Letters to and from Cornelius C. Beekman, pioneer banker of Jacksonville, Oregon. Most are outgoing letters Beekman copied with his letter copying press.
   
The vast majority of the letters Beekman copied are gold or credit transmittal forms which he filled out without comment. These business forms, representing the mining success and financial affairs of hundreds of Southern Oregon residents--American, Chinese and others--are not transcribed here. Digital images of the original pages are available to researchers; write for access.


Dear Father and Mother,
    As we are now near Aspinwall I thought I would drop you a line, before I left the ship, and give you a short history of our trip thus far. We left New York on Friday, August 5th at about 15 minutes past 2 o'clock. It was raining very hard, got soaking wet going to the steamer. We found after we got to sea that we had about 750 passengers, which was about 200 more than the steamer could comfortably carry. Mulph and myself went to bed about 10 o'clock, still raining hard, woke up in the morning still raining very hard and blowing, which caused our ship to roll heavily. After moving around we found about 500 passengers very sick. We are not seasick as yet. Very few at breakfast, today at noon, Augt. 6 we have run 212 miles from New York, still raining.
    This is a beautiful morning, but a heavy sea rolling. See porpoises in great numbers following the ship, great numbers still seasick on board; today at noon Augt. 7th we have run 206 miles since yesterday noon. 9 o'clock p.m. it has rained hard all the afternoon.
    This is a pleasant morning, very hot. Many passengers are looking and feeling better, some however are very sick yet. Mulph and myself have not experienced any seasickness as yet but on the contrary fill our places at the table every meal. We have sailed since yesterday noon Augt. 7 to noon today Augt. 8th 228 miles up to 9 o'clock tonight; nothing has occurred worth mentioning.
    Had a very rough time last night but it did not disturb us any; on the contrary, we slept well. Many of the passengers were up nearly all night.Heavy sea rolling this morning, good many still seasick--quite an incident occurred this forenoon. A man who has been drinking heavily ran up on the wheelhouse and jumped overboard; as soon as he struck the water he became conscious of his situation and swam for life. The passengers threw him a board which he got hold of and hung to till the steamer was stopped and a lifeboat lowered when he was rescued. We have sailed since yesterday noon till noon today 224 miles, up to 9 o'clock this evening; nothing has occurred worth mentioning, we have passed many sails today.
    We are this morning in sight of land off the coast of Florida; it is called the Florida Reefs; saw one vessel wrecked; it is very dangerous running here; all the crew and officers of the ship are on duty. It is a beautiful morning, but heavy seas which causes our vessel to roll hugely. I like to have forgotten to mention that we have some very prominent characters on board, among whom is Bayard Taylor and wife, the great traveler. Judge McCallister, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of California [Matthew H. McAllister was a circuit court judge], also many naval officers, besides many pretty girls, also some backwoods girls--and the greatest lot of babes and children I ever saw together; just imagine yourself a bachelor gentleman in your stateroom at 5 in the morning aroused from your slumber by it would seem about 10,000 howling, squawling brats from the age of 5 years and under, with their mothers and nurses squealing and gibbering in about the same tone, after this manner, "Now, Lovey, do be good, Lovey, Mamma likes her nice baby. Baby shall have what it wants," and 1000 such silly and simple sayings. I fancy you would make up your mind to always remain a bachelor, or at least would hate the annoyance of their infancy; we have sailed up to 12 o'clock today 216 miles since yesterday noon. Up to 9 o'clock p.m. nothing has occurred worth mentioning. I forgot to mention that we have on board quite a number of gentleman fops. How they are going to get a living in Cal. is more than I can tell; some of them say they have friends in Cal.; if so I suppose they will be deadheads on them, for they don't look to me as though they would work.
    This is a beautiful morning. Last night our vessel called at Key West and landed the mails; as it was late none of the passengers landed. The place is principally inhabited by wreckers, who live off the wrecks of the vessels, as many are lost in this vicinity. I should like to have went on shore very much. We took on board at Key West 14 passengers. The passengers are generally in good health this morning. The sea is very quiet. We have sailed since yesterday noon to noon today 230 miles. We are now in sight of the island of Cuba, 9 o'clock, we have just passed Cape St. Antonio, and are now in the Caribbean Sea with a strong headwind.
    Had a very heavy gale last night--lasting about two hours, attended with rain. I have just been and had our baggage weighed to cross the Isthmus. Had to pay $9.00 extra freight. This is a very pleasant morning, just breeze enough to make it agreeable. As yet we have had no very warm weather. Thermometer not over 100 degrees, which would be no warmer than 80 on land, for the reason that the vessel going or moving makes or creates a current of air. We have sailed since yesterday noon 246 miles. Passengers are generally well today. But those beautiful organs called infants have been going crazy today, some 20 crying at once. Their cries seem to be contagious. I think they would show off better in the nursery than on board of a steamship, where they do nothing but annoy private and single gentlemen; up to 9 o'clock tonight nothing has transpired worth writing.
    Nothing of interest has transpired today save the usual routine since our sojourn on board. Today Mulph and myself visited the forward part of the ship which is called the steerage. There is about 400 there, full one third of them women and children all huddled together like so many hogs. Just imagine 400 people in the upper part of your shop and then you can form some idea of it. Mulph says he wanted to go to Cal. pretty bad but to go in the steerage is rather heavy. I tell him he can now imagine what I went through when I went to Cal. I had to go in steerage to Aspinwall because I could not buy a ticket in the cabin, but from Panama I fared better.
    Mulph and myself have a stateroom on this side to ourselves and a very fine one it is. Both eat at same table or, in other words he has every comfort that I have. While speaking of Mulph I would say that not one drop of liquor has passed his lips since he left New York, which is very gratifying to me, and I have no doubt but what it will be equally so to his friends. And while speaking of reformations I would say that I have not smoked a cigar or pipe since I left New York and have about concluded to quit it for awhile. As for whiskey and myself I guess there is not much danger on that score. I had a long talk with Mulph in the presence of Wm. McConnell in New York just before we sailed. He knows what my mind is in regard to matters generally. I told him if he did not want to go on I would send him back in good style, he however preferred going. I told him that if I seen or heard of his drinking or spreeing I would discard him entirely. He understands the matter and what I will do. We have sailed since yesterday noon up to noon today 233 miles; up to 9 o'clock tonight everything goes on as usual.
    This morning is Sunday and a beautiful one it is. I would like much to be home today. Everyone appears to be in good humor. Many are reading their Bibles today. No card playing at all. Everyone seems to respect the day; speaking of reading the Bible I have read several chapters in the Testament you gave me. I should have had it read through before this but I could not get at my baggage for three days after we sailed; as it is I have carefully read as far as the first chapter of the Epistle of John. I have read many things which I had forgotten was in the Bible, I shall keep on reading till I read it through--then may go over it again. If you had given me the Old Testament with it it would have been more interesting. No preaching today [on] board of ship; we have sailed since yesterday noon up to noon today 240 miles. We are now within 160 miles of Aspinwall; will get there tomorrow morning which is Monday about 6 o'clock. Consequently I will have to bring this to a close today in order to get it in the mail bag so as to go back with this ship. So far Mulph and myself have enjoyed the best of health, have not missed a meal, for which we feel to thank a kind providence for his kind and watchful care over us.
    I wonder how you are all getting along at home. Did you get the box of fruit I sent you from New York. I sent one, which I wanted divided with my friends.
    Before I forget, I wish you would have the Dundee Record sent to me; I forgot to have it done before I left. Have it sent to Yreka Post Office, Siskiyou County, California.
    I will write you again from San Francisco or when I get home to Oregon. Tell Abe I will write him also, when I get to my journey's end. Please write upon receipt of this direct to Yreka (the same as the paper direction).
    We have now been eight days on the water; it seems to me like six months; the time passed off slowly, however we have only 15 days more to sail which is somewhat comforting. I consider the most dangerous part of our trip over, you can say to Mrs. Calvin Huson her trunk is all right.
    But I close, hoping this will find you all in good health, I remain
Regards to all who inquire after me.
   
I have a miserable pen to write with, can hardly write at all. The ship jars so, it is almost as bad as writing on the cars. I expect it will trouble you to read this letter or to make anything out of it.
University of Oregon Special Collections Ax 10.  Photocopy archived at the Southern Oregon Historical Society Research Library, MS134



Dear Father & Mother
    As I have a few spare moments this morning I concluded to drop you a line. I am as usual enjoying good health. Have resumed my old business again, viz. Express & Banking. It starts off first rate, much better than I anticipated.
    The business paid Hoffman while I was gone about $1600. He might have done much better, but he allowed himself to get out of coin. Consequently he could not buy dust all the while, which is the most profitable part of our business. Last winter was a very severe one here. The miners however had plenty of water, which held out till late in the summer.
    Consequently there was more gold dug out than ever before in any one winter and spring.
    Times are very hard at present in this country. Money is very scarce and commands readily 3 percent per month, with undoubted security.
    As I connect with (in my business) with Wells Fargo & Co., I have all the facilities I desire. Have plenty of cash to do business on. I think I will do a good business this winter, at any rate everything bids fair for it. I am occupying my old office this winter, but think I will build me an office in the spring or else fix me up an office in the hotel. I am now paying $35 per month rent, which with wood and lights cost me about $75, quite a tax, and one that I want to [be] rid of as soon as possible.
    Property has advanced considerably in the neighborhood of my property, don't think I will sell this winter.
    Mulph is here but has not done anything as yet. Ken Fowler arrived here on the 23rd Sept. in good health and spirits. He Ken appears to have a good deal of snap and ambition in him. I think he will probably do well in this country. Ken does not drink any; he tells me that he has quit it entirely, which is a good thing in this country, particularly as whiskey costs $2 per glass.
    Clark Huson, who came with Fowler, is stopping on his sister's ranch in Shasta Valley, and will probably stay there all winter. I suppose he has written to his people; if not you can say to them that he is well. I did not call to see Mrs. Clark when I passed through Yreka, for the reason her daughter Mrs. Rogers was about to be confined, so I put off my visit till some other time.
    I wrote you the last steamer, also wrote to Abram and sent him a draft to pay him what I owed him and also to pay you. I suppose he has sent you your part, viz $225, ere this reaches you.
    I write Abe this mail and also enclose in his letter the duplicate drafts so if he did not get my other letter, he will get the money on the duplicates.
    As I have nothing more to write I will bring this to a close.
P.S.
    Direct your letter to
        Yreka P.O.
            Siskiyou County
                California
Jack Buckshaw collection, ancestry.com



