LETTERS BETWEEN WILLIAM J. HAWKINS AND AGNES PARSON, (et al)
(WH= William Hawkins; AP = Agnes Parson; LLH = Lester Leander Hawkins)
Nov. 4, 1876 - (From WH to AP), at San Francisco (age 19) - going to school in S.F.
staying at 417 Stockton St. with view of bay, "When the ships come in to the
wharf you can see them plowing thorught the water a long way off. I tell you
it looks grand." Room and Board for $22/mo.
Sept. 17, 1877 - (From WH to AP), at University of Cal, - "doing a little work for Leander"
Mar. 24, 1878 - (From WH to AP), at Carson City - regrets not staying with her, for "
the most delicate, the most sensible of all pleasures consists in promoting
the pleasure of others." Relays story of young couple on train.
June 28, 1881 (From WH to AP), Carson City --"I was expecting to come up or would have
answered your letter before this, b ut I find I cannot get away till after the
Fourth for I have been taking acct. of the Stock belong to the V &? RR
Shops and that takes all the spare time I have." " I saw you when you
were down the last time, just as you were leaving town. Did you hear me
whistle? I thought I saw you look back. Well, I hope I may see you before
long, so good night, Love to all, From your Brother, W.J. Hawkins,
Jan.8, 1881 - (From WH to AP), at Bodie Mining Co -
Feb.11, 1881 - (From WH to AP), at Bodie - "You say if I feel like writeing you would be
glad to hear from me. Well I do feel like writing but am at a loss to find
words suitable to express my feelings. but then Aggie you know I am a plain
spoken country boy and cannot help writing to you just the way I feel.
Would to God that I had never done a single act to cause to to think less of
me and I sorely repent to way I acted." " I must say (and hope you will
believe me for it is the truth) that I have never yet found the person that
could think half as much of as I did of you, or do as yet and as have gone
so far must say that I dearly love you and if you feel as though you cannot
return it I will never be the one to place a single straw in your way to
prevent you from gaining any position you seak for, or on the other hand if
you choose will be more than a friend to you until dealth and then would
go to purgatory for you if it was necessary.
Feb.22, 1881 - (From WH to AP), at Brodie Mining Co.
Jan 2, 1882 (From Chas. W. Crane to LLH) - "Advertising and Purchasing Agent, SF"
relates taking John Hawkins to hospital -- died of Brights Disease of the
Kidney -- might have been buried in pauper's grave - Dan came to receive
remains -- $200 sent by WH to cover expenses.
Feb. 1, 1882 (From LL to WH), Portland -- Article and note from "Monitor Argus,"
Markleeville -- Death notice of John Hawkins, in SF, "one of earliest
settlers of Washoe Valley, Nev. and foremost among the pioneers of Alpine.
"to those who knew him best, he was a man greatly respected." (68 yrs old)
D.R. Hawkins left for SF to bring back remains --
Feb. 5, 1882 (From Mary Hawkins to "Willey"), Hawkins Ranch -- "I hope you will have
wisdom to guide you for you are very young to have so much responsibility
resting on you, but you will have the school of experience to teach you you
no (know) you have had some teachings in it already" " news of dear
father's death" -- furneral of Bill Johnson at Bodie
"May God gless you with every needful blessing is the prayer of you every
affectionate Mother," "kiss", Mary Hawkins
Feb. 5, 1882 (From John Sherburne to WH), San Francisco --request money for funeral
services for his uncle (a sea captain) -- buried beside John Hawkins --
"I can pay you some every month," signed, "your brother,"
WH sent him $100 from Sand Point, Feb. 19
Feb.22, 1882 - (From WH to AP) at Lake Pend Orelle - on stationary "Office of W.J.
Hawkins & Co., Dealers in Chinese Supplies and General Merchandise"
two letters returned from San Jose - new address of WH Portland Oregon
care of LL Hawkins.
Mar. 19, 1882 - (From Mrs. Parson to Agnes) - "If there is any one that you can sincerely
love, I think you would be standing in your own light for the office of a
public servant is not always to be desired, and again if your education
serves you you could have a private school. think if your mother had only
been educated, what she might have done when we first came to Carson, in
stead of which she is broken down with shear hard work, but that was not
her fault, but her misfortune."
