[D9234AAK], Letter from John N Calvin to Thomas Alva Edison, March 7th, 1892
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9234AAK
Transcription
[TAE Marginalia] Return sample + say its solo but that in 3 counties of N.C. there is scarcely a form that one or more very small gold views don't occur with rather rich gold but owing to narrow + fracture at depths [illegible] gold mine in N.C. has so far been a failure. Lafayette N.C. Mar 7th 1892 Mr. Edison Ogdensburg N.J. My Dear Sir Excuse me for the disturbance taken in writing you as I presume you are bothered + well vexed with all bonds of communication with all sorts of people. The enclosed sample of gold I picked up in a corn lot in North Carolina or in Jany last + can not give up the idea that there is an immense fortune in developing the mine. Gold of whatever it was discovered by a boy 17 years old, his Father had corn on the lot + also a small corn house which was about to tumble down + the boy in trying to get some stones to put under the corners discovered the gold. I have another stone about two inches square that is quite full of fine bits which I picked up. The man that owns the land has dug a hole about six feet long, three feet wide + two feet deep + found plenty such as the enclosed besides any amount of finer bits. The owner is a queer old Southerner + will not let anyone prospect nor will he prospect himself but wants to sell the farm of 125 acres. Lend in that vicinity is worth from $250 to 2500 per acre. This is a nice stream of water running near the place probably 300 feet away. The rock is about one foot from the top of the ground. I would not have bothered you but I did not know who to write to that would be intended + would know what it really was or could find out whether there is anything in it by looking it over + not be to much expense. I would like to have the stone returned after you decide about it as I intend to have a pin made of it. I go South every winter shooting + am well acquainted about the country where I speak of. I would like to have a talk with you or someone that knows something of gold mining. Truly, John N. Calvin Please return the stone + if you feel interested in the matter I would like you to come + see me or if you can not spare the inn + will appoint a day I will meet you in Ogdensburg or at the works. I have saw great boulders of gold (in my mind) ever since I returned Feb 1st + can't get it off my mind nor I suppose I will not until I shall know more about it though I have no such money to prospect with myself. Excuse this long epistle J.N.C.