ii!i||pilt 
 
 .N36 
 

 
 
 ^^ , '^'' ^"^ -^'iw: S'^^'^^ -y^^^." ^ 
 
 
 
 
 o > 
 
 '. "^^0^ o, 
 
 
 
 "-u.9^^ 
 
 .-J^^ .. 
 
 1-^"" yjyi^^ "^_- tO' .^^!' '°o >" .»i:r?;.% ^'^_ 
 
 
 <» e 
 
 o u- 
 
 &" ..-•. ^. 
 
 
 
 
 /»\ o " o 
 

 
 0^ ^ *75^** A. 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 ^:ov 
 
 
 ^. 
 
 ^ - ■% 
 
 
' °^ 
 
1848. ys^^^ / '89' 
 
 The Fort"g- third AKhiYersary 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Discovery of Gold 
 
 IN 
 
 CALIFORNIA, 
 
 Second Grand Reunion ond Bonpet 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NEW ENGLAND 
 
 Associated California Pioneers 
 
 H9, 
 
 TO BE HELD AT THE 
 
 REVERE HOUSE, BOSTON, 
 
 Saturday, January 17, 1891. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 C. M. BARROWS & Co., Printers, 
 
 2 NORTH MARKET ST. 
 1891. 
 
FOUNbERS OF A STATE. 
 
 Hardy " Forty-Niners " Organize at 
 THE Revere. 
 
 The original Forty-niuei-s met at the Eevere House, 
 last evening, and completed their organization by the 
 choice of the following officers : President, Samuel Snow, 
 Cambridge ; First Vice-President, Warren Fletcher, Bos- 
 ton; Second Vice-President, .John Adams, Charlestown; 
 Secretary, George G. Spurr, Boston ; Treasurer, James 
 H. Bennett, Cambridge ; Board of Directors, Henry L. 
 Lawrence, Arlington; Isaiah Graves, Lynn; Edward 
 Litchfield. Boston ; Charles F. Gifford, Boston ; Marshall 
 Russell, Brookline; Stephen A. Cornell, Springfield; 
 Joseph Holmes, Milton. 
 
 Hereafter the Association will be known as the New 
 Englakd Associated California Pioneers of '49. 
 It is founded upon the discovery of gold in Californiji, 
 and the thrilling events that followed. It holds its an- 
 nual meeting January 18th, in honor of the daj'^ on 
 which gold was first discovered. It allows no man to 
 join who failed to reach the country prior to 1850. It 
 claims to be the only society east of the Sierra Nevadas 
 that is composed strictly of forty-niners. Its objects are 
 literary as well as social. It will compile a series of remi- 
 niscences and leave to posterity '' Personal Memoirs of 
 California Pioneers," siiowing what it cost to add that 
 State to the Union. 
 
 It is proposed to pay a visit to San Francisco as a soci- 
 ety in 1890, and revisit the scenes of earliei- days. The 
 admission fee is $3 and one annual assessment of f 2. 
 The surplus after paying all debts, goes into a fund for the 
 benefit of its members. The society starts off" with a 
 membership of forty-five, comprising gentlemen occu- 
 pying high positions of trust. Parties wishing to join 
 will address the Secretary, Geo. G. Spurr, 69 Commercial 
 Street, Boston.— {Boston Globe, June 18, 1889.) 
 
1848' ^^Et Meritum feres Virtutis Honorem.'' 189I. 
 
 (Moreover, Thou slialt bear the Honor won by Manly Quality.) 
 
 The Portij- third AnniYersarij 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Discovery of Gold 
 
 IN 
 
 CALIFORNIA, 
 
 Second Grand Reunion ond Banquet 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NEW ENGLAND 
 
 Associated California Pioneers 
 
 OF 
 
 '49, 
 
 TO BE HELD AT THE 
 
 REVERE HOUSE, BOSTTON, 
 
 Saturday, January 17, 1891. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 C. M. BARROWS & Co., PRINTERS, 
 
 2 NORTH MARKET ST. 
 
 1891. 
 
Ft 
 
 i3 
 
Boston, January 1, 1891, 
 
 My dear Colleague and Associate Fortt-Niner : — 
 
 Another year has passed away since your Secretary made his 
 last report, and now this brotherliood of pioneers has reached its 
 second period of useful life. 
 
 V What your society has done for itself and for its members 
 during the year now' expiring, just how it stands with the world, 
 and as a factor in the affairs of men, what it has to stand 
 upon, it is a part of his duty to show and explain. 
 
 During the past twelve months there have been held nme busi- 
 ness meetings. One annual meeting for the election of officers, 
 one social gathering in deference to "Admission Day," and one 
 grand reunion and banquet in honor of tlie day on which gold 
 was first discovered in California. The business meetings 
 have had an average attendance of twelve, the}' have been fruit- 
 ful of much good and greatly enjoyed by all those who formed 
 the circles on these occasions. 
 
 On "Election Dii}'," June 17, there were present thirty-two 
 members, while "Admission Day" Avas observed by ticenty-six 
 of the brotherhood, and the da}' closed upon one of the most 
 interesting episodes of the year. 
 
 Tiie reunion and banquet was a success and came fully up to the 
 expectations of its most ardeit friends. For the benefit of such 
 of the brotherhood avIio found it imjiossible to attend this merry 
 gathering and gaze uiion that beautiful spectacle your Secretary 
 has inserted the following report of the proceedings clipped 
 from the Boston S^oiday Herald the day following the banquet : 
 
4 
 "ORIGINAL FORTY-NINERS. 
 
 California Pioneers' Banquet at the Revere Housk. 
 
 THE GRIZZLY BEAR FLAG WAVES ABOVE A HAPPY COMPANY OK 
 DINING OLD-TIME SEARCHERS FOR GOLDEN TREASURES — 
 THEIR LADIES ENTERTAINED REMINISCENCES OF ADVENTU- 
 ROUS DAYS. 
 
 " The grizzly bear flag of the New England Associated Cali- 
 fornia Pioneers flaunted its white and bine folds in air before 
 all Boston from the Revere House flag-staff during yesterday. 
 Within Col. Meriow's hospitable hostelry was gathered a com- 
 pany — some forty or more — of the original Forty-niners who 
 braved the storms of Cape Horn, suffered the parching heat of 
 the great American desert, or exposed themselves to the deadij' 
 fever of the Isthmus, in search of the golden treasures which 
 lay within the Sacramento valley. The afternoon was devoted 
 to a reception in the elegant state parlors to the fair ladies, who 
 now form these hardy miners' families. Reminiscences of 
 those far-off' days were rapidly exchanged, sounding more like 
 the "^ Arabian Nights' stories than of actual occurrence. The 
 reunion was delightful, and its pleasures were greatly height- 
 ened by the entrancing music, which was almost unceasingly 
 given by an orchestra stationed near the banquet hall, where 
 tables were beautifully laid and adorned with exquisite flowers 
 by the ladies. Around these tables the company gathered, 
 shortly after 3 o'clock, with President Samuel Snow in the seat 
 of honor. Beside him was Mrs. Mary Sinclair Davis, who 
 arrived in California in 1843, going by the overland route. In 
 honor of the occasion Col. Merrow prepared quite a unique 
 souvenir menu card in the form of a screen composed of l»am- 
 boo, with panels of celluloid fastened with silk cords of a deli- 
 cate pink hue. Besides the President and Mrs. Davis, 
 
 "At the Tables Were : 
 
 Secretary Geo. G. Spun-, Boston. i\Irs. E. M. Picknell. 
 Trace}' Boyd Spurr. Mi-, and Mrs. AVilliam B. AVilbnr, 
 A. Constance Snow. East Boston. 
 Mabel Bradford Snow. Mrs. C. A. Twitchell, Newtonville, 
 Mr. Sidney Davis. Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Draper, Paw- 
 Mr. and Mrs. Geo. B. Clapp. tucket. 
 Jabez H. Sears. Mr. J. P. Blake. 
 Minnie P. Sears. Mr. James Snow. 
 George F. Stebbins. David A. Hodgdon. 
 John Stebbins. Philip Brady, Attleboro, 
 Mrs. E. A. lugalls, Cambridgeport. Greenville H. Child. 
 Mr. N. S. Ingalls. Miss Gertrude Lawrence. 
 
Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Rowe, Boston. 
 Miss Pauline I. Rowe. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Alexis Torrej'. 
 Mr. and Mrs. y. B. Simons 
 Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Ilunnewell. 
 Mr. and Mrs. John F. Niekerson. 
 Samuel Tj. Smith of Cliarlestown. 
 Samuel Ij. Mansoii of E. Boston. 
 Samuel I'. Barker of Sciruate. 
 Edwin Litchfield, Boston. 
 Mary E. Litchfield, Boston. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Russell, 
 
 Bronkline. 
 R. E. Carpenter, Ashland. 
 Mrs. Mary E. Chapman. 
 Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Noble. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Holmes of 
 
 Milton. 
 Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Holmes. 
 Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Cornell, 
 
 of Springfield. 
 "Warren Fletcher. 
 Walter Y. Fletcher. 
 
 H. L. Lawrence, Arlington. 
 
 A. N. Proctor of Boston. 
 H. C. Hall of Waltham. 
 L. Gilson of U'altham. 
 John E. Tolman of Waltlian). 
 Mrs. IL W. Leviek. 
 
 B. F. Griggs of Boston. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Holman. 
 
 ^[r. Heniy D. Lawrence. 
 
 Mr. Minot R. Lawrence. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bennett. 
 
 M. C Coolidge. 
 
 Mr. J. T. Bennett. 
 
 Mr. George G. Ladd. 
 
 Jotliam Salisbury. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Gifford, Boston. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs;. F. O. Squire. 
 
 Miss A. Gertrude Cornell. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. O. S Taylor. 
 
 J. B. Dillaway of Dorchester. 
 
 S. J. I^pton of Chelsea. 
 
 William Chatfield of Newton. 
 
 A. L. Dole of Maiden. 
 
 "President Snow opened the exercises follownog the dinner, 
 first confessing the obligation that the association was under to 
 the ladies for their presence, and expressing tiie pleasure felt in 
 having them at the social board. He characterized the gentle- 
 men as ' honest old miners who were in a very comfortable 
 cabin, thanks to Brother Merrow'.' Mr. Snow spoke in detail 
 of the California gold movement, the finding of the precious 
 metal, the opening of mines and the effect of this upon the 
 people, and the growth of California. There were, however, 
 he said, so few who went to California in 1848, that it was not 
 worth talking about, and the close of that year saw the begin- 
 ning of the movement of 1849. Forty-niners, he continued, 
 embrace all men who wei'e in the mines or domiciled there prior 
 to or during '49. 
 
 "There w^ere tlien about 72,000 jteople in the Golden state. 
 It was estimated that about 24,000 Yankees were there during 
 1849, the balance of the peo[)le being those who w^ent from tlie 
 soutli and west — chiefi}' 'across the plains,' and from foreign 
 lands. The attempt to make California a slave state was 
 adverted to ; also the opposition made by the minei's to having 
 any servient race or class in the State. He also spoke of the 
 part that the miners took in establishing the Golden state, and 
 remarked that founding a society of California pioneers in 
 Boston, the ^Metropolis in New England, the home of so many 
 early pioneers, may be said to have been an event of no ordi- 
 nary character. 
 
"Letters of congratulation and recognition were read from 
 several similar organizations, one of Avhicii was from the parent 
 society in San Francisco. Secretary Spiirr also read tbe fol- 
 lowing letter to Gen. W. T. Sherman, and his reply to the 
 same, stating b}' way of preface that the INIrs. Sinclair was 
 none other than the lady at the head of the table." 
 
 Boston, Dec. 15, 1SS9. 
 
 "Gen. AV. T. Sherman — My Dear General: In 1847. and while 
 stationed in California, I am told that you and a number of your 
 associates got up a dance at Sutter's Fort. Ladies were scarce in 
 those days, and the boys, it is said, scoured the country for miles to 
 make the aflfair a success. Among the ladies who graced that occasion 
 was a Mrs. Sinclair, who resided at the Rauclio Del Paso, on the 
 river about two miles above the fort. Mrs. Sinclair was a flaxen- 
 haired girl at that time, and both she and her husband were bosom 
 friends of Capt. Sutter. As tlie ' wee snia' hours approached, the 
 lady became anxious about her babe, which had been left behind in 
 care of an Indian girl that lived in her family. 
 
 "Her heart throbbed wildly as the houi-sflew by, and still the dance 
 went on without a break. In the midst of that mazj^ dance there 
 was one man who had watched the deepening shadows as they 
 settled down upon that girlish face. It was here that his quick 
 perception told him there was a hidden trouble beneath the laugh 
 which seemed so real, and liis sympathetic heart soon discerned the 
 cause. A shoit time after she was escorted to a team in waiting, 
 when a tall, trim j'oung man, enveloped in wraps, sprang into his 
 seat and the trio drove rapidly over the dustj- road in the direction 
 of tlie ranch. The night was dark but starlight. The wolves were 
 still howling along the river bottoms. Heids of restless cattle stood 
 in groups on the sloping hillsides. The screech owl made the night; 
 still more hideous by his continuous din. During the drive but few 
 words were spoken by either, and nothing had been said by the 
 gentlemanly driver that gave her the least clue to his identification. 
 It was only when she had been placed in the hands of her friends in 
 her dear old home that the name of the distinguished officer became 
 known to all present. That ofHcer, my dear sir, was yourself. 
 Mrs. Sinclair still lives, and is quite well for a woman that has seen 
 so many pei ils and has endured so many hardships. She is a resident 
 of this cit}', and has been for many years. She is, I am proud to say, 
 a member of this association, in which she takes great delight. In 
 the fulness of her years, and while surx'ounded by her children and 
 grandchildren, she often recalls the stirring events of early pioneer 
 days. Her husband, John Sinclair, was for many years alcalde for 
 the upper Sacramento and highh' respected by the people of the 
 
suirouudiug countr}-. His home, the Kanche del Paso, had often 
 been the home for s-tricken einigranls, as it had ofttn sheltered the 
 explorers from abroad, during their wanderings throughout the 
 great valley of the Sacramento. While spending an evening with 
 her family a short time ago, she told this little episode with evident 
 pleasure to all present. This society, with its lady friends, will hold 
 its first grand reunion at the Revere House, Boston, .Ian. IS next, in 
 honor of the daj- on which gold was first discovered in California. 
 In asking j'ou to become its guest I have introduced the above sketch 
 of your early life, thinking that, perhaps, the opportunity to meet 
 the lady you so gallantly drove to her home on the Kio del Americanes 
 43 j-ears ago ma}^ induce you to accept the invitntion and become one 
 of us on this occasion. 
 
 "I am, my dear general, your obedient servant, 
 
 George G. Spuur, Secretary." 
 
