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 5
... month ( made , to avoid accident , in my own name ) , I proceeded to organize my party for the expedition . In a few days my arrangements were completed , and my scientific corps organized , as follows : - JOHN PHOENIX , A.M. LIEUT ...
... month ( made , to avoid accident , in my own name ) , I proceeded to organize my party for the expedition . In a few days my arrangements were completed , and my scientific corps organized , as follows : - JOHN PHOENIX , A.M. LIEUT ...
Page 18
... 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 information . It may be thought singular , that with so many gold ...
... 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 information . It may be thought singular , that with so many gold ...
Page 26
... months must elapse , however , before this can be done , as the triangulation has yet to be perfectly computed , the sub - reports examined and compiled , the observations worked out , and the maps and drawings executed . Besides , I ...
... months must elapse , however , before this can be done , as the triangulation has yet to be perfectly computed , the sub - reports examined and compiled , the observations worked out , and the maps and drawings executed . Besides , I ...
Page 42
... month , with suitable dedication and preface ; and should you , with your well known liberality , publish my prospectus , and give me a handsome literary notice , I shall be pleased to furnish a presentation copy to each of the little ...
... month , with suitable dedication and preface ; and should you , with your well known liberality , publish my prospectus , and give me a handsome literary notice , I shall be pleased to furnish a presentation copy to each of the little ...
Page 47
... superior . I propose this month to call your attention to the two great events in our theatrical and musical world - the ap- pearance of the talented Miss PELICAN , and the pro- . duction of Tarbox's celebrated " Ode Symphonie " of 47.
... superior . I propose this month to call your attention to the two great events in our theatrical and musical world - the ap- pearance of the talented Miss PELICAN , and the pro- . duction of Tarbox's celebrated " Ode Symphonie " of 47.
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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