1848 Letters

New York, NY - 3 January 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Christmas I spent part of the day in the Catholic Church in Barclay Street, looking at the mummeries going on and the rest of it eating a good dinner.

Mexico City, MEX - 6 January 1848

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 42

Washington, DC - 8 January 1848

abraham lincoln -- From a Letter to William H. Herndon. Washington. January 8, 1848

Mexico City, MEX - 13 January 1848

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 43

Springfield, MA - 16 January 1848

I never seemed to possess a faculty to console and com fort my friends in their grief; I am inclined, like the poor comforters of Job, to sit down in silence...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 28 January 1848

John Sutter journal entry... Marshall arrived in the evening, it was raining very heavy, but he told me he came on important business.

New York, NY - 28 January 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... I must not forget to tell you that tomorrow evening we are to have the company of the Heiress, Miss Cornelia Thompson, who is coming to roll bagatelle.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 1 February 1848

John Sutter journal entry... I examined myself everything and picked up a few Specimens of Gold myself in the tail race of the Sawmill

Elmwood, MA - 1 February 1848

I have now, in addition to what I sent you, and exclusive of Emerson, etc, about a hundred lines written, chiefly about Willis and Longfellow.

Mexico City, MEX - 2 February 1848

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 44

Washington, MD - 4 February 1848

It brought to the surface the strong feeling, which had been working below in favour of the conquest and holding as a Province, or annexing all Mexico

Mexico City, MEX - 9 February 1848

Winfield Scott letter to William Marcy

New York, NY - 16 February 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... I attended the great Mendelssohn Concert at Castle Garden. The tickets were gratis. Of course there was something of a crowd, probably 10,000 persons.

Baton Rouge, LA - 18 February 1848

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood...Should I be nominated by a Whig or Democratic convention...

Washington, DC - 18 February 1848

On my return from California in November last, the circumstances of the times seemed to present reasons for delaying a full report of my transactions and operations on the coast of the Pacific.

Washington, DC - 19 February 1848

I take the occasion to say that my reason for resigning is that I do not feel conscious of having done anything to merit the finding of the court

Washington, MD - 20 February 1848

We have constant rumours of peace, but I can see no certain prospect of getting it.

Senate Chamber, MD - 23 February 1848

The treaty with Mexico has just been laid before the Senate, and read. It will be warmly opposed, but I think it will be approved by the body.

Washington, MD - 23 February 1848

Ere this thou hast doubtless heard of the sudden illness of the venerable Adams. At a late hour last night he was still living, but sinking fast.

Mexico City, MEX - 28 February 1848

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... I am very desirous of peace as it may be better for the United States

Baton Rouge, LA - 28 February 1848

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood...I intend going to my plantation in 5 or six days where I expect to remain until...

New York, NY - 3 March 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... We are having considerable excitement here just now. Next Monday the Grand Fancy Dress Ball at the Astor Place Opera House

New York, NY - 3 March 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... All that is talked about here now is the French Revolution. There are a great many French in the city and they are perfectly mad with joy.

Washington, MD - 7 March 1848

You must not suppose, that in contending against corruption and interest, that I am impelled by the hope of success. Had that been the case, I would long since have retired from the conflict.

Washington, MD - 7 March 1848

the only occurrence, in the political world on this side, of marked importance, is the treaty with Mexico. It is now under deliberation in the Senate, and has been for the last nine days.

Washington, MD - 22 March 1848

The Cambria brought us the intelligence of the Revolution in Paris, the overthrow of the late dynasty and the establishment of a Republick.

Mexico City, MEX - 23 March 1848

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... I thought at one time of writing a journal but I can not find the time

Elmwood, MA - 26 March 1848

Garrison is so used to standing alone that, like Daniel Boone, he moves away as the world creeps up to him, and goes farther into the wilderness.

Washington, MD - 1 April 1848

I am very happy to learn by your's and Anna's letters by the Caledonia, that you were all well, and that Belgium was so quiet

Sacramento Valley, CA - 2 April 1848

John Sutter journal entry... Mr. Humphrey a regular Miner arrived, and left for Columa with Wimmer & Marshall

Sacramento Valley, CA - 7 April 1848

John Sutter journal entry... The first party of Mormons, employed by me left for washing and digging Gold and very soon all followed, and left me only the sick and the lame behind

National Palace, MEX - 10 April 1848

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... The treaty has arrived from Washington, with its amendments

Washington, MD - 13 April 1848

The prospect of peace with Mexico has not changed, and the presidential question continues as doubtful as it was.

