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Price = $475.00
1864 HEPWORTH - CARTER LETTERS - THOMAS STARR KING, CIVIL WAR, GOLD MINING IN CA
THE CIVIL WAR
&
MINING IN CALIFORNIA
1864
An interesting exchange of letters that combine Civil War, Political & Religious observations with comments on Gold, Silver, Copper & Tin mining in California & Mexico c1864!
The exchange consists of two well-written letters as follows:
1-- A six (6) page manuscript letter (about 5 x 8”) on white paper with DARK ink. The letter is written from Boston on 8 April 1864, and is signed by George H. Hepworth. The letter is addressed to “My dear Carter” [George Robert Carter of Leominster, MA, a businessman then residing in California.] The letter has horizontal fold-lines but is otherwise in quite good condition.
2-- A five (5) page manuscript letter (about 8 x 10”) on white paper with dark ink. This letter is a reply to the above letter. It is written from Oakland CA on 9 July 1864, and is signed by George R. Carter. The letter is addressed to “Mr Hepworth.” This letter also has fold-lines but is otherwise in quite good condition.
The FOUR major topics discussed in these letters are:
1-- The death & funeral of THOMAS STARR KING (1824-1864)
(probably the most famous California Unionist during the Civil War)
2-- Mining in California & Mexico.
3-- The American Civil War
4-- Debate over what comprised the proper patriotic response for a Unitarian minister?
--To preach for peace & tolerance for all? OR
--To follow one's personal duty to enlist in the war effort?
THOMAS STARR KING was an especially significant political and religious leader in San Francisco during the Civil War era.
GEORGE H. HEPWORTH also played a notable role in the War.
GEORGE ROBERT CARTER of Leominster MA was far less known but was a point of contact between King & Hepworth. Before the war, Carter was an active businessman in Boston, MA and Charleston, SC. In the 1860s & 1870s he was in California and the West where he pursued various business & mining interests. He was acquainted with Hepworth in Boston (Carter was apparently a founder of the Boston Church of the Unity where Hepworth served). While in California, Carter was probably personally-acquainted with Thomas Starr King.
Carter was not notable on the National scale.
However, King & Hepworth’s interesting actions in the Civil War merit brief background biographies:
A brief biography of Thomas Starr King follows:
Thomas Starr King (1824-1864), a Universalist and a Unitarian minister, was a lecturer and orator whose role in preserving California within the Union during the Civil War is honored by statues in the United States Capitol and in Golden Gate Park in California. Two mountains are named for him, one in New Hampshire's White Hills; another in the Sierra Nevada of California.
About 1847, while serving as a Universalist minister in MA, King met Henry Whitney Bellows (1814-1882), minister of the First Unitarian Church of New York, upon whom he made such an impression that Bellows immediately sought to have King called by New York's Second Unitarian (Church of the Messiah). King’s lack of formal education was a stumbling block however.
[Bellows is mentioned in this 1864 letter exchange and more will be written about him below.]
In 1848, the Hollis Street Unitarian Church, in Boston, MA, made King an offer that he accepted.
King began speaking on the popular lecture circuit in 1847. By the 1850s he had entered the ranks of the most respected and popular platform speakers of the time. His friend Henry Whitney Bellows compared him favorably to such well-known orators as Wendell Phillips and Henry Ward Beecher.
In 1859 King sought a new position. As he wrote Bellows, one where his labor "would be of greater worth to the general cause.” Having received several offers, King chose San Francisco, California.
As he traveled in California, King was particularly struck by the mountainous scenery around the Yosemite Valley, which he thought the equivalent in natural scenery of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Thomas Starr King was soon drawn into the politics of his new state and became an advocate for the preservation of the union. He campaigned for the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, preaching from his own pulpit and lecturing on a tour of the mining towns of the California interior. In 1861, King launched a lecture campaign in San Francisco with his address, "Washington and the Union."
After the capture of Fort Sumter, King announced that he would give all his energy to preserving the union. Following the news of the disastrous First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), he toured with a lecture aimed against defeatism, "Peace, What Would It Cost Us." His campaign for Republican candidates at the state level in 1861 helped elect a Republican governor and a pro-Union coalition to the legislature.
According to General Winfield Scott, the Union Army commander-in-chief, Starr King "saved California to the Union."
He was credited by Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic.
King covered his pulpit with an American flag and ended all his sermons with "God bless the president of the United States and all who serve with him the cause of a common country."
Exhausted from his labors for church and country, King contracted diphtheria. He died of pneumonia on March 4, 1864.
A brief biography of George H. Hepworth follows:
George Hughes Hepworth (1833- 1902) was born in Boston, MA. He studied theology at Harvard, where he was graduated in 1855. In 1858 he became pastor of the Church of the Unity, Boston. In addition he rented a theater to preach to the poor and founded a school of theology.
As the rumblings of discontent at the South grew Mr. Hepworth preached to his people very plainly of their duty in the crisis of national affairs that was approaching.
"When a part of this great people ... assume an hostile attitude and muster their forces for resistance, what is the first thought and what the first prayer of every loyal man? I confess I can conceive of but one thought and one prayer. That thought is the Union, the whole country, and the prayer is that our flag may again kiss the breeze, the hope and blessing of millions.”
Up to this time he had hoped for peace, but when the secession of South Carolina was followed by the surrender of Fort Sumter in the following April, he began to speak with a louder, sterner voice. At the breaking-out of the war he avowed strong Union and anti-slavery sentiments.
During 1861 and 1862 Mr. Hepworth and Rev. THOMAS STARR KING corresponded at some length in regard to the removal of the former to California. Mr. King's health had obliged him to reside there for a season, but it was hoped in Boston that he might be able to return to his Hollis Street Church, and MR. HEPWORTH WAS SO ATTRACTED BY CALIFORNIA AS TO BE WILLING TO TAKE UP MR. KING’S WORK IN SAN FRANCISCO.
Ultimately however, Hepworth stayed East & King died in California.
[Hepworth alludes to the “choices” both men made in his 1864 letter to George R. Carter].
Hepworth’s feelings about the war had evolved:
“From the very first I desired to go to war. I felt that no man has any right to look about him for an excuse to stay at home.”
According to his writings, Rev. Hepworth saw the Civil War not only as an “apocalyptic showdown between good and evil, but as a historical, God-driven break between two ages.” He saw it his duty to do what he could to aid in this struggle.