June 18, 1882 - (From WH to AP) at Cabinet Landing - "I am so rushed with business
cannot write you a very long letter this time. I will have a ship arrive from
Hong Kong in a few days with one thousand chinese and also one with
cargo of rice when these Chinamen arrive it will increase my men to three
thousand 3,000 so you can emagin what I have to do to supply these men
and pay them off every month."
Aug. 2, 1882 - (From WH to AP), at Rock Island, Montana - "I am so rushed with business
that I have not had more than 4 hours sleep out of 24 in the past two weeks.
I had Str arive from Hong Kong last month with 1000 more men which
makes me now over 3000 men and about 1500 of thes new men ow me for
their passage money which amounts to $85.00 each and I have to watch
them and see they do not get away besides keep the entire number in
provisions and they all scattered along the line for some 40 mi from end of
construction."
"You need not be afraid of him (Leander) for I often speak of you to him
and he is nothing like he used to be for he now asks my advice in many
business transactions and has never had a word to say in regard to the way
I have changed this business. The last Steamer I chartered from Hong Kong
cost $160,000.00 so that will give you an idea fo some of the contracts I
have to make." "When I draw out my share of the profits in this business
the first thing I intend doing is to build a nice home for Mother and place a
handsome Bank acct the the credit of Sister and after then I want to build a
home for myself and get some business started that will bring me in income
sufficient for me to travel" Capt. GAeorge J. Ainsworth in business with
WH.
Sept. 6, 1882 (Sara Kinsey to WH and LL), Genoa -- receipt of letter and $400 chk. (ussual
check for $25 -- also support from LLH -"Mother said it was like casting
bread on the waters" - She had $500 invested, lived on interest -- to be used
for funeral exp. "George expects to be a papa" "Dan is at home. I don't see
what has got into him. He seems to have lost all ambition or energy. It is too
bad he has lost all he put in the Colorado.
Sept. 25, 1882 - (From WH to AP), "Front of Constructiuon N.P.R.R., Montana --
Dec. 10, 1882 - (From WH to AP), Thompson River -- "All we see is a mass of men
continually moving on to the front and the entire force is moved in times
numbering in all some eight thousand men of all nationalities." At present
every thing looks very gloomy as the snow is quite deep and trains are
blockaded so it is hard to get provisions. Anothr bad feature is the small
pox is breaking out in the camps and every one seems down hartedd.d Yet
they have to face the music. I am getting so used to being out in all kinds of
weather so much and overcoming difficulties that arise that nothing seems
to faze me now. for my motto has always been "where there is a will there is
a way"
Dec. 29, 1882 - (From WH to AP), "Front of Construction"
Dec. 31, 1882 (From Sara Kinsey to WH), Genoa -- Received check " already been too
liberal." -- "There has been nothing done to Pa's grave. You know Dan is slow. (Money had been sent for grave improvements?) "Mother is trying to sell her interest
in the Toll road
Jan. 1883 (From Sara Kinsey to WH), Genoa -- noted piece in SF paper, " W.J.
Hawkins robbed of $600 -- another of three men connected with the NP
being killed and robbed." " We look at every thing in the paper connected
with the NPRR. -- 280 miles to be built before the connection" Dan is at
home. He is taking care of the road. "Mother send much love to Willie and
Leander, my dear boys."
Feb. 1, 1883 - (From Sara Kinsey to LLH) Genoa, Nevada --Newspaper clipping, Jan 25,
1883 - Robbery, Edward Enright shot and killed at Weeksville on 21st.
"The lawlessness at the front is said to be unparalleled. Murder and
robbery are common occurrences. Recently a glast was set off in the river
at Clark'sfork, and eleven bodies came to the surface. Some of them had
their heads crushed in and other their throats cut off."
"It is too bad "The all wise" was not more lib eral in dealing out his gifts
in our family. It seems LL and willie aare endowed with all the business faculty.
