The Overland Diary of James A. Pritchard from Kentucky to California in 1849

Denver: The Old West Publishing Company, 1959 Book. New. Hardcover. First edition. Although not indicated, limited to 1,250 copies. Designed and printed by Lawton Kennedy. Edited by Dale Morgan. 221pp. Frontis portrait, 3 maps (2 folding), folding chart in rear pocket. Bibliography, index. Red pictorial cloth, gilt. A very fine copy with printed dust jacket. Jacket is well worn and spine-darkened. An important overland diary that describes the journey from Independence to Sacramento, by way of South Pass. The chart provides a complete summary of all known South Pass overland expeditions, with dates and destinations. The two folding text maps were drawn by J. Goldsborough Bruff and were previously unpublished. The work includes a biography of Pritchard by Hugh Pritchard Williamson. "This overland diary certainly ranks as one of the most important, not only because of Pritchard's observations, but also because of the scholarship of editor, Dale Morgan. Pritchard, a veteran of the Mexican War, set out from Petersborough, Kentucky, on April 10, 1849, followed the California Trail, and reached Coloma on August 13... Pritchard went on to describe life in Coloma and the wet season. Forsaking mining, he superintended stock near the Cosumnes... Pritchard's meticulous descriptions are enhanced by his identification of dozens of overland outfits... Morgan furnished an invaluable essay on journals contemporary with Pritchard's. Morgan's annotated bibliography of 'every known diary on the northern overland trails in 1849,' and the majestic chart, serve as essential reference tools" (Kurutz). [Kurutz: 519; Mattes: 599; Mintz: 380; Zamorano Select: 92]..