Gray Letters 1849 06 18

Letter

-

Museum of History Benicia

The image shows a handwritten letter dated June 18, 1849, from S.C. Gray to C.H. Carroll & Co., discussing the receipt and quality of goods sent via the steamer Panama from San Francisco. The letter is penned in flowing cursive, with mentions of the California market, conditions of trade, and confidence in certain types of merchandise. The paper shows signs of age, such as yellowing and creased edges, adding an authentic historical perspective to the correspondence from Benicia.

The image shows a handwritten letter dated June 18, 1849, from S.C. Gray to C.H. Carroll & Co., discussing the receipt and quality of goods sent via the steamer Panama from San Francisco. The letter is penned in flowing cursive, with mentions of the California market, conditions of trade, and confidence in certain types of merchandise. The paper shows signs of age, such as yellowing and creased edges, adding an authentic historical perspective to the correspondence from Benicia.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1849 06 18

Entry/Object ID

2024.10.1.20

Description

The document is a letter dated June 18th, 1849, from Samuel Gray in Benicia to C.H. Carroll & Co. in Boston. The letter talks about a shipment of boots and shoes that have arrived on the ship Panama and an expected future shipment on another ship. Mr. Gray is confident that these manufactured articles will easily sell in California. He goes on to say that there are about 80 vessels in the SF harbor at the moment many of which still have their cargoes on board. Even ships that have discharged their cargo can't leave because of a lack of sailors. He expects there to be another 200 to 300 more "sails" within the next few months. Business is very chaotic at the moment. Rents are high with single flats at $100-$300 / dwellings at $200 - $600 / stores at $300 - $1,000 per month. With the expected arrival of more ships and goods it will drive up the prices even more. Washing is at $6 to $8 per dozen, "it is cheaper to buy new clothing now than to pay for washing".

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection

Letter Details

Letter Date

Jun 18, 1849