Feb. 10, 1883 - (From WH to AP), "Front of Construction" - "snow bound" - two separate
roads - first the O.R.and N.Co. runs from Portland to Snake River, then
connects with the N.P.R.R. Co. which runs to this point well." they have 72
wash outs where the track is taken away -- 17 recked trains between Snake
River and here on the NPRR -- "the great trouble has been the Chinook
wind which thaw the snow and the water covers the track then freeze in
some place. the solid ice cover the track some 14 inches thick for ten miles.
20 to 38 degrees below zero."
Mar.14, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Paradice (Montana?) -- "consolidated my business with
the Oregon Construction co., and have contract for building Rail Roads in
this section of the country. I start to transfer 4000 men from her to Baker
City and God knows when I will ever get any more rest while I remain in this
country." Stationary: W.J. Hawkins & Co."Front of Construction"
Paradice, near mouth of the Missoulea River, Montana.
April 7, 1883 - (From WH to AP), - from Portland -- just returned from "a long and severe
trip to Baker City and return."
Apr. 9, 1883 - (From WH to AP), on station of "J.C. Ainsworth, 70 Oak Street -- will locate
store in Baker City, when RR comes there. (Missoulea "only three months
old." "I have plenty at present to keep us both all the days of our life if
properly handled and not have to work any more of corse at present. All is
invested in the business but in the final clean up it will all be in twenty
dollar pieces.. By the way you say Monteroy is such a nice place perhaps
that might be a good place to buy a home. "
May 29, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Pendleton - refers to trip home --"I look worse now than
you ever say me, and will be riding in the alkali dust for the next two months
as I will have to bring about $7000 men into this part of the country and put
them to work and also get in enough supplies to last them one year. I can
readily see I am doing two much for my own good..."
July 17, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland (LL Hawkins stationary, Office of J.C. Ainsworth
returned from trip to N. Idaho and British Collumbia
July 25, 1883 - (From LLH to AP), Portland -- "Yours of the 19th at hand. Brother Will is
here off and on like the dutchmans flee. He will be here tomorrow. I Cannot
say whether he is in Montana, Idaho, Washington terr, or Oregon. But all
letters directed here in my care will reach him soon. How do you do? Keep
up a stiff upper lip and be happy. I feel like a bivalve under six fathoms of
sea weed. With best wishes, yours truely, LL Hawkins."
July 28, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland, - regrets circumstances -- "I am duty bound to
look after and upon which thousands of dollars are at stake, or whether it is
best to drop all love affairs and tend to one thing at a time, then when I am
through with business pay all my attention to our further happness. You
may think it hard for me to write this way and that I am cold but it is not so."
Asks Agnes to wait two years, etc.
Aug. 17, 1883 - (WH to AP), Portland -- returned to Portland
Aug. 23, 1883 - (WH to AP), Portland -- leaving for Deer Lodge, Montana (800 miles)
relayed letter to LL from Sara stating "that she heard Agness is going to
get married this Fall. My brother said no matter who got her he though she
would make a good wife. I told him you heard he was selling donuts. He had
quite a laugh over it."
Sept. 24, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- received telegram to come to Portland-
now must go back (800 miles) and move 1600 men -- Agnes went to S.F.
"The last spike driving was a grand affair and completely upset all
business in this City for at least two weeks." "I told you long ago I wished to
get a nice home for mother. Well mother has decide to live with Sarah and
Leander and I are Building a place for her and sending every thing we think
they would like I hope by Christmas. They will have the entire place painted
up and all the new furniture in the house and then by degrees we will assist
Steve in getting into some business so every thing will be pleasant for them
at home."
Sept. 30, 1883 - (From AP to WH), San Jose (State Normal School --"This is the most quiet
lovely day I have spent in a long time." " I am looking up with lots of hope
to that time with lots of hope and expectation. Just for what I can't tell."
Oct. 7, 1883 - (From WH to AP, Portland -- arrived from Hellena Montana -- leaves at
six in morning for northern Oregon -- "Wish I could see you tonight."
