ralston's welfare and condition; rejoices at the first and feels grieved at the last; speculates on reason why; Japanese business situation; Railway and Telegraph takes all of Mr. Cargill's time; financial drain on the nation for American cattle and instruments and the effect; [John] Robertson's office and his are at opposite ends of town; had not seen Yedo officials recently; General [George B.] Williams to explain "the difficulties of doing anything here".
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Kobe, [Japan], 31 July, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Cargill wishes that Robertson, Ralston, and the Niboos "were all drowned together"; Mr. Cargill no longer his [Mr. Robertson's] keeper; he is "on his own hook"; "has had a poke from London"; was left "in Yokohama as meek as a lamb for once in his life"; has a son which "adds to his benignity"; comments on Japanese politics; coinage; Mr. Cargill going to the Mint to find out prospects regarding Bullion; Walsh Hall and Co. the only people making money turning their produce into cash; Railway situation; Mr. Cargill looks after foreign engineering staff; gives advice when asked; will not be sorry when it is time to look westward.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 21 Aug[ust], [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Cargill returned after three weeks in the interior of Japan; found Mr. Ralston's letters, the wagon, and its bill; bill marked "paid" but does not see the amount to his debit in his bank account; asks Mr. Ralston to pass it to his debit through his London account; Osaca ferns being sent to Mrs. Ralston and Mrs. Mills; gives their characteristics; asks Mr. Ralston to send the enclosed "to old [James] Lees at New York --if he is abroad ask his [----] to open it and to do what it requires."
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 2 Sept[ember], 1872. To W[illiam C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Disappointed that wagon which arrived was not a double seated one like Mr. Ralston's; chagrined when meeting the [Charles E.] DeLong's in a two seated one; suggests a mix-up; asks Mr. Ralston to find out how it occurred and to remedy the situation.
ALS 3 pp.
[Note added at top of first page.]
Wagon affair
Private
item OBC 7

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, Japan, 4 Sep[tember] 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had tried unsuccessfully to see Mr. DeLong but he was so busy with inquests on the burning of the America and other recent grave events; considered Mr. Ralston's reasoning "unanswerable" as to their giving each other mutual support and that everything the Japanese required can be better obtained equally as good and as cheap from America; only two short railway sections to be made, the equipment for which has been ordered; no more will be needed until further extensions are resolved on; cannot see the basis for Mr. Ralston's "complaint of adverse influence or ignoring Americans"; states there is more American than English influence in Japan, more Americans in its government then other foreigners, and its educational work is directed by Americans; hopes to find out from Mr. DeLong "where the shoe pinches"; [John] Robertson had made amends for his land act; why was the wrong buggy sent to Mr. Cargill?
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 7

C[argill], W[illiam], W., Yokohama, [Japan], 23 Nov[ember], [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Hears that business is progressing satisfactorily for Mr. Ralston; [Isaac] Friedlander and [----] Walker making money; chides Mr. Ralston for not sending him the promised double buggy; invited Mr. Ralston and his wife for a visit; when they return to send over [Darius O.] Mills "to see the Mikado"; the Messenger family is there and the Cargills are doing their best to entertain them; asks that some buggy lamps and vine cuttings be sent him; London telegram indicates a money crises; advises Mr. Ralston to keep a strong cash balance there during the coming winter; remembrance to Mr. Mills and [Stephen H.] Franklin.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 8

Cargill, W[illiam] W., [Yokohama], Japan, undated [1873?]

Additional Note

"No. 1 Telegram to B[an]k of California to be forwarded
"Cargill, Japan, to [A.H.] Campbell Petersborough Ontario Canada
Fanny takes Kitty home for medical advice. Telegraph her at San Francisco what route to take. Louisa might accompany them to England
Telegram to be despatched on arrival of party here
Bank of California, San Francisco to [A.H.] Campbell Petersborough Ontario Canada
Miss Cargill with little Sister arrived She waits here to know if you can meet her Reply"
item OBC 8

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 7 July, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to send enclosed telegram to [A.H.] Campbell in Canada and to give the reply to his daughter upon her arrival; if no reply is received in two or three days, Mr. Ralston is requested to arrange transportation for her to Chicago and New York via Niagara or Montreal as she prefers. "Via Niagara" inserted above Montreal in handwriting of another.
ALS 2 pp.
Telegram enclosed.
"Telegram to be despatched forthwith
Cargill Japan to Campbell Peterbough Ontario Canada
Fanny takes Kitty home for Medical Advice - Telegraph her at San Francisco what route to take -- Louisa might accompany them to England"
item OBC 8

Cargill, William W., Yokohama, [Japan], 7 July, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Letter introducing Mr. Cargill's eldest daughter [Fanny] who is taking the youngest child to Europe; advised her to rest a few days in San Francisco and to telegraph her aunt in Canada as to the route to take; trusted to Mr. Ralston's kind attention to see her on her way east; requested that she be supplied with sufficient money for the trip and to charge the same to his O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation, London] account; requested a note to the car agents en route in case of accident and a note as to proper hotels, i.e. to make her journey to London as easy as possible.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.] "Kind regards to [Darius O.] Mills, [Stephen H.] Franklin, [Thomas] Bell and c and c."
item OBC 8

Cargill, W[illia]m W., Yokohama, [Japan], 21st July, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's letter to [John] Robertson contained news of [Darius] Mill's retirement and the reason for it; Mr. Cargill wonders whether it is a hint to him that Mr. Ralston will want his services in San Francisco; comments on local railroad contract [in California] and on Pacific Mail Company's matters.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 8

Cargill, W[illia]m W., Yokohama, [Japan], 20 Aug[us]t, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[General George B.] Williams and Yoshida [Kiyanari] have returned after "their wonderful financial enterprise"; contrast between the Williams brothers; comments on hot summer; [Charles E.] Delong "seems reconciled to his displacement"; "salaam to [----] Walker, [Darius O.] Mills; [Stephen H.] Franklin and [----] Stout et al, [Thomas] Bell."
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 8

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], October, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Obliged for "favorable light" in which Mr. Ralston had presented him to [John A.] Bingham; Mr. Cargill has done that which is needed and will continue to do so; "well for [Darius O.] Mills to be out of the scrimmage"; so sorry and Mr. Ralston probably also that Mr. Mills "sailed before the smash in New York"; the Cargills never received a line from Fanny after she left San Francisco but Mr. Cargill took it for granted she got away all right or Mr. Ralston would have heard; comments on Mr. Ralston being confined to bed; "thirsting for New York news"; suggests that Mr. Ralston hint that the United States Treasury should do as other countries do and give "Treasury bills to their Navy and officials abroad."
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 8

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 18 Nov[ember], [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Glad to receive Mr. Ralston's hopeful report about "the market and of the strength of San Francisco, and its currency or rather owing to its currency"; has met the new minister [John A.] Bingham; thinks well of him, more so than [Charles E.] DeLong seems to; latter complains about his predecessor; suggests possible reasons for it; Mr. Ralston will hear from Ex-Minister DeLong about the changes in the Japanese Government and its new Cabinet; comments on economic, educational, judicial, commercial etc. situation in Japan; that country can do without many of its foreign advisers.
ALS 3 pp.
[P.S.]
Fanny wrote from San Francisco saying that she had sat for her photo and that of the child which have not arrived; wants copies; congratulates Mr. Ralston on getting the Trade Dollar legalized by the Chinese authorities in Canton; need to get it into circulation in Hong Kong; "the two Banks can work away to some purpose on joint acc[oun]ts in these parts"; thanks to some disinterested advisors the Japanese have thus had their noses put out.
item OBC 8

[Cargill, W[illiam] W.], Reuter's Telegram Company, Limited, Nagasaki, [Japan], 12/3/73 [December 3, [18]73]. To [William C.] Ralston, Esqr., Banker, Sanfrancisco [sic].

Additional Note

"[Charles] Delong recalled"; Mr. Ralston asked to use all influences to prevent it; "his experience invaluable at this juncture".
T 1 p.
item OBC 8

Cargill W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 6 Dec[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Knisho has returned in restored health and vigor - "a man worth his weight in gold and has met his match in the Japanese service"; comments on absence of paper money in California; need for faster boats between Japan and United States; advises Mr. Ralston not to be too grasping making money.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 23 Feb[ruary], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Letter from Mr. Ralston took more than a month to arrive owing to strong head winds and [as he] supposed weak power; only "Steam people" will admit that; no packet of photos can be heard about at either Pacific Mail Company or United States Post Office; asks that another packet of photos be ordered and sent for delivery to his wife; considered it "cruel and tantalizing" of Mr. Ralston to tell about his good fortune and money making in California while he is in poverty-stricken Japan and its climate is quite in contrast to that of California; asks Mr. Ralston to congratulate [Thomas ?] Bell on his prosperity and wonders what he will do with his money; trusts that the Rose slips will flourish and remind Mr. Cargill of "the happy land they came from"; [John A.] Bingham not well and confined to his home; "The Japanese are at each others throats notwithstanding the missionaries and their foreign advisers. The struggle is war with Corea or not"; Trade dollars made legal in Singapore; hopes for circulation of such dollars in the whole region, with only Hong Kong holding out but hopes it will not be for long since "China seems agreable."
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illia]m [W.], Yokohama, [Japan], 6 April, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

If lost photos are found Mr. Cargill wants them sent by "a safe hand", i.e. by a Captain of the Pacific Mail [Steamship] Company; has advised his daughter [Fanny], when leaving London for Japan via San Francisco, to keep Mr. Ralston informed of her movements.
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 13 Ap[ri]l, [18]74. To [William C.] Ralston. S.S. Vasco de Gama at top of page 1. Private.

Additional Note

"Nothing to report from this deadly lively place"; mentions economic conditions; missionaries and schoolmasters very busy; expedition afloat to attack Formosa which will be expensive for the Japanese; foreigners know little about it; Mr. Cargill tired of life there; London, California, or Australia (the two latter have superior climate) are places to which he may go to "vegetate"; considers Mr. [----] Swire of Holt's Steam Line a man worth knowing.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.] "don't forget a supply of photos"
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 20 May, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has given an introduction to a "worthy fellow" who has invented a boat loading apparatus; has "shown it to Capt[ain] [----] Belknap of the Tuscarara who will send the particulars to Washington"; if photos are found "good and well"; if not Capt[ain] Pitman "will do needful"; Mr. Cargill just returned from opening the second little section of railroad -- 38 miles in 3 years; "tired of it"; Williams Company complain also; has not met Mrs.[----] Carrol but hopes to soon; Fanny [Cargill] still in England as the doctors will not let the infant [sister Kitty] leave and Mr. Cargill thinks it best that she remain away until the summer heat is passed.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.]
[John] Robertson took training and rode his horse to victory in the races.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 29 May, 1894. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks him for note about the lost photos which came with it; had been told that Mr. Ralston had gone on trip which he hoped would improve him; congressional action upon the "Curious new Company" and the strange reasons given for its proposed incorporation amazed Mr. Cargill; says there are "some funny people in Washington"; criticized the Press for printing "such rubbish"; hoped that if the Asiatic Commercial Company is set up by the capitalists new life will be put into this "at present wretched country"; comments on business situation; own banks exist for benefit of customers, not for their own; Fanny [Cargill] not to leave England before Christmas.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 21 Aug[ust], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

His daughter [Fanny] to leave England to catch the steamer from San Francisco to Yokohama October 3, 1874; sending over clothing for her use on voyage; asks Mr. Ralston to let Mr. [----] Walker know this and to telegraph A.H. Campbell, Petersboro[ugh, Ontario], Canada whether mail for daughter should be sent to his care or elsewhere or whether Mr. Ralston should hold it for her; "we are undergoing frying alive just now with occasional earthquakes to keep us from falling asleep"; "Are you coming to pay us a visit?"; Mr. Walker plans to do so en route to India; "This Formosa affair is freezing the Japanese and emptying their exchequer."
ALS 2 pp.
There are two copies of this letter.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan] 31 Aug[ust], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

"I.R. has done the right thing with [William] Hayward's party" then traveling in the mountains; Mr. Cargill and wife are going to the Eastward; the storms in the South West have interrupted the telegrams; if Fanny [Cargill] sent notice of her leaving England, it is pigeonholed in Nagasaki; Chinese and Japanese preparing to fight; China must win; Japan will be financially ruined and her progress retarded.
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 24 Sept[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Will not add to the full accounts Mr. Ralston has probably had of the [William] Hayward party; Mr. Hayward returned from the hills and found that Mrs. and Miss Hayward had gone to Yedo; he is still under medical treatment; Mr. [----] is coming over next month; the young ladies [Fanny Cargill and party] expected before him; wishes Mr. Ralston were coming also; [----] Jaffray going across to purchase some coco for a friend of Mr. Cargill's; did not give a letter to Mr. Ralston but told him that if he had any difficulty to ask Mr. Ralston for aid which he is sure will be given; inquires where Mrs. Ralston is.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.] "Mrs. [William K.] Hart goes back this mail and he says he will follow soon."
item OBC 9

Cargill, W[illiam] W., Yokohama, [Japan], 20 Nov[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The young ladies [Fanny Cargill and party] praised Mr. Ralston and expressed gratitude for all he had done for them; [----] Walker very attentive to them on board the ship; he stayed a while before going to Hong Kong; only mishap was the loss of a portmanteau; asks that Mr. Ralston's man purchase a bottle of Benzoline needed for the treatment of the infant and send it over.
ALS 2 pp.
P.S.
Portmanteau arrived from Hong Kong.
item OBC 10

Mc Donall, J[ames], Oriental Bank, Le-joo, Shanghai, [China], 10th Dec[ember], [18--]. To My dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Met a friend of Mr. Ralston's, Col[onel] [T. Scott] Stewart, U.S. Consul at Hiogo, while in Japan the previous month; while talking about horses Mr. McDonall said that he wanted a pair of good roadsters or carriage horses; Mr. Stewart suggested San Francisco and that there was no better judge of horses than Mr. Ralston; asks him to send him a pair according to the description given and estimated cost; a friend, Mr. [William H.] Foster had brought over a pair but did not mention the cost; will require warm clothing; if Mr. Ralston accepts the commission as not too presumptuous he is asked to debit Shanghai with the cost; had a very fine thoroughbred Arab which he is about to send over as some breeding stables wanted an Arab cross; too valuable to send during the winter as they are apt to have rheumatism; thanks Mr. Ralston for the unusual attention and hospitality shown Mr. [----] Winchester; would be glad to be of service to Mr. Ralston.
ALS 6 pp.
Also transcript of letter in the handwriting of another.
item OBC 10

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank, Le-joo, Shanghai, [China], 20th Mar[ch], 1869. To [William C.] Ralston. "Costa Rica."

Additional Note

Notes the arrival of horses on the "New York" and hardly knows how to thank Mr. Ralston for his commission; gives a detailed account of the horses; everyone admires them and congratulates him on his good fortune; thanks Mr. Ralston for his influence with the P. M. S. N. Co. [Pacific Mail Steamship Navigation Company]; thanks the Captain for his interest in the horses on the voyage; Mrs. McDonall sends "her best thanks" for the buggy which will be used every night during the summer; proud of the team and tells how he will gradually put the team to harness; comments on the good care given the horses en route; should Mr. Ralston need anything from China Mr. McDonall will try to do as well for him; [William H.] Foster was married in Hong Kong a few days before and the McDonalls went down to the wedding.
ALS 8 pp.
item OBC 10

McDonall, J[ames], O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation], Shanghai, [China], 18 May, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Praises the horses sent him which are "the admiration of an envious Public"; feels indebted to Mr. Ralston since it must have deprived himself of a good team; needs unavailable light American harness to use with the Kimball buggy, as his English harness is unsuitable; asks Mr. Ralston to order Main and Winchester to send him a set of double harness and allow the Bank [of California] to pay for them as well as for nets he has ordered; hears occasionally from [T. Scott] Stewart in Japan but have not seen him since October; hot weather and busy season beginning.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 10

McDonall, J[ames], Shanghai, [China] 18 June, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Comments on his horses which "are as tractable as Angels"; had hoped to return the proceeds from 135 bars of silver by mail the preceding day but because of a great demand for Bills by the Banks thought it best to delay sending them; shipping season just beginning, a reason for delay; Mr. [William W.] Cargill, a late Director, is going across and Mr. McDonall recommended him to Mr. Ralston.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 10

McDonall, J[ames], Chefoo, [China], 10th Sept[embe]r, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Chefoo, the watering place of China, not much better than a small village but has plentiful salt water used by "sundried people of Shanghai"; harness arrived fitted "by [----] Barclay who pronounced everything in order"; many thanks for the trouble Mr. Ralston had taken; banking business very dull; never saw such poor times; glad so little silver came; would have shown a loss, something never pleasant; leaving all orders for the next season to the head office and hopes for improvement.
ALS 3 pp.
parts of letter quite illegible.
item OBC 10

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank, Le-joo, Shanghai, [China], 11th Jan[uar]y, [18]70. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

From Mr. Ralston's letter of Nov[ember] 3rd he sees that which Mr. Ralston says about the ponies sent to Mr. [----] Blydenburgh -- "a neat looking pair" but do not compare with the ones he sent Mr. McDonall; comments on his; T. Scott Stewart was there at the time and says Mrs. Ralston has returned to San Francisco from Europe; extends compliments of the season and prays his acceptance of a couple of bronzes with stands he obtained in Japan on his last trip there; bronzes are Japan made but the stands were made in China; taking his furlough in the spring and leaving in April, will meet Mr. Ralston in May; both he and his wife anxious to see this beautiful country and prefer the American route to the well traveled one through Egypt; encloses Bill of Lading for the bronzes.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 10