 " 75 West Seventy-first Street, )^ 
 New York. Dec. 18, 1889. J 
 " George G. Spurr — My Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your courteous 
 letter of the lath inst., which, through absence, has thus far remained 
 unanswered. I remember Johu Sinclair very well. lie was all 
 that you say he was, and more. I saw him often in '47 and *48. 
 The incident you mention, although not quite so clear in my memory, 
 j'et I have no doubt of its conectncss. I have already made so 
 many engagements for January that I doubt the possibility of my 
 coming on to your reunion on the 18th day of that month. You have 
 my best wishes, however, for a grand success, and I cordially extend 
 the hand of brotherlj^ love to all. Kindly present my compliments 
 to Mrs. Sinclair Davis, and likewise to your associates, and believe 
 
 me. 
 
 Very truly j'ours, 
 
 W. T. SiiEKMAN, General.'' 
 
 "These letters were heartily apphuulcd, and their reading was 
 followed by electing Gen. Slionnan an honorary member of the 
 association. 
 
 "President Snow rcgretfidly referred to the absent, and 
 said : 
 
 Wliilst wc rejoice in these festivities, grateful that a favoring 
 Providence permits us to be present, and to listen to the con- 
 gratulations of distant friends, we must not forget our brelliren 
 who are not with us ; some, detained by illness — or prevented 
 
by distance, or by the pressure of business. Among them, brother 
 Nason may be mentioned. He lives at Epping, in New Hamp- 
 shire. He has set us a good example by forwarding to our 
 Society a narrative of liis adveutures — on the Crescent City — 
 on the Chagres river — almost three months in Panama and 
 more tlian two mouths on the Niantic, a ship famous for 
 having carried without serious mishaps, and lauded more pas- 
 sengers than any other sailing vessel took into California ; 
 and more famous, driven ashore, she furnished the site and 
 the foundations, and the name, for a spacious hotel in the ex- 
 tended city. We passed the 'Golden Gate,' .July 5th, in the 
 wake of a ship whose name ' Leonore ' we could barely dis- 
 tinguisli on the stern — just five montlis from Boston; she had 
 sailed thence on the same day that brother Nason had sailed 
 from New York — and doubling Cape Horn, she had beaten us 
 in the voj^age by the length of a ship's cable. 
 
 Brother Nason has laid us under further obligation b}' pre- 
 sentiug us with a number of drawiugs, made by him on the 
 way, of scenery and scenes on shipboard — on the Isthmus, 
 and at Panama ; and of familiar i)laces among the mines and 
 redwoods of California. 
 
 Also our brother J. B. Howe is among the absent. Born at 
 Petersham in this Commonwealth, threescore and ten 3'ears 
 find him again on liis native iieath. lie, too, has favored us 
 with a portion of his narrative ; which is of peculiar interest ; 
 for it describes the trying experiences of those pioneers, who, 
 worn out with waiting at Panama for means of transportation, 
 fitted up ohl hulks, — like the "Humbolt" and "Calypso," 
 "Copiapo" and the "Feliz" — and various small crafts, and even 
 sea-canoes and shi|)s' boats — to help tliem on their way, few of 
 which ever reached the intended destination. We watched those 
 vessels as our Yankee carpenters rebuilt them and repaired them ; 
 we looked at tliem to see whetlier or not, like the ship wliich 
 St. Paul sailed on, they were fitted with appliances for " cast- 
 ing the (inckor oat of the stern," in case of need. We saw them 
 sail out of the Bay with many misgivings as to the fate in store 
 for them ; and w'e could not help but be reminded of the tales of 
 that old-time voyage from Mt. Ida to the Tiber — its perils, 
 
9 
 
 privations and delays, — how tiie storms shattered the ships, 
 — and hunger and thirst weakened the men — and catastrophes 
 overwlielmed them, nntil at length mj^sterions Naiads, with 
 secret help, brought the remnants of them to the wished-for 
 haven. "Dos Hernandos " — the "Two Sisters" — that 
 was the name of the Avretched galley of about 70 tons — 
 (ancient, we verily believed, as those same Naiads of the 
 mj'th) , on which brother Howe and his companions ventured 
 and hoped to creep along the desolate coasts and cross the 
 Gulf, notorious for its treacherous storms. 
 
 As we stood on the ramparts of the crumbling fortifications 
 by the sea, and gazed after our friends as they faded out of 
 the horizon, who of us could foresee that after so man3' years of 
 silence their story would lie told among any of the survivors, 
 their wives and children gathered about, in this banquet hall of 
 the Revere House, (then recently completed as we remember), 
 and remarkable then for its spacious elegance as it is cele- 
 brated now^ for the oft-recurring festivals which have since con- 
 tinued to resound within its walls. 
 
 Three months, about, from the time he thus sailed away, 
 were spent by brother Howe in struggles on sea and land before 
 he reached our Eldorado. 
 
 "Tantae molis erat Romannni condere gentem " 
 Such time, such toil required the Roman name, 
 Sucli length of labor for so vast a frame. 
 
 Our Brother is now in feeble health, or he would be here in 
 person. But in the midst of physical disabilities he remem- 
 bers us, and he has composed some verses for this occasion. 
 
 He is with us in good-fellowship and in spirit. Harken to his 
 
 RETROSPECTIVE. 
 
 We call to mind some things grown old, 
 Wlien men left home in search of gold; 
 Across tlie Pluuis and round the Horn, 
 Wiio sometimes wished they hadn't gone. 
 
 But fought it out, and on this line. 
 
 To make a \n\e in Fortj'-nine. 
 
10 
 
 They suftiered huuger, thirst aud heat, 
 
 But still declined to "fiive up beat," 
 
 A plucky set as ere was born, 
 
 They'd " make a spoon, or spoil a horn : " 
 When sorely tried, they made no sign, 
 At least 'iwas so in -Forty-nine. 
 
 With water scarce, for lack of rain, 
 A saving way, to some was plain, 
 To use no drink, save " whiskey straight,"' 
 But with results, too sad to state ; 
 This using " aguardiente," not wine. 
 Was often done, in — Fortj'-nine. 
 
 They wore a soft and sliapeless hat, 
 
 A reefer stout, to go with that. 
 
 With boots that reached unto the knees — 
 
 Their trowsers safely tucked in tliese : 
 A proj)er suit, for rain nr shine 
 And fa-vor-ite, in Forty-nine. 
 
 Some lawless ones, but in a pinch, 
 Thej^'d try the case before Judge Lynch; 
 The limbs weie still", tin' ropes were long. 
 But proof of gitilt, 7mtst first he strong, 
 Then Oak and Hemp would thus combine 
 For public good in Forty-nine. 
 
 Tiie strength of hand, the mental force 
 That moved whatever blocked the course, — 
 The helpful, upright, kindly men. 
 That formed tlie largest portion then; 
 With Golden IJule, for " countersign," 
 Passed Golden Gate, in Forty-nine. 
 
 The gamblers were a u-inning set, 
 
 AVho kindly let the miners bet — 
 
 But only to accommodate; 
 
 The}' led them on to meet their fate ; — 
 With charming music, smiles and wine. 
 They skinned the Hats in Forty-nine. 
 
 " And only man is vile" was said 
 Of Cejion — place it liere, instead ; 
 Wliere Nature, in her grandeur shows. 
 Her wildest freaks, liei- calm repose, 
 'I'he fig, the olive and the vine 
 That welcomed men in Fortv-nine. 
 
11 
 
 The herds of cattle, flocks of slieep, 
 Broad fields, where those who sow, can reap, 
 The earth, with mineral wealth untold, 
 Of which the leading chief, was gold ; 
 
 But th' others, in their turn w^ould shine; — 
 And so they said, in Fortj^-nine. 
 
 The largest trees in all the world! 
 
 A list of novelties unfurled. 
 
 That brought the " wise men from the east," 
 
 To sliaro an intellectual feast ; 
 
 Such length of coast, such broad design 
 Were rare, to men ere Forty-nine. 
 
 The Grizzly Bear, was still " on guard," 
 
 The native Lion, for his " pard '" 
 
 Tarantula and horned toad, 
 
 While Gopher holes, in gardens showed; 
 The staunch Live Oaks and lordly Pine, 
 Sheltered the men, of Forty-nine. 
 
 So brothers all, while meeting here, 
 
 In house, with sacred name — Eevere : 
 
 Just let a ling'ring kindness play 
 
 On times that are so far away ; 
 Think of old partners, as we dine, 
 While representing Forty-nine. 
 
 J. B. Howe. 
 
 NOTICE AND INVITATION. 
 
 Boston, January Gth, 1890. 
 
 To THE Society of California 
 
 Pioneers of San Francksco : ( Edward Krusk, Prest. 
 
 \ II. T. Graves, Secy. 
 
 The New England Associated California Pioneers of '49 will 
 commemorate the api)roacliini? anniversary of the discovery of 
 Gold in California, for the first time in New England, by a 
 reception and banquet to be liolden at the Revere House in 
 Boston, on Saturday, January 18, 1890. The parlors will be 
 
12 
 
 open for our brethren and guests at noon of that day — banquet 
 at 3 P. M. All '49ers are invited to participate ; the officers 
 and members of your Society are hereby notified thereof ; and 
 such of them as may be able to attend, are cordially asked to 
 be present as guests of this Society. 
 
 Mindful of the fact that your Society was the first to 
 institute such celebrations of that day and the glorious train of 
 events which that day inaugurated, and that, — from the begin- 
 ning — by a brilliant series of annual festivities, which illustrate 
 the generous and fraternal spirit of the men who led the w^ay 
 and laid the foundations — you have faithfully cherished the 
 hopes, the courage and the enthusiasm of their survivors, and 
 kept alive and bright the fire you kindled ; mindful of all this, 
 our Society sends this greeting to you for the anniversary day. 
 
 After their forty years of Pilgrimage the Yankee '49ers, 
 surviving in the old home, salute j'ou, far away, as brothers 
 from whom they are long time parted. 
 
 AVhat we helped you plant. Ye have watered to fruition. 
 ]\Iay you long enjoy the increase. 
 
 For the Society, 
 
 SAMUEL SNOW, President. 
 
 Geo. G. Si'URR, Secretary/ and Committee on Invitations. 
 
 To which the following telegram was received in response : 
 
 "San Francisco, Jan. 18. 
 Samuel Snow, President New England Pioneers, 
 Revere House, Boston : 
 The Society of California Pioneers sends warm fraternal greetings 
 to our brother '49ers in Boston, with the wisli that eacli hour of life 
 remaining for each one of you may be as bright, as pure and as gol- 
 den as were the nuggets, the discover}' of wliich 42 years ago sent 
 such a thi-ill of expectancy and hope through the nerves of all civil- 
 ized nations. 
 
 Edward Kruse, President. 
 
 H. T. Graves, Secretary." 
 
i;) 
 
 LIST OF OFFICERS. 
 
 Samuel Snow, President. 
 
 4 Pemberton Sq., Boston. 
 
 AVarren Fletcher, 1st Vice-President. 
 
 East Boston. 
 
 Solomon S. Rowe, 2d Vice-President. 
 
 1 Beacon St., Boston. 
 
 Geo. G. Spurr, Secretary. 
 
 69 Commercial St., Boston. 
 
 James H. Bennett, Treasurer 
 
 19 North Market St., Boston. 
 
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
 
 Henry L. Lawrence, 
 
 46 F. H. Market. 
 
 Greenville H. Child, 
 
 548 Washington Street. 
 
 Isaiah Graves, 
 
 Lynn, Mass. 
 
 Edwin Litchfield, 
 
 Boston, Mass. 
 
 Charles F. Gifford, 
 
 40 North Market Street. 
 
 Marshall Russell, 
 
 Brookliue, Mass. 
 
 Stephen A. Cornell, 
 
 Springfield, Mass. 
 
 Joseph Holmes, 
 
 Milton, Mass. 
 
 Benj. F. Griggs, 
 
 634 Shawmut Avenue. 
 
 Augustus L. Dole, 
 
 Maiden, Mass. 
 
 Daniel W. Nason, 
 
 Epping, N. H. 
 
 I 
 
14 
 
 Se 
 
 C»i— li— Ir-lCC ^-■.■ 
 
 I— I ^ p- 
 
 " 5" " " ^ g 3 
 
 Z :: t i 
 
 C?S 
 
 i^ 
 
 T" 03 > CO 
 
 o 'o ■'^ 'o ^ 
 
 53 6l< jr fan 
 
 3 ce O 33 - 
 W «3 fc. '-/} 
 
 fM CS l-^ l^ 1^ :^ r^ t5 1^ on ^n r» -K -* -t. 1^ -^ r^ ^ ?? 5^; ^ .2^ .i .- 
 
 ■r? ^ — • I- 
 
 Ot^OWOOGOGi-t-+-fl^TO<:£!GO'Xa)t^oSl!!:5o5:C5t^-M'-- 
 
 lo in ic o c; C5 i^ -M '^^ w c I 
 
 T— I,— I,— I— .,^,_(_'M<;>-l,_,-<i 
 
 ^ o 
 
 ^ 3,' ;-, OJ 
 
 c a 
 
 o o: 
 
 > X 
 
 DO 
 
 OO 
 
 = o a; 5 a-" 4> 
 
 
 s=c 
 
 OHO 
 
 £ •" 
 
 -i 2! 
 
 
 ►:s So ^ i 
 
 J5 
 
 O .2 ~ 5 .b — ^ -s 
 
 Q-nO m rr. Cn CQ rj-^ CS rf^ ^ 
 
 itcDO 
 
 
 bfi 
 S o 
 
 da:; 
 
 a. o 
 OO 
 
 ,2i o- 
 
 <^o 
 
 43 X! 
 
 
 i:^ 
 
 « 
 
 ■^2 >'^2 ^ 
 
 o * 2 o) !* c; 
 
 (4 - 
 3 ;r, 
 
 S-^ 
 
 cac5 
 
 ® a 
 
 a: a 
 
 . >>- 
 
 (1)'-: cc 
 
 1^ c« 
 
 ,05 
 
 M 
 
 ^ a if 
 
 •j; tie S "* "^ a 
 
 ag-^Saaia^ t,a*i«c„^, 
 
 --3 c3 
 
 a -^ 
 
 s « ^ "E E^ 
 
 « > et i "^1 
 
 rt ^ 2i 2_' 
 
 
 5"-- 5 J -^ 
 
 ^ . Z. 3=2^ = 
 
 ^< 
 
 l^o 
 
 M a 
 o ._a 
 
 cc >- 
 
 J3 _ 
 
 r-O «> ' 
 1 CO 
 
 E:5 
 
 ''o ^ 
 
 ^ 2 55 ^ -5 = 
 
 3'» 
 
 a^ 
 
 2rS 
 
 'O 
 
 <» tu r"^ — ^ 
 
 a •- 
 
 CO 2 
 
 
 
 ^is 
 
 3X5 
 
 wo 
 
 -■.at-? . "H 
 
 a a -a 
 
 :i u 
 
 a a 
 
 3 a 
 • O 
 
 « c.r - "1 2 aT 
 
 ,,r'a oJt-'a— ■aa.a^a 
 
 f> S ^ iTj 
 
 4> _: 
 
 
 ;?; S <tj i-s w Q ;:; O 
 
 "t-i FT 
 
 O 55 a'-H i 
 
 oo~ 
 
 M g; 
 
15 
 
 ft:; 
 
 U^ 
 
 o - 
 
 * -^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 C" 
 
 ■^ ■* 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 et 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 P4 
 
 
 o 
 
 u- 
 
 d 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 c 
 
 crt-- 
 
 J ^ 
 
 * 
 
 crt 
 
 DC 
 
 
 0:0 
 
 0:« 
 
 well— 11— li— i(M5<l(M<r5'M!?q^r^rHi— i^i— ((MlMC^IC^Ii— 1 i— I r- 1 r-i r-( i— i-l ^ 
 
 
 
 
 0^0 
 
 lo 
 
 =32 a ^ 
 
 •a '£; .E.2 - 3^ 
 
 — k"' £^ O ii ^ 
 «^ ►" :-^ '^ ^ 1-3 
 
 >.3 , 
 
 OJ 
 
 •5 fee- - 
 
 — s o — ai 
 
 
 ^ ft 
 
 y.JC<_ ^ ^ -> -, 
 
 ^1^ S ? C 
 
 S ,— o ^ ," " 
 CQ S ^ Sy2 
 
 « C ^ • = 
 
 ->.= 905: 
 
 iS a. -< 3 ^ c2 
 
 
 05 - - - J 
 
 ■ a _'• be 
 0:2 = 
 
 Sj rt 5Z " x 
 
 « C rt 
 
 be a 
 
 a. o 
 02 ca 
 
 « ii — .3 
 
 ■"-> — Qj a H 
 
 r 5 be a i r^ be g , 5 « „- « cc 
 
 a -T rT'br'^ 
 >i CD ::: 3 "^ 
 
 o J -; ^o 
 
 o a 
 
 5c» 
 
 — ?• ._ CK 
 
 :^ o 
 1OO5 
 
 
 CO 
 
 m 
 
 >■ 
 < 
 
 DC 
 
 O 
 z 
 
 o 
 
 I 
 
 - « 
 
 2t- 
 
 a ^ 
 
 iS^"* 
 
 
 Woo 
 
 
 OS 
 
 H 
 
 
 'i) 
 
 -1-3 
 
 
 
 Q 
 
 0:: 
 
 H 
 
 f^ 
 
 >- 
 
 CD 
 
 
 ;h 
 
 g 
 
 
 <! 
 
 a 
 
 
 m 
 
 . <» 
 
 rA 
 
 
 ^.. 
 
 Q 
 
 "^s. 
 
 j^ 
 
 t 
 
 ^ 
 
 J^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 <i 
 
 H^ 
 
 
 ^4 
 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
 
 
 h3 
 
 ^ 
 
 « 
 
 ^1 
 
 (» 
 
 yr 
 
 03 
 
 p 
 
 W 
 
 a 
 
 ^ 
 
 — ^T 
 
 
 
 h^ 
 
 Ci w* 
 
 
 
 !h a 
 
 
 
 K 
 
 •^ ^ 
 
 S 
 
 ^ "Jl 
 
 <i 
 
 cj.v 
 
 ^ 
 
 PhHI 
 
 H 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 K 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 (» 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 « 
 
 
 fe 
 
 ■« 
 
 
 
 L4 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^: 
 
 << 
 
 ^ 
 
 1-} 
 
 a> 
 
 ill 
 
 S: 
 
 w 
 
 
 K 
 
 
 H 
 
 ca 
 
 ca 
 
 a IS 
 
 S 
 
 -^a 
 
 H 
 
 ^ 't. 
 
 a 
 
 f^ 2 
 
 P4 
 
 
 d«? 
 
 
 drH 
 
 CO 
 
 J3 . 
 
 » 
 
 4^ 
 
 ;zi 
 
 a = 
 
 
 1> <u 
 
 
 00 
 
16 
 
 PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION. 
 
 This Association is founded upon the discovery of gold in 
 California, and the stirring events which followed, when thou- 
 sands of young men, flushed by the marvellous stories, rushed 
 to its shores to seek their fortunes in the new E^ldorado. Perils 
 by land, disasters by sea, wove together in one brief year a 
 history that can never die, but live on and on forever. 
 
 In laying the foundation at this late day, it aims to gather 
 togetlier the scattered survivors of that memorable period, and 
 unite them into one common brotherhood that they may have 
 an opportunity to meet from time to time and enjoy the few 
 remaining years in social intercourse. 
 
 In consideration of a common history and the kindred sym- 
 pathies existing between the men of '49, it is hoped that the 
 Association may rest upon a bedrock of benevolence, and that 
 the order become a brotherhood in deeds as well as in name. 
 Let it be remembered that the name which this Association is 
 to bear in the future, marked an era in the life of this nation 
 which is replete in thrilling adventures, and for solid work and 
 substantial results it has no parallel in the annals of time. It 
 is desired that the Association go into effect and take its posi- 
 tion among the sisterhood of societies on the 42nd anniversary 
 of the finding of gold in California, in commemoration of an 
 event which electrified the woild and founded a histoiy as daz- 
 zling as it was brilliant in dramatic effect. It is to enjoy these 
 privileges, revive scenes long since forgotten, and keep green 
 the memories of by-gone days, that this Association has been 
 called into existence, and the foUow^ing code of laws adopted 
 for its use and guidance. 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 This Association shall be called, and it shall hereafter be 
 known as, "The New England Associated California Pioneers 
 of '49." 
 
17 
 
 It shall have its headquarters in the City of Boston, and hold 
 its Annual Meetings on the eighteenth day of January of each 
 year, in commemoration of the day on which gold was first dis- 
 covered in California. 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 Objects. 
 
 articlp: I. 
 
 It is designed to be a moral, social and serviceable Society, 
 a brotherhood of men having a common histor}^ and a noble 
 record. It aims to bring about a closer intimacy between 
 them, that each may learn more of the other's experience in the 
 land of gold. It hopes to become a thoroughly good Society — 
 a brotherhood of deeds — not words. 
 
 THE TERM PIONEER. 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 In applying the term pioneer to this Association, it must be 
 understood to mean, that no man can be considered eligible to 
 membership unless he acquired a residence in California prior 
 to January 1, 1850. 
 
 [The following Amendment was adopted Nov. 20, 1890.] 
 Resolved, that any person who ^tarted for California direct 
 during the year 1849, or prior thereto, and arrived in that 
 country on or before Sept. 9, 1850, shall he eligible to fidl mem- 
 bership to this Society. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 The officers of this Association shall be a President, two 
 Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven Trustees, who 
 shall constitute an Executive Committee. Four members shall 
 be sufficient for a quorum. They shall be elected by ballot on 
 June 17th, of each year, which shall be known as "Elec- 
 tion Da}" " of the Society, and shall hold office for one year, 
 
18 
 
 or until their successors are elected. Their oflicial duties shall 
 be the same as those found in use in similar organizations, and 
 the same rules applied to their several stations. The Execu- 
 tive Committee shall have power to fill vacancies in its num- 
 bers to hold good until the next Annual Meeting. 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 An Annual Meetiug and Banquet shall take place in the City 
 of Boston, on the eighteenth day of January of each year, that 
 being the anniversary of the di^scovery of the first gold in Cali- 
 fornia, unless that date shall fall od Sunday, in which case it 
 shall take place on the following day, and other meetings shall 
 be held at such times and places as a majority of the Executive 
 Committee may deem necessary, each member to be notified in 
 writing by the Secretary at least one week prior to said meeting. 
 
