PBA Galleries

[v]-xxiv, [25]-172 + 44 ad pp. 7½x4¾, original blindstamped dark brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.

An officer in the New York Volunteers, Buffum headed for the hills following the discovery of gold, and observed the Gold Rush from its beginnings. Besides the details of mining, Buffum "recounted every facet of life including the tremendous non-mining potential of California and the formation of government" - Kurutz, who also quotes Bancroft as calling the book "one of the most important contributions to the history of California." Cowan p.83; Graff 472; Howes B943; Kurutz 97a; Wheat Books 28.Association copy with bookplate of the author's sister Elizabeth Buffum Chace, noted abolitionist. Chace and her husband Samuel Buffington Chace opened their home in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, as a station on the Underground Railroad. John Howell bookstore label on rear pastedown. Previous owner's brand on foot. Name, residence, and date with two signature chops on front free endpaper.