BOX 1. Folder 1.
Letter No. 1.
Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
April 27, 1858. 4 pages.
Received his letter of the 14th; she discusses their relationship,
marriage, love, and religion.
Letter No. 2.
Lou Archer (Weston, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); August 1, 1858.
2 pages.
Happy to hear from Harris and is sending him a ring as a gift.Understands
Harris is returning home to marry a girl named Ellen.
Letter No. 3.
Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
May 2, 1859. 4 pages.
Discusses her love for him and her family's evaluation of him.
Learned that he was leaving Leavenworth for the mines; she had
hoped that he was wise enough to stay at home rather than endanger
his life and health for gold.
Folder 2.
Letter No. 4.
Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
April 14, 1860. 4 pages.
Answers his letter of March 10 and is well. Hopes for the good
of his soul.
Letter No. 5.
Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
January 24, 1862. 4 pages.
Believes she must marry soon or become an old maid. Wonders how
far he is from civilized society since she can no longer trace
him on her map. Believes he will fall victim to one of the young
ladies he met. Would send him her likeness but she is not getting
any better looking. Mentions her family and various friends.
Letter No. 6.
W.F.Sanders (Virginia City) to R.T.Harris (Idaho Ter.); April
17, 1864. 2 pages.
The Union League is in running order and will meet on April 19;
they hope to see him there. The vigilance committee owes some
700 dollars and has appointed Harris and Jack Gill to raise the
money. The territory is divided.
Letter No. 7.
Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
May18, 1867. 4 pages.
Happy to hear he is well; she has not married. She will marry
him this winter if he asks. She wants him to write upon receiving
the letter to tell her if he will be coming. She has met a man
who is interested in her but she won't make any engagements until
she hears from him. Sends her picture.
Letter No. 8.
M.J.McDonald (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); February
22, 1868. 4 pages.
Received Harris' letter of January 1; he is engaged in mining
stocks. Glad that Harris is getting some ore and will be paid
for his labor; there is much rich rock there. McDonald states
that he had last possession of No. 8 and still owns it; discusses
other owners and lessees of the claim. Willing for Harris and
Mr. Trask to work the claim for six months in return for a fair
profit.
Folder 3.
Letter No. 9.
James and Sarah L. Pinkerton (Lowell, Ind.) to R.T.Harris (British
Columbia); May 6, 1877. 4 pages
Wrote him four years agog they've moved from Missouri to Indiana.
Received his address in letter from George and Sarah McCormick.
They feel Harris should be tired of wandering and should settle
down. Discusses their childhood in Ohio and asks for a description
of his country so she can have it printed in the newspaper. Mentions
various relatives.
Folder
4.
Letter No. 10.
James T. Ring (USS Jamestown; Sitka, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
May 16, 1881. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 11
Corbitt and MacLeay (Portland, Ore.) to Mr. P.Corcoran (Sitka,
Ak.), August 8, 1881. 1 page.
Sends receipt for $1890.45 in gold dust being shipped to San
Francisco. States his orders were drawn on his account.
Letter No. 12.
Charles Stuart (Washington, D.C.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); February 12, 1882. 2 pages.
Hopes Harris is doing well because he deserves it. Wants Harris
to give his respects to his brothers in Alaska and asks about
the Alaska Chief.
Letter No. 13.
M.H.Cone (Axtell, Kan.) to R.T.Harris (Eagleville, Mo.); January
16, 1883. 2 pages.
Asks Harris to call on him at his place of business on his return
trip to Alaska. Several prominent men wish to meet him. Thanks
him for the quartz rock specimens.
Letter No. 14.
H.Wadsworth, Cashier-Wells Fargo and Co.'s Bank (San Francisco,
Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh, Ak.); August 25, 1884. 1
page.
Received his undated letter and $105 by express. As advised he
is sending a draft to Mr. George McCormick of Eagleville, Missouri.
Letter No. 15
John Morrow (Allegheny, Pa.) to P.Corcoran (n.p.); October 4,
1884. 1 page.
Received his order for glasses and asks how he should send them.
Sends his best wishes to Mr. Harris.
Folder 5.
Letter No. 16.
Mary I. Reid (Eagleville, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh, Ak.);
January 1, 1885. 2 pages.
