RARE GOLD RUSH BOOKS AND MINING REFERENCES
A California Gold Rush Masterpiece of Education!
1234. New York Daily Tribune, 1849. Bound volume containing July 4, 1849 through December 31, 1849. 26 weeks, 6 papers per week plus many supplements. Approximately 165 separate newspapers and supplements. The editors and publishers were Greeley & McElrath. Horace Greeley was in the height of his career. This volume is one of the best California gold rush research tools I have ever seen. In each paper are contained articles or advertisements about the gold rush when it was still in its infancy. Issues discussed were some of the most difficult of the day, including slavery, both in New York and in California: “No slavery shall ever be permitted in California! Adopted by unanimous vote!” (11/19/49); as well as cholera, a topic of key importance since people were dying of cholera all over America and on the way to the gold fields. Fully five issues alone were devoted to the discussion of cholera in the first couple of months of this volume.
More articles include: Chinese in California, with several pages devoted to teaching Chinese symbols, (9/7/49); mining methods and descriptions of the early mining areas, including Sutter’s Fort: “Sutter’s Fort is an enclosure about as large as Washington Parade Grounds, built of unburned brick.” (9/1/49). There were regular stories of new gold discoveries: “Astounding Discoveries of Gold! A mine found on Colonel Fremont’s Rancho.” (12/19/49); stories regarding the costs of goods: “Meeting expenses here is no joke…Rice 30 cents per pound…” (9/1/49); lists of passengers to and from the area (see 12/4/49); advice to gold diggers: “You did wisely when you decided not to come out here. There is a large class here and bound hither, to which, by your own confession, you belong, who expect to pick up gold as they would pebbles on the beach, one and all of whom are doomed to disappointment.” (8/30/49); and discussions of routes to California (see 7/25/49).
But one of the most astounding and arguably most important parts of the contents here are the original published versions of Bayard Taylor’s letters. As a young reporter, Taylor was sent by Horace Greeley to California on July 28, 1849. His articles capture the essence, trials and experiences of a novice easterner going west into lands and times unknown. “There probably never occurred, in all history, a more wonderful combination of circumstances than that of which the present condition of California has grown. It is a phenomenon the likes of which can never happen again, since there is no part of the world in which it is possible.” (11/27/49). Taylor used these observations to publish El Dorado, often considered one of the premier early works on the California gold rush.
This volume of newspapers carries virtually all of Taylor’s published letters except the last of which he wrote upon his return to New York, when he left for home on January 1, 1850, the day after the last edition in this volume. There are about 25 numerically published letters of Taylor describing the gold rush. None of the illustrations or sketches he made are published with his letters, but there is one illustration present in the 8/30/49 edition with a one third page sketch of San Francisco and harbor by George Baker and J F. Badeau.
Outstanding rare and original research material. Est. $3,000-5,000
1849 Gold Rush Map in Exemplary Condition
1235. Phelp’s Traveler’s Guide, 1849, published by Ensigns & Thayer, NY. Bright red boards with gilt, generally in excellent condition with map, 20” x 25”. This drawn and engraved map by J. M. Atwood, NY, is spectacular, lined completely around the edges with engravings of the presidents and prominent men of this country’s history, along with the state seals. Each state has hand colored borders. The west is inset (roughly 6 x 5.5 inches) at the lower right corner. The map data predates the California gold rush, showing Sutter’s Fort, the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and the Quicksilver mines at New Almaden. Pyramid Lake and the Humboldt River occupy the Nevada section which shows Fremont’s trail. Tahoe is not shown. Most of Nevada is blank. The New Mexico and Colorado areas are similar. Wheat listed this map in his Maps of the California Gold Region, 1942, No. 111, p.59. Wheat cited only one example , that of the Unger Collection. The 70 pp of Wheat’s text are tables of routes and distances across America showing the fort in Sonoma. The condition is excellent and as near mint as could be expected. The cover has a St. Louis Steamer (side wheeler) all in gilt on handsome red leather, and an early train with the title “Phelp’s Travelers Guide Through The United States.” Custom made slip cover. Est. $2000-5000
Rare 1849 Gold Rush Miner’s Guide
