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Assayer John Hewston/ Wells Fargo Correspondence, 1857, Re: Gold Rush Gold Assay Sample [160133]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Assayer John Hewston/ Wells Fargo Correspondence, 1857, Re: Gold Rush Gold Assay Sample [160133]
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In 3 pieces. Correspondence on letterhead of John Hewston, Analytical chemist and Metallurgist. Rare trio of documents for John Hewston, who worked in conjunction with Kellog & Humbert (ingots on the SS Central America), and who was once the Melter & Refiner for the San Francisco Mint.


An interesting set of documents related to a Gold Rush assay from Columbia. The first document is datelined Columbia, October 29,1857 from a Mr. Zander a Wells Fargo agent to a miner: "Your note of the 25th together with the sample of ore came duly to hand. To make the test will cost you $15. If the piece you sent is a fair sample, it is enough. If it is not a good sample, you better send say a pound selected from places and the test can be made from that." The letterhead of the Wells Fargo & Co. reflects New York, California and European Express and Banking Company of Wells Fargo & Co., (however the words "and European" and "Banking" are crossed out and the word "Exchange" is substituted for Banking). Similarly, the words "London and Paris" are crossed out just below.

The next document on the letterhead entitled "Laboratory for Practical and Analytical Chemistry" and subtitled "In conjunction with Kellogg & Humbert's Assay Office, 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco" is datelined November 9, 1857, and signed by John Hewston. The letter is addressed to J. R. Mosely Esq. of San Francisco c/o Wells Fargo & Co., Columbia. The subtitling, which is extensive and identifies a range of analyses, also identifies John Hewston, Jr. M.D. Analytical Chemist and Metallurgist, Late Melter and Refiner, U.S. Branch Mint, San Francisco. "Dear Sir: I have carefully assayed the sample of rock left with me and find that it contains 5 ozs and 3 dwts (pennyweight) of Gold to the ton of ore (small hole in paper) (2240 pounds)." Note that the Gold weights are in Troy weights where 12 Troy ozs. = pound and 20 dwt = one Troy ounce. In the avoirdupois system 1 ton = 2240 pounds avoirdupois. The assay indicates that the ore is running about $103 per ton @ $20 per oz. Gold.

The third document is a receipt signed by John Hewston for the assay at $15 to Mr. J. R. Mosely c/o Columbia Office and again reflecting on the preprinted form the Assay Office of Kellog and Humbert and John Hewston as the Practical Chemist and Metallurgist. All forms are on a light blue paper. References: John Hewston is listed in the 1856 San Francisco City Directory by Harris, Bogardus and Labatt as above on p. 62. J. R. Mosly (spelling variance) is also listed on p.83 as being affiliated with Wells Fargo & Co. Some age toning and a few minor tears not effecting content, otherwise Fine.

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