Subject
Voyages to the Pacific coast Books
Best books
Charles Warren Haskins
The Argonauts of California: being the reminiscenses of scenes and incidents that occurred in California in the early mining days
"The Argonauts of California: being the reminiscences of scenes and incidents that occurred in California in early mining days" by C. W. Haskins is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book vividly chronicles the experiences and adventures of the early gold seekers, known as the Argonauts, who ventured westward in search of fortune during the California Gold Rush era. Haskins shares a wealth of anecdotes and perspectives that highlight not only the gold rush but also the vibrant characters and events that shaped the era. At the start of the narrative, the characters Jo and Bill converse about the recent discovery of gold in California, sparking a wave of excitement and a mass exodus of eager miners heading to seek their fortunes. Haskins recalls his own journey from New Bedford, Massachusetts, illustrating the fervor and optimism among the gold seekers as they prepared to sail around Cape Horn to California. Their conversations reveal a mix of skepticism and enthusiasm surrounding the gold rush, setting the stage for the ensuing adventures. As they embark on their journey, the opening passage establishes not just the quest for wealth but also the camaraderie and trials that the Argonauts would face in their pursuit of the American Dream.
Washington Irving
Astoria; Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains
"Astoria; Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains" by Washington Irving is a historical account published in 1836. The book chronicles John Jacob Astor's ambitious 1810–1813 expedition to establish an American trading post at the mouth of the Columbia River. Financed to compete with British interests, the venture involved perilous sea voyages and overland journeys that blazed the future Oregon Trail. The enterprise ultimately failed due to the War of 1812, conflicts with indigenous peoples, and harsh conditions, costing sixty lives and ending with the sale of all assets to rivals.
H. A. (Henry Augustus) Wise
Los gringos; or, An inside view of Mexico and California : $b with wanderings in Peru, Chili, and Polynesia
"Los Gringos" by H. A. Wise is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. The work chronicles the author's adventures and observations while journeying through Mexico, California, and parts of South America, including Chile and Peru. The title refers to the term used in California and Mexico for Anglo-Saxon descendants, suggesting a focus on cultural encounters and experiences as the author interacts with various locales and peoples. The opening of the book introduces readers to the departure of a war vessel from Boston Harbor in 1846. Through vivid descriptions, readers are immersed in the emotions of the ship's crew as they set out on a long journey filled with uncertainty and anticipation. The author reflects on the nature of life at sea, the trials of shipboard existence, and the mixed feelings of those leaving home behind. Early encounters with shipmates and the contemplative tone set a backdrop for the tales of adventure that will follow as he sails into foreign waters.
H. M. (Henry Marie) Brackenridge
Brackenridge's Journal of a voyage up the river Missouri, 1811; Franchère's Voyage to Northwest Coast, 1811-1814
Brackenridge's Journal of a voyage up the river Missouri, 1811; Franchère's… by H. M. Brackenridge and Gabriel Franchère is a collection of historical travel narratives written in the early 20th century. It reprints firsthand accounts of early 19th-century exploration and the fur trade, from a voyage up the Missouri with Manuel Lisa to the Astorian venture on the Northwest Coast, highlighting river navigation, frontier settlements, encounters with Indigenous nations, and the emerging American West. The opening of the volume frames the texts with an editor’s preface that sketches both writers’ careers and the significance of their narratives, then begins with Brackenridge’s own preface and journal. He explains the Missouri Fur Company’s aims and setbacks, Manuel Lisa’s leadership, and his plan to overtake Wilson Hunt’s party for safer passage through Sioux country. The narrative then launches from St. Charles, detailing difficult river work, storms, islands and tributaries, hunters’ camps, wildlife encounters, and scattered settlements, culminating in a stop at Fort Osage with observations of the Osage people and the factory before pushing onward, still intent on catching Hunt upriver.