1236. Miner’s Guide and Metallurgist’s Directory, Orton, J. W., 1849. Published by A. S. Barnes & Co, Cincinnati. The name Robert Murray is written on one of the inside pages. Robert Murray was an assistant surgeon with Company B of the California Volunteers, coming west in 1846. There is a vignette of a placer gold mining scene below the title. 86pp plus 10 pages of advertising in the back. Geologic cross sections face the title page. 4 x 6”, gilt lettering on spine: “The Miner’s Guide”, brown cloth with floral designs. Dark discoloration along top edge and at lower right corner, the latter penetrating through entire work. Wear to front lower right wear board material. The book states in the preface that it is intended for those “without a large library”, and to be “an indispensable companion to enable the miner to assay, extract…the useful metals.” The basis of the book is a discussion of the metals and their properties, with methodology of identification. Orton describes the assay process with the old terminology “docimastic art.” He discusses quicksilver amalgamation in detail and other sound, and clearly written advice. But there is insufficient detail from which to render quantitative assays for gold ores containing silver; thus the miner would get incorrect higher assays for gold using the methods described in this book. For the general gold ores found in most of the Mother Lode region of California, this methodology would be adequate, though nowhere near as accurate as it could be. This is clearly a book intended for California miners - an attempt to educate them about metals, and to some degree, about geology. Unlike some other similar works of this period, Orton knows his subject matter very well and has illustrated important points in carefully flowing language that makes sense (granted that this description here is written by a mining geologist, it might otherwise by undecipherable to others). While Orton has used the term “directory” in the title, it is not a directory in the sense of a bibliophile’s use of the word. Rather, the reference to “directory” here is with regard to a directory of metals, though Orton did not use these terms. No mention is made of California by name. This book was Orton’s first work, according to the family history. In 1879, he was appointed Professor of Natural History at Vassar College. James Orton also wrote Underground Treasures several years later, a book highlighting some of the fascinating aspects of geology. (ref: An Account of the Descendants of Thomas Orton of Windsor, CT, by Ed Orton, Professor of Geology, Ohio State College, 1896). This book came with a large collection of gold rush maps and diaries from Forest Hill. It is not listed in Howes, Kurutz, Graff nor Streeter and has no auction sales history, though we had another copy several years ago, which is now in an institutional collection. Only two copies were located, that of the Minnesota Historical Society and the California State Library. Not in NUC, RLIN nor COPAC. We believe it is an essential tool for the educated man who came to California as a 49’er. Its tie to San Francisco and Auburn make it a classic Gold Rush era book. Extremely rare. Est. $3000-5000
1851 Government Report on the Gold Rush
1237. Geology and Industrial Resources of California, by Tyson, Philip T., 1851, published by Wm. Minifie & Co, Baltimore. A privately published report, consisting mainly of the Report of the Secretary of War, 1850, communicating information in relation to the geology and topography of California, Executive Doc. No. 47. 164 pages, plus 10 fold-out maps and sections. Includes chapters on the geology of part of the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges, geological structure of the Sacramento Valley, geological changes in California, metalliferous and gold regions, quicksilver (mercury) mines, mineral resources in general, vegetable products, indigenous animals, climate, agriculture and public lands. Contains detailed discussions of gold formation and of the discoveries of crystalline gold in quartz veins, verified by Col. Fremont in hand specimen form to the author. In addition to the maps described above, this volume includes a map of the “Sacramento Valley from the American River to Butte Creek”, and a lengthy preface. “Tyson based his this memoir on his personal observations…during the summer and…fall of 1849” wrote Kurutz in his bibliography of California Gold Rush Books. The maps are wonderful but the text is lacking in mining detail, something I would have expected from someone of Tyson’s caliber. Water stains and foxing on maps but the text is generally clean. Some maps also have chips missing. Listed by Kurutz as 643(b), Howes and Cowan. Original binding in dark brown cloth. Est. $500-1500
First Government Work On Colorado Mines, 1869
1238. Preliminary Field Reports of the United States Geological Survey of Colorado and New Mexico…, by Hayden, F., 1869. 155pp, no maps or plates. Gilt lettering on dark green boards, excellent condition with little, if any, wear to corners or spine. Hayden transmitted this report to J. D. Cox, Secretary of the Interior in October, 1869, during the first brief life of the USGS which was abolished and later begun anew under Clarence King, 1879. The work encompassed field work from June to October, 1869. While his primary purpose was to report upon the geology of the region, he wrote that he examined the mines in Boulder, Georgetown, Central City and elsewhere in Colorado where there were producing mines within reasonable reach of passable roads.
