Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1856-[2018] (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
20pp
Context area
Archival history
Kerby A. Miller created this transcript from a typescript prepared by Williamson family descendants: Dr. Arthur P. Williamson, University of Ulster, Coleraine, County Derry; by Muriel T. Reynolds of Merced, California; and by Lorene (Mrs. Richard J.) Gurnee of Watsonville, California.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Kerby A. Miller's transcript of William Williamson's letter to John Williamson of 25 November 1856 [P155/4/1/1/17], part of the Williamson family letters [P155/4/1], along with Miller's introductory notes.
Per Miller: 'Apparently, this letter now exists only in typescript form. It's a fantastic autobiographical, retrospective letter, describing William's overland trek by wagon from Illinois to California back in 1850. He left Bonus, Illinois on 19 March 1850; crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph, Missouri, on 21 April; and finally reached Hangtown, California, on 20 July. His description of the overland trek was detailed and dramatic: "The suffering in 1850 was truly awful." After William concluded the story of his 1850 trip, he expressed happiness at having received his mother's letter.'