Dear Father & Mother
    Just one year ago today I left Jacksonville for Dundee. It does not seem possible that I have traveled some 20,000 miles within the last year and arrived at my starting again in as good health and spirits as when I left. Nevertheless it is even so.
    I am well, have no news to write. Consequently I will bring this to a close.
P.S.
    I have not got any letters from you yet.
Jack Buckshaw collection, ancestry.com




Dear Father,
    Yours of Oct. 30th came to hand this evening, which is the first letter I have had from you since I left Dundee. I have no time to write tonight as I am very busy making up my express which will leave San Francisco on the steamer of 20th Dec.
    I enclose in this a draft for $25, which I want you to pay to Miss Mullender. I thought I had written you about it before. I intended to do it before I left but forgot it. The circumstances are these: her brother who died in this country was an intimate acquaintance of mine. Just before he died he put in my hands for collection a note, which I collected after his death. And feeling that his sister has a better right to it and probably needs it more than I, I wish you to see that she gets it. If Susan Ringer says she wants her to get it for her why pay it to Susan, and I suppose it will be all right; at any rate it is time she had it. You can notify Miss Mullender by letter that you have the money for her. Direct the letter to general [delivery] New York. (Susan will give you her address if she writes for you to send it to her.) Why send bank bills which will go safe. Please give this matter your immediate attention.
    I have no news to write. I am well, in fact enjoying the best of health. Business has been first rate with me and continues so as yet, but I must quit as it is now 12 o'clock at night and I have two hours writing to do yet before I go to bed.
    Up to this time I have had a clerk in the office, but he has gone to the country to spend a few days, which keeps me closely confined to the office.
P.S.
    Mulph is well. Yesterday I got a letter from Ken Fowler. He is well, also Clark Huson's peoples. I will answer Dewitt's letter by next mail.
Jack Buckshaw collection, ancestry.com



Dear Father & Mother
    Your very kind and welcome letter of date Dec. 14th came duly to hand a day or two ago. I am glad to hear that you are all enjoying good health. Am sorry to hear of Abram's being burnt out. I suppose he was fully insured. I advised him to do so when I was home. If I was in his place I would get insured when I got built up again. If you are not insured up pretty well I would advise you to do so immediately, for you are liable to be burnt out at any moment. I suppose Abe has got [back] to doing business as usual by this time.
    I sent him a draft last mail for $75, it being what I sold his watch for. I suppose it has gone safely. I received a letter from Abe last mail; he wished me if I had any spare funds to help him. If you cannot do it I will, but do not like to do so at present from the fact that I have got all my surplus capital loaned out here at 3% per month, which is 36% percent per year and which to me will count up faster than 7%, your rate of interest in New York state. I am enjoying the best of health at present, am kept quite busy in the office, have had a clerk ever since I came back here. Business with me continues first rate. Am buying considerable gold dust at present, nearly $1000 per day. I shall send off in the morning $13,000--part my own and part on freight for our merchants. If business continues at that rate and I meet with no losses for the next year, I will make more money the ("next year") than you Abe & John all put together, but on the other hand if I should be robbed of even one treasure express, why of course I will go up a spout, and will have to fall back on my friends. I am going to adopt a new system, that is, not to risk over $5000 on the road at once.
    I see by the papers that Rev. Mr. Lacy and lady have arrived safely in San Francisco.
    Am glad to hear that John has gone to work. I intended to have sent for him in the spring but if he is steady I will give it up.
    I have received all your letters and also the Dundee Records you send
    Mulph is well; has got a situation at $80 per month, they his employers paying for his board and washing. He ought to lay up at least $60 per month. He has also got a mining claim which he thinks [he] will get his pile out of. Time will tell, however. He has a partner in his mining operations. I believe they keep two hands employed in their claim. I hope he may do well with it.
    A report has come back here that someone in this country wrote back to Dundee that he was worthless and all that sort of thing, which makes him feel rather bad. I hope nothing of that kind emanated from any of our family, because I have never said myself any thing of the kind. I always said I felt inclined to give himself a chance to prove himself a man, and if he does so it will be very gratifying to me, and I know it will be particularly so to his mother & sister. He is well aware that he must depend upon his own exertions in this country to prove himself such without any more assistance from me.
    I have done with him as I agreed; the rest remains with himself. He sent his mother some money last month. If people wish to know any more concerning him they must get their information from some other source than me.
    Ken Fowler is well and hard at work with Mrs. Clark, so he writes me he gets about 40 to $50 per month. All of Mr. Huson's friends here I believe are enjoying good health.
    New and extensive quartz gold diggins have been discovered here in our county. Claims have sold as high as $20,000. Everybody are running wild in regard to that kind of mining.
    I received Lydia Ann's letter yesterday; will answer it next mail. Am too busy to do it tonight.
    Today I believe is my birthday, but to save my life I don't know how old I am. I don't suppose however it makes much difference.
    No mince pies in this country that amount to much
    I have got my winter's wood all cut and piled up., viz 15 cords, cost cut $6 per cord.
    Yesterday I paid my subscription for preaching for the year 1860. Our Presbyterian pastor is Rev. M. A. Williams. He is a talented man and a gentleman. I contributed towards his support for the year $25. He is an acquaintance of Rev. Lacy.
    We expect to have rain every day. It will do our miners a great deal of good if we can get about two weeks steady rain.
    As this sheet is quite full I will close, hoping it will find you all enjoying good health.
Jack Buckshaw collection, ancestry.com




    This copying press arrived today. Cost of the press in San Francisco $7.50, of the book $2.50.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 5 1860-1862, Oregon Historical Society Research Library  Beekman copied this trial note on the last page of the book.

J. C. Weston Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        Enclosed find my check No. 319# payable to order of J. W. Work in San Francisco for the sum of five hundred dollars, which we forward you as per yours of 22nd inst.
    You made a mistake in the weight of your last shipment of dust. You write & tagged the bag that it weighed 147 ounces. Upon weighing it I found it to weigh 146 5/16 oz. only.
    By looking over your memorandum of weights you will probably discover where the mistake occurs.
P.S. Please acknowledge recpt. of the check.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Jno. C. Weston Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        Yours (by mail) of 16th inst. duly to hand. I did not get it from the post office before Landis left, consequently did not answer it. In reply I would say that I might spare you say $1000--but if you can get it elsewhere I would rather you should; as I have been making heavy advances on dust for assay of late, it makes me quite short of coin at the present time.
P.S. Since writing the above have recd. yours of 20th in which you say you will not want the coin. Consequently will make no calculations on supplying you. You say you did not get any coin per Landis. I sent you $500 as per your order on the last lot of 47 oz.--did you get it? You spoke in yours of 16th that you could buy 100 oz. of dust at low figure. If you do not buy or want it can you get it for me, if so at what price & what is the quality; is it as good as yours? If you do not want it I would like to buy it, if agreeable all around.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




J. D. Arthur & Son
    Gents
        Yours of April 27th duly to hand, with one of your catalogues enclosed. I send you herewith enclosed check for $225.00 for which I want one of the New York combined reaper & mower. Please send it to the following address, viz:
    Be sure and send it by the 1st steamer going to Crescent City, which I think will be about the 1st of June. Please write me upon recpt. of this if you receive the check and when the machine will be shipped as I have to go to Crescent City after it with my own team & will want to know at what time to start for it.
P.S. Do not fail to ship it by 1st steamer or it will be too late for this season's work & do not neglect to write also.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  Beekman wrote this letter for Justus.




Miss Bridge Murphy
    Madam
        Enclosed find draft payable to your order in United States gold coin and at New York City for the sum of four hundred (400) dollars. The same was purchased of me by your brother John Murphy with a request to forward the same to you.
P.S. Your brother says take nothing but gold coin for the draft and that it will be worth to you about eight hundred dollars in L. tender notes or bank bills.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




B. Callison Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        Yours of 18th ult. duly to hand. It would have been answered sooner, but I have been absent at San Francisco and have just returned. We this day remit you by Wells Fargo & Co. Express the money as you directed.
    I have taken out nothing for my trouble but send you the whole amount, viz $390.00. I leave it entirely to you for my commissions; whatever you think is right you can send back to me by Wells Fargo & Co.
    The freight on the coin from Jacksonville to the Dalles you will settle with W.F.&Co.
    Hoping you will receive it in due time,
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Fader & Allen
    Gents
        Upon receipt of your telegram last evening, I secured for you about 6,000 pounds flour. This morning I went out to buy 10,000 pounds more, but found it had all been bought up by the Yreka speculators. It is held today at 3½ cts., which it can be bought for. If the 6,000 is not enough to pay you for coming after, it will make no difference as I can sell it here and make a small advance on it. I think you will find that flour has gone up in Scott's Valley.
    The sacks that this flour is put up are quite light but I think strong enough to carry it in without trouble.
P.S. I told the parties I bought of that if you did not come after the flour I would let them have it back at same rates.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sewall Truax, Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        Yours of 15th inst. just to hand. Enclosed find the note you write for, of which we append a true copy, viz:
    Thirty days from date, for value received, I promise to pay Sewall Truax or order four hundred dollars currency with interest at two percent per month from date until paid.
P.S. Truax, U. S. Hayden is quite sick. I have looked up the note for him. No news here worth mentioning. Hoping you are enjoying good health & prosperity. I remain
    Hayden says write Truax that he's glad to hear that he is coming back to J-Ville! & so am I!
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




