ALS signed “Lavinia,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, February 27, 1849. Letter from Lavinia Fredericks to her 25-year-old brother Charles, who later became one of America’s most prominent early photographers. In part: “We are very happy to hear that George is doing so well; We have as yet no tidings of Linson; he left the States in company with a young man from one of the western states, named Montgomery, introduced to him by Mr. Gurnee, Henry and Ryneir are inclined to think they have turned their course to the Gold regions of California instead of Lima. Mr Gurnee has been so mad as to lease his business, and his family, to go to California for gold; hundreds of men mostly single ones, but a great many men of families have left New York Philadelphia and many other places for California, people are coming over from England and other parts of Europe bound to the gold region. When Ryneir & Maria T. were here the first of last week I gave R a letter to send to you for me. R sent two to you by the way of Rio, in a vessel or steamer I forget which, bound to California by the way of Cape Horn, which was to stop at Rio and other important places on the coast.” Intersecting folds, overall wrinkling, and scattered toning, otherwise fine condition.