In 1862, Hepworth asked temporary leave of his church to serve at first as chaplain with the 47th Massachusetts regiment in Louisiana.
Leave of absence for nine months was asked November 17th, and cheerfully granted. The Standing Committee presented their pastor with $350 for the purchase of a horse and equipments, and other members of the Society contributed $450 for his further outfit.
Hepworth later wrote that when he told his congregation “I can stay no longer,” they said to him, “Go, and God-speed to you.”
[However, in his 1864 letter exchange with Hepworth, George R. Carter provides a quite different view of the congregation’s response when Hepworth announced his intention to abandon his pulpit and join the war effort!]
In 1863 Hepworth sought and received a transfer to serve on the staff of Major General Nathaniel P.. Banks:
“General Banks agreed to give me a commission as first-lieutenant in the Fourth Louisiana Native Guards (negro regiment) and thence detail me as aide-de-camp. This very kind offer I at once accepted, because it would give me an honorable position, and afford me ample opportunity to choose my own fields of labor.”
On Banks staff, Hepworth worked tirelessly for the relief of large numbers of runaway slaves crowding within Union lines.
At the end of 1863, Hepworth returned to his Boston congregation. He then wrote an account of his experiences during the war titled “Whip, Hoe, and Sword; or The Gulf Department in '63” [Boston: Walker, Wise & Company, 245 Washington Street, 1864.]
In the spring of 1867, George Hepworth’s devoted mother died.
[Hepworth makes reference to his mother in his 1864 letter to George R. Carter below.]
In the 1870s, Hepworth served as Pastor of the Church of the Messiah and Madison Ave Presbyterian Church in NYC. After time abroad in 1880, he joined the editorial staff of the New York Herald newspaper. He died in June 1902.
One final important point of contact between King & Hepworth was Unitarian minister HENRY WHITNEY BELLOWS (1814-1882).
For 43 years, Bellows served as minister of the First Congregational Church of New York City. During the Civil War he was president of the United States Sanitary Commission.
Bellows encouraged the young minister of the First Unitarian Church of San Francisco, THOMAS STARR KING, to put his stunning oratorical gifts to use in service to his country. Starr King did, raising over a million dollars for the Sanitary Commission in countless mining camps and towns all over the State and keeping California in the Union.
Henry Bellows went to San Francisco upon Starr King's death, helped to hold the grieving church together, and arranged Horatio Stebbins's call as the church's next minister.
[Hepworth alludes to this action by Bellows in his 1864 letter to George Carter (as detailed below).]
FURTHER DESCRIPTION AND TRANSCRIPTION
OF
HEPWORTH'S 8 APRIL 1864 LETTER TO CARTER:
1864 LETTER FROM
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DISCUSSES THE DEATH & FUNERAL OF
FAMOUS CALIFORNIA ORATOR & UNIONIST
THOMAS STARR KING
THE CIVIL WAR AND
GOLD VERSUS GREENBACK CURRENCY:
-- 8 April 1864
--GEORGE HUGHES HEPWORTH to George Robert Carter
-- Six pages, 5 x 8", white un-lined paper, DARK ink
-- Fold lines, otherwise good condition on paper of good rag content.
A BRIEF (OPTIONAL) REVIEW:
THE LETTER IS FROM:
--CHAPLAIN & LIEUTENANT GEORGE H. HEPWORTH (1833-1902) was born in BOSTON, Massachusetts and graduated with a Doctorate from Harvard University in 1855. While at Harvard, he began to question slavery and his feelings contributed to his thoughts on the Civil War and to his work after the war for the advancement of former slaves in America.
Serving as Pastor of a Unitarian church in Boston, Rev. Hepworth saw the Civil War not only as an "Apocalyptic showdown between good and evil, but as a historical God-driven break between two ages." He saw it as his duty to do what he could to aid in this struggle.
According to his writing, "Good-by for a year." were his words to his congregation as he prepared to leave for service in the Civil War. As he told them that "I can stay no longer" they said to him, "Go, and Godspeed to you."
[HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED -- SEE THE TRANSCRIPTION OF CARTER'S LETTER BELOW]
After leaving his church in Boston, Hepworth became the Chaplain of the 47th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. After three months, he became dissatisfied in his assignment as Chaplain, and accepted a commission as Lieutenant in the 76th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment.
THE LETTER IS TO:
--GEORGE ROBERT CARTER (1806-1893) of Leominster, MA, was engaged in business in Boston and Charleston, SC (1830s-1840s). George also pursued business & mining interests in California and the West (1860s -1870s). He was born and died in Leominster.
His father was Wilder Carter (1774-1848) who married Dolly Sawyer in 1805. His brother William Sawyer Carter (1811-1847)
ran the Granite Works in Leominster. In 1843, he married Anne Warren. They had two daughters but both parents died when their children were quite young.
George R. Carter was involved in raising his nieces, one of whom was Caroline Isabel Carter (1845-1925), who married Rev. George L. Chaney in 1871.
SOME THEMES / QUOTATIONS IN THIS LETTER:
--"THE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD OVER THE REMAINS OF POOR KING"
--"HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN FOR MANY YEARS"
--"FRESH BREEZES FROM THE NEVADA!"
--"IT WAS A SPECIAL PROVIDENCE, FOR HIM AND FOR YOU ALL, THAT SET HIM DOWN IN THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO"
--"YOU REMEMBER KING’S DREAM AND MINE?"
--"HOW KING AND I WROTE ABOUT THIS SCHEME . . . IT WAS NOT TO BE AND NOW KING IS IN HEAVEN"
--"A GOOD CHURCH WHICH CARTER HELPED TO BUILD IF HE DID GET MAD AT ME AFTERWARDS"
--"SEND ME A PIECE OF GOLD QUARTZ THAT I MAY BE REMINDED THAT THERE IS SOME “BASIS” FOR PAPER MONEY"
--"I HAVE NOT TOUCHED A PIECE (of gold) FOR MONTHS. HOW DOES IT FEEL? "
Transcription of the letter:
Boston
April 8 – 1864
My dear Carter,
I have just received your paper containing an account of THE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD OVER THE REMAINS OF POOR KING. I am, of course, greatly obligated for the favor. The old familiar writing discovered the sender at once, and it did not need the name in pencil on the inside to tell me that you were the donor.
