Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910 Collection of letters of Charles Horsfall [decimalized .01-.53]. [various places]

to Owen Horsfall

Complains to his son that business is "very dull" and everyone is "disappointed at the actual conditions when compared with what they had expected." Comments on lowered prices for items such as bread, flour, and lumber. He had stomach cramps and a...

GLC05245.01

to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son about everyday matters in Alaska concerning his work and the weather. Encloses a letter for Haslam and Mullen, and sends these letters with Jerry Langford, who surprised him by calling that afternoon. Mentions that the town's...

GLC05245.02

to Owen Horsfall [incomplete]

Writes to his son that he and other men bought a sail boat for $700, and he has made some money by transporting passengers to the U.S. Transport "Lawton," and charging "$1.00 pr head." He found that the currents "are quite a factor in boating...

GLC05245.03

to Owen Horsfall [incomplete]

Writes to his son about a blizzard "4º below zero, wind blowing from N.E. at the rate of 60 miles an hour, and sand and snow cutting the skin off one's face in going against it." Comments on the brilliant northern lights. Plans to mush with Jim...

GLC05245.04

to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son stating that many men lost their lives from starvation or exposure as they were stuck with their dogteams on the trail to Teller, Alaska. He was talking to a friend, who told him that last summer at the local saloon and gambling...

GLC05245.05

to Owen Horsfall

He describes his daily morning chores. There was ice on the beach 10-15 feet high that morning. He would give $50,000.00 if he had it to be able to spend Thanksgiving at home with his family.

GLC05245.06

to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son that at times he becomes discouraged not knowing what the coming season will bring. The days are short, the sun rises at 9:30 am and sets at 1:45 pm. "The camp is quite civilized this winter compared to last…" The Editor of the...

GLC05245.07

to Owen Horsfall

Wants his family to spend the winter with him after they find land. Feels he has to make up for his past drinking and gambling, and states, "All my best endeavors for the rest of my life shall be put forward to atone for my neglect during the past...

GLC05245.08

to Owen Horsfall

Describes doctoring Pearson for badly frozen toes, wrists, and cheeks,using carbonized water and vaseline. Complains about the long winter. "March has come in like a lamb and will probably go out like the proverbial lion."

GLC05245.09

to Owen Horsfall

He's leaving camp for the hills for a few months. His hair is turning white, he says he's "not cut out for a miner or prospector especially to commence it so late in life." See GLC05245.11 for a note that was included with this letter.

GLC05245.10

to Owen Horsfall

A list of words which Owen spelled wrong on his last letter, the corrections, and a note that Charles is sending a book of views under a separate cover. Written on a report form from the Alaska Gold Mining Company. (See GLC 5245.10 for the letter...

GLC05245.11

to Owen Horsfall

He started out on a prospecting trip and went as far as Teller, but returned to his cabin because, "his chicken had enough of prospecting in such beastly weather." When he returned home he found his cabin had been broken into, and all of his clothes...

GLC05245.12

to Owen Horsfall

As he writes, he hears "the sound of Sirrash kids enjoying themselves on the ice covered river." He lost two dogs and now only has nine. He's going to apply to construct a bridge across the Nome River.

GLC05245.13

to Owen Horsfall

He did not go on the 31st because there was not "gold enough in Alaska" to tempt him out during "the worst blizzard of the season." He enjoyed exercising two of the dogs who ran to town when untied. He hopes to get a position with a big company as...

GLC05245.14

to: "my dear boys."

Describes the blizzard last night. Discusses his work building a suspension bridge across Nome River at the expense of about $5,000 but storms are delaying the construction. Afterwards, he expects to work for the North American Trading and...

GLC05245.15

to Owen Horsfall

He is awaiting the arrival of books he requested and gives instructions as to how to send them. He caught a cold and has just finished working at the Military Post this morning. He is going to meet with Mr. Watson and tell Mr. Watson that he is "...

GLC05245.16

to: "my dear children."

He has fallen behind in collecting the money he intended to send to them. He will start a job at a Road House tomorrow for $25 per month and lodging. A man is going to ask the government to either purchase his bridge or pay for using it. Laps and...

GLC05245.17

Two letters of Charles Horsfall, one to his wife, and one to his children [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC05245.18

to Mary

He asks his wife if she does not agree that he has been sufficiently punished. He wants to either resume their relationship or end it with a divorce. He is willing to pay for the divorce and some of the children's expenses but will do anything to...

GLC05245.18.01

to My Dear Children

Mentions how much the children must have grown. Talks about selling all his equipment; boilers, engines, pipe tools, etc. States he will enclose a money order with this letter. First page is written in very light pencil, and there is bleedthrough...

GLC05245.18.02