Gabriel Franchère
Narrative of a Voyage to the Northwest Coast of America in the years 1811, 1812, 1813, and 1814 or the First American Settlement on the Pacific
"Narrative of a Voyage to the Northwest Coast of America" by Gabriel Franchere is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book recounts the author's experiences during an expedition led by the merchant John Jacob Astor to establish the first American settlement on the Pacific coast. The narration provides insights into early 19th-century exploration, trade, and interactions with indigenous peoples, highlighting the hopes, struggles, and perils faced by those involved in the venture. The opening of the narrative introduces Franchere's journey, beginning with the departure from Montreal and the subsequent arrival in New York. He describes his emotional farewells, the transition to a vastly different environment in the bustling city, and the preparations made for the voyage ahead. The text serves as a personal reflection on the challenges of leaving one's homeland, the dynamics aboard the ship, and the interactions among the crew and passengers as they embark on their expedition toward the unknown wilderness of the Northwest Coast. As Franchere recounts the early stages of the voyage, he sets the stage for the complex journey that will unfold in the chapters to come, filled with adventure, discovery, and cultural encounters.
Hinton Rowan Helper
The land of gold; reality versus fiction
"The Land of Gold: Reality versus Fiction" by Hinton Rowan Helper is a critical examination of California written in the mid-19th century. The work serves as both an observational narrative and a statistical account detailing the author’s experiences during the California Gold Rush and the socio-economic repercussions of the era. Helper aims to debunk the myths surrounding California's wealth and prosperity, presenting a grim view of the state's conditions and character. The opening of the book presents Helper's intent to provide an honest portrayal of California, contrasting the fantastical accounts prevalent during the Gold Rush. He introduces the idea that many adventurers were misled by exaggerated descriptions of the land, leading to disillusionment and suffering. Helper critiques the common perspective of California as a land of opportunity, instead revealing a place fraught with poverty, corruption, and moral decay. Through personal observations, he aims to shed light on the harsh realities faced by those relocating to pursue fortune, arguing that, despite its promise of gold, California is far from the idealized version often portrayed by writers of his time.
Walter Colton
Deck and port $b or, incidents of a cruise in the United States frigate Congress to California. With sketches of Rio Janeiro, Valparaiso, Lima, Honolulu, and San Francisco
"Deck and Port; or, Incidents of a Cruise in the United States Frigate Congress to California" by Rev. Walter Colton is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book chronicles Colton's experiences and observations during his voyage aboard the U.S. Frigate Congress as it sails to California, including stops at various ports like Rio de Janeiro and Honolulu. It offers insights into life at sea, naval discipline, and interactions among the crew and passengers, providing a window into the maritime culture of the time. At the start of the narrative, Colton shares his initial experiences as he prepares to embark on the voyage, detailing the urgency of boarding the ship and the bustling atmosphere as they set sail. He paints vivid descriptions of the ship's environment, including arrangements for passengers and the ship’s commendable structure. The opening scenes include reflections on divine service held on board, the challenges faced due to adverse winds, and the camaraderie among the crew as they prepare for their journey through the vast ocean. The author’s observations extend to the moral and spiritual life on the ship, illustrating how the elements of nature and the rigors of naval life influence both the crew's character and their sense of duty.
Paul Eve Stevenson
By way of Cape Horn : $b four months in a Yankee clipper
"By way of Cape Horn: four months in a Yankee clipper" by Paul Eve Stevenson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative likely recounts the author's experiences and observations during a voyage from New York to San Francisco aboard the American sailing ship "Hosea Higgins" via the infamous Cape Horn. The book appears to focus on both the daily realities of life at sea and the unique personalities that comprised the ship’s company, offering readers a detailed look into the world of deep-water sailing—its pleasures and its hardships. The opening of the book sets the stage for an adventurous and often challenging journey, beginning with Stevenson and his wife’s decision to undertake another long sea voyage, this time determined to round Cape Horn. The early chapters describe their preparations, the chaotic process of boarding and loading the ship, and the mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety as the ship finally departs New York amidst onlookers and well-wishers. Stevenson introduces the crew in vivid detail, from the gruff Captain Scruggs to the diverse officers and sailors, painting an honest portrait of shipboard discipline, the hardships endured, moments of humor, and the unpredictable temperaments of both men and elements. As the "Hosea Higgins" proceeds southward, daily life unfolds through Campbell’s keen observations—ranging from navigation and meals to sailor camaraderie, discipline, and the unpredictable behavior of the captain. These opening sections promise a rich, firsthand depiction of a historic sea passage, marked equally by fascination with maritime craft and frank accounts of its darker realities.
