1866 RUBY CITY, OREGON TERRITORY LETTER ON WELLS
FARGO STATIONARY. Lot of four pieces, includes a two page pen manuscript
letter from Ruby City, Oregon Territory to Louis Henry Marshall. 9 ¾” x 7 ½”
blue paper, imprinted on top “Wells, Fargo & Co. New York And California
Express And Exchange Company”. Overall Vg condition, exhibits original fold
lines, some minor areas of wear and chipping along paper edge. Also includes
three Wells Fargo envelopes, all
addressed to Maj. Marshall (Fort Boise, Boise City and Ft Walla Walla W. T.).
Unfortunately, all irregularly torn at edge or top edge. (W.763); $600.
Transcript of letter reads:
Ruby City (Oregon Territory)
Maj. Marshall
Sir:
I send you, by request of Wm. Fall, a pair of boots herewith. Also, a box marked
"cartridges" containing 2 jars of whiskey. It was impossible to find a
keg or demijohn in all this town and the emergency required the adaption of
temporary "Expedient", trust twill reach you safely. And be useful if
not ornamental.
From reliable parties who have returned I learned that our Volunteers have
followed a considerable party of Indians across the Humbolt and Chico Roads and
are still on their track toward the head of Malheur (River) accompanied by about
30 Cavalry from Camp McDermott (Oregon Territory).
Resp. Yours
__orone(?)
Gold was discovered in rich placer deposits in the Owyhee Mountains in May,
1863. A search for the source of the gold led to quartz ledges on War Eagle
Mountain. Before the fall of 1863, several hard rock mines were being developed.
Three towns grew to supply the miner's needs. Booneville, Ruby City and Silver
City were the first three settlements in the Owyhee County in Oregon. Only
Silver City still stands; its well-preserved buildings a silent testimonial to
the lively mining days. The beautiful ruby silver ore and the wealth of gold
taken from the mountains made the mining district world famous.
While Ruby City was named the first county seat, its population and businesses
soon moved to a better location two miles upstream on February 1, 1867. Silver
City was closer to most of the mining operations and had a better winter
location.
Louis Henry Marshall (Graduate USMA 07/01/1849)
Residence was not listed; Enlisted on 12/29/1860 as a Captain.
On 12/29/1860 he was commissioned into US Army 10th Infantry
He was discharged for promotion on 10/16/1863 (Prior service in US Army since
07/01/1849). On 10/1/1861 he was commissioned into Field & Staff MO Benton
Cadets
He was Mustered Out on 1/8/1862
On 10/16/1863 he was commissioned into Field & Staff US Army 14th Infantry
He Resigned on 11/23/1868