McDonall, J[ames], Hong Kong, 15 May, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for trouble he has taken with Mrs. McDonall and feels sure she will say Amen when he sees her; has written to Mr. W[illiam] H. Foster to send him a "neat pair of horses" and asks Mr. Ralston to give him the benefit of his advice and experience since no one in San Francisco knows as much about horses as he does; Mr. [John] Robertson in Japan pleased with the team Mr. Ralston sent him; asks Mr. Ralston to debit Hong Kong for cost of horses; asks how the "Alabama" question will finally end; thinks western people more liberal than the eastern; would prefer to live in California.
ALS 4 pp.
[P.S.]
Thanks Mr. Ralston for "Duas? Mercantile Agency"; seems very complete.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, 12 Apr[il], 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Arrived after a "plesant though tedious voyage"; shaking with lameness; has written Mr. Ralston about "the vexed dollar question" and trust that under his management there may be no more trouble; it will not be Mr. McDonall's fault if the Pacific business is not kept; competition in banking; talked with [William W.] Cargill about the reduction of [----] on credits while en route through Yokohama; Mr. Cargill agrees with Mr. Ralston that it is better to take whatever is offered than to lose the business and he will write Mr. Ralston about it; Mr. Cargill also favors direct business in San Francisco as does Mr. McDonall; latter predicts this city will be the distribution depot for teas to western cities and "a direct exchange business be the result"; Mr. McDonall is not of the opinion of London people in regard to the credits Mr. Ralston proposed but does suggest the insertion of a clause allowing bills to be negotiated by the O[riental] B[ank] C[orporation] in China and explains why; left Mr. [----] Partridge in Yokohama who was going to Peking and "other wild places in the bush".
ALS 5 pp.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, 12 Jan[uar]y, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Rejoices that rains have come at last to California and that the state is "looking up"; very dull business with China; Mrs. McDonall is coming across from San Francisco and he has told her to let Mr. Ralston know when and if she needs money (he considers it unlikely) to let her have some to their debit.
ALS 3 pp.
[Note added]
Answered Feb[ruary] 28th, [18]72.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, 12 Ap[ri]l, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Glad to hear prosperous accounts of California; Bar silver came but market is "very sick" and he does not believe he will get over 10% for it which will pay interest; hopes Mr. [William M.] Anderson will be able to arrange [----] issue to Mr. Ralston's satisfaction; Mr. Ralston had arranged for buying under letter of Credit on San Francisco while Mr. Mcdonall would have preferred credit on London; hopes their "mutual business may be increased"; glad the P[acific] M[ail] S[teamships] are starting to run semi-monthly; large tea trade the coming season.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 11

McDonnall, J[ames], Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, 15 May, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received silver by the St[eamer] "Republic" but has not found a buyer; will not do as well as formerly since India's rate of exchange has fallen and that market closed; will do his best and remit to London; gives an account of gold and silver market; Mr. Ralston might send $20,000 in gold as a trial shipment on their joint account; obliged to Mr. Ralston for Mexican money sent as they pay better than Bars; early tea season and first steamers will sail in ten days; hopes Mr. Anderson will manage matters at home to suit them both.
ALS 2 pp.
Second page only.
[P.S.]
Bars quoted 8% norm[a]l; has refused that price; [----] a dollar 4-6% according to fancy.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Hong Kong, 12 June, [18]72. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mrs. McDonall and children arrived safely; cannot be indebted too much to Mr. Ralston for his kindness and trouble when they were in San Francisco; may be able to reciprocate later; nothing new in business in Hong Kong; suspects that China Tea buyers will not be as rich at the end of the year as they were at the beginning; gives reason; sorry that there should be so little in the joint shipments of Bar but advance in exchange will bring out the Bars with a moderate interest; "see what the Calcutta Joint Master says".
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, 26 July, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. [William M.] Anderson will probably have visited Mr. Ralston before this; would like to have him come to Hong Kong but he is not likely to do so in the hot season; Mrs. McDonall says that Mr. Ralston gave her $100 and Mr. [----] Nye $50 which was not debited in the account so Mr. McDonall is sending a draft for the amount; P[acific] M[ail] Steamers are starting to fill up and [San Francisco's] tea wharfs will be "pretty lively" for the next three or four months; asks Mr. Ralston what he thinks of E[----] H. Green new Company; the P.M.S. [Pacific Mail Steamers] will be off in 16 days if they do not take care.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Oriental Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, 12 Aug[ust] 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has sent gold on to Manila as a trial; when Mr. McDonall suggested the shipment, he "wanted it for the Phillipines and the $1000 Bars are just the size required"; slack demand for gold in Hong Kong and the price very low; silver more dependable than gold; gives an account of silver market; glad Mr. [William M.] Anderson's visit was so satisfactory; wise not to spend the summer on the Asiatic side; Mr. McDonall tired of it and will be glad to be able to go to a cooler climate.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Hong Kong, 27 Aug[ust], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The team of dark brown horses arrived and are admired by everyone there; says Mr. [William H.] Foster deserves all his thanks for his trouble in procuring them for him; comments that "there is something in the California horse that makes him gentle and tractable that you don't find in the Australian"; the Governor so pleased with Mr. McDonall's horses that he has asked Mr. McDonall to send for Mr. [----] Kimball's white team for himself; has wired Mr. Foster and hopes the team will arrive safely; asks Mr. Ralston to finance to his debit; forgot to thank Mr. Ralston for getting reduced freight which "brings the horses cheap enough."
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 11

McDonall, J[ames], Hong Kong, 12 Sept[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received 1000 new United States trade dollars by the "Colorado"; hopes they will have the desired success; sent some to the Chinese at Canton; some also sent to Saigon, Siam, Singapore, and Manila; gives assurance that he is endeavoring to the utmost to gain their currency; thinks they will succeed in South China but not in North China where prejudice is so great that the Mexican "Eagle" is difficult to deal with; saw Mr. [----] Lu? at Peking and "let diplomatic force be used in the Custom"; "this is entre nous"; has seen Mr. Governor? who expresses himself favorably; "Bar Silver has taken a slight spring" but London prices have little effect in Hong Kong.
ALS 4 pp.
item Unnumbered

Oriental Bank [Corporation], London, April 26th, [187]2. To Bank of California. Copy of Cablegram just at hand -- 2:00 PM

Additional Note

Oriental Bank Corporation's reply regarding loan to Japanese Government; Japan politics "unfavorable for negotiation"; will do all it can if loan is placed in its hands.
DS 1 p.
Identical with No. 3 (Translated Copy)
Enclosed with letter of D[arius] O. Mills, n.p., April 30th, [187]2.
To Hon[orable] Yoshida Kiyonari.
item Unnumbered

Oriental Bank Corporation, London, April 26, 1872. To The Bank of California. No 3 (Translated Copy). Telegram.

Additional Note

Oriental Bank Corporation's reply regarding loan to Japanese Government; Japan politics "unfavorable for negotiation"; will do all it can if loan is placed with it.
DS 1 p.
Enclosed with letter of D[arius] O. Mills, n.p., April 30th, [187]2. To Hon[orable] Yoshida Kiyonari.
item Unnumbered

Oriental Bank Corporation, April 26, 1872 (Translated Copy) No. 3. To The Bank of California, San Francisco. Cablegram.

Additional Note

Had received telegram from Bank of California dated the day before; doubts that 7% will raise $4,000,000 but until papers are seen cannot be positive about it; can get rid of existing loan either by purchase or exchange for a new one; Japanese political news not favorable for negotiation but will do all it can if the matter is turned over to the Oriental Bank Corporation.
DS 1 p.
Letter press copy.
item OBC 13

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 31 Jan[uar]y, 1869. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston]. Confidential.

Additional Note

Thinks it better to write about a subject privately rather than in the official correspondence; Japanese Government wants a large vessel and could sell one if it were there; promised Governor to inquire about one of Mr. Ralston; gives some details of the ship wanted; will remain in Yokohama; if one can be found it may lead to business and confidence of the Government; hopes [----] Williamson can be found; had known him in Australia for seven years, knew his uncle to be honest and thought him to be also so cashed his draft; the letter he had must have been a forgery; the matter to be kept quiet; will be pleased to do anything for Mr. Ralston there.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S.
Spoke with the Governor privately without an interpreter about the ship; very anxious that their want of one not be known.
item OBC 13

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 1 April, 1869. To W[illiam C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Robertson's mail of March 5; thanks him for information about the ship; not seen his man but thinks Mr. Ralston's description of the vessel will do; went to the Custom House but "must communicate with Yedo officials before anything can be done"; Yedo is a two day trip away; could have sold the steamer Mr. Ralston described right away had it been there; asks that the matter be kept open and will write him either "yes or no" and something official about the money side of the business; warns him to be careful about what he says before two passengers should he meet them; gives their names and addresses; they are very jealous about Mr. Robertson's dealing.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 13

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 29 Ap[ri]l, 1869. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The big steamer was wanted to take the Mikado from Osaka to Yedo; since none was available it was determined to send the Emperor overland; for the present at least the idea of buying a big steamer has been given up; should one be wanted later Mr. Robertson expected to be consulted but Mr. Ralston is advised to let the Oregonia "slide" for the time being but to keep his eye open for any steamer for sale; Japanese nobles to meet in Yedo and there is a possibility that Mr. Robertson may contact some of them and "minister to their wants"; Mr. Ralston will see from the papers that Japanese Bullion contracts are "in a fine fix" and expresses his hopes for the future; the "Oregonia" was just the ship wanted had it been in Japan at the time; General [----] Stabel, the American Consul at Yokohama, is leaving by the current steamer; Mr. Ralston's friend, W[illiam M.] Stuart, is in Yokohama on a trip and, when General Stabel has gone, will spend the rest of his leave with Mr. Robertson.
ALS 4pp.
[Last part of letter illegible.]
item OBC 13

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 29 May, 1869. To My dear Sir; [William C. Ralston.]

Additional Note

Glad to know from Mr. Ralston's letter of May 4, that he will have the opportunity to show his friends there the Steamer Oregonia which they might have owned had they "had confidence enough to have given ... an absolute order"; no longer want a large steamer and will not pay $400,000 for one which was offered them at $350,000"; does not think the Governor and "another big swell" want a big ship in their name without Mr. Robertson knowing about it and he knows where to find them; if anything can be done it will pass "entre nous"; thanks Mr. Ralston for his kind attention to Mr. [----] Lindau; will look after any of his particular friends coming to Japan; [William M.] Stuart and his wife came from Osaka, stayed with Mr. Robertson a few days and were "awfully jealous"; Mr. W[illiam] W. Cargill is with him and talks of going to London by the next mail; wishes he would go by the present one as his presence does not suit Mr. Robertson for quite so long a time; knows only a Cap[tain] going by the present steamer; asks whether that rascal [----] Williamson can be caught; considers [----] Turnbull a rogue; not to hesitate to arrest Mr. William; coin Mr. Ralston sent will sell at high rates in a in a month or two Mr. Robertson thinks; and "the French think about their silver contracts"; they won't do it again.
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Advised to look out for John Dixon, old clerk of the Bank in Australia who had stolen some of the Bank's forms, and was going about with forged credit on them; had "whirled off of Walsh, Hall and Co".
item Unnumbered

Robertson, J[ohn], Agent, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 25th March, 1871. To Bank of California, San Francisco.

Additional Note

Acknowledges receipt of Bank's letter of January 31 with enclosures; cannot confirm to local authorities that the arrangements made by the Bank are "either -- economical or advantageous to the [Japanese] Government"; considers freight charges double the rate offered in Yokohama; thought it might be a clerical error on part of P[acific] M[ail] [Steamship] Co[mpany]; thought said company might do better since the B[----] and O[----] Co[mpany] offers a quota from Japan to and return to Japan and explains; glad to inform the Japanese Government that the freight rate named was a mistake and to hear from the Bank of California to benefit by a reduction in insurance which the Bank may be able to get; where the Government charges a commission all possible interest is credited; an officer from the finance department is to leave for America on Government business and is believed to have the power to make a proposal to the Bank in this matter; the Government seemingly wants to reduce the amount arranged for which is a matter of the Bank's business; the Oriental Bank Corporation has only the duty to send the Bank of California that which it receives from the Oriental Bank Corporation.
ALS 1 p.
P.S.
Find the Pacific Mail [Steamship] Co[mpany] has filled in 1/4% on Bill of Lading and explains that which is being done.
item Unnumbered

Robertson, J[ohn], Agent, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 25th March, 1872. To The Bank of California. Copy.

Additional Note

Acknowledged receipt of special letter of January 31st with enclosures; considered it awkward to explain to the Japanese authorities that the Bank's arrangement is "economical and advantageous to the Government" of Japan; freight rate of 1/2% is double that which P[acific] M[ail] C[ompany] offered in Japan which is 1/4%; believes this Company could do better than a quarter since a British company offered only 1/4% from Japan to London and return; considered P[acific] M[ail] Company's] charges an error and will so inform the Government; a government finance officer is going to America and believed him to have the power to make some proposal to the Bank in regard to this business; stated the position of Oriental Bank Corporation in regard to handling; letter will tell that which has been done regarding this matter; sending money by the steamer by which he writes.
LS 3 pp.
P.S.
P[acific] M[ail] C[ompany] filled in 1/4% on Bill of Lading; sending it on as it stands, only telling them that the shipment is that arranged by The Bank of California.
Includes typewritten copy.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Naples, [Italy], 10 Jan[uar]y, 1872. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Returning to Japan by way of Italy as a married man and hopes to be in "full swing" with Mr. Ralston again, in order to "keep up in [his positi]on? he must have "a carriage and pair"; has the carriage but not the pair; asked Mr. Ralston to send a pair as soon as possible; would like the horses to be suitable for riding as well as driving and not to cost more than $1000 Mex laid down in Yokohama; to debit the Oriental Bank Corporation for the cost and its agent to be told to collect from him; en route to Brindisi and to reach Japan about March 4th; [Charles J. F.] Stuart, head-manager of the Oriental Bank Corporation, London, and Mr. Robertson went to Italy in search of warm weather but have not been successful; requested Mr. Ralston to tell the P[acific] M[ail] people that if they will not send his horses over cheap that he will "take it out of them"; when anything is wanted in Japan he hopes Mr. Ralston will stand on as little ceremony as he does.
ALS 2 pp.
[Note added]
Answered M[ar]ch 27th, [18]72.
item OBC 16

Robertson, J[ohn], Agent, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan]. To the Bank of California, San Francisco. Private and confidential. (Copy)

Additional Note

Informs the Bank of California that the Japanese Government has for some time been planning to raise money in America; Japan officers from the Finance Department, with a Mr. Williams, an American gentleman, are sailing for San Francisco to obtain $30,000,000 loan; a loan for Public Work can be appreciated but if a loan is obtained for anything else than public works it is feared that it would be wasted and that it would cause greater poverty than currently existed; all of Japan's revenues and mineral wealth are already pledged for million Sterling borrowed in London with an arrangement to borrow more if required and certain Public Work must be built within the next 4 years; any money borrowed in the coming ten years will be unsecured, a warning to borrowing in America; states the Japanese Government financial situation; requests that a copy of this letter be sent to the Head Office of the Oriental Bank Corporation in London and also that the Bank of California give it all information about the efforts of the Japanese to obtain a loan in America.
ALS 4 pp.
Includes typewritten copy and related notes. (2 pp.)
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 25 May, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Assures Mr. Ralston that he is A 1 and everyone agrees; indebted to him for his trouble in getting the horses which arrived in fine shape with which he credits the caretaker; his wife likes the horses and praises Mr. Ralston's good taste; can find no debit in the account and asks Mr. Ralston to put it in; thanks him for the "very handsome present", a buggy which he says is "a picture"; to show it in Yedo soon he hopes; nothing like it in Yokohama; will write more about the horses in the next mail.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 June, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Have been trying to get a few samples of "Japanese wares" ready to send Mr. Ralston as a small acknowledgement of the latter's bother about Mr. Robertson's horses; did not succeed by the current mail but will send them by the the next one; horses doing well and "very much admired".
ALS 1 p.
P.S.
Was presented with a "son and heir" on the 19th.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan]. 6th July, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[Difficult to read]
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 July, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Encloses B[ill] of L[ading] for the "Curios" which he hopes Mr. Ralston will like; wants Mr. Ralston's opinion of [----] calculation about the gold discount when quoted "860"; W. H. and Co. [Walsh, Hall and Co.] not special friends of Mr. Robertson and probably not of Mr. Ralston; E[----] has told them to come to the [Oriental Bank Corporation] for it is in E[----] account and in payment of E[----]; rice exported by W[----] on commission account E[----] and sold in China; talk of $3,000,000 loan through [Oriental Bank] for China; has cut down expenses and may prefer to look on when things [----]; thinks they can monopolize the gold trade but must keep charges down; not to grumble about 4%; Mr. Ralston's drawing rate for E[----] is certain but he must do it as fine as possible because of great competition.
ALS 2 pp.
P.S.
"Give my love to [William M.] Anderson if he is still with you."
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 7 Aug[ust], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Talked with John Walsh who asked whether Mr. Ralston drew for the Oriental Bank Corporation in Yokohama on London at his "own drawing rate or buying rate"; was informed that the [Bank of California] was to draw on the best terms it could afford and "that liberality was the spirit between the two institutions"; Japanese must have ordered about $5,000,000.00 in gold on the [Bank of California] to be drawn within the next three months; will send the San Francisco bank rate up in London; Mr. Robertson not anxious to draw on the Bank of California for some time; points out how the Japanese order is distributed among other banks and on whose account; Mint closed, not able to coin gold for a time so "the bullion will be idle for months"; is of the opinion that "Yoshida Kiyonari and General [J.B.] Williams will return empty handed gives an account of the probable result of no gold coinage in Japan; inquires about conversion of Japanese gold coin into U.S. coin and how long that the Mint will keep it; exportation of coin from Japan to come sooner or later which will react "like letting blood" in the country; his horses doing all right.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 Aug[ust], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

