R. J. Boylan, Gold Rush Letters, 1850-1853

This collection consists letters written by RJ Boylan to his family back in Illinois, and document his stay in California during the gold rush period, 1850-1853. Boylan describes his attempts at gold mining, life as a miner, and the relations between miners and early residents of California. A constant theme throughout is his yearning to return home. Please note that historical materials in the Gold Rush Collections may include viewpoints and values that are not consistent with the values of the California State Library or the State of California and may be considered offensive. Materials must be viewed in the context of the relevant time period but views are in no way endorsed by the State Library. The California State Library’s mission is to provide credible information services to all Californians and, as such, the content of historical materials should be transcribed as it appears in the original document.

RJ Boylan Collection