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Hodgkins, Pilsbury

Life of Pilsbury Hodgkins,
better known throughout
California as "Chips"

[s. |]
[19097]

 
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University of California at Berkeley Library

USAIN State and Local Literature Preservation Project

Master negative storage number: 00-136.4

(national version of the master negative storage number: CU SN00136.4)

 

Author: Hodgkins, Pilsbury, 1825-1892.

Title: Life of Pilsbury Hodgkins, better known throughout California as
"Chips", 1909?

Description: 68 p. ; 28 cm.

Notes: Typescript.

Author describes life in mines in great detail, describes his
duties and activities as express man, and, eventually,
employee of Wells Fargo. Mentions Pony Express. After
narrative are transcripts of newspaper obituraries.

Mr. Hodgkins was born in Nobleboro, Maine. Left in 1841 for
Boston, where apprenticed to Dolbeare and Son, Shipwrights and
Calkers. In 1848 left for California,working his passage as a
carpenter on ship, York (Pacific Company). Landed in San
Francisco and immediately headed for diggings out of Jamestown
(Tuolumne County). Worked variety of sites including Jackass
Gulch, out of Sonora. In 1851, in addition to mining business,
worked for Reynold's Express as expressman, delivering

 
throughout mining camps. In 1853 sold out mining business,
concentrating on express business. In 1857, company bought out
by Wells Fargo. From 1857 to 1870 worked for Wells Fargo on
steamer going between Stockton and San Francisco, 1870-1877
worked between San Francisco and San Diego, 1877-1886 was in
charge of Company's steamer dept. and from 1886-1891 was in
charge of Collection Dept. Had made his home in Stockton.

Subjects: Hodgkins, Pilsbury, 1825-1892.
Wells, Fargo & Company -- Employees -- Biography.
Reynold's Express.
Voyages to the Pacific coast.
Gold miners -- California -- Biography.
Pioneers -- California -- Biography.
Gold mines and mining -- California.
Express service -- California -- History.
Express service -- Employees -- California -- Biography.
Pony express.
Steamboats -- California.
California -- Gold discoveries.
Stockton (Calif.) -- Biography.

Call numbers: CSL State Lib q B H689 California Rare Bk

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borrowed from

California State Library,
Sacramento, Calif.

 
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900 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

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LIFE OF PILSBURY HODGKINS

BPPTER KNOWN THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA AS CHIPS.

I was born in Nobleboro, Maine, Feb. 17th, 1825,

My father died when I was three years old, and ny mother

became an invalid, when I was only eight, and contimed

in 111 health to the time of her death, which wes in the
fall after I was fifteen. It is a great source of cone
solation to me now, to know that I was of rmech service to
ny nother during her sickness. lany comforts, umeh nursing
and nearly all little attentions that she received were
through wy exertions.

Attor ry father's death, the old homestead ( o lew
Pngland farm ) with good buildings, and well stocked,
fell into the hands of iy oldest Lrother.

I was much younger than the rest, and ot the age of

eight was put to work at whatever I could do on the farm.

 
 

 

Our District School was only for a few weeks in summer,
and the same in winter, so my educatlon wes very limited.
I remained with my brother till March 1841, going to school

in the winter. My treatment was not what it should have

been from an elder brother, as 1 was left to look out for

myself os best I could. One fine Sunday wmerning directly

after breakfast, I pocked up a few things and went over to
one of ny sisters on the next farm, and made ry intention
known to her and o cousin, that lived there. Ile took ny
bundle to avoid suspicion and passed by ny old home, I
followed about fifteen minutes later. After reaching the
place agreed upon, we parted company, I hurried on to where
I hored to board a vessel tha would take me away from ny
native state; I walked seven miles, made good time, found
the schooner Albion and saw Capt. Robinson. After stating
my case he put me in the cabin, in his room where I remained
until noon, when they cast off, and I could hear the vessel

rushing through the water (a most welcome sound.)

o

<a

 
 

We arrived in Boston on the first day of April 1841.
My first night there was spent at the house of (Mrs. Caleb
llobbs) a friend of ny oldest sister. She has been a good
friend of mine ever since; she is now a resident of San
Francisco.

The next day I went as apprentice boy to Dolbeare and
Son, Shipwrights and Calkers., I served a full apprentice-
ship of five years, as that class of mechanics would not

work with ao man that did not serve full time.

My masters were kind and treated me well, I lived with the

son and ate ot his table. When I had been there about o
year I went out one evening to meet some chums by appoint-

ment. It was stormy and I walted on the corner, but they

were late, While wolting I began to think it was a rdstoke

to depend on smoking and drinking and the usual accom ani

3

ments for pleasure; I went back home and resolved never to

use tobacco or intoxicating liquors again, and from that

night to the present time (1800) I have never broken uy

3

 
 

resolution.

My employers furnished ny ordinary clothing, and when I
was eighteen I was glven thirty dollars to buy a best suit of
clothes, and when twenty-one they gave me forty dollars for
the same purpose.

One incident during this time is worth relating.

George Dolbeare, one of the sons was a machinist and built

the machinery for an experimental boat invented by a man namn-

ed Lehr. We were out one day on a trial trip accompanied by

W. L. Dolbeare, brother of the engincer., We ran down the bay

two or three miles and returned making the boat fast to the

end of the wharf to make some changes, 1 was on the edge of

the wharf, and had called W. L. Dolbeare to come where I was,

a8 the engineer did not need us. As he started to climb on
the wharf, the boiler exploded, going a high distance in the
alr and falling into the water over one hundred feet distant.
The explosion horribly mutilated and scalded the engineer and
threw W. L. Dolbeare a long distance into the water, some

»
“4%

 
 

bruised and burned, but he recovered. George died two days
after, never being conscious. Some pieces of iron cut off
the rim of my straw hat very near my forehead, but did no
harm to me.

While in Boston I was an active member of the Fire
Department and sew some hard times.

In the fall of 1848, the California fever was rag ng.

I hod lost all the money I had saved since being free —- was

swindled out of it by an unscrupulous wretch, who was a

Deacon of a church; I trusted in him - he took ny money and
I never could get any redress: I concluded to go to California.
I made a bargein to go on the bark Lanark, Capt.Woodbury.
I was to be carpenter and do seamen's duty besides, and that
would pay for uy passage to San Francisco. AboHt two wecks
before the sailing of the vessel, I went to the Captain and
insisted on signing the shipping papers = when he informed me
with a smile - that I must pay one hundred dollars and work
besides. I talked to him very plainly and bid him good-bye,

5

 
 

 

with some remarks, more forcible than polite.

That evening I called at the office of the Pooific Com-

pany, then fitting out the Ship York for San Francisco and told
them I was anxious to go to California, and the only terms I
could make was to work ny passage. They took the case into
consideration and requested me to call the next night, which

I did and then made the arrangement to be carpenter of the
Ship = live in the cabin, and have everything furnished in the
shape of tools and food for one~half what I could earn after
IY arrivel in California.

The ship was frozen in at East Boston several months that
winter, ond we did not sail until the first day of April, 1849.
Nothing of great interest took place on the voyage until passe-
ing Cape Horn and working north when some of the passengers
(who were owners in the outfit) were very anxious to go into

some of the South Auericen ports, but there was no occasion

for it, and the Captain did not wish to make a thousand miles

more than was needed and told them he would not go into port.
6

 
Some of them who had never been to sea before said they would
force him to go in port and commenced to waste the fresh water.

Captain Cheever seeing this, ordered me to put a lock on the

A
scuttle bbls, and deal out the water to the cooks and stewards

a8 they wanted, and see that none was wasted. I obeyed and
the first night after that the cover was pried off and hinges,
lock, clasp and all were thrown overboard, I was then ordered
to put on another, and the Captain put up a notice, for all to
be careful of the water, as there was plenty for ordinary use,
but none to waste. This did no good - the cover was again
torn off and water wasted. Another notice was posted up,
that the ship would not stop for water, so long as there was
a quart a day per men, No notice was taken of thls, and the
waste continued. A final notice was put up with embellish-
ments, that the ship should not stop short of her port of
destination, so long as there was a half pint a day per man,
with a concluding sentence that he could stand it on that
amount four days. That brought them to terms, and there was
no more waste.

During a gale one of the Company, Mr. Hubbard met with a

7

 

 

 

 
 

serious accident. The ship was rolling very heavily and a
gask got adrift and struck against him breaking one of his

legs between the ankle and knee, which erippled him for the

balonce of his life. He died at the Hospltal in Stockton,
in 1854. The balance of our voyage was ordinarily pleasant.

A few days before arriving at San Francisco we began to
fall in with some of the fleet of vessels bound for California.
Some of them were short of provisions; one vessel, I think it
was the Bark Maid of Orleans had nearly every body on board
down with the scurvy. We supplied them with rice, pickles,
dried fruits, currants, canned meats, and soup de boullion
all we could spare. Oapt. Cheever compared reckoning with
two Vessels — they were both different from his, so he thought
his mst be wrong and sailed accordingly, but his proved to be
right. We arrived at San Francisco on the 16th day of Septem-
ber about 4 P.M.

There were very few buildings and many a canvas tent.

Some of the cargo of our ship was landed about where the

Merchants! Exchange now stands, between Montgomery and San=

some streets.