And so there is the second of the gifts(?) to King! Yet we won’t say the end, for he would have stamped his character on the laws, public institutions, and public news of the State indelibly. That HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN FOR MANY YEARS.
How he developed under the influence of the FRESH BREEZES FROM THE NEVADA! How magnificently he entered into the life of the new State, got hold of its (?) and won its quarter(?), and went over to his side!
IT WAS A SPECIAL PROVIDENCE, FOR HIM AND FOR YOU ALL, THAT SET HIM DOWN IN THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
I loved him, as did all, but have no word to say, for though young in years, he lived a life longer than most of us though we reach the seventy beyond which is nothing but “labor and sorrow.” Your partner of whom you were want to speak so enthusiastically must feel this loss deeply.
And now you are to have BELLOWS for awhile, and STEBBINS forever. He can’t , the latter, make Kings place good, as indeed, who could? Nevertheless he is a good fellow and true, and strong withal, and will render good service in the big field where he will need a stronger plow than he has ever used here.
YOU REMEMBER KING’S DREAM AND MINE? He to keep this meeting house as it was; I to have a new one. Thus thru years(?) since(?) – and we to work like brothers in the double harvest, exchanging pulpits half a day each Sunday? Well – sometimes it does us good to dream. Perhaps in your Country soon.
I may have told you this whole story; HOW KING AND I WROTE ABOUT THIS SCHEME; how I thought of it; pondered over it, at last came to the conclusion that “the thing would do”; how just then my Mother was taken ill, dangerously, and I vowed never to leave her alone, and so gave up the cherished plan, so man proposes and God disposes.
IT WAS NOT TO BE AND NOW KING IS IN HEAVEN, looking down upon you, us all, and I am as happy as a real Boston Veteran ought to be, with A GOOD CHURCH WHICH CARTER HELPED TO BUILD IF HE DID GET MAD AT ME AFTERWARDS --
[Apparently George R. Carter helped to “build” Boston’s Church of the Unity. Obviously Hepwoth was aware that Carter was displeased with his decision to leave the pulpit of that chruch to join the Union war effort in 1862-1863. In his reply to Hepworth, Carter explained exactly how he felt about Hepworth’s decision (see below)]
-- with a “huge choir,” Louise not left us yet, (?) back, Miss Ryan at right, and (?) in his old place.
So the world wags Carter. Heaven help us miserable offenders. Days come and go, and bye and by you and I will have to knuckle under it – that wind(?) spirit that carries all off into the “unknown dark.” May we both go up to the door of the New Jerusalem as boldly, as sure of getting in as King did.
And Miss Carrie and her sister, how are they:? And then any longings for Leominster and New England? Or does restored health make them inspired(?) in listening to Pacific music? Remember me to them, leaving on your end(?) as much of love and good wishes as you can.
And now after having written more than you will read with pleasure I must end. SEND ME A PIECE OF GOLD QUARTZ THAT I MAY BE REMINDED THAT THERE IS SOME “BASIS” FOR PAPER MONEY. I see gold in broker’s windows; I HAVE NOT TOUCHED A PIECE FOR MONTHS. HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Cortez said it was good for heart desires! Have you got that desire. if I had it, I wouldn’t be able to buy the medicine.
And so Goodbye.
Think of us of Ward II and remember.
Your old Minister
Geo. H. Hepworth
FURTHER DESCRIPTION AND TRANSCRIPTION
OF
CARTER'S 9 JULY 1864 REPLY TO HEPWORTH:
1864 LETTER FROM
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
DISCUSSES THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND
MINING IN CALIFORNIA & MEXICO:
DISCUSSES GOLD BEARING QUARTZ ROCK &
GOLD, SILVER, COPPER & TIN MINING
MENTION OF THE ALMADEN QUICKSILVER MINES,
MINES IN NAPA AND WASHOE, &
THE FAMOUS GOULD & CURRY GOLD MINE
-- 9 July 1864
--GEORGE ROBERT CARTER TO George Hughes Hepworth
-- Five pages, 8 x 10", white un-lined paper, dark ink
-- Fold lines, otherwise good condition on paper of excellent rag content.
A BRIEF (OPTIONAL) REVIEW:
THE LETTER IS FROM:
--GEORGE ROBERT CARTER (1806-1893) of Leominster, MA, was engaged in business in Boston and Charleston, SC (1830s-1840s). George also pursued business & mining interests in California and the West (1860s -1870s). He was born and died in Leominster.
His father was Wilder Carter (1774-1848) who married Dolly Sawyer in 1805. His brother William Sawyer Carter (1811-1847)
ran the Granite Works in Leominster. In 1843, he married Anne Warren. They had two daughters but both parents died when their children were quite young.
George R. Carter was involved in raising his nieces, one of whom was Caroline Isabel Carter (1845-1925), who married Rev. George L. Chaney in 1871.
THE LETTER IS TO:
--CHAPLAIN & LIEUTENANT GEORGE H. HEPWORTH (1833-1902) was born in BOSTON, Massachusetts and graduated with a Doctorate from Harvard University in 1855. While at Harvard, he began to question slavery and his feelings contributed to his thoughts on the Civil War and to his work after the war for the advancement of former slaves in America.
Serving as Pastor of a Unitarian church in Boston, Rev. Hepworth saw the Civil War not only as an "Apocalyptic showdown between good and evil, but as a historical God-driven break between two ages." He saw it as his duty to do what he could to aid in this struggle.
According to his writing, "Good-by for a year." were his words to his congregation as he prepared to leave for service in the Civil War. As he told them that "I can stay no longer" they said to him, "Go, and Godspeed to you."
[HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED -- SEE THE TRANSCRIPTION OF CARTER'S LETTER BELOW]
After leaving his church in Boston, Hepworth became the Chaplain of the 47th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. After three months, he became dissatisfied in his assignment as Chaplain, and accepted a commission as Lieutenant in the 76th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment.