John Munson Esq.
    Dr. Sir
        Yours of 4th duly to hand. In reply I would say that there is no funds in my hands paid in on the Gayhart note. There is $28 endorsed on the note & which you drew. I remit you my check for $20 which was sent up by S. W. Sawyer; what it was on I do not know but probably that was what you allude to when you write to remit what is paid on the Gayhart note. There has been none of the notes paid up yet. Times are dull. I think it would pay you to come up & settle them yourself, as you can do much better than 3rd parties. I am going in a day or two to notify each one whose note is due to call & pay. If anything turns up I will notify you.
    Hopkins says he can't pay his note at present. I think he will greenback it.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mr. L. P. Fisher, Dr. Sir
    Yours of the 15th inst., containing slips on the "currency question," and circular of sewing machine co., has been received. Circumstances are such that I must decline the publication of the "currency question." I will advertise for one of those Florence Sewing Machines, on my published terms and on the condition named by yourself, to wit: one half to be paid in coin, and one half in advertisement.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 6 1864-1865, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dugan & Wall
    Gents
        Your a/c has credit with the following collections, viz:

	Hayden & Cameron	427.50
	J. B. White	30.50
	Sachs & Bro.	374.00
	M. A. Brentano	45.88
	A. Fisher & Bro.	15.00
	T. Davis & Co.	119.00
	Max Muller	241.61
	Love & Bilger	55.75
	Total	$1300.22

    I would send you a check, but owing to the scarcity of dust cannot do it at present. I shall write over to Yreka & see if I can get one there. If I can you will be out the freight on the coin to Yreka, or if you prefer I can send you coin by Landis' Express, you taking all risks--though if you are in no hurry will remit you my own check in [a] few days.

Dundee, N.Y. Aug. 29th 1877

C. C. Beekman,
    Dr. Sir
        I am building a school house & got a district school made up on R. River 5 miles above Galice Creek & teaching school now.
    I want 25 or 50 dollars till I get a 1st payment & will give 1 percent per mo. to you or Andy Davison. Show this to Andy. The money can be sent in registered letter to Grants Pass to me in gold or greenbacks. I want the money to buy some tools & other things & can send up my note when I get the money.


Schweitzer Sachs & Co.
    San Francisco
        Gents
            I have this day drawn my check on you in favor of Harry Wadsworth, Treas. Wells Fargo & Co. for the sum of $3597.65 on a/c of my water dividend to Dec. 16th 1879. I believe I drew from you when last in your city all dividends up to Octo. 10th 1878. From that time to December 10th 1879 would be 14 months at $300 per month, makes $4200.00 on the 15th Sept. 1879. Reames Bros. paid me on your a/c $602.35, of which I advised you leaving a balance due me Dec. 10/79 of $3597.65 (that is if you collected all the dividends to that date), which is the amount of the dft. drawn on you [in] favor of H. Wadsworth. Please honor the check when presented. No news here worth mentioning. Times are quite dull. Everything froze up. Miners not able to work. Snow is about 14 inches deep in our streets. Prospects are that we will have plenty of water for mining by & by.
    You had better send up your Modoc bond coupons as I may be able to collect them about the last of January.
    Wishing you the compliments of the season, I am
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Doyle & Adolphi
    No. 267 Grand Street
        New York City
            Gents
                Enclosed herewith find 50 cents currency for which send me one pair Tampico Dress Forms (Bosom pads). If you have them of different sizes, send me one of Medium size. Send to the following address, viz.:
Mrs. C. C. Beekman
    Jacksonville
        Jackson Co.
            Oregon
P.S. Please send me one of your Fashion Guides.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



The Honorable Board of Commissioners
for the Sale of School and University Lands
    Salem, Oregon
        Gentlemen
            I have the honor to acknowledge notification of my appointment as Agent of the "Board" for Jackson County. With the highest appreciation of the honor conferred I am constrained under existing circumstances to respectfully decline the appointment. I regard the position as one of the very greatest importance, one necessitating watchful care in all its details. Owing to the nature of my own business and contemplated absence from the state, I find myself totally unable to bestow that attention necessary to the guardianship of the funds placed in my hands by your appointment. Without the slightest intention of interfering in a matter controlled by your own judgment, and in the hope that I may not be considered presumptuous, I would suggest the name of Judge Prim as the agent of the Board for this county. His established character and familiarity with the value of securities in this county will make him a safe custodian of the fund, and his appointment would be generally very satisfactory to our people.
    Thanking you again, gentlemen, for your consideration, I am with the highest respect
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mr. John Mallon
    Dear Sir;
        I have received your bill of stained glass & sash, balance due you Seventy-four 25/100 dollars, for which amount I enclose my check on Wells, Fargo & Co., S.F. Please acknowledge the receipt of the same.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

Sept. 9	2911	Neustadler Bros.	60.--
Sept. 11	2919	Goldsmith & Lowenberg	211.82

The above checks are drawn as duplicates; the original checks were in the mail bags and taken by robbers at the time of the stage robbery on the Siskiyou Mountain Sept. 16th 1880. Should the originals be presented refuse payment and trace the checks; it might lead to the detection of the robbers.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



James Steel, Esq.
    Cashier, First National Bank, Portland
        Yours of Oct. 9th at hand. I enclose herewith duplicate checks in favor of Neustadler Bros. $60.00 #1911 Sept. 9th/80 and Goldsmith & Lowenberg $211.82 #2919 Sept. 11/80, in place of those supposed to have been taken by the robbers of the stage on the Siskiyou Mountain Sept. 16th, 1880.
    Drawing duplicate checks is out of our usual course, as Wells, Fargo & Co. always pay our lost checks on bond.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Martin
    Enclosed herewith find my check payable to your order for $500. Same was purchased of me by Wm. Bybee with request to forward same to your address. Mr. Bybee has gone to Klamath with a drove of hogs. He said the check was on a/c interest, and you would know all about what it is to be applied on. Please acknowledge receipt to Mr. Bybee. No news here worth mentioning. Everything and everybody jogs along about as usual.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Alexander Martin Esq.
    Oakland Cal.
        Dear Sir
            I send you this day by "W.F.&Co.'s Express" at request of Wm. Bybee 43 10/16 oz. Dust, valued at $750, freight prepaid. You are requested to have the Dust coined at U.S. Mint; out of the proceeds retain $342.75, it being balance due you from Bybee a/c of Interest (so he says). The balance of the coin together with the assay memorandum send to my address by W.F.&Co.
    No news here worth mentioning. Times dull, heavy storms, roads badly cut up and many bridges gone. No mails from north or south for 7 days.
    I might add that the Dust sent you came from Bybee & Newman's claim near Wimer's. Rumor has it that it is going to pay big. Hope so, for Bybee's sake. This sent is only the cleaning of two sluices.
Bybee has been quite unwell, but is now [illegible] in town today.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Kutner & Goldstein
    San Francisco
        Gents
            Please send me by W.F.&Co.'s Express 1000 same kind of cigars you sent me Oct. 27th 1880 called "La Carolina Victoria." Send them in as light a box as possible, same as before. You may put a value for shipping purposes of--say $25--
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Mother,
    Yours of 28th March written by Hattie duly to hand. In reply I would say that I expected to make you a visit last fall, and I did not give up the idea of doing so till late in the winter. The fact is since Mr. Hayden (my old clerk) died I have been confined quite close to my office and it seems almost impossible to leave my business but a few days at a time. Should no unforeseen obstacle interpose itself, it is my intention to make you a visit the coming fall, and I earnestly hope you will be prepared to return with me and share our Oregon home, just as long as it may he convenient for you to do so, and you may rest assured that nothing will be omitted to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. We are building a new church here which will be ready for worship next fall, and as I am chief engineer I cannot leave until I see it finished.
    As to Father's monument I think it is high time it was erected, and it should be without further delay. I am willing to bear my full share of the apparent neglect, and to atone for seeming lack of reverence in making the stone that marks his resting place more magnificent than any that will be near it, its cost should not be less than $2,000, and may possibly exceed that sum.
    We all owe a debt to our good father that cold marble, no matter how beautifully fashioned it may be, can repay. Our lives have been shaped and directed by his wise counsel and tender care; all that we have we owe to him and it should be, not a duty, but a pleasure for his children to pay him the only tribute of grateful remembrance that is left, without considering cost.
    There will of course be no division of sentiment on this point, but should any arise I will esteem it a privilege to place over him myself a monument commensurate with his worth rather than see it unworthy or inferior. As to the style, the boys are perhaps better qualified to judge than I am, and I leave the matter to their judgment, only suggesting that it be typical of his character and life.
    Will you at once see that steps are taken in regard to the matter. Have Abe, John and Dewitt get up a design and plan subject to your wishes and approval, and which of course I would like to see before it is finally decided on. I feel sure that the boys will cooperate heartily in erecting a fitting monument to the memory of one who was so dear and kind to us, and will hardly allow the question of cost, within the limits of reason and propriety, to be a consideration.
    This leaves us usually well; Julia and Carrie send much love. Ben is still attending college and getting along finely. Hoping this will find you in the enjoyment of good health I remain
University of Oregon Special Collections Ax 10.  Photocopy archived at the Southern Oregon Historical Society Research Library, MS134.  Letter copied in Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Bush & Johnson
    Redding Cal.
        Gents
            Yours of 21st ultimo enclosing sundry bills for collection, amounting to $108.34 [came] duly to hand. We have collected all the bills except one of $5.42 on Chow Lee & Co., which we return herewith, making the total amount collected $102.92. . . .
    Chow Lee & Co. claim they have paid their bill once. The freight bill they paid. They say they send you by Mr. Beggs, who they say will explain the matter to you. The bill they paid possibly should have been paid by some other China Co. Please acknowledge receipt.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Bush & Johnson
    Redding Cal.
        Gents
            Yours of 2nd inst. enclosing bills amounting to $107.41 duly to hand; have collected them all except bill of $6.32 [on] Wm. Harris of Ashland, which we return for the reason we have not seen him in town since the receipt of bill, and as I have no correspondent in Ashland I would have to collect it by express; hence we return it as the expense of collecting it by express will be about the same from Redding as here. . . .
    We return the bill on Chow Lee of $5.42. We cannot collect it. I cannot make the Chinamen understand it. They claim they have paid it. Mr. Beggs said he understood the matter and would collect it. If he did so he did not pay the money to me before he left for Redding. In regard to the Noland & McDaniel bill I would say they are busted. They claim Mr. Beggs was to pay the bill. The assignee of the firm, Mr. J. Nunan, says he will try and see that the bill is paid. He says however that he has to pay some other bills first. I would suggest you write Mr. Nunan in regard to the matter.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



