Gray Letters 1852 12 29

Letter

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Museum of History Benicia

The image depicts a handwritten letter from Crocker to Gray, dated December 29, 1852, from Benicia. The letter discusses severe weather conditions and the aftermath of a significant storm which impacted San Francisco, referencing damage to buildings and vessels. Crocker vividly describes the storm's intensity, mentioning how some buildings were blown over, ships were tied up to avoid further damage, and debris was scattered. The detailed narrative highlights the challenges faced by the residents during the winter storm, marking it as one of the most severe events experienced in the area around that time.

The image depicts a handwritten letter from Crocker to Gray, dated December 29, 1852, from Benicia. The letter discusses severe weather conditions and the aftermath of a significant storm which impacted San Francisco, referencing damage to buildings and vessels. Crocker vividly describes the storm's intensity, mentioning how some buildings were blown over, ships were tied up to avoid further damage, and debris was scattered. The detailed narrative highlights the challenges faced by the residents during the winter storm, marking it as one of the most severe events experienced in the area around that time.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1852 12 29

Entry/Object ID

2024.10.1.40

Description

This is a letter from Edward Crocker in Benicia to Samuel C Gray after he left for the East and dated 12/29/1852. The letter talks of a violent storm in Solano area. Flooding in Marysville, Sacramento, etc. Mr. Crocker also reports snow of the hills around Benicia and lows of 49/50 degrees. The letter says the plank sidewalks are completes to City Hall and nice crossings built in front of the American Hotel and Vallejo House. Also, City Hall should be completed in a few days and excitement is rising over the possibility that the State Legislature may move to Benicia. The Young Ladies Seminary has closed for the holidays. Miss Allen is spending the holidays with her sister in SF and Miss Lord went to Sacramento. The letter talks of the business at the Benicia store, loans and collections on loans, and says that the sale of City Lots happened that day. Mr. Crocker did not buy any lots as the bidding was too "sharp". He did give the City Marshall a list of properties that Mr. Gray was interested in and had a perfected tax title. He also paid the taxes due on the properties.

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection

Letter Details

Letter Date

Dec 29, 1852