A MEDIC FORTYNINER: Life and Letters of Dr. Reuben Knox 1849-51
Edition: First printing.
np: McClure Press, 1974. Hardcover first edition - From the introduction: "These letters tell the story of a doctor of Raleigh, NC and St; Louis, MO, who had tired of his medical practice and sought fortune in the California gold rush... accompanied by three sons... His wife remained with her family in Raleigh and most of the letters are to her describing the trip and his life in the West." Despite the title, the bulk of this book deals with the wagon train journey in interesting detail. Dr Knox was able to use his medical knowledge on the trip - but not very much in California - as he said "there is not sickness enough in a circuit of 20 miles to afford salt for our bread." Knox was willing to try all avenues to make his fortune - at the mines, as a shopkeeper and on a ranch at Novato in what is now Marin County. 86 pgs including index.
Condition: Fine in blue cloth with silver lettering. No dustjacket as issued.