 
 

One-half of our crew went on shore the 17th, the others,
myself included walted till the 18th,we went on shore and
spent the day. I pald one dollar for uy first meal in San
Francisco. It was served in a tent on the south-west corner
of Clay and Montgomery streets and consisted of a boiled
fish's head, a slice of bread and butter and a cup of coffee.

We remained in San Francisco for several days and then
started for Benicia with the ship. We anchored off Angel
Island - went on shore there and shot a deer, which made a
grand feast for all on board, (sixty-three men all told.)
Arrived at Benicia and moored the ship alongside the bank.
Then the Company began to growl among themselves - some wanted
to do one thing, some another. They finally agreed to dis-
agree - and each go where he pleased. The Company voted to
give me one hundred dollars in money and six months provisions.
Capt. Cheever came to me, to see if I would Join his party to
go to the mines. My answer was, yes, if agreeable to the
balance of the party. He said "the rest mmst agree with us,
as you and I are the first two."

The Captain then made his choice from the Company taking

J. H. Barnes, Joe Bs Thompson and =- Smith. We were then

9

 
 

laying ot Benicia, and before leaving Mr. Charles Cheever -
cousin of the Capt., was taken sick and died. We buried him
on a little hill about a quarter of a mile from the ship;
Placed a piece of board at the head and foot of the grave,
and left the first one of our Company to take his last sleep
on the golden shore of the Pacific. We lay at Benicla some
eight or ten days making our preparations for the nines.
Three different parties were formed, and each took a boat
from the ship; she was well supplied having in all eight
boats. Fach party was well equipped and the three started
in company for Stockton. After two nights and nearly three
full days we reached the place in safety, only a little the

worse for wear on account of being unmercifully dealt with

by the mosquitoes. Our next trouble was to find a team to
take us to the mines. The best we could do was an ox-team
at twenty five cents a pound to Jamestown, Tuolumne County,
not over seventy-five miles from Stockton. We started in
the afternoon in the early part of Nov. 1849, and camped for
the night about six miles on our Journey. During the night
it rained, but we had a good tent to sleep in and covers
over the wagon of goods. Early the next morning we started

but made slow progress, each day we made less distance than

10

 
 

the day before. About the eighth day out, I was taken sick,
and could not walk. My partners put me in the wagon, and made

me as comfortable as possible. The Capt, nursed me as well

a8 he could, = made me tea and toast, but riding on top of

the load I called hard traveling and thought of ny New Eng-
land friends and home, and wished I was there. The next
day I was able to walk = the road was bad, and the team was

growing more and more weary, and feed for them was scarce.
We stuck to the team and when it was stuck, we carried the
goods over the bad places, pried out the wagon and loaded
up and went on again. After fifteen days of hard work and
bad traveling we reached Jamestown.

On day while giving the oxen a rest on the way, Mr.
Barnes and myself went hunting. He shot a gray fox and I
a squirrel, and I proposed to the party that we should eat
both. The next morning we had them fried for breakfast -—
That glorious meal of fried fox will never be forgotten.

The two parties that started from the ship with us were
not satisfied with ox-tesms, but took rmles, at a higher
rate of freight and started for Jamestown, about the same
time we did, but they would not help the driver over the
bad places in the road — We could see things that we recog-

11

 
 

nized as coming from our ship, and meking inquiries about
them learned that the parties had gone on ahead, and left
the teamster to get through as best he could. They had paid
the freight on their goods before starting, so as not t0 be
troubled with the money going up; when the teams arrived at
Jamestown with only half their freight they were very much
dissatisfied with them, and they promised to go right back
and pick up every thing, and land it safely at Jamestown,
but alas! it was misplaced confidence, for they never saw
freight or teamsters after that.

We reached our destination about noon on a pleasant day,
unloaded our goods, and all hands went to work cutting down
trees and rolling them up for a house, such as wag considered
A No.l. We hewed the logs smooth and flat on the inside,
fastened them together with wooden pins (or treenalls) and
plastered it up on the outside, took one-third of one end
for the door and the balance of that end made into a good
stone and mud fireplace and chimmey, the top of which we
made of wood hewn smooth inside and well plastered with mmd.
We made our logs about five feet high, then had a good can-
vas covering. We made five bunks, some had canvas for the

bottom, but I split out oak shakes hewed them down straight

and smooth, secured each end with a wooden pin, then spread
12

 
 

on a thick coat of pine foliage and then ny comforter and

blankets, and had a good bed.

Arrangements were then made about cooking. Fach one
agreed to cook one week, and have an hour each meal to do
it, but when it came Mr. Smith's turn, he made such poor
work of it never having done anything of the kind before,
that I proposed to take his work, 1f agreeable to all.
They were very willing, none more 80 than Smith.

When we got ready for living we started in for mining,
I was the luckiest of all and everywhere I worked I got
good pay, sometimes I returned to the cabin with ten or
twelve ounces, and that would be as mmch as all the rest
would find. All our earnings went into the same purse, and
Company expenses paid from that. Provisions of all kinds
were very high. Flour and potatoes one dollar a pound;
onions, the size of a hens egg, one dollar. We had brought

with us from the ship plenty of beans, pease, rice, dried
apples and peaches, currants, raisins, kiln dried corn meal
and soups. We needed fresh meat. I went out one Sunday
morning before daylight and returned to camp about half
past eight with a good large doe. We lived high for a few
days, 1 can assure you. If we got wet by working in the

13

 
rain, when we got home at night, we would hang up our wet
clothes on a line in front of our blg fireplace and by
morning they would be dry.

I have often seen while on ny way down to the oreek,

after eating a good warm breakfast, some poor miner roll

out of his blankets from along sald of a log, give them a
shake - then make a fire « fry his salt pork - then mix
flour with water and fry his slap=jacks, that would be his
breakfast = then go to work, and have the same meal, morning,
noon and night, and perhaps roll himself up in wet blankets
and sleep on the ground. The wonder is there were no more
deaths, as so many lived in a similar style.

We had found a substitute for lettuce, the plant grew
in bunches and had a round leaf with stem growing directly
through the leaf. Since called California lettuce, but we
wanted a mess of greens. One day in Feb. 1850, we all
started out, each took a different plant, plcked, cooked
and ate their own choice -- then waited to see 1f any one
was poisoned. They were all palatable and proved healthy.
After that we had greens every week.

During that winter it was almost impossible to get
letters from loved ones at home - as there were no stages

and no post offices. A man by the name of Brown started

14

 
for Stockton and San Francisco with every miners name for
several miles about there and returned in about two weeks
with many letters for all, of which he charged the modest
sum of five dollars, each. All were very willing to pay
that price and many who did not get letters would gladly

have pald more than that for one. Brown made several trips

that way to Stockton and San Francisco doing good business.
One little incident of mining life is worth relating.

Two miners got into a dispute about a rich claim, and car-

ried the case before the Alcalde (Judge of the district),

whose name was Donovan. After examining several witnesses
of both sides, the Alcalde decided that neither of them
should have the claim, but that it should go to the Court,
to pay the expenses and that would prevent any hard feelings
between the contestants.

The principal store of Jamestown was made of logs and
md. Klem and Butterfield were the owners. They did a fine
business and made lots of money.

Towards spring some of our party began to grow anxious
to visit San Francisco and the time was set for the last of
April. We sold out everything, paid all bills and left
for Stockton paying a good price for a rmle team to take
us and our baggage to Stockton; arrived all right.

15

 
There we made arrangements with a small schooner to take

us to San Francisco touching at Benlocla., Just before leav-
ing Stockton a feeble Peruvian was brought on board by two
of his ¢ountrymen. They paid his passage and gave him two
dollars and a half, and left a little food. We left Stock-
ton making slow progress as our course was west and a west-
erly wind prevailed. We were nearly four days reaching

N. York, near the junction of the San Joaquin River and
Suisun Bay. A few hours before reaching N.Y. the feeble
Peruvian passed in his cheoks. All on board had been very
kind to him on the way down. We geve him the best food we

had. Each passenger furnished his own food and blankets.

The vessel provided nothing, but room either on deck or in
the hold. The Captain was an Fnglishman and not knowing
the laws of our country throught best to land at N. Y., and
report the death. When we arrived there the Captain of the
Schooner called on the Alcalde, whose name was Smith and
reported the death of the foreigner on the vessel. Several
ships lay there and the Alcalde began to talk to the Cape
tains of the Ships. One of them was Capt. Woodbury of
Bark Lanark, who so sadly and villainously disappointed

me before leaving Boston. They imagined the man was killed
on the vessel coming down river and robbed. I overheard

16

 
the Alcalde and Capt. Woodbury talking when Capt. Woodbury
sald We must make something handsome out of this, as we

have been to considerable expense on such occasions before. ®

I felt ao very big disgust for such men and concluded to

watch them closely. The Captain of our vessel and all the
crew and passengers were ordered to appear at the Court
House, as the case was to be investigated, and they seemed
to think great disclosures were to be made. About that
time every man in the place was suddenly seized with a de-
sire to go hunting and armed themselves, though I don't
suppose there were five pounds of game within three miles
of there. The trial commenced about 10 A.}M.3 the dead man
was brought to the Court House and laid on the ground just
outside the door. The Court House was made of zinc about
12 X 14 ft. The Judge had a box for a seat and a barrel
with a board across for a desk. The investigation began -
some of the passengers on the vessel were examined;the Mate
had gone out, he was sent for - when he came he was pretty
well set up with whiskey: he entered the Court room walked
up to the Judge and sald, "I am here" = and then sat down
on a pile of old zine. The Judge questioned him and re-
ceived short answers, but to the point. As I sat outside
the door thelr pretended Doctor came to examine the corpse
17

 
and search for marks of violence. He opened the corner

of the blanket just far enough to see it was a human face
and head of hair - that was all. While sitting there Capt.
Woodbury came along and asked me if I was a passenger on
that vessel, I answered sharply, yes. He did not recognize
me and said I must not answer him in that way. He then
wanted to know what I knew about the circumstances relative
to that man's death. I told him, *none of his business,
that he was an outsider - that if the Court wanted to know,

all they had to do was to call me, and I could very soon

tell them in Court and I could tell them something they
might not wish to hear®. He then said, "I mst be careful
what I sald and rmst not talk so impertinently to nim
that perhaps I did not know who he was". I then looked
him straight in the eye and very sharply told him he was
mistaken, that I did know him and his neme was Woodbury
and that I knew him before he came to California, and that
I did not know any good of him, and I did not fear him nor
his score of hunters that I could see hanging round.
‘He concluded I was too rmch for him, and walked off.
During this time the men with their guns and plstols
were prowling around, all within gun-shot distance of the
Court House. I was not called into Court as a witness.

