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Document 38 –

Letter from Ira Hartson to the Canal Trustees Concerning Past Due Land Payments

May 16, 1851

Document 38 Click for larger image

Transcription                         La_Salle May 16th 1851    To board of trustees of the Illinois & Michag- an Canal — Messrs about two years since my Son in company with James Blakem- ore bid of at the sale of Canal lands in La_Salle the E. ½ of the S.E. ¼ of S.1.T 33. R.1. and in conse quence of sickness they have failed in mak- ing the payments agreeable to the time mentioned in the contract, their is two payments now due, we would consider it a favour if the trustees would receive the money on what is now due from my Son in order that he might eventually hold the land, so that he might make him a comfortable home — he has no land if that is taken from him — Mr. Blakemore the young man who purchased with him is in California, I do not know when he will return — I would further say since sickness has been the cause of a nonful- filment of the contract on his part – I trust the Honerable board of Trustees will cons- ider his case favourably — I moved to this place in June 1836 the country was new – all the la nds we purchase is for our own use not to sell again.                              Yours Respectfully                                                  Ira Hartson

The eighty acres in question are located near the western boundary of La Salle County and near the northeast corner of Putnam County. Sickness often ruined settlers who were living on the edge. If a crop could not be produced and sold or if wages could not be earned, appealing for sympathy to those with means often was the only alternative available.

California had been ceded to the U.S. in 1848 as part of the spoils of the war with Mexico. In that year gold first was discovered there and by February of 1849 the rush was on. Besides the fastest route which is outlined in the explanation for document 37, there were two alternatives: 1) by ship from New York, around Tierra del Fuego, and up to San Francisco, and 2) overland across unsettled plains and torturous mountains. Of those who made the journey some died in the process, others failed and returned bitter or wiser, and still others went on to settle in the West. A few returned home wealthy or set themselves up elsewhere.

Describe the circumstance in which Ira Hartson’s son found himself?

Who was offering to make the late payments? Why might he have waited so long to offer his help?

Had Ira Hartson’s son or James Blakemore assumed the greater risk in their attempts to succeed?

How should the canal trustees have responded to this communication?

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