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Remarkable Group of Early Los Angeles Letters

The letters are as follows:

• 1856 Oct. 15. Reading, Massachusetts. To Francis Pliny Fisk Temple from John H. Bancroft. Mentions Col. Fremont and the 1856 presidential election in which he was the Republican candidate. 

Dear Sir, Yours of Sept 5th was received yesterday. You have my free and full pardon for the delay in the acknowledgement of the receipt of the box, &c. It was not of much importance, but I wished to know if you received it for more reasons than one. Perhaps you will expect a letter from Cynthia, but she is not able to write at this time, her health is so very poor. She is not as well as she was one year ago by 50 pr cent, thus she could do some light sewing and other light work but now she is not able to do anything, and requires considerable attention from others. We hope she will be better but the prospect is not very flattering. You say in your letter to Cynthia that you dont know when you can visit your friends heare [sic], but we may see you when we little expect it. That is true for we have given up the idea of ever seeing you here, and if you come it will be unexpected. Still we should  by very much pleased to see you here. We are glad to here [sic] that Thornton enjoys himself so well, and that Haven conducts so well. It will be a great comfort to his Mother. The friends are well except Seth's child, it is very sick, it is doubtful if it live many days, it appears to be failing very fast. It has had the Cholera Infantum. Cynthia wishes me to say that she should be so glad to see you, but she thinks it doubtful if lives to see you unless you come soon. She and Clarinda send their love to you and your family. I hope the State of of California will give Col. Freemont a rousing majority the first Tuesday in Nov. We intend to do it here in Massachusetts. You will see by the paper that we send you that it is a very vote in Penn., but good judges think [?] has gone for Freemont. Please write every convenient opportunity. Yours truly, John H. Bancroft.

• 1857 March 20. London. To William Workman from F. de Lizardi & Co. / F. F. Y. de [Abraim?] Addressed to Workman during his stay in England at Clifton near Penrith, Westmoreland. The firm of Francisco de Lizardi & Co., prominent Mexican financiers:

Sir, Enclosed we have the pleasure of handing you on acct: sales of $2000 - received by the last steamer from Vera Cruz, shewing a nett procceds of £419 - 1 - 0 from this amount we deduct the sum of £100 - paid Mr Julian Workman on the 11th inst: and for the balance say £319 - 1 - 0 we further enclosed a Bank Post Bill drawn in your favor the receipt of which be pleased to acknowledge - We are, Sir, Your Obedt. Servts. F. de Lizardi & Co. F. F. Y. de Abraim

• 1857 Dec. 18. Reading, Massachusetts. To Francis Pliny Fisk Temple from his sister Clarinda. 

Dear Brother, Not a line have we received from our California friends, since Brother J wrote us before sailing from San Francisco it seems a long time to us. We feel the loss of his short letters very much, I would like to know of his whereabouts probable we shall here [sic] from him soon; he gave us encouragement of making us a visit if he touched at New York, we would like to see him and hope our wishes will be gratified, however, we think it uncertain. I hope you and the rest of the California friends will not forget to write us. I heard through sister Lucinda that you have been to Thornton's that will serve as an excuse for not writing. I suppose you are as busy as ever. Be not to ambitious to accumulate great stores of wealth. I hope you will be ever mindful of the great giver of every blessing which you enjoy. You see by the papers times are sadly out of joint, a change for the better has taken place, most of the banks in New York and Boston have resumed Specie payment. We can't expect business to be very good for some months to come. Hundreds and thousands of people who have families to support are thrown out of employment.... Some few weeks ago our Cousin Henry Temple who resided in Providence died with the Typhoid Fever... Dea Wakefield has sold one hundred and sixty three acres of land at forty dollars an acre. Probable he thinks he can take care of his money with less trouble, than he can of his land, at his advanced age. Seth thinks of making shoe boxes this winter. I don't know how he will succeed in the business. Cassandana daughters attend school, and she has a girl to do her work. John's business is very dull, we find work enough to keep us busy, not very profitable. We live here alone excepting when we have company. It is a consolation to me to think that the loved ones that have gone to the spirit land still hover around us. Pliny what do you think of Spirtualism? Christmas is near at hand, if we could step in to your capacious house would we spend Chistmas with you, but that cannot be now, so we will wish you all a Merry Christmas, and send our love to youself and family please extend our kind regards to Thornton & his Wife. Tell Haven to write us, we have not forgotten him, we will write him soon. Good night, I remain your sister, Clarinda.

