Description

Description: In this fascinating part-printed letter, Albany Mayor Charles Gaus acknowledges a $25 contribution from art dealers Annesley & Co. “to the fund which is being raised in this city for the relief of the California sufferers.” The letter further details how the monies are allocated: “Of the money I have received so far, I have sent $10,000 to Jacob H. Schiff, State Treasurer of the Red Cross, New York City, and $7,000 to James D. Phelan, chairman of the Relief and Red Cross fund, San Francisco. Any money I hereafter receive I will send, with the balance on hand, to Mr. Phelan.”

The letter is on an 11″ x 8 1/2″ sheet of “City of Albany Office of the Mayor” stationery and is signed “Chas H. Gaus”. It is dated May 4th, 1906… a few weeks after the April 18th devastating quake which killed over 3,000 people and leveled almost 30,000 buildings. Item #AM00260

Charles Henry Gaus (1840-1909) was Mayor of Albany, NY from 1902 to 1908 and NY State Comptroller for the last months of his life.

Condition: Toned at upper edges, a small puncture below letterhead, mailing fold lines, otherwise good condition.