The History Of San Jose And Surroundings PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ... in altitude. It lasts but a day, and scarcely half of that, if the sun be not clouded. The year 1849 brought new life into San Jose, as it did in fact to various other localities throughout the then territory. Although there had been a universal rush to the mines, it had somewhat abated; that is, all that had taken their chances with pick and spade, had not been successful, notwithstanding the hardships and deprivations with which they met. The necessities of the people increased, and the production of them required other application than that of mining. Many had returned to San Jos6 after trying their fortunes in the mines, others came to the valley without first experimenting in the art of mining. The influx was greater than the outgoing stream, and the town wore more the aspect of a half military and half civil settlement. The numerous white tents that dotted the plains, some of which were arrared in regular order on a line with the streets, gave a military air to the scene. It is true., no long array of bristling bayonets were seen', but the bowieknife and revolver were belted on the majority of men, and strains of martial music greeted the ear, calling for recruits under the banner of King Phar-a-oh. All of the necessities of life became exceedingly dear; cultivating the soil had been almost wholly neglected, flour went up to fifty dollars per barrel; nearly all that was consumed came from Chili, as it had iu the latter part of the previous year. The reapers of the Chilian fields had found a golden In the technical language of the faro dealers and players, that game was dignified with the appellation of King Pharaoh. market for their golden harvest. A pair of ordinary boots were worth sixteen dollars, and some, extra thick, with...