Austin & Cyril Hawkins, Manuscript Archive, Ca 1849-1900, With Focus on California Gold Rush 

About Auction

Live

American History: Live Salesroom Auction

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 13, 2014 - Jun 14, 2014

Set Reminder 2014-06-13 01:00:00 2014-06-14 01:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History: Live Salesroom Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-live-salesroom-auction-70
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

View Full Catalog (603)

• Lot Description
  16 letters and 3 pocket diaries (1849, 1851) from trip to California; 1 later letter and document, 4 manuscripts (autobiography, story, and biographical sketches); 11 stock certificates; 2 pamphlets; envelopes and clipped signatures. 1849-ca 1900 (mostly 1851-1853).
  
  The legendary call of the California gold fields lured young men and women from around the world to seek their fortunes in a remote land. Few were better observers or writers than the brothers Austin and Cyril Hawkins, young men from McConnelsville, OH. Austin, the elder brother, was the first to take the California plunge as a true 49er, crossing the country during the late spring and early summer 1849, with the teenaged Cyril delayed, taking months to win the permission of his father, a locally-prominent politician. Written between 1849 and 1852, the sixteen letters and three diaries at the heart of this collection offer exceptional insight into the lives of two pioneers of the California gold rush, with particularly fine content for their separate overland journeys. The eleven letters from Cyril and five from Austin are long and descriptive, reflecting the brothers' starkly different personalities and experiences as well as their keen minds.
  
  The letters begin with one of Austin's first letters home, written as he reached Independence, MO, in April 1, 1849. His letter, like all that followed, are filled with telling details about the journey, he wrote: We intend boarding out for a week or untill we purchase our mules and other necessary articles of outfit and then we are going to camp out until we are ready to start. We can purchase our mules at a fairer price here than we can in Kentucky. There are two kinds here, the American Miles and the Spanish. Men that have traveled across the plains advise us to take Spanish mules. They are smaller than the American miles but can stand the trip a great deal better... There are plenty of Indians near this place, but they are a very quiet and peaceable set of men...
  
  From Independence, Austin went south through Santa Fe, sending a letter from there in May 1849, discussing the sickness afflicting his party and camping on the plains, and he finally arrived in the "diggings" near Readings Springs, CA, in May 1850. Like many would-be miners, he faced hardships and the threat of violence all along the route and his fortunes waxed and waned, but unlike most, he described his experiences with an immediacy that still resonates: I have been on the Trinity river since the middle of March and... I have done very well, but I have met with some losses, going from the springs to trinity the Indians killed one of our mules that cost us $206 and we bought a quick silver machine which was not constructed on the right plan and it proved a failure... Austin goes on to describe his company of five miners and their successes, earning up to $30 a day each, adding The people are crowding into the upper mines very fast and I understand that the emigration from the states is as great as it was last year, so it stands us in hand to be doing something this season or the mines will be crowded so that all cannot find room to work. It is oweing altogether to my success in the mines when I shall return home and if I can keep my health I think I cannot help but make a pretty good raise this summer and then if I find trading is going to be profitable I will go into that business this winter... The Indians are so bad that we have to keep a sharp lookout while crossing from the springs to the trinity and we have to shoot them whenever we get an opportunity. We killed two that was prowling about trying to shoot our animals, and they are so bad about the springs that we have to stand guard over our stock every night... Much more.
  
  Cyril (1832-1902) was just seventeen when Austin left home, but he seems to have been preternaturally mature. His first letter, March 14, 1850, is a painful one addressed to his father in which he writes that he will not be the obedient son when it comes to the siren call of the gold fields: it is through fear of a refusal from you, that I do not speak to you verbally, but by giving you a note, and letting you answer with consideration rather than from impulse, I think that you will give me an affirmative reply – In the first place my ideas were of “California” but with mature consideration, my thoughts have been solely concentrated upon “Oregon.” What is the use of my staying at McConnelsville forever? And where can I go to better my pecuniary situation within the precincts of the State of Ohio?…much more.
  
  Though delaying a year at his father's request, Cyril headed west, corresponding en route to keep his family informed. His letters cover nearly every step of his trip down the Ohio River, his arrival in St. Louis, and travel up the Missouri River. These wide-eyed and strangely mature letters, include wonderful commentary on the remarkable trade in St Louis, Jenny Lind-mania, and the difficulties of travel on the Missouri, but also include rare gems like a chance meeting with Thomas Hart Benton, who Cyril engaged in a long conversation about the statesman's past and memories of Andrew Jackson: he says that he was sitting on the bench in a little log courthouse in the Public square Nashville [when he first met Jackson]. He said a good deal about Jackson, but nothing about himself, in regard to breaking the Generals arm in an affray at Memphis (I believe it was). I am rather inclined to think that the Old Man is somewhat in his dotage, while sitting aside by himself you can perceive by the motion of his lips, that he is soliloquizing, when he reads he uses a squinting glass instead of spectacles.
  