• 1862 August 13. Los Angles. Letter from A. Portugal to William Workman.

Sir: Two hundred Dollars through Mr. John Reed came duly to hand and placed to your credit for which I'm very much obliged also gave Mr. Reed a receipt for the same. The following Bills I paid for you, Dr. Griffin $100.00. J. Jones 51.28. N. A. Potter $28.00 enclosed you find receipts, the ballance of the $300.00. Mr. John Reed will return to you. I'm also sending you two pairs of Linen Pants expressly made for you. Most Respectfully Yours, A. Portugal (pr. Ph. Lippin). P.S. Dr. Griffin not being in town I couldn't pay him, but as soon as he returns home I'll do so and send you receipt. A.P.

• 1872 Aug. 7. Reading, Massachusetts. Letter to Francis Pliny Fisk Temple, from his son Francis W. Temple. Concerns his ongoing treatments for catarrh in Massachusetts. Describes the process of having his cranium measured by the famous phrenologist, O. S. Fowler.

Dear Father, ...In Boston since the jubilee the excitement has cooled off gradually. Uncle & Aunt Bancroft are well, and our other relatives as far as I know are enjoying good health. I have been as usual yesterday was two months since I have been under Mrs. Scisson immediate supervision. I am not feeling the worse and if any thing, better. This appears to be a very slow process. She says she has cured others in a worst prediciment [sic]. The bones in my head which come in contact with the matter are not injured, and she thinks I can be restored in a few months. Since here I have seen and heard of several catarrh cases, and they are all difficult to cure. After the age of forty Mrs. Scisson, Catarrh is incurable. The malady con be alleviated for a while but not cured and is apt to affect the lungs, either of asthma or consumption. I shall have to take medicated baths tomorrow, which are highly recommended by her and she thinks will prove very beneficial. I have taken steamed in my head, by holding it over a bowl containing some medicinal herbs steaped in hot water, which has proved quite beneficial, besides taking the prescribed medicines every day. I hope I shall go through with this affair soon - I had the pleasure of seeing Prof. O.S. Fowler of the Tremont House in Boston not long ago, and for curiosity's sake, I had him to examine my cranium, as he is pronounced to be the greatest phrenologist in the U. States. Entering his room, I think it was No. 183. I was offered a seat requested to sit down, which I did. And the Proff. went to work dictating my character and abilities, as he went along to his stenographer. After he got through, he requested me to call next day at 3 o'clock P.M.  And if which I did. And he gave me the manuscript or chart containing about fifteen pages. It is quite interesting and finally he comes to the conclusion that I can make an "excellent Doctor. Public speaker, emminent Surveyor and Civil Engineer." It is quite interesting to hear him dictate. He intends of going to Cal. in Sept. with his family. Mrs. Fowler appears to be a very fine lady. She is not enjoying very good health. And they hope that by going to Cal. she will improve her health. I think they will go to the city of Los Angeles, and if favorable will probably remain if not they will go to San Diego where Mrs. Fowler said they already had a place engaged at the house of a friend of theirs. I shall probably go and see R.W. Pierce, M.D. of Buffalo in the course of a fortnight. I should have seen him before this time had it not been for doctors that I have seen, and inquired of them about him. They seem to place little confidence in him as he advertises quite extensively and of couse he is depreciated notwithstanding this he might be as capable as any of them what doctors I have seen know but little about this disease as far as I can judge. And be folly to place oneself into his hands. I do not mean to take any medicine from Dr. Pierce till I have formed a right opinion of Mrs. Sciffon, that is, if I improve under her treatment I want to know what he thinks of this case, what he can do for it, and every thing else in general. I believe that Dr. Pierce has considerable experience he has been at it for the last fifteen or sixteen years and appears he should be thoroughly acquainted with the nature of the disease. My kindest regards to all the family. Hoping this will find you well, I remain Your Affect. Son, Francis W. Temple.

• 1874 Sep. 23 1874. Letter from William Temple to his father. With original mailing envelope, addressed to "William Workman, Puente, Los Angeles Co. Cal. Care of T.W. Temple."

