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 16
Page 35
... notice . I found him a tall and thin Pro- fessor , in a suit of rusty , not to say seedy black , with a closely buttoned vest , and no perceptible shirt collar or wristbands . His nose was red , his spectacles were blue , and he wore a ...
... notice . I found him a tall and thin Pro- fessor , in a suit of rusty , not to say seedy black , with a closely buttoned vest , and no perceptible shirt collar or wristbands . His nose was red , his spectacles were blue , and he wore a ...
Page 42
... notice , I shall be pleased to furnish a presentation copy to each of the little Pioneer children . P.S. I regret to add that having just read this article to Mrs. Phoenix , and asked her opinion thereon , she replied , that " if a ...
... notice , I shall be pleased to furnish a presentation copy to each of the little Pioneer children . P.S. I regret to add that having just read this article to Mrs. Phoenix , and asked her opinion thereon , she replied , that " if a ...
Page 47
... notices of the musical performances and the drama of this place might be acceptable to you , and interest your readers . I have been , moreover , encouraged to this task by the perusal of your interesting musical and theatrical ...
... notices of the musical performances and the drama of this place might be acceptable to you , and interest your readers . I have been , moreover , encouraged to this task by the perusal of your interesting musical and theatrical ...
Page 49
... notices are rather ingenious . The fact is , I'm no judge of acting , and don't know how Miss Pelican will turn out . If well , why there's my notice of June the 1st ; if ill , then June 31st comes in play , and , as there is but one ...
... notices are rather ingenious . The fact is , I'm no judge of acting , and don't know how Miss Pelican will turn out . If well , why there's my notice of June the 1st ; if ill , then June 31st comes in play , and , as there is but one ...
Page 82
... notices of newspapers might not meet my eye . Propositions will be received until the first of September next . “ EDMUND W. PAUL , " 140 Sixth Street , between Franklin Avenue and ' Morgan Street , St. Louis , Missouri . " I am unable ...
... notices of newspapers might not meet my eye . Propositions will be received until the first of September next . “ EDMUND W. PAUL , " 140 Sixth Street , between Franklin Avenue and ' Morgan Street , St. Louis , Missouri . " I am unable ...
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