Name/Title
A letter from William Workman to David Workman, 13 February 1826Entry/Object ID
2015.104.1.1Description
A letter from William Workman to David Workman, 13 February 1826. Written from San Fernando de Taos, New Mexico to Franklin, Missouri, the missive discusses some of William's first months in New Mexico after migrating from Missouri over the Santa Fe Trail, including a severe bout of illness over the winter, attempts to make money by selling trunks brought on the trip, an interest in making cash or whiskey from corn and wheat, and more. Of note is William's request of David to send out materials, specified in a list, for the building of a still and his warning to pack these discreetly because they were contraband--liquor distilling by non-Mexicans was then illegal in New Mexico. This letter is said to be the earliest one extant from an American or European in New Mexico and is also the earliest known sample of William's writing. With some losses stabilized by conservation at an unknown date, foxing, soiling, creases, and stains, the overall condition is fair considering the age of the document.Lexicon
Search Terms
United States. Department of the Interior. Commission for Settling Land Claims in California, United States. Treasury Department, United States. Congress. House of Representatives