An order for 10,000 ounces of gold had just come in from Walsh, Hall and Co.; counts on Mr. Ralston dividing half of the commission with him, 1/4 to each; must do business cheaply to keep out others and get all of it if they can; remitting rate of each to pay; command of exchange is the important thing; Walsh, Hall and Co. pay the Government in this way for the rice they have exported; dealing with Americans there and not such a "John Bull" as Mr. thought.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.] Mr. Robertson thinks that they shall have more of their gold business.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama [Japan], 22 Aug[ust], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston would find the "niboos" by the next steamer; while the Japanese are not very punctual Mr. Robertson feels that they will carry out any arrangement that Mr. Ralston [and the Bank] makes with Mr. Yoshida; criticizes Mr. Yoshida adversely; the Oriental Bank [Corporation] of London will inform Mr. Ralston should a loan be made to Japan; Mr. Robertson had told the head finance man that Mr. Ralston was looking for niboos but his only reply was that they could refine more cheaply themselves and rather intimated that they did not have any niboos. Told him that the Bank should supply all the gold; gives an account of the banking situation of the Oriental Bank Corporation branches in the Orient; W[illiam W.] Cargill was in the Japanese Government service and no longer had anything to do with the Bank in Yokohama; "all fancy about Mr. Cargill and Mr. Robertson interfering with the Japanese Government though everybody will say so; explains why that may be considered so and why their friends are jealous; Mr. Yoshida might have shown more gratitude than he has and "if he comes to grief it will be his own fault"; advises Mr. Ralston to watch out for [----] Batchelder, "a bad hat".
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 6 Sept[ember], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Robertson undertook building on Mr. Ralston's liberality for the gold account nations which were special and not their own; some from Hiogo could pay the usual rate [of exchange]; will not "cramp" [the Bank of California] if it can be helped; feels that things should be done cheaply in order to remain in front since "the command of the exchange market is a good thing"; Mr. Yoshida at last thinks as the Bank does about borrowing money; expects loan papers for the officials to sign so the Oriental Bank Corporation can take proper steps but uncertain whether they, the officials, will do so; officials divided among themselves; cannot act without proper authority; comments on the present money system; lending dollars with the security of the new gold coin at 1% per month; when tired of paying interests the holders will sell at a rate which enabled the banks to export as they did with the old coinage; "awful business that 'America'"; comments on effect should a new steamship line start up; [Charles E.] DeLong brought over a team of horses -- good to look at but Mr. Robertson had not seen them working.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 7 Nov[ember], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Does not think the dollars Mr. Ralston wrote about will suit H[----] Kuy; will hear that which McDl [James McDonall] says about them; nothing can be done with them in Japan; the Chinese might take a fancy to them but they will have nothing to do with the Japanese dollar even though "equal in weight and purity" to Mexican ones; fortunate that an excess of gold did not come or the loss would have been at least £6,000; expects to see difficulties about gold in Japan soon because coin is being exported to pay for bars; this will happen if there is a balance of trade against Japan; tells Mr. Ralston not to send gold to Japan; Government wants to give the Bank silver to be sold in Shanghai in return for gold but the way things are going that they may put a stop to that.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 16

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 Nov[ember], 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

The way the Bank disposed of the excess of gold was given in the official [letter]; all Mr. Ralston has to do is to make up his statement "and show this balanced off with the Gov[ernmen]t"; "lucky ... the mistake was discovered"; London's low exchange puts the native coin close to export point; expects coin to be exported to pay for imported bars; when a government officer asked the Bank to get more gold for them he was told that the Bank could have as much as it pleased; expects a panic in London in which the loss may be a gain to them in the end; fears Japan has lost its chance for a loan, "their own fault".
ALS 2 pp.
P.S.
Looks for low exchange in London, Yokohama, and China.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24th Jan[uar]y, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Glad Mr. Ralston is able to return to work and is all right again; "fine business" with the Bowles Bros. and Co. who "were supposed to be the right people to bring out a Japan loan!!!"; "some of the country people a little [----] and dis[----]" but the rice crop is good, the main thing.
ALS 1 p.
P.S.
Hopes Mr. Ralston has no silver en route to Shanghai; "rates there are all to the devil"; Bank has $1,000,000 in silver to export on account of the Jap[anese] Gov[ernment], part of which will go to Shanghai.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 10 May, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Glad that he gave Mr. Ralston the hint in time not to send any silver to Yokohama; Japanese silver worth $2,000,000 has been sent to Shanghai at a very low exchange; bank in Yokohama still exports on the Japanese account; glad to know Mr. Ralston is well again; favors exercise; finance people are rowing among themselves, their chief has resigned and how it will end is not known; "New York gold market is queer"; Mr. Ralston's mining man is in Yokohama, said to be employed by the Japanese; apparently introduced to [----] Jackson of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank by the Bank in London and San Francisco thereby getting considerable information about that which Mr. Robertson and Mr. Ralston are doing; things very flat in Japan because the silk market in London is so bad; hopes it will pick up in a few months; good crop prospect on the west coast side of the United States; will do that which can be done with the silver dollars Mr. Ralston is sending; may take a government proclamation in Hong Kong, something hard for the Japanese to manage.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 May, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Advised Mr. Ralston to look at the "Japan Mail" which has "fine disclosures about Japanese finance"; Mr. Robertson gives a brief account of the finances, mentions the large public debt and deficit, his own ignorance of the country's internal finance, the possible truth of that which the ex-Finance Ministers say in their manifestoes, and that things may not turn out so badly if more care is taken; good rice crops will keep Japan from great trouble which bad ones will cause; hopes Mr. Ralston is getting better; suggests he come to Japan.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 8 July, 1893. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Does not think it will be safe to send silver to Shanghai for a while; Japanese are exporting and have lots on hand; Chinese silk crop 20,000 bales short, a loss of 2 and 1/2 millions sterling; may result in low exchange there; rates may go up in Japan because of coming brisk export season; more dollars in Japan than for some time and Mr. Robertson has been sending all he could to London and still has a million more to send; lower rates in China; mentions account in a China paper about the trade dollar; a notice in a government Gazette admitting it a legal tender would help; Japan is trying to get this for their silver yen.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 July, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

In the official letter there is a statement of the bullion of the last million Aroi of niboos; encloses copy of the only statement he had which has not been shown to the Japanese since Mr. Robertson is not certain that which it is they want; suppose the Japanese want the same thing that Mr. Ralston has been sending them; marked item to be noticed; the loan to Japan has been made on very reasonable terms; gold will probably be sent for most of it; had given "a queer old chap called Capt[ai]n James" a note to Mr. Ralston; he has done a "hauling" trade there and is now en route to Honolulu "to 'settle' and farm or 'rear stock' or something"; cannot tell why he is "Capt[ai]n".
ALS 2pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 5 Aug[ust], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Glad to hear that Mr. Ralston had extended arrangements with the Oriental Bank Corporation in London; Capt[ai]n [----] Batcheldor pays no attention to their letters; thinks he does little in an honest way; considers it lucky that Mr. Ralston has sent no silver since "rates are all to the devil in China"; expects lots of failures in the silk and tea trades which, if heavy, will make the banks "feel queer"; expects the local bank to get a "nip" now and then; General G.B. Williams en route to Japan with wife and sister-in-law; Mr. Robertson wants to meet them upon arrival; three young aristocrats from England are being given an introduction to Mr. Ralston; lending on a month to month basis with bullion as security at 1/2% per month and expect to continue doing so until times are better for remitting; trying to negotiate for a million dollars of Japanese silver to send to China; Mr. Ralston to suit himself about sending over silver.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S.
Has received a copy of the Workman's Journal of October 23, 1869 and comments, "What a nice amiable gentleman Mr. [Adolph] Sutro must be! What an awful institution that 'California Bank' must be."
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 August, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[General J.B.] Williams is working in Yedo and it is hoped that he may keep the Japanese right, something difficult to do since they throw away the best advice they are given; the rice crop is poor so there may be difficulties; congratulates Mr. Ralston on his promotion and wishes him luck; wishes Mr. Mills luck in Rails; Exchanges in Yokohama and China are ruinous; importers of dollars and bullion losing heavily; Bank doing almost nothing in exchanges; discussion of money situation and effect of silk and tea trade if it does not improve.
ALS 3 pp.
P.S. Comments on Yoshida [Kiyonari] changing his mind about the dollars, something he has frequently done with Mr. Robertson, probably influenced by a Mr. [----] Brent, a member of the firm Hudson Malcolm and Co.; no friends of Mr. Robertson and the Bank.
P.S. [at top of page 1.]
Mr. Ralston not to fear that Mr. Robertson will not get along with [General] Williams; their wives expected to be good friends.
item OBC 17

R[obertson], J[ohn], Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 5 Sept[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Wanted:
Three cows -- gives specifications as to kind.
To be ticketed 1, 2, and 3 as two are for friends.
Send a few bundles of hay since good hay is useful there.
Two churns.
All to be sent by Capt[ai]n Dearborn of the Colorado on his next trip. This will give Mr. Ralston a fortnight or so to purchase and get them ready.
ALS 2 pp.
[Note added]
Gave order took Cook, Oct[ober] 1st, [18]73.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 8 Sept[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston. Confidential.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's letter of August 16; has allowed the "Trade Dollars" to pass to Hong Kong since they are useless in Yokohama unless they "go down" in Hong Kong; sending a marked copy of the Japan Herald which Mr. Ralston is expected to read with interest; "The Editorial" resulted from a "brandy and soda"; "five of the coins [Mr. Robertson] gave to the Editor to look at and afterward to hang on his watch chain!!!"; Yoshida [Kiyonari] may have written the article signed "A Japanese"; he opposes trade dollars because of approaching revision of treaties; Mr. Robertson advised Mr. Ralston to warn Minister [John A.] Bingham to be on guard against the Japanese making an effort not to acknowledge the trade dollar as foreign currency even after foreign banks agreed to accept them as such would make the opposition futile; official proclamation in Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere can make them acceptable currency; suggested to [James] McDonall to see whether a tip would have an effect upon the Canton Mandarin; thinks it a pity that Mr. Ralston added a P.S. to the Shanghai official letter about the "inside track" because of the suspicion that the Bank has greater interest in the trade dollars than anyone else; the French Minister asked Mr. Robertson whether the Trade Dollar Mints were public mints to which the latter replied that they were and explained how they operated; must "keep the Frenchmen sweet" since they have control of a part of China -- Saigon; suggested that a few dollars spent officially might result in an official proclamation in that place; trying to get Japanese yen accepted in China; can only be done by official proclamation; exchange between China and Japan worse than ever; glad he cautioned Mr. Ralston not to send silver to Japan; schemes for gold coinage suspected as cause of low exchange rates; sees the point about Mr. [Darius O.] Mills [and his resignation]; should he visit Japan he will be "right royally" received; Mr. Ralston right in keeping clear of reduction of freight account of Walsh, Hall and Co.; advised that they be let "to fight their own battles"; predicted that they will "make a mess" of their work with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank; that company "don't like 'us'"
ALS 7 pp.
[P.S.] Advises burning letter after points are in his head.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 Sept[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[James] McDonall is hopeful about trade, but that "tipping" will not do; considered the gold from the Lond[on] San Fr[ancis]co Bank a bad deal; offered to the Ins[urance?] Co. which ran it as follows: [figures given]; inquires who is hit by Jay Cooke and Co whom he has heard was mixed up in Railways; has £5000 on them drawn by the American Navy which is good; inquires whether it would be possible to get the eastern Navy business into the hands of the Oriental Bank Corporation; gives an account of that which the paymasters have to do but if the Bank was designated as their agent it could do both itself and the Bank some good; steamer delayed because of stormy weather, making it impossible to locate.
ALS 5 pp.
[P.S.]
Steamer to sail on that day "whether or no."
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 Sep[tember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Steamer did not sail the day before since the storm continued all day; Jay Cooke and Co. sent two credits of £20,000 each to two different firms by telegram directed to the Oriental Bank Corporation in Yokohama; Mr. Robertson is of the opinion the firm had either "smashed" or been on the verge of it; declined to have anything to do with either since he does not like credits by telegram except on his own bank.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 8 Oct[ober], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Sorry to hear of Mr. Ralston's illness and hopes he has recovered "as good as new"; [John A.] Bingham called and his name is on the Bank's books; glad there is something good for [Charles E.] Long whom Mr. Robertson thinks is a much better man than he was when he had a very hostile and violent attitude in the "Oneida Case" which gave a bad impression of himself; has lost a baby; Mr. Ralston would have been amused by Lord Lewisham and his friends; in regard to the Trade Dollars, Mr. Ralston had told Mr. Robertson to "sink John Bull"; neither of them could afford to do so for he will be of use to them in Hong Kong; if only a government proclamation could be made everything would be all right; [James] McDonall had called on the Governor, Sir A[----] Kennedy and it is presumed that His Excellency is taking advice from London; the Bankers and Merchants who favor the Trade Dollars may have to petition the Governor for them; the Chinese will not favor the Trade Dollars without a proclamation; points out the need to have Trade Dollars recognized by China; warns Mr. Ralston not to be carried away by "balderdash" about "American Institutions"; Walsh, Hall and Co. are trying to convert their firm to "an American Institution", something similar in name to Bowles Bros. and Co. and "The Joint National Agency"; criticizes the firm adversely; the firm undertook advising the Japanese and showing them how they could make money but no gold operation has paid the Japanese Government except that which Mr. Robertson has done; officials have sometimes been paid at no benefit to the country; the Bank must "play the long game ... worthy of the institution represented"; points out that which the Walsh, Hall and Co. is up to and his probable difficulty in settling up freight with it; The Director of the Mint, Major [----] Kinder, will visit San Francisco and wants to see only the Mint and Refineries; has given him "a line" to Mr. Ralston; his drafts on the Oriental Bank Corporation in Yokohama are all right; since seeing the Trade Dollars the Japanese may follow Mr. Ralston's example; had they taken Mr. Robertson's advice of three years ago the Japanese silver yen would have been current in China; if the Japanese coin silver again the Bank will probably buy the metal; exchange is low, money easy; Bank lending at 5%; has not heard from [----] Paterson in Shanghai about the Trade Dollars but he has probably written Mr. Ralston in that regard; Mr. [James] McDonall has stated that "they seem to look well at his end."
ALS 8 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 21 Oct[ober] 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Announces the death of [James] McDonall in Hong Kong after being thrown from his carriage on October 8th and died five days later; his death a great loss to the Bank; sent his accountant [R----] Cameron to take charge of the Bank in Hong Kong; doubts that Mr. Cameron will remain permanently since he has been appointed Assistant Inspector and ordered to Ceylon; Mr. Robertson has told him to remain until he hears from London; in Mr. McDonall's last letter to Mr. Robertson he stated he "would manage 'Ralston's Dollar'"; Mr. Robertson has given Mr. Cameron his views and assures Mr. Ralston that the latter will do his best; Mr. Paterson stated that Trade Dollars are not accepted in Shanghai and the best he can do is 72 Shanghai taels current for $100; has felt that Hong Kong was the point to start first with trade dollars and has impressed this upon Mr. Cameron; exchange to go lower; bidding for Niboos to export against their drafts; the H.K. and S. [Hong Kong and Shanghai] Bank is holding the last gold they got and the W.H. and Co. [Walsh Hall and Co.] "must drop some $50,000 on the gold" imported for them by the Bank the previous year; blames low rates of exchange on the change from silver to gold coinage on the continent; last New York quotation [----] and Bank of England rate 6%.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 17

R[obertson], J[ohn], Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], Sunday, 2 Nov[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Has noted all points in Mr. Ralston's letter of October 1st and tells him to keep his hands down for a while about the Trade Dol[lars]; believes everything will be all right but advises "patience"; had private information from Sir Brooke Roberton, H[is] M[ajesty's] Consul at Canton that "a very successful first step had been made" and he will do all he can to help; had told Mr. Ralston about Mr. [James] McDonall's opposition to "tipping" and it is better to not do so if it can be managed without it; Mrs. Mc Donall has gone to England; will post [R----] Cameron on Mr. Ralston's joint note to Mr. Robertson and Mr. McDonall; German Government sending large amount of money to India and China which may indicate that sterling will go lower in Japan and China; obtained "$50,000 in old coins ... by a fluke and home they go against my [his] d[ra]fts"; account of local financial situation; the W.H. and Co. [Walsh, Hall and Co.] Bank and its difficulties; hopes Mr. Kinder saw all he wanted to see in [San Francisco]; P.M. Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] has lost another ship, the second one lost by the same Captain Newell on the same coast; caused by some unknown reef but some people say it was known; feels sorry for Captain Newell, a decent and careful fellow.
ALS 4pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 19 Nov[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his note of October 16th and for his attention to the cows which "arrived in good order and give great satisfaction"; payment will be made when the debit in the account appears; Mr. Ralston has probably heard about the trade dollars; all the particulars from Hong Kong are being sent to Mr. Ralston by the current mail; a notification of acceptance must be put in the Hong Kong Government Gazette but the Governor may refer the matter to London first; whenever the Hong Kong banks receive trade dollars and use them as payment between each other the bank in Yokohama will do likewise; North China will be slow to accept but Canton and Hong Kong are the first ones where all energies must be exerted; [Charles E.] DeLong is returning to his native land [United States] and Mr. Robertson hopes to manage to have a "parting 'drink' with him"; $3,000,000 in Japanese gold coins have been exported to London in the past two weeks, chiefly from H. K. and S. [Hong Kong and Shanghai] Bank in coin made from the gold imported from the United States; exchange quotations which are low were sent in the official letter; hopes, therefore, that Mr. Ralston will not send any money to the Orient; continental shipments of silver to India will keep exchange low Mr. Robertson thinks.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 4 Dec[ember] 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston is leaving for a trip into the country; Lord and Lady Invernrie[?] are staying at Mr. Robertson's home and he has to be civil to them; nothing to write about the trade dollar from Japan but Mr. Ralston will hear from Hong Kong, "that is the first point"; leaving order to draw on London up to 4 and 3/4 and par on Bank of California; very little to be done and Mr. Robertson is merely a "spectator", that is, he is doing nothing; he does not seem to "know how and why to go -- perhaps a little up if anything" [?].
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 17

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 Dec[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has mislaid Mr. Ralston's last letter of November 1; does not think W. H. and Co. [Walsh, Hall and Co.] as "rotten" as Mr. Ralston does; never liked them -- doing things they should not -- and unfriendly to both Mr. Robertson and Mr. Ralston; the gold imported for them has never been cleared but is still in the Bank's treasury in the shape of Japanese coin for which they will have to pay Mr. Robertson sterling and interest in order to get it out; this firm and the H. K. and S. [Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank have both lost money on their gold operations; might have had Mr. Ralston shipping gold to Mr. Robertson but he had "expected a mess and it came" so they are out of it; knows Mr. R[----] Cameron has sent Mr. Ralston all the information from Hong Kong; in order not to seem too partial the Bank in Yokohama is offering Japanese silver yen simultaneously with the Trade Dollars; the next mail will bring Mr. Ralston the opinion of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce on the Trade Dollars which the Governor has referred to it; if the opinion is favorable the Governor will probably refer it to the English Treasury; China will be difficult but thinks a start has been made; a proclamation in Hong Kong is necessary and is trying hard to get it for without it, the work will be very slow; Mr. [----] Kinder has returned in improved health, pleased with that which he saw; "can make coins but does not know how to make them 'go'"; quotes exchanges on London firm and does not think low rates will last if, according to report, that America is going to have silver subsidiary coinage which will replace greenbacks; Mr. Robertson supposes that German silver will not come East and a reaction will set in resulting in higher rates; asked Mr. Ralston to keep him posted.
ALS 6 pp.
P.S. After the managership has been filled in Hong Kong Mr. Robertson plans on visiting Shanghai and Hong Kong for conversations with the managers, valuable to all; feels that the Manager in Shanghai, Mr. [----] Paterson, can do nothing about the Trade Dollar since "China is a queer place"; advises Mr. Ralston not to be "too impatient or too sanguine"; W[----] H. B. Lemann of Gilman and Co. will visit San Francisco and has told him to "send in his card" to Mr. Ralston who will know who he is; will be greatly obliged for anything Mr. Ralston can do to "cheer him up"; an A1 man but very sick.
item OBC 18

R[obertson], J[ohn], Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 19th Jan[uar]y, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston. Per "Vasco De Gama." Private.

