Page 3 - ah1901

“…contract made with said Burch [Birch] from July 1, 1857, at $149,000 per annum, for
semi-monthly service; to commence July 1, 1857, and expire June 30, 1861.
Leave San Antonio on the 9 and 24 of each month at 6 a. m.; arrive San Diego in 30
th
th
days.
Leave San Diego on the 9 and 24th of each month at 6 a. m.; arrive San Antonio in 30
th
1
days."

Although the purpose of the contract was to establish a land route for delivering
mail to California, the long-term plan was also to put in place a more efficient trail
for emigrants to help settle the west and also to act as a forerunner for the eventual
building of a transcontinental railroad.
Isaiah C. Woods was chosen as Superintendent of the line. Woods had been an
employee of Adams Express Co. in San Francisco. The company had financial
difficulties during the banking crisis of 1854-'55. A large amount of money was
unaccounted for and about that time Woods left for Australia. Although he was
5
never charged with taking the money, the suspicion remained.

The Contract changes Ownership Before the Line Starts Service

Because of Birch's strong attachment to his wife Julia and their home in Swansea,
Massachusetts, he left California on August 20, 1857, before the first successful
6
delivery of the mail by the San Antonio and San Diego Mail Line. He wanted to be
in Swansea to oversee the completion of the building for their mansion. On
September 12, he was on the side-wheeler Central America (formerly the George
Law) about 400 miles south of Cape Hatteras. In a violent storm the ship split her
seams. Birch had refused the offer of a life-belt and a survivor relayed Birch's last
words: "No, Gabe; it's no use," as he strode away, smoking a cigar whose glow he
fully intended should be extinguished with the breath of his life.
7

1 Executive Documents printed by order of The House of Representatives during the First Session of the Thirty-Fifth
Congress, 1857-1858, Washington, 1858, p. 430.
3