  It is the details of the overland journey, however, that are the most spectacular features of Cyril's letters. In a remarkable letter from Weston, MO, April 23, 1851, he describes the impromptu changes in travel plans his party had to make as well as his fellow emigrants, like the colorful company of would-be miners he met from Pittsburgh: the company consists of 4 men, one of them has been almost all over the whole world, he was in Australia 2 years surveying, he has also been on the western coast of California, & Oregon. He understands all modes of life well. There is another of them whom has been several times across the plains, and will be a good guide. Then they have a Physician in their company who is a very accomplished gentleman, not only as a linguist &c but as a musician. He has been teaching the languages & music for several years. Then the remaining one is a Lawyer, musician & a fine fellow from Pittsburg... I think that we will be ready to start from here in a week or two; the grass at present is not high enough to start... and when we do make a start I suppose we will have to take feed along with us for a little distance, for our stock...
  
  From Missouri, Cyril crossed into the Blue Earth River, Indian Territory, writing from May 17, 1851: I feel rough & hearty never having enjoyed better health in my life, I look rough, our fare is rough, our work is rough, & all in fact that we have to do or see, is rough, yes very rough... There are 18 waggons in our train. I wish that there were no more than 8 or 10 for then we could be more expeditious. So far we have not attempted to keep our cattle in a carille for protection during the night, but herd them. There are 42 able bodied men in our company, six compose the day watch & twelve men compose the night guard...much more.
  
  By December Cyril wrote that he had passed through Oregon and slipped down to join Austin in Shasta City, CA: I found nearly everything in Oregon about as I expected – I found the wonderfully flattering reports which were heralded throughout the States in reference to the great resources for obtaining wealth in this country to be exaggerations to a great extent; however parts of this country as farming districts are not to be excelled in the world – The numerous streams flowing rapidly from the mountains give the country water power unlimited.... Cyril describes his experiences falling ill while traveling through the Umpqua Valley and being taken in by a merchant until Austin appeared to save the day. When finally able to ride again, the brothers continued into the Rogue River Canyon: The Indians of this region have been very bad – & but a few weeks since a man was shot while engaged in driving some hogs & several other men wounded, however we passed the entire length of the valley unharmed – thence passing the Ciscue Mts & traveling about 30 miles we arrived at Shasta Butte City.... [which] numbers in inhabitants about 1000, consisting principally of Gamblers & miners – it is positively true that about every second house is a gambling & drinking establishment, & some of these houses are very fine in their interior construction, decorated with beautifull paintings, while their bands of music chime beautifully with the gingle of dollars & dimes....
  
  Cyril's other letters are dated from Weaver (Trinity County) and Marysville. Not just a miner, Cyril worked variously as a sign painter in Weaver, as a clerk in a wholesale grocer in Sacramento, and in a lucrative position in the office of the Secretary of State and as assistant editor for the local newspaper. From Weaver, Mar. 13, 1852, he wrote that he had tried to set himself up in the wholesale sugar and tobacco trade, but was seduced back to mining: notwithstanding the hardships and uncertainty of mining, now and then a goodly pile of the fascinating lucre, is taken from the bowels of the earth, to free some poor miner from the embarrassing arms of adversity and cheer his future career with happiness & prosperity. How many since the discovery of gold in California have made fortunes, and ere the lapse of a single year, have been welcomed again to the fireside of home, to hold “sweet converse” with companions of by-gone days... I concluded to take a tour with Austin – so loading a mule with a supply of provisions, and having another to ride we proceeded west to the Trinity river, thence to the celebrated mining district in the vicinity of Weaver... His description of a colleague named McConnell is a classic of the gold rush-era: He goes the California fashion entire – a broad brimmed hat, red flannel shirt, pantaloons “rather worse of the wear” being patched with an old coffee sack upon the knees and other exposed parts, with long whiskers braided under his chin, & mustachios like a rams horns sticking out from each side of his mouth. He is a good jolly fellow & I hope his luck may continue... California is different from all other states in the union; her population is promiscuous in the extreme; there is hardly a nation upon the earth, but what is represented here by some of her people. The Greenlander & the South American, the Chinaman from the remotest part of Asia, & the Englishman from the most enlightened part of Europe, the Norwegian, Swede, Spaniard, & Hungarian with their brothers from all surrounding countries together with the African American and those from the isles of the Ocean are all commingled with their different dialects and languages, in one motley group pending their lives in almost every manner – undergoing fatigue, starvation, and the fatality of disease for that one most thought of, most dangerous thing of earth – gold. What a beautifull panorama of civilization is here presented – murder, riot, & robbery are of daily occurrence. Corruption has stolen forth over this broad expanded state in its most malignant form; in many of its different parts, a gambler sits upon the bench of Justice, Gamblers and thieves are commingled with jurymen – Gamblers plead the clients cause and with his gains, procure ill gotten gains... His remaining letters are equally good and equally descriptive, as Cyril makes his way by wits and ambition, surviving hardship and cholera
  