H. Wadsworth, Esq.
    Treasr. W.F.&Co.
        Dear Sir;
            Herewith I enclose chk. drawn by Peter French in favor of John A. Hanley, on Lazard Freres, for one thousand ($1000) dollars, dated Camp Harney Oct 10th 1881, check endorsed by Hanley to me and by me to you. Please place the amount to my credit, if paid; otherwise return check to me without protest.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



H. Wadsworth, Esq.
    Treasr. W.F.&Co.
        Dr. Sir;
            I enclose draft drawn by Peter French in favor of William Hanley on Lazard Freres for twelve hundred dollars, dated Oct. 10, 1881. Dft. endorsed by William Hanley in my favor and by me endorsed to you. Please place amount to my credit, if paid, and if not paid return to me without protest.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Scholle Bros.
    San Francisco
        Gents
            Yours of 24th ultimo duly to hand. In reply I would say that the brick store house you write about is now and has been continuously occupied by M. Mensor for several years as a general merchandise store. I have called upon Mr. Mensor in regard to the rents. He says he has paid the rents till within about 2 years, and has Wm. Scholle's receipt for the same, and since that time he has paid the taxes and made improvements on the property and whatever is still due on account of rents he is ready to pay any minute, which is about all the satisfaction he gives me. The store is a fireproof brick in a fair locality for business. Mr. Karewski, the former occupant of the property, says he paid you $25 per month rent and paid all taxes and made extensive improvements on the same at his own expense, which he says made his rental about $50 per month for the time he occupied it. He, Karewski, tells me that part of the back yard has been and is now used by another party, and he says if you wish it he can and will give you a plot of the lot and the particulars as to who is using the back lot & etc. I would suggest you write Mr. Karewski for particulars as to the size of the lot and title, and who is using part of it and what part of it and for what use it is being put to. I can cheerfully recommend Mr. K. as being a straight and reliable person.
    To sum up, Mr. Mensor says he will write you in regard to the matter today.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



W. H. Chaney Esq.
    Dear Sir
        Your esteemed favor of January 2nd was received on my arrival home a few days since. I think it best to answer direct so there can be no possible misunderstanding. Regarding my candidacy, I will say briefly that I am not an aspirant for any office and if I were I know but little of the methods by which office is obtained. However, should the choice of the Republican convention again fall upon me, which would not be the result of any efforts on my part, I would hardly feel at liberty to decline it.
    Present my kind remembrances to Mrs. Chaney, who I had entirely lost sight of and with thanks for your interest in my behalf.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



F. A. Huffer
    Dear Sir
        A few days ago, your father showed me a letter from you, in which you wrote him that the want of money would compel you to come home some two months before the present school year expired.
    When we had our talk last fall in regard to your going to school the present year, if I remember right, I urged you to go and stated to you at the time that I would assist you this year in your laudable efforts and ambition to obtain an education. Now, my dear boy, permit me to say that your course and conduct has given me a great deal of pleasure and quiet satisfaction, and believe me when I say I feel a great interest in your welfare and future usefulness, besides I am free to say I think you are a good companion for my son Ben and am pleased to hear that your intercourse and companionship has been for the mutual good of yourself and him.
    I enclose herewith $60 currency which will enable you to stay the school year out. You can send me your note for the same which you can pay at your convenience. No news here worth mentioning. Your folks are usually well.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Kohler & Chase
    San Francisco
        Gents
            Yours of 24th inst. duly to hand and contents noted. I enclose herewith my check payable to your order for the sum of $206.00 for which you may send me by steamer via Portland, Ogn. the Mason & Hamlin chapel organ No. 431 with the stool and instruction book. Please see that the organ is in good order and have it carefully packed when shipped, as it has to be carried by wagons over rough roads a long distance. If not satisfactory please return the check.
Mark or address organ thus:
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Brother
    I have been tardy in sending you money ($300) I borrowed of you 5th Jany. last. Negligence is the only excuse I can make or offer. I enclose herewith 7 post office orders payable to your order at Bath post office, 6 orders for $50 each and 1 for $10, making a total of $310. The $10 is for interest, which I have allowed you at Oregon rate, viz. 10% percent per annum. No news here worth mentioning. This leaves us all well. Hoping it will find you the same and enjoying the comforts of life, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Sister
    In reply to yours of 28th January last I will now say that I can now loan your money here. I can get 8% percent interest per annum and I may get more, but I will stand good myself for at least 8%, so if you wish to send it to me for investment you can buy a draft of the "Dundee National Bank" for $1000--the amount you said you have to loan. Have the draft made payable to my order in New York City and I will get it cashed here.
    In regard to the iron posts in the church, I did not have any agreement with Mr. Titsworth in regard to them, but I had a talk with Mr. Bosworth and Wes Benedict to the effect viz. that some $15 or more due the church from the gentleman who made them was to be deducted or taken out of the cost, and the balance was to be paid by the committee or trustees, and if they refused to stand it I said I would pay it, and now if they will not settle and pay for them I will do so yet. In all our talks in regard to the matter we came to the conclusion that as Mr. Titsworth was not a trustee he had no vote in the matter. Still all desired to please him so far as we could. I enclose a letter to Mrs. Bosworth and Benedict which you can read; after doing so close it and hand it to Mr. Benedict, that is, if the matter is still unsettled.
    I also enclose a note to Mason & Hamlin which you can read and mail to them. It will no doubt bring the music book.
    This leaves us all well at this time. Hope it will find you all the same. Julia will write you in a few days.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Bosworth and Benedict
    Kind Friends
        My sister Lydia writes me that Bro. Titsworth had called after I left Dundee and inquired if I left the money to pay for the iron posts that were to be used in the church basement. I did not understand that I was to pay for them. If I recollect right the arrangement was thus, viz. the columns were to cost say $60; the contractor owed the church about $15, which was to be deducted [from] the balance the committee were to pay.
    I then said if the ladies or trustees would not pay it that I would do so. I desire you to investigate the matter and if those who have the business in charge say, think or claim I should pay, I will do so, after they have determined upon the amount due from me. You will please present the enclosed order which will no doubt be honored. Wishing you the compliments of the season, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Lewis G. Ross
    My Dear Friend
        Yours of 10th inst. enclosing two postal orders for the sum total of $75.00 duly to hand. You have made quite a mistake in my favor. By examining the note herewith returned you will find that [it] is only for $60, leaving a balance due you of $15, which I return herewith enclosed. I suppose you put the $15 in for interest. Well, my dear boy, I am not in the habit of charging for favors; hence I return it with the remark that I am well paid and gratified to learn and know that you have put the right foot forward and bid fair to become a good and useful citizen. I have always said that you come of good stock and blood and that you would come out all right in the end, and as I see my hopes and judgment realized, you must excuse me if I feel a little proud and jubilant, for believe me I feel a great interest in your welfare and prosperity. Wishing you the compliments of the season I remain
P.S. Your folks are usually well. No news here worth writing about. Farewell party by the young folks given by Willy Young, who leaves here tomorrow for New Tacoma, W.T.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Simpson Crawford & Simpson
    New York City
        Gents,
            Please send to my address the following articles as illustrated in your fall and winter catalogue, page 8, No. 10 for 1881-1882, viz. one Walking Costume No. 5 of black cashmere and brocaded satin. I send herewith measure for the dress, also with this mail a waist lining with my name written upon it. The waist fits me; if the measure varies from it, be governed by the waist lining, as I know it is right.
    Also 3 yds. Fringe No. 10 (on page 115) 4½ inches wide, all get alternate squares of seed and cut beads, with fine satin polish, catalogue price $1.48 per yd.
    Also 4 yds. Passementerie on page 115 No. 13 two inches wide, elaborately beaded, price as per catalogue 50 cts. per yard.
    I enclose herewith U.S. postal order payable to you for $26.50 to pay for the goods, viz.