Washington, MD - 15 April 1848

It is clear, that the old monarchies on the continent of Europe are about coming to an end. The intelligence and progress of the age have out grown them

Washington, MD - 16 April 1848

Everything here is in a state of uncertainty, in reference to the Presidential election. The parties are more distracted than ever.

Monterey, CA - 18 April 1848

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...We are here perfectly banished.

New York, NY - 24 April 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Saturday we had the Heiress and several other folks from Brooklyn and had a grand blow out at the house.

Washington, MD - 28 April 1848

We all, on this side of the Atlantick, look with intense solicitude on the great events, transpiring in Europe, and no one more so than myself.

San Francisco, CA - 29 April 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... I felt heartily glad to hear that we were then clearing the Faranolles

Baton Rouge, LA - 30 April 1848

I conceive I am, owing to circumstances which I could not well avoid, placed in rather a peculiar situation, as regards my being a candidate for the Presidency.

Monterey, CA - 4 May 1848

Started off early on the morning of the 2nd on our journey to Monterey

San Francisco, CA - 7 May 1848

On Friday we dined at the house of Don Luis Palo, a Californian gentleman of agreeable manners

San Francisco, CA - 8 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Captain Fulsom saw the gold he had with him; it was about twenty-three ounces weight, and in small flakes

San Francisco, CA - 10 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... according to the newspaper here, a number of people have actually started off with shovels, mattocks, and pans to dig the gold themselves.

Elmwood, MA - 12 May 1848

I have begun upon the "Fable" again fairly, and am making some headway.

San Francisco, CA - 13 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... The gold excitement increases daily, as several fresh arrivals from the mines have been reported at San Francisco.

Washington, MD - 13 May 1848

My apprehension is, that the old system of things have been overthrown, before Europe had become prepared to establish a new and better; and that a long period of confusion and disorder, if not anarchy, may intervene

San Francisco, CA - 17 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... there is a regular gold mania springing up...

San Francisco, CA - 18 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Our trip has been delayed to-day, for the saddler cannot get our equipments in readiness for at least forty-eight hours.

New York, NY - 18 May 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... The public grounds, the Park and Battery are dressed out in their summer attire as well as the ladies that walk in them.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 19 May 1848

John Sutter journal entry... The great Rush from San Francisco arrived at the fort, all my friends and acquaintances filled up the houses and the whole fort, I had only a little Indian boy, to make them roasted Ripps etc

Mexico City, MEX - 20 May 1848

Thomas Jackson letter to Genl. R. Jones... I have accepted the appointment

San Francisco, CA - 20 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Several hundred people must have left here during the last few days. Malcolm and I have our baggage all in readiness to start on Monday.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 21 May 1848

John Sutter journal entry... Saml Kyburg errected or established the first Hotel in the fort in the larger building, and made a great deal of Money

San Francisco, CA - 22 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... On the door was pasted a paper with the following words, Gone to the diggings.

Washington, MD - 22 May 1848

I am happy to have your approval of my remarks in reference to the French Revolution. I see they have attracted much attention in England, and drawn forth high compliments.

Sonoma, CA - 24 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We left San Francisco shortly after seven, and embarked with our horses and baggage in a launch, which landed us at Sausalitto before ten.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 25 May 1848

John Sutter journal entry... The travelling to the Mines was increasing from day to day, and no more Notice was taken, as the people arrived from South America, Mexico, Sandwich Islands, Oregon, etc

Washington, MD - 26 May 1848

I see by our last arrival, that France and Germany are begining the work of reconstruction.

Sacramento Valley Foothills, CA - 27 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... . When he heard our destination he kindly offered to give me a letter of introduction to a very old friend of his, Captain Sutter...

Sacramento Valley Foothills, CA - 28 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... To-day we made a long halt, for we were all exceedingly tired...

Fort Sutter, CA - 29 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... there were several other camps pitched at no great distance

Fort Sutter, CA - 30 May 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... To my great disappointment, our journey was not resumed to-day.

San Francisco, CA - 1 June 1848

Thomas Larkin letter to James Buchanan... I have to report to the State Department one of the most astonishing excitements and state of affairs now existing in this country, that, perhaps, has ever been brought to the notice of the Government

American River, CA - 4 June 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... The morning we left the Fort the scene was one of great excitement

American River, CA - 5 June 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We have laboured hard all day, digging and washing, and with good success. I begin to hope now that I have really laid the foundation of a fortune...