Oct. 14, 1883 - (From AP to WH), San Jose, Ca. --"I behave myself quite well, you ought to
be proud of me. I am conquering myself, that is the things you think foolish
in me." talks about him "being rushed all the time" " I had a letter from
Mrs. Kinsey not long since. She said the furniture for your mother's rooms
was too nice for anything but her mother." references to completion of RR
Oct. 14, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- "pay off the force of laborers now working
between Missoulea and Helena Montana -- I was out for a sort drive with my
new teem. You cannot imagine how much I wished you were with me & what
a pleasant drive I had. My bookers Mr marshall was with me and we had a
good look at all the find buildings of Portland and counted some ninety-five
new residences that are under corse of construction and are all going to be
very grand, something like Nob Hill in S.F."
Nov. 2, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- "...and soon come to the conclusion that I
am as happy as any one could reasonably ask for." talks about his horses.
doing some work for LL, who is off to the coast on business.
Nov. 8, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- "I think I will close by business in about two
months, then will commence to arrang for some perminent business and
settle down. I am in a deep study now to know which is the best thing to do.
I like Oregon for business, but not the climate. In fact - have never felt well
since I came here. I would prefer California, but do not know of any thing
that would pay and then am not known so well in a business way."
mentions property in Puget Sound
Nov. 13, 1883 (From Brother Johnner? to WH), San Francisco --Central Pacific RR,
Office of Freight Auditor -- advises credit will overcome temp. loses --
"Should all be sweet, thee would be no appreciation in success."
concerns state of Northern stock --- "The C.P. and S.P. still hold their own.."
Dec.4, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- sink -- "but it is all over now and I will be
better soon, although I have never left my room since the 15 day of
November." "I have no business getting sick in the first place. It was all
brought on by being to(o ambitious and striving to do too much and
allowing myself to worry over business affairs" How strange it is that the
more a person gets, the more he wants. I will soon be out of business than
propose to rest for a short time. But guess I will soon get tired of being
idle for I am ambitious at the present time to locate in some business."
(loving exchanges, etc.)
Dec. 16, 1883 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- apparently sick -- many visitors -- "I have
gained strength so rappidly in the past three days that I feel as strong as
ever although look quite thin."
Jan. 2, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- plans trip to San Francisco -- health much
improved -- "The weather is verry wet and disagreable, am so anxious to
get away."
Jan. 24, 1884 - (From WH to AP), San Francisco -- "I have completed all my arrangements
and feel quite settled now. have made arrangements to start a National
Bank in Portland and one in the mines in Montana, so it is my intentions
now to follow the Banking business for life. I had quite a long dream about
you last night though you were a little mite sick and when I asked what the
matter was you said you "guessed it was love sickness" and that you could
not help think of me all the time. Please tell me if you were unwell."
Feb. 24, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Portland -- "I know you must have been disapointed in
my not coming down." (to San Jose). " had a bad trip coming up" "I leave
for the mines tomorrow to prospect for a location to establish a Bank and
commission house. will perhaps remain in Montana all of next summer if the
camps amount to any think. Will also be in the Banking here in Portlandd,
but leander will attend to that all. It is rather a bold venture, but hope all will
end well. ....it is all paying out and none coming in."
March 20, 1884 - (From LLH to AP), Portland (on stationary of zeta, etc.)
"Willie asked me to send you for him $150.00.
May 6, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Eagle City, Idaho (on Ainsworth, Hawkins & Co.,Bankers)
stationary -- "I see by your letter you are getting uneasy and are anxious to
know what you can do in the future...." you do not want to think of coming
here for some time yet for there is too much hardship to endure at present."
"am working hard to get hold of claims" mentions travel in snow, etc.
So you can see if I dont make it it will not be because I did not try" ..
"We are doing nearly all the Banking business here.." we purchas 300 oz.
of gold dust at $17.00 per oz. $5100 and that is about the entire amount
that is take out per day. We have to be very careful with our money for this
is a tough place and have on hand from fifty to sixty thousand dollars all the
time. Have no very secure building and have to guard the coin in a log
cabin. At night, six of us sleep around the safe and there is never less than
four men in guard during the day. So you can guess my mind is not always
easy. There is no road in here yet provision are halled in by dog trains and
pack mules. The dogs have sleighs of the snow trails?. There are no decent
women here yet, or any person one could call a Lady, yet many of the lower
class ni? the evening some twenty band of music play. To gather the miners
around the gambling tables and the town present a lively appearance. but
this will all be done away with soon as the quarts mines are worked and
they a quite numerous.""Will also pan out enough gold dust to make you a
ring or any piece of jewelry you wish."
