Typewritten proclamation, signed as president, “William McKinley,” one page, 5.25 x 6.5, Executive Mansion letterhead, no date. Addressed “To The People of California,” proclamation reads, in full: “I am pleased to express my interest in the celebration by citizens of California of the semi-centennial of the discovery of gold on the Pacific Coast; and I congratulate the people of the State not only upon their great achievements of the past, but their present enterprise and prosperity.” Scattered soiling and some stray ink marks under signature, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a two-page statement from Hammer galleries of New York stating the proclamation was purchased from the estate of Ellen B. Roberts on January 22, 1924, and later a part of the William Randolph Hearst collection. After the discovery of gold in 1848, over 300,000 people flocked to the territory, resulting in a boom in both infrastructure and industry, and official statehood two years later. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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