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1. Arrival in California Arrival in California 1855-01-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; San Francisco (Calif.) This letter was written on Chandler’s arrival in San Francisco by boat. Chandler recounted the circumstances of his journey, the food, and the differences between cabin fare and steerage fare, and the “very bad” circumstances of deck passengers. “They won’t give the deck people even a crust that is left.” “I think I shall like the country well.” Chandler mentioned that “stonecutters get seven dollars pr day on the custom house building… must try the mines first.” Chandler writes...
2. Miner's Life - Illustrated Miner's Life - Illustrated 1855-07-04 California; Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Hartland (Vt.); Native American Chandler addresses his friends regarding his stay in California as a gold prospector. He writes, "I am bound to stick a while longer." He also wonders why someone named John "would be content to settle in Hartland." He guesses that "there must be some attraction," and states that there are a lot of "Cala [California] widows there perhaps." He also writes about how an Indian tricked his companions and himself and stole from them while they were away from their cloth tent. This letter does not indicate...
3. The miners' lamentations The miners' lamentations 1855-09-03 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.) Chandler writes that the rivers are very dry and that the work pays about four dollars per day. The claims are considered very good and when the rains come they “shall be prepared to work to good advantage.” “I mean to take things cool at present if I don’t get rich the first year.” “We have lots of good living in the way of Mellons [sic], Tomatoes… the mellons [sic] are far superior to any I ever saw in our Atlantic Home, in size and flavor. I wish I could send you one mellon [sic]...
4. How the California mines are worked How the California mines are worked 1855-09-30 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.) Chandler writes that “water has failed at our claims so we cannot work to advantage…” “Wages are lower now on act of so many being idle in the Dry diggins [sic] $3.50 is the common price on the river for 10 hours work.” “I have considerable money due me from some of the partners as soon as we can take it out.” Chandler also writes that his neighbors, the Burnetts, have a son who was in the battle of Mexico and is a lawyer who was recently elected as Senator from Yuba County. “Young...
5. Squaws and their avocations Squaws and their avocations 1855-11-11 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.) Chandler writes that “it takes a person who is a stranger in Cala [California] some considerable time to get the right hang of mining profitably it is much better to have experienced friends here.” He also mentions that there are “plenty of Mahalas about our digins [sic] (Squaw), they have got near done gathering acorns and grasshoppers for this season. They live high and sleep under the trees.” Chandler also warns all who are coming to come by way of the Panama Route, because “there has...
6. Hard work the miner's portion Hard work the miner's portion 1856-04-16 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.) Chandler writes that he likes “the mining business first rate although it is very hard generally.” Chandler also writes to his wife that he feels bad because he hasn’t been able to send Jane and others money, but “we can’t pick up the gold now as easily as they once could.” Chandler writes, “I think there is plenty of gold in Cala [California] to answer my purpose if I could only find it, and that I am trying to do.” Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Hard work...
7. We have a little village here called "pinchumtight" We have a little village here called "pinchumtight" 1856-07-31 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.) Chandler mentions that in Jane’s last letter she wrote that she would come out if he thought it best and wished her to, but then writes, “But still I think you hardly feel like coming.” He mentions that “there is a good many women coming to Cala [California], there is three in this place.” He also writes that “there is a little village here called Pinchumtight (we have some queer names for places).” Chandler then responds to another letter he received from Jane indicating that their...
8. Hired Chinaman with rocker a profitable venture Hired Chinaman with rocker a profitable venture 1856-09-07 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); California Social life and customs 19th century Chandler writes that his steam engine has failed, and they are putting up a water wheel to pump in the mean time. He hired a “Chinaman” to work with a rocker, and the “Chinaman” made “between 24 + 25 Dollars pr Day.” Chandler also mentions that he has put all his money into a claim in hopes of getting more, but then writes that “mining in river claims is a kind of lottery.” Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Installing a water wheel to pump our claim. Hired...
9. Frémont Buchannan Campaign Frémont Buchannan Campaign 1856-10-02 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Frémont, John Charles, 1813-1890; Sons of Temperance of North America Chandler writes that he has been forced to put up a water wheel at a cost of 500 dollars, and has been "Camping on the Bank of the Yuba in a factory cloth cabin and not sewed together very well." Jane is advised to “tell the boys not to vote for [Frémont] in the presidential election, referring to Frémont by saying, “The wooley [sic] Horse won't succeed in this state I think.” Chandler ends his letter with a post script mentioning that his partners “all belong to the Sons of Temperance...
10. Prospects favorable for Christmas dinner Prospects favorable for Christmas dinner 1856-12-17 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Mining claims Chandler writes that his “luck has been poor,” and pleads for Jane to not be discouraged. Chandler writes of his new partner, Simon Adams, and mentions that Adams is “quite a gunner he kills hares, Quail, and we have had a nice hare for supper this Even. We can cook nearly as well as a woman.” Chandler mentions that he expects to eat something nice for Christmas, “for we have a promise from a Lady to cook the game if we will get it. I think it a bargain but Adams will have to kill the game...
