76pp. Illus. in text. A very nice copy in its original wrap-around plain paper slip case, just a little chipped at edge. Limited to 1,950 copies. John Bidwell was born on a farm in western New York state in August 1819. When he was twenty he left his parents' home in Ohio, spent some time on the Missouri-Iowa frontier and in the spring of 1841 became a member of the first party of American settlers to set out for California. He played a significant part in many developments, working as Captain Sutter's trusted aide. He was at Sutter's Fort when rescuers were sent out to find the ill-fated Donner Party and later found success in the Gold Rush when he was able to finance his dream of finding fertile land on which to settle. These memoirs were first published in The Century Magazine in December, 1890 and February, 1891. A superb edition by one of the most innovative pioneers. Contains excellent illustrations and maps inside covers.

Americana Pioneers Gold Rush History