Scope and Contents The core of this collection consists of 64 letters from Elisha Cotton Winchell to his parents and siblings in Missouri. Winchell moved to California from Missouri during the "Gold Rush" to establish his law practice while others were seeking riches in the gold fields. The first was written to his mother as he was making preparations to leave Missouri and the final one was to his sister shortly before his death, over 60 years later. Over half of the letters were written during his first few...

Scope and Contents

Correspondents include parents Elias and Fanny (Ely) Winchell, sister Fanny (Winchell) Anderson, and brothers Homer Howard, Elias and Joseph Winchell. References are made to brother Rensselaer "Rens," sister Sarah (Winchell) Dryden and other members of the family.

Scope and Contents

Investing in a mercantile business in California; the best way to travel out; State's prospects for the future; climate and prevalent illnesses; references to partner John M. Glover.

Scope and Contents

Conditions of the trip; weather, roads, horses.

Scope and Contents

Sacramento weather, politics and Thanksgiving celebrations. References to Rev. (Joseph A.) Benton; Hugh Jeffries, blacksmith from Philadelphia; Col. William Muldrow; John McKee; John A. Sutter; Senator Col. (John) Fremont; Col. Zabriskie from Jacksonville; Thomas I. Hurley (?) of Indiana.

Scope and Contents

References to John Glover; new law partner George N. McConah; City of Nevada City burned down; Stanton Buckner of Palmyra; Mr. Williams of Paris; A. B. Hawkins of Palmyra; sister Fanny and new niece Sarah Michelle Anderson.

Scope and Contents Mining and Sacramento. References to John Glover (Samuel's brother); Dr. John L. Taylor; Dr. Heitz of Paris; A.C. Campbell (brother of John J.); Sunderland of Hannibal; Judge Ralston of Quincy; Radcliff of Shelbyville; Kenny Anderson; Ed Murphy; William Anderson; James Poor; Aubrey Anderson; Samuel Culbertson; Volney Mann; Robert Tilley; John Clinch; Tom Anderson; Edward Coe and brother; Frisby and James McCullough; friend Bryant (traveling companion whom he has yet to call by given name)....

Scope and Contents

Requests letter from Mount Pleasant Church to transfer his membership to Sacramento; California needs religion to overcome its degrading influences.

Scope and Contents

Sacramento life, weather, politics and Thanksgiving; references to Rev Benton of Boston; John Fremont; Col. William Muldrow; Dr. Dimmitt of LaGrange; John Glover; John McKee; Col. Muldrow.

Scope and Contents

Needs Homer's address.