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William Blanding letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port,
SFH 111
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Title: William Blanding letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port,
Dates: September 20, 1856
Collection Number: SFH 111
Creator/Collector:
Blanding, William, 1818-1888
Extent: 2 folders
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: Letter from U.S. District Attorney to the Collector of the Port of San Francisco.
Language of Material: English
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.
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.
William Blanding letter: San Francisco, California, to Collector of the Port, . San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco
History Center
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
Schooners
Maritime law--United States
Shipping--California--San Francisco--19th century
Latham, Milton S., 1827-1882
Winslow, Edward
Port of San Francisco (Calif.)
San Francisco (Calif.)--History--19th century.