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 The original of this book is in 
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 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924075872642 
 
eS-^^SSs^fc. -»-<>- q^^gS^^gE-J! 
 
 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 BOOK AGENT 
 
 ifV 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 My Trip from New York to San Francisco via Nicaragua 
 
 ■£=&' 
 
 Cfs By MRS. J. W . LIKINS. «|0 
 
 Women's Print, 424 Montg'y St, S. F. 
 
Six Years Experience as a 
 
 BOOK AGENT 
 
 in California, 
 
 including 
 
 My Trip from New York to San Francisco via Nicaragua. 
 
 Mrs. J. W. Likins 
 
 Introduction by Madeleine B. Stern 
 Note by Kathleen Walkup 
 
 The Book Club of California 
 san francisco 
 
 1992 
 
Introduction and Prefatory Note 
 copyright © 1992 by 
 
 The Book Club of California 
 
 Text copyright 1874 by Mrs. J.W. Likins. 
 
 Originally printed by the Women's Union Book 
 
 and Job Printing Office, 1874. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 If the bookseller who leaves behind him few if any records 
 can be called a bibliopolic ghost, how should the even more elu- 
 sive book agent be described? The agent takes his wares from 
 the bookseller, canvasses them through unnamed streets or 
 country roads, takes orders or is rejected, and, unidentified, 
 moves on. 
 
 Only two possibilities keep this traveler from anonymity. He 
 or she may become famous for other reasons— one thinks in this 
 connection of George Washington who canvassed the Ameri- 
 can Savage, disposing of 200 copies; of Daniel Webster who 
 earned part of his Dartmouth tuition by serving as local book 
 agent; of James G. Blaine, Jay Gould, or P. T. Barnum, all of 
 whom were briefly in book canvassing. 
 
 Or the agent may write a book about his or her experiences 
 in the profession of colportage. Then the canvasser endows 
 him or herself with flesh and blood. The ghost is dispatched, 
 and in its place a human being materializes. 
 
 By writing her Six Years Experience as a Book Agent in 
 California, Mrs. James W. Likins assumed identity, took shape, 
 and brought color and vibrancy to her time, to her place, and 
 to her ghostly trade. 
 
 She materializes vividly on the streets of San Francisco in 
 1868, when, as she puts it, it is still a "city of a day." She calls 
 herself "plain," and "unassuming," merely a "hard working 
 woman," but in her simple muslin dress, wearing a shawl and 
 
Vlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 a hat with a veil, she hugs her basket of books, approaches a 
 group of passers-by, and becomes the book canvasser par ex- 
 cellence. She is in her early forties, although she disparages 
 herself as "an old grey haired woman," and she has come a long 
 and difficult way before embarking upon her "six years experi- 
 ence as a book agent in California." 1 
 
 She was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, around 1825, and 
 so regarded herself as a southerner. Nonetheless, on 25 May 
 in the early 1850s she married James W. Likins, a Republican 
 and a native of Ohio. Shortly thereafter she joined the Rebekah 
 Lodge and would wear its emblem as proudly as she would carry 
 her basket of books. She was a woman of conviction, reared 
 in the Methodist tradition, a believer in temperance, a sup- 
 porter of equal pay for equal work but no advocate of woman 
 suffrage. Either before or after her marriage she travelled 
 widely, visiting New Orleans and Mobile, St. Louis and Louis- 
 ville, Cincinnati and Philadelphia, and viewing "many private 
 and public cabinets," hothouses and horticultural gardens, 
 museums and art galleries. 
 
 She was familiar too with hardship. She had seen "many thou- 
 sands" of dollars lost, and during the war years, to which she 
 referred as "the rebellion," she experienced "losses and trials." 
 The Likinses raised their family in Akron, Ohio, but by 1868 
 they were forced to sell their house on Summit Street to pay 
 their debts. If the East disappointed, the West held hope. And 
 so, in that eventful year, Mrs. Likins with her husband and young 
 daughter joined the westward march to the Golden Gate. 
 
 It was a long trek— before completion of the overland rail- 
 way and the Panama Canal — begun on April 1 with a rail jour- 
 ney to New York, first aboard the Atlantic and Great Western, 
 then the New York and Erie. This was followed by a series of 
 steamships including the Guiding Star, the Active, and the 
 Moses Taylor, dubbed "the rolling Moses," that carried the 
 family over the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea until 
 they crossed Nicaragua by land. Then aboard ship, passing the 
 Mexican shore, they crossed the Gulf of California into the 
 
INTRODUCTION. IX 
 
 Pacific, and arrived on the 7th of May, 1868, in the city of the 
 Golden Gate. 
 