Sherwood Forest, VA - 5 June 1848

I thank you for the National Intelligencer containing your speech on the Yucatan question, which I have read with all the attention and interest with which I invariably do whatever proceeds from you.

American River, CA - 11 June 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We found the timber extravagantly dear, being asked forty dollars a-hundred.

American River, CA - 18 June 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... The proceedings of the past week have been but a repetition of those of the week previous, the amount of gold dust realised being rather greater...

Washington, DC - 22 June 1848

abraham lincoln -- From a Letter to William H. Herndon. Washington. June 22, 1848

New York, NY - 22 June 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... It is cloudy today, much to the relief of us poor mortals who have been gasping with the mercury at 96 in the shade all last week.

Baton Rouge, LA - 22 June 1848

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - It appears I have rec d the nomination as the candidate of the Whig Convention...

American River, CA - 23 June 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... It was quite out of the question to buy provisions in the diggings.

Washington, MD - 23 June 1848

There is no prospect of a successful termination of the efforts of France to establish a free popular Government; nor was there any from the begining.

American River, CA - 25 June 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We have all of us, given over working on Sundays, as we found the toil on six successive days quite hard enough

Baton Rouge, LA - 25 June 1848

Zachary Taylor letter to Richard Allison - I have not yet officially been notified of my nomination but expect it...

Monterey, CA - 28 June 1848

Thomas Larkin letter to James Buchanan...Since the writing of that dispatch I have visited a part of the gold region, and found it all I had heard, and much more than I anticipated.

Arlington, VA - 30 June 1848

robert lee writes his brother of his homecoming after the mexican war. also note by the biographer christopher lee

American River, CA - 2 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... we left the Mormon diggings, and pursued our course up the Americans River

American River, CA - 3 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... The soil here is more richly impregnated with gold than below; but the labour of carrying the earth to the water is excessive...

American River, CA - 4 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... The afternoon has been passed among the greater part of the miners here as a celebration of the anniversary of American Independence.

Weber's Creek, CA - 8 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Bradley then took me aside and asked me whether this would not be a good opportunity to send our stock of gold dust down to Captain Sutter...

Weber's Creek, CA - 9 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... we therefore determined to seek a more desirable location...

Washington, MD - 9 July 1848

The Senate is engaged in a debate on the Oregon territorial bill.

Washinton, DC - 10 July 1848

abraham lincoln -- From a Letter to William H. Herndon. Washington, July 10, 1848

Weber's Creek, CA - 12 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... The news of there being a doctor in the camp soon spread, and I am now being continually called on to prescribe for a large number of patients

Weber's Creek, CA - 15 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We have engaged a large party of Indians to work for us in the ravines. They belong to the Snake tribe, and appear to be a poor set of half-starved wretches.

Elizabethtown, NJ - 19 July 1848

It is now sixty days since I landed on the Jersey shore, with a Mexican disease upon me, and although obliged to travel and to engage in the most vexatious and disgusting work, I have not had the strength to walk three hundred yards

Washington, MD - 23 July 1848

As to the Presidential election, it is very doubtful, and will probably remain so, to the last. There is no enthusiasm about it. There are great objections to both candidates.

Weber's Creek, CA - 24 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... There are hundreds of Indians, many of them fantastically dressed, for they can purchase fine clothing now, even at the extravagant rates at which all articles are charged at Weber's store.

Weber's Creek, CA - 25 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... This evening three men, hearing of our intended expedition, offered to join the party.

Wilderness Of The Sierra's, CA - 26 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... This day we struck our camp before sunrise, and had the horses securely packed and all in motion in the early cool of the morning

Amesbury, MA - 27 July 1848

I would like to go to the Buffalo convention, but my health forbids the idea. What will be done there? I would go for Van Buren - if Hale decline - if he would come out in favor of abolition in the District of Columbia.

Bear Valley, CA - 28 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... we passed the source of the Rio de las Plumas, or Feather River, and after a most severe and in some respects forced march climbed the last rocky ridge which separated us from the Bear Valley

Bear Valley, CA - 30 July 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We rested somewhat late upon Saturday morning to make up for the fatigues of the journey from Weber's Creek.

Bear River, CA - 6 August 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We are now regularly settled on the Bear River, and have, as yet, seen no signs of human life...

Bear Valley, CA - 8 August 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Yesterday, while we were at dinner, we were surprised by seeing a party of Indians approaching the camp from the direction of Truckee Lake.

New York, NY - 8 August 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... On my passage up (from Bucksport) in the boat with no one on board I knew, I came very near being homesick.