18

 
The investigation came to a close and the Judge rendered
the verdict, "Died by the visitation of God", and ordered
the Captain to bury the dead at his expense. They verted
to make it appear that the man was mmrdered by our party
and the crew coming down the river, We dug a grave about
four feet deep, lowered him into it. The Captain read
from the Bible and then the Episcopal burial service.

Bach assisted in filling the grave, placed a board at the
head and foot to show a human body lay there. The author

ities kept a good distance after thelr verdict, and the

hunters all came back.

It was near dusk and our party concluded to stay all
night at the hotel, and walk to Martinez the next morning,
making arrangements with the Captain of the Schooner to
stop at the ship and leave our things and give orders to
send a boat to us.

After supper Captain Cheever asked for a pack of cards
to axmse ourselves before retiring. Oh horrors! The Land-
lord, who was the Alcalde was fearfully indignant, he did
not allow card playing in his house. Captain Cheever, with
a sarcastic smile exlaimed "Oh, Consistency — where art
thou?"

The next morning we paid our bills, three dollars each

19

 
 

for supper, lodging and breakfast (all very cosrse)
ond started for Martinez. Soon after leaving, we could
see our Schooner on her way going down Suisun Bay.

We saw many horses and cattle and a few Elk and Deer.
Had rather = hard time as we found several oreeks and
sloughs to cross, We reached Martinez about 4 o'clock P.M, =
saw one of our boats coming over for us. = the schooner
naving arrived at Benicia about noon and landed all our
things on the ship and reported us coming down overland
from New York. We reached the shore about the same time
the boat did and was safely landed on the ship thet night.
We found but few of the old shipmates, nearly all had gone
in different directions and at different occupations.

I mode some purchases on the ship, of provisions and

tools at good prices for me, and remained two days = then

took passage on what was called a Stern Wheel Boat for

San Francisco, and a rough time we had of it. She was
called the Sacramento — was an open Scow, and would spring
up and down, forward and aft, and amidships to conform to
the waves, and when I reached San Francisco I was happy.

I remained in San Francisco a few days, made the balance
of my purchases for a six months home in the mountains

again, as I had formed a partnership with J. L. Foster

20

 
 

and Mr. Pike, two of the ships New Jersey passengers, who
camped near by us at Jamestown.

We had concluded to go to the head of Jackass Gulch
and make a cabin, They were to do that part while I came
to San Francisco to lay in stores. Shipped ny goods on :
Steamer S. B, Wheeler for Stockton, making arrangements
with Captain Spear to stop along side the ship at Benicia
to take in my purchases if they were ready, but there was
to be very little detention. I was to pay the Captain ten
dollars to Benicia, and if I went on with the goods was
to pay twenty-five dollars from Benicia to Stockton, =

that was only for deck room - no berth and every body care
ried their own blankets. The freight was to be thirty dol-

lars a ton from San Francisco and twenty-five from Benicia.
Everything worked nicely, things were all ready when we
got alongside ship and were holsted on board the Steamer
with dispatch.

I bade good-bye to the Ship York, and arrived in
Stockton early the next morning, pald my steamboat bill,
about one hundred and fifty dollars. The next thing was
to find a team to take ny goods to the mines. The team
ster's name was Peck. Years after he became very wealthy -

about the year 1873, he went into mining operations quite

21

 
 

heavily and mode bad investments, losing much. I pald
him fifteen cents a pound for hauling. We arrived in good
time at our cabin on Jackass Gulch about the middle of
May 1850, and soon commenced mining. Much gold had been
taken out below where we were and also above us, We began
and dug a narrow ditch across the flat, which wes about
three hundred feet, and in that way found the lead = or
the old channel of the Gulch, which had filled up with
the wash from the hills from four to six feet deep making
a flat of about four acres.

We chopped wood, and set up a coal=pit on the level,
and kept it on fire as long as we could, in order to hold
the ground. One day a lazy bum went into ny cabin, while

I was at dinner, and began picking in the gravel with an

old knife that I had, and in a short time, took out about
two ounces and left it in a tin box in the claim.

When I was going to work after dimmer, I met him and he
began t0 tell me what a rich claim I had, a8 he had been
in and picked out lots of golds I told him 1f that was
the case he had better keep quiet, and come and take the
next claim to me, there he would have to dig about 8ix
feet to get to the ground that contained the gold.

He was too lazy to dig and was sneaking around to take

22

 
 

advantage of other folks work. He oclrculated the news of
what rich digging we had, and miners from other places
came in fast, and we soon had quite a big camp.

My partners (Foster & Plke) worked hard and piled up

the rich dirt. Water was scarce and we could not wash it
then, but hoped for lots of rain the next winter.

During the summer we carried on the blacksmithing busi-
ness as Foster was of that trade. Many a bar on the river
Stanislaus was turned that summer, and we trusted out all
the work until they should get into the bed of the river,
which none of them ever did. All their work was a falle
ure and our loss by them, for work and stock furnished
amounted to about three thousand dollars.

Sometime during that summer Capt. Cheever came to
Jackass (Gulch and set up a store, and remalned there until
the sumner of 18861.

The admission of California into the Union was cele-
brated in San Francisco, Tuesday, October 29, 1850, and
this was the route of the procession. "The column will
countermarch on Montgomery Street passing up Sacramento
to Kearny to Clay and Stockton through Stockton to Wash-
ington, down Washington to Montgomery, up Montgomery to
Clay, up Clay to the Plaza and will cross the Plaza on

23

 
 

a line with Kearny Street, forming a solid square in
front of the orator's stand,! During the morning of the
procession, a salute of one hundred guns was fired from
the Plaza, by a detachment of Co, M, 3rd U, 8S, Artillery,
under the eommand of Ideutenant H, G, Gibson,

The winter of 50 = 51 was a dry one, In the fall,
Foster went to San Franelsco to lay in six months pro-
visions, We wintered in our camp - washed when there was
any rain - and picked up some gold in some of our old
claims that we considered worked out, but could not wash
our good dirt,

We congluded to go over on Mormon Creek about four
miles from Jackass Gulch and work there during the summen
and look out for our interest in the old claim at the same
time, We built a log house, dug a long diteh to take the
water out of the bed of the oreek, Then Foster and Pike
attended to the place while I went to San Francisco.

When I returned, Feb, 1851, Foster had concluded to give
up mining and go to Sulsun to take up a ranch, Pike was
away, but returned the next day full of whiskey,and was

going to Chinese Camp to start a vegetable garden,

They had buyers but would give me the preference, I did
not like the parties making the offer, so I bought them
24

 
 

out, paying about Three thousand dollars, each, to be paid
in ten days. I hired a eix ox=team to haul some of my rich-
est dirt to Mormon Creek, two miles to wash, paying him an
ounce a load, and he ran three loads a day, until I had
enough to pay, which was done in less than the specified
time, Then I stopped hauling, pald my partners, took a
clean receipt and bill of sale from each and the company
wag dissolved, A
lM{arch 1st, 1851, Mr, Brown, Agent for Reynold's Ex-
press came for me to carry the Express through the mining
camps, He had been in the business about a year,
In 1863, he was shot while orossing the foot bridge in
Stockton, Some personal enemy got a man by the name of
licNab to hold his horse while he shot him,

I left for Sonora leaving my mining interest with two
faithful friends, My duty was to ride the route through
the mining camps from the Stanislaus to the lMereed River
on the arrival of every eastern mail, taking about a week
to caci trip. On nearing a mining camp the miners would
give a yell, "Herc comes Chips®, by the time I would reach
the store of the Express Agency, they would be there anx-
lously waiting for news from home, I carried letters ob-

tained from San Francisco, Saorauento, Stockton and Marys-— |

|
i
i

as

 
times mere. I sold Eastern and Foreign papers, receiving

/
ville, charging two dollars and fifty cents each and some- |
\
\
/

from fifty cents to three dollars, cach, Sometiuwes the
miners would not have coin and would open a small tin box |
or buckskin purse and tell me to take out what would be
right, In no instance was there any complaint of over-
charging, but my cash always over-run from ten to thirty
dollars each trip, I would take the miner's gold, give (
receipt specifying what to do with it, The next trip
would take them the receipt or duplicate draft as they
ordered, It took from six to eight days to make a trip, ~
taking in Calaveras, Tuolumne, Merced and Mariposa coun=-
ties, sometimes returning with large amounts of gold and
meeting with strange incidents on the trip.

