New York: Vantage, 1997. dj. Hardcover first edition - James H. Carson was a Virginia native who came to California with his army regiment, which landed at Monterey just after the Mexican War ended in 1847. While on furlough from his military duties in 1848, he panned the tributaries of the Stanislaus River; he struck it rich at what became known as Carson's Creek. In 1850 he acted as a guide to Lt George Derby on the first topographical survey of the Tulare (San Joaquin) Valley. In early 1852, the Stockton newspaper The San Joaquin Republican printed thirty-three articles written by Carson from his sickbed describing humorous anecdotes from his mining experiences. His letters were collected later that year as 'Early Recollections of the California Mines.' He died in 1853, just 32 years old. This edition - the third of his letters - is the most comprehensive; it contains all of Carson's known works, including articles not previously published in book form. Introduction and notes by Doris Shaw Castro. Illustrated, index. 248 pp. ISBN: 0-533-121930.