Letters from California 1846-1847

Letters from California: 1846-1847 offers an unparalleled glimpse into California's early days, written during the transformative period surrounding the Mexican-American War. Edited by Donald Munro Craig, this collection compiles the vivid and detailed letters of William Robert Garner, an Englishman intimately connected to the social, economic, and political dynamics of Mexican California. These letters, originally published in American newspapers, provide firsthand accounts of Californian life, resources, and customs. They go beyond typical travel narratives of the era by delivering factual, grounded insights aimed at encouraging American settlement and investment in the region. Garner’s perspective as a rancher, miner, and interpreter to Walter Colton, Monterey’s American alcalde, lends authenticity and depth to his descriptions, making this a crucial resource for understanding California’s pre-Gold Rush history. The letters not only chronicle Garner's observations of Californian society but also reflect the political undercurrents of the time, from the military occupation to the economic potential of the region. Garner’s unique position, as both a participant and observer, captures the complexities of a land transitioning from Mexican to American governance. Craig's meticulous editing includes additional correspondence previously overlooked, creating a comprehensive anthology that illuminates Garner’s role in California's early narrative. Coupled with a biographical sketch of Garner's dramatic and ultimately tragic life, Letters from California serves as both an essential historical document and a tribute to one of California's lesser-known yet pivotal figures. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1970.