On one of my trips from Coulterville te: Don Pedros
Bar after dark my mule took the wrong trail, and I got
lost, Fearing I might make a bad matter worse, I stoppdl,
took off the saddle and hitched the mule, so he might graze -
rolled myself up in the blanket and with the saddle and
bags for a pillow (a very valuable one that night) I slept
soundly, being very tired, By daybreak when I could see
where the cast was, I started ” in about half an hour
struck the right trail.

26

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

On another occasion I was on my return and was anxious
to reach Chinese Camp in the evening, so I might intercept
the stage bound to Stockton, in the morning to send for-
ward packages of dust = money and letters, to conneet with

the steamer mail for the States, 71 3174 Big Oak Flat

about 6 P, M,, and on reaching the top of the hill leading
to Moccasin Creek my mule refused duty much to my annoy-
ance and decided he would not go down the hill, I coaxed
him to no purpose, I dismounted and tried to lead him -
that would not do, I was in a hurry - he acted mean - and
I began to get hot, I led him round a bunch of bushes,
set up the saddle girth = got a good stick and mounted.

I had a heavy spur on each heel, I gave him eaci spur and
applied the stick, He started and I kept him a going
straight down the steep hill, over rocks, old logs and
bushes. Met a pack train going up the hill = (they keeping
the zig-zag trail) in charge of three lMexicans, They sung
out to look out for myself or I would break my neck. I

paid no attention, but kept mule going until I reached the °

foot of the hill, Vhen I stopped = dismounted and looked

back, I think my hair raised straight up and nearly forced

my hat off, At any rate I came to the conclusion that I

was a big fool, and that I would not repeat that ride for
a7

 
 

all the money I had ever seen, I made that breakneck
trip and reached Steavens Bar on the Tuolume, transacted
my business there = then went on to Jacksonville and
from there up the hill to Chinese Camp, reaching there
before bed time, By daybreak next morning, was out head-
ing for the stage road and met the stage near Shumachers
(Monte Zuma), which was about fourteen miles from

Sonora on the Stockton road, I transferred all ny eX
press matter to the stage express, as intended = con-
tinued my way to Sonora, arriving there about eight in
the morning, About this time L, F, Rowell (Manager of

Wells,Fargo & Cosy) entered the Sonora office and he and

I have been the best of friends ever since, One trip
had been very hard on me, having been obliged to double
a part of the road and I returned to Sonora between ome
and Two o'clock AMM, It was Sunday, I was late in rising
and had returned to the office from breakfast, when I
heard a fearful noise in the street, and going to the
door saw several lexicans in pursuit of the City Marshal
MoFarland, firing their pistols at him and he in return
firing at them, He shot off all he had and borrowed an-
other of a friend and faced them, By that time others of
both sides were on hand shooting and yelling fearfully.
a8

 
 

Four of the Mexicans, ruffians were laid out either killed
or badly wounded, but fortunately none of the officers
were hurt,

One afternoon on my way home, I stopped at a restau-
rant at Jacksonville, went in, got a meal = leaving ny

horse with one of our stage men to hold, When I came out
and was looking at my saddle and saddle bags, two notor-—
ious ruffians came up and sald "Hello Chips! Where are you
heading tonight." I well knew I must use strategy to keep
clear of them, and said ' Big Oak Flat?, One sald

'TI had a big hill to climb,” I replied, "Guessed I could
do it," I mounted and started in that direction = a short
turn in the river put me out of sight of them, I went up
a ravine,tied my horse out of sight of the trail, which
was along the bank of the river leading to the ferry at
Stevens Bar, where travel had to go to reach Big Oak Flat,
and the First and Second Garrotes, then crept bask under
the bushes where I could hear them and waited a short time
when I heard the sound of horses hoofs and then men talk-
ing, One sald "Hurry on or we won't catch him before he
crosses the river,! The second replied with an oath, =
the odds we'll cateh him going up the hill! It was then

29

 
 

 

dusk, I went back to my horse, led him back tc wie trail
went back to Jacksonville, took the regular trail for
Sonora - arrived in safety with my treasure, about two
thousand ounces of gold, I afterwards learned that oy
lwo friends went on, orossed the river, and up to Big Oak
Flat, and there learned that I had been there and left,

that afternoon for Sonora, Sometime after that I saw them

in Sonora and several people were talking business, mining
and traveling, and I made the remark that when I had any
work t. do I always started in and did the best I could,

One of them looked at me smiling and said with a wink,
Mes and you know your business too.?

During the sumer of 1851, I got permission wo go to
San Fpancisco, On a londay morning I left Sonora on the
stage for Stockton where I arrived early in the afternoon,
on account of opposition stages, Just befcre the boat was
to leave for San Franoisco, the stage arrived from Sao-
ramento with papers from the East, all consigned to
Adams & Co, none for Reynolds, Tedd Co, The way it hap=-
pened was this, The steamer from Panama bringing the mail
and papers from the Eastern States arrived at San Francisco,
Saturday night after the steamboats had left for Sacramento
and Stockton, Adams & Co,, chartered a steamer to go to

30

 
 

Sagramento, Sunday morning and take their Express matter
up, Which would be sent over to Stockton by stage arriv-
ing as before mentioned, Adams & Co,, started a man on
horseback for Sonora soon after the stage arrived; he

had a good supply of Eastern and Foreign papers and our

Company had none, I told lr, Wilkins, the silent partner

in Reynolds, Todd & COo., that I could get the papers of
Adams & Co.y 1f he would furnish me a good horse, and
would beat that fellow into Sonora or lose a months
salary, His answer was, "All right} go ahead and got

the papers?, None of Adams & Cosy knew me, I went in

and made a bargain with Joe Miller for all the papérs

they had to spare, as I wanted them to sell = would like
to get them cheap. While Joe was counting them out for
mey I was surprised by Mr, Hamilton, stage driver for
them, coming into the office and singing out "icilo Chips”,
What are you doing here?" At the word "Chips’, Joe Miller
drew the papers back out of my reach and politely told me
they had none to spare, This did not discourage me, as

I was determined to get the papers. So I went to M. L.
Bird, an old friend and made known my wants to him;

told him to get everything he could, I went to the office

and waited for him, He came soon, accompanied by a boy,

31

 
 

I sent them round to a back door, Wilkins met them and
settled for the papers, I left the office about sun down
with about two hundred papers, in a good,large pair of
saddle bags, I took & large thin coat = tied the sleeves
around my walst and let the skirts cover up the saddle
bags. I was well acquainted with the road, and between

eleven and twelve at night, overtook my man and saluted
him with, "Good eveningy Sir you are traveling late.”
He answered me with a Good evening, and told me all about

who he was, and that he was carrying the express and
wanted to get to Sonora early in the morning wud supply
the country with papers ahead of the opposition, as they.
would not have papers in Sonora before night. I told

him that I traveled in the night because it suited my
purpose better than traveling by day as it was too hot

in the middle of the day, We traveled together to Knight 's
Ferry on the Stanislaus River, where I expected to got a
change of horses, but did not want him to know it,

I called to the proprietor and he told me to take the
Ferry boat and leave it on the other side, We both oross—
ed and he went on, I returned to the other side to get a
fresh horse and let myself be known, as all the men at the

Ferry knew me, It so happened that every spare uorse out-—

32

 
 

side of the stage teams had been sent to the raneh that
day and it was impossible for me to get one, I had to
go on with the one I had and about ten miles from the
Perry I came up with ny competitor; told him I had con=-
cluded to go on, We rode in company together until

we could begin to see light in the east, and knowing

he would discover who and what I was when daylight came,
I concluded to get away from him, Ve were nearing «
little hill, where the roads forked, one going round

the hill, the other over it, I slacked up a little to

£ix one of my stirrups and told him to take either road
as they came together in about a mile, He took the read
over the hill, I went round and made fast time, as that
was my only show to get away from him, I knew all the
short cuts and trails from there to Sonora, At James=-
town I got a fresh horse and went into Sonora, making
good time supplied the town with papers, sent some to
Columbia and other places then gave some to Adams & Co's
Agent, and then to the office, After having breakfast,
and seeing that my horse was well cared for, I waited
for the arrival of my opponent, Between eight and nine

A, My in he came, his horse covered with sweat, He Jump-

33

 
 

ed off dragging his two, big canvas bags in - telling
their Agent that he had late papers for him, While he was
going through that ceremony, there were seated all around,
sporting men and others reading papers from the same sup=-
ply I had brought two hours before, which he discovered
much to his chagrin and annoyance, and wondered how they
obtained them, Their Agent told him how they came = then
he knew I was the one who accompanied him during the night,
and after that he would never speak to me,

Not long after this, while I was on my trip going
from Tuttletown over to Soldiers! Gulch, I saw a Mexican
come out of 2 cabin, and come towards me on a fine horse,
As soon as he had passed he put his horse into a quick
speed, I rode up to the cabin door and saw evervthing
was in confusion and no one there, I went a few rods from
there to where the men were at work, and called them up

from a deep hole; told them about the cabin, They went up

and found that he had stolen a pistol, some money, and a

watch, I then started back, and could see him some dis=—
tance ahead of me going towards Tattletowvn, I followed

him and went to a store where I was acquainted and could
sec him sitting on his horse in front of a liexican store.

