Youngs, Samuel (Ca. 1815 - ?). Original Autograph Letter Signed by a California Democrat Samuel Young to James Denver, a Democratic Congressman from CA, Sharing News on State Politics and Speculating about Candidates for the Upcoming California State Senate Elections; with Mentions of Henry Foote, Henry Crabb, David Douglass, Edward Marshall, Gov. Bigler, etc. Sacramento, California: 30 January 1856.

Quarto Bifolium (ca. 20x12,5 cm or 7 ¾ x 5 in). 3 pp. Brown ink on yellowish wove paper. Addressed, stamped, and docketed on the cover. Fold marks, but overall a very good letter, written in a legible hand. 

Historically important manuscript letter discussing one of the earliest California State Senate elections (first elections held in 1849). The author, Col. Samuel Youngs, originally from New York, was first a prominent merchant and later a Democratic politician and an employee of an Indian Agent. In the letter to James W. Denver (1817-1892), a Democratic Congressman in Washington D.C., Youngs conveys the latest news from California and discusses the state politics. He talks about the elections to the California State Senate (which took place on 4 November 1856), the unprecedented unity of Democrats, and the prospects of various candidates, including Edward C. Marshall (1821-1893) and Henry S. Foote (1804-1880). Youngs also speculates on David F. Douglass's confirmation as Secretary of State and shares his mixed feelings about Governor Bigler. Among other prominent politicians mentioned in the letter are the Know-Nothing Henry A. Crabb and the Democrats H. Denver (the addressee’s brother) and Philemon T. Herbert. Overall, a historically important letter with references to early California politicians.

The text of the letter:

“All the joys of the season with many agreable and happy returns to you, the day here was fine as could be derived and a general custom of calling was the order of the day some made as many as 100 calls. It was kept up untill ten o’clock in the eve and dancing until one in the morn. Company A was scattered not concentrated.

The politicians are gathering in and the Orleans Hotel is as a Bee Hive, “a medley” – the impression is that no Senator will be elected this session – if so it will be Crabbe but the Democrats were never more united than now, and will go farther and do more for the good of Democrats principles than even before, it is said Douglass (David F. Douglass) will not be confirmed as Sec. of State but I think he will, I doubt their going so far as to reject but if they will I shall help all I can

They meet on Monday next and then we shall see. – and five arrived yesterday the latter I have seen he is looking sound and well fed – your brother H is now in this City he is the same as heretofore. D. Wood told me he was to be Deputy Sec. of Hall under Douglass – and will then be at home again. Gov. Bigler and family will visit the Atlantic States this spring to return here before the next Gen. Election. I think he would like to be here of the delegates to the National Convention. I have kind feeling for Bigler personally but many chat he has had around him I cannot take by the hand. It is said that Marshall has declined as Candidate for the Senate in favor of Foote. Marshall had no prospect of success and I doubt his doing Foote much good – as ever with best wishes I am truly yours. Sac. City Sam Y. Guy. Jany 30/56

I see by the N. Y. Herald your + Herbert’s name as voting right, it gives much satisfaction here all speak approvingly of it. Will S now say you are a K. N.? The lines I transcript has closed, I saw its fate as soon as Frank W left G. Expenses are not trifling and he must have something – but Henley has continued him and I think he G is pointing his eyes to a candidate for Congress next fall.”