11. Claim jumpers Claim jumpers 1857-02-02 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Mining claims Chandler writes of his struggles against claim jumpers, who are a "real Murder and Robber party" and a lawsuit that resulted in a hung jury. Chandler finds legal justice difficult, writing that "It is hard to get justice in Cala [California], except to shoot or hang the raskals [sic].” Chandler also promises Jane that if she would come to California he would “make some permanent location for the time we stayed as soon as possible.” Chandler writes that Jane “would like mining first rate as...
12. Storekeeper murder at Alpha Storekeeper murder at Alpha 1857-03-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Mining claims; Hydraulic mining Chandler writes that one man from a "party of raskals [sic]" that drove Chandler from his claim tried to repay him, but a thief stole the money from the man. Chandler washes his dirt by hydraulicking. Chandler writes about a storekeeper in Alpha who was struck over the head and stabbed several times, possibly by a Frenchman. Regarding the victim, Chandler writes that "there is no hopes of his living." Chandler writes that he would like to know how his son Willie is doing, and how the ring he sent...
13. Development of water for mining operations; jobs for women in California Development of water for mining operations; jobs for women in California 1857-10-03 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Frontier and pioneer life; Hydraulic mining Chandler is working for the Ditch Company on "the big Tunnell [sic]." Chandler writes that the conditions for women in California are very good, with women earning from 40 to 60 dollars per month for housekeeping, nursing, etc. He also thinks that "men with families generaly [sic] do better than single men for one reason: they don't run so much wish and generaly [sic] make a shure [sic] thing of something." Chandler considers buying claims at Alpha. Notations in pencil on the first page at the top...
14. A mining camp described A mining camp described 1857-11-01 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); George Law (Steamer) Chandler mentions the George Law disaster, and that he knew some who were on the ship. He finished working on "the big ditch Tunnell [sic]" and is now staying in Alpha with a young man. Chandler also suggests that he would like to stay two or three years if his claims pay well, and if he could convince Jane "that it is the most romantic place in the mountains." Chandler also wishes that Jane could see the camp and Chinese Cooks. Chandler writes that he "must give Cala [California] a good trial before...
15. Rough going Rough going 1857-12-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.) Chandler is unhappy that Jane hasn’t written in “about two months,” and pleads with Jane to write “oftener.” Chandler mentions his assessment fees and writes that he does not plan to get in any more debt if he can avoid it. Chandler has read about and makes allusion to a general economic depression in the States [the Panic of 1857]. Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Rough going.” Pencil marks highlight certain parts of the text pertaining to the title.
16. Mining operations depicted Mining operations depicted 1858-01-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Utah Expedition, 1857-1858 Chandler writes that he has received Jane’s letters from October and November, which were miscarried to Omega. He also writes that “the Mormons have been moving for Salt Lake and sell out cheap.” He predicts that “Uncle Sam will have a brush with the Saints soon” and writes that several men are ready to go to Salt Lake to “get a widow out there as the Mormons have more than their share.” Chandler describes the mining process of sluicing and washing gravel. Chandler also writes about...
17. Tunnel and washing operations discussed Tunnel and washing operations discussed 1858-02-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Sons of Temperance of North America Chandler mentions that he had a good Christmas dinner, “cooked first rate by the Lady Cook.” He also writes that “Alpha is the most temperate town or village in the mountains” and that “most of the boys belong to the Sons of Temperance.” The “big ditch” has also had some problems with landslides, causing interruption of the water supply. Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Tunnel and washing operations discussed, trouble with the ‘big ditch’ due to land slides....
18. Brannan tragedy at Grass Valley Brannan tragedy at Grass Valley 1858-03-11 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Grass Valley (Calif.) Chandler writes that he washed his gold last week and "got about 50 dollars" in four days. He recounts the story of a man named Brenan [spelled Brannan in the letter], who committed suicide by poison on 21 February 1858 in Grass Valley with his wife and three children. Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Brannan Tragedy.” Pencil marks highlight certain parts of the text pertaining to the title. This letter does not indicate the year. Based on Chandler’s references to his...
19. The Indians are very bad there… The Indians are very bad there… 1858-08-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Fraser Canyon (B.C.) Chandler writes of a party of Indians who skirmished with a party of overland emigrant prospectors on the way to Vancouver Island gold prospects. Chandler also writes on the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush on Vancouver Island and the difficulty that prospectors face with regard to adequate provisions. Chandler asks if Jane would be willing to allow Lissy to come to California, adding that "she could wash the fishes when she gets a little older" and [he] could cook them. He also mentions that "there [are]...
20. Chinaman's postscript Chinaman's postscript 1858-12-15 Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Chinese language Chandler writes that he has been building a log cabin. While he is writing the letter, several men are around and one "Chinaman," a cook, is asking questions about the meaning of words that Chandler is writing. Chandler allows the "Chinaman" to write on the letter. The Chinese lettering, written by a Chinese man named Ah Pay, and a brief paragraph containing a translation appear on page three. Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Chinaman’s Postscript.” Pencil marks highlight...
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