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 11
... " Our cortége passing along Kearny Street attracted much attention from the natives , and indeed , our appearance was sufficiently imposing to excite interest even in less untutored minds than OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROF . JOHN PHOENIX 11.
... " Our cortége passing along Kearny Street attracted much attention from the natives , and indeed , our appearance was sufficiently imposing to excite interest even in less untutored minds than OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROF . JOHN PHOENIX 11.
Page 12
Or Sketches and Burlesques George Horatio Derby. imposing to excite interest even in less untutored minds than those of these barbarians . First came the cart , bearing our instruments ; then a cart containing Lieutenant Zero with a ...
Or Sketches and Burlesques George Horatio Derby. imposing to excite interest even in less untutored minds than those of these barbarians . First came the cart , bearing our instruments ; then a cart containing Lieutenant Zero with a ...
Page 19
... interest worthy of mention . We were forced to the conclusion , however , that little throwing of stones prevails near the latter point , as the inhabi- tants mostly live in glass houses . On the 8th we had brought the survey nearly up ...
... interest worthy of mention . We were forced to the conclusion , however , that little throwing of stones prevails near the latter point , as the inhabi- tants mostly live in glass houses . On the 8th we had brought the survey nearly up ...
Page 20
... interest to the general reader . " The country in the vicinity of the route , after leaving Southwick's Pass , is very productive , and I observed with astonishment , that red - headed children appear to grow spontaneously . A building ...
... interest to the general reader . " The country in the vicinity of the route , after leaving Southwick's Pass , is very productive , and I observed with astonishment , that red - headed children appear to grow spontaneously . A building ...
Page 26
... interest — and as my interest is certainly my principal consideration , I shall un- doubtedly comply with their request , unless , indeed , greater inducement is offered to the contrary . Meanwhile I can assure the public , that a great ...
... interest — and as my interest is certainly my principal consideration , I shall un- doubtedly comply with their request , unless , indeed , greater inducement is offered to the contrary . Meanwhile I can assure the public , that a great ...
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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