 Mrs. Likins had weathered the arduous journey as she 
 would weather the hardships that lay in store. She weathered it 
 stalwartly but without losing her sense of humor. At one point 
 in the voyage, for example, she "bit very carefully on the hard 
 biscuits, for fear I might break my false teeth. ... if they were 
 broken, there would be a wedding, for my nose and chin would 
 meet." Certainly if Mrs. Likins were ever reduced to silence, 
 the silence would not last long. Despite her false teeth, she was 
 a "fast talker"— another quality that would stand her in good 
 stead when she turned to the profession of book canvassing. 
 
 Several dire events propelled her to that occupation. Her 
 husband was sickly, and although he obtained work, first as bag- 
 gage master, later as freight clerk, on the Southern Pacific Rail- 
 road, his income was inadequate to the family needs. Then, on 
 18 July, a fire from a defective flue burned their dwelling, to- 
 tally destroying their furniture and clothing. Their money was 
 almost gone, and on 11 August she wrote : 
 
 Now begins the one great struggle of my life. ... I see noth- 
 ing but want and poverty on every hand . . . Bidding my dear 
 ones keep up courage, I start out. ... I started for the Post- 
 office. Not being able to pay car hire, I went on foot. On my way 
 I passed the book-store of H. H. Bancroft, then on the corner 
 of Montgomery and Merchant streets. In the window I noticed 
 a card, with the words "Agents Wanted" on it. 
 
 At age 43, Mrs. James Likins joined the army of canvassers 
 who brought the pleasures of the printed word to the remotest 
 areas of a developing country. 
 
 In the wake of the Civil War, those agents had proliferated, 
 along with the subscription books they handled, books designed 
 for sale not in bookstores but anywhere and everywhere across 
 the country. Such person-to-person sales often involved a lively 
 give and take of conversation, and appealed to many disabled 
 war veterans, aging clergymen, teachers and students on va- 
 cation, young people who enjoyed travel — and women who 
 
X INTRODUCTION. 
 
 needed to augment their family incomes. Moreover, little out- 
 lay of capital was required and commissions were often gener- 
 ous. Mrs. Likins recognized an opportunity when she saw one, 
 and Hubert Howe Bancroft was fully aware of the increasing 
 salability of subscription books published in the East. 
 
 When Mrs. Likins ventured into his establishment, Bancroft 
 was not yet the great historian, but simply a "country boy" 
 turned bookseller. 2 Hailing, as her husband did, from Ohio, he 
 had been born in 1832 of New England ancestry, and had the 
 prodigious reputation of having read the Bible at age 3. His 
 education continued in Buffalo, where he trained in his brother- 
 in-law's bookstore, G. H. Derby & Co. By the time Bancroft 
 was 20, George Derby decided to place him in charge of a 
 branch book and stationery store in San Francisco, a plan that 
 fell through when Derby died. Meanwhile, $5000 worth of 
 merchandise had been shipped by sailing vessel around Cape 
 Horn, and subsequently Bancroft's sister (Derby's widow) lent 
 her brother $10,000. Fortified by such assets, Bancroft in 
 October 1856 boarded the Panama steamer for San Francisco, 
 a thriving young city only recently emerged from a quasi- 
 Mexican settlement. There he rented a storeroom on Montgom- 
 ery Street, and in December 1856 the firm of H. H. Bancroft & 
 Co. was founded. 
 
 The proprietor slept on a cot behind the counter, swept the 
 shop, opened cases of books shipped from the East, sold them, 
 and revelled in them. The Civil War bolstered his business, 
 since California merchants remained on the gold standard, col- 
 lecting receipts from the West in gold but paying their East- 
 ern accounts in depreciated greenbacks. By the time Mrs. 
 Likins stepped into his Subscription Department, both Bancroft 
 and his business were impressive. Tall, broad-shouldered, with 
 a full beard and mustache and wavy iron-gray hair, Bancroft 
 was about to build the Bancroft Building in a cow pasture on 
 the south side of Market Street, a five-story brick building with 
 gargoyled cornice that would house his highly departmentalized 
 enterprise. One of his departments, of course, was subscrip- 
 
INTRODUCTION. XI 
 
 tion books. In 1868, when Mrs. Likins became one of Bancroft's 
 agents, all of California boasted only two leading book estab- 
 lishments of which his was one. 
 