The report is written as a journal, discussing the geology along the trails, accompanied by his general observations about regional geology. The goal seemed to be to report upon the economic deposits, though that was never stated. There is mention of Fremont’s earlier reports, but the work marks the beginning of Rocky Mountain geology: “It is now well known that the great Rocky Mountain System is not composed of a single range, but a vast series of ranges, covering a width of six hundred to a thousand miles.” (page 25). Hayden discusses coal mines in some detail, nearly 80 pages worth. He discusses the history of the gold discoveries in the Sange de Christo. The gold and silver mines cover nearly 60 pages in an article by Persifor Frazer Jr. Hayden writes that his own observations would come up in the future work. “It is not necessary to enter into the causes of the wonderful failures and swindling operations which have brought Colorado into such disrepute in the past.” (p.89). Frazer’s report is written district by district, an invaluable reference to early Colorado mining, though not indexed. It is the first governmental work on mines in Colorado, though not the first work, viz. Hollister. This is a clean copy. No ex-libris or other paraphernalia in the fly leaves. Rare. Est. $300-600
First Western Business Directory, 1867
1239. The Pacific Coast Business Directory for 1867…California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah and British Columbia…First Year of Publication, by Langley, H., 1867. 192pp of advertisements before the title page. 568pp of directory, followed by another 195pp of advertisements. Tightly bound as original, near mint. An usually fine copy. Quintessential early directory in exemplary condition. It is mandatory for advanced scholars of western research: we quote it regularly. Est. $1500-3000
Murder Case, 1855 - James, king of william
1240. A True and Minute History of the Assassination of James King of Wm. at San Francisco Cal. Also Remarks of the Press Concerning the Outrage; An Account of the Formation and Action of the Vigilance Committee; Meetings and Resolutions of the Citizens of Sacramento, Marysville and Stockton; Funeral Ceremonies of Mr. King, with the Addresses of Rev. Messrs. Cutler and Lacey over the Body; and the Execution of Casey and Cora. Carefully Compiled From Various Sources, 1856. Published by Whitton, Twon & Co, SF. 26pp. This rare and important pamphlet offers an account of one of the most famous murder cases in California history. James King opened the first bank in San Francisco and was very successful until the bank’s demise in 1855. He began the Committee of Vigilance in 1851 because of the extreme crime that was infesting San Francisco. He formed the committee not only to apprehend culprits but to protect the innocent until proven guilty. In 1855, he began the Evening Bulletin and served as its editor until his assassination. James King was shot on March 14th, 1855, by James P. Casey who had spent time at Sing Sing. King had written an article in his Bulletin that outlined Casey’s criminal background which infuriated Casey. At the end of that day, King was walking home. Casey met King in the streets in front of the Pacific Express building and shot him through the left side of his chest. King died a few days later. Casey was immediately apprehended. But the citizens of San Francisco were agitated to the point of a frenzy in anticipation of revenge. Eventually, Casey and an accomplice named Cora, were hanged. A fantastic account of the events that led up to the execution of Casey and the assassination of James King of William. Pages have chips along the edges. The binding has been worn to the point that pages are semi-detached. Tape repairs to back cover. Fragile, but outstanding. Est. $500-1000
California Gold Rush Forces the Need of Coastal Surveys
1241. Coast Survey Maps, 1851. This hardbound book contains 58 plates of the coastal areas of the West, East and South. The United States Coastal Survey preformed the field work and published these coastal maps in response to the Gold Rush of California. The maps were generated to prove routes and safe navigation within the inter-coastal waterways and bays. Front cover title “Maps, Coast Survey” in gold gilt lettering. Detailed contents page lists the maps. This atlas accompanied the annual report of the Superintendent of the U. S. Coast Survey, 32nd Congress, 2nd Session, Ex. Doc. No. 3. Senate. Contains the name George Wadleigh written on front fly leaf. Typical government binding with brown boards and gilt print. Exterior is dirty with minor wear to binding corners. Edges of plates are worn with foxing. Maps are in extremely fine condition. Very fine to Extremely fine. Est. $1500-2000