	1 Dress	$18.50
	3 yds. Fringe, 1.50 yd.	4.44
	4 yds. Passementerie .50 yd.	2.00
		$24.94

    Please send the goods at once to the following address, viz.
    Please have the pkgs. registered and oblige.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



[illegible] A. Brooks Esq.
    Dear Sir
        Yours of 10th instant duly to hand. In reply I would say that your offer is fair and security ample, but at this time it is impossible for me to spare the money from my business. The fact is I am short, and am losing business every day for the want of ready money. The Gold Dust buying season has commenced and until that is over I cannot make any loans whatever. I have now several loans out past due on persons perfectly responsible which I would gladly discount to get the coin. So you can see at once my situation financially at this time. I regret that I cannot help you out at this time. I have delayed writing you one mail in hopes I could find the money here to loan, but have not been able to do so yet. Had you written me ten days sooner I could have secured the money for you, but the party who had the money to loan placed it last week.
    I will, however, continue looking out and if I can come across anyone who has the money to loan [I] will drop you a line. In haste,
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Ben Sachs
    Yours of 11th instant duly to hand, with the silver-plated tea server, which also arrived all OK. It was just the thing wanted. The wedding was a grand success. You will see a full account of it in the Sentinel [column 5].
    I enclose herewith $15 currency, the amount of the bill, hoping it will reach you in due time, and with many thanks I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



S. D. Brastow Esq.
    Dear Sir
        When I was in your city you kindly offered to buy me some cigars at any time I waned them. Enclosed herewith find my check payable to your order for $75 for which send me a fair article of cigar and help yourself to a box for your trouble. Send them by express and oblige
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box J, Letterpress Book Vol. 13 1879-1882, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Ladd & Tilton
    Gentlemen,
        Yours of 3rd inst. duly recd. In reply I would say: that I know but little about Thatcher & Worden's financial condition, as they reside in Linkville, which is some 75 miles distant from this place. I am informed, however, that they have dissolved copartnership and that Thatcher is considered insolvent. It is generally supposed that Worden will be able to pay the firm's debts; this is about all I know about them. I would refer you for full particulars to Genl. T. G. Reames, merchant of this place, who was one of the parties who purchased the business of Thatcher & Worden at Linkville; he is now in your city, attending the Grand Lodge of A.F.&A. Masons. He could and would give you definite information in regard to the financial condition of Messrs. Thatcher & Worden, as he no doubt knows more about it than any other one in this section.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. McCall, Atkinson & Co.
    Ashland Ogn.
        Gents
            When I last [saw] you, I told you I was negotiating a business transaction and would probably need the money on your notes, but would be able to give you 60 days notice, which you said would be sufficient. I desire to say the business in hand at the time I spoke to you has terminated so that I will need the money by the first of September next, which will be near 70 days from this writing. Please do not fail me, as it would subject me to great inconvenience if disappointed.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



J. D. Fountain Esq.
    Dear Sir
        Yours of 8th instant with coin $30 duly to hand, same I have endorsed on your note.
    As to extending a time of payment of the principal, I will say that I can get along till say 15th Sept. next, at that time I will probably need it.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Simpson Crawford & Simpson
    New York City
        Gents
            Enclosed herewith find U.S. postal order for $13.00 for which send me the following articles viz:
    1 dress as illustrated in your circular letter which I enclose. Send as nearly like the sample as you can. No other color desired. I send you a waist lining for pattern by this mail. Length of skirt in back 42 inches. Length of skirt in front 40 inches. Price $8.75.
    Also one sacque No. 207 of your spring and summer catalogue of 1882. Bust measure 38 inches. Price $3.25. Send goods by mail registered. Do you keep measures, or the waist linings sent, so as you can fill future orders without measures being sent you with each order? If so you can keep the lining sent you with this order, if not return the lining. Address goods to "Mrs. C. C. Beekman, Jacksonville, Jackson Co., Oregon."
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



S. D. Brastow Esq.
    San Francisco
        Dear Sir
            The cigars you sent me were first rate for the price, and fully as good as I can afford to smoke. I enclose check for $70--for which please send me 1000 same kind. Send all Colorado Maduros except one box which I wish to present to Mr. Hoffman, my father-in-law. Take out box for your trouble and etc.
P.S. When will you be in this section of country?
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon. M. P. Deady
    Portland Ogn.
        Dear Sir
            I beg leave to acknowledge receipt of yours of 22nd instant, tendering me the appointment of U.S. Commissioner at Jacksonville, Ogn. With the highest appreciation of the honor conferred, I am constrained under existing circumstances to respectfully decline the appointment. I regard the position as one of importance, one necessitating care in all its details. Owing to the nature of my business, I find myself unable to bestow that attention to the duties of the position that it would occasionally require; in addition I might add that my inexperience in law matters would be a serious objection.
    Thanking you for your consideration, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



A. P. Ankeny Esq.
    Dear Sir
        Yours of 23rd inst. duly to hand and contents noted. As you request I have procured and send you herewith enclosed one "Swamp Land Warrant" No. 1951 drawn for $1000.00 dated May 20th 1872 and protested same day, which draws 10% percent interest from date of presentation.
    From what you write I think there is one important point you lose sight of, which is this, viz: If the courts should decide that the swamp land warrants can be paid in for swamp lands, then they must be received in the order in which they are drawn and protested, which is the general law of the state, see code page 295. You will also see that the State Treas. is the only person who is authorized to pay and cancel warrants no matter of what kind they are, or on what fund they are payable out of, and that he is entitled to his percentage for receiving and disbursing, and that I believe was the intention when the Legislature passed the act in favor of the Dalles and Sandy Road Co.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



W. W. Fowler Esq.
    Oakland Cal.
        Dear Sir and Bro.
            Yours of 10th inst. duly to hand and contents noted. I should have answered sooner but it took some little time to look over the records, which is my excuse for the delay.
    We find by the records that you was initiated as an Entered Apprentice October 15th 1855, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft Dec. 8th 1855 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason January 15th 1856 (Sunday Morning).
    I am glad to hear that Miss Mary has been cured of her catarrh and hope the cure is permanent. No news here worth mentioning. Everything jogs along as usual. Your many friends here wish to be remembered to you; they would like to see you "muchly." And by the by in less than eighteen months you can ride from San Francisco to Jacksonville on a railroad car.
P.S. Jerry is well; he went into the [illegible] February.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon. M. P. Deady
    Prest. Board of Regents State University
        Dear Sir
            I have read with pleasure your able report of the condition of the State University to the Governor. The report is not only interesting but instructive, and I congratulate you on the manly, yet gentle, manner in which you properly lay bare to the public eye the evident shortcomings of the faculty. I have watched the institution with deeper interest, perhaps, than those not so immediately interested and I confess that nothing in any reports ever indicated the standing, moral or intellectual, of any individual pupil and that it is only by personal examination and outside information that it can be obtained
    It is gratifying to the patrons of an institution, on which so much of the future intellectual progress and scholarship of the state must depend, to know that it is watched by an officer capable of detecting errors in its conduct and fearless enough to expose them. Hoping that your timely and most appropriate strictures on the inexcusable neglect of the faculty in withholding most essential information from the public will prompt a speedy remedy for the evident carelessness of those in immediate charge of the University.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Kohler & Chase
    San Francisco
        Gents
            Your postal of 27th ultimo requesting me to remit of $7.90 as a balance due you duly to hand. If  you will refer to my letter to you Feby. 17th you will see in that that I asked you what you would sell me the organ for. You answered $206.40. On the 27th I wrote you to send organ, stool & book and enclosed check with the order for $206.00, noting at the close of the letter if not satisfactory to return the check. I have bought of Mason & Hamlin several organs and also Estey organs; extra charge for stool and book is a new thing to me. If you will examine my order for the organ I think you will balance your book, and write me that you are in error which the most reliable firms are liable to once in awhile.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend [Binger] Hermann
    On the 8th June last, you wrote me that you would take $250 for the 80 acres worth of my land in Sec. 29, but could not make the deed just then on account of getting ready to attend Grand Lodge. On the 15th of June I sent you postal card saying make the deed when convenient and I would send you $250--upon its receipt. Since that time I have not heard from you, but have every reason to believe you are still in the land of the living. Did you get my postal card or have you changed your mind in regard to selling? If not please send the deed and I will send you the money ($250) by return mail. As stated to you when we had the talk about the matter I do not want to buy lands and would not think of buying the 80 acres except it adjoined mine and it might help me sell what I had. Have you done anything with the J. C. Fullerton note yet? Let me hear from you when convenient.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



John Loosely Esq.
    Dear Sir
        Yours of 29th ultimo duly to hand.
    In reply I would say there are more checks in this market at present for sale than there is cash to buy them.
    The best I can do at this writing is to discount it at 1% percent, as I would have to send the dft. to San Francisco for collection.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon. P. P. Prim
    Dear Sir
        Will you take the trouble before you leave Salem to see the "Secretary of State" and ascertain how the State of Oregon obtains title to her school lands (16th and 36 sections) from the general government, whether they are patented to the state, or whether it is merely listed and set apart and the state authorities notified, or whether the 16th and 36th sections go to the state without any action whatever, but by virtue of the act of an admission of the state into the Union. Also find out if the government has withheld any of the class of lands named in this state on account of their being mineral lands.
    Please send me a copy of the "State Treasurer's Report," if you have one lying around loose.
    No news here worth mentioning. Everything goes along as usual. There is one question I hear asked many times each day, viz: Frank, how is the ballot today?
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Miss Maggie Linn
    My Dear Niece
        Just before you left here, you promised me to be a good girl. I suppose you thought it strange that I should make such a request, and I will now explain that I done so because I then felt and still feel a deep interest in your present and future welfare and happiness. From the best information I can get I think you have kept your promise, which is very gratifying to me, and I know it must be to your friends and relatives here. When I made the request above stated I made up my mind if you complied that the coming Christmas I would make you a Christmas present. I now anticipate that event and enclose herewith $50 currency, which please accept as a slight testimonial of the high esteem you are held in by
P.S. Please give this no publicity.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Thompson's Bank Note and Commercial Reporter Co.
    No. 25 Park Place New York City
Gents
    Enclosed herewith find $2 in currency for which send me by U.S. mail "One Infallible Gold and Silver Coin Scale and Counterfeit Coin Detector." Send to the following address, viz
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon. Binger Hermann
    Roseburg Ogn.
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 3rd instant enclosing deed for the 80 acres duly to hand. I enclose herewith the purchase price $250 in currency (as agreed) in payment or the same. Please acknowledge receipt and oblige.
    I gave the Co. Clerk the chattel mortgage to file and paid the fees 50 cents as you directed.
    Have you sold the S.E. ¼ of Section 31 Township 35S R1 East? If not I want to buy it so as I can get to Butte Creek from my lands. Please answer.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Frank
    I promised you last summer that I would assist you in order that you might continue your studies during the present school year. I did not talk with you before you left here as to the amount of money you had on hand and what amount would be necessary for you to have to carry you through.
    Upon receipt of this send me your estimate of the amount of money you will need to pay your expenses to the close of the school year.
    No news here worth mentioning. Your folks are usually well.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



