Description

Journal of the West, 1968. Paper Covers, 68 pp. No other printings listed. In very good condition. Blue paper covers with black lettering on front and spine have light bumping to edges and corners and light overall scuffing. Binding tight. Pages lightly aged but otherwise clean and unmarked. NOT Ex-library. NO remainder marks. Contents include: Preface; I. Antebellum California : Achieving Statehood; A Critical Decade, 1850-1860; Impact of Sectional Disturbances; Summary; II. The Union and the Confederacy View the West Coast : Importance of California; The Outbreak of War; The Confederate Objectives in California; The Union Objectives in California; Summary; III. California Contributes to the Union : Action of the State Legislature; Raising Volunteers; Financial Aid; Commanders of the Department of the Pacific; The Civil War Governors; Prominent Civilian Leaders; Secessionist Groups; Anti-Union Press; Disloyal Citizens; Summary; IV. The California Volunteers : Authorization and Responsibilities; Organization and Assignment; The California Column; California Volunteers in Utah; Summary, V. The Indian Problem in California : Nature of the Problem; Background; Indian Policy and the Reservation System; The Indian and California Law; Crimes Against the Indians; Offenses of the Indians Against the Whites; Summary. VI. Indian Troubles in California During the Civil War : Failure of the Policy; Outbreak of Indian Wars; Military Action in the Humboldt District; Military Action in Other Areas of the State; Summary; VII. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes and References; Bibliography; Index. [From Preface] Unfortunately for California, historians have been wont to give attention to the Civil War as though it were an event confined solely to the region east of tire Mississippi River. Only recently have scholars begun to give appropriate attention, study, and emphasis to the war as it was fought in the lands west of the Mississippi. In this effort California’s place in Civil War history is gradually assuming its just proportions. Of significance, too, is the fact that what was true of the North- South controversy was also to find its counterparts within California. As the war was being fought east of the Mississippi River similar conflicting interests existed in California that were carrying on their respective arguments and encounters in like manner. Though affected by numerous internal problems, particularly the one involving the relationship between the white man and the Indian, California did participate actively in the Civil War. Moreover, it was the severity of the Indian problem itself, both in California and in adjacent western territories that determined in large measure the nature, extent, and direction the state’s strength would be utilized in the conflict. It is the purpose of this paper, therefore, to identify and discuss aspects of the role the state played in the war and the contributions she made to the Union cause.