P a g e 2 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r “My first act upon entering camp, therefore, was to hasten to the log hut that served as a post office. Yes, there was a letter for me, also a pair of gold scales handy. Upon receipt of “twelve bits” in coin or dust I could have the missive. He would not even allow me to see the superscription. It was only by long and earnest entreaty that he consented to give it to me in return for my little all. He did so finally, however, I tore the envelope open and read as follows:” Deer Frend Jim:—I heer from yure foaks that you have went to Bannik. Deer Jim, I have a faver to ask. Will you staik me out a good clame there for me? I will cum out in the spring, if you can sell my clame for a gode pile, do it and send me the munny. Yure trooly. Jake Henderson “You can imagine my disgust at learning the contents of this valuable letter for which I had paid my last cent! The kindhearted postmaster, however, though he had hesitated to deliver the letter to me loaned me- a couple of ounces of dust until my money should come.” Al. W.C. – Tribune-Examiner (Dillon, MT), Aug. 13, 1976. Accessed via www.montananewspapers.org Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Nevada City, Montana- The Dr. Don L. Byam House Dr. Byam was born in 1814 and attended William and Mary College in Virginia. He lived in Ohio until 1848 before crossing the Plains to Pike's Peak and then to Bannack, Montana in 1862 and on to Nevada City in 1863. Dr. Byam was the judge at the trial of George Ives which took place in Nevada City on December 21, 1863. Though this trial took place before the Miner's Court, it led to the establishment of the Vigilantes a few days later. This house was built in 1863. The second floor was once headquarters for the Union League, an Anti-Confederate group. The Civil War was alive, even in far off Montana. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz
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