Please contact the contributing institution for more information regarding the copyright status of this object.
Description
Letter from Henry Wager Halleck to unknown recipient regarding conducting a census of the California population. Population was to be recorded of "Whites," "Tame Indians or 'Neophites'," "Wild Indians or 'Gentiles'," "Sandwich Islanders," and "Negros." The recipient's district included San Jose. Halleck was writing from the State Department of the Territory of California in Monterey. Transcription: State Dept of the Territory of California Monterey Sep. 18th 1847 Sir It is desirable to ascertain as near as practicable the present population of California, and as there is no means provided for taking an official census of the Territory, the Governor is induced to request Military officers and private individuals, to furnish him with such information as they may conveniently collect. It is thought that by making such inquiries and examinations as may be convenient, you will be able before the close of the present year to form a pretty accurate estimate of the population of your district. You will please arrange any information of this character which you may communicate according to the following table: Population | Males | Females | Total | Remarks Whites Tame Indians or "Neophites" Wild Indians or "Gentiles" Sandwich Islanders Negros Any other statistical information such as the number of houses, schools, cattle, horses etc. will also be most thankfully received. Your district will include all the country bounded by the San Joaquin River, the Bay of San Francisco, an east and west line through the Mission farm of San Mateo and the line of latitude through the point where the road from San Jose to San Juan Bautista strikes the Arroyo de Llaga. Very respectfully, your obt servant H. W. Halleck [?] of Engrs & Secty of State
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