G. E. Withington, Esq., Asst. Cashr. First Natl. Bk., Portland Ogn.
    Dear Sir;
        I return you herewith enclosed Dft. No. 100053 in favor of R. E. Kimball & Co. At considerable trouble and some expense I have ascertained that John Snipes, Cashr. of said bank, is "Jack Snipes"--a dusky son of the forest--almost without a local habitation and whose name is carried on the rolls of Klamath Agency as the head of a moderately respectable aboriginal family and who is evidently attempting to "snipe" the unsuspecting Chicago firm. The time of the Cashier is divided between the Agency and Wocus Lake, where the "bank" is alleged to be, the latter being his summer resort; the "bank" is a heavy one, on the margin of the lake; its capital is an unestimated number of tons of sand, on which Cashier "Snipes" basks in the sun, while the little snipes disport themselves around the parental dusky form in gleeful innocence. In conclusion--the check is bogus and R. E. Kimball & Co. are victimized by one of the wards of the government, who appears to make splendid strides towards modern civilization but unfortunately seems to have been in collusion with some wicked confidence man of the superior race, who has corrupted his morals by assisting him to put up a job on an investment firm.
P.S. Expense fifty cents.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Brother
    I send you by mail today two buckskin undershirts which I told you about when I was last at home. They are not to be worn next the skin but over your ordinary undershirt and under your outside or white shirt. I think you will find them very convenient and comfortable during your cold weather. They will want washing once in a while. When you have them washed use soft or rain water with castile or toilet soap. In drying them they will have to be pulled or stretched (while drying in the hands). After they are dry run a smoothing iron over them, but do not have the iron very hot. By following these directions you will keep them soft and in good order.
    This leaves us in usual good health. Hope it will find you and yours enjoying the same great blessing. How did you come out with your timber speculation?
P.S. Cannot you find time to write once in a while?
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



S. D. Brastow Esq.
    Asst. Supt. W.F.&Co.
        San Francisco
            Dear Sir
                The cigars you sent me last summer were a first-rate article for the price, but they could not last always and have finally gone up in smoke.
    I enclose herewith my check for $80 payable to your order, for which buy me another 1000 select "Colorado Maduros" and please keep out a box or two for your trouble and kindness.
    No news here worth mentioning. Weather quite stormy, which makes the express business quite dull at present. I anticipate however a good run of business the coming year. We have been using candle boxes during the last summer, but discontinued them on the first of last month. Wishing you the compliments of the season, I am
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mrs. Mary H. Vining
    Dear Sister
        In answer to yours of 17th inst. I would say that I can let you have the money to pay Grandma.
    I have delayed writing you a day or two, for the reason that when yours came to hand I was short of funds, but since then I have made some collections and can now accommodate you.
    The family are usually well at this writing. Anna Shipley is rapidly convalescing.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mary
    Yours of 27th inst. duly to hand. As you request I enclose a note for you to sign and return. To save you the trouble of coming down, you can draw an order on me for the amount in favor of Papa, Grandma or anyone else you may select and the same will be paid at sight.
    The folks are all well.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Frank Huffer
    Eugene City
        Dear Friend
            Yours of 18th ultimo, stating you would need $205 to carry you to the end of the school year, duly to hand. Enclosed herewith find $210 currency for which you can send me your note.
    I am glad to hear that you and Ben are progressing so well in your studies and that you are enjoying such good health.
    I have no news worth mentioning. Your folks are usually well. Everything jogs along here as usual. We have some few cases of scarlet fever in town but in a mild form.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend [D. M.] Gault
    Let me congratulate [you] on your connection with the "News." I like the style so far and enclose $5 cy. [currency] for which please send me the "Daily" until further orders. I am a believer in the American principle of "fair play" and hope to see the new enterprise succeed.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Chadwick
    I have delayed writing you for the reason that when I wrote I wanted to send you the amount of your bill on Davison, Tice & Co., who have promised to pay it from time to time, but up to this writing have failed to do as they agreed. They have exhausted my patience so today I gave the account to Judge Prim with instructions to collect at once by action at law if necessary. He (Prim) tells me he will go after them in earnest.
    I have no news worth mentioning. We jog along here in about the same old way and all no doubt continues to do so till the railroad reaches us. Every once in a while we have a discussion as to what part of the valley the road will run. Of course we all here want it to go as near Jacksonville as possible. You say in yours of 4th ultimo that the route will be decided on soon and you will learn the fact when the decision is made. Post me if you can; the information will be considered strictly confidential. Hoping this will find you and yours in good health, I will close by wishing you the compliments of the season.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



S. D. Brastow Esq.
    Asst. Supt. W.F.&Co.
        San Francisco
            Dear Sir
                The correspondence herewith will explain itself. From the fact that Agent Engle did not conform to the graduated tariff card I took the liberty to call him to an account. I think now from his letter that he understands the use of the card and he will use it in future, which will save us some trouble and vexation in correcting his collect waybills as well as W.F.&Co. from loss. I beg pardon for assuming authority over an agent of W.F.&Co. without direct authority and I send you the correspondence herewith so that you may be fully advised in the premises.
    My cigars came to hand O.K. They are good. I beg leave to tender my thanks for your many kind offices and hope sometime to be able to retaliate.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mrs. W. S. Stone
    Yreka Cal.
        Dear Madam
            Yours of 12th inst. duly to hand and contents noted. Mr. Dollarhide has not yet paid his note. When he pays shall I insist upon his paying interest up to the time of payment? Or only till January 1st 1883. When he pays I will send all your funds to Yreka as you direct.
    The Jacob Thompson note was paid some days ago. I have forgotten whether I notified at the time or not.
    Wallace Bishop is trying to borrow money to pay his note. I learn he is about to get it of S. Furry. As it is a good loan I would reduce his interest to 10% percent; that is, I did not want to use it or invest it in other quarters. I am glad to hear that the Col. is convalescing and hope he will soon be with us.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Chadwick
    I wrote you [a] day or two ago that I had given your claim on Davidson & Co. to Judge Prim for collection. The Judge went after them at once and yesterday they paid the bill $30, same goes forward to you by W.F.&Co. express this morning.
    The Judge makes no charge for collecting, you being one of the profession.
    I thanked him in your behalf. You might acknowledge receipt to him direct if you think best.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Wadsworth
    I see by the papers today that "Spring Valley Water" stock has gone down to par. Now I don't believe you San Francisco fellows can get along without water, and while the supply may be short I think the Co. can furnish you with enough to drink. I have here about $5000--more money than I can use profitably in my business--and I want to invest it in something and can't do it here so as it will pay me more than 8% percent per annum. Hence I have concluded to take chances in Spring Valley stock.
    I want you to buy for me 50 shares (no more nor no less) if you think it will go lower hold off buying for a day or two, but if it begins to go up secure the 50 shares. You may charge the cost to my bank account, and in order to make W.F.&Co. perfectly secure have the stock issued to H. Wadsworth Trustee. Will you give me your opinion as to the cause of the decline of the stock. I see the San Francisco papers say it is on account of the expected short supply the coming season, but the thought suggests itself that there may be some other cause, and you may be in a position that you can obtain an inkling of it. Your opinion will be treated [as] confidential.
    I shall try and make your city a visit the coming summer. How are you getting along? And how is your health. I suppose you are kept closely confined with your many duties. Can't you come up this spring. I should be delighted to see you.
    The railroad from Portland will reach this valley by next July, and times will probably be good here next summer. Let me hear from you.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



S. D. Brastow Esq.
    Asst. Supt. W.F.&Co.
        San Francisco
            Dear Sir
                Yours of 1st instant in regard to box val. $100 addressed "Gee Toy" Jacksonville, sent from San Francisco Dec. 31st with W/B #365, duly to hand. In reply I would say that the day the box was due here my clerk says himself and the stage agent made a thorough search in the stage for the box but it was not aboard. The stage agt. then said it would probably be over next trip, that it was no doubt kept back on account of bad roads and the large loads of mail. The next day it did not arrive nor the day after; he then concluded that the box had been sent via Portland as we had been receiving express matter that way and waited till he was satisfied it was not forwarded by that route and then sent tracer for it. He claims that he followed section 10 & 12 page 18 as he understood it but instead of sending copy of W/B he sent tracer, taking it for granted that that was sufficient.
    My clerk (Boyer) and the stage agt. here are positive that the box has not passed this office nor has it reached this place. I am of the opinion that if the box was put on board of stage at Yreka, that it was stolen between that place and Cottonwood. I might add that Boyer says the consignee of the box in question was inquiring for the box daily for two or three days before the W/B reached this office and stated that the box contained clothing, hence at the time the box was due here no thought was given to its being stolen but had been miscarried or detained at Yreka. He says had the Chinaman told him the box contained opium he would have come to a different conclusion. To conclude I would say that owing to large mails express freight during the winter has been detained en route a great deal and in some instances matter W/B overland has reached us via Portland. We have been vigilant in looking after it, and successfully, in every instance except this one.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Geo. Engle Esq.
    Agt. W.F.&Co.
        Riddle Ogn.
            Dear Sir
                Yours of 4th instant duly to hand. In reply I would say that the Chinaman "Gee Toy" has received a number of pkgs. at this office; sometimes they are addressed thus viz. "Gee Toy," "Che Toy" and sometimes "Gee Den Toy." He always signs on our delivery book Gee Toy and he goes by that name here. He has resided here a long time. We have known him personally for several years. He is a pretty good man for a Chinaman. On the 16th Dec. last he bought a check of me payable to Poo Lung & Co. for the sum of $300; after about Dec. 25th last he called here daily for 2 or 3 weeks and inquired for a box of opium. During the time he wrote to Poo Lung & Co. and he told me that they had wrote to him that W.F.&Co. said that they had sent his box to Riddle and he wanted me to write you to send his box to Jacksonville. I am satisfied the box you delivered belongs to the Chinaman here. Can you find the Chinaman who got the box from you? If so I would have him arrested at once, that is if he did not pay for it.
    You cannot be too careful in delivering opium to Chinamen. They have tried the dodge on me and came near getting away with it. Hence of late we will not deliver opium till we are perfectly satisfied as to the identity of the consignee.
    You have my sympathy and my best advice is to hunt up your Gee Toy at once, and force him to make restitution. Possibly you can get some leading Chinaman to assist for a suitable reward.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Anna Fearnside
    Cor. Secy. Oregon State Woman Suffrage Association
        Madam
            I hereby acknowledge receipt of a courteous invitation to be present at the annual convention of the Association on 13th, 14th & 15th instant. In reply I have to say that business engagements prevent my attendance and thanking the officers of the Association for the proffered honor, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