 ASSESSMENTS. 
 
 ARTICLE V. 
 
 The admission fee shall be three dollars, payalile at the time 
 of admission, and there shall be one annual assessment of two 
 dollars, payable on or before September 1st of each year, but 
 any member may become a life member by the payment of 
 twenty-five dollars in addition to the admission fee. 
 
 All expenses for banquet shall be met by sale of tickets to 
 members, to be issued by the Executive Committee. 
 
 MEMBERSH IP. 
 
 ARTICLE VI. 
 
 Applications for membership may be made to the Secretary, 
 who shall present them at the next meeting of the Executive 
 Committee, and if tliey are approved by a vote of two-thirds of 
 the members present the ap[)licant shall, upon payment of an 
 admission fee and one annual assessment, be declared a mem- 
 ber without further action, and entitled to a certificate of mem- 
 bership, signed by the President and Secretary. 
 
19 
 P 1 ONEER FUND. 
 
 ARTICLE VII. 
 
 '1 be orniid reunion banquet which takes place on the eigli- 
 teenth day of January of each year, shall be accepted as the 
 end of the fiscal year of this Association. On the Wednesday 
 succeeding the banquet of each year, the Executive Committee 
 shall meet, audit and settle all bills contracted in the name of 
 the Society. The remainder of the funds left in the hands of 
 the Treasurer, shall be set aside for benevolent purposes. It 
 shall be known as the Pioneer Fund, deposited in some bank 
 in the name of the Association, and appropriated from time to 
 time, according to the best judgment of the Executive 
 Committee. 
 
 No bills shall be contracted in the name of this Society in 
 excess of the money m the hands of the Treasurer. 
 
 OBITUARY NOTICE. 
 
 ARTICLE VIIL 
 
 Each member of this association is requested to hand in to 
 the Secretary, a brief sketch of his life, and especially that 
 portion which bears diiectly upon his experiences in California, 
 that ihe Secretary may prepare in advance, suitable notices for 
 obituaiy purposes. 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 ARTICLE IX. 
 
 At the death of any member in good standing with this so- 
 ciety, a special meeting shall be called by the Secretary', and a 
 suitable obituaiy notice prepared and publisiied in two of the 
 daily papers, a copy of which shall be sent to the relatives and 
 friends of the deceased, and in rosiiectful memory of his con- 
 nection with this Association, tlic flag of the Society shall be 
 set at half-n)ast, and so continue during the day of burial. — 
 The cost of such notices to be paid out of the funds of the 
 Societv. 
 
20 
 SOCIETY FLAG. 
 
 ARTICLE X. 
 
 The flag of this Association shall be 9x18 feet. It shall 
 consist of three stripes, blue, white and red, of equal widths, 
 its central figure shall be a grizzly bear in relief ; it shall have a 
 union in upper corner, of naval blue, proportionate to its size, in 
 the centre of which ihe figures '49 shall be inserted also in relief. 
 It shall be hoisted at sunrise on the morning of each anniver- 
 sary, and also upon the death of an}' member of this Associa- 
 tion, and taken down upon the close of the services. 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 ARTICLE XL 
 These By-Laws may be amended at any. annual meeting by a 
 vote of two-thirds of the members present. 
 
 In resuming, let me ask : 
 
 What has this Association done for itself? Well, since it was 
 organized less than two years ago, it has outgrown its baby- 
 hood and developed into a full-grown man. 
 
 From obscurity it has suddenly leaped into the very Wall 
 street of Social influence. F'rom an experiment it has become 
 a fact, from an acorn a noble tree. The bear flag, the illus- 
 trious emblem of pioneer days has been adopted by the Asso- 
 ciation, and its motto planted in the centre of cultured Boston. 
 Under its folds which are as unique as its motto is full of romance 
 seventy of the founders of that highly favored State have en- 
 rolled their names, determined to keep green the memories of 
 departed days as long as there is a quorum left to report its 
 proceedings. 
 
 What has this Society done for its member? It has lifted him 
 out of a long and protracted sleep. It has told him that there 
 was a place in history for him, and that his records were in 
 
21 
 
 good clemaud. It has brought him to the front, given him 
 prestige and character, and liis name and his deeds a market 
 value. It has brought together old shipmates and companions 
 wl)o liave not met for yeais. It has revived scenes long since 
 forgotten, and recalled memories that no loyal pioneer can wish 
 to forget. 
 
 What has the Organization got to stand upon? It stands upon 
 a foundation built by its own hands, and it points with pride 
 to the superstructure as the best evidence of its handicraft. 
 It dates its history back to and beginning with the discovery 
 of gold, and not upon the admission of the State into the Union. 
 Its work began Avith that memorable period and it may be said 
 to have ceased by the time the latter event occurred. 
 
 As a factor in the a^ffairs of men, the Forty-niner can claim 
 many distinguished honors. It was his pluck and endurance that 
 bridged a continent and made Cape Horn a half-way station. 
 By his energies he has enlarged the public domain, increased 
 his country's revenue, doubled her exports, trebled her imports, 
 filled the markets with gold, and made Uncle Sam the largest 
 and the richest land-holder upon the face of the earth. 
 
 ''There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at 
 the flood leads on to fortune." We know there are periods in 
 the life of nations as well as that of individuals when delays 
 imperil both. In support of this theory your Secretary needs 
 ■only refer to the singular condition in which California was 
 found only a j^ear or so prior to the discovery of gold. Up to 
 that period her condition may be likened unto the condition of 
 a disowned child standing upon a curb-stone begging for a home. 
 She seemed to be a sort of a castawaj', without father or mother. 
 Russia had abandoned her, INIexico could n't make any use of 
 her, and Uncle Sam was afraid to touch her, notwithstanding 
 Fremont's glowing accounts of her beauty and her magnificent 
 harbor. About this time there appeared in the olting a British 
 Lion, and a short time afterwards a French Eagle was seen 
 hovering in the Gulf Stream. To a susce|)tible mind there 
 was something ominous in these visits and a feeling of pride 
 arose that something should be done to remove the menacing 
 evil that hung like a pall of death over this helpless orphan. 
 
22 
 
 Just at this moment the war closed, and Mexico, too poor to- 
 pay lier war indemnity patched up a settlement with Uncle Sara 
 by which she got rid of her worthless charge. In this settle- 
 ment Uncle Sam took this over-grown girl much the same as 
 a business man takes a second mortgage upon a doubtful piece 
 of property. It was tlie orphan or nothing — and still Califor- 
 nia's condition continued much ihe same and her future was 
 left swinging in the balance. All at once the world was 
 startled as by an electric shock and the news of the discovery 
 of gold, flew upon the wings of the wind to the furtherst ends 
 of the earth. She had I'eached the crisis of her life, the tide 
 had caught her up and was bearing her away to fortune and 
 fame. Ships whitened the sea, pack-trains covered the land, 
 and the world looked on the spectacle stupefied and 
 amazed. 
 
