Gold Rush Era Merchant Attempts To Sell Handkerchiefs Through Ship's Captain for Sale

Gold Rush Era Merchant Attempts To Sell Handkerchiefs Through Ship's Captain For Sale

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Gold Rush Era Merchant Attempts To Sell Handkerchiefs Through Ship's Captain:
$195.00

BENJAMIN HILL left Boston on January 27, 1849 on the Brig Almena. After a stop at Talcahuano, Chile, the ship arrived in San Francisco in early July 1849. He proceeded from there to Sacramento and bought a house and lot from Captain Sutter for $1,500. He then sent members of his company to Webber Creek to dig for gold. Hill also participated in the preparation of the steamship McKinnon, claimed to be the first steamboat to carry passengers.

Offering a single-page ALS, 8 ½ X 10 ¾, August 24th, 1849, San Francisco, from Hill to Charles Tobey, the captain of the scooner Sagadahook, asking Tobey to dispose of silk handkerchiefs “to the best advantage during your voyage, using your own judgment...in case the price should be low, you paying freight for these & charge me with the amt for your trouble...Take what you consider fair on the regular commission for such business...Do not bring them back if you can get over ten dollars...Wishing you success...Benjamin Hill”

Hill has signed the letter twice.

No mention of gold but a nice association piece from someone who ended up in the gold rush area and who sent his employees to Webber Creek to dig for gold.

Folds, light toning. One chip in the right margin, not affecting text

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