W. D. Evans Esq.
    Dear Sir
        In answer to your inquiries under date of 29th ult. I enclose a slip from the Oregon Sentinel, published here, and a real estate circular--both very fair statements--unimproved lands can be had at from $4 to $10 per acre. Our schools are excellent. Grape, plum & prune culture will be important industries here. Railroad connection with Portland, the metropolis of Oregon, will be accomplished this year. Timber & water plenty. Climate comparatively mild. Have no data of rainfall at hand, but it is not excessive.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



A. H. Burrows Esq.
    Agt. Cal.&O.S.Co. [California & Oregon Stage Co.]
        Yreka Cal.
            Dear Sir
                We are still short box addressed to "Gee Toy" Jacksonville, which should have left your place Jany. 2nd 1883. On that day your stage W/B calls for two boxes for W.F.&Co. Jayville. One box arrived OK, the other box short. We are sure the box did not pass here, for we made thorough search in the stage for the box the day it was due here and for several successive days after. We are now informed that Mr. Laird, driver from Yreka on that day (Jany. 2) reports that he was short one box and he sent you word to that effect by Mr. Ficke, driver. He (Laird) says it was his last trip, as the next trip you put on a swing team hence he did not see you in person to explain the matter to you. Are you sure you put two boxes on board stage that that time (Jany. 2)? If not the box may still be south of Yreka. Will you please look into the matter and give me the result of your investigation and oblige.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Lindsay Applegate Esq.
    Ashland Ogn.
        Dear Sir
            I am in receipt of a letter from a party who is desirous of buying land in Jackson County and he has requested me to ascertain for him what certain designated farms are held at and among others he names your farm situated in or near the town of Ashland. Will you please inform me by return mail
    First, Is your farm in or near Ashland for sale?
    Second, If so, how many acres does it contain?
    Third, At what price will you sell it for cash?
    Fourth, How long after sale before possession could be had?
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



A. P. Ankeny Esq.
    Portland
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 20th inst. duly to hand. In reply I would say that I have made inquiries of several parties who I thought could give me the information desired, but without effect, so today I wrote to the owner direct, stating that I had received a letter from a friend who desired to invest in land in this valley and his farm was one of [the] farms designated and wished him to write me if his place was for sale, if so how many acres it contained and what he would sell for cash down & when possession could be given. As soon as I hear from him I will write you again.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



J. Wimer Esq.
    Waldo, Ogn.
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 20th inst. duly to hand. In reply I would say that I have sold the scrip $300 at 95. If you have or should change your mind in regard to selling it please let me know at once so as I can notify the parties not to depend upon it.
    In regard to the $2000 more you want I would say that the party I expected to get the money of when you were here has since that time placed the same, in fact I did not speak to them about it, for I understood you to say that I need not do so as you could get it in Josephine Co. I cannot tell at present whether I will be able to spare it from my own business or not. Hence I will keep a lookout for it in some other quarter, and in order to do so please write me definitely. First just how much you want, second when will you want it, and for what length of time and upon what security if any. And the rate of interest which I suppose however would be 10% percent per annum. Then as I stated to you, when you were here I could make a definite proposition to anyone I can find who has the money to loan.
    At this writing I think I can probably get it off Cameron, particularly if he has not loaned all he had when he spoke to you about me. Since then I have heard that he has lent part if not all he had. I have in view two other persons who I will speak to when I see them. In haste
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



David Dunlap Esq.
    Dear Sir
        I have seen and talked with Mr. Herschberger in regard to cutting those trees on my land which you wrote me about.
    He says he supposed and was told that they were on public land. He made cedar posts of the timber. He proposes to pay for the trees and I do not know what they are worth nor what to charge him for them.
    Will you please drop me a line and give me your opinion as to their worth and what I ought to charge him. You I suppose know what they are worth. I mean the going rate. He (Herschberger) seems to regret what he done and says he is willing to [do] what we think is right in the premises. I hear that you have been unwell a good deal during the last fall & winter. Hope this will find you all right and enjoying good health. No news here worth mentioning.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Brother
    Yours of 18th ultimo duly to hand. In reply I would say that "Spring Valley Water" stock has received a terrible black eye within the last 60 days and cannot tell whether it will recover from the blow without the loss of the eye or not. Cause, at the last election in San Francisco the Democrats with the aid of the "Sand Lot or Hoodlum" element carried the city. The Supervisors elected, the "Sand Lotters" besides two prominent papers, the Daily Bulletin and Daily Call, are hostile to the water co. The Supervisors are required each year under the law to fix the rates to be collected of consumers of water. They threaten and are about to reduce the rates 37½% which I am afraid they will do. If they should the water co. will not be able to pay any dividends to the stockholders. Hence the tumble in the stock from $119 per share last August to $78 per share in February (of course you will understand the par value of the shares are $100 per share). The co. are fighting hard to have the old or last year's rate maintained. I send you some San Francisco papers; by reading them carefully you will be enabled to understand the situation fully. I have not sold my stock, nor do I think I shall, still the way matters look at present I do not want to buy any more, nor would I advise you to buy, at least at this writing, as the probabilities are now that there will be no dividends to stockholders for some time to come. The co. discontinued paying dividends Feby. 1st and no one can tell when they will be resumed as the co. owe $4,000,000.00 which will have to be paid or a new loan made by 1890. The co. works are mortgaged to secure it. This leaves us usually well. Ben is still at college, says he will graduate next year. Tell Lizzie that I am much obliged to her; through her efforts I believe I am indebted for the first letter ever received from you. On the 24th March 1882 I sent you $310, which was to pay the amount I borrowed of you when I was last at home. You have not acknowledged the receipt of the same. Did you get it all OK?
    I think within say one year you can ride in a railroad car from Dundee to this valley. If so will you come and see us? We shall be delighted if you will; bring Lizzie along with you. I regret to hear that Dewitt has sold out and think as you do that he has missed it and he will find that it is much easier getting out of business than getting in. I expect however that he had strong competition and was not making much.
    Julia and Carrie join with me in [sending] much love to you all. Don't fail to remember me specially to Mother. Tell her I am so glad to hear that she is enjoying such good health. Excuse mistakes and composition, as I have written this in a great hurry.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



J. Wimer & Sons
    Waldo
        Gents
            In reply to yours of 8th instant I would say that I have sold the scrip at 95, have then drawn in $500 [gold?] pieces and protested by Co. Treas. In regard to the $2000 more I have secured it for you from same parties on your note without any security, note to be drawn "we or either of us" and signed by J. Wimer, G. W. Wimer and W. J. Wimer due 1st August 1883. To avoid any misunderstanding I would add that the note is to be what is known as an ironclad. I told the parties you would just as leave give that kind of a note as any other. The above is to be taken by a syndicate; money is to be ready 2nd April and you are to take it at that time. If you have changed your mind in any way let [closing of letter not copied]
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon. R. Koehler
    Manager O&CRR
        Dear Sir
Your communication addressed to C. C. Beekman and other citizens of Jacksonville, relative to the route of your "extension" through the valley, is respectfully acknowledged. It is a matter of serious regret that your judgment prompts you to adopt the line most remote from Jacksonville and that the superior character of the ground to the westward should be overbalanced by other engineering advantages in your reaching a conclusion we have neither the right nor disposition to question. Touching your proposition to divert the line to the south [sic] side of Hanley's Butte in consideration of a subsidy of $25,000, right of way and depot grounds, we may as well be frank and say at once that it is simply impossible to raise the cash subsidy. There was no surplus raised last season in the county, owing to the uncertainty of a market, and the past winter has been a complete failure among the miners owing to lack of rain--these combined circumstances produce a financial strain on this community that places the raising of a subsidy out of the question. At best we could only promise you a free right of way from your point of divergence to that point where your line was regained and a deed to sufficient depot grounds for the accommodation of Jacksonville where you may select.
    This we are willing to guarantee, and the guarantee would be secured to you by a sufficient bond as evidence of our good faith. We can offer no additional arguments to those contained in the communication to Mr. Villard and only again call your attention to the advantage to you of the minimum of taxation which we assure you the citizens of Jacksonville have the power to and will control in your interest and hope that it may enter as a factor into your calculations before you arrive at a final conclusion. We would not have you understand that in the event our prayer is not granted we would use our influence to oppose the company.
    This communication will be handed to you by General Reames, one of the gentlemen who had the honor of an interview with you on this subject in May 1882, and who is authorized to represent us and make any arrangement his judgment suggests.
    Thanking you for the proffered courtesy of the road we herewith return the "passes" unused as General Reames is already in your city on his way to San Francisco and it was thought unnecessary to send another representative.
   
    On the other hand, if our prayer is granted request is favorably considered, we should certainly rest under obligations to forward your interests the interests of your company by your voice and influence in county or state legislature whenever it became necessary.


Copy.
Hon. Silas J. Day
Dear Sir
    Your letter of the 13th inst. was duly handed to me by Mr. Thompson.
    I have given the most careful consideration to the subject of your communication. I regret to say that I am forced to the conclusion that the company would not be justified in adopting the line nearest to Jacksonville, unless it is relieved from the additional expense involved in its construction. Much as I would like to oblige the people of Jacksonville in this respect, my duty to the stockholders of the O.&C.R.R. Co. will not permit me to arrive at any other decision. As you will know, this railroad enterprise has been an unfortunate one from its inception to the present day. One large sacrifice after another had to be made by its owners in order to keep it alive. They have now assumed an enormous additional burden by consenting to the creation of a large mortgage indebtedness, taking absolute precedence of their rights as stockholders in order to render the completion of the line to the California boundary practicable. Moreover, the cost of the southern extension is proving much larger than was anticipated.
    Under the circumstances it is absolutely impossible for me to put the additional charge upon the owners that the compliance with your suggestions would entail.



C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



G. D. Morse Esq.
    San Francisco
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 3rd instant enclosing bill for picture group & etc. duly to hand. Enclosed herewith find my check #4522 payable to your order for $44 amount of the bill.
    Please acknowledge receipt and acknowledge.
P.S. The picture arrived in good shape.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mutual Glass Co.
    Pittsburgh Pa.
        Gentlemen,
            Yours of Sept. 20th, with collection on N. Delamater, Kerbyville, Ogn., duly at hand and paid today. Having no correspondent in your city, I enclose P.O. order in your favor No. 24729 for $49, which with $1 com. & fee of order makes the amt. of collection.
    In your letter of July 16th in relation to former collections made for you, you ask, "Ain't your charges a little steep?" In reply, I state that two of those collections were at a distance from this place and necessarily involve additional expense.
    Delamater lives over 50 miles from here; this will account for the amount charged and hope will be satisfactory.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



My Dear Governor
    You will find my name among those of many worthy men on a request for the appointment of Mr. Webster to fill the place vacated by Judge Hanna. I now desire that my signature shall have full force by adding my personal assurance that the applicant is well worthy and, I believe, will be an honor to the bench, and whose appointment will be very satisfactory to the people of this judicial district.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Friend Wadsworth
    Yours of 25th ult. duly to hand. In reply I would say that I cannot use the money to any advantage at present. I have at this time about $20,000 coin in safe and there being no dust in market, it keeps me rustling to get checks & etc. to meet my dfts., which I am obliged to draw for customers, or give up the business to the post office. At the present time on account of railroad building, Jackson County is full of money, and it is almost impossible to make an A1 loan anymore.
    Should anything turn up so that a person could use money here to advantage I will communicate with you.
    Have you been over to Mills Seminary yet? Carrie writes us that she is enjoying good health and is getting along nicely and that she has been invited and expected to spend Thanksgiving Day with J. B. White's folks, who are old acquaintances of ours.
    No news here worth mentioning. Hoping this will find yourself and family in good health, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Messrs. Schweitzer Sachs & Co.
    San Francisco
        Gents
            We return you your bill sent me for collection 9th ultimo on Kaspar Kubli for $42.70 (it is no go). Mr. Kubli refuses to pay the bill and says he has overpaid the original bill and that he will not pay any interest. Hence we return the statement herewith enclosed. No use of holding it any longer.
    The first time I spoke to Mr. Kubli about the matter he got in quite a passion. I let him cool off, and in a few days I tried him again, and in the language of the Scriptures I would say his last condition "was worse than the first."
    Wishing you the compliments of the season, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Samuel Phillips
    San Francisco
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 20th instant duly to hand and contents noted. I send you this day by Wells Fargo & Co.'s Express as you request $250 coin, it being the balance in my hands belonging to you.
    Your family are usually well. The season so far has been very dry, not enough rain for farmers to put in crops; only about ½ is in the ground as yet, but at this writing it is raining quite hard so we are in hopes that the miners will soon be able to get to mining.
    Wishing you a merry Christmas and hoping that your eyesight will soon be restored, I remain
P.S. Give my regards to Messrs. Powers & Wilder.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Samuel Moore & Co.
    San Francisco Cal.
        Gents
            Yours of 26th ultimo enclosing your dft. for $396.26 on Chung Lee & Co. duly to hand. We presented same to Chung Lee today for payment. He says he cannot pay at present and will not be able to pay till water comes and the Chinese miners get to work, says he will pay in about 3 months.
    I might add there has been no mining here this winter as yet, owing to scarcity of water, but at this writing it is raining finely, so there is a fair prospect that miners will be able to get at work shortly.
    I return the collection herewith enclosed, no use holding.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



[addressee illegible]
    Yours of 30th ultimo just at hand; it was the first mail received here for eight days. Our mails have been detained on account [of] bad roads and high water. You say I was written to Nov. 22nd; if so I did not get the letter. I was absent from here the latter part of Nov. and first part of December, which no doubt accounts for it. In regard to your request I would say that I am hard run at this time myself for money on account of losses the last two years; it is all I can do to keep my boat afloat. I however enclose herewith $80 cy. which is all I can possibly spare, and if you can return it in six months instead of 8 please do so.
    Hoping it will come to hand safely and find you and yours in good health and prospering, I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



    If you wish to pay the $2000 out before the other arrives I wish it paid pro rata to the creditors and when the other $2500 arrives I would like to have this whole amount cover my entire indebtedness, and as I have sent all that I have saved including the $500 insurance on building I think creditors should have generosity enough to settle that way in consideration of my heavy losses and my anxiety to resume business again. If unwilling to do that all I can do is to request to pay all pro rata and pay the balance when I can. The amount of my indebtedness to merchants is $5089.
    Please acknowledge receipt and
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  Howard's Jacksonville store burned on January 1.



Hon. E. B. Watson
    Salem Ogn.
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 24th instant duly to hand. In reply I would say that the bonds you write about are hypothecated in San Francisco, but I can get them here in say 10 days and will do so for 92½ cents on the dollar (on principal and interest) cash upon delivery, and that there may be no misunderstanding in regard to the offer, suppose a bond is drawn for $500, with interest on same for say 10 years at 10% percent per annum would be $500. Total of bond including interest would be $1000, which at 92½ would be $925 which would be what the bond is worth.
    If the party want them at that figure it is a go, providing this proposition is accepted in say 10 days.
    No news here worth mentioning. Everything jogs along in the same old way. Mr. Kubli's folks are usually well.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



W. H. Atkinson Esq.
    Dear Sir & Bro.
        In reply to yours of Jany. 9th and 1st instant, I would say that I have made some inquiries here in regard to your proposed loan, and I do not believe I can place it here. On account of other investments I cannot handle it myself at this time. I would suggest that you write Portland or Salem. In case you do so it would be well to add that the building will be pledged as well as the faith of the □ [a Masonic symbol] to the redemption of the bonds and in addition (as in our case) keep the building insured to the full amount of the indebtedness for benefit of bond holders in case of loss by fire. With above facts stated I believe you will have no trouble to place the bonds at 7% (possibly you may have to pay 8%) particularly if it be known that there is no other claims against the □ building.
    I expect to make your town a visit one of those days, when I will see you and will give my ideas about the matter more fully.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mr. Robert Geddes
    Dear Sir:
        Yours of 14th ult. came duly to hand and in reply [I] have to state that Mr. Geddes has been charged with larceny and bound over for the action of the grand jury. Our circuit court is now in session and the grand jury has found a bill against him for grand larceny. I called to see Mr. Geddes in jail this morning; he says he had no intention of committing a crime; had hired or borrowed a horse, and had pawned him to be redeemed in ten days. I will secure competent counsel to defend him; his trial will come off perhaps tomorrow, and [I] will let you know the result immediately. His wife I have not seen, but she is represented as a respectable lady--has three small children--and is in destitute circumstances, and her immediate and pressing wants have been supplied by her neighbors in this place. Your wishes as regards her and her helpless children shall be promptly attended to.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



W. H. Atkinson Esq.
    Ashland Ogn.
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 11th instant duly to hand and contents noted. In reply I would say that I cannot see why the projected bank at your place should not prove lucrative to the stockholders, as well as a convenience to the people, but on account of other investments (made recently) I am not able to take any stock at this time.
    Thanking you for the opportunity of taking stock and wishing you success in the new enterprise I remain
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



P. Schulze Esq.
    Portland
        Dear Sir
            Yours of 1st instant duly to hand and contents noted. In reply would say that I am told that Messrs. Phipps and Broback are selling town lots in Medford for most anything they can get. I have sold or rather bargained for one lot and told the party that I would sell the lot on as favorable terms as Broback or Phipps would. After he selected a lot, I told him the schedule price agreed upon was $300. He said he could get as good an one of Broback for $100. As I promised I suppose I will have to let him have it at or about that rate. The above is the only lot I have bargained for. I had a talk with Mr Loring before he left here for Portland in regard to town site matters, and requested him to inform Mr. Koehler fully as to the situation at Medford, which he said he would do. To sum up I am satisfied that part of the town proprietors of Medford are selling town lots under the agreed schedule prices. Being advised of the fact, you perhaps know better than I what is best to do in the premises. For my part I am willing to do most anything.
C. C. Beekman Papers Mss 916 Box K, Letterpress Book Vol. 1 1882-1884, Oregon Historical Society Research Library