Left home Sept. 23rd, 1874. Dear Father, I am sorry I shall be unable to go into town today as I am not feeling very well. I spent the day with grandfather yesterday. He is well & I received from Mr. Cable the telegram and two letters. I am glad to learn that things in Washington are looking so well. Mother desires you should send by Mr. Borhem one bag of coffee and one sack of best flour. Shall be in town tomorrow if I fell better - the patients here are getting along rather well. I would be good to have the doctor send out some more medicine for all as it is nearly out. Have 1/2 doz. bottles of citrate of magnesia sent out. I am, Your Obt. Son, Wm. Temple.

• 1875 Jan. 9. London. Letter from William Temple to his grandfather William Workman. With original stamped mailing envelope. With five red Queen Victoria 1 penny stamps. W3 London cancel. 

Dear Grandfather, As I was going along the Strand today I came across a lot of pictures of priests in a picture store, and thinking them quite natural in their way I have purchased them, and enclose them to you thinking that perhaps they may afford you some amusement. To say the least I have never before seen anything more natural. The weather is some what pleasenter in London than it has been, and I am in hopes that it will be much pleasenter than it is now. As I have only a short while before me in which to write, I hope you will excuse my briefness. With my best wishes to father, and the same for yourself. I am your obdt. grandson, W. Temple. P.S. These pictures might be seen to better advantage I think if pasted onto a piece of pasteboard or into a book. W. T. 

• 1875 July 20. Los Angeles. Letter from Francis Pliny Fisk Temple to his son John Temple. With original mailing envelope addressed to "Mr. John Temple care of Mr. John H. Bancroft, Reading Mass."

Dear John, Your kind letter have come to hand from time to time we are pleased to hear that you are well and making steady advancement in your Studies. I wrote your Uncle John stating to him that I thought it advisable for you to attend Bryant and Stratton Commercial College the coming term. I want you to get a good knowledge of book-keeping as well as other English branches, grammar &c. it will be advantageous for you to study French a portion of the time. José Lecundino, and Thomas Sanchez will probably start this week for Massachusetts and attend school in that state. I do not know where they will go, I think they will consult you in the matter. Don Juan left some unsettled business in Colorado territory they will remain there to arrange it, and then continue on their journey. I received today a long letter from William he is well and is making fine progress in his studies his idea is to take a trip through England before going to Paris. I want you to write your mother quite often she is not very well, although she is about the house and goes out in the yard I hope in a few months she will regain her usual health. It would please her to receive a few lines from you now and then - the rest of us are in our usual health, Francis is alone with your grandfather, Mr. Lambourn and Walter have left the house, Walter has a store at the mill, and Mr. Lambourn has a store in the Monte, I have to be in town most of the time looking after our business here which is increasing as the country settles up - the country is increasing in population quite rapidly, this place is getting to be quite a rail road center. You will remember us all kindly to all our relatives. Wishing to hear from you frequently. I remain, Your affte. father, F. P. F. Temple.

• 1875 Dec. 1. New York. Letter from John Temple to Messrs. Meredith and Smith. With pencil emendations.

Gentlemen: Not being satisfied with the manner in which our business is being conducted, and feeling there is seeing no prospect of a change for the better, I desire to withdraw from the firm, and establish myself in more satisfactory relations (under different circumstances). Will you please give the matter your earliest attention. I remain, yours respectfully, John Temple.

• 1876 Feb. 9. Los Angeles. Letter from William Temple to his brother John Temple, the latter in Reading, Massachusetts. On "Temple & Workman, Bankers" letterhead. With original mailing envelope. Details of the family's deteriorating financial situation due to "gross financial mismanagement" and the impending collapse of the family banking business.

