#MB12
1858
Octavo ca. 18,5x12,2 cm (5 x 7 ¾ in). 2 pp. Brown ink on yellow wove paper. Light soiling and fold marls, but overall a very good letter.
Historically important manuscript letter from the early days of Oregon Territory (est. in 1848), illustrating the construction of one of the earliest hotels in the Dalles (inc. in 1857).
The author, Joseph Nixon (ca. 1824-1892), was a native of Virginia, who moved to Linn County, O. T., in 1852. Originally a blacksmith, Nixon constructed the renowned Umatilla Hotel in the Dalles in 1858. The first-class establishment, located near the steamboat landing, became a favored stop for miners navigating the Dalles River and was considered one of the finest hotels in the area. Nixon sold the hotel within a couple of years and, by 1860, was listed as a carpenter and later as county treasurer in the Dalles. The hotel endured until 1929, eventually succumbing to fires and restorations before its final demolition.
The letter, dated 12 September 1858, is addressed to Daniel J. Hubbard (ca. 1829-1890), a pioneer of Washington Territory and a farmer in the Chambers Prairie area near Olympia. In the 1850s, Hubbard served as a non-commissioned officer at Washington Fort Dalles, where he likely crossed paths with Nixon.
In the text, full of grammatical mistakes, Nixon updates “Friend Hubbard” on the latest news from the Dalles and enthusiastically shares the nearing completion of the Umatilla Hotel. He mentions the expected finish date after months of hard work and proudly recounts two successful balls held at the hotel. He also remarks on the lack of reliable news from the mines (likely referring to the Fraser River Gold Rush) and discusses other Washington pioneers, including Hubbard’s neighbor George Tykel.
Overall, historically interesting original letter from the early days of Oregon Territory.
The text of the letter: Friend Hubbard. I take my pen in hand to let you no that I am in good health at present. Hoping this may find you and all of the – in good health. Times here are much the saim as when you lef. No news of any reliabel sorse from the mines as yet from this way. I am abot to finish my house at last. I have about one months work on it. Your friends here are all in good health. There has been 2 balls at my house. The[y] went off very nice. The[y] were attended by (the first) 23 & (second) 28 couples. John has gone to Walla Walla. As I just wrote you a letter a few days since o I have no news to write. Give my respects to friends Tycle [George Tykel], also all of the fair sex. Write often.
