Life on the Plains and Among the Diggings (1849)

Two kinds of illness set Alonzo Delano on the path to California in 1849: a bodily sickness that his doctor said would improve in the West...and GOLD FEVER.

In one of the most fascinating pioneer accounts of the "mistakes and sufferings of the emigrants" as well as interactions with Native Americans, Delano left a highly detailed, fast-paced account of his trip across the plains and his time in the California gold rush.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Delano evinces a sympathy for the plight of Native Americans of his time and frustration with the white settlers' inability to see what was happening to an entire people in the West. Nevertheless, more than once he was armed and ready to confront approaching bands of Indians.

Equally fascinating is Delano's descriptions of early California, the rough and tumble world of prospecting, and the lawless life in frontier towns. He made a successful life there after his mining expeditions and stayed for the rest of his days.

Abridged and annotated.

For the first time, this long out-of-print volume is available as an affordable, well-formatted book for e-readers and smartphones.

Be sure to LOOK INSIDE by clicking the cover above. Buy it today!