Dear Brother, Your numerous letters have been received, and am sorry I have not answered sooner. I have been so busy, and matters have looked so discouraging that I have not thought proper to write you till this date. I am sorry to say that the financial position is worse than I had ever contemplated. After borrowing money in San Francisco, the bank again opened, but we were compelled to close owing to pressing demands against us, and want of immediate money to [c--y?] on the business. The result has been that an assignment has been made by Temple & Workman as partners and as individuals, to assign us for the benefit of creditors - the whole disaster has been brought about by gross financial mismanagement, and by misplaced confidence in others. The total liabilities of the concern amount to about $164,000 dollars, the assets amount to about 2,225,000 dollars. Besides mother has in her own right which no one can touch property amounting to about 500,000 dollars. By good management I think father & grandfather may come out with a little something. The Puente Ranch, La Merced, Potrero Grande & Potrero Felipe Lugo, Temple Block, Post Office Block, and almost everything is mortgaged, and nothing but the best of management will get us out with anything like success. We have Branton & Eastman, Glassell & Col. Bicknell as counsel, who together with myself will do the best that can be done. If we can save the Homestead and immediate surroundings at home, and grandfather's house and surrounding properties, I think I may say that we may be doing well - perhaps we will save much more. Tom owes the bank about 57,000 dollars, Ledyard about 60,000, Bullock about 7 or 8000, and thus you see that being gutted from within & fleeced from without - the whole state of Cal would not support such a bank. Father himself did not know of the true state of affairs he having placed too much confidence in others; there are about 300,000 dols. out that cannot be accounted for, and though he has always acted with the best faith and upright & honorable principles, he was too easy and altogether an unfit person to run the Bank. I am very sorry for grandfather who has been brought into trouble without any cause whatsoever. Mother of course is much troubled. They are however all well. I will write again giving more particulars. Father feels much troubled. The only true way to look at things is to make the best of a bad business, and to get out of it as best we may - give my best wishes to Aunt & Uncle - I will write to Uncle shortly - Tell uncle if he will, to settle that note of mine & I will settle with him as at present I cannot coll to send amount, or if he can arrange with the party to have the note extended for 4 or 6 mos. longer when I can arrange I am sorry that Uncle John should be put to such trouble on my account since I have been in Cal. I have been so busy that I have had scarcely time to do anything outside of business. Frank is at grandfather's & Lucinda was sent a few weeks ago to the convent of Notre Dame San José - Maggie, Walter, & Charley are well - [Tom's?] horse Meringo & Lizi are looking splendidly - the owen Dale colt died. Four walnuts and not looking as well as they might be - I am your affect. Brother, Wm. Temple.   About the beginning of March I have it in contemplation to go into the practice of the law as a partner with Sen. V. E. Howard [Volney Erskine Howard] - old Howard is considered the best lawyer in Southern California. [Lelong & Bros?] are still strong & sound - I went out shooting the other day & killed 13 geese with Frank's cannon, it being larger than Jackson's .... & fist full of shot. Echo

• 1876 Feb. 24. Los Angeles. Letter from Francis Pliny Fisk Temple to his son John Temple. With original mailing envelope. Mentions the failure of the family banking business.

Dear John, It is a long time since I wrote you. I have been and still am in financial troubles of such magnitude that it has not been pleasant for me to wrote any one - we have had the wrong style of men to manage our affairs which has caused to a great extent the unsuccessful termination of our business. Your kind letters have come to hand from time to time, and also the circular was received a day or two since - when you write again let me know in what department you are in at present, your mother is quite comfortable there is a few days in each month that she is quite unwell. Lucinda is getting along nicely at San José College she is not as homesick now as she was the first few weeks and is beginning to see the necessity of her improving every moment in her studies. It would be well for you to write her and enourage her in her studies, her address is "College of Notre Dame" San José. I have enclosed your forty currency dollars and will send you more in short time. You will remember all of us to your Uncle & Aunt Bancroft and all our relatives, and receive for yourself our best wishes, hoping to hear from you frequently. Your affte. father, F. P. F. Temple.

• 1876 May 22. Los Angeles. Letter from Francis Pliny Flisk Temple to his son John Temple, then at Reading, Massachusetts. With original mailing envelope. Informing John that his grandfather, William Workman, took his own life on May 17, 1876. Includes poignant details on Workman's reasons for commiting suicide. 

Dear John, It is with sorrow that I have to inform you that your grandfather took his life on the evening of the 17th about 6 o'clock, and was buried on the afternoon of the 19th at 1 o'clock by the Masons. Our financial troubles caused him to do this rash act. I had not seen him since Christmas, he felt very hard towards myself and Thomas, on account of the troubles which had befallen us. There is no help for these things which have passed - we must be united and do the best we can for ourselves in the future. I herewith inclose one hundred & twenty in currency will send you more in a few days. You will give our regards to your uncle and aunt Bancroft and all our relatives hoping this will find you well. Your affte. father, F. P. F. Temple.