I tried to borrow a pistol or shot gun to go for him, but

34

 
 

could not get anything. About that time the Mexican
looked up and saw me and left suddenly. I followed but
10st sight of him and went on and finished ny trip.

By next trip I started out from Sonora, the other wey
going to Jamestown, Jacksonville, Big Oak Flat and Coul-
terville, calling at Soldier Guloh, Robinson's Ferry
ond Carson Hill in Calaveras County. Going up the hill
from Robinson's Ferry I met that sam: Mexican on a rule
with a smell boy on behind him. Soon as he passed I stopp-
ed to borrow a pistol of some miners. He looked around
and sow me, then spoke to the boy, who slid off the rule,
and the Mexican started off pell-mell on the side of the
hill and I after him, and was gaining on him , when he
out a bundle from his saddle, I suppose thinking I would
stop to plek it up, but I did noty then he dropped an=
other bundle off, I stopped, not for that, and in passing
a pine tree I grabbed hold of a dead limb, about as big
as ny army when he partly turned and fired one pistol
shot at me. I kept gaining on him, and he saw that I
was bound to overtake him, so he jumped off his .mle and

mode his escape into the bushes. I took up his mle and

0, cood losso that was dragging. I think he tried to cet

©

it ready to lasso me, but it slipped out of his hand and

35

 
 

before he could gather it up, I gained on him so fast,
he was obliged to abandon everything in order to clear
himself. I finished ny trip, took ny prize to Sonora
about eleven o'clock at night. Up to this time I had
never carried a pistol. A few days after, the real owner
of the mle came and proved his property. The saddle, 2
fine Mexican one and the lasso were never claimed; I re=-
tained them as long as I stayed in the mines.

About two weeks after this occurrence I had the satls-
faction of seeing the fellow brought into camp, on arrest
for horse stealing and robbery. He was tried by a Vigi-

lance Commdttee and sentenced to have forty lashes on the

bare back and be branded on the left cheek with the letter

ap? por thief. When the day came for carrying out the
sentence, the Committee concluded to disvense with the
brand, but stripped him and made a spread eagle of him,
which was done by tying his hands upward and around a tree
about a foot in diameter and lashing his feet in about the
some mermer downward. The whipping was done by a Frenchman
named John B. Delahe, and every time he made a stroke with
the rawhide whip, the fellow would try to hug that tree
very close. When he had glven him twenty-five strokes,

36

 
the president of the carmittee thought it was a plenty,

and put it to a vote of the witnesses, whether he should
have more. The vote was "No more! He was then taken
down - washed with beef brine, dressed and his friends
ordered to toke him out of the country. This punishment
nad a tendency to check horse-stealing, and robbery in
that vieinity for a while, and that class of evil doers
were punished in some way when caught and convicted.

There wes the usual amount of drinking and gambling
continmied and occasionally o man shot or stabbeu in a rOW -
generally it occurred in a gombling saloon.

f

" 1 remained in this work till the spring of 1853, when

 

the Express Agent wanted me to go to Stockton. I closed
out my mining business and arrived in Stockton, March 3d.
Soon after, Wells, Pargo & Co., bought Todd Txpress and
IT had four vears very hard work.

There wes much rivalry between Adams & Co., and Wells,
Fargo & Co. There was © position steamers on the river
and opposition stages to the mountains and I registered
passengers for our lines of stages and attended to all the
Express business, often on duty twenty hours to the day.

In 1854, while in Stockton the President's Lessage was

 

exvected ing after the steamers left for San Francisco,

37

 
 

I started from Stockton with two horses besides the one

I rode - left them on the road so as to have fresh horses
on ny return, Adams & Co., sent their horses from Oake-
land, leaving them at reasonacble distances all the way.

I reached Livermore all right. Adams' folks got there
about two hours after I did and went on leaving horses
on the way. Harry Rafael was thelr messenger. When I
reached Livermore the owner was not going to let me stop -
sald there was & place three miles up where they kept
hotel. I told him that wes the place for me to stay to
meet the man from San Francisco. About that time his
head mon oame out and said "What are you doing here
Chips?® I knew him well in Stockton, and told him about
01d Iivermore., He said "That's all right, he's an old
orenk”. "Come into the house and have some breakfast" -

had coffee, eggs, good bread and plenty of it.

Arrived about eight A.M., had to walt till nearly

twelve midnight, when our messenger, lr. Swift came from
San Francisco, From the time his horse had reached the
gate, double quick time was rade till I was in the saddle,
probably three minutes. Half an hour after starting it
cormenced to rain like seven demons = found ny first re-
lay of horses in Patterson's Pass, Livermore Mountains,

38

 
mode a chenge and went on, got lost and wandered round the
mountains till nearly break of day - could see a little
light in the horizon, supposed it was the moon going down
in the west and traveled from it3- contimued growing light-
er until I could see the hands on my watch, when it was
6430 A.M., = knew then it was break of day - turned round
and traveled for it, in about half an hour came on 40 the
main trail, looking back could see Patterson's about six
miles distant. Once during the night I came back to Pat-
terson's place, called him up, and asked him if he had an

express horse for me. He said "No, the express .un was

here an hour ago and got his horse", Nelther recognized
the other and I supposed it was the other messenger, there
being a stage road and a trail. My route wae the trall and
I supposed I had got on the other road. After break of day
I traveled on towards Stockton.

About eighteen miles from Stockton, I met 01d Pop
Kelty, one of Adam's head men on hls race horse Sunday
morning. I asked where he was going. He sald Phe feed
is short and I am out looking for pastures". I asked if
he had seen Rafael. He sald "No". We rode together to
Slocum's Ferry. I enquired of Slocum if Rafeel had passed?
The same answer "No". Was there any chance to iord the

39

 
 

river? He sald "The banks were fifteen feet high - he
could never cross. Then I knew he was lost. I came a-

oross the river, Old Pop Kelty stayed the other side.

He owned the stage line for Adams & Co. = had a fine

race horse he would have exchanged with Rafael. Soon after
erossing the river came to French Comp. Just then saw

old Colonel Noble = Asked if he had a good horse for me 2°
He said "Yes, as good a horse as you ever rode. He ex-
changed and a few miles from French Camp met a man looking
for me. Asked him the first thing; "If he had seen Harry
Rafael?" "No; shall I take your express. "No, I can beat
you in for I have a horse fresh from the stable.” I put
spurs to the horse and away we went reaching Stockton a-
bout three P.M. I sneaked round the back door because if
Rafael was ahead I did not want to be laughed at. I was
warnly greeted. Rafael came ln very late, ten or eleven
o'clock - sald "He got lost and so did not hurry - was lost
three or four hours". I was fifteen hours out of the way =
80 had he perservered he would have got in ahead.

In 1856 took a trip Fast. Had for an unwilling pass-

enger Billy Mulligan of Vigilance fame, who was safely
landed in New York, Traveled through ninteen States =

40

 
visited Niagera Falls, Mammoth Cave and White Mountain,
Salled on the Great Lakes and down the St. Lawrence.
After a short stay, I returned to ny adopted State, feeling
that there was no better place for me than California.

| Barly in 1857, commenced running os Messenger on the
River from Stockton to San Fracnisco - run for thirteen
years, having my home in Stockton. The steamer often got
stuck on the Debris Elbow, a few miles below Stockton,
where we sometimes were delayed several hours. Row boats
were sent down and I used to take the Express letters and

treasure and go up town, 80 a8 to be ready for stages.

One morning about two o'lcock, I went up with two

Italians only - I reached the Office in safety with ny
treasure - but ny experience was such that I never took
ny treasure up in a row boat again.

In July 1858, I was married to Loulsa O., Shattuck,
of Brookline, New Hampshire, with whom I had been ac-
quainted mony ycars. We made our home in Stockton.

From June 20th, 1857 to June 20th, 1858, I carried
from Stockton t0 San Francisco, in Coin, One million two
hundred and fifty four thousand five hundred anu iourteen
($1, 254, 514) dollars and in dust, Three million one lmndred

41

 
and sixty seven thousand two hundred and thirty seven

($3,167, 237) dollars, making a total of Four million four
hundred and twenty-one thousand seven hundred and fifty-one
($4,421,751) dollars, and it 1s presumed the Messenger on
alternate days carried as much. So there was quite a
brish business on the River.

In 1858 the first Pony Express ever run across the
plains was started by 2 man named Butterfield. It started

at Little Rock, Arkansas and followed a southern route

through Kensas, New Mexico, Arizona and then to Los Angeles

In 1860 the Pony Express, called Central Overland
California and Pike's Peak Fxpress Co., was started running
from 5t., Joseph, Missourl through Nebraske to Fort Kearny,
Wyoming to Denver - to Salt Lake Clty — to Placerville,
Nevada and to Sacramento. The whole trip was made in
seventeen days. From St. Joseph to Denver, seven days and
fron Denver to Sacramento, ten days.

In January 1862 we had our famous flood in Stockton.
Took ny family to San Francisco = rowed a boat up to front
door of house on Cormerce Street to take folks to steamer.
On the down trip took three men from second story of house,
the upper floor being several inches under water.

Jamary 22d, water stood ninteen and a half inches in

42

 
 

Stockton Express Office. Bridges were swept away = land
travel stopped = boats all through the city.

