October 13, 2005


Did Abe Lincoln try to seize New Almaden’s Quicksilver mines?

Pioneer Day 2005 unveils new facts as “New Almaden’s Civil War Crisis” monument is dedicated

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

“We cannot escape history,” said President Abraham Lincoln in his annual message to congress in December of 1862.

Clamper Russ Pearce, Santa Clara County Quicksilver museum interpreter John Slenter and NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan enjoy the festivities after the dedication.

The next year President Lincoln signed a writ to United States Marshal C. W. Rand in San Francisco to seize the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine. Rand and Leonard Swett, a past law partner of Lincoln and a shareholder in the mine, presented the writ to manager John Young. Rand also ordered the cavalry to enforce the order. Young informed the marshal that the writ was illegal since the owners had operated the mine for 17 years and had title to part of the land.

Both General Wright and Frederick Low, customs collector and who was also running for governor of California, sent telegrams to Lincoln urging the government not to use force to enforce the writ. Low predicted that the Union would lose California to the Confederacy if the writ was enforced. California and the territory of Nevada miners were enraged believing the government would seize all mines on public property. President Lincoln recognizing the political implications retracted the writ. The New Almaden Cavalry organized in 1864 for protection.

Such unknown facts were established by the careful research of Almaden residents Larry Comstock and Tom Graham in the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association [NAQCPA] booklet “New Almaden and the Civil War.” And it was the topic of celebration at this year’s Pioneer Day held at the Hacienda entrance of the Quicksilver Park last weekend. Presented by NAQCPA, Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation and E-Clampus Vitus the celebration included the unveiling of a new monument “New Almaden’s Civil War Crisis.”

“It is gratifying to see such a real nice turn out,” said E-Clampus Vitus master of ceremonies Patrick “Aloycious” Sweeney. “We are here today to dedicate a monument to commemorate New Almaden’s part in the civil war. Most people do not know this is an integral part of the growth of California and the Civil War. We try to preserve our history and share it with future generations.”

E-Clampus Vitus is dedicated to the study and preservation of the history of California, especially the Mother Lode and gold mining regions of the state. All members are officers and are known for wearing badges and crimson outfits. The Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850 has placed 14 monuments in New Almaden. “New Almaden’s Civil War Crisis” dedication was made possible by a grant from Santa Clara County Parks Heritage Commission.

The monument was officially christened E-Clampus Vitus style with beer by the Clampers and NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan. Then it was on to the business of re-enacting history. Marshal Rand [NAQCPA archivist Art Boudreault] arrived to seize the Quicksilver Mines from manager John Young [New Almaden Quicksilver Museum Mine park interpreter John Slenter].

The Pioneer Day celebration continued at the New Almaden Community Club where Almaden residents Dutch and Nancy Mapes barbecued hot dogs, and feasted on beans, salad and all the trimmings. After the modern-day pioneers enjoyed their lunch, Larry Comstock shared more of his research of Lincoln’s involvement with the Quicksilver Mines. Tom Graham told of the cavalry established in New Almaden from 1864 through 1868 complete with an embellished sword given to Commander L.F. Parker in 1866. Jack Douglas re-enacted General Naglee. And Almaden resident Mike Cox shared stories that his “mom didn’t know” about of exploring the mines as a teenager.

For more information on New Almaden Quicksilver Mine’s colorful history, visit the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 21350 Almaden Rd., San Jose. (408) 323-1107. They are open Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.