  But the letters are only half of this collection: they are accompanied by three noteworthy diaries covering the years during which Cyril caught the California fever and crossed the country in search of fortune. Written in a remarkably fine, but highly legible hand, the first of these diaries documents Cyril's schoolwork and socializing from May 1849 through end of the year, but the latter two are the real meat, covering the cross-country trek in 1851. Although Cyril protests about writing in haste with few corrections, these diaries are spectacular narratives of an extraordinary experience. While the letters offer insight into the events en route, the diaries provide the detail and depth possible only in a daily record of events.
  
  Diary two covers the period from April-June, 1851, beginning as Cyril leaves McConnelsville and giving accounts of stops along the way. In a typical passage, he describes the scene at Fort Kearney, NE, May 26: There was an old man here today who lives beyond Ft. Laramie. He was one of the biggest yarners I ever saw. He spoke about the hienas of Oregon, the rhinoseros of California and he has also seen snakes 50 feet long, and as big around as saw logs. He also knew of a gold cave & a diamond cave &c. He spoke with gravity & earnestness. This evening two young clerks from the Ft. were here, mounted on horses & a dozen hounds at their heels, they were about the hunt a little after wolves. It look quite romantic to see them galloping across the plains... There is more on wolves and buffalos, hunting, killing snakes, and a prairie fire on the Platte: behind us the flames of the prairie grass are flying & bounding like some great monster with fearfull velocity. The burning of the prairie, especially after night, (it is now dusk) presents a terrific & imposing spectacle; Beyond the firing element I can behold in wild magnificence a large herd of buffalo rushing furiously towards the east, the sun has just sunken behind the western horizon & the beautifull new moon shines resplendently in his stead, in short, the scene is grand, magnificent & sublime...
  
  Approaching Fort Laramie, June 12, Cyril described a sad scene familiar to emigrants: The Indians do not come very much about our camp, they are afraid of disease. They caught the cholera & other diseases last year from the emigrants & died in great numbers, consequently they contagious this year. Two Indians going up the Platt this evening, instead of taking the direct road which was to the leeward of us, went far out of their course so as to be to our windward, showing their great caution, which is a general characteristic of all Indians...
  
  The second diary covers the period July-Sept 3, 1851, including the journey from Wyoming through Oregon. Cyril never lets up recording the events, relaying dozens of stories, small and large, and often deeply touching in their impact. Crossing the Green River on July 10, he witnessed his first death scene: Here we took Bordwells Cut-off cross a toll bridge & by so doing were not compelled to pass over eight miles of bad road. The owners of this lodge have hundreds of beautiful Indian horses which they soon intend to drive to the Oregon market. While nearing the bridge our ears were filled with a mournfull sound eminating from the weeping of a lady whose husband had died a few minutes before. While passing one of the tents of the train, which was encamped nearby, I saw the corpse lying out in solemn death. This is the first death I have heard of upon our rout.
  
