Description
The collection consists of documents and letters related to California land cases between 1851 and 1860 involving the San
Francisco law firm of Halleck, Peachy & Billings.
Background
Halleck, Peachy & Billings was one of the most prestigious law firms on the Pacific Coast, headquartered in San Francisco,
California, and specializing in land cases. It was organized by Frederick Billings and Alexander Carey Peachy in 1849, who
were joined soon after by Henry Wager Halleck. In 1853 Halleck built the Montgomery Black in San Francisco, and the partnership
became permanently located there. The firm handled over half of the land claim cases in California immediately following the
enaction of the Land Act of 1851. Although Halleck wrote the land title report that helped draft the Land Act of 1851, he
did not support the Land Commission, and the firm of Halleck, Peachy & Billings defended many land titles against the Commission.
It has been said that Halleck handled the preparation of the briefs for the cases, Peachy the oratory, and that Billings brought
in the business. The firm was dissolved in 1861.
Extent
1.83 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.