Description

Description: William McEwen writes a four-page heartfelt, but reassuring letter (Oct 17, 1878) to his sister, Margaret, and brother from Central city, Dakota Territory, one of the first settlements in the Deadwood Gulch after the gold discoveries in 1875.

He tells them that he is “tired of traveling wanting to settle down,” as he is “mining not for [himself] working By the day am making [sic] $4 per day…as a general thing I work for myself in the mines but there is no chance here Everything is taken up and I will work till spring then I will start for the mines in other parts”. He is regretful that he hadn’t stopped “last spring [when he] could have Bought A good farm and payed for it all down and had money left,” thoughtfully adding, “So goes the World A man Never knewes when he has eneugh [sic].” Having described his injuries–a broken arm, hurt ribs, smashed feet– after being “throwned of By carelessness By some of the others [sic],” he reassures his sister that he is well and that “this is A nice country to be in Lots of fun and Everything is lovely.” However, he hopes to “stop one of these days and have money to [sic] it does not take long to get $10,000 for A good mine. . .”  Sends his love to all his brothers and sisters. Signed, “Your Loving Brother, William McEwen.”

This four page hand-written letter is written on 5” x 8” ruled, white paper. Item #AM00307

William McEwen (1845-1890) was a Civil War veteran of the Co. E., 144th Union Infantry (National Guard).

Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise very good condition.