[iii]-xii, 356 pp. Large folding hand-colored lithographed map of California with an inset of San Francisco, by J.H. Colton, dated 1854, before the title page, as issued. (12mo), 18x11.5 cm (7¼x4½"), modern three-quarter green morocco and marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.

Important observations of San Francisco and California during the early years of development following the initial rush for gold. In 1853 Capron went to California as a commercial agent of several large mercantile houses in New York City. He visited the principal cities and villages of the state, and traversed the various mining regions. Besides an in-depth description of San Francisco's lurid side, he gives definitions of various mining techniques, and description of the miners' court, miners' home, and Chinese exclusion. Cowan p.104; Graff 580; Howes C127; Kurutz 116; Rocq 16759; Wheat Gold Region 254.