Lot 73
William Walker, 1824-1860, American physician, lawyer, journalist and soldier of fortune who attempted to conquer several Latin American countries during the mid-19th century. Autograph Letter Signed "Wm. Walker" and datelined "Sacramento, Dec. 31st 1849" to his brother Charles in Boston Mass., address panel directive "By favor Mr. Fletcher" and "Sacramento City California Jan. 1st 1850", remarkable content from Walker soon after his arrival in California describing in great detail the arduous journey on the Emigrant Trail, including the route, sights, other travelers and difficulties experienced, continues with description of gold mining, "…Well here I am in California, right side up, enjoying excellent health & not getting rich very fast…Some suffered almost everything but death…When we left Laramie (where we divided into messes of 4 persons ea) we were among the first of the emigration, but taking the Salt Lake "cutoff" (as it was called) we travelled 100 miles out of our way and getting short of provisions we pushed out animals so hard that we broke down our horses and were obliged to "lay by" 10 days to recruit our mules at Salt Lake…We passed about 2000 wagons & something like 16000 oxen and were again among the first, Most of the emigrant took the Mormon Road by Carson River, but we took the Old Road by Teukir river having got enough of Mormon Roads…Many took the Feather River cutoff and travelled 400 miles out their way; and got caught in snow crossing the mountains by the operation…A trip around the horn would be far preferable…I never have been one of the fortunates, my word for it they are few and far between. I have been in the mines two months and know something about it. I was most of the time in Bear River and di not average over a half an ounce per day & done as well if not better than the average. The gold is generally found in small particles, of which I enclose you one pennyweight valued at 80 cents; it is occasionally found in lumpswieghting as high as 15 lbs it is said, although I have never seen a piece weighting over 3 lbs and this was exhibited as a rare specimen…It is now the rainy season here…The roads are "shocking" and the mud in Sacramento City half leg deep…It cost me about five dollars a day to live and I have to sleep on the floor at that. Everything here is very high…There are all kinds of people here, Mexicans, Chillians & Sandwich Islands here are a plenty of with a "right smark" sprinkling…from every nation around the globe. I have seen even Chinese running about the street with their wooden shoes, dressed "a la Chinese"….At present there is a great excitement here among the squatters and land holders. The Squatters dispute the validity of Sutter's claim and say they have a right to squat. The land holders say they have not except in cases of diarrhea (which has been very prevalent here the past season) and both swear they will maintain there rights at all hazards…I send this letter by a friend who goes to the States by 1st Jan Steamer…Post Office arrangements here are in a "Shockingly bad" condition…", Very Fine.Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
A SIGNIFICANT LETTER FROM WILLIAM WALKER, WHOSE LATER EXPLOITS AND INTRIGUES IN NICARAGUA EVENTUALLY LED TO HIS ARREST AND EXECUTION IN 1860.
William Walker autographs are quite scarce since he died at such an early age of 36.
Realized: $6,250