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 16
... immediately thrust into his mouth , saying " Goo , " and crowing like a cock ; which was rendered by the interpreter into an expression of high satisfaction . Having made presents to all his followers , they at length left us very well ...
... immediately thrust into his mouth , saying " Goo , " and crowing like a cock ; which was rendered by the interpreter into an expression of high satisfaction . Having made presents to all his followers , they at length left us very well ...
Page 18
... immediately ; but he replying that it would take some three months to do it , I con- cluded not to wait , but sent a man into the grocery , corner of Market and Second , to inquire the time , who soon returned with the desired ...
... immediately ; but he replying that it would take some three months to do it , I con- cluded not to wait , but sent a man into the grocery , corner of Market and Second , to inquire the time , who soon returned with the desired ...
Page 19
... immediately fainted away . The pursuits of science cannot be delayed by accidents of this nature , two of the workmen removed our unfortunate friend , at once , to the Orphan Asylum , where , having rung the bell , they left him on the ...
... immediately fainted away . The pursuits of science cannot be delayed by accidents of this nature , two of the workmen removed our unfortunate friend , at once , to the Orphan Asylum , where , having rung the bell , they left him on the ...
Page 25
... the sign of the Cabbage and Shears . " It is interesting to the Antiquarian to look over the excellent cabbage garden , still extant immediately opposite the Nightingale , and much more so to con-. OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROF . JOHN PHOENIX 25.
... the sign of the Cabbage and Shears . " It is interesting to the Antiquarian to look over the excellent cabbage garden , still extant immediately opposite the Nightingale , and much more so to con-. OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROF . JOHN PHOENIX 25.
Page 50
... immediately after supper ) , and a chorus composed of the entire " Sauer Kraut - Verein , " the " Wee Gates Associa- tion , " , " and choice selections from the " Gyascutus " and " Pike - harmonic " societies . The solos were ren- dered ...
... immediately after supper ) , and a chorus composed of the entire " Sauer Kraut - Verein , " the " Wee Gates Associa- tion , " , " and choice selections from the " Gyascutus " and " Pike - harmonic " societies . The solos were ren- dered ...
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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