 Subscription books published in the East, shipped at first 
 around the Horn, later by overland railway, played an impor- 
 tant role in his business. Through the superintendent of his 
 Subscription Department, and eventually through her own ex- 
 perience, Mrs. Likins developed a modus operandi for her new 
 profession. Though she began her enterprise by selling engrav- 
 ings rather than books, her method worked for both. Just before 
 election, when Grant was running against Horatio Seymour and 
 excitement ran high, there was a good market for engravings 
 depicting "Grant and his Family, in upright form." At Bancroft's, 
 Mrs. Likins had one of the pictures mounted on canvas and roll- 
 ers to use as a sample copy, and with that and her order book, 
 ventured to the business part of San Francisco. Wherever 
 groups gathered, at storefronts, business houses, or street cor- 
 ners, she would approach her potential buyers, unroll the pic- 
 ture, and say: "Gentlemen, I have a fine engraving of General 
 Grant and his family." Opening her order book, she solicited sub- 
 scriptions. On California Street and Montgomery, on Front 
 Street and Davis Street she walked, taking occasional insults, 
 but mainly taking names and later making deliveries. 
 
 In time her venue was enlarged and her modus operandi 
 honed. Going by stage to Gilroy or by boat to Stockton, and 
 carrying a roll of engravings in her arms, she would stop first 
 at the newspaper printing office to extract the promise of a 
 "good notice" before canvassing every business house, lumber 
 merchants and blacksmiths, railroad offices and even insane 
 asylums, walking sometimes six miles a day. She succinctly re- 
 corded her procedure when, armed not only with engravings 
 but with books and a prospectus, she visited Sacramento: 
 
 Taking two books in my arms, I passed into the street, intend- 
 ing to call upon a few that had been recommended first, and as 
 I went, I heard a few outside remark: "There goes another book 
 agent.". . . I called on four of the parties of my recommendations, 
 
Xll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 and made a sale of my two books. I next visited the editors of the 
 press, and was kindly received by both. ... I now commenced 
 a regular canvass of K street, calling on every person, working 
 hard until night, not even stopping long enough to take lunch. 
 
 By this time, as Mrs. Likins was becoming a seasoned agent, 
 she was getting her supply of books not only from Bancroft but 
 from Bancroft's closest competitor, Anton Roman. 3 Roman, who 
 hailed from Bavaria, had crossed the Plains in 1849, worked the 
 mines, and exchanged his gold dust for books which he offered 
 for sale, at first in Shasta, then in San Francisco. In 1859 he 
 opened a store on the west side of Montgomery Street, north 
 of California, and in 1868— the year of Mrs. Likins' appearance 
 in San Francisco— he launched his Overland Monthly. Roman's 
 establishment offered books for the miners and farmers, the set- 
 tlers and Orientals who peopled his State. But its purpose was 
 still grander, for it also carried books "for the million." A large 
 proportion of those books came by steamer from the East, and 
 some of them were subscription books. In 1871, when Roman 
 moved to 11 Montgomery Street in the Lick House Block, he 
 proudly described his establishment as "a magnificent temple 
 of letters." "Here we are," he pontificated, "geographically iso- 
 lated from the great world's throng, and yet the greatest cities 
 cannot show a more complete establishment than ours." 
 
 In Anton Roman's Subscription Department, Mrs. Likins 
 secured territory — "Santa Clara county, and a portion of the 
 City"— for Mark Twain's Roughing It. By 1872, when that book 
 was published, she had experienced enough of the "rough trials 
 of canvassing" to apply its title to herself. It was true that some- 
 times the commission on a book that sold for $3. 50 amounted to 
 $1, and Mrs. Likins, as she wrote, "made many dollars, which 
 I put to good use." However, as she prepared for her peddling 
 forays, packing her books, taking a hasty breakfast, saying a 
 sad goodbye to her "dear ones," setting forth for the depot with 
 satchel in one hand and basket in the other, she knew that she 
 would indeed be roughing it. Through the years she experienced 
 a variety of perils, from the earth shocks of 1868 to intense com- 
 
INTRODUCTION. Xlll 
 
 petition in towns overrun with agents, from delays in receiving 
 books at express offices to encounters with the curious or the 
 contemptuous who regarded her kind as "low, degraded crea- 
 tures, that go strolling around the country peddling books." 
 
 She faced them all, and often gave them tit for tat. She had 
 encountered the Democrat who upbraided her as one of those 
 
 "d women" who think they "will rule the country," and she 
 
 had encountered the women themselves who rebuffed her with 
 doors shut in her face. She had canvassed the "ruffian under 
 the influence of liquor" and the Missourian who had delivered 
 a "heart-smashing speech" to persuade her to come to his ranch. 
 There were some who falsified their names in giving orders, 
 and others who bade her "bring some nice young lady" with 
 her if she expected to sell them books. There was the omni- 
 present "old bach." [bachelor] to whom she was erroneously 
 introduced as a widow, but, as Mrs. Likins decided, "I did not 
 wish to get rid of my husband; one man is trouble enough, with- 
 out having two." There was the librarian with the familiar re- 
 sponse : "We are not buying any books at present," and there 
 was the illiterate who said, "I cannot read." To that statement 
 Mrs. Likins simply replied, "You are to be pitied." Finally there 
 was the funster who placed on her satchel a card reading: 
 "Book Peddler. Beware of her." Despite the trials and tribula- 
 tions of book peddling in the West during the early 1870s, 
 Mrs. Likins succeeded. As for Roughing It, in three weeks in 
 San Jose she sold 105 copies— "the largest sale ever made there 
 on one book by any canvasser." 
 
