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The item illustrated and described below is sold, but we have another example in stock. To view the example which is currently being offered for sale, click the "View Details" button below.
Description

Early lettersheet birds eye view of the town of Springfield, Tuolumne County, California published in Sonora, California and engraved in stone by George H. Goddard, who would go on to become one of California's most important early surveyors.

The view shows Springfield town square, flagpole in center surrounded by scattered dwellings; goats on low knoll in foreground.

The view provides one of the earliest surviving images of this then important Gold Rush town and is very scarce on the market.

Text of letter:

Dear Brother,

I was much pleased to hear from you. I have got into a better ship than before but I an get along first rate now for I understand my duty now and do not care for the best of them. I have been round cape shiff three times now and have got to be quite a jock-- I can assure you although it seems hardly possble that Geo XXXX is goint to be a sailor. Although there is more reality than romance in it when we have to turn out at abut 2 o'clock to reef in a cape horn gale. I would give anything to see you but god only knows when we shall see each other unless we happen to stumble upon one another in some foreign port. I do not know what you think of the sea b ut for my part it is the cursedest place that ever any white man had anything to do with. Hoever I have started and I suppose that I shall put it through, you know what kind of place a ships forecastle is to visit in so you must excuse my not writing any more at present. Please write as soon as you get this.

Good bye Brother

Geo.

 

 

Condition Description
Minor foxing and soiling.
Reference
aird 257. Peters, California on Stone, p. 78. Reps, Views and Viewmakers of Urban America 423.