[D8828ABQ], Letter from Frank McGowan to Alfred Ord Tate, May 21st, 1888
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Title
[D8828ABQ], Letter from Frank McGowan to Alfred Ord Tate, May 21st, 1888
Editor's Notes
[TAE marg: "Write Mack that he must look out and quick season by fire the bamboo as all we receive not seasoned has the dry rot also send samples--give him the news etc."] [Cali, Colombia] "Have now made all arrangements for my journey. Had to buy a horse for $185 and give [unclear] for saddle. Of course I will sell them again and not lose much. Then I have to hire a peon with mule &c. Costly work but can't be helped. I intend to buy all the land where the big stuff grows as the people here use it for everythign and float big rafts down the River Cauca. Then I will have to put up shanties and have niggers live in them to watch until I hear from headquarters. A fellow who owns ranch here told me other night about a joint of gramina in his house that held 16 quarter bottles of aguardiente (native whiskey). I made test and so that it was not so. I am after that stuff but it is away inland. ### Before buying the ground I will wire you as follows. ### "Tate New York "Buy" Mcgowan ### You can then reply ### Macgowan Cali, Columbia "Yes" (or No as Mr. E. decides) Tate ### The ground must be bought in order to get good stuff from it. ### I met a fellow here by the name of Aste, a Frenchman I think. He is about to go to N.Y. Has a gold mine, so he says in a palce down the Cauca River called Virginia. I told him about Gold Ore separating Machine. He wanted letter to Mr. E. from me but I told him I was not privileged to give letters of introduction &c. He said he would call [unclear]. He is backed by Wells, Fargo &c. Irman Live, Leather Mnfrs Bank (?) Cor Wall & Broadway. Don't place too much credence in what he says about mines. People here think he is faking. ### Well, Tate, my boy, I have been a long time away but by Heavens it is terrible work selling through these countries in rainy season and as for climbing or these mountains why it is something to wear an iron man out. Just think of it Tate, I haven't caught a fish since I left N.Y. Lost 27 lbs in weight and can't get square meal to fill up with. You might send me down one of those breakfast you and I used to indulge in in palmy days. ### This having to go mile after mile through swamps and then over roads with 2 and 3 ft of much &c &c on horseback is pretty hard on me. I am not a practised horseman however I manage and get along somehow. When I'm foting the [unclear] I'm all right. ### When I make my first shipment will anyone relieve me or does Mr. E want me to stay down here until everything is satisfactory."
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1888-05-21
Type
Subject
Folder/Volume ID
D8828-F
Microfilm ID
122:847
Document ID
D8828ABQ
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University