Would like to see him and doesn't understand how he could stay
in the wilderness and never see any of his relations. Mentions
various relatives.
Letter No. 17.
John Morrow (Allegheny, Pa.) to Thomas Harris (Harrisburgh, Ak.);
January 3, 1885. 1 page.
Doesn't know if Mr. Corcoran received the gold spectacles which
were sent three months ago; wants notification of receipt. Times
are very hard and many men are out of work in Pennsylvania.
Letter No. 18.
Fred Miller (Carbonado, Wash.) to Patrick Cochlin (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); February 26, 1885. 1 page.
Wrote several letters to Harris without receiving an answer.
Asks if the Cutler Brothers have got a foothold and are building
a new steamer. Wants Harris to know that John Call is dead.
Letter No. 19.
Examiner Publishing Co. (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris
(Harrisburgh, Ak.); April 14, 1885. 1 page (postcard).
The editor requests an article from Harris on mining matters.
Letter
No. 20.
Sheldon Jackson (Sitka, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh, Ak.);
June 12, 1885. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 21.
William C. Harris (Eagleville, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); June 19, 1885. 3 pages.
Asks about mining and states that times are very hard. Believes
Washington Territory is better cattle country than Missouri.
Asks if Dick will sell out this year and suggests he save everything
he can for his later years and that he get out of that country.
Mentions relatives and sends his respects to Oley and Tom Ashby.
Letter No. 22.
Edward Reilly (New York, N.Y.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); July
28, 1885. 3 pages.
States that the thousand dollars which he was to send as partial
payment for the deed to the Tako Union and other properties has
not been paid and by the terms of the deed the properties now
revert back to Harris. Harris is at liberty to do whatever he
wants with the deed. Reilly will keep it subject to the orders
of Harris and Mr. Wells.
Letter
No. 23.
George Pilz (County Jail, San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris
(Harrisburgh, Ak.); September 30, 1885. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 24.
J.B.Coghlan, U.S.N. (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); October 29, 1885. 8 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 25.
George Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); October
30, 1885. 4 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 26.
George and Sarah McCormick (Eagleville, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); November 11, 1885. 4 pages
They are in bad health. Discusses various relatives and neighbors.
They and the neighbors send their love.
Letter
No. 27.
Marian Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.);
December 4, 1885. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Folder
6.
Letter No. 28.
J.B.Coghlan (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
January 3, 1886. 4 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 29.
George Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); January
4, 1886. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 30.
James Ring (Chicago, Ill.) to R.T.Harris (Sitka, Ak.); January
17, 1886. 4 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 31.
George Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); February
4, 1886. 4 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 32.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to Superintendent of U.S. Mint (San
Francisco, Calif.); March 15, 1886. 1 page.
Letter
No. 33.
George Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); April 28, 1886. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 34.
George Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); August 5, 1886. 4 pages.
Transcript.
Letter
No. 35.
J.B.Coghlan (Mare Island, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); August
8, 1886. 3 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 36.
A.P.Whittell (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
October 22, 1886. 1 page.
Thanks Harris for his letter of October 3. Sent Pilz the money
and the yield from the gold bar. He is sending Pilz's last two
letters to Harris. Sorry that Pilz is not getting a fair chance.
Praises the people in Juneau for the way they helped Pilz.
Letter
No. 37.
George Pilz (San Francisco, Calif.) to John Olds and R.T.Harris
(n.p.); November 11, 1886. 4 pages.
Transcript.
Folder
7.
Letter No. 38.
J.B.Coghlan (Mare Island, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
January 6, 1887. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 39.
Mary I. Reid (Wichita, Kan.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh, Ak.);
February 13, 1887. 4 pages.
Selling a property for $3000 for which they paid $200. Sorry
to hear about Harris' bad luck. Mr. and Mrs. Miller send their
regards and hope he will find another big gold mine.
Letter No. 40.
William and Martha Jane Weir (Ballyroney, County Down, Ireland)
to R.T.Harris (n.p.); February 22, 1887. 6 pages (copy).
Happy to hear from him. Sorry to hear of his loss and they hope
it will not wear heavily on his mind; they suggest that he turn
to Christ for strength. They want to know if he lost all of his
mines. Suggest that when he has settled up, he should leave the
country. Sorry to hear that Frank McCormick was leaving him and
hope he will be able to come and see them again in the winter.
Sends her love and comments on the property in Ireland.
Letter
No. 41.
A.K.Delaney (Sitka, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); June 13,
1887. 2 pages (copy).
Transcript.
Letter
No. 42.
J.B.Coghlan (Mare Island, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); August
4, 1887. 1 page.
Transcript.
Letter No. 43.
Hugh Harris (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
December 26, 1887. 4 pages.
The writer introduces himself as a grandson of Samuel Harris
of Drummadonald, County Down and the oldest son of John Harris.
Came to America two years ago and is earning $11 a week. Asks
for information and wants to know of the possibilities for work
in Alaska.
Folder 8.
Letter No. 44.
Hugh Harris (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); March 20, 1888. 8 pages.
Received his letter He wrote Harris about Alaska because he was
looking for work. Wants to do better. Inquired about Dalzell
and heard he was dead. Happy Harris did so well in America.
Letter No. 45.
Hugh Harris (Allegheny City, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); May 8, 1888. 4 pages.
Received Dick Harris's letter and is well. Thanks him for the
papers; he didn't think there were any papers printed in that
country. There have been many strikes in Pittsburgh in the area.
Discusses grandparents.
Letter No. 46.
LaFayette Dawson, District Judge (Sitka, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); May 31, 1888. 1 page.
Received Harris's letter and has decided to make him custodian
of his children's property. Wrote Mr. Bennett yesterday and asked
him to give up his trust. Harris's bond will be fixed at $500
as soon as Bennett's resignation is received.
Letter No. 47.
Richard Weir (Philadelphia, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (Harrisburgh,
Ak.); November 20, 1888. 8 pages.
Sorry to hear of Harris's loss; he can't get a job. Promises
to send a picture soon and discusses his family. Asks Harris
to pay his way out there so he can get work; he does not drink
or play cards.
Folder 9.
Letter No. 48.
E.O.Leach, Director of the Mint (n.p.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); 1889. 1 page.
Form letter requesting information concerning Harris's mining
operations; it is not filled out.
Letter No. 49.
Eugene S. Willard (Juneau, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); March 4,
1889. 1 page.
Supposes Mr. Flannery or T.Starr has informed Harris of the death
of Harris's daughter who was buried on February 28th; she died
from spasm;. Willard and J.C.Stitt each took two pictures of
the baby.
Letter No. 50.
George and Sarah McCormick (Pawnee, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); October 6, 1889. 4 pages.
Sorry to hear of the loss of his child and thanks him for her
picture. Wishes that Harris, his wife, and two sons could visit.
Discusses the families and asks him to write.
Folder 10.
Letter No. 51.
Plymouth Rock Pants Co. (Boston, Mass.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
June 2, 1890. 1 page (postcard).
Informs him that they have received his order and it will be
filled soon.
Letter No. 52.
Samuel W. Backus per William C. Daugherty (San Francisco, Calif.)
to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); October 10, 1890. (enclosure is
dated July 12, 1899). 5 pages (including the 2 page enclosure).
Encloses a letter that he sent to Harris on July 12 and asks
for a response. The enclosed letter is: Samuel W. Backus, Postmaster
(n.p.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.) July 2, 1890. States that Backus
is taking charge of the office from William J. Bryan, Former
Postmaster; he received a postmaster's draft dated July 2, 1888,
drawn on James C. Stitt, Postmaster in Juneau, for the sum of
$335.53 as well as an order directing him to demand of Harris,
as one of the sureties of James C. Stitt, the immediate payment
of the draft. He is instructed to accept $112.30 in payment and
warns of possible legal action.
Letter No. 53.
George and Sarah McCormick (Pawnee, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); January 19, 1891. 4 pages.
Sorry she couldn't send the money and that he was sick. She,
George, and Frank want him and his children to leave Alaska and
to quit mining because of his age. She discusses other members
of the family and salvation.
Letter
No. 54.
Thomas S. Nowell, President Alaska Union mining Co. (Juneau,
Ak.) to J.M.Davis (n.p.); November 3, 1891. 1 page.
Transcript.
Letter No. 55.
Mrs. James M. (Ann Weir) Linton (Brookline, Mass.) to R.T.Harris
(n.p.); January __, 1892. 4 pages.
Informs him that she married 19 years ago and has one son. Discusses
various relatives.
Letter No. 56.
William C. and Jane Harris (Eagleville, Mo.) to Richard and Kitty
Harris (n.p.); August 24, 1892. 2 pages.
Hopes Harris' wife is better. They want to see Kitty and the
boys if they travel out of Alaska. Mentions various relatives.
Letter No. 57.
William C. and Jane Harris (Eagleville, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.);
March 16, 1893. 2 pages.
Sorry that his wife died. Ask him to sell out and bring his boys
to the States where they can be educated for one-tenth of the
cost. He is too old to make anything in mining.
Folder 11.
Letter No. 58.
A.C.Barry (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); March
20, 1897. 2 pages.
Wishes they had gotten better acquainted because he could have
saved Harris from the robbery of his claims if he had stayed
there. The swindlers will suffer for it in eternity.
Letter No. 59.
George Harris (Pawnee, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); May 3, 1897.
2 pages.
Informs Harris that his brother William drowned on April 24.
Will send a newspaper describing the matter.
Letter No. 60.
A.C.Barry (San Francisco, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); October
4, 1897. 2 pages.
Asks Harris to write. Says there have been many changes since
1881 and many that they knew in 1883 have died. Wondered whether
Harris would get to the Klondike.
Letter No. 61.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.);
October 4, 1897. 2 pages (copy)
Received their letter and is in good health. Hasn't heard from
their cousin William Harris since he went to the Yukon. Tells
his son, William John, that he can become a carpenter and that
Richard may learn to be a machinist. Hopes to see them after
New Years. He is still alone on the island. He wants them to
be good, to study, to learn to draw, and to get vaccinated against
smallpox. Mentions various relatives.
Letter No. 62.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.);
November 5, 1897. 2 pages.
Received their letter of October 4, 1897. All the talk is of
the Yukon and people are coming on every steamer. Hasn't heard
from William J. Harris since he went to the Yukon. He misses
the boys and asks them to study and practice drawing. He is keeping
"straight" since they left and he asks them not to
have any further fear for him. Mentions various relatives.
Folder 12.
Letter No. 63.
James Pinkerton (Lowell, Ind.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); January
11, 1898. 6 pages.
Got his address from a relative in Missouri who said that Harris
visited them in 1880. Refers to their youth at Uncle Callwell's
place in Ohio. There aren't many on his mother's side left. He
was in the lumber business but lost everything and is now a carpenter.
Some people are talking of going to Alaska and he asks Harris
what he thinks of this. Discusses many family members and relationships.
Letter No. 64.
Robert and Sarah Fryar (Valparaiso, Ind.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); February 28, 1898. 8 pages.
Heard from a relative that Harris was alive. Robert had suffered
an infirmity in the war and later ran a sawmill and farmed. Discusses
numerous relatives in Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, and Ireland;
and asks if any of Harris' brothers are living.
Letter No. 65.
F.C.Dobbins (Telluride, Col.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); March
15, 1898. 1 page (Western Union telegram).
States they will be in Juneau about the 20th.
Letter No. 66.
Mary Nichols (Wichita, Kan.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); July
24, 1898. 4 pages.
Discusses crops, her family, and family problems.
Letter No. 67.
Mary Ann and T.C.Dobbins (Telluride, Col.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); August 3, 1898. 2 pages (copy).
Mr. Dobbins is going to Kansas City for an operation. Compliments
Harris on his boys and thanks him for sending the pictures. She
wants the boys to write her. They invite him to spend the winter
with them.
Letter No. 68.
Robert M. and Sarah Fryar (Valparaiso, Ind.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); November 22, 1898. 4 pages.
Received his letter of August 25. Discusses his illness. Sorry
to learn that Harris was defrauded. They are happy to hear his
boys are doing well and that they may become artists. Discusses
various relatives.
Letter No. 69.
James Pinkerton (Lowell, Ind.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); December
19, 1898. 6 pages.
Surprised to hear he had been married and had two children. Wants
Harris to visit him. Asks for a full description of the place
and discusses family relations.
Letter No. 70.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr.(Chemawa,
Ore.); June 4, 1899. 3 pages (copy).
Received their letter and is glad to hear they are studying hard.
Thanks them for the photographs. There have been many changes
in Juneau including some fine buildings oh Main Street and a
new wharf running out from Goldstein's store. The railroad from
Skagway will soon be finished to the lakes on the Yukon River.
Hasn't received any letter from William Harris since last September.
Their friends in Missouri are well. He gave up his position on
the island because he didn't want to live there alone. He may
go prospecting in the summer. He is no longer under salary with
the Nowell Company which still owes him $1500. All of his papers
are arranged in his trunks and if something happens to him they
will find everything in order. Asks them to draw his photographs
and send it to him in their next letter. on decoration day, there
was the largest turnout he ever saw in Juneau. He gave Mrs. Delaney
the picture they drew of the Judge. Mentions various relatives.
Letter No. 71.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.) June 21, 1899. 2 pages (copy).
Sorry that John is not well; he shouldn't be frightened of spitting
blood as it will wear out as he grows. Hasn't heard from William
Harris in over a year. Joseph Juneau died in the Yukon a short
time ago. Harris is not sure whether he will be able to visit
them; since he is not working, he is trying to save his money.
He would not keep the boys in school there, except to get a good
education which they will need in life.
Letter
No. 72.
J.B.Coghlan (Bremerton, Wash.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); November
11, 1899. 2 pages.
Transcript.
Letter No. 73.
Louis Lapoint (St. Henri De Mascouche, Quebec) to R.T.Harris
(Juneau, Ak.); November 20, 1899. 2 pages.
Had a safe trip. Asks for the news in Juneau and about Mr. Evener's
mine and the saloonkeepers.
Folder 13.
Letter No. 74.
Jack Hollywood (Seattle, Wash.) to John Harris (n.p.); February
9, 1900. 3 pages.
Disappointed at not seeing John at the Fair. He played for the
Metlakatla Band and expected John to play with them also. He
began working at a sawmill and gets good wages. He dis- cusses
other bands, band leaders, their friends, and music.
Letter No. 75.
I.Newton Gordon (Bellefonte, Pa.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
February 9, 1900. 5 pages.
Discusses his trip and the weather. Doubts he will be able to
go back to Juneau as the Superintendent of the Last Chance Gold
Mining Co. There is a great deal of double dealing by Hill and
he won't be a part of it. Believes the Hills are trying to get
his contract cancelled because he caught them in an illegal activity.
He asks Harris for a notarized letter of recommendation for him
similar to that which he encloses. Encloses draft letter of reference.
Letter No. 76.
Martha J. Weir (Banbridge, Ireland) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); April
3, 1900. 4 pages.
Happy to hear that he is alive and in good health. Thanks him
for the money he sent in the past. Her children in Ireland are
making her comfortable but her children in America aren't helping
her. She and Dick Harris are the only two alive of their father's
two families.
Latter No. 77.
W.J.Harris (Chemawa, Ore.) to R.T.Harris, Sr. (Juneau, Ak.);
April 4, 1900. 2 pages.
Describes various orchards in the area and discusses his activities.
Wrote cousin Mary about the school and received pictures from
aunt Jenny. He quit work in the printing office because of his
health and his eyes. Feels he can make his mark drawing if he
could take lessons.
Letter No. 78.
W.J.Harris (Chemawa, Ore.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); April
11, 1900. 1 page (copy).
Sends his report card. Wrote two letters a few days ago.
Letter No. 79.
Nettie Hagan (Ketchikan, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); May 18, 1900.
1 page.
Asks if he has gone to Nome; she has had several chances. Mrs.
Moore inquired about his health. She asks for Juneau newspapers.
Letter No. 80.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris (n.p.); August 24, 1900.
1 page.
Received John's letter and doesn't want him to come because he
is out of money. He hasn't received a letter from Billy Harris
at Cape Nome.
Letter No. 81.
T.H.Ashby (Tacoma, Wash.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); September
15, 1900. 2 pages.
Has arrived in Washington and has rented a place. His brother
hasn't returned from Nome. As soon as he hears from Oley he will
let Harris know how Billy Harris is getting along. Understands
that Oley was a "heavy loser" in a severe storm at
Nome.
Letter No. 82.
O.W.Ashby (Tacoma, Wash.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); October
25, 1900. 2 pages.
Received his letter while at Nome. Saw Billy before he left but
doesn't know how he made out; doesn't know if he's coming out
this fall. There is gold all over that country but "of course
there is alot of gravel mixed up with it". A new discovery
known as the Blue Stone district was made before he left. He
will return to Nome in the Spring.
Letter No. 83.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); October 27, 1900. 4 pages (copy).
Received their letter on his return from Skagway where he was
on Grand Jury Duty for five weeks. The people treated him well
because he was the discoverer of Juneau. Hasn't heard from their
cousin William Harris. Juneau has changed and will have a beautiful
courthouse soon. One of their teachers wrote him recommending
that the boys take lessons in painting and drawing; he asks if
they will need money for drawing material. Mentions various relatives.
An enclosed note indicates Harris was sending a copy of the Skagway
Daily Alaskan which published 2 articles on him.
Folder 14.
Letter No. 84.
William John Harris (Seattle, Wash.) to W.J.Harris (Chemawa,
Ore.); January 9, 1901. 2 pages.
Received John's letter and asks about their studies and for some
drawings. Went to Tacoma to see Oscar Ashby. Harris will return
to Nome in the spring.
Letter No. 85.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.);
January 28, 1901. 2 pages.
Happy to hear that they are doing well in school and that they
will continue with their studies. He just finished 38 days work
on the grand jury service. Asks if cousin William has any good
mines at Cape Nome.
Letter No. 86.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); February 22, 1901. 2 pages (copy).
Received their letter of the 14th. There is no work at the Nowell
Company which shut down last fall. The town is very dull and
money is scarce. Hasn't heard from Billy Harris yet. If Billy
Harris has any good mines, he may go to Cape Nome to make something
for the boys and himself before he dies. The town was incorporated
and a very heavy tax was levied on everyone and on lots and houses.
A fine schoolhouse was built last summer and there are over 200
students at the Indian school. He feels strong and healthy, and
weighs 175 lbs.
Letter No. 87.
R.T.Harris, (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.
March 18, 1901. 2 pages (copy).
Received their letter of March 10. He received two letters from
Billy Harris in Seattle and understands that he was not successful
at Cape Nome though it is good mining country. He may go there
with Billy in the spring because he wants to get a mining claim
and make some money for the boys before he dies. Mentions various
relatives.
Letter No. 88.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.);
April 8, 1901. 2 pages.
Received their letter of March 25. It has never been this dull
in Juneau in 20 years. The Nowell Company has been shut down
and has not paid off the men since last summer. He mentions various
relatives.
Letter No. 89.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.);
June 12, 1901. 3 pages (copy).
William Harris went to Cape Nome on May 30 and wanted him to
go also but he could not do so because he hadn't received his
payment from the Nowell Company. The company doesn't owe him
much but it would be enough to take him to Nome. Fred Nowell
is in New York trying to raise money. He wants them to do well
in their studies since they will both be men soon and should
be able to take care of themselves. Anything he has is theirs
but he never got over the way he was robbed in the early days.
He is getting along in years and cannot stand the mountain travel
as when he was young. He hopes they will be able to help him
in his last days. He mentions various relatives.
Letter No. 90.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); July 1, 1901. 2 pages (copy).
Received their letter of June 21 and hopes they have no more
sickness in Chemawa. William Harris is in Dutch Harbor returning
from Cape Nome. The Nowell Company has not paid him yet since
Fred Nowell has not returned from New York. He will either go
to Nome or will prospect in the area to see if he can get something.
Their cousin, Mary Dobbins invited him to stay with them until
he dies. If he could get a good mining claim in Nome he would
keep them with him until he died. He tells John not to play football
as he or Dick might get crippled for life.
Letter No. 91.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.);
July 23, _____. 2 pages (copy).
Received his letter of July 11, 1901, happy to hear he is doing
well in his studies. He has had no work for over two years since
he left the mill. The Nowell Company has kept him waiting for
his money and Fred Nowell has been in New York for a long time;
but he does expect to get some money soon. If he doesn't go to
Cape Nome this year he will go next year. He's growing old and
can't get around the mountains as he was able to in the past.
When the Nowell Company went out of business, it hurt the whole
town. New towns along the coast take people away from Juneau.
He hasn't drunk since he left the mill and never will again.
He wants them to learn a trade as a machinist or carpenter.
Letter No. 92.
Mary Williams (Eagleville, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
July 23, 1901. 2 pages.
Learned that her father was in Washington. Wants Harris to write
him. They may lose all of their stock because of the weather.
Letter No. 93.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); July
23, 1901. 2 pages (copy).
Received his letter of July 17. Everything is at a standstill
in Juneau since the Nowell Company stopped. Hasn't received any
money from the company in over a year and doesn't know if he
will ever get any. If he had he would have gone to Nome. Asks
John not to tell anyone about his circumstances.
Letter No. 94.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); August
11, 1901. 2 pages.
Thanks him for his last letter and sends money. Its alright for
Dick to learn the carpenter trade if they don't have a machine
shop. Expects Fred Nowell back any time but that would provide
him with only a small amount of money. He can't sell any property
at the time "but the town may come up again". Thirty-eight
people died of smallpox in Hoonah.
Letter No. 95. Agnes Gillespie
(Banbridge, Ireland) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); August 23, 1901. 4
pages.
Informs him his sister, Martha Jane Weir, died of heart disease
on April 26; she was buried in Drumblee Graveyard. She was 75
years old on the 1st of August. They want him to visit. Enclosure
contains the address of her two daughters in America.
Letter No. 96.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); August 25, 1901. 2 pages (copy).
Tells them of the loss of the steamer Islander which sailed between
Skagway and Victoria. A friend of his lost 178 pounds of gold.
Hasn't heard from William Harris since he went to Nome. Fred
Nowell has not returned yet. Juneau is very poor at this time
and half the houses are empty. Feels he should have left Juneau
at an earlier time when he had money.
Letter No. 97.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); September 15, 1901. (two separate letters, one to each
brother) 3 pages.
R.T.Harris to W.J.Harris.
Received a letter from their cousin, William who speaks badly
of Cape Nome but he is going to stay and see what he can do.
Fred Nowell has not returned from Boston. His health has been
better since he quit drinking and he is a different man. Hopes
something will turn up so he can make some money. Discusses family
photographs and states he graduated from Merchants College of
Pittsburgh which was incorporated in 1840 and used to be called
Duff's College. The other letter is: R.T.Harris to R.T.Harris,
Jr.
Visited the old place on the island; it is all torn up. Tells
Richard that he believes the carpenter trade is better than the
machinist trade since it will be useful to him.
Letter No. 98.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Telluride, Col.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); November
7, 1901. 4 pages.
Received his letter of September 24. Sorry to hear of Martha's
death. William is going to Nome this winter but she wishes he
would stay with R.T.Harris in Juneau. She was happy when she
visited them in Alaska and will try to convince her husband,
Charles, to let her visit again.
Letter No. 99.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Telluride, Col.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); November 8, 1901. 2 pages.
Sorry she hasn't written sooner; she enjoyed her trip to Juneau.
Their father is very lonely because his sister died.
Letter No. 100.
Sarah Starr (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.);
November 17, 1901. (two separate letters one to each brother)
4 pages (2 pages each).
Sarah Starr to W.J.Harris.
Everyone is well. Will send all the rest of the news to William.
Hopes they will be back again soon. The other letter is:
Sarah Starr to R.T.Harris, Jr.
There was a fire over Treadwell in the morning. The school now
has 21 boarders and she is living there. She hopes to be promoted
to the fifth grade at Christmas.
Letter No. 101.
W.J.Webster (Oakley, Calif.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); January
1, 1901. 1 page.
Asks him to write. He has written 4 letters to Ed and one to
Frank but none were answered.
Folder 15.
Letter No. 102.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); January 20, 1902. 3 pages (copy).
Received their letter, photos, and report cards. Has just recovered
from neuralgia. Urges John not to part his hair in the middle
or he will be considered a dude. He is receiving their newspaper
the Chemawa American. Urges the boys not to play football because
they might get seriously hurt or crippled. He mentions various
relatives.
Letter No. 103.
W.J.Harris (Chemawa, Ore.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); February 9,
1902. 5 pages
Thinks him for his letter. He is trying to get Richard into the
carpenter shop. John would like to take the course in typewriting
and shorthand but he must take grammar commercial courses first.
He speaks highly of the school and of education. Parting his
hair in the middle is the trend in colleges but he will do what
his father says.
