Lot 821
(Monterey) 1845 (Jul. 20) Thomas Larkin - John Townsend Agreement to Care for Destitute Seamen, Autograph Document Signed by Thomas O. Larkin, U.S. Consul at Monterey and physician John Townsend, two pages dated July 20th 1845, Larkin hires Townsend for term of one year of his house near the Monterey Custom House, called the Hospital etc. and "Said Townsend is to board and lodge in a suitable manner in the house during the year…as requested by me…every sick or destitude American seaman I may have in my consular charge at fifteen dollars ($15.00) per month…receiving from me extra pay for medical attendance and nursing, when required which seaman are at all times to be carefully attended to by said Townsend…"; some minor edge flaws, Fine.Estimate $600 - 800.
In 1844, Dr. John Townsend and party journeyed overland to California and was the first to successfully bring their wagons across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Cabins built in the Sierras by the Murphy part were inhabited two years later by members of the ill-fated Donner party. Dr Townsend quickly established himself as a prominent California resident and served as garrison surgeon and ade de camp in Sutter's "army" during the revolt against Governor Manuel Micheltorena in 1845. He also practiced medicine at Sutter's fort in 1846 and had dealings in Benicia and Monterey. In 1846, he participated in the Bear Flag revolt and in 1847 became one of San Francisco's first Alcades.
Realized: $1,050