[1905 Autograph Letter Signed from Tucson, Arizona Territory discussing Law, Mining, and the Gunsight Company].

“If had been wise, I should have allowed the mine to slip away years ago….”


A 1905 letter concerning the Gunsight and Ajo mining claims in Pima County, Arizona Territory. It appears to be from one E.P. Hamersly who may be a stakeholder or shareholder conducting legal research in the matters. The mining operations there were for gold, silver, lead, copper, and other minerals. Hamersly writes:

I managed to tear myself away…to go into the Court House & look at the records in the cases we had been considering as probably throwing some light on the Gunsight interest in that most vexatious Ajo matter. I read the papers over in the Steinfeld Case & looked at the records but there was nothing therein referring to Ajo. ... Judg[men]t was duly entered in the [indistinct] and the Gunsight was sold out. (p[1])

Hamersly reports that he made a copy of a legal complaint he discovered and adds: “I ran against, our att[orne]y here, Mr. Franklin. He tells me that as to residents, judg[men]t & claims lose their lien, absolutely, in 5 years, or rather, at the end of such a period in [if?] not renewed within same, but that as to non-residents, they are not affected by the statute of limitations.” Hamersly notes an “infernal claim” dating from 1888 and opines: “If had been wise, I should have allowed the mine to slip away years ago….” (p[2])

Hamersly writes that a Judge Dallas represented Gunsight and wonders “Is it possible that he would have any papers or any recollection bearing on the claim of that Co[mpany]. v[ersus]. Ajo?” (pp3–[4]) The fact that Gunsight was a New Jersey corporation with a resident manager in Arizona Territory may affect the claim. In a postscript, Hamersly writes: “I have asked Franklin to bring the abstract to date to see if I have done or suffered anything to be done to impair the title.” (p[4])


Description: [1905 Autograph Letter Signed from Tucson, Arizona Territory discussing Law, Mining, and the Gunsight Company].

Tucson, Arizona [Territory], February 17, 1905. 4pp. 8vo. Illustrated letterheads of Santa Rita Hotel. Vertical folds; very good.

[3726399]

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