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Sutherland, Jasper. Letter from French Gulch, 1888 Nov. 24
MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 14 Folder 8
Collection Overview

Title:

Letter from French Gulch, 1888 Nov. 24
Jasper Sutherland letter from French Gulch, 1888 Nov. 24

Creator/Contributor:

Sutherland, Jasper., creator

Abstract:

One letter on letterhead of the Niagara Mill and Mining Co. from Jas. Sutherland in French Gulch to W. S. Lowden in Weaverville, dated Nov. 24, 1888. The letter is accompanied by six black and white photographs 3 1/2 in. by 3 1/2 in.
Sutherland is asking William Spencer Lowden, Trinity County surveyor and land attorney, for clarification of mining law in regard to proof of claims. In the letter Sutherland states that they located the "Scorpion Extention" on March 6 of 1888 and a Mr. Coleman (W. T. Coleman?) "...thinks no assessment work is necessary until last month in 1889 -- we have been thinking we will have to make the assessment work this year, and before the last day of December". He goes on to quote "Copps mining laws" (a reference to one of the compilations by Henry Norris Copp) and then appeals to Lowden for his opinion: "How is it? You can tell us in a few words by return mail".
During this period French Gulch was going through a revival and interest in opening new mining ventures was high. According to the "Shasta County guidebook" published by the Shasta County Immigration Association in 1886: "On the exhaustion of the placer mines the town declined somewhat, but within the past few years the discovery of very rich gold quartz mines in the vicinity has given an impetus to all branches of business, and the Gulch has not been as prosperous in fifteen years." The fate of the mine referred to in this letter is not known, but the W. T. Coleman group of mines in Shasta and Trinity counties was sold in 1889. According to an article in the Sacramento Union on July 17, 1889: "There are said to be at least thirty patented mines besides others applied for and the proofs made, and still others applied for and no proofs made."
The photographs refer to the mining site near French Gulch. 1. View taken on horseback over the ears of a horse, showing other horses and riders moving through a canyon. 2. Horses and riders fording a river. 3. Horse and wagon by a cabin in a clearing with logged trees -- annotated on verso "Hattie Growler(?) driving". 4. Three men in front of a cabin in a canyon. 5. Man sitting to side of mine entrance -- annotated on verso "Fred Hughs". 6. Two men in front of mine opening with picks and shovels -- annotated on verso "Mr. Shaw"; second man is Hughs.

Date:

1888 (issued)

Subject:

n-us-ca
Sutherland, Jasper -- Correspondence
Niagara Mill and Mining Co. -- Correspondence
Gold mines and mining -- California -- French Gulch -- History
Mining law -- California -- History
French Gulch (Calif.) -- History
French Gulch (Calif.) -- Photographs
Gold miners -- California -- French Gulch -- Portraits
Gold mines and mining -- California -- French Gulch -- Photographs

Note:

Jasper Sutherland letter from French Gulch, 1888 Nov. 24
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.

Type:

Letterheads

Physical Description:

print
8 items : ill.

Language:

English

Identifier:

MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 14 Folder 8

Origin:

California

Copyright Note:

Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.