A Journey To California In 1849

W.C.S. SMITH

Publication: Privately printed, 1925, Napa

First Edition. 9" x 6" original printed blue card covers. 36pp. Smith left New York in January 1849 bound for Vera Cruz, where he set off overland to Mexico City and beyond, finally journeying across the Baja California peninsula to San Diego. After a brief stay in San Diego, he traveled on to San Francisco, where he recounts spending time at the mines as a merchant to the miners, and as one of the principal founders of Marysville. Hill 1588 says, "Evidently an intelligent, resourceful, and courageous man, Smith's wry humor and eye for scenery, as well as his interest in the customs of the people among whom he traveled, make this a very human as well as authentic account of California in one of its most significant historical periods." Light tanning to edges of covers. Interior clean. Very good plus.

Inventory Number: 35990