 Of the twenty-one books mentioned in her Six Years Experi- 
 ence as a Book Agent, three were by Mark Twain, and all three 
 were published by the firm of which he would one day be a di- 
 rector, the American Publishing Company. 4 First Bancroft, then 
 Roman served as western agent for the firm, and both had close 
 connections with this major subscription house. Located in 
 Hartford, the center of the subscription book business, the 
 American Publishing Company reached, through canvassers, 
 thousands of readers who never entered a bookstore. Indeed, 
 
XIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the firm boasted that, through subscription selling, "they reach 
 directly the whole reading public." Arrangements with publish- 
 ers across the country expedited such distribution. 
 
 Elisha Bliss, Jr., president of the company, had solicited a 
 book from Mark Twain which was published in 1869 as The Inno- 
 cents Abroad. The names of several publishers followed that 
 of the American Publishing Company on the title-page— one 
 of them that of H. H. Bancroft and Company, San Francisco, 
 Cal. Indeed, the volume was "also prepared for distribution" 
 with the imprint of H. H. Bancroft and Company in first place, 
 followed by that of the Hartford house. Believing that Twain 
 would lecture in California, Elisha Bliss wrote on 12 July 1869 
 that "We shall ship Books to California on the steamer of 24th 
 inst— Prospectus will go on 16th, so you see the Books will be 
 there by the time you are'.' 5 Although Mark Twain did not go 
 West at the time, the books did— in four varieties of binding 
 ranging in price from $3.50 for cloth to $8 for full Turkey mo- 
 rocco. Innocents Abroad, a potential goldmine for the canvas- 
 ser, was apparently the first book consigned for sale to Mrs. 
 Likins by Bancroft. She took full advantage of the opportunity. 
 From wharfingers, shipping agents and lumber merchants she 
 solicited "many orders," and "with this book," she wrote, "I was 
 very successful, working hard and steadily for three months 
 on my territory in the City." 
 
 As the result of a tactical error on Bancroft's part, Roman 
 was selected to take his place as west coast general agent for 
 Mark Twain's books. Bancroft had foolishly refused to send a 
 review copy of Innocents Abroad to the Overland Monthly, and 
 by the time Roughing It was on the market, the author elected 
 to consign its California distribution to the publisher of that 
 periodical, Anton Roman. 6 
 
 Roman's arrangements with the American Publishing Com- 
 pany were similar to those that had been made with Bancroft. 
 His name appeared in joint imprint with the American Pub- 
 lishing Company on the title-page of Roughing It, and it was 
 he who assigned to Mrs. Likins her territory for the book. The 
 
INTRODUCTION. XV 
 
 Gilded Age followed a year after Roughing It, and again Mrs. 
 Likins had her "old district north of California street." Although 
 the book was on the market by Christmas of 1873, Roman's cop- 
 ies did not arrive until "almost three months from that time"— a 
 delay that Mrs. Likins regarded as fortunate since she was ill 
 with typhoid fever and could not work. One of the last books 
 she hawked was another American Publishing Company imprint 
 assigned her by Roman, Henry Wheeler Shaw's Everybody's 
 Friend, or; Josh Billing's [sic] Encyclopedia and Proverbial 
 Philosophy of Wit and Humor. For this she canvassed the south 
 side of Market Street, as well as San Jose. 
 
 The expanding Hartford establishment published under 
 other imprints also, including that of the Columbian Book Com- 
 pany. When in 1870 Our Sister Republic; Mexico in 1869-70 by 
 Col. Albert S. Evans appeared over that imprint Mrs. Likins 
 carried it off in her basket for California distribution. The next 
 year she toted another Columbian imprint, that of Albert 
 Deane Richardson's Garnered Sheaves. 
 
 The Hartford imprint of J. B. Burr & Co. also had connec- 
 tions with the American Publishing Company, since John B. 
 Burr was a stockholder in the parent subscription firm. The 
 Burr imprints in Mrs. Likins' basket included P. T. Barnum's 
 Struggles and Triumphs and, over the imprint of J. B. Burr & 
 Hyde, George McWalter's Knots Untied; or, Ways and By-Ways 
 in the Hidden Life of American Detectives. Louise Griswold's 
 Woman's Pilgrimage in the Holy Land, another J. B. Burr & 
 Hyde book, had evoked from the Times the comment that "the 
 world would not have been greatly the loser" if the book had 
 never been written. Nonetheless, 20,000 copies were dispersed 
 via Mrs. Likins and her numerous colleagues. 
 
 From time to time Mrs. Likins offered books of other sub- 
 scription houses assigned her by Bancroft or Roman: The 
 Ladies of the White House by Laura H. Langford and John B. 
 Ellis's The Sights and Secrets of the National Capitol, issued 
 by the New York subscription consortium, the United States 
 Publishing Company, as well as Cuba with Pen and Pencil from 
 
XVI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the Hartford Publishing Company. Seward's popular Travels 
 Round the World and Stanley's How I Found Livingstone round- 
 ed out her offerings and reached an enormous public through 
 the enterprise of the book agent. 
 
 The books Mrs. Likins hawked were available in a variety 
 of bindings and were priced accordingly. Cuba with Pen and 
 Pencil, for example, was obtainable in cloth at $3.50, in cloth 
 extra at $4, in half morocco at $5, and in morocco at $7. Some- 
 times binding styles led to altercations, as when Mrs. Likins 
 was told she had promised a prospective buyer the leather bind- 
 ing for the same price as the cloth. She took such problems in 
 stride, and continued to lead what she called "this excitable life," 
 disseminating the Civil War histories, the books of travel, the 
 humorous narratives and tales of adventure that appealed to 
 the readership of the Far West. 
 
 As she traveled she observed, and her book is not only a re- 
 cord of her six years as a canvasser but a panorama of six years 
 in the Golden State. San Francisco comes alive here, and so too 
 does the outlying country to which the itinerant carried her 
 wares. By railway, stage, or boat she journeyed to San Jose and 
 Redwood City, to Santa Clara and Gilroy, to Stockton and Sac- 
 ramento, to the Napa Valley and to Santa Cruz. She visited 
 tannery and courthouse, telegraph office and mill, cities that 
 boasted five dwellings, two stores, a blacksmith's shop and a 
 Chinese wash house. She passed canons and valleys, vineyards 
 and ranches, mountains and ravines, tableland, rugged peaks, 
 and the Coast Range "sunburnt and barren." And when she re- 
 turned to scenes she had already witnessed, she noted the rapid 
 changes that had occurred, increased population, improve- 
 ments, touches of advancing civilization. 
 
 All this she paints with a deft if hasty brush, but especially 
 she paints the people of California— its lawyers and railroad- 
 men, its merchants and lumbermen, its "baches" and widowers. 
 As she enters an office she spies a few boys behind a counter, 
 and she traps them in a vivid verbal net: "They huddled to- 
 gether like so many chickens, that their mother had just weaned 
 
INTRODUCTION. XV11 
 
 and set afloat; they tucked down their heads and whispered 
 and giggled, as though they needed some one to teach them 
 good manners." From the rudest ruffian to Governor Leland 
 Stanford, who "patronized" her, buying a book, Mrs. Likins 
 sketches her portraits and in homespun style unfolds the ex- 
 traordinary background through which she passed. 
 
 One of the last glimpses we have of her is in Redwood City 
 where, she writes, "I received several orders for my own book." 
 Her own book was published in 1874 with several delightfully 
 amusing illustrations by the Women's Union Book and Job 
 Printing office at 424 Montgomery Street, San Francisco. Es- 
 tablished in 1868, the year the author arrived in the city, the 
 firm, known also as the Women's Cooperative Printing Union, 
 was directed by Mrs. Lizzie Richmond, Superintendent, and 
 specialized in book, card and job printing. Obviously the au- 
 thor regarded her work as a subscription book to be sold by 
 an itinerant agent— herself. 
 
 Her narrative is a mirror of herself and her profession. De- 
 spite her regard for books, she is often casual about titles 
 and authors. She calls The Gilded Age "The Golden Age" and 
 assumes that the McClellan who wrote The Golden State 
 (Rolander Guy McClellan) was the General. Yet, though unlet- 
 tered, she advanced letters, and though no feminist, she em- 
 bodied feminism. Her enterprising nature is clearly reflected 
 in her pages as when, finding a Fair in progress in San Jose, 
 she borrows a table and takes a corner of the Florence Sew- 
 ing Machine space to sell her wares. When she does not suc- 
 ceed she reminds herself: "If I wish to sell anything I must get 
 out among the crowd." And so we see her— veiled, clutching 
 her basket of books, soliciting among the crowd that peopled 
 the California of the early 1870s. 
 
 Mrs. Likins apparently profited from her years as canvas- 
 ser, for her book is adorned with a frontispiece depicting an 
 elaborate three-story dwelling as "Home of the Author." The 
 Likinses, who had lived in a different residence every year since 
 their arrival in San Francisco, moved in 1873 to Jessie Street, 7 
 
XVlli INTRODUCTION. 
 
 but whatever the location of the "Home of the Author," its 
 expenses were defrayed not only by James Likins' salary as 
 freight clerk for the Southern Pacific, but by his wife's reve- 
 nue from commissions as a book agent. The Panic of 1873 ob- 
 viously did not overwhelm her. 
 
 She regarded her profession highmindedly, describing it as 
 "a great undertaking," and writing of it honestly, plainly, often 
 with wry humor. Others had and would record their experi- 
 ences in book canvassing (though few against a California 
 background) — Annie Nelles in 1868, William Garretson in 1874, 
 Joshua Wright in 1904, not to mention Horatio Alger's Frank 
 Hardy in 1905 in The Young Book Agent; or, Frank Hardy's 
 Road to Success. In her account of her road to success, Mrs. 
 James Likins draws a delightful self-portrait, elucidates her 
 time and her place, and above all sharpens our perceptions of 
 the peripatetic trade that helped disseminate books across an 
 expanding country. 
 
 Madeleine B. Stern 
 
 notes. 
 
 1. All quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Likins book. 
 
 2. For Bancroft, see Madeleine B. Stern, Antiquarian Bookselling in the 
 United States (Westport: Greenwood Press, 1985) pp. 138-141. 
 
 3. For Roman, see Madeleine B. Stern, Imprints on History: Book Publish- 
 ers and American Frontiers (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1956) 
 pp. 136-154. 
 
 4. For subscription books and the American Publishing Company, see Mi- 
 chael Hackenberg, ed.. Getting the Books Out (Washington: Center for the Book, 
 1987) pp. 45-75; Madeleine B. Stern, Books and Book People in 19th-century 
 America (New York : Bowker, 1978) pp. 187-189; John Tebbel, A History of Book 
 Publishing in the United States (New York: Bowker, 1975) II, 103-104, 515-523. 
 
 5. Quoted in Leon T. Dickinson, "Marketing a Best Seller: Mark Twain's In- 
 nocents Abroad',' Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America 41:2 (1947) 
 107-122; see p. 119. 
 
 6. Hamlin Hill, Mark Twain and Elisha Bliss (Columbia: University of Mis- 
 souri Press, 1964) p. 59. 
 
 7. The writer is grateful to Michael W. Harvey, Head Librarian, California 
 Historical Society, and to Stanleigh Bry, Library Director, The Society of Cali- 
 fornia Pioneers, for providing San Francisco Directory listings. 
 
WOMEN IN PRINTING 
 
 When the Women's Co-operative Printing Union, printers of 
 the first edition of Six Years Experience as a Book Agent in 
 California, opened its doors for business in San Francisco in 
 1868, the young women who worked there as compositors joined 
 the long and distinguished lineage of women in the book trades. 
 Since the production of incunables by the sisters of San Jacopo 
 de Ripoli, Florence, women have left their mark on the craft 
 and trade of printing. 
 
 In his comprehensive and hefty account of The Commerce 
 and Industries of the Pacific Coast of North America, pub- 
 lished by A. L. Bancroft & Company in 1882, John Hittell states 
 that, in the typographic trade, fully one-eighth of the 1,816 com- 
 positors employed at the 700 newspaper and book presses in 
 existence on the West Coast at the time of his study were 
 women. This census included, presumably, the women work- 
 ing at the WCPU, whose hands set Mrs. Likins' amusing mem- 
 oir newly presented here (which also has been produced by 
 women, although in a very different manner from the original). 
 Very few of the WCPU workers will ever surface from indi- 
 vidual anonymity, but collectively their history can be pieced 
 together from the more general knowledge available to the his- 
 torian and the curious alike. Who might these women have 
 been? What were their backgrounds? What propelled them into 
 the printing trades, and what jobs did they perform there? By 
 
 Information about the Women's Co-operative Printing Union was generously 
 provided by Roger Levenson, who has collected considerable information on 
 the subject of women printers in late nineteenth-century San Francisco. 
 
WOMEN IN PRINTING. XXI 
 
 examining some early forbears as well as contemporary col- 
 leagues whose name and labor are recorded we can begin to 
 imagine some answers. 
 
 Emily Faithfull, founder of London's establishment for the 
 employment of "necessitous gentlewomen," Victoria Press, 
 wrote about Harper & Brothers New York printing establish- 
 ment in 1872 on the first of her three visits to America, "I felt 
 at home as I stood in their composing-rooms watching the 
 bright and industrious girls at case, setting up type with ex- 
 pedition and accuracy." This remark uncannily echoes a simi- 
 lar one made sixty years earlier by the printer and historian 
 Isaiah Thomas. His observation referred to the work of colo- 
 nial printer Ann Franklin's daughters, whom he claimed to be 
 "correct and quick compositors at case." Ann and her daughters 
 were among more than three dozen women who, through in- 
 heritance from husbands, brothers or sons, became proprietors 
 of presses in the colonial and early republican eras. Barred 
 from traditional apprenticeships just as their European pro- 
 genitors had been, these women learned the printing trades 
 by example or necessity. Often overcoming great difficulties, 
 including those of illiteracy (Dinah Nuthead, the first female 
 colonial printer, couldn't sign her name, although there is no 
 proof that she was unable to read), many of the female press 
 owners operated long-lived and successful businesses. 
 
 In antebellum America, however, the field of printing was 
 shifting from an artisanal craft to an industrial trade. The in- 
 troduction of the stereotype and electrotype in the 1840s in 
 most of the country (the first electrotyping in California oc- 
 curred in 1858), more efficient paper production and mecha- 
 nized bindery operations enabled more rapid book printing; a 
 widely spread railroad network brought the books and periodi- 
 cals to homes where improved domestic lighting and even bet- 
 ter eyeglasses made reading a more widespread activity. The 
 concept of universal public education had been introduced in 
 earlier colonial times; now most white boys as well as girls 
 could expect to reach some proficiency in elementary literacy 
 
XX11 WOMEN IN PRINTING. 
 
 skills, and in fact women were beginning to enter institutions 
 of higher education. 
 
 Women were also entering the job force with much greater 
 frequency. Fending off arguments that ranged from the need 
 to stay home to protect their "purity" to the idea that they 
 were "taking bread out of some man's children's mouths," 
 middle-class women left their rural homes to test their abili- 
 ties in the newly-formed industrial towns. The printing trade 
 was one major occupation that had proved, with varying de- 
 grees of reluctance on the part of owners and foremen, open 
 to them. While women battled the idea that they were physi- 
 cally unsuited to the trade (lack of physical strength often being 
 cited as one drawback to typesetting, an odd argument for that 
 particular profession), they also battled the unions. 
 
 In 1852, when the National Typographical Union was formed, 
 a long apprenticeship was established as the core of a trade that 
 wanted to discourage the practice of "half-way journeymen" ac- 
 cording to Mary Biggs, whose research on American women in 
 typesetting appeared in Library Quarterly in 1980 (50:4). This 
 three-year apprenticeship was not, however, open to women. 
 Because they no longer had artisan printers in the family from 
 whom to learn the trade, women instead learned in appren- 
 ticeships as brief as six weeks, or they received elementary 
 training in vocational schools, or even when they acted as 
 strikebreakers. This meant that women usually developed skills 
 only for setting straight matter or for distributing type, which 
 severely limited their ability to move ahead in their profession. 
 With the advent of steam-driven presses and foot- or power- 
 driven platen presses, women also were hired as feeders, while 
 the admittedly heavier, often dirty (but much more lucrative) 
 work of press set-up and maintenance was left to men. Only 
 proof-reading required equal skills from both genders, when 
 women could get the job. 
 
 Of course pay was not equal, women being paid often only 
 one quarter of male wages in the 1860s. (Hittel, writing about 
 California, says, "The women who work for wages at industrial 
 
WOMEN IN PRINTING. XXI11 
 
 employments ... do not get more than half so much as men 
 engaged in similar occupations, on the average, and are ex- 
 cluded from most of the departments of labor in which the pay 
 is highest and the chances for advancement best.") The ques- 
 tion of pay equity proved to be a complex matter in rising- 
 industrial America. It was often claimed that women were 
 uninterested in earning pay equal to men's : 
 
 [Women] do not care to earn beyond a certain amount; and, 
 when that figure is reached, they seem to have all the money 
 they require, and are perfectly careless of any thing extra, (from 
 the Paterson [N. J.] Guardian, c. 1880) 
 
 When the NTU (later the International Typographical Union) 
 stated that women and men should be paid equally for their 
 labor, many feminists saw that decision not as "pioneer egali- 
 tarianism," but as an insidious attempt to destroy women's 
 chances for employment, since women would only be hired over 
 men if employers were saving money by so doing. (In time 
 white women as well would lose jobs to the ever-swelling im- 
 migrant population. In San Francisco, Asian arrivals were ac- 
 cused of undermining the white labor pool, evoking virulently 
 racist remarks by Hittell among many others. In September, 
 1885, the Inland Printer, ran a headline claiming "The Heathen 
 Chinee [sic] as a Competitor" and suggesting that printers 
 should not only refuse to hire Chinese workers but that any 
 white man who had ever worked in a Chinese office be ostra- 
 cized from the printing trades. ) 
 