April 11, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Eagle City, Idaho -- no post office -- worried Agnes did
not get money sent to her. "This camp is qui(e)t and will be for some time.
We are almost shut off from the world by deep snow and high water." etc.
"I enjoy the situation very much and know it will be a pleasant place to
summer." (On Ainsworth Hawkins Bank stationary)
June 5, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Eagle City, Idaho -- "have been out in the mountains for
the past week looking at quarty mines and geting Bonds on them for New
York and London companies." sent money as graduation present -- "I
congratulate you with all my heart and it gives me joy to know you have
accomplished so much. there is no way I can explain how proud I am of you
and the extent of my good wishes for your future happiness. together with
all the love that is possible to come from a heart placed in such a frame as
mine which now regrets so bitterly that the power of speech is not at its
command. (Ignorance is not bliss with,....)
July 1, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Eagle City, Idaho -- "I am hardly responsible for my acts
for the simple reason I have so much to look after -- cannot get my thought
down to any one thing and am getting wound up more and more all the
time."about to install $60,000 water ditch ..." ..only my best wishes for her
(sister's) happiness" "when last we met in Carson and she would not speak
to me it touches a tender spot which time can never heal. I was a poor boy
then working in the shops but feel as though I was most worthey of a kind
act then (as) at the present time."
Sept. 3, 1884 - (From WH to AP), Eagle City, Idaho --" I have been very much worried of
late and scarcely know what I am about. There has been a wonderful
excitement in this camp and it was so over done that it caused many
fortunes. Some 40 business house(s) have been sold out and the camp is
comparatively (?) I have also lost considerable perhaps $12,000 besides,
others look to me to tend to lthis business. Of course I get paid for it but it
would soon turn my hair gray if it continued much longer.... " I do not expect
to do much in the Banking business here, but rather try and consentrate it
all in the Bank of Portland, which is going to be an immense business."
Oct. 23, 1884 (From WH to AP), Murry(ville?), Idaho -- "discontinued banking business in
Eagle City and removed all our capital to Poretland, for our business in
Portland has so increased..." " so marshall left me some five weeks ago
in order to assist My Brother in Portland.' " nearly swampe" with clerical
work.." "Our firm has had a good business standing in this community
and we hate to leave so many good friends." ... some "from all over the
world." "My brother or I will say Leander, is anxious that I should relieve him
of a portion of the work in Portland for it is hard to get any one that can be
trusted, so I am expected to take full charge of the Safe Deposit business at
the earliest convenience." wants new picture of Agnes
Nov. 29, 1884 (From WH to AP), Murry, Idaho -- received pictures of Agnes ..."must now
attend a Mining Co. meeting ..."for the purpose of sending a representative
to NY. He (WH) might be chosen. "Goodby from one who thinks more of
you than he does of his own life and whose heart aches to be in your fond
embrace more than it is in my power to explain."
Dec. 11, 1884 (From WH to AP), Murry, Idaho (Territory) -- (On stationary of W.N.Morphy,
Lawyer, Deputy U.S. Attorney for Idaho) -- "I have been chosen to make the
trip to New York."
Dec. 20, 1884 (From WH to AP), Murry, Idaho "Leander was called to San Francisco on
some business." .."am so dreadful lonesome that at times I am sick at heart"
But when I reflect and know it cannot be many months before a change
will come I sometimes say to myself be a man and brace up. I look at your
picture every hour in the day and say t myself how happy I would be if you
were only with me."
May 15, 1885 (From WH to AP), Murray, Idaho. "Mining property is becoming increasingly
valuable." all ground is being jumped that is not protected by men.."
May 26, 1885 (From WH to AP), Murray --"It is impossible for me to leave here this
summer, and I hope you will be fortunate enough in some way so you will be
contented for the summer." If I could only get some of my investments here
to paying I would send you enough to pay your way East and back, or a trip
to this country...."