First Comprehensive Government Work on Western Mines
1242. Statistics of Mines and Mining in the States and Territories West of the Rocky Mountains, by Raymond, Rossiter W., 9 Volumes dating from 1868-1876 except the 1872 volume. Nearly complete run of J. Ross Browne and Rossiter W. Raymond’s epic works on western mining. 1867 Volume (360pp); 1868 Volume (674pp plus 72pp on eastern mines); 1869 Volume (256pp); 1870 Volume (804pp); 1871 Volume (566pp with maps and charts); 1873 Volume (548pp); 1874 Volume (585pp); 1875 Volume (540pp); 1876 Volume (519pp). The 1873 volume has been rebound, the others all have the original government binding. This series is known as the reports of the Mineral Commissioner. The titles vary slightly, but are generally follow the format listed at the title heading. Holabird wrote a detailed paper on these printed at the back of our Auction #11 Part 2 Catalog. This is the series of references that we quote the most when doing advanced research on mines predating 1880. The short reference on eastern mines in the 1868 volume is also quite useful. All but the first volume have detailed indices saving the researcher an inordinate amount of time. All have typically worn covers in varying condition. None of these items are mint which is typical of the poor quality of early government binding. (No illustration). Est. $1100-1500
Fantastic W. H. Jackson Photographs
1243. Scenic Colorado, by Jackson, W. H., c.1895. Published by Chain & Hardy, Denver. Plates are made from “special photographs by the W. H. Jackson Co, Denver, Colorado.” Undated, circa, 1895. 12 plates. Photogravures, resembling engravings, all made by the New York Photogravure Co. for the W. H. Jackson Co. All are representative of some of Jackson’s finest work. Many of the plates encompass more than one view. Illustrations include Georgetown Loop, Colorado Springs, Ouray, etc. Each plate has a thin tissue covering. No foxing. Clean and generally pristine. Cover is brown with gilt lettering. Worn at the extremities and spine. 10” x 13”. Jackson was one of the West’s finest photographers. His views of Colorado introduced America to this wonderful scenery at a time after Albert Bierstadt painted Colorado views in oil and few believed there were ever such places. Rare. Est. $300-600
A Trio of Gem Related Books
1244. The Diamond Mines of South Africa, Volumes I and II, by Williams, Gardner F., 1906. Published by B. F. Buck Co., NY. Original mint copy with clean leather spine and corners. The copy is so tight we suspect it was seldom viewed. Contains hundreds of illustrations and fine plates, both black and white and color. This appears to be the third edition following editions of 1902 and 1904. There is a preface by Williams dated August, 1904. Rare. Est. $1000-3000
1245. Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue of the Celebrated Devonshire Gems from the Collection of the Duke of Devonshire, K. G., Arranged and Mounted for His Grace as a Parnre of Jewels, by Hancock, C. F., 1857. Printed by T. Brettell, Rupert Street, Haymarket. Remarkable 8.5” x 11” format catalog with brown boards and gilt trim and title. Red satin fly covers with beautiful silk page with printed images of the jewels facing the title page. Unpaginated, 16pp plus the silk fly. Gilt on page edges. Mint. Rare. NUC reports one copy, apparently another edition. Est. $500-1500
1246. Gems, Selected from the Antique with Illustrations, 1804. Printed for Murray, J., by C. Whitingham, London. 60pp of text with 19 engraved plates plus cover page plate. (Sinkankas 1532). Listed in various bibliographies as authored by Richard Dagley, but I am unable to find that name printed in the work. Very fine professional cover and fly leaves. Dark turquoise leather with three gilt borders, raised ribbed spine with gilt lettering. Gilt floral patterns adorn the interior boards at page edges. “The intention of the present work is to disseminate a love of the fine arts and to introduce the general reader to a familiar acquaintance with engraved gems. These interesting productions of art are not universally known.” The work has an illustration of each piece with attendant text describing the piece, the meaning behind the depicted scene or vignette, and the piece’s history as well as where it resided in 1804. A lengthy scholarly essay precedes the descriptions discussing the history behind engraved gems. It is a remarkable compilation and historical record of some of the better known carved gems through history. Rare. Est. $600-1500
