Chandler writes that his steam engine has failed, and they are putting up a water wheel to pump in the mean time. He hired a “Chinaman” to work with a rocker, and the “Chinaman” made “between 24 + 25 Dollars pr Day.” Chandler also mentions that he has put all his money into a claim in hopes of getting more, but then writes that “mining in river claims is a kind of lottery.” Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “Installing a water wheel to pump our claim. Hired Chinaman with rocker a profitable venture.” Pencil marks highlight certain parts of the text pertaining to the title. This letter does not indicate the year, but based on the days of the week mentioned in the letter and the location compared to other letters from Chandler, the year could only be 1856.
Gold miners Gold mines and mining West (U.S.) History 1848-1860 Pioneers Correspondence Nevada County (Calif.) California Social life and customs 19th century
Time Period
1855-1872
Place
Nevada County (Calif.)
Source
Autograph letter signed, 3 pages; N. A. Chandler Gold Rush Era Letters, D1942.1, box 1, folder 07
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