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Two Mining Letters Connected to James F. Reed, Donner Party [164333]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 500.00 USD
Two Mining Letters Connected to James F. Reed, Donner Party  [164333]
SOLD
120.00USDto a********y+ buyer's premium (30.00)
This item SOLD at 2023 Apr 02 @ 10:04UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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Lot of two letters with content about mining in Nevada and its ties to money from Philadelphia. One appears to have been sent to James F. Reed when he was in Austin in 1868. The other letter (1871) appears to be from Reed to the writer of the other letter, whom he refers to as brother. 1) 1868 letter from Philadelphia from William F. Patterson to Reed in Austin. Says people are asking him when the mine will be open. Also provides updates about Austin: the Brown Mining Co., the Old Dominion Mill, the Keystone Mine. Mentions that Raymond under Ross Brown[sic] is in Austin for two months. A railroad is to be built from Humboldt to the Colorado River. Etc. 2) 1871sent to Patterson in Treasure City, Nevada (crossed out and San Jose written in). Letter is from JFR (believed to be James F. Reed). Discusses mining news, stock shares, etc. "I hope the people in Philadelphia will supply with means to keep the work going.." Both of these letters highlight the financial backing Philadelphia had in Reese River and nearby areas in Nevada in the 1860s and 1870s. James F. Reed (1800-74) was an Irish-American businessman and soldier and a pioneer in the American West, notable for being an organizing member of the ill-fated Donner Party emigration to California in 1846. On the trip West, Reed quarreled with two teamsters and, in the ensuing fight, stabbed John Snyder to death. One emigrant proposed hanging Reed, but after Reed's wife pleaded for leniency, the other emigrants decided to banish him instead. Reed initially refused to accept their decision but eventually agreed to go ahead to Sutter's Fort, in the Sacramento Valley, for supplies. After a difficult journey during which he nearly starved, Reed reached the fort on October 28. After two days of rest, he attempted to take provisions back to the wagon train, but deep snow blocked the way. The early onset of winter not only blocked Reed's return but also trapped the Donner Party in the Sierra Nevada. Reed, now stuck in California, tried to organize another relief expedition, but turmoil from the Mexican-American War not only disrupted his efforts but also forced him to take up arms. On January 2, 1847, Reed participated in the Battle of Santa Clara.

Date: 1868-1871
Country (if not USA):
State: Nevada
City: Austin
Provenance: