Folder
16.
Letter No. 115.
Herbert George Lewis (Victoria, British Columbia) to R. T. Harris
(n.p.); January 30, 1903. 1 page.
Transcript.
Letter No. 116.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); February 8, 1903. 4 pages.
Received the photos and gave them to Mr. Cropley. Hasn't heard
from William Harris at Nome. Juneau is dull but mining is going
on a large scale and money has been appropriated for a Court
House. The last District Court stopped gambling in Southeastern
Alaska. Judge Brown is a good friend and one of the finest lawyers
in Alaska. Tells John to study mathematics, shorthand, and typewriting
rather than music because he'll be able to make a living. Juneau
is an incorporated city with a Mayor and Town Council. The Council
excused his taxes for life because of his services. Discusses
various relatives and friends.
Letter No. 117.
George Harris (Pawnee, Mo.) to R. T. Harris, W. J. Harris and
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.); March 6, 1903. 3 pages (copy).
Received Richard Harris' letter yesterday and doesn't know where
brother William's two children are. He mentions various relatives.
Comments about travelling to Alaska to see him and the country.
Letter No. 118.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); April 13, 1903. 2 pages (copy).
Received their letter of March 27. Understands from his letter
that John won't be getting much schooling if he goes with the
band. Has no objection to playing in the band but he cannot rise
to eminence in that profession. The courthouse will be begun
in May. Discusses various friends and relatives.
Letter No. 119.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); May 7, 1903. 4 pages (copy).
Received their letters. If the boys visit he would like to go
into prospecting with them to see if he can find something for
them. He doesn't owe any money in Alaska and needs Very little
to keep him going. He wants them to keep their property, on which
there is no debt, until he gets a chance to sell it for them.
Times have been bad in Juneau. The money he got from the Nowell
Company came to him in small sums and he gave it away to other
people as he got it. He worked for the government checking off
the duty on foreign coal but the government removed the duty
so he lost that job.
Letter No. 120.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (n.p.); May 7, 1903. 2 pages.
Just received their letter. The steamer arrived with the contractors
who are to build the courthouse. Discusses their visiting Juneau.
A band has been started in Juneau. He wants them to see the President
if he should visit Chemawa. Mentions various friends.
Letter No. 121.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); May 26, 1903. 3 pages.
Received their letter of the 25th. Asks how much money he should
send to bring them both up to Juneau so they will be able to
spend the 4th of July there. He is fixed for money but he doesn't
owe anything.
Letter No. 122.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (n.p.); June 12, 1903 (copy).
Has not received a response to his last letter. Discusses their
planned visit. Has no prospects of a position till the court
convenes in December. He is getting old and can't stand to travel
in the mountains at 70 years. He wants them to keep up with their
studies.
Letter No. 123.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); June 29, 1903. 2 pages (copy).
Received their letter. It is better that they concluded to remain
in school for another year. He will go prospecting in the mountains
around Juneau. When he is dead they will have the most beautiful
home in Juneau. He may be able to visit them if the court employs
him as special deputy marshall. Their home is looking very beautiful,
and the courthouse, when completed, will enhance property values.
Alaska is bound to become a great country and they will receive
some of the benefits.
Letter No. 124.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); August 13, 1903. 4 pages.
Received their letter of July 28. He wanted Dick to come up for
the summer. Wants them to help him prospect and to put the house
in better shape as Juneau has taken a fresh start and has a bright
future. The new courthouse will be completed soon as well as
a telegraph cable to Seattle and an Army post at Haines Mission.
There are new gold discoveries being made every week and Juneau's
future never looked so bright. There is a splendid band in Juneau
and one at the Treadwell Mine.
Letter No. 125.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (n.p.); October 29, 1903. 3 pages (copy).
He hasn't heard from them in a while. Juneau is growing rapidly
but they will be the better judge when they come up next summer.
Received a letter from Billy Harris in Nome where he will stay
another winter. Hopes they are doing well in their studies. He
saw their cartoon of Senator Mitchell and thinks it is first
class. He wants them to practice; as there is money in it. Mentions
various relatives and friends.
Letter No. 126.
Fred Harris (Hoonah, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); November
28, 1903. 4 pages.
Received his letter of the 19th. He is a Christian now and belongs
to the Salvation Army. Discusses various family members. He will
visit Sitka sometime after Christmas.
Letter No. 127.
Mary Nichols (Wichita, Kan.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); November,
1903. 7 pages.
Discusses the relatives in Ohio and in Kansas. Her son, William,
died of consumption after returning from the war with Spain.
Discusses other members of the family and where she will settle.
She suggests he move to Kansas with his sons.
Folder 17.
Letter No. 128.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); January 10, 1904. 2 pages (copy).
Received their letter of December 4, 1903, and is happy to hear
they are doing well in their studies. William Harris is stopping
with him this winter and probably won't go back to Cape Nome.
When the boys visit they will all try to find mines. The District
Court is in session and he is serving on the grand jury. He is
again Inspector of Customs and signs for all coal that comes
in the port. The courthouse is finished it is 150 feet from their
home; it will double the value of their property. Theirs is the
most beautiful home in Juneau. Hopes that they are going ahead
with the carpentry trade and cartoon drawing. Mentions various
relatives and friends.
Letter No. 129.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to .T. Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Or.):
February 17, 1904. 2 pages.
Glad that they are getting along well in their studies. Everything
has changed in Juneau. He wants them to study hard and go prospecting
with him in the Summer. The new courthouse is one of the most
beautiful buildings in Alaska. Glad to hear that Richard is good
in arithmatic which is important for being a good accountant.
William J. Harris was with him for about a month and worked a
steam winch at the Treadwell mine.
Letter No. 130.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to Senator T.E.Warren (Washington,
D.C.); March 1, 1904. 2 pages draft (copy).
He forwarded a petition signed by Treadwell and Juneau citizens
seeking reappointment of Melvin C. Brown as District Judge for
the First Judicial District. He criticizes a February 7th article
in the Seattle Intelligencer which slanders Judge Brown. He wrote
to John Dalzell, U.S. Representative, and a friend to use his
influence in this matter. On the reverse is a note signed by
Robert W. Johnson and Richard T. Harris addressed to M.C.Brown.
(this letter is a draft)
Letter No. 131.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
April 1, 1904. 1 page.
He is sending his quarterly report card. They've had fine weather.
Letter No. 132.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.); April 1, 1904. 2 pages.
Received their last letter and the cartoons. William Harris has
been working at the Treadwell Mine since returning from Nome.
The boys won't be able to come up this summer because he spent
the money for their trip on doctors and medicine. William Harris
will have a job as a juror for the district court and he as a
bailiff. Then he may be able to send them some money for the
Worlds Fair. He and William Harris will go prospecting after
the court session.
Letter No. 133.
W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); May
15, 1904. 6 pages.
Reminisces about when they were young and went hiking. Neither
he nor Dick are planning to get married; with willpower and common
sense he is safe. The boys are keen, knowledgeable and sensible
enough not to let a female be their god. He is drawing cartoons
for the Salem Capital Journal which gives him enough to clear
his expenses and a course in caricature. He will have to go to
the Fair by way of Ketchikan; the band will not leave till September
1st.
Letter No. 134.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); June
10, 1904. 2 pages.
Received his sketches and everybody thinks they are good. There
have been several cases of smallpox. Mining and building are
still improving in the area. Hopes he continues with his cartoon
work since it is an easier way of getting money. Sending a copy
of the Record Miner where his work as a cartoonist is noted.
If Mr. Potter, the director of the Chemawa School visits he should
bring some men from the school who are acquainted with the country
if he wants to get pupils. Mentions various relatives and friends.
Letter No. 135.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to Joseph McDonald, Esq. (n.p.); June
12, 1904. 1 page.
Discusses the smallpox scare and says that there has been some
mild form of typhoid. Some people in town, in an underhanded
way, blame McDonald. There are plenty of his friends that refute
such implications. (this letter is a draft).
Letter No. 136.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to R. T. Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Ore.);
June 25, 1904. 3 pages (copy).
Answers their letter of June 9. Discusses money matters. A few
days ago he got the government deed for their home; he now has
a clear title to the property in their name with him as guardian.
He has paid taxes on it since Juneau was incorporated four years
ago. He hasn't received any money from Billy Harris yet. Wants
them to try to improve their cartoon work as there is good easy
money in it. All family papers and books are arranged in the
trunks. He has a family history from their grandfather.
Letter No. 137.
T.A.Kreuser, M.D. (Chicago, Ill.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
July 14, 1904. 1 page.
Writes Harris because he heard that he needed their product.
They send him an order for his druggist for a free sample of
"Liquizone" and ask that he inform his neighbors about
it.
Letter No. 138.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); August
28, 1904. 2 pages.
Richard returned home two weeks ago; he did not know him when
he arrived. He bought him a suit of clothes before taking him
around town. Richard worked his way up as a cabin boy on the
steamer Faralone and had $4.00 when he arrived. The old place
is very pretty and a new cottage has been built on it. Showed
Richard all the family papers. He is Inspector of Customs and
has more friends than any other man in Alaska. Mentions various
relatives.
Letter No. 139.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.);
September 4, 1904. 4 pages.
He now weighs 140 lbs. He's been busy building a boat with Billy.
Juneau looks very much the same but with a few larger buildings;
however, all the boys are grown up and there have been many changes
in the business. Their father is getting old and his eyes are
failing him; he can't get good spectacles in town. Mentions various
friends, relatives, and businesses.
Letter No. 140.
Mary Ann Dobbins (n.p.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); September
17, 1904. 1 page (postcard).
Wood souvenir postcard from the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.
Letter No. 141.
Mary Ann Dobbins (St. Louis, Mo.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
September 18, 1904. 1 page (postcard).
Souvenir postcard from World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri showing
the Liberal Arts Building.
Letter No. 142.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.);
September 26, 1904. 2 pages.
Received his letter Their father has liver and eye trouble. Ike
isn't sending his kids to school this year. He asks about his
clarinet and some of his friends at school. Mentions various
relatives and friends.
Letter No. 143.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.);
October 13, 1904 (2 letters including enclosed letter from R.
T. Harris, Sr. to W. J. Harris). 4 pages (2 pages each).
Their father is better and can see better; but he is going to
get another pair of spectacles soon. The old place is a wreck.
Father wants to sell the back lot so he can put up a new house
and have money in case anything should happen to him. The boys
own the place and he asks his brother to send permission for
their father to sell the land. Seward Street is being replanked.
He checked coal for his father twice. He mentions various relatives
and friends.
R. T. Harris, Sr. to W. J. Harris.
His eyesight is not good; yellow jaundice has hurt his eyes.
Asks for permission to sell one of the plots and asks him to
write Probate Court Judge Folson.
Letter No. 144.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.);
November 1, 1904. 2 pages.
He is in good health. Visited the Treadwell yesterday; Billy
is working in the foundry. Their father's eyes are getting better.
Mentions various relatives and friends.
Letter No. 145.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Col.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.);
November 2, 1904. 2 pages.
Thanks him for his letter and states she received one from her
brother, William, in Juneau. Heard that Richard was going back
to school soon. Hopes to see their father next year aid that
John will get to go to the Fair.
Letter No. 146.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.); November
20, 1904. 3 pages (copy).
His eyes are getting better but he can't seem to find glasses
to suit his eyes. Two months ago his sight was alright but he
had the yellow jaundice, which affected them. They are slowly
growing stronger. Richard is in good health and does all the
writing and calculations for him at the Customs Office. The Chief
Collectors Office in Alaska moved from Sitka to Juneau. He did
not sell the property as it will increase in value because the
town is growing fast. He didn't know Dick when he came to the
door; Richard will not return to Chemawa since he can't do without
him. There is a fine high school in Juneau with six to eight
teachers. Mentions various relatives and friends.
Letter No. 147.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Col.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
December 4, 1904. 2 pages.
Hasn't heard from-him in two months and is afraid he is sick*
She will send some pictures when she receives a letter. Mentions
various relatives.
Letter No. 148.
W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Ore.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); December
1904. 2 pages.
Received his father's letter and hopes his eyesight will improve.
He sent some drawings to his father but doesn't know whether
he received them. Mentions various people and encloses a copy
of the Chemawa American.
Letter No. 149
Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Col.) to W. J. Harris, R. T. Harris,
John Harris and R. T. Harris, Jr. (n.p.); December 9, 1904. 6
pages (copy).
Saddened to hear of her uncle's sickness as she loves him very
much and would like to make his last days pleasant. It's good
that Dick is there to help his father and she hopes that John
will get to see him before he dies. Sorry that John couldn't
get home so one of the boys could work and the other could take
care of the father. He will be cared for at the Mason's home;
but its too bad he has to be taken away from his own home as
he wanted to be buried in Juneau beside Kitty. Wished she could
go out and take care of him there. It's too bad he had to depend
upon the lodge. When he had money he was very generous but when
he was in need there was no one to help him. Sends her sympathy
to the boys. Encloses her husband's business card.
Letter No. 150.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Col.) to R. T. Harris, W.C.Harris and
R. T. Harris, Jr. (n.p.); December 13, 1904. 4 pages.
Answers their letter of the 10th. Hears her uncle is in very
poor health and hopes they are taking good care of him. Sorry
to hear his mind is so bad. If he goes to the Mason's home she
is afraid she won't hear from him.
Letter No. 151.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Col.) to W. J. Harris, R. T. Harris,
Sr., W. J. Harris, and R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.); December
19, 1904. 5 pages.
Sorry to hear that her uncle is no better. He was a great comfort
to her since her father died and his letters were kind. Hopes
they will do all they can for him since he is like a child.
Folder 18.
Letter No. 152.
Robert M.F.Juneau (Schenectady, N.Y.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); January 11, 1905. 2 pages.
The Governor of Alaska referred him to Harris for information
concerning Joseph Juneau. Asks about Juneau's background. His
father left home in Canada when he was a boy and he never heard
from him. He was 35, well educated, French, had black curly hair;
his name was Narcissus and he came to Schenectady, New York,
from Canada in 1844. His brother wrote to Juneau once and received
a letter saying he was going to Skagway and would write again-but
he never did.
Letter No. 153.
Brice Harris (Eagleville, Mo.) to William John Harris (n.p.);
July 30, 1905. 3 pages.
It's been eight years since William left. He is writing to let
them know that their mother died. They heard that his uncle was
not well and asks how he did in the Nome country. Mentions various
relatives.
Letter No. 154.
R.J. Harris and Family (Denver, Col.) to William Jonn Harris
and Uncle and Cousin (Juneau, Ak.); August 2, 1905. 4 pages.
He's moved to Denver and his children are with him. He is making
$60 a month working nights. Sorry to hear about his uncle. He
can do as well in Colorado as he can in Alaska.
Letter No. 155.
Bernice ____ (Portland, Ore.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
August 23, 1905. 1 page (postcard).
She and friends are visiting the Fair. The Chemawa band was there
but it doesn't sound natural without the tenor drummer.
Folder 19.
Letter No. 156.
Gray (Ore.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); October 21, 1906.
1 page (postcard).
No message. Picture on reverse shows Muir's Butte, California.
Folder 20.
Letter No. 157.
W.C.Irish, Juneau City Assessor (Juneau, Ak.) to R. T. Harris
(Juneau, Ak.); September 16, 1907
The Juneau City Assessor's notifies him of the valuation of the
three lots at a total of $2,000.
Letter No. 158.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); October 19, 1907. 2 pages.
Worried about her uncle and wants her brother, William, or her
cousins to write. Will's daughter married in St. Joseph, Missouri,
several months ago. Encloses business card of T.C. Dobbins.
Letter No. 159.
H.N.Stoudenmeyer (Salem, Ore.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); October
21, 1907. 2 pages.
Received the Treadwell band postcard and feels he could make
good musicians of either of the Harris brothers. He's been in
charge of the Salem band for two years and has received letters
from others that he has taught. He visited Portland to hear Sousa's
band.
Letter No. 160.
J.B.W. (Berkeley, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); October
24, 1907. 1 page (postcard).
Thanks him for the magazine and pictures. They heard Sousa's
band at the Greek theater. Mentions two U.C. football victories.
Box 2. Folder 21.
Letter No. 161.
Cousin ______ (Tyee, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris, Jr.
(n.p.); January 9, 1908. 2 pages.
Answers his letter of December 24. Sorry they could not get to
Juneau for their father's funeral. She asks for the news and
if Dick is going to return to work this Winter. There is a post
office now in Tyee.
Letter No. 162.
Dora Gray (Salem,Ore.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); January
11, 1908. 4 pages.
Surprised to receive his letter, the pictures, and the Indian
curios; people admire the basket and mocassins. Hopes he is not
thinking of her except as a friend. Asks for a cartoon.
Letter No. 163.
John Olds, Southeast Alaska Pioneers', Chairman (n.p.) to W.
J. Harris (n.p.); January 13, 1908. 1 page.
Form letter requests his presence at the meeting of the Southeast
Alaska Pioneers to be held at camp Juneau on the evening of January
25, 1908. The purpose is to organize a permanent Pioneers Association
for Southeast Alaska. Those who came in 1887 or earlier are eligible
for membership.
Letter No. 164.
George T. Harris (Martinsville, Mo.) to R. T. Harris, Jr. and
W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); January 26, 1908. 3 pages.
Heard of their father's death and asks his brother, William,
to write. Mentions various relatives and friends. He would like
to know what they are doing.
Letter No. 165.
W. J. Harris (Tyee, Ak.) to W. J. Harris and R.J. Harris, Jr.
(Juneau, Ak.); February 17, 1908. 2 pages.
Wrote two letters and not received any answer. Traded the old
launch to their uncle Fred for a sloop. There are a lot of deer
and the hunting is good.
Letter No. 166.
John By Benson (Tacoma, Wash.) to W. J. Harris and R. T. Harris,
Jr. (Juneau, Ak.); April 10, 1908. 2 pages.
Sorry he hasn't written before but he is on hard times. He quit
school two months ago because of sickness and has very little
money in the bank. He must look for work and discusses various
girls and people at the school.
Letter No. 167.
Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); April
23, 1908. 3 pages.
Was on a case and was quarantined; the patient died and she became
ill. Wants to go to a different hospital and eventually study
for an M.D. Asks him to send a few cartoons because she is lonely.
Letter No. 168.
Mary Ann Dobbins (San Francisco, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); May 9, 1908. 1 page (postcard).
The reverse shows the battleship Missouri. States sightseeing
was great and wishes he was with them.
Letter No. 169.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris and R.J.
Harris, Jr.(Juneau, Ak.); June 10, 1908. 2 pages.
Writes in answer to their letter; she sent some postcards from
San Francisco where she enjoyed the sea breeze. Hopes to visit
and will try to meet them at the Fair in Seattle next year. Asks
her brother to get her a polar bear pelt.
Letter No. 170.
Dora Gray Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); July 9, 1908.
1 page (postcard)
Received his postcard and enjoyed the 4th of July.
Letter No. 171.
John Olds, President,1887 Alaska Pioneers Association (Juneau,
Ak.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); July 10, 1908. 1 page.
Form letter notifies him that the 1887 Alaska Pioneers Association
will hold its quarterly meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall in Juneau
on July 25 at 8 p.m.
Letter No. 172.
Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); July 13,
1908. 3 pages
Received his letter a week ago. Just got out of the hospital
but it will be awhile before she feels well. She is surprised
that he wants her to go to Juneau; she wants him to visit her
and then they would go back together.
Letter No. 173.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Porcupine, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); July
23, 1908. 3 pages.
Describes his trip to, and work on, a mine near Porcupine; They
had to pay for their fare and baggage in Haines out of their
wages and the tax collector there required them to pay $8.00.
If John doesn't go to work, he asks him to sell a lot for not
less than $400. He discusses his associates and asks if John
got a job in the sawmill. A note at the end of the letter by
N.J.Schmieg asks him if he obtained A job in the sawmill.
Letter No. 174.
Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); July 28,
1908. 4 pages.
She is very anxious to see him since she is healthy now. Thanks
him for his picture and asks for more cartoons. She hasn't danced
since the time he mentioned in his last letter.
Letter No. 175.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Porcupine, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
August 5, 1908. 2 pages.
worked fifteen and a half days at $3.00 a day and board and others
are earning $2.50 a day. Doesn't think John should come up. The
Chilkat Indians have asked him how much he would charge a month
in the winter to teach them band. Suggests he stay away from
booze. In a note at the end of the letter N.J.Schmieg says hello.
Letter No. 176.
C.E.Larson (Chemawa, Ore.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); September
8, 1908. 2 pages.
Refers to him as "dear old Tilacum". Happy to hear
he and his brother are well. He is now the assistant to the school
disciplinarian. The boys drilled well on parade but the band
was rotten. Asks about the work situation in Alaska since he
is sick of the Indian Service.
Letter No. 177.
Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); September
12, 1908. 5 pages.
Just received his letter and is still sticking to a life of solitude.
She would like to see him and, if he goes to Seattle, she will
try to visit him there. If she had the money, she could go to
college. She wants him to send her some original cartoons and
caricatures.
Letter No. 178.
F.E.Tanner (Skagway, Ak.) to R. T. Harris, Jr. (n.p.); September
18, 1908. 2 pages.
Sorry he didn't see him before he left but he had to go to bed
because of the beer. Discusses the band and a forthcoming dance.
mentions various friends.
Letter No. 179.
Billy Taylor (Ketchikan, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
October 18, 1908. 2 pages.
He is a candy maker and baker and asks if there is any work in
Juneau. He is interested in setting up a business.
Letter No. 180.
Dora Gray (San Francisco, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
December 30, 1908. 1 page (postcard).
She is well and is attending college. On the reverse is a picture
of the ferry building in San Francisco.
Folder 22.
Letter No. 181.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); January 12, 1909. 2 pages.
Answers his letter of the 31st and hopes they write more often.
She is happy that he played for a dance. She knows they had a
good time hunting and asks him to draw some pictures for her.
Letter No. 182.
Fred Waterlain (Juneau, Ak.) to Walter J. Randolph (Juneau, Ak.);
June 29, 1909. 1 page.
Would like to have Dick Harris play clarinet on Sunday, July
4th, at the Treadwell Club for $3.00 and on Monday, the 5th,
for $10.00 all day. He would like to have John play the drums
on Monday evening for a dance for $10.00.
Letter No. 183.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); July 20, 1909. 4 pages.
Thanks them for the postcard of Juneau, Alaska. She is getting
ready to go to Seattle and wants to know when they will be there.
She would also like to visit them in Juneau. Received Dick's
pictures and is sending a picture from Nevada.
Letter No. 184.
"Shanigan" (Seattle, Wash.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); August 12, 1909. 1 page (postcard).
The fair is swell but he prefers Bear Creek on Admiralty Island.
On the reverse is a picture of two structures at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific
Exposition of 1909.
Letter No. 185.
Alex _______ (Seattle, Wash.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
August 13, 1909. 1 page (postcard).
He and Johnny are doing the rounds at the Fair. Will leave tomorrow
for home. On the reverse is a picture from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific
Exposition of 1909.
Letter No. 186.
John G. Heid (n.p.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); August 13,
1909. 1 page.
In this form letter the President of the 1887 Pioneers Association
requests that he be present at the regular quarterly meeting
on August 29, 1909 at 8:00.
Letter No. 187.
R. T. Harris (Juneau, Ak.) to Mrs. T.C.Dobbins (Silver Peak,
Nev.); September 21, 1909. 1 page (postcard).
one or both of the brothers will visit her in Seattle. On the
reverse are their pictures. The card was not mailed.
Letter No. 188.
W. J. Harris (Yakutat, Ak.) to John B. Benson (n.p.); September
28, 1909. 3 pages.
Asks what he's been doing. He's been hunting in the Yakutat area
for over a month. He went carousing but is behaving himself.
Asks Benson to spend the winter with him in Juneau. He's planning
to go see Dora. Discusses boxing. He is an official guide now
and will head a hunting party from New York.
Letter No. 189.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris and R. T.
Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.); December 9, 1909. 4 pages.
Worried at not hearing from them. The family is thinking of moving
to California because of the weather and because she's tired
of the desert. Her husband's opportunities will be better there.
Received the box they sent from Seattle in October.
Folder 23.
Letter No. 190.
Charles H. Woods (Chemawa, Ore.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
April 14, 1910. 4 pages
Thanks him for his letter of March 29. Discusses his daughter's
fiance and illnesses. Hopes that John can travel to San Francisco,
Denver, and East; cartooning is John's forte. Mentions various
individuals.
Letter No. 191.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Skagway, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); July
17, 1910. 2 pages.
There is no money to be made in Skagway. He is hardly holding
his own at $3.00 a day. Mentions several friends.
Letter No. 192.
Jim Magrath (San Francisco, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); August 8, 1910. 2 pages (postcard).
Working in a band at the Royal Palace Theater; they just closed
after 27 weeks at the California theater. Asks for bald eagle
feathers for some of his chorus girls. Mentions several friends.
Letter No. 193.
D.G.T.(San Francisco, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
July 25, 1910. 1 page (postcard).
No message. On reverse is a photograph of Montgomery Street,
San Francisco.
Letter No. 194.
Tom (Skagway, Ak.) to R. T. Harris (n.p.); September 27, 1910.
3 pages.
Sorry he didn't answer his letter promptly. He's still wearing
his hair in a braid and still on the wagon. Hopes Margaret is
well and is sorry to hear of her accident. He mentions various
friends.
Letter No. 195.
W.L. Sprague (Boyne City, Mich.) to Captain Grey (Yakutat, Ak.);
December 26, 1910. 1 page (postcard).
No message. on reverse is a picture showing the ruins after the
B.C.G. Machine Shop fire.
Folder 24.
Letter No. 196.
J.B.Benson (Seattle, Wash.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); January
7, 1911. 6 pages.
Received his picture but can't send his. Discusses drinking,
an evening out with several friends, and job problems. Asks him
to come on a trip with him.
Letter No. 197.
Hoff (Marshfield, Ore.) to R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.); March
26, 1912. 2 pages.
Thanks him for the letter. Discusses drinking and the forthcoming
boom in Marshfield when the railroad gets there. Mentions various
acquaintances.
Letter No. 198.
C.F.Cheek, Secretary,Juneau Lodge No. 700 (Juneau, Ak.) to W.
J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.); March 26, 1912. 1 page (postcard).
Announces postponement of the lodge meeting planned for the following
day.
Letter No. 199.
James Wickersham (Washington D.C.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
July 2, 1912. 1 page (postcard).
on reverse is a picture of James Wickersham, delegate from Alaska
and a printed letter. States that Wickersham has been nominated
for delegate to Congress again and asks their support.
Letter No. 200.
William and Mrs. Grey (Yakutat, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); October 14, 1912. 4 pages.
Asks them to write. His wife planned to visit them but the boat
will probably not be running regularly this tinter. He put in
a pool table and is planning to put in another one as well as
a skating rink soon. Asks Harris to check on his lumber order
from the Juneau Supply Company. The lumber is needed for a building.
Folder 25.
Letter No. 201.