 From these brief remarks you may draw the follow- 
 ing conclusions. First, but for the discovery of gold Califor- 
 nia must have continued in a semi-barbarons condition for 
 many years longer than she did. Second, with the discovery 
 of gold the situation of affairs underwent a wonderful change 
 for the better, and the dawn of a new life broke in upon her 
 forever. Third, that the discovery of gold was the cause and 
 the settlement of the countr}', the effect, and the stupendous 
 changes that followed were due to the Forty-niners who accom- 
 plished in a single year more than had ever been accomplished 
 before b}^ any class of men under similar conditions since the 
 landing of the Pilgrims. Fourth, that God puiposely con- 
 cealed these fields of gold for the crisis in her affairs, and that 
 he used the pioneers to execute his plans, and unfold to the 
 world the grandeur of his designs. Fifth, and lastly, that 
 by developing the resources of the Pacific slope and changing 
 the commerce of the world the Forty-niner has done more gopd 
 for the human race, thau was ever done before by any race or 
 class of men since the foundation of the world. 
 
 Now, it has always seemed to the founders of the present As- 
 sociation, that a Society of some sort ought to be organized in 
 Boston that would fully represent the founders of the State of 
 California. A society that would give the surviving pioneers 
 
23 
 
 that left here twoscore years ago an opportunity to come together 
 once in awhile and recall the stirring events of their own times. 
 At the same time it has always seemed to them that a society 
 of tliat character should be a genuine one, and not a bogus 
 affair. And yet thirty-eight years intervened between the 
 founding of the parent society in San Francisco and the first 
 attempt to organize one here, and for years past it has seemed 
 to the hungering Forty-niner that they must all die before 
 their hopes were met or expectations realized. 
 
 It was to meet just such a pressing want as this, and protect 
 the Forty-niner's interest that the present brotherhood was 
 formed. In laying its foundation and raising the superstructure 
 the architects seemed to have been inspired, for nothing could have 
 been more in harmony with the framer's wishes, or more expres- 
 sive of the true spirit of pioneerism. In its construction 
 the builders have been fortunate. They have avoided the 
 sharp defects found in other orders of a similar kind, and sub- 
 stituted gold instead of alloyed metals. 
 
 Gold being the symbol of this Association it was but right 
 that its corner-stone should be set in gold and its superscription 
 1849. 
 
 The amendment to the constitution recently passed by the 
 brotherhood by an overwhelming majority admitting the rem- 
 nant of the band of Forty-niners who failed to reach the coun- 
 try until the spring months of 1850, is gratifying and satisfy- 
 ing to all concerned. Under its provisions a man can join the 
 Association providing he left his home in 1849 direct for Cali- 
 fornia and got there prior to Sept. 9, 1850. This clause gives 
 the shipwrecked, the sick, and the otherwise delayed pioneer 
 en route to his destination an equal chance with his more fortu- 
 nate brother. 
 
 This Association is founded upon the discovery of gold. It 
 has adopted the Bear flag for its emblem. It has a member- 
 ship roll of seventy stalwart miners and it has planted its 
 standard upon the dome of the Revere House, Boston. It is 
 noAv complete and it has come to Boston to stay. It will stay 
 because it rests upon a history written by its own hand and not 
 upon n history born of other men. It is desired that this lit- 
 
24 
 
 "tie pamphlet should go out into the highwa^^s and bj'-ways, in a 
 spirit of true brotherly love and ask all that are entitled to 
 wear its honors to join the Association and become one of us 
 for the remainder of their lives. 
 
 Notwithstanding the membership roll has been increased 
 over 33 per cent, during the past year, we are nevertheless 
 called upon to mourn the loss of two highly respected gentle- 
 men. One by withdrawal and the other from death. The former, 
 Mr. John Adams, withdrew from the brotherhood for business 
 reasons. The latter, Richard Chenery, Esq., late President of the 
 parent society of San Francisco, who died at Belfast, Maine, 
 last July, at the age of 73, is tlie other loss we are called 
 upon to record. Richard Cheneiy was a loyal Fortj^-niner and 
 a man of infinite worth. By his death this Association has 
 suffered a loss it can never replace. The correspondence be- 
 tween the relatives of the deceased and this society are to be 
 found on file among the records of the brotherhood. It is the 
 first absolute loss which this Association has been called upon 
 to acknowledge since its organization, and the history of his 
 good deeds comes back to us laden with the fragrance of tlie 
 meadow and its bees and flowers and new-mown hay. The 
 Bear flag, the emblem of the Association, hung at half-mast 
 from sunrise until sunset during the day our brother's remains 
 were being borne to their last place of rest. Your Secretnry 
 is much pleased to be enabled to say that the design for the 
 membership certificate which has been necessarily postponed, 
 will be on exhibition at the Revere House on the day we cele- 
 brate, and it is hoped tiiat all present on that occasion will take 
 pains to examine it with the view of having it lithographed in 
 the near future should it meet with a general approbation. 
 
 The " SeioU of Honor " has not been abandoned. It is 
 simply awaiting the photograph of members that the work ma}' 
 go on at once. Will members please forward them at their 
 earliest convenience to the Secretary's address, and avoid 
 further delay. The Treasury department of this Association is 
 in excellent condition, thanks to Brother Bennett's fatherly care 
 and judicious expenditures. 
 
 To the Board of Directors who have followed the fortunes of 
 
25 
 
 their society witli sucli tidelily and trust, wlio liave given tlieir 
 Secretary their undivided confidence and support, who have 
 stood by him during the darkest liours of his labors, he would 
 extend to theai joiutly and severally his cup of joy wliich is 
 full to tlie brim, and a greeting that passeth all understanding. 
 
 To the loyal members of the brotherhood vvho believed with 
 their Secretary, that if there was to be but one Society of Cali- 
 fornia Pioneers in the great city of Boston, and that that so- 
 ciety should be composed of men who earned their title by 
 perils and patient long-sufferings and not by men who saw 
 nothing in that country until after it had been settled for 
 3"ears — to these grand old pioneers who have accompanied 
 their Secretary with all the strength of their nature he extends 
 a hand that is weak, but a love that is as fixed as the 
 stars and as boundless as the sea. 
 
 In conclusion my dear brother allow me to say that the 
 claim that we began working three score years ago, is about 
 worked out and it behooves us to make ready to break camp 
 and cross the great divide. We know what the roads are on 
 this side of the ridge, because we have traveled them. But 
 we don't know what they ai'e on the other. As practical miners 
 about to explore an undiscovered country, let us keep together, 
 sharing each other's burden, as time waneth away and we fall 
 one V)y one from the i)ressure of old age. And in bidding 
 adieu to the cam^), with all its tender recollections let our hearts 
 go out from us mellowed towards those who have trespassed 
 against us, and forget all things, but the days of old, when we 
 dug for gold, way l)ack in '49. 
 
 I am, dear brotlier, affectionately yours, 
 
 Geo. G. Spurr, Secretary. 
 
 COMMITTEE ON BANQUET, REUNION, AND 
 RECEPTION. 
 
 Associates : 
 
 It is with infinite pleasure that for the second time your Com- 
 mittee are called upon to announce to you and all loyal Forty- 
 
2C 
 
 niiiers that their Society will bold its second reunion and ban- 
 quet at the Revere House, Boston, January' 17, 1891, in order 
 that its ruembers and their wives and children niaj' spend a few 
 brief hours together in social intercourse, and thus coniniemo- 
 rate the day on which gold was first discovered in California, 
 forty-three years ago. 
 
