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Wilkinson, H. F. Correspondence, 1887 Oct. 16 and 1889 Jan. 17
MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 19 Folder 9
Collection Overview

Title:

Correspondence, 1887 Oct. 16 and 1889 Jan. 17
H.F. Wilkinson correspondence, 1887 Oct. 16 and 1889 Jan. 17

Creator/Contributor:

Wilkinson, H. F., b. 1839?, creator

Abstract:

Two letters written by H.F. Wilkinson to Jake and sent from Auburn on Oct. 16, 1887 and Jan. 17, 1889. The 1889 letter is on an engraved lettersheet from Freeman's Hotel with the caption "Formerly Borland". Transcriptions of the letters are provided.
The letter written on Oct. 16, 1887 is in response to a telegram from Jake enquiring about a recent fire near Wilkinson's home in Auburn. Wilkinson replies with a dramatic account of the event: "When I woke up I had scarce time to get out altho I tryed to get the bellows out of the blacksmith shop but could not do it. I am confident it was set on fire. I think there was coal oil spred all over the roof of the blacksmith shop for when I got out of the shop the whole roof was in a solled flame." However, the fire was evidently contained and Wilkinson's family safe: "There was but verry little breeze and that fortunately was from the East. Had the wind ben from the South we would lost the house and barn also and left us under a tree without a dollar."
In the second letter, sent in 1889, Wilkinson discusses a business deal regarding the sale of some mining property. He is being assisted in this endeavor by a Mr. Reed described at some length. "Mr. Reed lives in San Francisco he has a ranch hear of 1200 acers that he is improving. He has a ranch in Yolo Co of 3000 acers he had 80,000 sacks of wheat this year for market. He is the man that aspired for govener of this state I think eather 4 years ago or 6. Dont say anything to any person that I have mentioned Reedes name to you for he told me not to mention his name in this affair now be sure and dont do it." It is probable that Wilkinson refers to Charles F. Reed whose life circumstances closely match this description.

Date:

1887 (issued)

Subject:

n-us-ca
Wilkinson, H. F -- b. 1839? -- Correspondence
Reed, Charles F -- 1825-1898 -- Correspondence
Frontier and pioneer life -- California -- Auburn
Auburn (Calif.) -- History
Freeman's Hotel (Auburn, Calif.)

Note:

H.F. Wilkinson was born in Ohio in 1839. At the time of the 1880 census, he was 41 years old and living in Lincoln, California, with his wife, Mary, and three children, William, Cora and Carrie. He listed his occupation as hotel keeping. By 1888 he had relocated to Auburn where he is listed in the city directory as collaborating with J.L. Holland in a mining operation.
H.F. Wilkinson correspondence, 1887 Oct. 16 and 1889 Jan. 17
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.

Type:

Letterheads.

Physical Description:

print
2 items

Language:

English

Identifier:

MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 19 Folder 9

Origin:

California

Copyright Note:

Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.