Three Letters From California About The Time Of The Civil War: “It Makes My Heart Ache To Mention The Civil Discord And Disgrace That Has Spread Over Our Beloved Country For So Many Years”

Three letters from early California about the time of the Civil War; the Lehmans may have been a Jewish family that moved out West, but I cannot find absolute proof of this: ALS. 1pg. 8” x 12”. January 18, 1859. San Carlos. An autograph letter signed “H B Lehman” to his brother: “…they complain of not having received any letters from me since I left home the fault is not mine for I have written several out for the last three years have not been able to write on account of having lost William’s last letter in which he says that he had moved into another house…have been doing rather bad for the last two years but now have hopes of doing better…Uncle Robert’s daughter Yves was married to a young man named Jose…I can see no motive for not maintaining correspondence with you as I say above I have answered all the letters…”. The letter has mailing folds and is in fine condition. ALS. 2pg. 5” x 8”. February 17, 1861. Yuba County. An autograph letter signed “Saml R. Lehman” to Bill: “…Harriet was much pleased with her gift and prizes it very highly, she had deputed me to express her thanks as she had put off writing till next time. I believe that my letters are now coming regularly…We are all well here and there is nothing much for me to write. I have commenced farming – I have done some plowing and put in some grain – have commenced a small garden and am about to put out a few fruit trees. Some of these days I may write you my experience in this, to me, new business – it may amuse you. You probably think that those pictures will never come – have a little patience. They are not taken yet, but will be some day and in due course of time you will receive them. I am very slow about it but you can be satisfied that I am sure…”. The letter has two mailing folds and light soiling, and is in very good condition. ALS. 4pg. 5” x 8”. June 20, 1861. Santa Barbara. An autograph letter signed “Ramon Hill” to Joe: “…I am very happy to hear that you are now improving in health, and hope you may always be blessed with good health. It is a particular gift and not granted by Divine Providence to all alike…It makes my heart ache to mention the civil discord and disgrace that has spread over our beloved country for so many years, the example of peace and prosperity of every other notice. But what must we do set down and cry for the sins of our brethren. Yes, it is a fearful time to handle, a horrible spectacle to behold. Were that I was not in the States long before this I should be among the ranks of those blessed with defending the most sacred of causes and shedding their blood for the atonement…”. The letter has mailing folds and is in fine condition.