SOME THEMES / QUOTATIONS IN THIS LETTER:
--"SHEDDING A LITTLE BLOOD MIGHT MOLLIFY AND CALM DOWN YOUR TURBULENT SPIRIT"
--"YOUR SEEMING DESIRE TO KILL SOMEBODY, LET YOU DOWN TO THE FREEZING POINT IN MY THERMOMETER, AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL"
--"YOU WERE READY TO VISIT SUCH DIRE VENGENCE ON OUR OWN BRETHREN INDISCRIMENATELY, EXCEPTING THE SLAVES AND COLORED PEOPLE, WHILE THE POOR UNOFFENDING WHITE PEOPLE HAD NO PLACE IN YOUR HEART, I FELT THAT YOU HAD CEASED TO BE A MINISTER, AND THAT YOUR UPLIFTED HANDS WERE SIMPLY A MOCKERY AND I FEEL SO STILL, NOT TOWARDS YOU ALONE, BUT ALL OTHERS WHO PROFESS TO BE FOLLOWERS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE"
--"I YIELD TO NO ONE IN PATRIOTISM TO MY COUNTRY, OR FEALTY TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND WOULD REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE, TO SEE THE REBELLION PUT DOWN"
--"MEET AND GREET OLD FRIENDS AFTER SUCH A BLOODY SEPARATION"
--"CAN NOT RESPECT YOU AS A MINISTER SO LONG AS YOU HARBOR SUCH FELLINGS AS YOU HAVE GIVEN UTTERANCE TO"
--"YOU MENTION GOLD BEARING QUARTZ . . . PICK A DOUBLE EAGLE OUT OF A PIECE THE SIZE OF A MAN’S FIST"
--"COPPER ORES FROM THE GENESEE VALLEY, AND SILVER & TIN FROM MEXICO"
--"IF WE COULD ONLY HAVE ABOUT TEN YEARS OF PEACE THIS STATE WOULD SHOW RESULTS SUCH AS WERE NEVER DREAMED OF"
Transcription of the letter:
Oakland
July 9th 1864
Mr. Hepworth
Dear Sir --
Yours of a somewhat ancient date has been in my file of unanswered letters till it has come to the top in regular order. Please excuse the delay.
My business letters require attention and will not be put off, while letters of friendship must bide their time.
I am right glad to learn that you are so happy, although you seem to think me “mad” with you, not so.
I was sorry that you should have treated your people so cavalierly, seeking an appointment and giving out that you were going to the War, and then asking if you might go. Suppose they had said NO?
You can answer that – I can only say, it surprised everybody. Some called it want of discretion, some bravado, some to show your independence, while others called it impudence and various other unjustly things.
Now had the society taken council of their first impulses, some one of a variety of ways spoken of would most likely have been acted upon. But they deemed it best not to commit an indiscretion because you had, and some counselled moderation, feeling that time and the SHEDDING A LITTLE BLOOD MIGHT MOLLIFY AND CALM DOWN YOUR TURBULENT SPIRIT.
I will tell you plainly that the spirit you manifested on several occasions, and YOUR SEEMING DESIRE TO KILL SOMEBODY, LET YOU DOWN TO THE FREEZING POINT IN MY THERMOMETER, AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.
All my early training in education, and all my associations with, and relationships to Ministers, had taught me to look upon them as superior to the common people, possessing as I supposed (or tried to think) all the Christian graces.
But when YOU WERE READY TO VISIT SUCH DIRE VENGENCE ON OUR OWN BRETHREN INDISCRIMENATELY, EXCEPTING THE SLAVES AND COLORED PEOPLE, WHILE THE POOR UNOFFENDING WHITE PEOPLE HAD NO PLACE IN YOUR HEART, I FELT THAT YOU HAD CEASED TO BE A MINISTER, AND THAT YOUR UPLIFTED HANDS WERE SIMPLY A MOCKERY AND I FEEL SO STILL, NOT TOWARDS YOU ALONE, BUT ALL OTHERS WHO PROFESS TO BE FOLLOWERS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
Whose province is it to say that all the right is on the one side, and all the wrong? IS NOT THE RIGHT OF REVOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGED THE WORLD OVER? “When in the course of Human Society it becomes necessary?”
I YIELD TO NO ONE IN PATRIOTISM TO MY COUNTRY, OR FEALTY TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND WOULD REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE, TO SEE THE REBELLION PUT DOWN and the instigators and leaders punished, and very next unspeakable joy would be to MEET AND GREET OLD FRIENDS AFTER SUCH A BLOODY SEPARATION.
Call such sentiments or emotions what you please, by them must I stand or fall. We are commanded to love our enemies, I can not help loving my friends, and you among them, but CAN NOT RESPECT YOU AS A MINISTER SO LONG AS YOU HARBOR SUCH FEELINGS AS YOU HAVE GIVEN UTTERANCE TO & against my friends, whose opinions I know to be entitled to as much consideration as yours or mine, although we may differ “toto caelo?” [by the entire extent of the heavens]
But you may be like my partner Mr. T who says “there is but one right way and that is my way.” But the “my way” is sometimes the wrong way after all.
I mean no unkindness in what I have said, although it may appear somewhat pointed, I am not one who disguises his true feelings, but “speak straight on” as I wish others to do.
YOU MENTION GOLD BEARING QUARTZ. I will send you some the first opportunity supposing you mean what you say and don’t mean nuggets or extra rich rock.
Some people place little or no value on quartz rock unless they can PICK A DOUBLE EAGLE OUT OF A PIECE THE SIZE OF A MAN’S FIST. Such specimens give no correct notions of the general appearance of gold bearing quartz.
I have specimens of, Gold bearing Quartz circular from the ALMADEN QUICKSILVER MINING also from the MINES IN NAPA and silver ones from the famous GOULD & CURRY MINE and several other MINES IN WASHOE taken out by my own hand so I know where they came from, also COPPER ORES FROM THE GENESEE VALLEY, AND SILVER & TIN FROM MEXICO. I look upon the tin mine as the most valuable discovery of late years, but am sorry it is in Mexico.
If you see Mr. Frank Alger (as of couse you know him) you can say to him we have found the tin mine we were talking about.
It is not in California, but is owned by Americans and is in the State of Durango Mexico.
Gentlemen of this city are taking steps to secure it. It is said to be very extensive, and the only process required for obtaining it is the throwing the ore into a furnace and the tin comes(?) out pure(?) as water.
Parties here having but a few shares consider their fortunes made already. IF WE COULD ONLY HAVE ABOUT TEN YEARS OF PEACE THIS STATE WOULD SHOW RESULTS SUCH AS WERE NEVER DREAMED OF for we are just beginning to know how to mine to advantage.
