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Santa Fe Trail to California 1849-1852 (1981) [181945]

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:120.00 USD Estimated At:240.00 - 400.00 USD
Santa Fe Trail to California 1849-1852 (1981)  [181945]
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"The Santa Fé Trail to California 1849-1852." The Journal and Drawings of H.M.T. Powell. Edited by Douglas S. Watson. Reprinted limited edition, 350 copies, by Sol Lewis in 1981. First printed by the Grabhorn Press, 300 copies in 1931, H.M.T. Powell's journal is considered by historians to be one of the most important accounts of the Gold Rush era. On April 3, 1849, Powell left Greenville, Illinois, joining other “forty-niners” on the road to California. Little is known about Powell beyond his journal entries, which suggest he was a schoolteacher with a wife and children. His colorful writing style gave his readers their first glimpse of what life was like along the trail and in the places he visited along the way. He describes a hard journey over the Santa Fe, Gila, and Colorado trails, across the deserts of the Southwest, leading to San Diego.
Arriving in San Diego “exactly eight months from the time our wagons left home,” Powell was “weary and worn out both in body and mind, not knowing what to do next.” With only $2.50 in his pocket, Powell pawned his watch and shotgun. He also began sketching the town, earning a few dollars for his drawings and maps. He proved to be superb artist.
The book includes 16 drawings from and two maps. Prints of drawings by Powell include: Pueblo de Los Angeles, Pueblo de Tumacacori, San Xavier del Bac, San Diego, Mission San Diego, Mission San Luis Rey, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Pueblo de Flores, Mission San Buenaventura, Mission Santa Barbara, Mission Santa Ynez, Mission San Luis Obispo, Mission San Miguel, Pueblo de Santa Barbara, Mission San Juan Bautista, Mission Santa Clara. Maps are from Independence to Santa Fé, and Santa Fé to San Diego. The book is prefaced with members of the company who traveled with Powell, places on the way, persons mentioned in the journal, Indians encountered, emigrant and trading trains met or passed, and government reports mentioned. 272 pp. 9.5" x 13.5". Leather bound, ribbon bookmark, in a protective box. Fine.
California