Early recollections of the mines, and a description of the great Tulare valley.

James H. Carson (d. 1853) wrote this volume, supposed to be the first book printed in Stockton, not long before his death. Early recollections of the mines (1852) first appeared as a supplement to the San Joaquín Republican in 1852 and was published shortly afterward as a bound pamphlet. The version published here was reprinted in the Magazine of history, 1931. Carson offers a lively narrative of early California history before turning to brief anecdotes of miners' lives in 1848 and 1849 and a glowing promotional description of the Tulare Valley.Includes reproduction of front wrapper and t.-p. of 2d edition. Cover-title: Second edition. Life in California together with a description of the great Tulare valley ... Stockton, 1852.Map has title: Map of the southern mines, by C.D. Gibbes, 1852."The first edition did not appear in book form, having been issued as a supplement to a number of the 'San Joaquin republican'."--Cowan, R.E. Bibliography of the history of California ... p. 43