My nieces are well and happy. Please make my kind regards to Mrs. Hepworth and believe me yours truly
G. R. Carter
1119a1b
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
1864 HEPWORTH - CARTER LETTERS - THOMAS STARR KING, CIVIL WAR, GOLD MINING IN CA
THE CIVIL WAR
&
MINING IN CALIFORNIA
1864
An interesting exchange of letters that combine Civil War, Political & Religious observations with comments on Gold, Silver, Copper & Tin mining in California & Mexico c1864!
The exchange consists of two well-written letters as follows:
1-- A six (6) page manuscript letter (about 5 x 8”) on white paper with DARK ink. The letter is written from Boston on 8 April 1864, and is signed by George H. Hepworth. The letter is addressed to “My dear Carter” [George Robert Carter of Leominster, MA, a businessman then residing in California.] The letter has horizontal fold-lines but is otherwise in quite good condition.
2-- A five (5) page manuscript letter (about 8 x 10”) on white paper with dark ink. This letter is a reply to the above letter. It is written from Oakland CA on 9 July 1864, and is signed by George R. Carter. The letter is addressed to “Mr Hepworth.” This letter also has fold-lines but is otherwise in quite good condition.
The FOUR major topics discussed in these letters are:
1-- The death & funeral of THOMAS STARR KING (1824-1864)
(probably the most famous California Unionist during the Civil War)
2-- Mining in California & Mexico.
3-- The American Civil War
4-- Debate over what comprised the proper patriotic response for a Unitarian minister?
--To preach for peace & tolerance for all? OR
--To follow one's personal duty to enlist in the war effort?
THOMAS STARR KING was an especially significant political and religious leader in San Francisco during the Civil War era.
GEORGE H. HEPWORTH also played a notable role in the War.
GEORGE ROBERT CARTER of Leominster MA was far less known but was a point of contact between King & Hepworth. Before the war, Carter was an active businessman in Boston, MA and Charleston, SC. In the 1860s & 1870s he was in California and the West where he pursued various business & mining interests. He was acquainted with Hepworth in Boston (Carter was apparently a founder of the Boston Church of the Unity where Hepworth served). While in California, Carter was probably personally-acquainted with Thomas Starr King.
Carter was not notable on the National scale.
However, King & Hepworth’s interesting actions in the Civil War merit brief background biographies:
A brief biography of Thomas Starr King follows:
Thomas Starr King (1824-1864), a Universalist and a Unitarian minister, was a lecturer and orator whose role in preserving California within the Union during the Civil War is honored by statues in the United States Capitol and in Golden Gate Park in California. Two mountains are named for him, one in New Hampshire's White Hills; another in the Sierra Nevada of California.
About 1847, while serving as a Universalist minister in MA, King met Henry Whitney Bellows (1814-1882), minister of the First Unitarian Church of New York, upon whom he made such an impression that Bellows immediately sought to have King called by New York's Second Unitarian (Church of the Messiah). King’s lack of formal education was a stumbling block however.
[Bellows is mentioned in this 1864 letter exchange and more will be written about him below.]
In 1848, the Hollis Street Unitarian Church, in Boston, MA, made King an offer that he accepted.
King began speaking on the popular lecture circuit in 1847. By the 1850s he had entered the ranks of the most respected and popular platform speakers of the time. His friend Henry Whitney Bellows compared him favorably to such well-known orators as Wendell Phillips and Henry Ward Beecher.
In 1859 King sought a new position. As he wrote Bellows, one where his labor "would be of greater worth to the general cause.” Having received several offers, King chose San Francisco, California.
As he traveled in California, King was particularly struck by the mountainous scenery around the Yosemite Valley, which he thought the equivalent in natural scenery of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Thomas Starr King was soon drawn into the politics of his new state and became an advocate for the preservation of the union. He campaigned for the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, preaching from his own pulpit and lecturing on a tour of the mining towns of the California interior. In 1861, King launched a lecture campaign in San Francisco with his address, "Washington and the Union."
After the capture of Fort Sumter, King announced that he would give all his energy to preserving the union. Following the news of the disastrous First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), he toured with a lecture aimed against defeatism, "Peace, What Would It Cost Us." His campaign for Republican candidates at the state level in 1861 helped elect a Republican governor and a pro-Union coalition to the legislature.
According to General Winfield Scott, the Union Army commander-in-chief, Starr King "saved California to the Union."
He was credited by Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic.
King covered his pulpit with an American flag and ended all his sermons with "God bless the president of the United States and all who serve with him the cause of a common country."
Exhausted from his labors for church and country, King contracted diphtheria. He died of pneumonia on March 4, 1864.
A brief biography of George H. Hepworth follows:
George Hughes Hepworth (1833- 1902) was born in Boston, MA. He studied theology at Harvard, where he was graduated in 1855. In 1858 he became pastor of the Church of the Unity, Boston. In addition he rented a theater to preach to the poor and founded a school of theology.
As the rumblings of discontent at the South grew Mr. Hepworth preached to his people very plainly of their duty in the crisis of national affairs that was approaching.
"When a part of this great people ... assume an hostile attitude and muster their forces for resistance, what is the first thought and what the first prayer of every loyal man? I confess I can conceive of but one thought and one prayer. That thought is the Union, the whole country, and the prayer is that our flag may again kiss the breeze, the hope and blessing of millions.”
Up to this time he had hoped for peace, but when the secession of South Carolina was followed by the surrender of Fort Sumter in the following April, he began to speak with a louder, sterner voice. At the breaking-out of the war he avowed strong Union and anti-slavery sentiments.
During 1861 and 1862 Mr. Hepworth and Rev. THOMAS STARR KING corresponded at some length in regard to the removal of the former to California. Mr. King's health had obliged him to reside there for a season, but it was hoped in Boston that he might be able to return to his Hollis Street Church, and MR. HEPWORTH WAS SO ATTRACTED BY CALIFORNIA AS TO BE WILLING TO TAKE UP MR. KING’S WORK IN SAN FRANCISCO.
Ultimately however, Hepworth stayed East & King died in California.
[Hepworth alludes to the “choices” both men made in his 1864 letter to George R. Carter].
Hepworth’s feelings about the war had evolved:
“From the very first I desired to go to war. I felt that no man has any right to look about him for an excuse to stay at home.”
According to his writings, Rev. Hepworth saw the Civil War not only as an “apocalyptic showdown between good and evil, but as a historical, God-driven break between two ages.” He saw it his duty to do what he could to aid in this struggle.
