Phoenixiana: Or Sketches and BurlesquesGeorge Horatio Derby (1823-1861) of Massachusetts graduated from West Point in 1846 and served in the Army Topographical Engineers at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo before being sent to California in 1856. He remained there for seven years, leading three exploring expeditions and winning a place as one of the state's first humorists with pieces published in the San Diego Herald and republished around the nation. Phoenixiana (1903) reprints a book originally published in 1855. It contains Derby's pieces as "Professor John Phoenixiana" and "Squibob," poking fun at such topics as military surveyors and explorers; contemporary travel accounts of the Mission Dolores, Benecia, Sonoma, San Francisco, and San Diego; literary societies and women's clubs; astronomy; and Army life. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 19
Page 10
... entirely gone over . By using a large number of tripods , it is easily seen with what rapidity the work may be carried on , and this was , in fact , the object of my requisition for so large a number of solar compasses , the tripod ...
... entirely gone over . By using a large number of tripods , it is easily seen with what rapidity the work may be carried on , and this was , in fact , the object of my requisition for so large a number of solar compasses , the tripod ...
Page 19
... in length , the sides lined with pine boards , with a white oak ( quer- cus albus ) bar , that at certain occasions forms across , entirely obstructing the whole route . We found no difficulty OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROF . JOHN PHOENIX 19.
... in length , the sides lined with pine boards , with a white oak ( quer- cus albus ) bar , that at certain occasions forms across , entirely obstructing the whole route . We found no difficulty OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROF . JOHN PHOENIX 19.
Page 20
Or Sketches and Burlesques George Horatio Derby. entirely obstructing the whole route . We found no difficulty in getting through the Pass on foot , nor with the wheelbarrows ; but the mule - carts and the ( 6 99 two Fannies were more ...
Or Sketches and Burlesques George Horatio Derby. entirely obstructing the whole route . We found no difficulty in getting through the Pass on foot , nor with the wheelbarrows ; but the mule - carts and the ( 6 99 two Fannies were more ...
Page 21
... entirely of cut - wood , called ' The Valley House , ' by Mrs. Hubbard . ' Not imagining that a venial species of profanity was conveyed by this legend , I con- cluded that Mrs. Hubbard was simply the proprietor . This brought to my ...
... entirely of cut - wood , called ' The Valley House , ' by Mrs. Hubbard . ' Not imagining that a venial species of profanity was conveyed by this legend , I con- cluded that Mrs. Hubbard was simply the proprietor . This brought to my ...
Page 47
... entirely identified with San Franciscan interests as to be careless what takes place in other portions of this great kentry , and as it is received and read in San Diego with great interest ( I have loaned my copy to over four different ...
... entirely identified with San Franciscan interests as to be careless what takes place in other portions of this great kentry , and as it is received and read in San Diego with great interest ( I have loaned my copy to over four different ...
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
accidently shot admiration appearance arrived Artemesia Astronomy beautiful Benicia Bogle Bowers brilliant star Brown California called Captain carpet-bag constellation crowd David Harum dollars door Dunshunner E. W. KEMBLE Earth Edward Noyes Westcott excited expression father feel gazed gentleman give Gyascutus hand head heard Heavens Hotel House idea inhabitants inquire instant interest JOHN KENDRICK BANGS JOHN PHOENIX Joseph Bowers Judge Jupiter Kearny Street lady LECTURES letter literary look ment miles mind Mission of Dolores Moon morning Mudge Muggins never night nose observed paper passed Pike County planet Playa Plaza present readers remark replied route San Diego Herald San Francisco Saturn shouted smile Solar System Squibob steamer Street Tehama thought tion took tooth turned Tushmaker Uncle Remus Vallecetos week wharf young