New York City (1848): Samuel Bradshaw here, a 19 year old working as a blacksmith by the Coast. Rumor has it theres gold out West in California. An idea clicked in my head, all I see is riches in my future. I wants to dig for riches and connect to some influential people. Maybe get my name out there and start myself a business... My girlfriend, Kathy, is worried about my safety and so is my Mama. I hope they know that I am doing this for them. I need to be a man, things haven't been easy since Dad died. Money has been tighter and there have been bigger shoes to fill. My mission is to strike big and bring home a big ole lump of gold to my family. I'm paying $200 to get on this ole Clipper Ship, God I pray it is worth it. I heard theres a big group of young men setting sail, one is my childhood best friend, Jack. I am feeling nervous, but very optimistic.

Source Analysis: https://goldrush49.weebly.com/ This narrative with the help of Gold Rush 49 Weebly. The authors informed us of the prices and duration of the average Cape Horn Route Trip. We discovered that people traveled from 3-6 months after spending $100-$300. Our worksheet we created helped us to add detail of his personal life involving Kathy and his parents. The article states "Many travelers ended up on Whaling ships with people crammed in where the blubber and oil were once carried some were so crowded people had to sleep standing up." This helps us to understand what life what like for them and gives inspiration for our next narrative.

Finally arriving to the gold rush, Samuel and Jack are in high spirits. They are relieved to be back on land and hope their families are okay. There is a lot of commotion going on in the city and crime rates are increasing. Samuel tries to stay positive and block out the regret of starting this journey. Jack, however, is thrilled at the action going on. He starts engaging in activities like street brawls and robberies which causes Jack to worry if this aggression will progress. 49ers were known for murder, mayhem, participating in bloody knife fights, gunshots, arson, duels, and murder.

Source Analysis

This narrative was inspired by the "Murder and Mayhem" article by CaliSphere. It states "The Gold Rush era was marked by lawlessness" and that "California was often called part of the 'Wild West.'" This gave us sense of the action and crime that was occurring in San Francisco at the time. Jack's entire storyline was inspired by this article, as well as our assigned story to add to our project. We were assigned "Vigilantes" - linked here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1efxIEES6EtvdsKBBTqBSOMG_JJkVwN1E

Today is July 9, 1851 and there has been more violence today than I have seen this far. I fear for my safety and have been aching with regret all day. I wish I ain't never went to this dump, and that I was back at home with Kathy and my Mama. The Sacramento News-Letter just called today a "theatre of scenes which we hope will never be

repealed." My new buddy James Wilson was mugged today and rumor has it there is threats of an attack tonight. I pray I make it okay. All I dreamed of was returning home wealthy and healthy after making some business connections, but now I am nearly sure that may not come. I am going to take this time now to write to Kathy and my family, God forbid something happens. Hopefully I will write back soon.

Cheers, Jack 1851

Source Analysis:

The murder spree was inspired by a real 49er, William Perkins, who noted on July 3, 1850, "We have had three or four fresh murders... They are becoming so common that I hardly think of putting them down in my Journal." This quote captures the chaos and danger in Wild West towns like Sacramento. In our Vigilantes article, the death of James Wilson influenced us to create a tragic story for Samuel, ensuring he does not make it home

It's currently the year of 1849, We are approaching Cape Horn, my excitement is turning into nerves. Turbulent seas and strong winds made navigation a struggle for the boys and I, and sleep was rare as we kept watch for storms. I am sick of preserved meats, fish, dried beans, rice and potatoes. The promise of California's gold is keeping our crew moving forward. I am worried they may switch up on each other once we arrive, sorry to say it but I am also worried about Jack. We need to be a team, can't let money blind us from reality. All we have been doing is waiting, for weather, to check navigation tools, and rest. Fishing has been fun. I can say I have been getting pretty good. Other lads have been exploring the rugged coastline.

Source Explanation: This source talked about the bad conditions and environment of Cape Horn. we spoke about the struggles my character goes through, including the turbulent seas and strong winds and the need to watch out for storms.

It took me a couple months to travel from Caper horn. I stopped in Callao, Peru, to resupply the ship with supplies and fresh water after the long sea journey. It’s a chance for the crew and I to rest and recover, and I could gather valuable information about conditions further north. Plus, the bustling and popular port offers me opportunities to trade goods and experience the local culture, making it an essential stop on the way to California.

Source Explanation: This article talked about how Callao, Peru was a good port city for travelers to stop at on their way to SF. I talked about stopping in Callao, Peru to restock and recover from the long travels. The crowded and popular community allowed me to meet new people and things.

(July 15, 1851) I'm in Panama now, but the heat and humidity are killing me. Even though there are many of noises in the bush, I still feel very alone. I can hardly eat since I left the dock. I have a fever that is making me weak and queasy. I'm afraid I might not arrive in New York. I'm scared by the idea that I'll never get to see Kathy and Mama again. In the event that this is my final writing, please know that I treasured our time together and carried your love with me at all times.

Source Analysis: As our last journal we decided to have our character die on his journey back to New York from the way he came. In this source it describes the dangers and sicknesses many travelers had to face, so we decided to have Samuel stop in Panama in hopes to catch a break but ends up catching a fever and possibly dies.