In 1862, Hepworth asked temporary leave of his church to serve at first as chaplain with the 47th Massachusetts regiment in Louisiana.
Leave of absence for nine months was asked November 17th, and cheerfully granted. The Standing Committee presented their pastor with $350 for the purchase of a horse and equipments, and other members of the Society contributed $450 for his further outfit.
Hepworth later wrote that when he told his congregation “I can stay no longer,” they said to him, “Go, and God-speed to you.”
[However, in his 1864 letter exchange with Hepworth, George R. Carter provides a quite different view of the congregation’s response when Hepworth announced his intention to abandon his pulpit and join the war effort!]
In 1863 Hepworth sought and received a transfer to serve on the staff of Major General Nathaniel P.. Banks:
“General Banks agreed to give me a commission as first-lieutenant in the Fourth Louisiana Native Guards (negro regiment) and thence detail me as aide-de-camp. This very kind offer I at once accepted, because it would give me an honorable position, and afford me ample opportunity to choose my own fields of labor.”
On Banks staff, Hepworth worked tirelessly for the relief of large numbers of runaway slaves crowding within Union lines.
At the end of 1863, Hepworth returned to his Boston congregation. He then wrote an account of his experiences during the war titled “Whip, Hoe, and Sword; or The Gulf Department in '63” [Boston: Walker, Wise & Company, 245 Washington Street, 1864.]
In the spring of 1867, George Hepworth’s devoted mother died.
[Hepworth makes reference to his mother in his 1864 letter to George R. Carter below.]
In the 1870s, Hepworth served as Pastor of the Church of the Messiah and Madison Ave Presbyterian Church in NYC. After time abroad in 1880, he joined the editorial staff of the New York Herald newspaper. He died in June 1902.
One final important point of contact between King & Hepworth was Unitarian minister HENRY WHITNEY BELLOWS (1814-1882).
For 43 years, Bellows served as minister of the First Congregational Church of New York City. During the Civil War he was president of the United States Sanitary Commission.
Bellows encouraged the young minister of the First Unitarian Church of San Francisco, THOMAS STARR KING, to put his stunning oratorical gifts to use in service to his country. Starr King did, raising over a million dollars for the Sanitary Commission in countless mining camps and towns all over the State and keeping California in the Union.
Henry Bellows went to San Francisco upon Starr King's death, helped to hold the grieving church together, and arranged Horatio Stebbins's call as the church's next minister.
[Hepworth alludes to this action by Bellows in his 1864 letter to George Carter (as detailed below).]
FURTHER DESCRIPTION, TRANSCRIPTION
AND FULL SCAN OF
HEPWORTH'S 8 APRIL 1864 LETTER TO CARTER:
1864 LETTER FROM
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DISCUSSES THE DEATH & FUNERAL OF
FAMOUS CALIFORNIA ORATOR & UNIONIST
THOMAS STARR KING
THE CIVIL WAR AND
GOLD VERSUS GREENBACK CURRENCY:
-- 8 April 1864
--GEORGE HUGHES HEPWORTH to George Robert Carter
-- Six pages, 5 x 8", white un-lined paper, DARK ink
-- Fold lines, otherwise good condition on paper of good rag content.
A BRIEF (OPTIONAL) REVIEW:
THE LETTER IS FROM:
--CHAPLAIN & LIEUTENANT GEORGE H. HEPWORTH (1833-1902) was born in BOSTON, Massachusetts and graduated with a Doctorate from Harvard University in 1855. While at Harvard, he began to question slavery and his feelings contributed to his thoughts on the Civil War and to his work after the war for the advancement of former slaves in America.
Serving as Pastor of a Unitarian church in Boston, Rev. Hepworth saw the Civil War not only as an "Apocalyptic showdown between good and evil, but as a historical God-driven break between two ages." He saw it as his duty to do what he could to aid in this struggle.
According to his writing, "Good-by for a year." were his words to his congregation as he prepared to leave for service in the Civil War. As he told them that "I can stay no longer" they said to him, "Go, and Godspeed to you."
[HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED -- SEE THE TRANSCRIPTION OF CARTER'S LETTER BELOW]
After leaving his church in Boston, Hepworth became the Chaplain of the 47th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. After three months, he became dissatisfied in his assignment as Chaplain, and accepted a commission as Lieutenant in the 76th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment.
THE LETTER IS TO:
--GEORGE ROBERT CARTER (1806-1893) of Leominster, MA, was engaged in business in Boston and Charleston, SC (1830s-1840s). George also pursued business & mining interests in California and the West (1860s -1870s). He was born and died in Leominster.
His father was Wilder Carter (1774-1848) who married Dolly Sawyer in 1805. His brother William Sawyer Carter (1811-1847)
ran the Granite Works in Leominster. In 1843, he married Anne Warren. They had two daughters but both parents died when their children were quite young.
George R. Carter was involved in raising his nieces, one of whom was Caroline Isabel Carter (1845-1925), who married Rev. George L. Chaney in 1871.
SOME THEMES / QUOTATIONS IN THIS LETTER:
--"THE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD OVER THE REMAINS OF POOR KING"
--"HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN FOR MANY YEARS"
--"FRESH BREEZES FROM THE NEVADA!"
--"IT WAS A SPECIAL PROVIDENCE, FOR HIM AND FOR YOU ALL, THAT SET HIM DOWN IN THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO"
--"YOU REMEMBER KING’S DREAM AND MINE?"
--"HOW KING AND I WROTE ABOUT THIS SCHEME . . . IT WAS NOT TO BE AND NOW KING IS IN HEAVEN"
--"A GOOD CHURCH WHICH CARTER HELPED TO BUILD IF HE DID GET MAD AT ME AFTERWARDS"
--"SEND ME A PIECE OF GOLD QUARTZ THAT I MAY BE REMINDED THAT THERE IS SOME “BASIS” FOR PAPER MONEY"
--"I HAVE NOT TOUCHED A PIECE (of gold) FOR MONTHS. HOW DOES IT FEEL? "
Transcription of the letter:
Boston
April 8 – 1864
My dear Carter,
I have just received your paper containing an account of THE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD OVER THE REMAINS OF POOR KING. I am, of course, greatly obligated for the favor. The old familiar writing discovered the sender at once, and it did not need the name in pencil on the inside to tell me that you were the donor.