 At 12 o'clock, noon, the spacious and elegantly furnished 
 parlors of that famous old hostelry will be thrown open for the 
 exclusive use of the Society and its friends. The parlors, the 
 banqueting hall and Committee rooms will continue to remain 
 theirs until 12 o'clock at night, when they will be surrendered. 
 
 The banqueting hall will be thrown open at 3 o'clock, pre- 
 vious to which a brief reception will take place in the state 
 parlor, where President Snow and Vice-Presidents Fletcher and 
 Rowe will extend a hearty welcome to all present. 
 
 The tickets for the occasion will be three dollars each for 
 lady and gentleman. As this is the ladies' day of the season, 
 it is hoped as many as possible will favor the Society with their 
 presence and thus aid the Society in keeping up its organiza- 
 tion and making their annual gathering the most refreshing of 
 them all. 
 
 The Committee extend a cordial invitation to all Forty-niners 
 and their wives, together with their sous and daughters to come 
 and share with us the pleasure of this grateful occasion. The 
 arrangements for the approaching festivities have not as yet 
 been completed, as our little "path-finder" goes to press 
 But sutllcient matter has already been received by the Commit- 
 tee to warrant them in saying that the post-prandial exercises 
 will be far in advance of those of last year. In addition to 
 the usual i)rogramme of music, song and reminiscences, there 
 will be an original poem delivered by your Secretary who has 
 also consented to tell the story " how the boys captured a grizzly 
 bear alive and what came of it." In fact it is the purpose of 
 your Committee to spare neither time nor expense in making 
 this anniversary the most memorable event of their lives. 
 Badges suitable both for ladies' and gentlemen's wear for the 
 occasion may be procured from the Secretary, at the Revere 
 House, on the da}' of the banquet. 
 
27 
 
 Gentlemen with their ladies from out of town will find a 
 reception Committee in waiting at the Revere House to take 
 charge of them as they arrive. 
 
 In preparing for our approaching Reunion and Banquet, it is 
 of the utmost importance to your Committee that they know 
 the exact number to provide for. The main banqueting hall 
 can seat but 140, and no provision can possibly be made after 
 that number has been taken up. To secure seats, therefore, 
 tickets must be engaged and paid for on or before Friday 
 morning, the 16th inst. Tickets can be obtained of either one 
 of the Committee. Will you kindly inform the undersigned as 
 soon as it is possible how many tickets, if any, you will require 
 for yourself and family, and thus aid your Committee in dis- 
 charging the duties confided to ^Jll§m in an efficient manner. 
 Funds may be sent to either one of tthe undersigned either by 
 check or post-office draft and made payable to the recipient. 
 Tickets will be held by the Committee subject to the purchaser's 
 order. 
 
 Respectfully yours. 
 
 Henry L. Lawrence, \ 
 
 Chairman, 46 F. H. Market, Boston. 
 
 Warren Fletcher, 
 
 167 Pi-iiicetoii St., East Boston. 
 
 James H. Bennett, 
 
 19 No. Market St., Boston. 
 
 Grenville H. Child, 
 
 .548 Washington St., Boston. 
 
 Geo. G. Spurr, 
 
 G'J Commercial St., Boston. 
 
 Marshall Russell, 
 
 Brookline, Mass. 
 
 Edwin Litchfield, 
 
 904 Albany St., Boston. 
 
 Benj. F. Griggs, 
 
 634 Shawmut ave., Boston./ 
 
 Committee onBan- 
 
 quet, Music and 
 
 Decorations. 
 
Edwin P. Worster, 
 
 28 
 Chief Marshal, Solomon S. Rowe. 
 
 AIDS. 
 
 Alexis Torrey. 
 
 committee on invitation. 
 President Snow, Secretary Spurr. 
 
 committee on banquet, music and decorations. 
 
 Henry L. Lawrence, Warren Fletcher, 
 
 Grenville H. Child, Edwin Litchfield, 
 
 Marshall Russell, Jas. H. Bennett, 
 
 Benj. F. Griggs, George G. Spurr. 
 
 committee on badges. 
 Bennett and Spurr. 
 
 committee on reception. 
 
 Holmes, Cornell, Russel, 
 
 Smith, Litchfield, Lawrence, 
 
 Carpenter. 
 
 committee on printing. 
 Secretary Spurr, Treasurer Bennett. 
 
 ladies committee on reception. 
 
 Mrs. Mary Sinclair Davis, 
 Mrs. H. S. Lawrence, Mrs. James H. Bennett, 
 
 Miss Mabel Bradford Snow, Mrs. Stephen A. Cornell, 
 Mrs. Joseph Holmes, Miss Nellie Ledyard. 
 
 The Secretary and Treasurer may be found in the Committee 
 Room from 12 to 3 p.m., to attend to the wmuIs of such as may 
 wish to join the Association, or may need further information. 
 
 3477-1 58 
 57 
 
1 
 
 \ 
 
 -lffl*ta^ 
 
 S<f-^7.iC 
 
 S '>. 
 
[From Boston Advertiser, June 19, 1889.] 
 
 We look for valuable results, other than such as are 
 social aud pei'soual, from the recently organized " New 
 England Associated California Pioneers of 1849." The 
 history of that gold-hunting raigi-ation which marked, on 
 this continent, the close of the first half of the present 
 century, has never j'et been adequately written. When 
 the story comes to be told by some future Macaulaj'^ or 
 Prescott, the world will for the first time, realize what 
 discerning students of events have not failed to declare, 
 that the discovery of the precious metals on the Pacific 
 coast had more to do than anything else, except the suc- 
 cess of the Union arms in the great Civil War, with 
 making it possible for the vast region bounded by two 
 oceans, the great lakes and the Gulf, to remain forever 
 a single nation. 
 
 It is probably too early yet for this history to be writ- 
 ten, but the materials must be gathered while the gener- 
 ation, which saw and shared tlie wonderful movement 
 that began in 1849, still lingers on the stage. 
 
 ^ 
 
 The officers of this Association meet for tlie transaction of 
 business, at the Revere House, on the last Thursdaj' Qf each 
 month, at r> r. m. —A supper is served to all who may wish to 
 remain, at one dollar per jilate. All members are cordially in- 
 vited to attend these gatherings and join in tlie social enjoy- 
 ments. 
 
 GEO. G. SPURR, Secretary. 
 
 PER ORDER OF TUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
 

 
 77^* .0 
 
 ,r% 
 
 *o. 
 
 . .• A 
 
 
 \' ey 
 
 
 
 '^ -•-»■ a9 ^ •'•• <V^ *V •"'' -^^ ^ 
 
 _„_^ * ■or ^l» » ^^^ * * -O -"««fiiig^* ^'' 
 
 
 
 c .v^^^ o^^^^,^ ^^^,^^^ ^^^^ ^cP y^^^y^ ^^^^^,^ r4 
 
 A, 
 
 0^ '^^' ^ov^ r-^^S". -^^0^ 
 
 
 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
 Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
 Treatment Date: 
 
 Ji MAT ^^1998 c 
 
 ^ PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. LP. 
 
 ' • »1 O «./*-—) 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
 
 ^^ ' o « A*^ 
 
 
 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
 (724)779-2111 
 
 -U^ ' o « o ■ . U 
 
 >^ 
 

 0^ .-' 
 
 
 ^<JV C ° " ° • •*>> 
 
 0' 
 
 
 . ..m^'. \^,^^ ,^, .^^^^. ,J^-. -^^^^^z 
 
 ^ ..v%xK.. J-'\ '.^: /\ l^-- v^'% -•■ 
 
 
 k5- 
 
 
 
..|;,'.;i. 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS