Quarto ( 25x19.5 cm, 10x7.5in). 4 pp on 2 sheets. Black ink on lined yellow wove paper. Fold marks, a minor split (on a fold), a tear repaired with tape, but overall a very good letter written in a legible hand.

Historically interesting original content-rich autograph manuscript letter from Orleans Bar (Orleans, Humboldt County, CA), documenting, among other things, the Smithsonian Society, early efforts to preserve Indian dialects in California.

In the late 19th century, the Smithsonian Institution (established in 1846) embarked on a mission to preserve the rich heritage of Native American communities. Scholars and linguists from the society were dispatched to different territories, including Orleans Bar, a vibrant gold-rush town along the Klamath River, which was home to Native American settlers, particularly the Karuk and Yurok tribes.

Addressed to "Dear Val", the letter, written by a miner in Orleans Bar, California, on 28 March 1889, showcases Perry, extensive mining knowledge. In the letter, the author discusses the successful operation of the ditch, the task of turning cover blocks, and the significance of bedrock compared to gravel washing. Interestingly, the author also mentions a "learned looking cuss with a long beard" – a visiting Professor from the Smithsonian Society, acquiring the Indian dialect for the preservation. In subsequent passages, the author writes about being in "straits for coin!!!" and mentions a recent "pretty good" show in town, his friend, popularity with the ladies, and a hunting trip with his Indian pal. Near the close, Perry intriguingly shares gossip about Miss Molly Camp Creek spending the evening with "China Sam!" The author anticipates potential vendetta from another suitor, a twenty-nine-year-old Indian, Tony Sanderson, who was earlier charged with mayhem and murder. Overall, a historically interesting original letter with notes from the early days of Orleans Bar.

The text of the letter:

“Yours of 14th inst duly to hand appreciated by yrs truly – Weather is showery. The ditch is working well now. Some 920 inches running therein. We had to turn the Cover blocks yesterday in the last six boxes with the produce from the cut obtained by Moore Brindin we retorted it to 27.oz 9. 12. It is only a trifle but scarcely any gravel went thro those boxes the main thing being the bedrock & the gravel washing at the sun being merely an incident in the work. We hope soon to be washing gravel in real earnest & will clean up probably when Barrines – I am in straits for coin!!! And Fain would lay my head on your noble chest and pour out my woes –

I am most awfully jealous at your sending Gus that photo of yrself – You must please have Taber take a nice one bring it along for me, really I want one sure! You raised a noble smile on me at your reference to the heading off of the man on legal business!! That was too funny – Great Scott but OB is a mill for us fellows aint it hanged if the climate has not aided and abetted the cutting of this child’s eyeteeth.

Last night had a show in town. Same crowd but with additions that played last July. Pretty Good – Somehow out of course – not for the show tho! But merely for the pleasant trip.

There is a Professor in town with la femme. He is of the Smithsonian Society and is acquiring the Indian dialect along the river for preservation. He is a learned looking cuss with a long beard.

I appreciate the plans by George. I may want you to be Bass Architect someday, so come right along with your square.

Gus look fit as a fiddle and is an object of admiration for the ladies. Last night he did the show  smoked (yes he smokes again), his Havana with nonchalant air – By the way, how are you on Havanas now?

There is to be an addition in the Brindin family – Mrs. Wilder Coflummox same while since looks to the Scratch again – I went out with my gun with Ind. George last Sunday. We got one Buck-20 his rifle tho unfortunately be it laid.

We had an awful long tramp but old England maintained the prestige for lads raised on Beers and Beef!

The latest gossip is that Miss Molly Camp Cr. was spending the evening with China Sam! Tony Sanderson, another suitor caught her – I expected to see the fur fly from the celestials cranium but no excitement has been perpetrated yet. Maybe the trouble is brewing.

AFR sends his love and will write Sunday. He is in the Potato Patch now.”