The Overland Diary Of James A. Pritchard From Kentucky To California In 1849

DALE-EDITOR MORGAN

Publication: The Old West Publishing Company, 1959, Denver

First Edition. Cloth. 221pp. Frontispiece. Illustrations. Maps. Large folding chart in pocket at rear of volume. An interesting diary as Pritchard was one of the earliest diarists to reach California overland in 1849. The book chronicles Pritchard’s journey from Kentucky across the Great Plains, through South Pass, and into California during the height of the Gold Rush. Beginning in April 1849, Pritchard traveled west with a wagon company, documenting daily conditions on the trail: river crossings, disease, weather, shortages of food and water, disputes among emigrants, encounters with Native peoples, and the immense difficulty of crossing the plains and mountains. He arrived in California near Coloma in August 1849. Morgan's fine Introduction, editing and notes that make this volume such an important study of the overland migration through South Pass that year. One of the most significant books on the overland route to California ever published. A fine, bright copy in dust jacket.