Reminiscences of Early Days in California

Heading:
Author: Field, Stephen J.
Title: Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California...To Which is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State. By Hon. George C. Gorham
Place Published: [Washington?]
Publisher:"Printed for a Few Friend, Not Published"
Date Published: [1893]
Description:

6, 472 pp. (8vo) modern three quarter morocco and earlier mottled boards, gilt spine; top edge gilt. Second Edition.

Presentation copy, inscribed on the front flyleaf: "Mon. James C. Carter with the compliments of Stephen J. Field." First published in 1880. This is the larger type issue of the 1893 printing. Added to this edition is Gorham's essay describing Judge Terry's bizarre attack on Field in 1889. United States Marshall Neagle then killed Terry, who had been, until then, an old hand at mortal combat: among his several duels, he had killed California's U.S. Senator David Broderick in 1859. Howes F117; Graff 1316; Cowan 209.

Field, "a brilliant lawyer and one of the founders of Marysville" [Wheat Gold Rush 76], was named by Lincoln in 1863 to the Supreme Court, where he served 34 years, eclipsing John Marshall's 33-year record. "A craving for excitement led him to voyage to California during the Gold Rush year of 1849." He became "the equivalent of mayor-plus-judge in Marysville; he also became wealthy through real estate speculation and fees. Field emerged as a colorful and controversial character in the unsettled days of the little community, making enemies who would follow him even to the Supreme Court." Hall. Field describes his early years, with much information on his feuds, triumphs, and adventures; the events leading to Terry's assassination attempt are also reviewed.
Condition Report: Some wear and scuffing to boards and leather corners; some chipping and abraded areas to endpapers, light toning to interior; very good.