Letter No. 104.
R.T.Harris (n.p.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.); February
17, 1902. 4 pages.
Received their February letter. Pleased with their progress and
he warns them against playing football because of the danger.
He also warns them against frivolous amusements. George T. Harris
in Missouri wants him to spend the rest of his days there; he
will spend the rest of his life in Alaska with his children.
Hopes to go prospecting in the summer. Discusses various relatives
and friends.
Letter
No. 105.
John G. Brady, Governor of Alaska (Sitka, Ak.) to R.T.Harris
(n.p.); March 11, 1902. 1 page
Transcript.
Letter No. 106.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); March 25, 1902. (two separate letters, one to each brother)
4 pages (2 pages each) .
R.T.Harris to W.J.Harris. Received his letter of the 25th. Hasn't
heard from William Harris since last Fall. Discusses photographs.
Has been on the jury at court for most of the winter. He made
a little over expenses in the winter and he may prospect in the
summer. He's happy they like Chemawa. Mentions various relatives.
The other letter is:
R.T.Harris to R.T.Harris, Jr.
Received his letter. Counsels him that a good education and trade
are very important in life. He's getting old but hasn't drunk
any liquor since they left. Asks Richard to improve his handwriting.
Letter No. 107.
Dora Gray (Salem, Ore.) to W.J.Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); March
27 and 29, 1902. 3 pages.
The letter is continued to the 29th. Discusses a party and some
friends. No news to report.
Letter No. 108.
James Pinkerton (Lowell, Ind.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.); May
25, 1902. 6 pages.
Visited Sarah Fryar who has cancer. Discusses various relatives,
his business failures, rain and crops. Happy to receive his picture
and would like to see Harris and his sons.
Letter No. 109.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); June 4, 1902. 4 pages (copy).
Received their letter of May 27. The remembrance of the boys
and their mother is his only comfort. He is of a pleasant disposition
and a new man, morally and physically, since he gave upthe "accursed
drink"; he is almost 70 and has no gray hairs. He has saved
most of the family history for them.
Hasn't heard from their cousin William at Cape Nome since last
fall. He may prospect during the summer. He was offered the job
of Deputy Collector of Customs to the West at $1800 a year but
he did not want to leave Juneau. Hopes to get the job in Juneau
as Lt. Jarvis has replaced Mr. Ivey. Harris has been an officer
in the District Court occasionally since last November and makes
enough to keep himself. Never received full payment from the
Nowell Company but he expects it.
Letter No. 110.
Mary Harris and Family (Bethany, Mo.) to R.T.Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); July, 1902. 4 pages.
Discusses family and financial problems. Their house burned with
everything that they owned. Asks him to visit.
Letter No. 111.
O.W.Ashby (Nome, Ak.) to R.T.Harris (n.p.); August 19, 1902.
1 page.
Received his letter. Billy Harris visited with them in the spring
and then went to Candle; they paid him $400. The country is looking
fairly well.
Letter No. 112.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris and R.T.Harris, Jr. (Chemawa,
Ore.); August 30, 1902. 4 pages.
Received their letter of August 1. They will find a great change
in the Juneau area. Wants them to study hard so they can get
a business in Alaska which will be a good country in their day.
He will try to leave them something - at least an honorable name.
Supposes the boys can talk the native language which may be very
handy for them.
Letter No. 113.
R.T.Harris (n.p.) to R.T.Harris, Jr. (n.p.); November 10, 1902.
2 pages
Received his letter. He is writing to him on his birthday and
wants him to come to Juneau after school is out. States he quit
the drinking years ago and dresses and looks better. He is working
in the court occasionally.
Letter No. 114.
R.T.Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W.J.Harris (n.p.); December 13, 1902.
4 pages.
Will send him a little money to have his teeth fixed. Sending
John a newspaper which shows that people appreciate his early
work in Juneau. He is not happy that John cannot come home on
a vacation because of his work on the band and states he can't
make much money studying music. John is at liberty to leave the
institution with his father's permission when he wants. He suggests
that the boys do odd jobs to make some money for themselves.
He hasn't heard anything from William Harris in Candle, Alaska.
Would like to get the money he advanced William to go up to that
area. He is trying to keep the home property for them. District
Court is in session. Mentions various relatives.