Heading: (San Francisco...)
Author:
Title: San Francisco [Jany. 29th] 18[51] - with letter
Place Published: Vermont
Publisher:P. O'Grady
Date Published: 1850-[1851]
Description:

Steel engraving, on upper half of sheet measuring 35.3x22.5 cm (14x8¾"), white wove paper.

View from the west, with Yerba Buena Island in background, ships in bay. On the Plaza, El Dorado sign; buildings somewhat too high, but illustration gives a useful idea of general relationships. Baird notes it was "Issued before January 29, 1851; almost a letterhead. Possibly not printed in California, but included as W. H. O'Grady was a San Francisco artist." Whether printed in California or not, the present copy has a manuscript letter written from San Francisco on Jan. 29, 1851, on the lower half of the sheet and on half of the verso, signed illegibly (last name perhaps Cross), to the writer's sister. Mr. Cross notes he is sending the letter via Panama in the charge of Mr. Rathline. Besides referring to the enclosure of $5 so his sister could buy plates for their mother, Cross relates having another bout of the fever, along with the usual remonstrations aimed at friends and relatives who have not written.

Old folds, some splitting along them with a few neat tape repairs; paper a bit toned; good to very good.