Additional Note

W[illiam] Hart called upon Mr. Robertson but said little; Mr. Ralston's friends [?], [----] Crocker and [----] Hammond, came but stayed only a few days and then went to China; they made many inquiries about the new line of Steamers of which the "Vasca De Gama" is the first one; all had tiffin at Walsh, Hall and Co.; not entertained by Mr. Robertson; were in Yedo with General [J.B.] Williams; comments on E[dward] Fischer and Co., and its possible connection with Walsh, Hall and Co. (see printed notices of the firms) since some of its members left the latter but are being held by it as liable for a large loss of land; Ex-Finance Minister Enoye is mixed up with the Fischer firm; [J. Mackrill] Smith went to England to make arrangements there; Mr. Robertson gives an account of him; Mr. Enoye may be able to give Edward Fischer some business if he has kept in with the government officials; [R----] Cameron has told Mr. Ralston about the Trade Dollars but no wire news has been received about the Chamber of Commerce meeting; it has appeared that the Chinese are more inclined to favor the Trade Dollar than the Japanese yen; if the yen is accepted in China Mr. Robertson's Bank will probably supply the Mint with silver; rates from Shanghai are firmer resulting in a little firmer ones in Yokohama; drew £200,000 in London at 4/3 when a rise was expected and the other banks can draw at 4/3 and 1/4 but the advance may not be permanent.
ALS 4 pp.
2 notices enclosed.
P.S.
The "China" reported to be eight days overdue in [San Francisco]; mail from England got into trouble between Yokohama and Hong Kong and had to return under sail with a broken shaft; on board was a lot of dollars for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, the need of which may keep the rate high; the the Bank very much "wanted to draw and have a contract to produce $2,000,000 against Japanese paper money in a few days; queer gambling."
item OBC 18

R[obertson], J[ohn], [Yokohama, Japan], 20th [January, 1874]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had a wire from [R----] Cameron in Hong Kong that the Chamber of Commerce had met which meeting was "Favorable to Trade [Dollars] and Hostile to Yen"; believes the "Governor of Hong Kong will make the Trade Dollars British Legal tender without reference to London"; question of "backing up" needed; rates are "looking up" but a high exchange in London is not expected.
ALS 1 p.
Memorandum included:
Memorandum
To Messrs. Hudson Malcolm and Co.
From the Oriental Bank Corporation Yokohama, 20th Jan[uar]y, 1874
Please say when the "Vasco di Gama" is likely to leave.
Tomorrow morning due Notice will be sent round as soon as possible
H. N. and Co.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 Jan[uar]y, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Believes he had told Mr. Ralston in an earlier note that the Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong had voted in favor of the trade dollar; plan to "follow the matter up step by step"; sending some $5000 in yen to Hong Kong; yen cannot be used in Yokohama Bank until Hong Kong agrees to use them; R[----] Cameron has informed Mr. Robertson that Mr. Ralston has been drawing on him for that coin; has given [----] Baker a line to Mr. Ralston; he has retired from Smith, Baker and Co. but intends to engage in the Japan Tea business on his own in New York; can be safely introduced to any of Mr. Ralston's New York friends; Sterling exchange rate is up but not firm, and it is feared it will go down again.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John. Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 Feb[ruar]y, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Robertson is astonished that Mr. Ralston told him that paying ores were found at a depth of 1400-1600 feet; used to think 500 feet "something extraordinary" in Australia; losses on exports and imports in Yokohama and the merchants have long faces; R[----] Cameron tells Mr. Ralston about the Trade Dollar; does not think Government will make a coin for China and feels that "the Governor of Hong Kong will be told to follow the sensible course of the Governor of Singapore"; thinks Mr. Ralston's Trade Dollar will "eat its way" into Hong Kong despite opposition; "two sworded devils kicking up a row again"; great victory for Japanese Government troops in south may mean only more fighting; thanks Mr. Ralston for rose cuttings which he shared with [----] Parkes and [William W.] Cargill; exchange low and not much chance of rising for sometime but wishes it would for Mr. Robertson has lots of dollars; loaning them at 1/2% per month instead of remitting them; loaned a million to government Bankers.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 10 M[ar]ch, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his "chit" of January 31; knows [John A.] Bingham and "will give him a chance" when possible; dull business in Yokohama with exchange declining, so warns Mr. Ralston not to send money there unless obtained very cheaply; considers Mr. Ralston "on the right track" by getting the Chinese to take drafts payable in Trade Dollars but advises him to keep Hong Kong supplied; those who want a British dollar are the ones who want them coined at the Indian Mint and can get the freight from Calcutta to China; "it won't wash", said Mr. Robertson; thinks Hong Kong will accept Mr. Ralston's trade dollar but it will not "be right" until there is a notice in the Government Gazette; hopes Mr. [Charles E.] DeLong is lucky in mining; he is an ambitious politician also; Mr. [----] had not been aware that his wife's fame had reached San Francisco; wishes she were a stranger; suggests Mrs. Ralston be sent over for a trip and promises to "treat her right royally."
ALS 3 pp.
[Note added] Bully for Robertson. - R.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John. Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 7th April, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Sorry that he had not pleased W[illiam K.] Hart but if he returns will make an effort to "put him in better humour"; [----] Crocker and [----] Hammond were there only a short time but Mr. Robertson could not entertain them because he had "a sick house" at the time; takes the blame for not calling on Mr. Hart but hardly thought he would have stood on ceremony but will "manage him on his return"; Captain Lane, the Pacific Mail Steam Ship agent in Yokohama, is leaving and being replaced by [----] Center, the agent at Hiogo; glad Mr. Ralston gave him a hint about Mr. Hart since he was unconscious of having "put him out"; Mr. Hart left for China without letting Mr. Robertson know so he could give him "lines" to China men whose acquaintance he hopes Mr. Hart has made; exchange weak; wishes rates would go up as he has lots of coin to send to London; there might be "a spurt" in China in the next four months but doubtful; nothing new about the Trade Dollars but if Hong Kong receives them and finds them saleable Mr. Robertson will try to have them accepted as currency in Yokohama.
ALS 33 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 25 Ap[ri]l, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

No particular news; does not like the look of the politically bad situation which looks like Japan was on the verge of a civil war or a war with China; "expects a lot of big heads to be cut off" but one cannot predict the risings that may result; the "public execution of Yeto, an ex-minister and leader of the recent insurrection", has offended many; Japan has been discovered by English bondholders to be "a very volcanic country"; rates are steady and Shanghai has wired that things are firm; wants to get rid of a lot of money he has and is on the lookout for bills which are always scarce at this season; friends are going home by this steamer -- W[----] McDonald, a billbroker, Mrs. Jenkins his sister-in-law, and Dr. and Mrs. Siddall who will call upon Mr. Ralston, probably with drafts from Yokohama; [William K.] Hart has returned and Mr. Robertson will make an effort to make him "all right."
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 May, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his letters of April 1 and 18; sorry to hear about W[----] Brown's accident but hopes he has recovered; "the Hong Kong people are muffs about the Trade Dollars" as they cannot see a good thing when offered; writing to [----] Kerr to find out whether a move should be made in Yokohama which might be made up in exchanges; wishes Mr. Ralston would send over a few more ladies like Mrs. Arnold; Mr. W[illiam K.] Hart has returned and Mr. Robertson thinks that he has "made it all right" with him; takes Mrs. Hart for a drive now and then; Mrs. Robertson will call upon her when she returns from visiting the Kinders at the Mint in Osaka; Mr. Hart won a few dollars at the local races and so did Mr. Robertson; sending newspapers asking Mr. Ralston to read the article about the "Asiatic Commercial Co."; Macondrnyel[?]'s name linked with it was a surprise; warns Mr. Ralston to have nothing to do with W[----] Rice; gives assurances that they will be glad to see Mrs. Ralston in Japan if she can be induced to take the trip; exchanges improving and Mr. Robertson plans to send money to England since he has more than he can use; Japanese making fools of themselves and may get on badly with the Chinese and have to give them compensation; blockades and insurrections are expected in Japan; their laws will fall and next Commissioners to London will not be well received.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 19 June, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's letter of May 23 and W[----] Franklin's of May 16; W[illiam K.] Hart and Mr. Robertson "are fighting but it is only at whist"; wishes there were more men like Mr. Hart; if the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co. gets ships like the "Granada" it will "do that new company in the eye"; Mr. Hart has taken a home and will remain a year; thinks the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co. wanted someone to look up their agents and Mr. Hart was the right man; supposes "[----] Irwin won't give them a chance of catching him in America!!!"; just as well that Mr. Ralston did not comply with requests for Trade Dollars for there would have been no profit because of the rates; a bad season so became suspicious and bought at 4 and 4 1/4; looks for lower rates and export of gold coin, but may be wrong and rates may go up; can hardly look for higher rates with Germans and their silver always ready unless there is a fluke; does not see much of General [J.B.] Williams but he will not do much for either himself or the Japanese who, being conceited, will not take good advice; Japan in trouble with China; wishes he could go over to San Francisco; reported large failure in London [J.C. im Thurn and Co.] but not surprised if true for their paper has been avoided for ten years; has only £5,000 in Japan but Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank will be hard hit.
ALS 5 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 June, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Requests Mr. Ralston to read the papers he is sending to "tell [Charles E.] DeLong that he and his friend W[----] Le Gendre have gotten the Japanese in a nice mess"; in Mr. Robertson's opinion China and Japan must fight but Japan will have to stop probably for need for money; should a Major [----] Snow arrive on the Vasco de Gama "with a Madras Credit -- it is all right"; he has been told to ask where he could get money between San Francisco and New York; Mr. Ralston requested to ask him "how he gets along at whist"; the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co. with its subsidy should put the opposition out of business; rate weak and will be lower.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], Sunday Evening, 2 Aug[ust], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has Mr. Ralston's "lines" of July 13 and 14; went in search of W[----] Hayward and found W[illiam K.] Hart had been for Tiffin and sent him back to the "Colinea" to which he is much attached; goes on to Hong Kong and comes back to Japan for a month before returning to San Francisco; considerable about Mr. Hayward; will try to get the United States Navy business for the Bank, while the profit may not be so great the business is respectable and no risk; "Indemnity money" and [John A.] Bingham; exchange rates low and an account of money situation; W[----] Brown "turned up" but had not been seen for some days but may have gone to the country; had been advised to return home via Europe; Mr. Robertson's accountant [James[?]] Russell expected to return in a month or two when Mr. Robertson will have more time; Mr. Robertson would like to go over to see Mr. Ralston but fears he cannot.
ALS 6 pp.
item OBC 18

R[obertson], J[ohn], Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 13 Aug[ust] 1874. 11 P.M. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has had a full day since 9 A.M.; sending a hurried note again; saw W[----] Hayward before he left for Hong Kong; has a nice face with a blank in it; plans to return to Japan to remain a month and then go back to San Francisco; will wire Mr. Ralston if Mr. Hayward does anything else; Mr. Ralston's timber order is for Hong Kong and the man at the Bank there has been alerted; does not believe really good hard wood could be obtained in Yokohama at less than seventy cents per cubic foot; bottom has dropped out of exchange and Mr. Ralston is advised not to send over coin or bullion unless at a profit; brief account of exchange situation; war with China a possibility and the possible effect on Japanese money situation; has £200,000 of Japanese gold coin for remittance to London which may be doubled before the English overland mail steamer sails in a week; Japanese buying guns and steamers; account of how well W[illiam K.] Hart is doing and he may have a lawsuit on his hands and will have to fight influential Japanese.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 Aug[ust], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

W[illiam K.] Hart and Mr. Robertson were organizing a trip to the country for [William] Hayward's party which had just returned from Hong Kong; Mr. Hayward affected by heat and wants to rest; will return to San Francisco after a month; does not know just what to say about exchange; if there is a "bob up" it will be temporary and if it happens Mr. Robertson has lots of dollars to part with; Mr. Ralston advised not to send coin to Japan except at a profit; expects war with China and blames [Charles E.] DeLong for encouraging it and bringing [----] Le Gendre over; gold will be drained from Japan and it will be swamped with paper money; 10 lacs went to England on the last steamer of which 6 and 1/2 lacs were on the Oriental Bank Corporation's account; Japan in a very difficult position for it means war with China if Japan remains in Formosa and to bring the troops back disgraced as it were would upset the Government and might mean another revolution; asks Mr. Ralston's opinion about the H. K. and S. [Hong Kong and Shanghai] Bank's report which is enclosed; some of the gold imported for Japan is part of the "unsatisfactory working"; the Bank still has in its treasury half of the gold imported for W. H. and C. [Walsh, Hall and Co.]; they and their friends should leave the banking business to the Oriental Bank Corporation; the Bank got the commission and a glimpse at passing events; General [J.B.] Williams has returned; the Ralston message sent to Mrs. [----] Arnold; [----] Brown still in country.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 12 Sept[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

W[illiam] Hayward still in the country; Mr. Robertson had gotten a Capt[ain] [----] Hill of the Royal Marines, an A 1 man, to "take him in charge" and he has done his work well; explains how; exchange very low; gives an account of banking and financial situation; judges that everything "points to the general effect of a balance of trade against the east and ... few pence to the dollar" which may last as long as the Germans send silver to the east; comments on the Germans and their business methods; W[illiam K.] Hart has done well for the P. M. and Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] and is having better luck at whist; Japan completely out of bullion and flooded with paper money; a pity if war comes and it looks like it would.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S.
Herd and Co. have sent to Manila for the timber Mr. Ralston ordered; gives prices of Manila hard wood; Japanese do not cut timber at the proper time or season and it warps; Mr. Ralston should get better and cheaper timber at home; in some of the old temples in Japan there is some first class timber but it cannot be gotten or any like it except by a fluke; nor does China have much good timber so it is best that Herd and Co. sends to Manila.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 29 Sept[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of August 29; W[illiam K.] Hart and Mr. Robertson have the same order as regards Mr. W[illiam] Hayward and his finances so it was arranged that Mr. Hart would take care of everything; the whole party except Mr. Hayward and his Doctor are returning to the States by steamer; Mrs. Hart goes on the same one; Mr. Hart is ill in the country and has a nurse; Mr. Robertson sent a good doctor, a surgeon in the Royal Marines, to him but he could do nothing for Mr. Hayward since he is completely under his wife's influence and "gone in the head"; got an A1 man, Capt[ai]n [----] Hill of the Royal Marines to go with them; Mrs. Hart can tell how they got along; had a talk with Mr. [----] Burton who told Mr. Robertson that Mr. Ralston made a mistake in saying that he [Burton] had come "to arrange, he had only come to report"; he said that it cost the Washington Treasury about 108 in gold for every $100 Mexican in Yokohama without including the commission of the London agent; account of how Trade Dollars will have to be handled in various parts of the Orient; not current in Shanghai and not legal tender in Hong Kong though they "beep" there quite well; "a good commercial tender is as good as a legal one"; Mr. [James] Russell expected; Mr. Robertson leaving for Shanghai for 2 months; exchange low; shipping dollars to London; war with China uncertain.
ALS 6 pp.
item OBC 18

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 21 Dec[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has just returned from China; Mr. [James] Russell has taken care of all of Mr. Ralston's notes to Mr. Robertson during the latter's absence; "William Hayward is a lost man"; Mr. Robertson is exerting himself in regard to the Trade Dollar and hopes to tell more about it by the next mail; are accepted in South of China but North China is uncertain about them; their Tael is the currency and Mr. Robertson does not see how a change can be made there; opposition to the Trade Dollar by the people of Hong Kong, especially the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and the London and San Francisco Bank; those banks favor the British dollar; hopes to make the Trade Dollar legal tender between Banks locally and he is making the right first move; extends the compliments of the season.
ALS 3 pp.
P.S.
Has given an introduction to Mr. Ralston to Major [----] Snow and Dr. [----] Macdonnell, "army men and both right".
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 8th M[ar]ch, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

W[illiam K.] Hart of the P.M.S.S. Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] leaves by the current steamer and will tell Mr. Ralston all the Japan news; hopes he will return soon for he will be missed at whist; comments on silver being turned out in United States being like [carrying] coal to Newcastle; fears that silver is bad property to have since it must become cheaper each year, though Mr. Robertson wishes he had enough of it for himself.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 9 Ap[ri]l, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his kind attention for the oats of which part has been received and "give entire satisfaction"; W[illiam K.] Hart has left the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company and is "at some of his old games" in the States as his wife learned by this steamer; shall miss him; gives Mr. Ralston a message to Mr. Hart; "business is bad"; "Im Thurn" at an end -- has been suspicious of it for twelve years; its end shows only £10,000 in OBC [Oriental Bank Corporation] London from all its branches and it is not expected to lose anything; some risk is to be expected; if silver is produced in Nevada like coals in Newcastle and the Germans keep on demonetizing where will eastern exchange go?; "to the devil", Mr. Robertson thinks; warns Mr. Ralston about sending over silver as dollars; asks whether the Bonanza Mine [in Nevada] is the centre of all the veins to be found; has heard [William] Hayward has been lucky; would like to visit Mr. Ralston but China-Japanese situation prevents it; asks whether the London and San Francisco Bank is as fond of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank as formerly; their gold business was a lot of nonsense until exposed; he expects some changes in Japanese officials; gold bullion (coins) exported from Japan $4,000,000 from January 1 to date of which the Oriental Bank Corporation has sent one half; balance of trade against Japan resulting in low rates.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S.
German Bank closing in Yokohama and in China did not take business from Oriental Bank Corporation.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 May, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for information about the P.M.S.S. Co [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] and will have nothing to do with the company; has heard W[illiam K.] Hart is returning to Japan but has been told he is not; miss him at whist; not very successful at the races and tells why; returning three sample dollars to Mr. Ralston by W[----] Fischer to whom he has given an introduction; Mr. Fischer is the chief of E[dward] Fischer and Co. in Yokohama, good constituents of the Bank and stand well with government officials; will probably ask Mr. Ralston for an introduction to Lees & Waller [Bankers], New York since he wants mercantile agents there; exchange in England seems firm and may rise a little during the approaching tea season in Japan; cites exchange business he is doing; lists those leaving Japan, General [J.B.] Williams, Mrs. [----] Arnold, and General [----] Capron, head of the Agricultural Department; Japanese getting rid of all foreigns they can.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 12 June, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Will soon be clear of the P.M.S.S Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] and will "keep clear"; sorry to hear of Mrs. Hart's illness; Mr. [William K.] Hart is not expected to return according to the Steam Ship Company and Mr. Robertson answers all quires by saying that he has been detained by his wife's illness and writes as though he were returning; comments on Mr. Hart's "trade" and his feeling toward him; considers the hay and oats Mr. Ralston sent him "the best ever seen" in Yokohama; unlucky at the races because his China ponies "went off" before then so they have been sold and he is getting fresh cattle; exchange still low and stated that if Mr. Ralston and the Germans treat silver like dirt there is no hope for lower rates; comments on his financial operations.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 June, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. J[----] M. Batchelder went to work on receipt of Mr. Ralston's telegram and Mr. Robertson wired back; expects Mr. Batchelder will let W[illiam K.] Hart know how things stand by the current mail; the Japanese Finance Minister, Mr. [----] Cuma, sent word he wanted to see Mr. Robertson on June 24th or 25th; he and other officials do not get along well which may have caused delay; exchange is lower and may go still lower; silver in any form in the east is "bad property to hold."
ALS 2 pp.
P.S. Will wire if anything is concluded; give his love to W. Hart who is still missed.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 12 July, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston

Additional Note

Enclosed [copy of a letter from J[----] M. Batchelder to Mr. Robertson shows how W[illiam K.] Hart's business is progressing; the delay is awkward since negotiations might leak out, but Mr. Batchelder is doing his best and feels confident; Mr. Robertson and his Bank will do their best to help trade; comments on Mr. Hart's kindness in providing for Mr. Robertson in such a substantial way; sorry Mr. Hart is not returning to Japan but Mr. Robertson plans "a high old time" with him on his way to England via America in about 18 months; sterling value of the dollar continually declines; comments that he does not know to where silver and dollars may go as a result of the enormous silver yields [in Nevada] and the action of the Dutch and Germans; Mr. Ralston was down and Mr. Robertson supposes somebody would make something out of the report; comments on it.
ALS 3 pp.
The following is a copy of the letter enclosed from Mr. Batchelder to Mr. Robertson, July 10, [1875]:
Has just come from the Finance Chiefs whom Mr. Batchelder told it would take a long time to purchase the Shanghai Branch line; matter is before the Government but it will require weeks to make the sale final; "purchase working satisfactorily" -- a few weeks required to complete sale, until then leave the matter as it is and permit no other parties to submit further offers from P.M.S.S. Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company.]
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 July, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Will do his "level best" for W[illiam K.] Hart and hopes to succeed; Mr. J[----] M. Batchelder thinks the Japanese mean business but are delaying matters with the idea that the P.M.S.S. Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] is on the verge of breaking up which makes them think they can expect a bargain by delaying; much obliged to Mr. Ralston for his trouble that he has taken on his account and wishes he felt he deserved the reward; Mr. Hart overestimated Mr. Robertson's influence; as small as it is it is in Mr. Hart's favor, a person Mr. Robertson would like to see with lots of money; rates on London down again and hardly thinks they can go much lower, but it depends on the [Nevada] production of silver; the Japanese are having a two week holiday -- "too hot for them to work"; Mr. Robertson wishes he could use the same pretext; the budget is the chief concern of the Japanese authorities and if Mr. [----] Okuma can manage the opposition and can carry his point -- "he is strong" -- thinks Mr. Hart's business will be all right if not doubtfull.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 25 July, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed a copy of a letter written to Baron Van A Van Vliet who has called upon Mr. Robertson to show him W[----] Cohen's [?] proposal as to Railway making in Batavia; he felt Mr. Ralston had not written officially and he wanted him identified in some way with the Bank of California so he could show people that Mr. Ralston was of the Bank of California; Mr. Robertson was certain that the writing and signature was Mr. Ralston's; does not understand why Mr. Van Vliet came to Mr. Robinson; Mr. [----] Korr had told him that Trade Dollar drafts are often presented before the dollars arrive and he has to keep their holders waiting; he hoped they had been lost when the "Japan" burned; suggests the coins come on a ship before the drafts do; considers the reports about the P.M.S.S. Co. [Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company] as nasty and wants Mr. Ralston to let him know "if anything is really up" and by wire if necessary; expects exchange rates to go down; buying native gold coin to send to London.
ALS 3 pp.
Enclosed letter missing.
item OBC 19

Robertson, John, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 24 Aug[ust], 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Things quiet; rates steady in London; has not heard from J[----] M. Batchelder and has begun to think "he has been too sanguine"; must let him work on without forcing him; sends love to W[illiam K.] Hart and asks that he be told that it is too hot even for whist.
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 20

Russell, Joseph, Oriental Bank Corporation, 14th Oct[ober], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston. Per "China".

Additional Note

Arrived safely after a very pleasant but long passage on the beaver; found all their friends in good health and [John] Robertson about to start for China for a month or two; had to take charge of the Bank's business at once; Mr. Robertson will not have time to write Mr. Ralston since he leaves for Shanghai the following day; Oriental Bank's connection with the Mint about to end and Major [----] Kinder has resigned; feels that the Mint being run by the native will damage confidence in their coin but will increase the outlet for California silver; Mr. [William] Hayward returning in improved health; Yoshida [Kiyonari] going to be Minister in Washington and Mr. Ralston will probably see him when he goes through San Francisco; credits for Anglo Californian Bank for sale there, but since their standing is unknown asks Mr. Ralston to send a confidential note of his opinion of them; war with China question a stalemate but both sides making preparations; thinks Japanese will fight among themselves if they do not fight China or Corea; thanks Mr Ralston for his hospitality when in San Francisco; will reciprocate if he comes to Yokohama but not in California style; Mr. Brown's son had left before Mr. Russell arrived.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 20

Russell, Joseph, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 9th Nov[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Nothing to write about except that the war with China has been averted by the Chinese promising an indemnity of 500,000 taels and the Japanese agreeing to evacuate Formosa by December 20th; the fact that the Japanese demanded two million taels and were willing to accept one forth as much indicates that they were as anxious to have peace as they were or they would not have paid indemnity to a much smaller power; good settlement for Japan although its expenses must have greatly exceeded the amount received; [John] Robertson is still absent and will be for some weeks; exchanges are very low but may improve a little that peace has come.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 20

Russell, Joseph, Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 22 Nov[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's note of October 3 addressed to Mr. [John] Robertson who is still in China so Mr. Russell opened and read it; from previous letters to Mr. Robertson and from that which Mr. Ralston told about [William K.] Hayward when Mr. Russell was in San Francisco, he was not surprised at the last letter; Mr. Hayward had left before the letter arrived; Mr. [----] Walker and the Cargill girls got on all right and the former is nearing Hong Kong; Miss [Fanny] Cargill lost a trunk but has recovered it from the P[acific] M[ail] S[team] S[hip] C[ompany]; asks about a new opposition to that Company; since the fear of war with China has ended exchanges are improving a little; some of the neighbors are drawing out all the money they can and sending it to Hong Kong; suppose it is to help the Bank there to raise its rates for the Chinese loan of two million taels at 8% plus commissions; loan reported to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and others listed; Banks drawing heavily on London and elsewhere; inclined to think first named Bank negotiated the loan but not here.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 20

Russell, J[oseph], Oriental Bank Corporation, Yokohama, [Japan], 21st Dec[ember], 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's note of 14th ultimo, glad that the Palace Hotel is going on so well; will send anybody there who will go; two old residents, both very good fellows, leave for England and Mr. Russell has promised them introductions to Mr. Ralston; [John] Robertson has returned from China and had just told Mr. Russell that he had given introductions to the men mention so Mr. Russell's will remain unwritten; the Japan has been lost by fire; surprising that one of the huge wooden vessels had not been destroyed long before; feared loss of life will be heavy as well as the loss of property; Mr. Ralston may be well paid as a result since his "treasure is ... insured"; however, a large number of Bank of California drafts held by Chinamen will probably never be heard of again; extends Christmas greetings.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 21

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, July 6, 1869. To My dear Sir [Darius O.] Mills.

Additional Note

Gives an account of the agreement between the Oriental Bank Corporation and the Bank of California for an open credit in favor of the latter for £250,000 sterling as agreed to by the former's Directors; states how the credit was determined and how it had been greatly overdrawn; a letter from Lees & Waller with a telegraph message from the Bank of California which makes the Bank in London believe that even if no further advances are made there will be no further reduction for sometime; gives content of message to the effect that the grain crop [in California] will require large advances of money to handle and can use all of the O.B.C. [Oriental Bank Corporation] credit and all it can carry for the next three or four months; under these circumstances the O.B.C. regrets that it cannot agree to any increase in credit nor continue the account on its present footing, for which reasons are given; gives the Bank of California until November 30, 1869 to bring its account within the agreement; have informed Lees & Waller of the content of this letter because they enjoy the full confidence of the Bank of California and also because they retained for sale in New York a large amount of sterling bills which, if sent to O.B.C. in London, would have put the account of the Bank of California in order at a critical time.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 21

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, July 7, 1869. To My dear Sir [James Lees, Esq.] Copy.

Additional Note

Has just written to [Darius O.] Mills in regard to the account of the Bank of California; states the condition of the account which is far in excess of the agreement between the two banks and as a result asked that the amount be reduced to the amount of the agreement before the end of the year since it is unable to extend to others the amount to which they are entitled; thinks Mr. Lees should know this situation since he has the full confidence of the Bank.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 21

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, E.C. 19 Aug[ust], 1869. To My dear Sir [Darius] O. Mills, Esq.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Mills for his letter of July 29 and felt sure that the subject would be speedily rectified when brought to Mr. Mills' attention; glad to learn that the stoppage of remittance in New York was accidental; otherwise it would have been at variance with their previous friendly relations; instead it has strengthened their confidence in the Bank of California and increased their high opinion of it.
ALS 2 pp.
[P.S.]
Had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of a California banker, Mr. [----] Findley [?] of Grass Valley who left England a few days ago.
item OBC 21

Stuart, Charles J. F., London 21 Oct[ober], 1869. To My dear Sir W[illiam] C. Ralston. [Mills?] Private.

Additional Note

Happy to say that [William W.] Cargill has returned in the same good health he had upon leaving S[an] Francisco; has reported quite fully Mr. Ralston's communications to him and his views and intentions respecting the account of the [Bank of California] with the [Oriental Bank Corporation in London]; Mr. Cargill reports that Mr. [James] Lees' views are substantially the same as Mr. Ralston's; Mr. Stuart looks forward to having the account satisfactory to both parties; Mr. Cargill has told Mr. Stuart of his private conversation with Mr. Ralston regarding himself; Mr. Stuart can take no active part in the withdrawal of Mr. Cargill from the [Oriental Bank Corporation] to enter the [Bank of California's] employ; will feel his loss keenly; he has been associated with him for 25 years and completed his banking education under him; should Mr. Cargill enter the employ of the [Bank of California] Mr. Stuart asserts that it will in no way lessen the value of his relations with that Bank.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 21

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, E.C. 11th November, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's letter of October 21 confirming his telegram of the 18th and Mr. [Thomas] Bell's letter containing schedule of securities deposited with him as Trustee of this Corporation has been submitted to the Court of Directors which is now aware of the situation of the money market and is willing to grant a three months extension of time to bring the balance of the Bank of California within its limits which will help the Bank carry out its policy; have telegraphed Messrs. Lees & Waller as follows: "San Francisco letter received, if agreeable £400,000 can remain until February"; the Court will make a fixed loan of £150,000 for three months from December 1 until March 1, 1870 at 1% over Bank of England Rate and never less than 5% per annum which it is hoped will meet with Mr. Ralston's approval; no reports prejudicial to your credit or good name have been received; all opinions received from both American and English travellers and others has strengthened and confirmed our confidence in business relations.
LS 5 pp.
item OBC 22

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Jan[uary] 20, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston. Confidential.

Additional Note

Regarding Exchequer Company which is not considered a good mining company which would be difficult to convince investors to invest in it; at the time the public is "mad about telegraphs" and not interested in mines so shares of other mining companies have gone to a discount and some are being returned; have not applied for shares Mr. Ralston telegraphed about; have sent a prospectus to several mining companies; have not been able to get one of the Pacific Mining Company and several others; the Pacific Mining Company was gotten up privately by Mr. [----] Patters and his friends and its shares are at a discount; affected others and reacted unfavorably; Eureka shares not applied for and Directors talk of returning shares subscribed for; knows little about Mr. Patters only through his coming in to pay money for Mr. Ralston; had asked O.B.C. to telegraph which might prove a profitable business for Mr. Ralston; had Eureka floated Mr. Stuart planned to take a small interest and induce his friends to also.
ALS 5 pp.
[P.S.]
Eureka Mine subscriptions have been returned. Telegram 18th Jan[uar]y, 1870. C.S.
item OBC 22

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, 9 February, 1870. To My dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Had answered Mr. Ralston's letters of [January] 12th and 15th with telegrams; quite ready to give effect to the wishes Mr. Ralston had expressed in his letters but for the circumstance advised Mr. Ralston "in his letter of 20th ulto."; asked that Mr. [Darius O.] Mills be thanked for his letter of January 20 with draft for £40 [?] "on account of Bank of California Dividend."
LS 2 pp.
item OBC 22

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, June 2, 1870. To D[arius] O. Mills.

Additional Note

Glad to learn that Mr. [William W.] Cargill's second visit to San Francisco had increased the favorable impression he made on his first one; regards him as first rate man either as a Banker or friend; would like to take the same trip that Mr. Cargill did and become acquainted with "the gold paying people of California" and hopes to do so some day; glad to find the account of the Bank of California is "less onerous than it was last year"; may not entirely "approve of the less profitable quality" being sought for it; relationship between Oriental Bank Corporation and the Bank of California and how the trust undertaken by Mr. Mills and [Thomas] Bell could be terminated; Bank allows only £250,000 credit to any constituent, the largest the Oriental Bank Corporation can afford; gives an account of the Bank's credit terms; may revise arrangement formerly made between the Oriental Bank Corporation and the Bank of California; may be revised more in accordance with the latter's wishes.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 22

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, E.C., 9 August, 1870. To [William C.] Ralston, Esqre. Copy.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston's letter of July 15 was submitted to the Bank's Directors that day who authorized Mr. Stuart, (Chief Manager), to terminate the trust established by Mr. Ralston's Bank in 1869 and to give assurance of its pleasure in serving the Bank of California; enclosed a letter to [Thomas] Bell and [Darius O.] Mills giving effect to Mr. Ralston's wishes; lengthy account of the credit terms of the Oriental Bank Corporation, London, and its attitude toward extension of credits; possible effect of improved transit arrangement upon credit.
LS 3 pp.
The following letter enclosed with the above:
item OBC 22

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, E.C., 9th August, 1870. To Thomas Bell, Esq. and D[arius] O. Mills, Esq. Copy.

Additional Note

Referring to their letter to Mr. Bell of November 11th, 1869, the Oriental Bank Corporation takes pleasure in ending the trust which the Bank of California established; thanks them for their trouble in the matter; in the matter of issuing Mercantile Credits and in view of the new transit regulations, the OBC can understand why the Bank of California wishes to extend this business to the Atlantic cities; OBC has prior arrangements with the Bank of Montreal so must decline the proposal made by Mr. Ralston.
LS 1 p.
item OBC 23

Stuart, Charles, J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, E.C., 28th January, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of January 5th which enclosed the annual report of the Bank of California issued last October 4; report indicates great improvement in monetary affairs in California and the hope for the continued prosperity of the Bank; should the reported surrender of Paris lead to peace on the continent, commercial activity in Europe will increase with its consequent reaction in the United States and foster trade and money dealings to the benefit of all; comments on "recent official advice about mining adventure"; encloses clippings from the [London] Times which "reflect pretty accurately the feeling of the more sober portion of the Commercial Community on the subject"; gives answers the promoters of mining adventures give as to why they are promoting abroad.
LS 2 pp.
[P.S.]
Thanks Mr. Ralston for the draft of £60 enclosed in his letter.
Two enclosures from The London Times 22d Jan[uary], [18]71 and 23rd Jan[uar]y, 1871.
item OBC 23

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, E.C., 30th Jan[uar]y, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Encloses an article on mining from the London Times which points out that based on past experience Capitalists are warranted in being careful.
LS 1 p.
item OBC 23

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Oct[ober] 28, 1871. To [Darius O.] Mills.

