Gray Letters 1853 02 14

Letter

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Museum of History Benicia

The image shows a handwritten letter dated February 14th, 1853, from the "Seat of Government" in California, addressed to Mr. Samuel C. Gray. The letter discusses the decision by the Legislature to move the government seat to Benicia, highlighting the logistics of the relocation, including arranging accommodations and state offices. It mentions a vote on February 5th, resulting in approval by 32 to 20 in the House and 16 to 8 in the Senate.

The image shows a handwritten letter dated February 14th, 1853, from the "Seat of Government" in California, addressed to Mr. Samuel C. Gray. The letter discusses the decision by the Legislature to move the government seat to Benicia, highlighting the logistics of the relocation, including arranging accommodations and state offices. It mentions a vote on February 5th, resulting in approval by 32 to 20 in the House and 16 to 8 in the Senate.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1853 02 14

Entry/Object ID

2024.10.1.43

Description

This is a letter from Edward Crocker in Benicia to Samuel C Gray who is traveling on the East Coast and dated 02/14/1853. Mr. Crocker writes about the relocating of the California State Capitol to Benicia. He mentions the movement of State files to Benicia, the hunt for rooms by the legislatures, the opening ball and the attendance by ladies from several nearby cities, and other changes in Benicia due to it becoming the State Capitol. The Capitol was moved back to Sacramento just 18 months later. Previous to moving to Benicia, the Capitol was in Vallejo. Vallejo tried to keep the Capitol there by throwing a Ball for the Legislature. The problem was that they only attracted a few ladies to attend and the majority of legislatures just stayed at the bar talking and drinking. I think that is why Mr. Crocker mentions the number of ladies in attendance.

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection

Letter Details

Letter Date

Feb 14, 1852