June 6, 1885 (From WH to AP) Coeur d"Alene, -- "I am on my way into the mountains to
look for some quartz mines"
Aug. 3, 1885 (From WH to AP) Murray, --Agnes had left for San Jose -- "I have had a
disagreeable business transaction today and feel a little impatient."
asks Agnes to hold on expenses..
Sept. 3, 1885 (From WH to AP), Murray --"I would like to have you with me every so much
and if my affairs were in shape would come for you at once.." "My little trip
to Portland has mad me quite uneasy and I long for some one to talk to. It is
so quiet and lonesome here. Goodby with much love from your Will."
Sept 20, 1885 (From WH to AP) Murry -- leaving for Spokane, "and going out to meet with
Ainsworth. He is on his way East."
Oct. 16, 1885 (From WH to AP) Murray -- LL left for Cal. and Nevada.
Nov. 4, 1885 (From WH to AP) Murray --"I am qjuite busy and never before have been so
lonely and long for the time to come when you will be with me, and if it
was not that I am too proiud to bring you to such a place, .. I would say to
come, but ... cannot get away and have not made up my mind to locate here.
trip to SF and wedding might cost $2,000 -- can't afford it.
Dec. 7, 1885 (WH to AP) Murray --closing down all work for the winter. " I cannot make
some definite calculation for the future" -- cannot make trip to see her
Jan. 21, 1886 (WH to AP) Denver --
Feb.17, 1886 (WH to AP) Palace Hotel, San Francisco '' my thoughts have been with you
ever since we parted (?) last night. I scarcely closed my eyes, while today
I am very much unfit for business" (on stationary of Palace Hotel, SF)
Mar. 15, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray -- down with a fever -- "my thoughts shave been with
you continuously every since we parted" Asked Leander his impressions of
Agnes -- "as high a regard as any young lady he knew, and said you would
make a good wife and was a person that would be true blue no matter if
one met with misfortune and had to struggle for a living." had lost $9,000
in business (partner loaned part of his money in Portland -- an Ainsworth?)
Trip East cost $2,000 -- "feel dreadful lonely and the time will drag heavy
until you are with me." "I can send you enough money to arrange for
our meeting some place...."
April 19, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray -- "I have been thinking so much of you in the past
week that I am not myself at all." -- friend visiting, a Sea Captain and
Pilot on the Columbia River Bar, and he came here spsecially to see me --
I consider him a very dear friend. He is the person that ran a Steamboat
sixty miles after the Doctor the time I was shot on the Northern Pacific R.R.
April 23, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray -- "cooking for the Captain" breakfast of tenderloin
steak, omelets, heated beans, milk toast, buck-wheat cakes and coffee."
Dinner was "steak, muchrooms, baked spuds, heated beans, hot biscuit,
macaroni and cheese, rich custard, apple pie and Uoolong tea.
May 16, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray --"An English company is going to put up a slump mill in Aurora and conduct the power from Walker River by electricity.
May 30, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray -- giving older men the benefit of his experience --
"I have read one or two good books of lately, and often think how much I
would like to talk to you about them and make an effort to read them aloud
to you." "You asked me in your last letter if I like society as much as I used
to. I must say that I long for it but detest any that is to be found here, for the
people here as a rule are very bold and when in their company I often feel as
though I had stolen something.I like to associate with people whom I can
respect and feel their influence is worthy of respect."
July 22, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray -- "Your ???? quotations I think beautiful and very
expressive. They seem to picture out my truer inwardness. Yet I presume
you think my behavior light. But trust me, Aggie dear and I'll prove more true
than those who have more cunning to be strange."
4th of July celebration; "The celebration here was quite a success. The
American colors floated and the houses displayed all their bunting, while the
Gray Haired Old Prospecter pulled the tail feathers of the American Eagle
and became orators of the day. Of course, we have no nice lawns or parks
here, but them we are not bothered with those frequent signs of "Keep off the
Grass." "I shall be very much disappointed if I am not with you this winter,
but feel that I cannot free myself from this country." "it is improving, etc.
...they little know that if this brain of mine could be but polished up, this boy
could occasionally express a sweet thought..."
Aug. 7, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray --"We must have something in our hive besides honey --
something that rhymes with it -- and that we may have it????
