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Edward E. Ayer Manuscript Collection (Newberry Library)

 Organization

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

John Wilson letters

 Collection
Identifier: VAULT-Ayer-MS-3207
Abstract Collection of correspondence (1859-1865) from Virginia City, Nevada written by or regarding John Wilson to his wife in Vermont. Wilson, a young farmer from Vermont, left his pregnant wife and sailed for the West in Sept. 1859 to seek his fortune. After his arrival in San Francisco, he headed for Virginia City crossing the Sierra Mountains on foot in May 1860. Using his income as a bartender, Wilson immediately began to stake out claims. Many of his letters give a vivid and detailed...
Dates: 1859-1865

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  • Subject: Comstock Lode (Nev.) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources X