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| This
unique daguerreotype illustrates the importance of letter
writing in the nineteenth century. Without phones or
other communications technology, 49ers had to rely on
sending written notes to their friends and loved ones. At
the same time, daguerreotypes themselves were one of the
most important ways that miners could establish an
emotional link with those they left behind. So this image
-- combining the importance of letter writing with the
importance of photography -- fully represents how
meaningful it was for these men to keep in touch with
their friends and families back home. In a note to his loved ones in Wisconsin, a miner wrote, If you could have seen us when we received our letters, you would have laughed and perhaps called us fools -- such hoorahing, jumping, yelling and screaming.... You will take good care and write often when i tell you that I live upon your letters, with a small sprinkling of pork and bread. |
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