Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
A great California pioneer's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Granville Murphy originally of Lyman, Maine, San Francisco, Sept. 10, 1860, to his brother, in part: "…I am all right although not making money very fast…I haven't made that big strike yet that you were speaking about but I expect everyday when I shall. I have been sick for the last three months and have just recovered. I came down from the mountains the first of June…since that time I haven't done any thing to speak of except spend money…it costs something to live here. You cant get any decent board short of $7.00 per week. I have got a job…to watch a piece of land about five miles from the city and keep intruders off. It is mighty lonesome out here…I don't have to work very hard. When I first came out here some men had built a fence right through the middle of the ranch and I had to tear it away which I was doing…a man jumped up from behind a knoll with a double barreled gun all cocked and told me to stop or he would shoot . My first impulse was to haul my revolver out of my belt and give him a shot but at the second thought I kept onto work and told him to shoot away…he didn't shoot. That is the nearest I have come to being shot since I have been in California…I believe that I am one of the unluckiest devils that ever lived. I went into town yesterday and found that my rifle was stolen out of my room…I couldn't get the least clue to where it had gone…there is a fifty spot gone to the devil…it serves me right I had no business to have a rifle…Bill (between you and me) California is a pretty hard place for a working man. I have tried my best to get into something that I can make decent pay at in San Francisco but I can do it. I think I shall try the mountains again pert soon but I shall go to a different part from what I was before. Sherman & Phelps the two fellows that came out with me are at work in the city…cabinet making…in the same shop. Bill I must sling my revolver to my ass and travel round the farm so good day…your affectionate brother, Granville." Archival tape repair affecting left fold split, else VG
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