California State Telegraph Company - Telegram and Envelope Set

About this Item

Set of 24 envelopes and 37 telegrams from the California State Telegraph Company, dating from 1853 to 1868. Most telegrams and envelopes are on white paper with red lettering, some envelopes are yellow with black lettering. Within the entire set there are 11 sets that include the telegram with its original envelope, 1 set that includes the telegram, envelope and sending form, 2 telegrams that are coded, and 1 envelope that dates to 1853, the same year the California State Telegraph Company was established. Overall the set is in very good condition with light to moderate foxing and tears to some envelopes, and light foxing and tears to some telegrams. All telegrams and envelopes are in sleeves from previous owner. The content of most telegrams are business dealings discussing the movement of goods, records of sale and account payments. There are a variety of senders and receivers within the entire set but two names are repetitive. Many telegraphs were sent to and from Edward Failing, often corresponding with H. W. Corbett. Corbett managed a successful hardware and farm supply business and was a U. S. Senator from 1867-1873. Edward Failing was an employee and relative of Corbett and became partner of H. W. Corbett & Co in 1857. The other common names found in the set are Henry and William Pierce, also businessmen on the west coast. H &W Pierce started as a loan and commission business in 1860, soon becoming a shipper of wheat from California to England. Along with Isaac Friedlander (who is mentioned in one telegram) , Henry and William Pierce were the principal shippers of wheat to England until the 1870's. The California State Telegraph Company, and telegraph technology in general, allowed businesses to wire money and information, having profound economic and social effects.

Seller Inventory # 013218

Bibliographic Details

• Title: California State Telegraph Company - Telegram and Envelope Set
• Condition: Very Good