A recent look at the letters of Governor H. G. Blasdel revealed several interesting communications with tailors in San Francisco. In addition to the Governor's fashion sense, knowledge of clothing and fit, is the speed with which all this takes place.

Born in Indiana in 1825, Henry Goode Blasdel came to Carson City in 1859 from California. He was active in mining and milling as well as politics. He first served as County Recorder for Storey County in 1861. Blasdel became the first elected Governor of the State of Nevada in 1864 and was re-elected in 1866 serving until 1870.

As the story goes, Sheriff Howard of Storey Country was prone to assembling unique juries based on physical qualities-- such as men with squinty eyes, the fattest of thinnest men, etc. H. G. Blasdel was summoned to serve on the tall men's jury. As the tallest of the tall men called to serve on that jury in 1863, his height was listed at 6'5". (Thompson and West, p. 577) H. G. Blasdel was tall even for his time when people were generally considered to be of smaller stature. His height may well have an impact upon his understanding of clothing and fit. Given his position, his needs for clothing that fit were often pressing. Through friends and connections in the San Francisco, he sought new tailors. His letters reveal that on May 4, 1865 with the assistance of attorney, John Drish, of San Francisco, Gov. Blasdel desired to place the following order with Mr. Walter, Merchant and Tailor of San Francisco. Blasdel is very specific about choices of color, fabric, construction and length.

Dear Sirs, I wish you to make out for me and to me, by the fast freight Express Company the following articles--One suit black cloth, one suit blue black for military day, with a military hat, also one light colored pair of casino pants. I want the pockets in all my pants put on from the waist, and not the side seams. Put straps on military pants, and sew with them a pair of good suspenders. Messers Mead and Van Tassell have my OK for military hat. Make and send the black suit first, and sew with it the suspenders, and two (2) mock ties. Make the black coat a little longer in the body then the last one made and the sleeves 3/4" longer. Send me shipping reciepts, soon as taken and have then know what you ship and forward speedily.

Send your fill, and I will submit a check for the amount.

Very Respectfully, Henry G. Blasdel

Gov. Blasdel also dealt with the tailor firm of Steil and Wehn on more than one occasion. Having done business there, they would have his measurements on record. The following correspondence provides a clue not only to previous business, but varied wardrobe of fashionable gloves. The Governor was obviously a man aware of fashion details.

Jan. 2nd 1886

Mrrs. Stein & Wehn

Enclosed please find draft for amount of bill. Please send one pair of kids, straw color.

Very Respectfully, H. G. Blasdel

October 31, 1866, writing Steil & Wehn, the order reflects the need for a conservative look. The coat he desires would most likely be a frock coat instead of an overcoat. This correspondence prepared by the Governor's personal secretary was for "a suit of clothes" detailed as follows:

A fine black cloth coat, heavy. A fine black, Dorslein pair of pants, heavy. A fine fancy black silk velvet vest, not too flashy, heavy.

The tailors needed to work quickly. On Nov. 14, 1866, he sent a letter stating that he would visit the city soon and asked them to have the suit ready when he arrived.

The Governor also did business with the San Francisco tailoring establishment of G. F. Walter and Co. Again, we see a knowing client with needs for a fashionable and seasonal wardrobe. A sack coat, which he requests, is looser and somewhat shorter than a frock coat. The choice of a sack coat is also a less formal choice than the standard all-occasion frock coat. Perhaps what is most interesting is the time factor involved with this communication. The order was dated July 12. The samples had arrived in Carson City from San Francisco and the choices had been made by July 19--just seven days later. Most people, especially those east of the Mississippi tend to believe that Nevada, the last western frontier, was cut off from the world. The fashion sense remained five to ten years behind times because of poor communication and access. Obviously, this is not the case. Wells Fargo and other companies provided speedy and frequent services to and from the Silver State.

Carson City July 12, 1867

Gentleman, I want a summer suit of tolerably heavy material, white. I believe there is a kind of goods now in the market of the above description and I doubt not you will understand what I mean. Please put up and send to me at your earliest convenience by Wells Fargo and Co., with bills, and much obliged.

Yours very truly, H. G. Blasdel

The reply is dated:

July 19, 1867

G. F. Walter & Co. SF

Gents, Your favor just received! You will please make me a suit of the woolen sample enclosed, and sack of the white duck enclosed. I wish the coat of the suit to be a sack also. Please complete as soon as you can, and send written bill as stated in the former letter.

I am very respectfully yours, H. G. Blasdel

Interestingly, there is never a mention of expense. The Governor asks only that a bill of sale be sent and it will be paid. At this point in time, we have no receipts to verify the expense on these purchases.

Works Cited:

Marsh, Andrew J. Letters from the Nevada Territory 1861-62. State of Nevada: 1972

Thompson & West (Reproduction of), History of Nevada, 1881. Myron Angel, ed. Berkeley, CA: Howell-North. 1958.

Letters of Governor H. G. Blasdel, State Archives, Carson City.