Aug. 25, 1886 "Expected a letter, but was much disappointed"
Sept. 6, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray-- "Last evening there was a very sad accident occured in
our mine and caused the death of a most escellent young man. He was
employed to assist the person that is in charge of the hydraulic pipe and a
heavy cave in the gravel bank fell. Mr. Meyers started to run but tripped and
fell and the falling earth covered him soon six feet deep and fell so heavy he
was killed instantly"
Oct. 10, 1886 (WH to AP), Murray -- "working quite a large force" "ditches breaking" " I
have no idea I can leave here before the Middle of February" I have regretted
very many times that we did not ?side? and come up together last winter. I
enclose you some blue prints. Two are of the claims,
July 23, 1891 (From WH to AP), Wallace -- can't bring mining affairs to a close -- law suit
"confident of being reimbursed" -- "It is a case here a rascal owns 1/8 of
mining property and is working the same in a wastful manner taking out two
thousand dollars per week, while I myself owning 7/8 canot prevent him from
so doing under this Judiciary court, but have appealed to the Supreme Court,
where justice is delt out blindfolded and factions have no power." ''Last 4
months have been the busyist part of my life
Aug. 3, 1891 (From D.R. Hawkins to WH), Markleville --had seen Agnes in Genoa -- "What
a splendid woman she has grown to be." "One morning, on an early stroll,
passing the old school house we took a peek in, and she showed me where
you had cut a hole through the pannel of the door, and related the
circumstances concerning it. " "He sister Josephene has married a wealthy
tea merchant and will be traveling in Europe for several years." Her sister
(Agnes') obtained a divorce from Mr. Bray -- talks about Agnes and marriage
Dec. 21, 1891 (From J.S. Braly to AP), San Francisco -- invites Agnes to have wedding in
their home -- "Our house is small but I can make your and your mother
confortable, I think." 2120 California St. SF
Dec. 28, 1891 (Telegram from SF to Agnes Parson, Fresno) -- "Letter received. I am well
and happy and delighted to know you are coming.", W.H. Hawkins
January, 1892 (From Fanny B. Ainsworth to Mrs. Hawkins), Oakland -- "a little wedding
remembrance" forgot to enclose card. "Our love and best wishes for a happy
marriage, Yours truely, Fanny B. Ainsworth."
Jan. 16, 1892 (From J.C. Ainsworth to W.J. Hawkins), Rose Lawn, Oakland -- "I shall be
very glad to see you when it is convenient. I congratulate you on your recent
social step, and shall hope you will bring your wife with you when you come
to Rose Lawn. I can send a carriage to "Lorin Station" at any time you may
indicate by letter or telegram. State what boat you will take and carriage will
meet you 40 minutes later. Very Truely, J. C. Ainsworth
March 20, 1892(From Mary Hawkins to WH), Genoa -- "Yours of the 5 came duely to hand
yesterday, and I was so glad to get a letter from yourself all to me." "Oh,
how I appreciate and I read it over and over so many times, and then I took it
to bed with me and slept with it under (the) sheet all night, it was a draft of
rolling watter in a dry-thirsty land." about Leander -- "like to see my beloved
Leander taking all the pleasure that is possible for him out of his Jupiter, and
you know when he cant teake pleasure no one else need try. I hope he wont
try to take a trip up to Mars or Venus" -- chides him for not coming to Genoa
after his marriage to Agnes -- (good letter)
June 27, 1894 (From Sarah Kinsey to Agnes and Will), Genoa -- recounts articles re flood
in Portland --Mother at ranch in Alpine to visit Theo.-- recounts George's
death -- Dan has his horses to look after -- they are regular "white elephants,"
like our cows." Mother returned from Alpine. She is not well." We have two
papers from Portland. A letter from Leander " This is such poor paper I can
hardly write."
Oct. 14, 1901 (From WH to Margaret, Mama and Willie), Hotel Alamo, headquarters for
Mining and Commercial Men" -- returned from mine -- "will reach Sumpter
Wednesday" -- one night at Hot Lake, reach home Friday -- the horses are
now ready ..."
file:WH&AP