The land of gold; or, Three years in CaliforniaColton, Walter
History
The land of gold; or, Three years in California
Colton, Walter
California -- Gold discoveries; California -- History -- 1846-1850
must remain; the substantial benefits conferred on mankind must remain;
the path opened to the golden gates of the west must remain; the flag of
the country still fly along its fortified line, and the great tide of
emigration roll through its avenue for ages. If Humboldt be the Nestor
of scientific travellers, and Audubon the interpreter of nature, Col.
Fremont is the Pathfinder of empire.
WILLIAM M. GWIN
Was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, in 1805. His father, the Rev.
James Gwin, was a distinguished divine in the Methodist Episcopal
church, and one of its founders in the West. He was for fifty years the
intimate and confidential friend of Gen. Jackson, and chaplain to his
army during the late war with England. Dr. Gwin was graduated at
Transylvania University, in Kentucky, and practised his profession, with
eminent success for several years, in his native state and Mississippi.
He relinquished his profession in 1833, and was appointed, by Gen.
Jackson, Marshal of Mississippi,—an office which he filled until after
the election of Gen. Harrison to the presidency, when he became a
candidate for congress, and was elected by a large majority.
He was remarked, during the session, as a ready, forcible debater, and
was renominated by his district with great unanimity, but declined
running, owing to pecuniary embarrassments incurred while he held the
office of marshal, and brought about by the paper money system, which
involved Mississippi in bankruptcy, and especially the public officers,
who, like Dr. Gwin, had been induced, under the decisions of the courts,
to take this irresponsible paper in payment of executions. In 1846, Dr.
Gwin removed to New Orleans, and was soon after appointed commissioner
to superintend the erection of the custom-house in that city, destined
to be one of the largest public edifices in the country. From this
position he retired on the election of Gen. Taylor to the presidency,
and emigrated to California, where he engaged actively in organizing a
state government. He was elected a member of the convention from San
Francisco, and bore a prominent, influential part in its debates and
proceedings, which resulted in the present noble constitution. The
importance of these services were duly recognized by the people of
California, and they testified their regard and confidence in conferring
on him the dignity of a United States senator. He will have it in his
power to do much for the new state, and we feel assured she will find in
him a resolute champion of her rights.
THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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