Additional Note

Was shooting in Scotland when Mr. Mills' letter arrived; got in touch with Mr. P[----] Campbell who put the matter through; hoped "the Bank of California will make their own of it"; sorry to have learned of the death of [William E.] Barron which "will be a sad blow to poor [Thomas] Bell"; knew that he suffered greatly but did not suppose there was an immediate danger; discusses money market and prospects for the future.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 23

Stuart, Charles J. F., London. Nov[ember] 30, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

[William W.] Cargill had written Mr. Stuart about credits for American trade in China and Japan; concurs with Mr. Ralston's opinion that their operations there could be covered by bills at 90 and a good and large business could be done if credits were offered authorizing drafts at that term; if true the Oriental Bank Corporation will join with Mr. Ralston but fears are expressed that "the American Houses will require more scope for their transactions"; explains why; up to Mr. Ralston to decide whether such business will suit him; mentions how it should be handled successfully and points out disadvantages; Bank of England has lowered its rates to 3 and 1/2 per cent; market favors cheapness; state of French and German finance regarded as "forbidding a bed of roses"; Mr. Stuart agrees; the Germans and no one else can make one pay that which one does not owe, but one must be constantly on the watch to keep free from debt to France and counteract Gallic temptation; Believes Bank of England's action has kept them from a "very tight squeeze".
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, April 13, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had promised to write Mr. Ralston about American credits several months ago but the delay has given him an opportunity to read the memo Mr. Ralston gave W[illiam M.] Anderson; Mr. Stuart has discussed the matter with Mr. Anderson carefully in all its aspects and the conclusion reached in all will be written to Mr. Ralston the same day; money situation improved; Bank of England raised its rate 1% and may go higher; large trade and prices high which requires extra money; Oriental Bank Corporation has been flooded with foreign loans and new companies which might lead to trouble later, great deal of German money on the market makes men cautious since the money may be withdrawn any time; the indebtedness of France to its conquerors which only borrowing or war can cancel.
ALS 3 pp.
[P.S.]
Enclosure "from the Economist, a weekly monetary and Commercial paper, well informed and sound".
Enclosure lacking.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, April 27, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Telegrams received from Mr. Ralston seem to be perplexing; knew that the Japanese Commissioners had been misled by incompetent or interested advisers and had left their country "for the purpose of borrowing money in America"; Mr. Stuart had quite well guessed the result of the Commissioners consulting with Mr. Ralston or other business men; points out the ambiguity of the messages which he supposes Mr. Yoshida Kiyonari will explain when he arrives in London and he will be helped if it can be done; the Japanese fickleness does not make them good borrowers but their proposal will be carefully examined and if their securities are found to be adequate and other factors satisfactory the [Oriental Bank Corporation] will make a loan, otherwise it will not; cites the various aspects of the political news from Japan which do not favor a loan; should a loan be made Mr. Stuart trusts that he can have the cooperation of Mr. Ralston in remitting the money to Japan; the Bank of England's action has seemingly checked the drain of money and rates are lower in the open market; plenty of money for short term loans; Germans and French are steadily and quietly withdrawing their balances in London which must have an adverse effect upon the value of money.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, May 11, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

[John] Robertson, since his return to Japan, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Niboo arrangement; said that the Government did not have the amount of Niboos named in the Contract and the financial authorities do not know how to fulfill it; (No remittance made by the April steamer); Mr. Robertson hinted that "the whole arrangement was a piece of Asiatic diplomacy to impress your [Mr. Ralston's] countrymen with an idea of great wealth on the eve of the proposed loan in New York"; true or not it is characteristic of the race; the terms of the contract were considered to be to the advantage of the Japanese who could not have refined their Niboos nor have bought their gold so favorably in Europe, taking into consideration the weakness of their Assaying and Refining Staff and the high interest rates at which they borrow money secured by Niboos; Mr. Robertson is of the opinion that the Japanese may try to get some modification of the contract; Mr. Stuart advises Mr. Ralston to do as he thinks best which the Oriental Bank Corporation "will confirm and abide by"; the rise of the Bank of England's rate to 5% may check the gold drain or attract it from United States and elsewhere; should it go to 5 and 1/2% asks Mr. Ralston to deal gently with O.B.C. in requiring advances until monetary affairs have become normalized.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, May 18, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston, 1872. Private.

Additional Note

Since writing Mr. Ralston a week ago his official letter of April 9th has been received; his reply shows the annoyance that is felt at that which Mr. Ralston had received in one of the Bank's representative's letters, which was an entire misrepresentation of Mr. Ralston's proceedings; were the situation reversed the Bank officials would feel "hurt and indignant"; feels that Mr. [John] Robertson, on reflection, would see his mistake and make amends by acknowledging his error and apologizing; considers Mr. Ralston's opinion of the transaction differs from that of the [Oriental Bank Corporation]; the Bank agrees with Mr. Ralston that the terms were liberal, perhaps more liberal than they should have been; if Mr. Ralston has to advance money in order to redeem the Niboos in Japan, which is not likely, those people whom Mr. Robertson wants to protect have not made a bad bargain for themselves; "money looks easier" and the 5% rate at the Bank has checked withdrawals of gold.
ALS 2 pp.
There are two copies of this letter.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, 25 May, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Private

Additional Note

Replying to Bank of California's letter of May 2; will make an effort to find out whether the feeling about the Cargill administration, as Mr. Ralston has been informed, is that of the Japanese Government in general or only that of an opposing part of it; is of the opinion that the [Oriental Bank Corporation] has been of some help to the Japanese and, while an expression of gratitude is not expected, but if matters are such as has been suggested, the Japanese Government should have informed the Bank instead of evading its obligation to its creditors because of incompetent and corrupt Railway administration; not satisfied with position of affairs between [John] Robertson and Mr. Ralston; feels the latter has been justly offended; sending the Bank's Inspector, W[illiam] M. Anderson, to tell Mr. Ralston the way the Bank feels about the matter more fully than can be done in writing; England is beginning to have gold come in because of the high value of money there, although the Bank has received none; all of the gold goes to Germany; briefly describes money situation in that country.
ALS 3 pp.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, July 27, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Stuart longs to go to California to see whether that which visitors say about that state is really true; Japanese Commissioners have returned home; [Oriental Bank Corporation] has "accepted the Agency of the loan provided terms can be arranged for its issue on a safe and creditable basis"; that done, the operation will be endorsed and effort made to make it succeed; had proper decrees passed and sent to Japan; when published and returned and when railway difficulty is settled, a satisfactory termination will be near; thanks Mr. Ralston for his friendly cooperation regarding the Japanese Commissioners; has seen Mr. R[----] Brereton who begged that Mr. Ralston be told "that nothing can be done to float Californian securities in London" at the time and that both W[----] Morgan and W[----] Rodewald tell him "the time is not ripe"; two men connected with the Buckhead swindle live in London and pass themselves off as an authority on Californian financial matters; unless that which they say is secured they may cause trouble for others; such opposition can be overcome, according to Mr. Brereton, by sending a Commission to California; if irrigation scheme is good, O.B.C. might help; does not know what to say regarding money situation because of situation in Europe.
ALS 4pp.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, 15 August, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Lengthy account on the subject of investment in California enterprises by English investors; cites general bad management as reason why some such enterprises are rejected in England while, on the other hand, increasing surplus English capital would benefit California; conditions against English investment; some successes and uncertain results for some speculators; nature of California projects which investors use for quick, profit-making turnover; two classes of American and English shareholders with different benefits for each; "watering the stock"; suggests as remedy to increase English investments in California that the above conditions be done away with and a committee of respectable and prudent men be sent to London to take charge of such solid, moderate, and commendable companies as are sent there for investment, which would result in a large amount of English capital being invested in them; R[----] Brereton brought to London an enterprize seeking investment in San Joaquin Valley land; had the faults mentioned and he came at a time "when John Bull was suffering from a too credulous belief in Pyramids of Silver and the like -- not to mention the Erie Railway -- and would not look at anything American" which was not the fault of Mr. Brereton; stock clear of objectional condition would attract investors who would quietly send money to California.
ALS 6 pp.
There are two copies of this letter.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., [London], Aug[ust] 17, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has not been able to write for some time on account of his eyes; sorry not to have seen Mr. [Milton S.] Latham; Mr. [----] Green of the Bank of England and Mr. Stuart wanted to honor Mr. Ralston's introduction but it was never presented; hopes to be more fortunate on his next visit to England.
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Oct[ober] 4, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

A telegram will have informed Mr. Ralston that the minimum rate of the Bank of England is 5%; looks for hard times during the winter so calls Mr. Ralston's attention to the state of his account -- a balance of £680,000 against it will nearly half that amount in a cash advance, an amount three times higher than it should be; Mr. Stuart feels that only a mention of it is all that is necessary to have it reduced; since the Japanese have hesitated so long they may have lost their chance for a loan at the Oriental Bank Corporation.
ALS 2 pp.
item Unnumbered

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Nov[ember] 16, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Mr. Stuart had been writing "hard words" about Mr. Ralston to [James] Lees and writes the same to Mr. Ralston; London's money market at the time is either not appreciated by Mr. Ralston, nor does he understand the 7% rate of the Bank of England or else he has been most inconsiderate of the Oriental Bank Corporation in London during these hard times; several months before Mr. Stuart requested [William M.] Anderson to write Mr. Ralston in regard to the state of the account of the Bank of California; was informed "not to be uneasy" in a telegram through Lees & Waller, Mr. Ralston promising to "make things all right"; At the time the account of the Bank of California with the Oriental Bank Corporation was overdrawn £544,000 and the Cash advance was £166,000; those amounts have been greatly increased by early October which Mr. Stuart considered neither "considerate nor business like" which does not suit him; has to press on the Bank Directors the necessity of either completely changing the conditions of the account or closing it, will not continue on present terms.
ALS 3 pp.
Answered by Ralston, W[illiam] C., San Francisco, [California], Dec[ember] 11th, [18]72. To [Charles J. F.] Stuart, London.
item OBC 24

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Nov[ember] 23, 1872. To James Lees, Esq.

Additional Note

Shortly after writing Mr. Lees on November 13th a message was received from the Bank of California that it had taken steps to put the account in order and Mr. Ralston wrote the same thing on October 26, 1872; no practical results have been seen but they are patiently awaited; Mr. Ralston had written that he had leaned on the Oriental Bank Corporation more heavily than he had expected but it "was not without due consideration for our [their] mutual interests; a phrase not understood by Mr. Stuart; Bank returns for the past week indicated that the high rate of interest has attracted some otherwise unproductive money and some gold remittances from abroad; cheap money not to be expected as long as Germany wants gold; nothing will be said about the future arrangements with the Bank of California while high rates continue but this much must be said: either the Bank of California must increase its capital or greatly restrict its business, otherwise the Oriental Bank Corporation will not continue to be its agent and no other London house would be apt to take its account under its present condition; the Bank should have a credit balance in London and also provide for foreseen special occasions, something that has never been done; higher rates in California than in London, a temptation which cannot be resisted.
ALS 4 pp.
P.S. Asks that someone there get Mr. Stuart some good American apples and send to him; the crop there failed.
Probably the letter referred to is the one enclosed in Lees, J[ames], Office of Lees & Waller, No. 33 Pine St[reet], Agency of the Bank of California, New York, 9 Dec[embe]r, 1872. To [Thomas] Bell.
item OBC 25

Stuart, Charles J. F., [London, August 16, 1873]. To [?].

Additional Note

Comments on the endorsement of the drafts of the Bank of California by Lees & Waller which is doubtful and whether that should have been done in the first place; the alteration should not have been made without advising the Oriental Bank Corporation of the change and the reason for it; since endorsements stopped when [James] Lees sold his stock in the Bank could only create uneasiness; regrets receiving a telegram of the death of Mr. Lees which will be a loss to the Bank and the financial community; Mr. [Henry B.] Laidlaw was to continue the agency for the time being; has had good reports of Mr. Laidlaw but questions whether it is a good idea "to trust such large interests to a single life"; something that one does not like to do in England.
ALS 6 pp.
See following letter.
item Unnumbered

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Aug[us]t 16th, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Congratulates Mr. Ralston on his "Well merited promotion" [to President of the Bank of California]; comments on not receiving their promised charter due to the dilatoriness of government officials; comments on the injury of his colleague [P----] Campbell in a train accident and the loss of his services in the Bank; cannot go to California during Mr. Campbell's absence; "1/8% Commercial applies to a debit balance of £49,999" and 1/4% to all above; states conditions whereby Mr. Ralston can obtain money through the Oriental Bank Corporation of London in order to carry on his operations when properly secured but without security Mr. Stuart would have to limit the amount of money; "this is the point and I want you to realize it", he wrote.
See preceding letter.
item OBC 25

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Dec[ember], 1873. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Understand the position of the concern referred to in Mr. Ralston's communication of November 14; had received no letter from [Thomas] Bell on the subject but discussed it with [Darius O.] Mills when there the day before and who informed him on the matter; if Mr. Stuart is personally applied to will act accordingly; after receipt of Mr. Ralston's telegram discussed the subject of the National Bank of Peru with Mr. Mills in the light of opinions received of which a copy is enclosed; it was agreed that the Paris Agents of Mr. Ralston's Bank were somewhat "scared by the Political and monetary state of France"; better to be cautious, though the transaction is considered safe yet "a part of a large operation of carrying the guano business" of the Government of Peru which old fashioned European bankers do not look upon favorably; of the opinion the Bank was founded by [----] Dreyfus to make it easier to carry out the guano contract especially should difficulties develop between the Government of Peru and the contractors or from possible other causes; things are becoming quiet in London and there is an abundance of money.
ALS 2 pp.
The following enclosed with the above letter:
Confidential.
Oriental Bank Corporation, London., E.C., Dec[ember] 6, 1873.
National Bank of Peru
Dec. 5, 1873 London Bank of Mexico
A local bank thought to have been founded by the Dreyfus brothers who retain a controlling influence; have close "relations with and draw on the Correspondents of Dreyfus in Europe -- Dreyfus in Paris and Schroder in London.
Dec. 5, 1873 Schroder
Recently established and on trial; correspondents of Oriental Bank corporation which is satisfied with the way its business is conducted.
Dec. 5, 1873 [----]Huth
Newly established but considered "quite respectable"; capital $12,000,000 with $3,600,000 paid up; a partner in the Oriental Bank Corporation was formerly one of the Directors but that interfered with their business relations and he withdrew.
D
item OBC 26

Stuart, Charles J. F., Oriental Bank Corporation, London, June 4, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for the three letters from him which he found upon his return from Egypt; [Darius O.] Mills will explain why Mr. Stuart had to go to Egypt which prevented him from going to California to see Mr. Ralston; cannot oppose that which [Isaac] Friedlander said about the grain trade in S[an] Francisco and that which he said about the Bills on England which resulted from the trade; gives a lengthy account of the manner of transacting the grain business on a financial basis pointing the possible ways of handling the finances with the banks with their advantages; thanks Mr. Ralston for his great kindness to his friend Charles Forbes who was very ill while in San Francisco and who credits Mr. Ralston with saving his life.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 26

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, July 14, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Enclosed a certificate of Mr. Stuart's 50 shares in the Bank of California; asks Mr. Ralston to transfer 25 of the shares to his Colleague, [P----] Campbell, the rest to remain in Mr. Stuart's name; also asks Mr. Ralston to invest $1000 in Bank of California stock which will pay about 9% for two orphan girls in whom Mr. Stuart is interested; attention called to a Supreme Court case (Bank of California vs. Collins) in which the Bank failed to recover a debt on the grounds that "the Bank was not a legally constituted corporation"; Mr. Stuart attaches no importance to it for, if the decision is upheld on appeal, the law would be strengthen by Congress; have told sometime buyers of Bank of California Bills that the matter would be mentioned to Mr. Ralston who was asked to send a few words on the matter which could be sent to them; their mutual friend at Sacramento, [Darius O. Mills] has been the victim of forged National Bank of Scotland credits presented by some clever men; about £2000 has been gotten from Brown, Shipley and Co. as well as others; London became suspicious and sent Mr. Ralston a message; names and describes one of the forgers; money easy and will probably continue; farmers want rain; will probably have a good wheat crop.
ALS 4 pp.
[P.S.]
A[----] W. Anderson, [an Oriental Bank Corporation] manager from Melbourne, Australia, will call upon Mr. Ralston in August and can give "the best information about the colonies"; will be obliged for any attention given him.
item OBC 26

Stuart, Charles J. F., London. July 25, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

In the office letter Mr. Ralston has been asked to pay $500 to Mr. Robert Duncan Milne, a nephew of one of the Directors of the [Oriental Bank Corporation], has patented an invention of his own to improve the steam engine; short of money and wants to exhibit his invention at the Mechanics Fair in San Francisco, the money to enable him to meet the necessary expenses; would like to hear of any account of him that Mr. Ralston can gain and the prospects of his invention; Mr. Milne, a sort of rolling stone, and his uncle would like to find out what he is about; sending a letter of introduction to Mr. Ralston in favor of A[----] W. Anderson one of the [Oriental Bank Corporation] Managers in Melbourne, Australia, and another for Joseph Russell, the Bank's second officer in Japan; would like Mr. Ralston to exchange business ideas with them and would be obliged for same and for any attention he could show them; money still easy and a large grain crop in England and on the continent is expected which indicates there will be no "dear money"; eastern trade bad, especially in tea and silk which have heavy losses not compensated by export profits.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 26

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, 29 Aug[us]t, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston. Personal.

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his note about Grain Speculation in S[an] Francisco; hopes the speculation will soon be played out even though some people on the European side have a good opinion of them; money appears easy and some men are of the opinion that the Bank of England should not have reduced its rate of interest so soon since developments might mean a sudden advance; do not want to insure merchandise but the Bank underwriters took the risk since the Bank gave the company so much good business; some say they have done better in San Francisco; Mr. Ralston's insurance business is quite different and points the connection between Mr. Ralston and the Oriental Bank Corporation; heavy losses in the China trade, especially in silk.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 26

Stuart, Charles J. F., Edinburgh, [Scotland], Nov[ember] 5, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to give [Robert] D[uncan] Milne $500 and debit the Oriental Bank Corporation, London, for that amount; asks for information about his engine and the man himself, his habits, etc. which will be confidental for which Mr. Stuart and Director [----] Kay will be much obliged; Mr. Ralston had promised a memo by his attorney about a law case in New York which was not ready in time and would like to satisfy the man who first asked him; thanks for letter of September 23 later supplemented by a message about the failure of L. M. and Sons [?]; has been somewhat perturbed, but Mr. Stuart is not sorry that it happened but it proves Mr. Stuart was right against a strong contrary opinion of one of the Directors; never acts upon these opinions which he distrusts and by so doing has saved the Bank on occasion; money is very easy in London but great lack of confidence though difficult to account for; business is at a minimum, but only two branches of trade not doing well and apparently nothing to cause distrust but it exists; the Japanese and Chinese are about to go to war; no one knows what it may lead to, but they will want money.
ALS 2 pp.
item OBC 27

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, Jan[uary] 25, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Wishes Mr. Ralston and family a belated many happy years; thanks him for his kindness to and all he had done for Robert D[uncan] Milne, a cousin of one of the Directors of the Oriental Bank Corporation, who has asked Mr. Stuart to express his great obligation to Mr. Ralston; finds no record that the $500 has been charged against the Bank and asks that it be done; thanks him for transfer of certificates of Bank of California shares; not to trouble about the $1000 he was asked to invest for Mr. Stuart's two orphan cousins as it had been taken care of elsewhere; glad to receive Mr. Ralston's lawyer's letter about the constitution of the Bank of California which is satisfactory to Mr. Stuart; criticizes the jury for the verdict given "the intelligent young Englishman" who had a connection with the Diamond Swindle; thought one farthing would have been sufficient damages; very tight money situation had passed but things are in "a very ticklish position"; Bank of England may have to raise its discount rate to protect its gold reserve, while the rate in the open may be lower; glad Charles Forbes has done so well in mining but thinks he should stop speculation.
ALS 4 pp.
item OBC 27

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, June 26, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's message advising the continue drain of gold to New York and requesting an opinion as to whether Mr. Ralston should apply for an extension of time to settle his account; Mr. Stuart declined to give an opinion until after consulting the Directors; while commercial affairs had improved they are "far from comfortable" and a panic would be the result of any large failure so Mr. Stuart cannot recommend the extension of Mr. Ralston's credit at the time.
ALS 1 p.
item OBC 27

Stuart, Charles J. F., London, 1 July, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Confidential.

