The BONANZA MINES And The BONANZA KINGS Of CALIFORNIA. Their 5 Years Reign: 1875 - 1879.
[San Francisco ?]: (n. d.). 1st edition thus, and 2nd edition overall [preceded by a pamplet, 1879], ca 1880 [Cowan, p. 168; Graff 1075; Final Howes D311; Paher Nevada 476; Streeter Sate 3459 (first edition)]. INSCRIBED PRESENTATION copy. [6], [3] - 87, [1 (blank)] pp. Per Graff, new material begins on p. 71. Tables. Graphic, p. 50. 8vo. 8-7/8" x 5-3/4". Original publisher's black roan full leather binding, with gilt stamping to front board. General wear to binding, slight splay to boards. Front hinge reinforced with white cloth tape; rear hinge just starting. Presentation copy from the author to "Reverend W. A. Scott (of the Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco) with the Author's Compts." Overall, Very Good. Item #51989
A biased account of the stock market manipulations and other financial machinations of the owners and principal shareholders of the Consolidated Virginia and California Mining Companies.
Reverend Scott organized an expedition in late 1855 to Yosemite after Hutching's famed trip earlier that year. An outspoken critic, he was hanged in effigy when he spoke out against Vigilantism after the Committee of Vigilance of 1856 hung S. F. Supervisor Casey for the assignation of James King of William. The reader gets behind the scenes in the businesses of the celebrated Consolidated Virginia and California Bonanzas. This vicious attack was prepared by Alfred Wheeler at the instigation of S. P. Dewey, whose silence, it is alleged, the "Bonanza Kings" refused to purchase.
"A rare book which was expanded in its second edition, 1880. These 'kings' reigned for five years, making fortune in Nevada mining." "Dewey is perhaps chargeable with bias, for he sold a dividend on the mines short and then the 'bonanza' crowd Flood, Mackay and Fair had the regular dividend paid, much to Dewey's wrath and loss. At any rate, this is one side of the story of the famous Consolidated Virginia Mine which made millionaires out of Mackay, Fair, et al."
Price: $750.00