  The alleged dangers of the trip from hostile Indians occupied Cyril's mind as they reached the Snake River on July 21: Last night was an eventful night of the plains. About ½ past 9 ock the camp was awakened by the guards, for a few minutes all was bustle & confusion; a general stampeded had been occasioned by the Indians, who were prowling stealthily around about our camp endeavoring to perpetrate mischievous designs. But happily by dangerous ventureing the stock was again collected & all but the guards retired to rest, but shortly we were again aroused by the loud report of a gun. An Indian had used his utmost endeavor to steal a mule by creeping towards & attempting to pull up the picket pin. He had not quite accomplished his purpose when one of our guards (Pycroft of Indiana) shot at him, when he ran away with all possible haste. Whether he escaped unharmed or not is a matter of doubt. Two weeks later (Aug. 3), Indians appeared again:
  
  A short time before noon today we were apprised of a band [of] Indians who were a short distance before the 1st waggons & were supposed by a man who was driving loose stock, from their rappid movements towards the train, and the rifles which were slung over their shoulders, to be of a very hostile character. Runners were sent along the train to give the alarm & to have the waggons to move as fast as possible into one compact mass. Preparations went rapidly on for immediate battle, or in fact for any emergence, all the rifles & pistols were put in order for instant use. Every book & corner was searched, and all old fusces broken or otherwise were brought forth, and all, all, was in readiness. Many a proud heart beat high & warm to distinguish (or extinguish) itself in measuring arms with a savage foe. Our loose stock men first in the order of march (for perhaps they were the bravest of the brave) then the riflemen, mounted & on foot & then the train, which was well guarded. All was in order & we proceeded to meet what? An hundred fierce looking savages – an awful doom – death!! Oh no, but to view with loud roars of laughter what we had often seen before – perhaps a half a dozen poor half-naked & half starved Indians with fish upon their shoulders, the scales of which glittered in the sunlight, instead of bright steel barrelled rifles, & whose salutation instead of the imperative command surrender, were “How do,” “Salmon swap.”
  
  Cyril's diary ends with an exceptional account of the terrain in Oregon, the Indians, the landscape, and early white settlements. Cyril did well for himself in California, following his father's footsteps into politics, working his way up the ranks of the new Republican Party, serving in the first legislature for the new state of Nevada, securing a position as Clerk in the US House of Representatives, becoming a customs agent at the border crossing at Niagara Falls, and served as a presidential elector in 1896. Detail on his life out West is provided by an autobiographical and family sketch written ca 1900 for his daughters that describes his life from California through his triumphal return to Ohio in the 1880s and his ensuing political patronage appointments.
  
  Although California is the focus of much of the collection, the seemingly miscellaneous items are not insignificant. Among these is a handsome William McKinley TLS to Cyril (on McKinley's personal stationery) congratulating him on his election as presidential elector in 1896. Though there are only two pieces from Cyril's years in Nevada, they are both noteworthy: a wonderful petition to Abraham Lincoln, Feb. 27, 1865, recommending Frank Hildreth be appointed as a Midshipman in the Navy, signed by a host of important politicians in the state including 22 members of the State Assembly, 14 senators, members of the cabinet, and Henry G. Blasdel, first governor of the state of Nevada. Scarce early Nevada imprint, printed in year it became a state: Standing Rules, Joint Rules and Standing Committees of the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada. First Session -- 1864-5 (Carson City, 1864) in original pink wraps, good condition, with Hawkins' name on front.
  
  Accompanying the collection are other relics of Cyril's prosperous years : 11 beautifully printed stock certificates (mostly engraved and crisp and clean), 7 from California mining companies, and four from Ohio railroads: Hidalgo Gold and Silver Mining Co., San Francisco, 1863; Iberville Gold and Silver Mining Co., Aurora, CA,1863; Mina Rica Gold and Silver Mining Co., Esmerelda, CA, 1863 (4) – Hawkins signed as company president; United States Tunnel Mining Co., Aurora, CA, 1864; Promoters certificates for the Virginia, Parkersburg, and Ohio RR (2), the Zanesville, Beverly, and Parkersburgh RR, and the Painesville, Wooster, and Ohio RR.
  
  The balance of the collection consists of 10 fin de siècle clipped signatures of politicians (including John Sherman); biographical essays by Cyril on Ohio politicians Joseph B. Foraker and Asa S. Bushnell (fragile, acidic paper); and 13 envelopes with postal history interest, including four copies of a printed, pre-paid Wells Fargo envelope with oval Wells Fargo Express cancellations for Portland (strong), two for Virginia City, and a double cancellation for San Francisco. Also a strong round cancellation for Yreka, CA, Jul 25, 1856 (on Wells Fargo pre-paid and pre-stamped envelope); and a scarce, strong round cancel for Todds Valley, CA.
  
  An exceptional, smart and literate collection for the overland adventures of two Ohio brothers, backed with fine letters from the California gold fields. A rare combination of a sizable collection with top notch literary content. 

  Condition

  Generally good condition with expected, though light wear and soiling.
• Shipping Info

  • SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	28.00
    $250,001	23.00
    $3,000,001	15.00