And so there is the second of the gifts(?) to King! Yet we won’t say the end, for he would have stamped his character on the laws, public institutions, and public news of the State indelibly. That HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN FOR MANY YEARS.
How he developed under the influence of the FRESH BREEZES FROM THE NEVADA! How magnificently he entered into the life of the new State, got hold of its (?) and won its quarter(?), and went over to his side!
IT WAS A SPECIAL PROVIDENCE, FOR HIM AND FOR YOU ALL, THAT SET HIM DOWN IN THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
I loved him, as did all, but have no word to say, for though young in years, he lived a life longer than most of us though we reach the seventy beyond which is nothing but “labor and sorrow.” Your partner of whom you were want to speak so enthusiastically must feel this loss deeply.
And now you are to have BELLOWS for awhile, and STEBBINS forever. He can’t , the latter, make Kings place good, as indeed, who could? Nevertheless he is a good fellow and true, and strong withal, and will render good service in the big field where he will need a stronger plow than he has ever used here.
YOU REMEMBER KING’S DREAM AND MINE? He to keep this meeting house as it was; I to have a new one. Thus thru years(?) since(?) – and we to work like brothers in the double harvest, exchanging pulpits half a day each Sunday? Well – sometimes it does us good to dream. Perhaps in your Country soon.
I may have told you this whole story; HOW KING AND I WROTE ABOUT THIS SCHEME; how I thought of it; pondered over it, at last came to the conclusion that “the thing would do”; how just then my Mother was taken ill, dangerously, and I vowed never to leave her alone, and so gave up the cherished plan, so man proposes and God disposes.
IT WAS NOT TO BE AND NOW KING IS IN HEAVEN, looking down upon you, us all, and I am as happy as a real Boston Veteran ought to be, with A GOOD CHURCH WHICH CARTER HELPED TO BUILD IF HE DID GET MAD AT ME AFTERWARDS --
[Apparently George R. Carter helped to “build” Boston’s Church of the Unity. Obviously Hepwoth was aware that Carter was displeased with his decision to leave the pulpit of that chruch to join the Union war effort in 1862-1863. In his reply to Hepworth, Carter explained exactly how he felt about Hepworth’s decision (see below)]
-- with a “huge choir,” Louise not left us yet, (?) back, Miss Ryan at right, and (?) in his old place.
So the world wags Carter. Heaven help us miserable offenders. Days come and go, and bye and by you and I will have to knuckle under it – that wind(?) spirit that carries all off into the “unknown dark.” May we both go up to the door of the New Jerusalem as boldly, as sure of getting in as King did.
And Miss Carrie and her sister, how are they:? And then any longings for Leominster and New England? Or does restored health make them inspired(?) in listening to Pacific music? Remember me to them, leaving on your end(?) as much of love and good wishes as you can.
And now after having written more than you will read with pleasure I must end. SEND ME A PIECE OF GOLD QUARTZ THAT I MAY BE REMINDED THAT THERE IS SOME “BASIS” FOR PAPER MONEY. I see gold in broker’s windows; I HAVE NOT TOUCHED A PIECE FOR MONTHS. HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Cortez said it was good for heart desires! Have you got that desire. if I had it, I wouldn’t be able to buy the medicine.
And so Goodbye.
Think of us of Ward II and remember.
Your old Minister
Geo. H. Hepworth
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FURTHER DESCRIPTION, TRANSCRIPTION
AND FULL SCAN OF
CARTER'S 9 JULY 1864 REPLY TO HEPWORTH:
1864 LETTER FROM
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
DISCUSSES THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND
MINING IN CALIFORNIA & MEXICO:
DISCUSSES GOLD BEARING QUARTZ ROCK &
GOLD, SILVER, COPPER & TIN MINING
MENTION OF THE ALMADEN QUICKSILVER MINES,
MINES IN NAPA AND WASHOE, &
THE FAMOUS GOULD & CURRY GOLD MINE
-- 9 July 1864
--GEORGE ROBERT CARTER TO George Hughes Hepworth
-- Five pages, 8 x 10", white un-lined paper, dark ink
-- Fold lines, otherwise good condition on paper of excellent rag content.
A BRIEF (OPTIONAL) REVIEW:
THE LETTER IS FROM:
--GEORGE ROBERT CARTER (1806-1893) of Leominster, MA, was engaged in business in Boston and Charleston, SC (1830s-1840s). George also pursued business & mining interests in California and the West (1860s -1870s). He was born and died in Leominster.
His father was Wilder Carter (1774-1848) who married Dolly Sawyer in 1805. His brother William Sawyer Carter (1811-1847)
ran the Granite Works in Leominster. In 1843, he married Anne Warren. They had two daughters but both parents died when their children were quite young.
George R. Carter was involved in raising his nieces, one of whom was Caroline Isabel Carter (1845-1925), who married Rev. George L. Chaney in 1871.
THE LETTER IS TO:
--CHAPLAIN & LIEUTENANT GEORGE H. HEPWORTH (1833-1902) was born in BOSTON, Massachusetts and graduated with a Doctorate from Harvard University in 1855. While at Harvard, he began to question slavery and his feelings contributed to his thoughts on the Civil War and to his work after the war for the advancement of former slaves in America.
Serving as Pastor of a Unitarian church in Boston, Rev. Hepworth saw the Civil War not only as an "Apocalyptic showdown between good and evil, but as a historical God-driven break between two ages." He saw it as his duty to do what he could to aid in this struggle.
According to his writing, "Good-by for a year." were his words to his congregation as he prepared to leave for service in the Civil War. As he told them that "I can stay no longer" they said to him, "Go, and Godspeed to you."
[HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED -- SEE THE TRANSCRIPTION OF CARTER'S LETTER BELOW]
After leaving his church in Boston, Hepworth became the Chaplain of the 47th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. After three months, he became dissatisfied in his assignment as Chaplain, and accepted a commission as Lieutenant in the 76th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment.
