Beschreibung:

Title: Letter from the Hon. T. Butler King to the Hon. Wm. C. Dawson Author: King, T[homas] Butler Place: New York Publisher: Holman & Gray Date: 1855 Description: 20 pp. (8vo), original printed wrappers. First Edition. Thomas King in great detail defends his conduct while in position of collector of customs in San Francisco from 1850 to 1852. In this capacity, he was able to provide Washington its first news and updates on the California gold rush. “Permit me [King] to give you some account of the difficulties, labor, and responsibilities...during my stay in San Francisco.” Cowan writes: “The custom-house was destroyed in the fire of May 4, 1851, and it was necessary to remove the treasure [about $1,000,000] to another location. A heavily armed guard of thirty stalwart citizens was headed in person by Mr. King, and the transfer was effected. This induced some approbation, but provoked much more ridicule…At this time, San Francisco was filled with probably the most desperate band of thieves and robbers that ever infested any civilized community.” He writes about the Indian hostilities in 1851 and the problems it caused regarding monies. "The Indian Commissioners had no money to move troops. The State Treasury was empty...unless these hostilities were suppressed immediately the war would become general, not only in California, but extend into Oregon." Cowan, p. 329; Rocq 10072. Lot Amendments Condition: Some light staining in margins, light wear; very good. Item number: 230853