Naval Duty in California; [with map and plates from original designs] [Forward by Joseph A. Sullivan] [California Centennial Edition]

Oakland, CA: Biobooks [Gillick Press, printer], 1947. First Edition, 1st Printing. Very Good Plus. Limited to 1000 copies [11x8in], [16], 245 pp., [1] colophon, five color sketches by Revere, chapter heading designs, forward with dedication to Dr. Robert Semple and facsimile letter, copy of letter from Navy Department regarding Joseph Revere's service and assignment to the U.S.S. Portsmouth 1846 to 1848; Gray-blue cloth covers with gilt lettering on spine and gilt design on front, illustrated end papers of ship on front and map of San Francisco bay area by Revere on rear, fore edge untrimmed; Minimal shelf wear to covers, edges or corners, light rubbing to covers, joints and bottom edge, ink signature of prior owner on front end paper. Joseph Warren Revere (1812-1880) was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy assigned to the Portsmouth in the Pacific squadron. At the start of the Mexican War in 1846, Revere took command the California Battalion in Sonoma, an important community in Northern California at the time. After securing the area, Revere spent time touring the countryside.

This book is a reprint of "A Tour of Duty in California, Including a Description of the Gold Region: and an account of a Voyage around Cape Horn; with notices of Lower California, the Gulf and Pacific Coasts, and the principal events attending the conquest of the Californias" published in 1849. The original book, when issued, was an "... essential firsthand account of the takeover and life in California ... filled with thoughtful analysis and conjecture on the future of California ... " . The book contains one of the best early descriptions of California and the Gold Rush. Revere left California before the gold discovery, but included Mason's report and extracts of letters from Thomas O. Larkin and comments on the impact of the discovery to California. Revere was the grandson of Paul Revere and was also a talented artist that provided the sketches in book. [Kurutz in Volkmann's Zamorano 80 Catalogue].

This reprint published by Joseph A. Sullivan ( ) of Biobooks.