SOME THEMES / QUOTATIONS IN THIS LETTER:
--"SHEDDING A LITTLE BLOOD MIGHT MOLLIFY AND CALM DOWN YOUR TURBULENT SPIRIT"
--"YOUR SEEMING DESIRE TO KILL SOMEBODY, LET YOU DOWN TO THE FREEZING POINT IN MY THERMOMETER, AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL"
--"YOU WERE READY TO VISIT SUCH DIRE VENGENCE ON OUR OWN BRETHREN INDISCRIMENATELY, EXCEPTING THE SLAVES AND COLORED PEOPLE, WHILE THE POOR UNOFFENDING WHITE PEOPLE HAD NO PLACE IN YOUR HEART, I FELT THAT YOU HAD CEASED TO BE A MINISTER, AND THAT YOUR UPLIFTED HANDS WERE SIMPLY A MOCKERY AND I FEEL SO STILL, NOT TOWARDS YOU ALONE, BUT ALL OTHERS WHO PROFESS TO BE FOLLOWERS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE"
--"I YIELD TO NO ONE IN PATRIOTISM TO MY COUNTRY, OR FEALTY TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND WOULD REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE, TO SEE THE REBELLION PUT DOWN"
--"MEET AND GREET OLD FRIENDS AFTER SUCH A BLOODY SEPARATION"
--"CAN NOT RESPECT YOU AS A MINISTER SO LONG AS YOU HARBOR SUCH FELLINGS AS YOU HAVE GIVEN UTTERANCE TO"
--"YOU MENTION GOLD BEARING QUARTZ . . . PICK A DOUBLE EAGLE OUT OF A PIECE THE SIZE OF A MAN’S FIST"
--"COPPER ORES FROM THE GENESEE VALLEY, AND SILVER & TIN FROM MEXICO"
--"IF WE COULD ONLY HAVE ABOUT TEN YEARS OF PEACE THIS STATE WOULD SHOW RESULTS SUCH AS WERE NEVER DREAMED OF"
Transcription of the letter:
Oakland
July 9th 1864
Mr. Hepworth
Dear Sir --
Yours of a somewhat ancient date has been in my file of unanswered letters till it has come to the top in regular order. Please excuse the delay.
My business letters require attention and will not be put off, while letters of friendship must bide their time.
I am right glad to learn that you are so happy, although you seem to think me “mad” with you, not so.
I was sorry that you should have treated your people so cavalierly, seeking an appointment and giving out that you were going to the War, and then asking if you might go. Suppose they had said NO?
You can answer that – I can only say, it surprised everybody. Some called it want of discretion, some bravado, some to show your independence, while others called it impudence and various other unjustly things.
Now had the society taken council of their first impulses, some one of a variety of ways spoken of would most likely have been acted upon. But they deemed it best not to commit an indiscretion because you had, and some counselled moderation, feeling that time and the SHEDDING A LITTLE BLOOD MIGHT MOLLIFY AND CALM DOWN YOUR TURBULENT SPIRIT.
I will tell you plainly that the spirit you manifested on several occasions, and YOUR SEEMING DESIRE TO KILL SOMEBODY, LET YOU DOWN TO THE FREEZING POINT IN MY THERMOMETER, AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.
All my early training in education, and all my associations with, and relationships to Ministers, had taught me to look upon them as superior to the common people, possessing as I supposed (or tried to think) all the Christian graces.
But when YOU WERE READY TO VISIT SUCH DIRE VENGENCE ON OUR OWN BRETHREN INDISCRIMENATELY, EXCEPTING THE SLAVES AND COLORED PEOPLE, WHILE THE POOR UNOFFENDING WHITE PEOPLE HAD NO PLACE IN YOUR HEART, I FELT THAT YOU HAD CEASED TO BE A MINISTER, AND THAT YOUR UPLIFTED HANDS WERE SIMPLY A MOCKERY AND I FEEL SO STILL, NOT TOWARDS YOU ALONE, BUT ALL OTHERS WHO PROFESS TO BE FOLLOWERS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
Whose province is it to say that all the right is on the one side, and all the wrong? IS NOT THE RIGHT OF REVOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGED THE WORLD OVER? “When in the course of Human Society it becomes necessary?”
I YIELD TO NO ONE IN PATRIOTISM TO MY COUNTRY, OR FEALTY TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND WOULD REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE, TO SEE THE REBELLION PUT DOWN and the instigators and leaders punished, and very next unspeakable joy would be to MEET AND GREET OLD FRIENDS AFTER SUCH A BLOODY SEPARATION.
Call such sentiments or emotions what you please, by them must I stand or fall. We are commanded to love our enemies, I can not help loving my friends, and you among them, but CAN NOT RESPECT YOU AS A MINISTER SO LONG AS YOU HARBOR SUCH FEELINGS AS YOU HAVE GIVEN UTTERANCE TO & against my friends, whose opinions I know to be entitled to as much consideration as yours or mine, although we may differ “toto caelo?” [by the entire extent of the heavens]
But you may be like my partner Mr. T who says “there is but one right way and that is my way.” But the “my way” is sometimes the wrong way after all.
I mean no unkindness in what I have said, although it may appear somewhat pointed, I am not one who disguises his true feelings, but “speak straight on” as I wish others to do.
YOU MENTION GOLD BEARING QUARTZ. I will send you some the first opportunity supposing you mean what you say and don’t mean nuggets or extra rich rock.
Some people place little or no value on quartz rock unless they can PICK A DOUBLE EAGLE OUT OF A PIECE THE SIZE OF A MAN’S FIST. Such specimens give no correct notions of the general appearance of gold bearing quartz.
I have specimens of, Gold bearing Quartz circular from the ALMADEN QUICKSILVER MINING also from the MINES IN NAPA and silver ones from the famous GOULD & CURRY MINE and several other MINES IN WASHOE taken out by my own hand so I know where they came from, also COPPER ORES FROM THE GENESEE VALLEY, AND SILVER & TIN FROM MEXICO. I look upon the tin mine as the most valuable discovery of late years, but am sorry it is in Mexico.
If you see Mr. Frank Alger (as of couse you know him) you can say to him we have found the tin mine we were talking about.
It is not in California, but is owned by Americans and is in the State of Durango Mexico.
Gentlemen of this city are taking steps to secure it. It is said to be very extensive, and the only process required for obtaining it is the throwing the ore into a furnace and the tin comes(?) out pure(?) as water.
Parties here having but a few shares consider their fortunes made already. IF WE COULD ONLY HAVE ABOUT TEN YEARS OF PEACE THIS STATE WOULD SHOW RESULTS SUCH AS WERE NEVER DREAMED OF for we are just beginning to know how to mine to advantage.
My nieces are well and happy. Please make my kind regards to Mrs. Hepworth and believe me yours truly
G. R. Carter
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