This collection contains original correspondence in California from the nineteenth century. Approximately one hundred letters dispersed between two document boxes represent sixty years of early California history (1834-1894). Many of the letters surround the rancho based society that made up Southern California during this period, as well as letters that provide insight into the lives of early Californians.

Of special note are six letters written to or from Pio Pico, a successful rancher and the last Mexican governor of California before its entry into the United States.