Monthly Archives: March 2011

The Western Emigration Society falls apart

Posted on March 27, 2011 by nancyleek

During the winter of 1840-41, some five hundred people in Platte County, Missouri joined the Western Emigration Society and signed a pledge to emigrate to California in the spring. This idea was met with great resistance by the local merchants. … Continue reading →

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The meanest man in California

Posted on March 17, 2011 by nancyleek

The other thing I wanted to see at the Bancroft was the manuscript of Bidwell’s 1877 dictation for Hubert Howe Bancroft, in which Bidwell recounts his experiences during his 1841 journey to California, the Mexican War, and the Gold Rush. … Continue reading →

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A Visit to the Bancroft Library

Posted on March 15, 2011 by nancyleek

I went to the Bancroft Library on Monday. on the way home from Livermore (where I have a brand-new grand-daughter) to Chico. I love to visit the Bancroft—the reading room is so quiet, so academic, so civilized. It feels like … Continue reading →

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The Western Emigration Society

Posted on March 6, 2011 by nancyleek

During the winter of 1840-41 John Bidwell, who had lost his land to a claim jumper, taught school in Missouri and got ready to move on. The tales of fur trader Antoine Robidoux and the letters of John Marsh extolling … Continue reading →

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