J. (Joseph) Lamson
Round Cape Horn Voyage of the Passenger-Ship James W. Paige, from Maine to California in the Year 1852
"Round Cape Horn" by J. Lamson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative chronicles the voyage of the passenger ship James W. Paige from Maine to California in 1852, depicting the challenges and adventures faced by its passengers during the treacherous journey around Cape Horn. The book highlights the discomforts of sea travel at the time, touching on the lives of the diverse group aboard, which includes men, women, and children, as they navigate various obstacles on their way. The opening portion of the voyage describes the initial conditions aboard the James W. Paige, introducing the ship's setup, the struggles with seasickness, and the notable discomfort caused by the ship's leaks and the bad cooking from the crew. The passengers begin their journey with hope but quickly find themselves enduring terrible weather, including storms and confusion due to the ship's instability. Despite these tribulations, moments of camaraderie emerge, such as shared anecdotes about encounters with sea creatures and practical jokes to lighten the mood, setting the stage for a challenging yet eventful sea voyage.
Caroline C. Leighton
Life at Puget Sound: With Sketches of Travel in Washington Territory, British Columbia, Oregon and California
"Life at Puget Sound: With Sketches of Travel in Washington Territory, British Columbia, Oregon, and California" by Caroline C. Leighton is a historical account penned in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the author's observations and experiences over sixteen years living in the Pacific Coast region, particularly focused on the distinct characteristics of Puget Sound and its surrounding areas as the region emerges from relative obscurity to increasing prominence. Through the lens of personal narrative and travelogue, it captures the beauty of the landscape, the cultures of Native Americans, and the growing communities in the wake of expansion and railroads. At the start of the work, the author reflects on the profound loneliness and beauty of the sea during a voyage that leads to a shipwreck on Roncador Reef, creating a backdrop for her upcoming adventures. She describes the striking natural scenery and the emotions experienced by fellow passengers during the tense moments of the mishap. After their rescue, the narrative shifts to her arrival in California, where she begins her exploration of the West, detailing interactions with people and, notably, insights into the indigenous cultures she encounters. The opening sets up a journey through rugged landscapes, rich histories, and the burgeoning life around Puget Sound, inviting readers to join her on an adventure of discovery.
J. M. (John M.) Letts
California illustrated : $b including a description of the Panama and Nicaragua routes
"California Illustrated: Including a Description of the Panama and Nicaragua Routes" by A Returned Californian is a travel memoir written in the early 1850s. It details the author's journey and experiences as he traverses the maritime routes leading to California during the Gold Rush era. The narrative is expected to provide insights into the adventures, challenges, and everyday life encountered along the way, particularly focusing on the vibrant landscapes, societies, and the nature of gold-seeking during this transformative period. At the start of this memoir, the author shares his feelings of anticipation and melancholy as he departs from New York en route to California on the bark "Marietta." The journey commences with vivid descriptions of the ocean voyage, from the feelings of sea sickness among the passengers to the encounters with marine life, including whales and dolphins. An account of their passage through various Caribbean islands unfolds, painting a picture of natural beauty and adventure. The author’s reflections capture both the excitement of the journey towards California and the challenges faced, such as the sickness that afflicted many travelers, which sets the tone for the trials yet to come as they make their way towards what was viewed as the golden opportunity of California.
D. B. (Dolly B.) Bates
Incidents on land and water : $b or, Four years on the Pacific coast; being a narrative of the burning of the ships Nonantum, Humayoon, and Fanchon, together with many startling and interesting adventures on sea and land
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