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 42
... person whom he thinks has any money- ( because if he don't he has to take his costs in County Scrip ) it behooves me to " take time by the fore- lock . " So , for the present , adieu . Should my system succeed to the extent of my hopes ...
... person whom he thinks has any money- ( because if he don't he has to take his costs in County Scrip ) it behooves me to " take time by the fore- lock . " So , for the present , adieu . Should my system succeed to the extent of my hopes ...
Page 68
... persons have observed its nocturnal appearance in that part of the country , at the same time of the year . This phenomenon has never been witnessed in the latitude of San Diego , however , and it is very improbable that it ever will be ...
... persons have observed its nocturnal appearance in that part of the country , at the same time of the year . This phenomenon has never been witnessed in the latitude of San Diego , however , and it is very improbable that it ever will be ...
Page 69
... persons would make large fortunes by the sudden rise in value of coal , wood , candles , and gas , which would go to illustrate the truth of the old proverb , " It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good . " Upon the whole , the Sun is ...
... persons would make large fortunes by the sudden rise in value of coal , wood , candles , and gas , which would go to illustrate the truth of the old proverb , " It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good . " Upon the whole , the Sun is ...
Page 81
... person will hold the other end in his mouth , so as to bring the coin within an inch and a half of his face , I ... persons willing and ready to hold the twig or stick described above , when required . " 2. I will hit a dollar , tossed ...
... person will hold the other end in his mouth , so as to bring the coin within an inch and a half of his face , I ... persons willing and ready to hold the twig or stick described above , when required . " 2. I will hit a dollar , tossed ...
Page 82
... persons willing and ready to hold the apple on their heads for me , when required to do so . " 7. I will wager , lastly , that no person in the United States can be produced who will hit a quarter of a dollar at the distance of thirty ...
... persons willing and ready to hold the apple on their heads for me , when required to do so . " 7. I will wager , lastly , that no person in the United States can be produced who will hit a quarter of a dollar at the distance of thirty ...
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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