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THBCalifornia Gold Rush, 1857 Diary Written by Miner John McFallen Thompson
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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About Auction
LiveNov 17, 2017 - Nov 18, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (372)
- Lot Description
A fascinating collection illuminating the human element of the California Gold Rush, featuring the 1857 diary of Miner John McFallen Thompson preserved in original leather cover with “Diary, 1857,” embossed in gold. The diary entries span from April 16, 1857 to January 26, 1858. Thompson tells a tale of separation, violence, and hardship throughout the pages of his diary, beginning with the difficult task of leaving loved ones. He writes, “I left Home for calafornia. It required all my energy to start. I felt like an exile that was borne fare away from friends and Home…” Thompson wrestles with homesickness and his desire to leave a legacy, writing, “though it is hard I console myself that I was know account at Home and I think I can pirceve a faint chance of being somebody yet.”
Thompson’s entries cover the details of his journey out to California, including his train car running off the tracks, a smallpox scare, a fire aboard his ship, and finally his arrival in California on May 29, 1857. Thompson’s final destination was Canyon Creek, where he met an old partner who gave him a claim to work. Throughout Thompson’s mining expedition, he deals with the dismay of struggling to make a profit. On July 4, 1857, he writes, “Commenced work very early this morning, did not feel as patriotic as I usual did at Home. Felt more like replenishing my purse and devoting my time to myself instead of the country.” The disappointments continued as many of the gold seekers had to look for wage-paying jobs by September. Physical hindrances such as illness and violence were ever present as well, as Thompson describes, “I was in my cabin all day two men stab each other in the evening one of them was killed. It was a horrible sight,” on December 27, 1857.
Thompson’s happier moments come when he receives letters from home, especially from his wife, Sarah, writing, “I value the letters more than I do the gold. It makes me feel as though I had one friend left,” on October 3, 1857. He makes it clear that he intends for her to receive the diary, and thus takes pains to transcribe twelve letters to Sarah and his parents from May 13, 1857 to February 4, 1858, just in case the original copies were intercepted or lost in transit. While the letters detail some of the daily goings-on of mining life, they focus mostly on Thompson’s own thoughts and feelings. In letters to his wife, Thompson expresses sorrow at not receiving letters for long periods of time, laments his “past conduct,” and swears his love for her.
Lot includes a handwritten letter from Sarah Thompson, addressed to, “My Dear husband,” in which she describes family life at home in Trumansburg, New York. 4 pp, 4.75 x 7.5 in.
Lot additionally features two CDVs of John McFallen Thompson in dress attire, made in Trumansburg, New York, and an elegant invitation to the wedding of John and Sarah’s daughter, Blanche R. Thompson, to W. Frank Hoster on April 25, 1877.
Diary intact, with some separation at binding, consistent with age of item. Small tear at top of one CDV, and some separation at crease in wedding invitation. Handwritten letter has small tear on right edge.Condition
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Eliminate the Hassle of Third-Party Shippers: Let Cowan's Ship Directly To You!
If you'd like a shipping estimate before the auction, contact Cowan's in-house shipping department at shipping@cowans.com or 513.871.1670 x219.
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.
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