Blanding (William) letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port, September 20, 1856

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Summary

Title:
William Blanding letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port,
Dates:
September 20, 1856
Creators:
Blanding, William, 1818-1888
Abstract:
Extent:
2 folders
Language:
Preferred citation:

William Blanding letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port, . San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

One folder includes letter from Blanding, U.S. District Attorney, asking Collector of the Port (Milton S. Latham) to have the Curlew apprehended by the government, the schooner having been taken out of the harbor the night before without owner Edward Winslow’s knowledge. One folder includes transcript of letter.

Biographical / historical:

The Curlew, under Captain Briggs, had suddenly sailed for Mazatlan, and soon was pursued by the revenue cutter William S. Marcy; the Curlew reaching its destination, Briggs was jailed by Mexican authorities, lacking his consul’s certificate of clearance. William Blanding came to San Francisco in 1854 and was appointed U.S. District Attorney for California by President Pierce in 1856, holding the position for two years. Milton Slocum Latham came to California in 1850, was elected to Congress, and following his term took the position of Collector of the Port of San Francisco; in 1860 he succeeded David C. Broderick in the U.S. Senate.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center staff.
Date Prepared:
September 20, 1856
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

William Blanding letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port, . San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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