xi, [1], 356 pp. 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 cm (7x4½"), original blindstamped cloth, spine stamped and lettered in gilt. Rebacked with original spine cloth laid down. 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. The map by Colton, "California 1854," measures 35x28 cm plus decorative border.  About the map, Warren Heckrotte comments: "The map was first issued as a separate in 1853... It was also issued as a separate in 1854 (see Streeter Catalogue), as well as in this book. In 1855 it was incorporated into Colton's atlas. The only difference between the 1853 edition and this 1854 map is at Nevada City. The 1853 edition has only 'Nevada'; the 1854 map adds 'City.'"