Additional Note

Answering Mr. Ralston's letter of June 26 regarding the settlement of the credit of the Bank of California, matter submitted to the Court of Directors and fully considered; due to unsatisfactory state of Commercial affairs in both England and the East the Court has had to decline extending further credit; the following message has been sent: "Commercial affairs unsatisfactory. Unfavorable reports about. More failures anticipated. Your proposition declined by our Directors at present."
LS 2 pp.
item OBC 28

Yoshida, Kiyonari, n.p., Grand Hotel, Ap[ri]l 30th, 1872. To [Darius O.] Mills.

Additional Note

Since copies of all important documents are to be sent home Mr. Yoshida asked that all copies of despatches to O[riental] B[ank] C[orporation], London, be sent to them; they have copies of their answers; hoped that the best is being done for the success of the current undertaking; hoped to hear something more definite from Mr. Mills so that he could write to his Government by the mail the next day.
L 2 pp.
P.S.
Trusted that copies of other important would be available before the next mail.
item Unnumbered

Yoshida, Kiyonari, Special Japanese Commission, San Francisco, May 1, 1872. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Yoshida purposes to send the remaining $500,000 of Japan bullion from the refining of Niboos in Mexican dollars together with the same amount in additional Mexican dollars to Japan by the next steamer; requests Mr. Ralston of that amount as soon as possible and send it by the steamer leaving San Francisco on May 15; feels that Mr. Ralston is trying to enable the Commission to accomplish its important mission while in the United States.
LS 1 p.
[Note added in the handwriting of Mr. Ralston.]
"Vice Minister of Finance to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan."
Original in Bancroft Library.
item Unnumbered

Yoshida, Kiyonari, Special Japanese Commission, San Francisco, May 1st, 1873. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Purposed to send back the remaining $500,000 worth of their bullion from the refining of Niboos in Mexican dollars and in addition $500,000 Mex making a total of $1,000,000 Mexican which is to be shipped on the next steamer to Japan; requested that this amount be obtained and shipped over on the next steamer to sail for Japan on May 15; asked that pains be taken to carry out this request; felt assured that Mr. Mills was trying to enable them to carry out their important mission to this country.
L 1 p.
Note added in the handwriting of William C. Ralston.
"Vice Minister of Finance to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan."
item OBC 28

Yoshida, Kiyonari, Japan Legation, Washington, D.C., Dec[ember] 27th, 1874. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had arrived safely in Washington and had been presented to the President; had the pleasure of seeing Mr. [Andrew Jackson ?] Ralston and W. C. Ralston's daughter on the trip to Chicago; presented his warmest regards for Mr. Ralston's hospitality to his grateful guests; willing to do errands for Mr. Ralston if he will write him.
L 2 pp.
item OBC 30

Miscellaneous items to Oriental Bank Corporation.

Additional Note

Copy of a telegram rec[eive]d by [A(lfred) A.] Cohen at Wahsatch, 22 Aug[us]t, [no year]. Original forwarded to C.J.F.S. [Charles J. F. Stuart]
"Bear of Nancy 1 am
McMahon while endeavoring to Cover Nancy left his bear Supposed the Crown Prince of Prussia with great vigor threw himself upon him whilst in this precarious position utterly demoralized him and entered Nancy himself Nancy is greatly incited so is the Crown Prince of Prussia."
(The telegram seems to be in code.)
Letter press copy.
item Unnumbered

Segmund, n.p., April 25th, 1872. To Oriental Bank [Corporation], London.

Additional Note

Telegram in code.
154
46.20 April 25th [18]72
$200. 20 Total
DS 1p.
Enclosed with letter of D[arius] O[gden] Mills, n.p., April 30th, [18]72. To Hon[orable] Yoshida Kiyonari.
item Unnumbered

Segmund, n.p., Ap[ri]l 25th. 1872. To Oriental Bank [Corporation], London.

Additional Note

Cablegram in code.
DS 1 p.
Enclosed with letter of D[arius] O[gden] Mills, n.p., April 30th, [1817]. To Hon[orable] Yoshida Kiyonari.
72
21.60 Ap[ri]l 25th, 1872
93.60
item Unnumbered

Segmund, n.p., April 25th, 1872. To Oriental Bank [Corporation], London.

Additional Note

In code
item Unnumbered

ORIENTAL BANK CORPORATION, LONDON (End)

item 8825

Osborne, L[----] E., San Francisco, Dec[ember] 22nd, 1874. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Has been told of Mr. Ralston's generous philanthropic acts; help is asked for a lady who has tried unsuccessfully to form a class and is without means to pay her board; gives her address where her name and references will be given.
ALS 1 p.
item 8830

Osgood, Geo[rge] A., New York, Ja[nuar]y 16, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Had telegraphed Mr. Ralston to sell his Belcher stock when he thought best; not expect that he would wait when stock was at its peak price but would sell when the mine looked good; knows "it is a very delicate matter", but Mr. Ralston has been kind enough to do this for him before, he now makes another request.
ALS 2 pp.
[Note added]
No answer required. - W.C.R.

Box 6

item 11010

Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company [per] C. Simple, Yokohama, [Japan], 23 June, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston. Bill of Lading.

Additional Note

W[illiam] W. Cargill shipped eight cases and three barrels of curios to Mr. Ralston from Yokohama to San Francisco by the Steam Ship Company's Steamer America; stated conditions under which the freight was shipped.
DS 2pp.
item 11020

Painter and Co., per S[----] Robinson, Type Founders, Nos. 510 and 512 Clay Street, San Francisco, Sep[tember] 30th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Itemized statement of Account Sales of printing materials and commission charges to Mr. Ralston; E and OE.
DS 1p.
item 11020

Painter and Co., per S[----] Robinson, Type Founders, Nos. 510 and 512 Clay Street, San Francisco, Dec[ember] 31st, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Itemized Statement of Account sales of printing materials sold to Mr. Ralston, including commission charges; E.O.E.
DS 1p.
item 11020

Painter and Co., per S.P. Smiley, Type Founders, Nos. 510 and 512 Clay Street, San Francisco, June 30th, 1874. To W[illia]m C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Itemized Statement of account sales of type and c. to Mr. Ralston plus Freight and Commission charges; E.O.E.
DS 1p.
item 11020

Painter and Co., by [----] Smiley, Type Founders, Nos. 510 and 512 Clay Street, San Francisco, [California], September 30th, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

"Account Sales of Type sold by order and for Account of W.C. Ralston, Esq."
DC 1p.
item 11020

Painter and Co., per B[----] Waymouth, Type Founders, Nos. 510 and 512 Clay Street, San Francisco, March 31, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Itemized statement of Account sales of type and c. to Mr. Ralston plus freight and commission charges; E. and O.E.
DS 2pp.
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., Yokohama, [Japan], March 10, [1871]. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Acknowledges Mr. Ralston's business letter of February 20th; has been reading the "Resources of California" in the paper Mr. Ralston sent him; glad to see the advancement in the state which must thrive with industry and integrity; always considered the Pacific Slope to have an uneventful [?] future before it; Mr. Ralston was very kind in taking care of his funds and the latter hopes that a safe real estate will turn up; rather disturbed at the time, Government too anxious to assume a high position abroad, forgetting that this must be founded upon soundness at home.
ALS 4pp.
Same letter listed as again as March 10, 1874
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., New York City, July 29, [1871]. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Must say "good bye" to the first friend he met before leaving the States; trusts the enclosed likeness to himself and wife in the Ralston's memories until he writes again; enjoyed their trip across the continent and made the most of the time they had; saw some of the Hayes [?] party who had reached N[ew] Y[ork] the day before; asked to be remembered to Mrs. Ralston by Lady Parkes and himself and also to Mr. and Mrs. [Darius O.] Mills.
ALS 4pp.
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London, Oct[ober] 9, 1871. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Had been traveling about since his return to England; when he called at the Oriental Bank [Corporation] he learned that the money which he had requested Mr. Ralston to invest for him in California had been placed to the credit of the Bank of California to be held at Mr. Ralston's disposal; amounts to £5585, 18.9; discussion of that which he hopes to derive from the money, possible investment of cheap land near new railways; suggests Bank pay interest in meantime; will appreciate any attention given.
ALS 4pp.
[note top of page 2]
"fr[om] Yok[ohama] Aug[ust] 5 - due in Lon[don] M[ar]ch 25th."
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., "Deccan" N[ea]r Malta, Jan[uary] 29, [18]73. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston will probably consider Mr. Parkes a bad correspondent but the latter explains that his wife and himself were overcome by the sudden death of their fifteen year old daughter of diptheria the preceding summer; they left London with the hope to find comfort in privacy but Mr. Parkes was called to take charge of the Japanese embassy; they left on the 16th of December and Mr. Parkes left as soon as possible with his wife whose confinement was expected in April and who should return home before that time; would have liked to have returned via the Pacific route but it was inadvisable and was sorry not to have been able to have seen Mr. Ralston again, but perhaps he might visit Japan; much obliged to Mr. Ralston for his care of Mr. Parkes' funds and is willing to let the former take his time in regard to investing them but favors investment in real estate because of the security; foretells a bright future for California with the rapid opening of railroads; would like to have Mr. Ralston send him any literature on the subject; expects to be in Japan about March 10; asks advice regarding adding $5000 to the fund if he could do so; has heard of Mr. Ralston's service to the State of California by checking the Diamond Mining Fraud which could have been serious for the State had it succeeded; acknowledged Mr. Ralston's official letter and that of two co-trustees but has forgotten the name of one and asks Mr. Ralston to add it to the enclosed letter; Lady Parkes greatly enjoyed Mr. Ralston's driving and will never forget it.
ALS 4pp.
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., P.I[?] O., S.S. "Deccan," near Malta, Jan[uary] 29, [18]73. To I[saac] Friedlander, Esq., J[?] D. Walker, Esq., [and] W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Due to pressure of engagements before leaving England was unable to acknowledge their letter of November, 1872 enclosing cheque for £255.15s interest on his funds in Bank of California from last April until such time as it is invested; feels he can trust their "excellent judgment" regarding investment which will yield a profitable and safe return; requests interest as it falls due be sent to Oriental Bank [Corporation] in London on Mr. Parkes' account; will continue to be interested in the welfare of California; will be pleased to have further advice or information sent to him.
ALS 4pp.
item Unnumbered

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., Yokohama, [Japan], March 10, [1874]. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Acknowledges Mr. Ralston's business letter of [February] 20th; has been reading the "Resources of California" which Mr. Ralston had sent him; was glad to see such good accounts of the future prospects of the State; always felt that the Pacific slope faced a good future; Mr. Ralston had been kind to his friends; trusts that a safe real estate investment will turn up; have been disturbed but the [----] has been got under which will be a warning to the government to steady itself; have been "too anxious" to assume a high position abroad forgetting that this must be based upon soundness at home; "afraid they are not[?] liberal to foreigners."
ALS 4pp.
See March 10, 1871.
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., Yedo, [Japan], June 12, 1875, pr "Oceania". To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esqr.

Additional Note

Acknowledges the receipt of Mr. Ralston's letter of April 30th informing Mr. Parkes that the Oriental Bank had advised Mr. Ralston that his four drafts on the Oriental Bank [Corporation] of London in Mr. Parkes' favor were long overdue and that these drafts had been sent, to the Oriental Bank [Corporation] subject to the disposal of 'seconds' "which were forwarded to Mr. Parkes"; the latter was advised to send the 'seconds' to the Oriental Bank; tenders Mr. Ralston his "best thanks" for calling his attention to the matter for he was unaware that such a situation existed; has sent the seconds of the drafts, properly endorsed to the Oriental Bank [Corporation] in London.
ALS 4pp.
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., Yedo, [Japan], June 12, [1875]. To [William C.] Ralston. Private.

Additional Note

Adds a private note to his business letter of the same date in which he acknowledges the letter of April 30[?] regarding the seconds of drafts drawn in Mr. Parkes' favor; states how the same situation had been handled in 1872-73 by the Oriental Bank [Corporation] and how it differed from the current situation; inquires as to the amount of interest lost to him as the result of his error; the interest was probably credited to the Bank of California; will be gratified if Mr. Ralston can "ease down the loss" to which he may have rendered himself liable; sorry to have caused Mr. Ralston so much trouble; thanks him for his kindness in regard to the cow sent which Mr. Parkes considered "a very fine animal."
ALS 6pp.
item 11025

Parkes, (Sir) Harry S., Yedo, [Japan], Aug[ust] 24th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Acknowledged receipt of letter of July 14th with a record of exchange for £286 10 which included £33 17.5 as back interest on remittances which had not gone to London; thanks him for his kind and liberal consideration in the matter.
ALS 3pp.
item 11030

Paty, John, Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu, Oahu, December 14th, 1866. To Charles R. Bishop.

Additional Note

Mr. Bishop personally appeared before John Paty, "a commissioner of Deeds for the State of California in and for the said City of Honolulu" and personally known to Mr. Paty as the person who executed the Letter of Attorney and admitted that he had executed it of his own free will for the designated uses set forth as a witness of the execution Mr. Paty hereunto set his hand and official seal.
DS 1p.
item 11030

Bishop, Cha[rle]s H., Honolulu, Island of Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, December 13, 1866. To William C. Ralston.

Additional Note

General power of attorney granted to Mr. Ralston, to act for Mr. Bishop in all business matters; all proceeds of any transaction for the firm of Bishop and Co., Honolulu Bankers to be paid to the Bank of California to the credit of said Bishop and Co.; the proceeds of any property belonging to Mr. Bishop personally to be paid to the Bank of California and credited to his personal account.
DS 1p.
item 11035

Pauncefort [Pauncefote], Julian. The Proclamation as to Hong Kong currency signed by Julian [----] Pauncefort, Attorney General, 6th April, 1870. Copy.

Additional Note

Regarding the dollar that may be legal tender in Hong Kong besides those of the Hong Kong Mint; Mexican dollar as a standard and any other dollar of no less value or of equivalent value may be authorized by the Governor of Hong Kong as currency in Hong Kong.
DS 5pp.
item 11040

Paxton, John A., Agency of the Bank of California, Treasure City, Nevada, March 6th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq., Cash[ier] Bank of California.

Additional Note

Enclosed a bond for Mr. Paxton and others for the mining claims of Echoyd Elmyra; its conditions state that Evans and Thibanet [?] are to pay $40,000 in gold within forty days for the claims; $10,000 each is to be paid to John A. Paxton, [----] Upton, [----] White, and [----] Gordon; as an alternative $8,000 each is to be paid to the above as an option on the part of Evans and Thibault and each man to take $2,000 in stock at the market price; when the money is paid Mr. Paxton requested that his portion be placed to his credit; believed Mr. White interested in the same; the amounts due the other two Mr. Paxton while hold subject to their order.
ALS 1p.
P.S.
"A man this moment came into this office from the Troy district and says the Ledges are opening splendidly." S.
item 11045

Payne, Undine, Seneca, March 3rd, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Has received Mr. Ralston's letter; (asks whether a woman must be "handsome and young to make a living honestly" in San Francisco); is 80 years old; has no picture to send; describes herself; willing to do any work of which she is capable; lists several; would like to rent furnished rooms had she the money to rent a nice house; wants to go to California; certain that Mr. Ralston will help her for she dreamed of him "as a benevolent looking gentleman."
ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

Peirce, Abraham W., San Francisco, Dec[ember] 28th, 1868. To Capt[ain] George H. Macomber.

Additional Note

Mr. Peirce was in San Francisco at the time as an attorney for a company there and had made arrangements with W[illiam] C. Ralston, Cashier of the Bank of California, so that Captain Macomber could have unlimited credit to obtain whatever money he might need in order to disburse his ship himself; this would make it possible for Mr. Macomber to act quite independently.
ALS 2pp.
Letter in possession of Mrs. Elphie D. Peerys, Huntington Park, California.
item 11055

Peixotto, B.F., San Francisco, Nov[ember] 5, 1870. To My Dear Sir (W[illiam] C. Ralston). 2 and 1/2 o'cl[oc]k.

Additional Note

Had called to say "good bye" and to thank Mr. Ralston for his kindness during Mr. Peixotto's residence in California before leaving for Roumania; shall be glad to honor any command Mr. Ralston might make on the Consulate at the Court of Prince Charles in Bucharest; trusts he will always have the welfare of San Francisco and California at heart.
ALS 2pp.
item 11060

People's Insurance Company of Memphis, Tenn[essee], Agency of [----], n.p., undated

Additional Note

List of 13 stocks.
D 1p.
item 11065

Perry, John, Jr., per R[----] P. Payt, Stock Broker, No. 104 Leidesdorff Street, San Francisco, 1871. To Eugene L. Sullivan.

