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. |
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Page 3
... head of navigation on Mission Creek , should be constructed without unnecessary delay , a large ap- propriation ( $ 120,000 ) was granted , for the pur- pose of causing thorough military examinations to be made of the proposed routes ...
... head of navigation on Mission Creek , should be constructed without unnecessary delay , a large ap- propriation ( $ 120,000 ) was granted , for the pur- pose of causing thorough military examinations to be made of the proposed routes ...
Page 8
... heads . Disliking to abandon our new line , which had been selected with much care and at great ex- pense , I determined to employ in its measurement a reflecting instrument , used very successfully by the United States Coast Survey . I ...
... heads . Disliking to abandon our new line , which had been selected with much care and at great ex- pense , I determined to employ in its measurement a reflecting instrument , used very successfully by the United States Coast Survey . I ...
Page 9
... head , at about the same distance in an- other , I concluded that the musket had been acciden- tally loaded . Such proved to be the case ; the marks of three buckshot were found in my hat , and a shower of screws , broken lenses and ...
... head , at about the same distance in an- other , I concluded that the musket had been acciden- tally loaded . Such proved to be the case ; the marks of three buckshot were found in my hat , and a shower of screws , broken lenses and ...
Page 16
... head which gave him a very venerable appearance . He was dressed in a dingy robe of jaconet , and was borne in the arms of one of his followers . On making them a speech , proposing a treaty , and assuring them of the protection of ...
... head which gave him a very venerable appearance . He was dressed in a dingy robe of jaconet , and was borne in the arms of one of his followers . On making them a speech , proposing a treaty , and assuring them of the protection of ...
Page 34
... head , closely shaven , and laid off in lots , duly numbered from one to forty - seven . Beneath this edifying ... heads , showing 34 PHOENIXIANA.
... head , closely shaven , and laid off in lots , duly numbered from one to forty - seven . Beneath this edifying ... heads , showing 34 PHOENIXIANA.
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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