Baton Rouge, LA - 8 August 1848

Zachary Taylor letter to Richard Allison ...since my accceptance of the nomination by the Whig convention expect to be assailed from every quarter of the Union...

Washington, MD - 11 August 1848

The Oregon territorial bill from the House was passed last evening by the Senate with an amendment attaching the Missouri Compromise to it.

Bear Valley, CA - 13 August 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Our hunters have been very successful these last few days. We have a large stock of elk meat, which we intend drying after the Indian fashion.

Bear Valley, CA - 20 August 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... among the loose particles of rock which had crumbled away from the sides of the ravine and fallen to the bottom, several lumps of gold of a much larger size than any we had before met with

Monterey, CA - 25 August 1848

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...went to the Sacramento to examine into the truth of the rumors that were swelling each day the amount of gold found there.

Governors Island, NY - 26 August 1848

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... Finally I have arrived at this station which is in sight of the city of New York

Bear Valley, CA - 27 August 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... On Monday, a council was held as to the propriety of sending another party in search of our missing friend

Bear Valley, CA - 29 August 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... I should, for my own part, feel inclined to return to the coast forthwith...

Bear Valley, CA - 1 September 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... There have been several discussions as to the prudence of keeping the large quantity of gold we have already procured in camp, when we are liable to be surprised by the Indians...

Bear Valley, CA - 2 September 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... We gave them a good supper; and after it was over we took care to make as much display as possible of our firearms and bullet-pouches

Bear Valley, CA - 3 September 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... Bradley repeated his proposition to-day, that himself and Don Luis, ..., with packs containing the bulk of the gold, should start off the following morning.

Rochester, NY - 3 September 1848

There are those North as well as South who entertain a much higher respect for rights which are merely conventional, than they do for rights which are personal and essential.

Carlisle Barracks, PA - 5 September 1848

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... the same day I received orders to attend as a member of a general court martial at this place...

Bear Valley, CA - 5 September 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... a sad disaster; the best part of the gold is gone - lost beyond a doubt.

West Point, NY - 21 September 1848

George McClellan letter to Persifer F. Smith... as I am quite tired of civilization, and am very anxious to go with you, I take the liberty of asking you...

New York, NY - 24 September 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Since my return I occupy a room in the rear where I have a more interesting field of view, comprising the rear of four large houses that front on 'Park Place.' They give me all the chance in the world, for they do

San Francisco, CA - 6 October 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks journal entry... After receiving this intelligence, they went to the house of the first alcalde, to consult with him on what steps should be taken to arrest the robbers...

Monterey, CA - 11 October 1848

J. Tyrwhitt Brooks letter to brother... Long before you receive this you will have heard in England of the extraordinary occurrences which have taken plate out here.

New York, NY - 14 October 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Macready is the best actor on the stage, so the criticks say. I like him much better than Forrest.

Elmwood, MA - 10 November 1848

So we are going to have Taylor after all.

New York, NY - 15 November 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... am getting on bravely in dancing. I am taking lessons of Mr. Charaud and there are between sixty and seventy scholars. It is not as much fun as I anticipated...

Baton Rouge, LA - 17 November 1848

I trust I have many devoted personal friends, who, from various causes, were opposed to my reaching the office in question, and took every honorable and proper means in their power, and no other, to prevent my success

Bents Fort, CO - 17 November 1848

Both Indians and whites here report the snow to be deeper in the mountains than has for a long time been known so early in the season, and they predict a severe winter.

Fort Hill, SC - 19 November 1848

I am much gratified to learn, that you have made a conditional sale of your Millwood property on such favourable terms.

New York, NY - 1 December 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... I spent quite a Yankee Thanksgiving.

New York, NY - 2 December 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Have you read the account from there about the Gold? There is no humbug about it. I have seen letters from Captains whom I know...

Baton Rouge, LA - 10 December 1848

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood ...My election has no dout astonished those in power...

Washington, MD - 10 December 1848

your flag, tho' not struck down, as represented by the correspondent of the Richmond Enquirer, was nevertheless not held up by your friends in defiance of the violent gale that was blowing

New York, NY - 17 December 1848

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... When I heard the accounts from the gold region I thought, at first, it was all humbug, gotten up to induce people to emigrate. But now I am fully convinced

Elmwood, MA - 20 December 1848

I was amazingly tickled with your letter. As Wendell Holmes said to me about the "Biglow Papers," "it made me wriggle all over."

Washington, DC - 24 December 1848

abraham lincoln - to father thomas lincoln lending him 20 dollars