1523

Telegram from Wm. Sharon to W.C. Ralston Re: The Virginia & Truckee Railroad (112966)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Telegram from Wm. Sharon to W.C. Ralston Re: The Virginia & Truckee Railroad  (112966)
SOLD
300.00USD+ (75.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2020 Feb 14 @ 16:29UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. Shipping and handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing as it is based on the size and weight of your purchase. Additional shipping and handling costs, if required, will be re-invoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight and size.
Incredible piece datelined Virginia (City), Aug. 2, 1869. Telegram sent from Wm. Sharon to W.C. Ralston of the Bank of California. Ralston was the cashier for the Bank of California, and Sharon worked full time investigating mining companies for the bank. The telegram is written in code (See Bill's cipher) on first line. The two would have wanted such sensitive communications to be kept private. Bill's cipher was likely used by and created by the two men as both were "Bill's". The text decifered roughly says, "Will discharge immediately all white labor on railroad grading. Can finish in time for the "iron" with Chinamen. After this month, can discharge 1,000 of the Chinamen or more". Ralston and the Bank of California were major investors in the Virginia and Truckee. Normally, a telegram such as this would have been signed by Sharon, but this is obviously not his signature (we've compared it with other known examples). This is a great piece with fascinating content.

Provenance:
Country (if not USA):
State: Nevada
City/County: Comstock, Virginia City
Date: