Western Expresses Alphabetically

Western Expresses were private individuals or companies that operated west of the Mississippi River and carried letter mail between cities, mining camps, and other settlements. This group of companies became prominent after 1849. Letter mail was handled by them to areas and towns that did not have established post offices and hence the carriage did not contravene any postal laws that prohibited mail carried privately on postal routes. Although the carriage of letter mail was usually a component of their business, many of these companies also handled gold, parcels, and some even provided banking services. Some issued adhesive stamps for premium services or sold government postal entires that bore an additional frank to indicate prepayment of express fees. Western Expresses came into prominence during the California gold rush and were in their heyday in the 1850’s and 1860’s.

The cities of Marysville, Sacramento, and Stockton acted as base towns for many of the smaller express feeders into the mining regions of inland California. These base towns were themselves fed from San Francisco.

Enclosed letter (transcribed on following page) reads in part: …I am anxiously waiting for the arrival of the steamer California…The steamer Panama sailed a few days previous and the Oregon in a few days will also leave and I was unaware of it until yesterday or I would have written to you by the first…I have been in this country about 2 months and have not as yet been up to the mines having as much as I can any ways possibly attend to at merchandising in Stockton…About 30 miles from here a few days ago at the Sonoranian camp a lump of gold was found to weigh 28 1/2 pounds and at the same time another one was also found and weighed 6 1/2 # all solid…Charles L Peck

San Francisco in October, 1849

Dear Lizzie,

I suppose you are by this time beginning to think that I have entirely forgotten you, by my so long a negligence about writing to you since I have been on this coast, but no indeed Lizzie! For since I have heard of one or 2 little circumstances connected with us. It has made me think night and day of you. I am anxiously waiting for the arrival of the steamer California with a guilting head and feelings to hear from you, and should a letter fail to come, oh! how sad I will be.

The steamer Panama sailed a few days previous and the Oregon in a few days will also leave and I was unaware of it until yesterday or I would have written to you by the first. Please excuse my negligence and rely upon the future steamers leaving our ports for one each time. And of course you will gratify my feelings by responding frequently or oftener as your convenience will agreeably permit. I know that we are a long ways apart but my feelings often bring us nearer.

I have been in this country about 2 months and have not as yet been up to the mines having as much as I can any ways possibly attend to at merchandising in Stockton, about 150 miles up the San Joaquin River from San Francisco and about 30 to 60 miles from the different mining districts. I am doing exceedingly well or I would otherwise go to the mines and in fact I expect to remain in the mines most all the ensuing winter and if I have good luck I will then return to the states in the spring or summer next. And its only one identical thing that will lead me to come at that time, and you can well guess what that is. Some people here have made an immense fortune in a short time and many are yet doing well. I am clearing of all expenses from $1500 to $2000 per month. Everything here is very extravagant indeed. About 30 miles from here a few days ago at the Sonoranian camp a lump of gold was found to weigh 28 1/2 pounds and at the same time another one was also found and weighed 6 1/2 # all solid. I have seen one of the largest pieces. Lizzie how would you like to come out to California? Providing a good opportunity would prevail. I wish that I had the answering of this question I could soon decide upon what to do. How many times have I bitterly thought of my misdemeanor for not going to see you while in Berlin, and if such an opportunity would now offer, you would be seen first in preference to all relatives. You are very kind indeed to forgive me and many thanks are entitled to you for it.

I am thankfully blessed with health and have been so ever since I left Berlin. And may this find you in like circumstances is my earnest prayer. Good bye dear and excuse all errors.

Charles L Peck

Now don’t forget to write on receipt of this for I have not heard from your self since I left England.

Stockton is very near, if not quite as large as Berlin but four hundred or more times the quantity of business is done here than in Berlin. We have in this place about 15 stores both wholesale and retail, and all are doing a splendid business. Mine is the second largest in the place.

Charlie

Miss E.A.P
Gold Mines
Love Mines
C.L.P.

Western Expresses Alphabetically