Additional Note

Statement of 86 shares of Cal[ifornia] St[ea]m Nav[igation] Co[mpany] at total cost of $34525.
S 1p.
item 11070

Phelps, S[----] L., Nagasaki, [Japan], June 14th, 1871. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Sending 16 cases of porcelain vases and c. which are the largest of the ornamental ones made; no large sized ones on market; have ordered a pair of blue and white ones larger than those sent; had he been there for a long time he might have obtained the porcelains more cheaply if he had time to bargain which is necessary there; sends Mrs. Ralston a tea set for her bedroom and when using it, Mr. Phelps hopes she will remember his indebtedness for her hospitality; should have no trouble with the customs but advises that the customs collector be asked to pass boxes without opening; never well repacked and vases easily broken; invoice in Mexican dollars, $286.09 gold; may give to Eldridge any time.
ALS 1p.
P.S.
Your copy of Invoice sent to Eldridge and Irwin.
item 11075

Phillips, H[----] W., Wheeling, [West Virginia ?], April 18th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter acknowledging the receipt of Mr. Phillip's letter introducing Mr. B. Cox; pleased that Mr. Ralston had not forgotten his old friends; only three survivors of the contractors on the Constitution; thanks for offer to help Mr. Cox complete his company but Mr. Ralston thinks Mr. Cox would have less difficulty in some Atlantic coast city but Mr. Phillips does not agree because of collapse in mining shares; associated with Mr. Cox and has interest in his company; interested in other silver lodes; has a fifteen stamp Quartz Mill, etc.m of own manufacture; account of silver mining and milling; card from Mr. Cox in St. Louis who expects to complete his company and leave for the mines and put his silver mill into operation; has promise of a position at the mines for his unmarried son but prefers one in the States for him; has friends in San Francisco and California, many talk of emigrating there and his wife has relatives in San Francisco; would prefer to live there if he left Wheeling; would like to visit Mr. Ralston in the coming summer but can not afford it.
ALS 3pp.
item 11080

Pollack, Ja[mes], Occidental Hotel, San Francisco, Nov[ember] 14th, 1873. To My Dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for his welcome to California and will call upon him at the first opportunity; cannot accept invitation to leave the city with him on Saturday; thanks him for courtesy extended his friends.
ALS 2pp.
item 11085

Poorman, Sam[uel], Sacramento, [California], Sept[ember] 24th, 1869. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Invited Mr. Ralston to attend a complimentary dinner in honor of the enterprising citizens who constructed the Central Pacific Rail Road to be given by the citizens of Sacramento at the Golden Eagle Hotel September 28th.
ALS 1p.
 

Power, John

See Garrison & Fretz Collection.

item 11090

Pratt, Orville C., New York, Feb[ruary] 15, 1870. To My dear Sir [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Received Mr. Ralston's letter of February 3rd which contained much which he must answer shortly; encloses check for $500 on Cal[ifornia] Trust Co[mpany] which he asks that the Bank of California credit on the account of money drawn from Lees & Waller; had a long interview with W[illia]m R. Garrison re his indebtedness to Mr. Ralston and the estate of Capt[ain] [Ralph Stover] Fietz; nothing worth writing resulted; will meet again and will write that which occurred.
ALS 2pp.
item 11091

Pratt, (Mrs.) Orville C., [San Francisco], Jan[uary] 17th, 1875. To W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Fifty Scandinavian ladies saw the need for founding a house for the needy and destitute among their own people; have found a suitable house upon the Clay St[reet] hill just above Powell which can be bought for $7000; a few wealthy men can help to purchase it; asks Mr. Ralston to head the list of benefactors with $1000; also asks a note with "a few preaching words" from him to take to other wealthy men named and any others who will be expected to respond liberally; will call to see Mr. Ralston soon.
ALS 3pp.
I have plenty and can do all. - W.C.R.
item 11095

Prescott, (Mrs.) W.H., Peabody, [----], April 25th, 1875. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

From the newspapers Mrs. Prescott has learned that Mr. Ralston has had success in business and has made much money so asks him to loan her a few thousand dollars for a few years; they have had "a hard time in this grasshopper land"; if loaned will be informed how it is invested.
ALS 1p.
item 11100

Preston, A.J., Sickels and Preston, Wholesale Hardware and Iron, Davenport, Iowa, Sept[ember] 21st, 1869. To My dear Sir, W[illiam] C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Arrived home five days from Sacramento; met the car in which Mrs. Ralston was returning home; tried to pay his respects to her but was told she had not arisen; pioneers passed through Davenport where they were breakfasted and sent on their way "with a Godspeed"; thanks Mr. Ralston for his kindness while in his city.
ALS 2pp.
P.S.
Asks whether Mr. Ralston recalls Mat Dalzell who has told him that he was on this river [Mississippi] together with Mr. Ralston years ago; at present a teller, Mr. Preston enclosed the breakfast menu complimentary to the Pioneers of California at the Burtis House, Davenport, Iowa with his compliments.
item 11105

Purcell, Mary, Yokohama, [Japan], Nov[ember] 22nd, [1871]. To [William C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Asks Mr. Ralston to send on a box to her Uncle, A.H. Campbell, Petersborough, Ontario, by Parcel's Express; had intended writing Mrs. Ralston but busy settling down; Mr. Morel's death has left much work for her father to do as no one has been appointed to succeed him as yet.
ALS 2pp.
item Unnumbered

Pritchard, James A., President, Office of The Surprise Valley Mill and Water Co., San Francisco, [California], M[ar]ch 10, 1875. To S.L.M. Barlow, Esq., New York.

Additional Note

Mr. Ralston requested Mr. Pritchard to answer Mr. Barlow's letter to him; unaware that anyone in New York with exception of Mr. [----] Duncan and Mr. [----] Park was interested in mine at Panimint but is pleased that Mr. Barlow is; Mr. Park had examined the Company's property at Panimint; Mr. Park will give Mr. Barlow an account of mining affairs when he arrives in New York; Mr. Pritchard enclosed copies of letters from the mining Superintendent and Surveyor and cite "flattering and encouraging reports" from Panimint; gives an account of the situation at the mines, the improvements and developments, the difficulty in freighting during the winter; the lack of returns from the ore shipments and non-sale of stock prompted Mr. Ralston to suggest that an assessment of $100,000 be made since the company's overdraft at the Bank of California was $180,000, the balance of which the Bank will carry; mentions shipping of ore situation; will continue advising Mr. Park of the situation at the mines and will be glad to give Mr. Barlow any information he may wish.
ALS 6pp.
Note by Mr. Ralston added.
Original in Huntington Library.
item 11200

Ralston, A[----], Plymouth, Ohio, July 6th, [18]69. To Dear Sir, [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

His last marriage was a very unfortunate one; his wife wanted to start a boarding house in Colymbus; he thought she was sincere and entered into the business only to find out soon that it was treachery and dishonesty on her part; list about six thousand dollars as he was compelled to wind up the boarding house and get a divorce; returned to his home on the farm and must sell it; has tried in every way to raise the money until he could sell but had not been able to do so; asked Mr. Ralston for a loan of two to three thousand dollars at a reasonable rate to be secured by a mortgage or otherwise; W[illia]m [his son] wants to go to Tennessee having been there during the war and his father has no objections as he would like a better climate; expects to hear from Mr. Ralston soon since he has to raise money in a very short time or sacrifice his farm; entirely free from his late wife.
ALS 4pp.
[Added note]
"Dr. Jackson -
Who is this - and is it not a cool program? no business with Relatives for me -W.C.R."
See Ralston, [Andrew] Jackson, n.p., undated To W[illia]m C. Ralston for answer to this note. Attached to above.
item 11200

Ralston, A[----], Belvidere, Tenn[essee], June 24th, [18]72. To W[illia]m C. Ralston.

Additional Note

Is in Tennessee and because of his losses feels he cannot work on the farm or do much physical labor much longer; a local firm wants him to act as their agent in selling fruit trees; inquires whether there is a good supply of fruit trees in California and would they bear transportation there; would like to take a trip and make expenses and a little more; asks the price of fruit trees and how fruit does in California; inquires about the fare and number of days to make the trip; has heard Tho[ma]s [----] has gone to the Sandwich Islands and inquires about that which he is doing there and when he will return; is on the W and Ala [Alabama] branch of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad which is soon to go into the hands of the P[ennsylvani]a Central under Tom Scott, "the R.R. King of America"; W[illia]m and Julia are married; wants to see a friend in Stockton and to visit San Francisco; lost from $7000-$10,000 on his late misfortunes; land can be bought in the country in Tennessee from $10 to $30 per acre.
ALS 4pp.
P.S.
Mr. Ralston keeps the post office.
item 11200

Ralston, A[----], Belvidere, Tenn[essee], June 25, [18]72. To Dear nephew [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

When he wrote yesterday he forgot to ask about the whereabouts of Jackson [Andrew Jackson Ralston] and what he is doing; also asked about society in general and the price of land in a good locality.
ALS 1p.
item 11200

Ralston, A[----], Belvidere, Tenn[essee], July 16th, 1872. To Dear nephew [William C. Ralston].

Additional Note

Thanks Mr. Ralston for the prompt answering of his letter and corrects a wrong impression regarding his health since he enjoys as good health as he ever did; never did like farming and is getting older; refers only to his physical debility and not to his health; sorry that he did not go to California instead of Tenn[essee] though he likes the country and climate; one son was so pleased with the State that he followed him there; he is on one of Tom Scott's roads; this road is to connect Mobile, Alabama with Cin[cinnati], Ohio and they will then be on one of the important roads of that country; bought California peaches in Columbus, [Ohio], the best he had ever tasted.
ALS 3pp.
[P.S.]
"Kind regards to your family and all friends."
item 11200

[Ralston], [Andrew] Jackson, n.p., undated To W[illia]m [C. Ralston].

Additional Note

[A. Ralston] was one of the cousins son of uncle James Ralston and thinks he is the same one who used to ride the big horse and carry the mail; don't want to have anything to do with them on the proposition made; once started no end nor no money either.
ALS 1p.
This is an answer to the letter of Ralston, A[----], Plymouth, Ohio, July 6th, [18]69. To Dear Sir [William C. Ralston].
 

Ralston, Andrew Jackson

See also Shrieve, Harry

item 11210

Ralston, Annie, New York, Jan[uary] 29, [18]71. To William [C.] Ralston.

Additional Note

Apologizes for writing to Mr. Ralston, a perfect stranger, but circumstances induces her to do so; while talking with a gentleman from Cal[ifornia] he asked her whether she had relatives in San Francisco but she thought not; he told her there was a gentleman in San Francisco by the name of Ralston whom she resembled; the name of Ralston is not common and she had never heard the name except in her own family; her father Archibald Ralston went to California in 1849 and died there the same year; a lady friend of hers who had lived in San Francisco described Mr. Ralston in such a way that Miss Ralston feels that there is a family connection; her mother lives in Norwalk, Connecticut while Miss Ralston is studying medicine in New York; she requests that Mr. Ralston answer with some family history and his photograph.
ALS 5pp.
item 11215

Ralston, J[ames] A[lpheus], Virginia [City], Dec[ember] 18, 1865, via California State Telegraph Company. To The Bank of California.

Additional Note

Telegram mostly in code; "Want to put in New Trustees."
item 11220

Ralston, Jane T., Canonsburg, Washington Co., P[ennsylvani]a, August 2nd, 1875. To Dear Cousin [William Chapman Ralston].

Additional Note

Had read of Mr. Ralston's wealth in a Pennsylvania paper; Miss Ralston and her sister are the only ones left bearing the family name in the birthplace of Mr. Ralston's father; the sisters have supported themselves by running a boarding house but are afraid they will have to give it up since they are behind with the rent and other things; asked Mr. Ralston for help because of his ability to do so and trusted that she would not be disappointed.
ALS 3pp.
item 11225

Ralston, John C., Dayton, O[hio], March 22, [18]75. To William C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Saw an account of William C. Ralston in the Graphic Newspaper and had it copied into the Dayton Journal, the paper with which John C. Ralston is connected; says he is a "thoroughbred Ralston and proud of you [W.C. Ralston] for your [his] success in the world"; because of the letter 'C' in his name he thought they might be related; gives considerable of the John C. Ralston's family history; has no selfish motive in writing; sends photo of himself and asks W.C. Ralston to return the favor and will be proud to show it to his children as the "photo of the Ralston who controls the U.S. with his brains and money."
ALS 4pp.
John Ralston's card enclosed.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, (Mrs.) Lizzie, Glenbrook, [California], March 27th, [1872 ?]. To Mrs. [Cornelius] Cole.

Additional Note

Had been looking forward to a visit from Mrs. Cole and hoped she would come while the country was so beautiful at the present time of the year; Mrs. [----] Whiting is expected and there are plenty of rooms for all; if expected travelers arrived, Mrs. Ralston would consider it "the more jolly."
ALS 2pp.
Original in the University of California at Los Angeles Library.
item 11235

Ralston, Robert, Harlem P.O., Winnebago County, Ill[inois] 10th May, 1872. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Had informed no one except his brother, the father of the missing boy that he had written to Mr. Ralston as no answer was expected, since one was received he is writing another and including photos of himself and wife and youngest daughter; will send copies of other members of the family and the family coat of arms; gives an account of each other of his four boys and two girls - their physical characteristics and occupations; visited a sister and her husband and inquired about their Ralston relatives who emigrated to Ireland and also other relatives; thanks Mr. Ralston for his kind invitation to visit California and would do so if he were Mr. Ralston's age and "possessed as many cents as you [Mr. Ralston] are of millions" then he would go far to shake the hand of his relative in California; would feel proud to place the "likenesses" of Mr. Ralston, his wife and family in his family album.
ALS 3pp.
[P.S.]
"My address at Commencement of this letter."
item 11235

Ralston, Robert, n.p., 20 July, [18]72. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Mailing a copy of "The Ralston's Arms" and hopes it meets with approval; gives instructions regarding that which should be done with the painting when it arrives.
ALS 1p.
item 11235

Ralston, Robert, Harlem, Winnebago County, Illinois, 10th September, 1873. To W[illiam] C. Ralston, Esq.

Additional Note

Pleased with receiving a letter from W.C. Ralston with enclosures of pictures of his family and a draft on New York the proceeds of which he will apply "when it will do the most good"; extends his cordial thanks and gratitude for the latter; comments on the pictures of the Ralston family; his brother Alexander had a "picnic Party" and Mr. Ralston took the pictures there; his 80 year old brother-in-law [----] Caldwell made interesting even amusing comments on the Ralston pictures; concerned that the "distracting cares of your high and responsible station in life should bring you to premature infirmity"; gives information about his son John; sends pictures of his three sons and the warmest regards of all his family and friends.
ALS 3pp.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Esq., Ban[k] of Cali[fornia], San Francisco. De Long [?] 10/17/73.

item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., Private Memo. Feb. '73.

Additional Note

[Ralston, William C.] Feb. 13th/73.
$1,300,000 SusSpuric[?]
$1,250,000
$2,550,000 Ralston
$3,508 541
$0,958,541 [sic]
With Mill Stock

as Colatteral

62 c
1250
750
500,000
Cash 750
Note 500
1,250,000
Note 958
1,300,000 [sic]
item 11420

Ralston, W[illiam] Chapman to D[arius] O. Mills, care of Lees & Waller, n.p, undated [not on telegram blank].

Additional Note

[first line partly in code] to give notes for claim at 1% interest; interest not authorized in instructions; "attend promptly".
DS 1p.
"Personal, Free, W.C.R."
[not in handwriting of Mr. Ralston but signed by him, added note written and initialed by him.
Possibly office copy of telegram.
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., n.p., undated To D[arius] O. Mills care of Lees & Waller, New York. Copy of telegram sent. Partly in code.

Additional Note

Wants Mr. Mills to "attend promptly" to the matter of making the Quicksilver Mining Company telegraph [----] Boutwell to give notes for claim at one per cent interest since interest was not authorized in his instructions.
TS 1p.
"Personal, Free, W.C.R."
Graph [----] Bontwell to give notes for claim at one per cent interest since interest was not authorized in his instructions.
TS 1p.
"Personal, Free, W.C.R."
item Unnumbered

Ralston W[illiam] C., n.p., Friday Morning 30th, N.Y. To Judge [----] McHenry.

Additional Note

Had heard that the Warren had a full cargo engaged and would leave the Columbia River about the 27th and expected to arrive at San Francisco about the 2 of the following month; will pay expenses only.
ALS 1p.
[On reverse Judge McHenry Present]
[The original letter was purchased by Mrs. Bertha Ralston Bright (Mr. Ralston's daughter) at Howell's book store for $10. Loaned to Mrs. Carl L.A. Schmidt where it was seen.]
item Unnumbered

Ralston, William C., cashier, The Bank of California, San Francisco, [California], undated To R[alvinza] Hayward and O[----] L. Chamberlain

Additional Note

Statement of interest due on their note and date payable.
[Note printed signature].
[Original in the U.C.L.A. Library]
item Unnumbered

Ralston, W[illiam] C., at Belmont, undated To His Excellency Iwakura.

Additional Note

Formal invitation to receive His Excellency [Tomomi] Iwakura and members of his Embassy at his Belmont residence the following Sunday morning for breakfast; afterwards Mr. D[arius] O. Mills would escort the party to Menlo Park and other neighboring places; the party would return to San Francisco at 5 P.M.
LS 2pp.
[Insertions in handwriting of Mr. Ralston. See Iwakura, T[omomi], Tokei, Japan, Dec[ember] 5, 1873. To William C. Ralston, Esq. Original in Bancroft Library].
item Unnumbered

[Ralston, William C. ?] [n.p., undated] To My Dear Sir [Charles E. De Long].

Additional Note

Pleased that the Administration knowing Mr. De Long's success in Japan has offered him a mission to Peru; congratulates him and believes it would be in his best interest to accept it; thinks Mr. De Long has complained too soon about not doing enough business as he had not had time for it to come his way; sorry Mr. De Long has been unfortunate in stocks and that he holds a large amount of Ophir stock, but other such holders are confident of a future for the mine; cannot make any decision as to whether the acceptance of the mission to Peru will affect his chances for the senatorship; will tell Mr. [----] Dent after he calls on Mrs. De Long that [Mr. Linderman] has written his views to Mrs. De Long; whatever decision Mr. De Long makes he hopes it will be to his best interests.
L 3pp. [In L. Binder]
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