AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED [ALs], dated 28 May 1875

Roach, Philip Augustine [1820 - 1889]

Published by San Francisco, 1875

About this Item

Single sheet "Daily and Weekly Examiner Office" letterhead, recto only with manuscript writing, 14 lines, ~ 60 words plus saluation & close. Letter annotated as "Confidential" in mss at top left. Strong bold signature at bottom. Letter: 9-3/4" x 7-5/8". Frame: 14-5/8" x 11-5/8" Though born in Cork, Ireland, Roach would become a rather famous 19th C Californian. According to the letter's prior owner, he held such positions an Alcalde of Monterey, First Mayor of Monterey, multi-term senator in California, President of Society of California Pioneers, and he founded the San Francisco Examiner. Holograph documents from this individual are scarce on the market, and in this one here offered, he counsels the recipient, Capt M. Delany (?), to whom he sends "the inclosed circular to remind you of my political antecedents." He continues "you will be called to select delegates to nominate a Governor. All I ask, is that the second of each candidate be examined and that strongest one be chosen as our standard bearer." Dr A. T. Leonard has been described as "an assiduous and learned collector of Californiana, and more particularly of books, pamphlets and pictures relating to his native city." ["San Francisco Water"]. Letter not examined out of the frame, therein it shows faint fold lines & age-toning. Writing visually quite strong. Overall, Very Good. Frame with modest wear, and ding to wood on the right side. Back side with backing beginning to deteriorate along edges; prior ownership label in upper left [Dr. A. T. Leonard Jr, San Francisco]. In center, a prior owner has written 11 lines primarily describing the many accomplishments of Roach [e.g., "Last Alcalde of Monterey - 1849"]. Very Good. Letter mounted and matted, now in a simple black wooden frame [earlly 20th C?].

Seller Inventory # 46668

Bibliographic Details

• Title: AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED [ALs], dated 28 May 1875
• Publisher: San Francisco
• Publication Date: 1875
• Seller catalogs:
  • Americana