Sent Express letters out from Sonora Road - Murphy's
and Mokelurme t0 be sent across horseback from Knight's
Landing by Thayer's and Angels. Express letters came from
Murphy's on horseback. Steamer Helen Hensley picked up
six men at Beloher's Island - took them to Stockton.

Next trip we landed Belcher at his home with a skiff
so he could anchor his home to keep it from upsetting

and save it on the spot.

January 22nd, we made a straight run to Betcher's and

nearly straight to New York - water from twelve to fifteen
feet all over the tules; left Stockton at one P.M., arrive-
ed at San Francisco at nine thirty P.ll

December 27th, Steamer "Constitution® arrived from
Panama. Reported Steamer "Ariel" from Ex New York bound
to Aspinwall- having been captured by rebel Steamer Alabama
on Decerber 7th, but was allowed to proceed on her voyage
by giving bonds amounting to $260,000, payable thirty days
after the Declaration of Independence of Confederate
States. The Ariel landed her passengers and took passen—
gers from the Steamer St. Louls, but was obliged to leave
all treasure on the Isthmus.

43

 
 

On September 9th, 1866, Steamer Julies just after
leaving the wharf for Stockton burst her steam drum,

I had ny hand on the railing to go below when the Captain
come along, sald "something was wrong" and before the
words were really out of his mouth the explosion came.
His speaking to me saved ny life -~ had I reached the foot
of the stairs I should have gone with the rest who were
below. Five werc killed immediately and six died from
their burns. very soon.

On Februery 28th, 1868, Steamer Julis was again blown
up at South Vallejo and very many were killed.

1868, Jamary 30th, River Steamer first stopped at
New York Landing, for passengers and freight - to be a
regular landing hereafter.

Thursday October 24th, 1868, telcgravh line completed
across the Continent. Dispatches coming ond going between
California and Eastern States.

1869, lay 8th, Overland Railroad completed.

July 1869 moved to San Francisco. Having had a severe

sickness - was obliged to leave Stockton and go to San
Francisco. Was in the office a year, making one trip to
Portland on Steamer AjoxX.

In October 1870 commenced running on Ocean Steamer to

San Diego.
44

 
 

On September 9th, 1866, Steamer Julies just after
leaving the wharf for Stockton burst her steam drum.
I had ny hand on the railing to go below when the Captain
come along, sald "something was wrong" and before the
words were really out of his mouth the explosion came.
His speaking to me saved ry life ~ had I reached the foot
of the stairs I should have gone with the rest who were
below, Five werc killed immediately and six dled from
their burns. very soon.

Or Februory 28th, 1868, Steamer Julis wes agoin blown
up at South Vallejo and very many were killed.

1868, Jammary 30th, River Steamer first stopped at

New York Landing, for passengers and freight - to be a

regular landing hereafter.

Thursday October 24th, 1868, telcgravh line completed
across the Continent. Dispatches coming «nd going between
California and Eastern States.

1869, May 8th, Overland Railroad completed.

July 1869 moved to San Francisco. Having had a severe
sickness = was obliged to leave Stockton and go to San
Froneisco. Was in the office a year, making one trip to
Portland on Steamer Ajax.

In October 1870 commenced running on Ocean Steamer to

San Diego.
44

 
In Moy 1876 at the suggestion of Uncle Henry Wells,
I gave an Express Reception having had twenty-five years
of continual service in the Express business.

About five hundred attended the reception. An ad-
dress wes made by Henry Wells, the founder, who gave some

of his early reminiscences in New York, when he carried

the xpress mb ter in a valise. He paid a high compli-

ment to the Californie Expressmen as a body.
This original poem was read by Judge Charles Chamber-
lain, a Pioneer of Tuolumne County;

"oHIPS"

When we were young — 'twag years ago
We own, for years, like blood, will Showem
We knew of one that to and fro
Traveled this globe,
Like as another did, you kuow,
In the days of Job.

First in the days of Auld Lang Syne,
When we were delving in the mine,
By Table Mountain's steep incline,
Did we behold him,
Riding a beast, that, I opine,
01d Balam sold him,

The often in the heat of day,
neath a tree or tent we lay,
te saw him hurrylng on hls way,
While naught could stay him;
As 1f the Devil was to pay,
And he must pay him!

AF

 
 

Though worn by Jjourneylng many a mile,

No wayside inn could him beguile;

Though bench and bar for rest awhile
Had reasons Strong

Pleading with spirit} he would "smile",
And pase along.

Since then, wherever we have been,

On barren hills- in valleys greene

By mountain stream— the San Joaquin,
Or city slips,

This strange ubiquity we ‘ve seen,
Men christen "Chips?

Though christened "Chips *, no one has showm
5 family tree where ‘Chips was grown;
I've found a theory of ry own,
From reading Sue,
That he whom we as *Chips have known,
Is the Wandering Jew!

Forced for some couse from town to town

Through crowded street and lonely swamp,

In summer's drought and winter's damp;
Saving the fire

Faring like that illus rious tramp,
Prince Hamlet's sire.

But ghostly Dane, or Wanderings Jew,
To every trust we've found him true;
Giving to every man his due,
Seeing the slips
That others mnke, we wish they 'd hew
lore of such chips.

And now, henceforth, may'Chips" be blest
If he desires it) with o "vest;
N peace be his ablding guest;
And when he dies,
May he by angels be "expressed"
Straight to the skies.

But I'll engage the earliest view,

On , entering heaven he get of you,

He'll search to find some billet’ deux
From friends beneath;

His ruling passion following through
The Gates of Death

48

 
And I've no doubt that he'll confess

That heaven will to him be less

Than heaven, if there's no Express
Naught in his line;

Nor, 'mid the signs of happiness,
Wells, Fargo's sign.

Song for the occasion by Sai: Booth:

"CHIPS", THE MESSENGER

Come listen to ny rhyming, while a story I relate,
About an old expressman with a very small estate,
Who left his dear New England at a very early date,
And came to California to help build up our State,
Which his name was Chips, the Messenger,

all of the Golden btate!

Among the brave old Argonauts who early landed here,
Leaving thelr happy homes and friends,

with all that moke them dear
And roughing it around the Io without reproach or fear,
No braver soul among them all than Chips, the carpenter
Brave Chips, the future lessenger, all of the Golden State.

Like meny a geilant pioneer in Fome's immortal niche,
He tried his fortunes in the mines, by many a famous ditch,
But 2ll his earnings seemed to go Tor grub

and clothes, and sich
Until he found "Aunt Deborah®, when he struck it mighty rich =
Ah, lucy Chips, the lMessenger,all of the Golden State.

And when the placers petered oh he did not mome and pule,

And loaf around the diggings, like a dlscontentcd fool,

For steady, honcst work with him had always been the rule,
And s0 he rode Ixpressly through the mountains on a mile
Brave Chips, the lountain Messenger,all of the Golden State.

But such a mode of traveling soon lagg'd behind the age,
And Chips transferred his letter-bags and parcels
to the stage;
And when the stages got too slow,the rallroads were the rageq
A place behind the lron horse our hero did engogee—
Brave Chips, the famous Messenger, all of the Golden State.

47

 
 

And now 'tis twenty-five years since the hero of my tale
Became an Express-llessenger along ao mountain trail,

And whether it was on land or sea, by steamer or by rail,
Though he might go without his grub, he never missed a maile-
Brave Chips, the trusty Messenger, all of the Golden Stote.

And so we gather here to-night, with warm and friendly grips,
With loving kindness in our hearts and flowing from our lips
To wish long life and happiness in many kindly sips
And pray for blessings on them both, and all the 1ithie Chips-
Brave Chips, the faithful Messenger,all of the Golden State.
Aaron Stein our esteemed Agent of Purchase and Supply
Department presented me in behalf of the Fuployees of the
Compeny with a magnificient case of silver, accormanied by
thls speech such as he only could meke;

bodies and Gentlemeny I am under engagement here to=-

night to speak to you on the the Silver question, and fol-

lowing the example recently set at Washington, by our dis
tinguished fellow=citizens, Senator Jones —= a very high
authority on this subject ~ I propose to read to you from
the "original manuscript? Unaccustomed as I am to public
speaking (this expression 1s not original), I am fortunate
in having so convenient a precedent, and this good-natured
end indulgent audience will, I am sure, pardon me for taking
advantage of it.

I will now address nyyself to a party whose exnerience

in the actual handling of the precious metals has been

48

 
greater, perhaps, than that of any man, woman or child here
present, and who, for that reason is pre-eminently qualified
to appreciate what I have to say.

Brother 'Chips®, it is ny pleasant duty on this occas-
ion to present to you, in behalf of the employees of Wells,
Fargo & Company -~ your comrades and co-laborers in the
express business - this casket of silver-ware, consisting
of knives, forks and spoons, and to ask your acceptance of
the same, as a substantlal token of our personal esteem and
friendship, As a ploneer in this State, 1t is safe to as-
sume that the time has been when you took your full share
in the science of roughing it = when you were obliged to

stir the sweetening in your festive cup with a pine stick,
and your grizzly chops or venison steak by a friendly pro-
jection of the bone, We are happy to know that you have
long since outlived these privations; that by yenr own

prudence and thrift, and the efficlent and kindly oo-

operation of your accomplished helpmeet in 1ife, you have

acquired all the latest and most approved facilities for
regsling with your hash, and are handling them with great
success. But after so long a term of serf¥ice, we believe
that you are fairly entitled to something more tony, more

luxurious, if not more useful, than what you have yet en —

49

 
 

Joyed in that line, and we have therefore conspired t0=
gether to make that provision for you. We believe the
beneficent effect of this present need not alone be felt
at the dinner table. It will afford your wife » »leasant
object to look upon when you are, by the cruel require
ments of your occupation, removed from her sight, and
braving rather the dangers of the briny deep than the
temptations of a sumptuous table; that, in her maternal
and plous admonitions to the boys - the lesser chips -
she will be able to point triumphantly to this casket, as
a proof of the shining reward that will inevitably over-
take a virtuous and an honest men who is careful not to
travel too fast, and who manages to hold out =~ of the pene-
tentlary, the alms-house and the cemetery - long enough!
Who can, for instance, stand otf Death, Taxation and the
Balliff successfully for twenty-five long years of active

manhood, as you have done! It will also be found an ex-

cellent household remedy for sore eyes, which, if kept
properly warmed and burnished, is not liable to loss or
deterioration by use and exposure.

It is a remarkable coincidence that this particular
day has been chosen by our Uncle Sam for the opening of
his grand centennial blow-out, thus assoclating, as 1t

50

 
 

 

were, your own private blow-out with one of the grandest
events of history. Let us hope that the associations will
ever remain conspicuously select and unique; that no con-
tingency in your affairs may hereafter arise that moht
tempt you, in turn to associate the material evidence here
presented of your fair well-earned fame with the lay-out,
say of our Uncle Sam Harris, of Kearny Street.

Stending here in the midst of your family and friends,
we congratulate you upon the grand results of the first

quarter of your own centennial run. We look with pride

upon your career - that for the last quarter of « century

you have discharged your arduous and responsible duties

as an expressmen in a manner that reflects the highest
credit upon the profession; that you have always been on
hand or accounted for when the roll was called, and have
never shrank from any danger, difficulty or res-onsibllit y
connected with the business assigned you. May the next
twenty-five years of your life be as ha py and prosperous
as those just past have been useful and honorable; and when
you render up your final account, may you leave to your
posterity, as a precious legacy, the untarnished name that
now embellishes you with a glory more dazzling than the
sheen of polished silver - the casket and its contents now

ol

 
presented you, and a paid up policy in the Expressmen's
Mutual Benefit Assoclation, or some other respectable and

responsible life insurance company.

We have added to this testimonfal what, for the sake

of euphony, I must designate by the slang appellation of
¥silver-mounted harness" for the Madam, and a few trinkets
for the bables, all of which we ask you graciously to
accept and check for',

A valuable silver treasure box an exact imitation of
those so much sought for by Road Agents, with this letter
was sent from ny old friend Wm. Pridhen, Agent oi Los
Angeles, who in 1862 was one of the famous Pony Express
riders going from Austin, Nevada to Smith Creek:

"office Wells,Fargo & Cols Express,
Los Angeles, May 8th, 1876.

My Dear Chips: Regretting that circumstances over which
I have no control prevent ny wife and self from being
with you on the 10th instant, we send this, the asccompany-
ing package, as a greeting and a memento of our esteem and
affection, I therefore transfer to your custody a "locked
treasure-box®, with contents, the way-bill for which bears
ny "echeck®, and which you will find 0. K. May you never

be requested to pass out that treasure-box to sy but a

52

 
merber of our family, or to the "home" office, and may
the contents of your treasure~chest check out «es clean in
the future as they have in the pasts and when you have made

your last "run", may there be those of our fraternity,

tried and true, near you, who oan say, "No shorts on this

man's run,’

Please express 10 one and all who may be present at
your reunion, particularly to our old-time companions in
the service, that the tle that binds us should grow strong-
er as our members grown less, May the good deeds of those
of our mumber who are stricken from the roll by death ever
remain green in our memory.

In conclusion I would say, the treasure~box though en
humble offering, is the most “expressive " one i vould
secure in this, "the land of the olive and the wine,"

Your companion in harness,

Wie. Pricham,*

With mmsic and refreshments the gathering dispersed:
sald to have been comrosed of the larrest mumber of ex-
Pressmen ever collected. They gave ic the credit of act-
ually handling more money than any other man in the United

States. I had only done ny duty and was so overcome with

53

 
the honors heaped upon me that I could hardly act myself,
In September 1877 made my last trip to San Diego =
then took charge of Steamer business and continued the
same to September 1886, handling many millions of money
with good success and few mistakes, After that went into
the Collection and C, O, D, department until April 1889,
when 1t was consldered best to send money with a wagon
to which I fully agreed, for I have had to go in many a
pokerish place, a book under my left arm, and a bag of
coin of much value, on my right shoulder, and left hand

full of Collections and envelopes, If a man had been

disposed he could have hit me on the head = taken the

bag of money and escaped before he could have been caught,

In 1890, September 9th, I was pleased to take part in
the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the aduniss-
ion of our State, One of my friends kindly offered to loan
me a white mule to ride in the procession, and a local
paper has thus described my outfit j-

"Another prominent feature of the procession today
will be "Chips", as the expressman, He is the oldest
representative of the express business on this coast, and

will have his saddle-bags, which he used in '50, and his

54

 
old rig, which he has preserved from that date. He is

some forty years older than on the occasion of his appear-
ance in the procession of 1850, but his heart ic as young

as ever, He began his career as an excressman in this

city in 1849, and takes pleasure in republishing the pro-
ceedings of the celebration in thls city, after the news
was received of the admission of Californics inte he Union,
token from the "Alta® of October 19th,and October 27th, 1850.
These documents he hos had printed and intends to distribute
along the line of march. They contaln selections from the
"Alta" of October 19th,1850, taken from the extra of the
previous dey, ernouncing the arrivel of the steamer Oregon
with the important news, and the account of the appointment
of Marshals, aids, etc., from the "Alta" of October 27th,
announcing the celebration to take place on October 20, 1850.
He takes pride in the progress the State has made since that
date and feels that much credit is due the "0ld Pioneers”
who were so instrumentol in developing the wonderful ree

sources of California.”

At present ny duties are in the Collection department,

and I hope I may be able to continue uy work several years.

 
San Francisco Chronicle
Sept erber 6, 1892.
CHIPS IS DEAD.

A Noted Character of Farly Days.

Pllsbury Hodgkins His Real Name.

i
i

|
The Pioneer Expressman Vho Carried Gold Dust on a Vhite Mule, |

Pilsbury Hodgkins, better known as "Chips i. the oldest
employe of Vells, Fargo & Cos, is no more. His funeral will
take place today from his late residence, 3410 Sacramento
Street at 2 o'clock, Pev. Dr. Mackenzie will officiate.

A large attendance 1s expected from the Society of California
Pioneers, who will accompany the remeins by boat to Stockton,
where they will be met tomorrow morning by a deiégation frou
the San Joaquin Pioneers. The interment will take place in
‘the Rural Cemetery. :

Mr. Hodgkins leaves a remarkable record. It ls said
of him that no man in the United States ever actually hand-
led more money than he did, but not a nickel of it stuck to
his fingers. It will be remenbered that in the Native Sons’
procession of September, 1890, "Chips® rode on a long-eared
animel loaded up in the style of forty years a0 o

56

 
Pillsbury Hodgkins was born in Nobleboro, Maine on
February 17, 1825. His parents died when he was an infant.
At the age of 16 he went to Boston, where he was kindly re-
ceived by Caleb Hobbs, father of Carleton Hobbs of this city.
Mrs. Caleb Hobbs is still living at the age of 87, and has
a home on Liberty street. During Mr, Hodgkins' last 1l11-
ness the venerable Mrs, Hobbs frequently: called to see him,
In Boston he learned the trade of ship carpenter.

Catching the gold fever he salled for California on
April 1, 1849, on the ship York. On the voyage he did the
ship's carpentry, thus acquiring the name "Chips", which
has clung to him ever since,

He arrived in California in September, 1849, and fol=-
lowed the precarious business of mining at Jamestown, Jogk-
acs Guleh and other places with varying fortune until March
1st, 1851, when lr, Brown of Reynold's express engaged him
to carry letters and packages through the mining camps from

San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton and Marysville.

The express charges upon a letter was $2.50. Mr, Hodgkins
accepted the offer. He traveled on a white mmle, often
with saddle-~bags full of gold, miners frequently trusting
him with all they hades During the next two years he made
frequent tours through Calaveras, Tuolumme, Merced and

57

 
Mariposa counties, meeting with many strange adventures,
but always escaping unharmed.
In the spring of 1853, Wells and Fargo bought out this

express route, saying that they "bought Chips with it",

For the next four years ir, Hodgkins was in Stockion re-
gistering passengers and dispatching stages. Prom 1857
to 1870, he was the Company's messenger on the steamer
between Stockton and San Francisco, and from 1870 to 1877,
messenger between Sen Francisco and San Diego.

Fpom 1877 to 1886 Mr, Hodgkins had charge of the steamer
department, and handled all exrress matter from Alaska
down the whole length of the coast. From 1886 until last
December he was in the collection depatment.

Mr. Hodgkins was married in San Frencisco in 1858 to
Mies Louisa 0, Shattuck, to whom he had been engaged when
he left Boston. Mrs. Hodgkins is also known to the public
as "Deborah Kittery", the originator of such brigat enter—
tainuents as "The District School", "he Dairymaids' Con-
vention" and "The 01d Folks' Concert". She is the founder
of the California State Floral Soclety and has token prome
inent parts in the flower shows. She has the reputation
of being the best woman mathematiclan and one of the fine

est classical scholars on the Pacific Coast.

58

 
Mire Hodgkins leaves three sons, Gardner, Willie and
Lincoln. Not one ever went to school a day in his life,
but all received the equivalent of a college education
with their mother as their sole instructor.

"Chips" was taken sick with the grip on the 14th of
Decenber last, and never fully recovered. Heart disease
and dropsy followed the gripe. For the last five .onths
he was confined to his room, and hls sufferings were so
great that death came to him as a relief.

He leaves his fandly in comfortable clrcumstences.
He is spoken of a8 a most exemplary character. He never
in his life used liquor nor tobacco in any form, and his
song follow his example. lr. Hodgkins was a member of
the Society of California Pioneers and of no other organ-—

ization.

Shortly before his death while delirious he seemed

to dwell upon his early experiences. His last words,

in fact, were: "That oxpress has gone wrong."

 
"The Daily Rerublican®
Stockton,
September 7, 1892

PILLSBURY HODGKINS.

A Short Sketch of His Darly Life.
His Funeral Attended by a large Number of the Barly Settlers.

Pllsbury Hodgkins, a former resident of Stockton,
dled ln San Francisco Monday, and his remains were brought
10 this city on the steamer this morning for interment.
The funeral was held at new Pioncer Hall,
The services were conducted by the Rev. J. C. Campbell of
the Presbyterian Church, and following gentlemen acted
as pall-bearers; W. B. West, and J. Re. Foratt of the San
San Francisco Pioneers; R, E.Wilhoit, IH. E. Periey, Andrew
Wolf and Jerry Robinson of the San Joaquin Society, and
John T, Pinkhar, the marshal of the Society at San Francisco.

Wells, Fargo & Co., was represented by M. S,. Crowell,

T., C. Pinkney, R. BE. Tucker and I. J. Lank of San Fran-

cisco and W. H, Keyes and George Brown of this city..

Several handsome floral pieces were contributed, the most

60

 
noticeable being a Wells, Fargo treasure box in ever
lastings from that company.

Mr. Hodgkins leaves a remarkable record. It is said
of him that no man in the United States ever actually
handled more money than he did, but not a nickel of it
ever stuck to his fingers.

Pilsbury Hodgkins was born in Nobleboro, Maine, on
February 17, 1825. [ls porents dled when he was an infant.
At the age of 16 he went to Boston.

Catching the gold fever he sailed for California on
April 1, 1849, on the ship Yorke On the voyare he did

the ship's carpentry, thus acquiring the name of "Chips®,

which has clung to him ever since.

He arrived in California in September, 1849, and
followed the precarious business of mining at Jamestown,
Jackass Gulch and other places with varying fortune until
March 1, 1851, when Mr. Brown of Reynold's express engag—
ed him to carry letters and packages through the mining
camps from San Franclseo, Sacracnento, Stockton and Macys-~
ville. The exy.ress charges upon a letter were $2.50.

Mr. Hodgklns accepted the offer. He traveled on a white
mle, often with saddle-bags full of gold, miners fre-

61

 
 

 

quently trusting him with all they had. During the next

two years he made frequent tours through Calaveras, Tuol-

unre, Merced and Mariposa Counties, meeting with many

strange adventures, but always escaping unharmed.

In the spring 1853, Wells and Fargo bought out this
express route, saying that they "bought Chips with it."
For the next four years Mr. Hodgkins was in Stockton
reglstering passengers and dispatching stages.

From 1857 to 1870 he was the company's messenger on the
steamer between Stockton and San Francisco, and from
1870 to 1877, messenger between San Francisco and San
Diego. [From 1877 to 1886 Hodgkins had charge of the
steamer department, and handled all exvress matter from
Alaska down the whole length of the coast. From 1886
until last December he was in the collection department
at San Francisco.

lr. Hodgkins wes married in Sen Fraelsco in 1858 to
Miss Touilsa O. Shattuck, to vhom he had been engaged
when he left Boston. Mrs. Hodgkins is also known to the
public as "Deborah Kittery", the originator of such
bright entertainments as "The District School®, "The
Doirymoids'! Convention" and "The 01d Folks' Concert’,

62

 
 

She is the founder of the California State Floral Society
and has taken prominent parts in the flower shows.

She has the reputation of being the best woman mathe
maticlan and one of the finest classical scholars on the
Pacific Coast.

"Chips" was token sick with the grip on the 14th of
December last, and never fully recovered. Heart disease
and dropsy followed the grip. For the last five months
he was confined to his roomy ond his sufferings were so
great that death came to him as a relief.

He leaves his family in comfortable circumstances.
He is spoken of as a most exemplary character. He never
in his 1ife used liquor nor tobacco in any form, and his
sons follow his example.

shortly before his death, while delirious, he seemed

to dwell upon his early experiences, His last words, in

fact were: "hat express has gone wrong®.

 
he Stockton Independent!
September 8, 1892,

PILSBURY HODGKINS' FUNERAL
The Pioneer Expressman Laid to Rest in Rural Cemetery.

Pilsbury Hodgkins, better known as "Chips", the
oldest employe of Wells, Fargo & Co., was 111 ten months,
but his name was on the pay-roll until his death, which

occurred last Sunday morning. The old gentleman wes

prepared for the end and made a number of requests which

were falthfully carried out. He wanted to be buried at
Stockton, and having been a messenger on the river route
in eardy days, he asked that his remains be placed in a
stateroom on the steamer for shipment to this city.
The funeral Party arrived by steamer yesterday morning
and services were held over the remains in the forenoon
at new Pioneer Hall,

ev. lire Campbell, pastor of the First Presbyterian
church officlated, und the burial service of the Pioneers
was also reads The pall-bearers were W. B. West and J.
Re Foratt of the California Ploneers of San Francisco;

Re. Fe Wilhoit, Andrew Wolf, Jere Robinson and H.FE.Perley

64

 
 

of the San Joaguin County Ploneers; M. Li. Crowell, F.

C. Pinkney, Re. Ee. Tucker and Se. J. Lank of Wells, Fargo &
Company's Sen Francisco office; We. He Keyes and George
Brown of Wells, Fargo & Compeny's Stockton office, and
John F. Pinkham, Marshal of the California Ploneers.

The remains were followed to the grave by the Pioneers

and a large mumber of old time friends of the deceased.

Pwenty-five friends of the deceased were in attendance

from San Franclsco. The San Francisce Society of Calle
fornia Pioneers, of which the deceased was a member, sent
an official delegation and Wells, Fargo & Companv sent
four employes from the San Francisco office and Route
Agent Crowell was authorized to pay the expenses of the
trip.

Pillsbury Hodgkins was popular with all employes of
Wells, Fargo & Company and the company, in accordance with
the policy of kindly treating faithful oldtimers, made his
later life as comfortable as possible. In Poston he learn
ed the trade of ship carpenter and on the voyage to Call-
fornia in 1849, he did the ship's carpentery, thus ac-
quiring the name of "Chips", which clung to him through

life. He arrived in California in September, 1849, and

65

 
followed mining until Mareh 1, 1851, when Mr. Brown of
Reynold's express engaged him to carry letters and pack-
aces through the mining camps from San Prancisco, Sacra
mento, Stockton and Marysville. The express chorges upm
a letter were $2.50. Mr. Hodgkins accepted the offer,

He traveled on a wilte rmle, often with saddle-bags full
of gold, miners frequently trusting him with all they had.
During the next two years he made frequent tours through
Calaveras, Tuolume, Merced and Maripoge countles, meeting
with many strange adventures, but always escaping unharmed.

Ih the Spring of 185%, Wells and Fargo bought out this

express route, saying that they Yhought Chips with 1th.

For the next four years Mr, Hodgkins was in Stockton
registering pessencers ond dispatching stages.

Prom 1857 to 1870 he was the Company's messenger on th
stearer between Stockton and San Francisco, and from 1870
to 1877, messenger between San Francisco and Sar Diego.
From 18%Y7 to 1886 Hodgkins had charge of the stewner de-
partment and handled all express matter from Alaska down
the whole length of the coast. From 1886 until last Deceme
ber he was in the collectlon department.

fa Tr a relrd w pn 2 oie "yes Cr -
Mre Hodglilns leaves o wife and three grown up sons.

66

 
 

 

Mrs. Hodgkins has the reputation of being the best woman
mathematiclan and one of the finest classicel scholars on
the Pacific Coast. ler sons recelved the equivalent of
college educations with thelr mother as their sole ine
structor. Mr. Hodgkins was a man of high moral character
and always correct in his habits and conduct and his good

traits are shown in his sons.

the Seaport News"

Coronado, California

Sepvember 10, 1802.

OBITUARY.

It was with regret that the many friends of P. Hodgkin

learned of his death last Saturday in San Praneisco.
He wag known throughout the state os "Chips® and perhaps

man in California had es large a list of acquaintances.
He has been in the employ of the Wells, Fargo Fxpress Co.,
since the days of '29, when he was one of the carriers of
the express. He was well known all along the coast having
been express messenger on the old Senator and Ancon.

Mr. Hodgkins visited San Diego and Coronado last summer

67

 
 

and was surprised to see how the cities had grown.

No kinder or more honest man ever lived and as we look

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was one of Cod's noblemer.

 
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END OF TITLE