Letter from John McConihe to John Kellogg, December 7, 1858

This December 7, 1858 letter from John McConihe to his business partner, John Kellogg, requests money for cattle speculation. McConihe hopes to make a large profit selling the cattle to gold miners in the spring. He also mentions his appointment as one of five Notary Publics in Omaha.

Omaha
Dec. 7th 1858

Friend John

Your welcomed letter of the 20^th ult. came to day and I really hope you can raise me some money soon, as I have no doubt about doing well with it. The matter of loaning to the Territory has fallen tho', or rather I gave up the chance to my friend Haden of Kentucky and the former Private Sect'y of Gov. Richardson. He took $4200 Territorial stock or Warrants bearing ten per cent interest @ 43 cts on the dollar and when we consider that there is a good revenue law and taxes are to be collected next summer and that the Territory owes only $22000. I think it is a good thing.

I know I can use money to advantage, as the gold excitement is on the increase and the existence is fully confirmed. Many of our Citizens are



going to the mines in the spring and the emigration, via Omaha, from Missouri Iowa and other Western States, will in my opinion, be large. Gold excitements are like fevers and they make men wild & especially will it be so in these times, when men are idle, disappointed and restless. I can buy cattle, stock, cheap this winter and in the spring sell at a big figure. I have some 40 tons of hay stacked at Saratoga and can feed them and stable them there. The first provisions that arrive here in the spring will command a big figure, and I can make arrangements with Mr Willard to have some sent me, and can have them sold by the merchants here for a small commission And I think there are many such ways, whereby I could make a good thing in the use of $1000 or $2000 this winter.

I have asked no one but you for money neither shall I, and I will secure you in any way I can. All my



property is clear and you know what it is. Mr Finch has not returned, consequently our back rooms are vacant. I made the trade for that lot and think it is a good thing. The title to it is in me, as it is an outside lot, directly back of the Douglas house (as you will see by the map, the Douglas House is on Lot the corner of Harney & 13^th Sts in block 149)—I will make out a deed of an undivided 1/2 to you and place it in my safe for you in case of accident.

We have good sleighing here now and the Missouri is crossed by footmen. To day's mail is the only mail, we have had in 4 days.

I hope to have that money so that I can make something this winter. Exchange is plenty here and the currency will get a good circulation Gov. Richardson has gone, but he appointed me Notary Public, under the new law before he left. There was a rush for the office, as only five were to



be appointed in Omaha. Tim's marriage is news to me. I wish him much joy. I sent you the 160 acre warrant, as they are cheaper here than in N.Y. Money is so scarece. The cry is money, money, and you can get any secrity you ask.

Hoping you are well and with my best regards to Mr & Mrs Townsend as well as Miss Frank, I remain

Yours truly

J. McConihe