R. T. Harris, Jr. (Los Angeles, Calif.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); January 19, 1913. 5 pages.
Sorry to hear he has trouble and asks him to try not to drink
anymore. If he needs his property he is more than welcome to
it. If he is disgraced, there is lots of room in the rest of
the United States for him. Mary would give him everything she
has but she is not well situated. If he has to, he can sell the
property. He asks him not to forget to send him his tools.
Letter No. 202.
W.C.Irish, City Assessor (Juneau, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); May 23, 1913. 1 page (postcard).
Form statement indicating that his property is valued at $350.00.
Letter No. 203.
W. J. Harris (Eliza Harbor, to Mrs. W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
June 3, 1913. 2 pages.
Wrote to Tyee; she should address her answer to Tenakee, Alaska.
They got a bear last night which was shipped to Juneau. The people
he is guiding are well pleased with him. If she needs money she
should tell Dick.
Letter No. 204.
W. J. Harris (Tenakee Springs, Ak.) to Mrs. W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); June 12, 1913. 2 pages.
Happy she is getting along well. Received letters from John Benson
and Sister Superior. Asks her to take good care of their boy;
he has a beaver skin for him. He wants his brother to sell or
rent their property on the waterfront.
Letter No. 205.
M.H. (Los Angeles, Calif.) to R. T. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Ak.);
December 24, 1913. 1 page (postcard).
Received his letter and will answer. They are going to Mrs. D's.
for Christmas. This is a New Year's greeting card.
Folder 26.
Letter No. 206.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Huntington Park, Calif.) to R. T. Harris, Jr.
(Juneau, Ak.); May 14, 1914. 1 page (postcard).
Asks him to write and hopes all are well. This is a New Year's
greeting card.
Letter No. 207.
Albert Caldwell (Yakutat, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (n.p.); January
29, 1914. 4 pages.
Hopes all are well. Wants John to visit him and go hunting; hopes
he will come on the Steamer Sampson. He put up a good cabin last
spring and has plenty to eat and cash on hand. He goes duck hunting
every Saturday. Wished Harris could see the furs that were brought
out of Dry Bay; they were worth about $1000 and included mink,
marten, and fox. He expects to make $800 in the coming summer
and can save every cent because there's no booze there.
Letter No. 208.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Huntington Park, Calif.) to R. T. Harris, Jr.
(Juneau, Ak.); May 14, 1914. 4 pages.
Discusses various relatives. She would like a picture of his
son and hopes John and Maggie will visit in the Summer. Sends
her love to several people in Alaska.
Letter No. 209.
Albert Caldwell (Yakutat, Ak.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Ak.);
October 26, 1914. 3 pages.
Thanks him for the papers. The man to whom Harris sold his gun
is out drying fish but he will send him the money. Caldwell has
been working on his house and has his winter outfit. He and two
others went hunting last week and got 14 mallards. Asks Harris
to send him the papers.
Letter No. 210.
Mary Ann Dobbins (Huntington Park, Calif.) to R. T. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); September 25, 1915. 3 pages.
Thanks him for his letter. She has suffered from kidney and heart
trouble since the end of July. Happy to hear that he and his
wife will be in their own home soon. Mentions various relatives.
Letter No. 211.
Bessie Maguire (Chemawa, Ore.) to Mrs. W. J. Harris (Juneau,
Ak.); December 1, 1916. 2 pages.
She is at school again after a good vacation. Enclosed is her
report card.
Letter No. 212.
W. J. Harris (Chatham, Ak.) to Margaret Harris (n.p.); September
7, 1918. 2 pages.
Arrived safely and had an easy trip coming over. They expect
to be finished sooner than planned. Asks her to send The Empire.
Letter No. 213.
W. J. Harris (Chatham, Ak.) to Margaret Harris (n.p.); September
14, 1918. 2 pages.
Received her letter; will stay as long as the work holds out.
He has to go to Excursion Inlet the next day for fish. Went hunting
last week and got one deer. He is lonely for his family and asks
them to send papers.