 Finally, women heard the argument that they were not 
 worthy of long-term apprenticeships or employment because 
 they were working only until the right man (or, for that mat- 
 ter, any man at all) came along. This belief supported the idea 
 that women's proper place was in the home, and allowed em- 
 ployers to justify lower pay for their women workers by claim- 
 ing their lack of long-term commitment to their professions. 
 According to the Inland Printer: 
 
 There is a great deal of unmeaning twaddle indulged in, by 
 
 a certain class of namby-pamby sentimentalists, about the self- 
 
XXIV WOMEN IN PRINTING. 
 
 ishness of the male sex whenever a protest is raised against the 
 employment of women in vocations for which they are unfitted 
 alike by sex, nature, and association. In a great majority of in- 
 stances these special pleadings, in which the merits of the case 
 are grossly misrepresented, instead of being the promptings of 
 disinterested philanthropy, are the off-spring of inherent self- 
 ishness. Home is women's sphere, and man is her natural pro- 
 vider and no amount of pettifogging can prove the contrary. 
 (September, 1885) 
 
 It is no wonder then that, in the midst of union lock-outs 
 and zealous tirades about women's place, Agnes Peterson an- 
 nounced in October, 1868, a new business in San Francisco, the 
 Women's Co-operative Printing Union. Although Mrs. Peterson 
 soon left the business, her intent in starting it was stated in 
 the incorporation papers filed in July, 1869: "To give employ- 
 ment to women as type-setters and thereby enable them to earn 
 an independent and honest living and to conduct and carry on 
 a general printing business," (quoted by Roger Levenson in Lois 
 Rather's Women as Printers, 1970). 
 
 These papers were filed when the press moved from its origi- 
 nal Clay Street location a year after its founding to 420-424 
 Montgomery Street. Levenson writes, "Shortly after incorpo- 
 ration, Mrs. Lizzie G. Richmond, a native of Little Compton, 
 Rhode Island, entered the firm, became the efficient 'super- 
 intendent,' and through stock purchases, at $10 a share, gradu- 
 ally took full control. Under her expert guidance the WCPU 
 prospered for nineteen years. . . . After Mrs. Richmond took 
 charge at the WCPU, the standard of work generally equalled 
 that being produced by its male competition— even Bosqui and 
 Murdock— both in design and execution. Only Mrs. Likins' book 
 shows typographical vagaries that do not appear in the hun- 
 dreds of legals briefs, widely varied jobbing work and other 
 books produced by the busy printing-office." Perhaps these va- 
 garies were partially a consequence of the scope of the Likins' 
 book, which appears to be the most ambitious of the nearly 
 50 book titles the press produced. The Likins' book, according 
 to Levenson's research, is also apparently the only use of the 
 
WOMEN IN PRINTING. XXV 
 
 imprint Women's Union Book and Job Printing Office. The press 
 did, however, use several imprints from its inception until its 
 demise in 1901 due to a combination of natural disaster (fire) 
 and business dealings (mergers). 
 
 There is pleasure in speculating that when the WCPU was 
 begun Peterson and later Lizzie Richmond had some knowledge 
 of Emily Faithfull's similar London venture, as well as that of 
 Ann Franklin and her daughters. Certainly the employees of 
 the wcpu were aware of the Women's Typographical Union No. 1, 
 whose ten-year existence from 1868 to 1878 paralleled almost 
 exactly the formative years of the WCPU; they undoubtedly par- 
 ticipated as well in some of the many discussions in union cir- 
 cles about the desirability of separate women's shops. 
 
 By 1905, women were still encountering most of the same 
 difficulties they had met throughout the nineteenth century : 
 inadequate training, much lower pay, and the perception by 
 male owners of a lack of commitment to the work. Union mem- 
 ber Belva Mary Herron even pointed out that men were reluc- 
 tant to give up their smoking habits at the Sunday meetings 
 of the union locals, thus creating an atmosphere that was highly 
 compromising to the women who might want to attend. Still, 
 there were women in many locals, some of whom were strongly 
 supported by their male colleagues. Despite the setbacks, and 
 through all of the technological changes, women persisted in 
 the printing trades, passing along their knowledge, ability and, 
 above all, their determination to maintain their role in this work 
 to which they had proven so committed. 
 
 Kathleen Walkup 
 
PRE FAC E. 
 
 Unlike most authors, who dedicate their books to some 
 dead or absent friend, or dear relative, I will dedicate this 
 work to my creditors, hoping that my friends and read- 
 ers may be amused and benefited sufficiently to compen- 
 sate them for their time and trouble in its perusal ; while 
 at the same time I hope to be benefited by the sale of the 
 work sufficiently to satisfy all demands of my creditors, 
 and have a few almighty dollars left, for my time and la- 
 bor, as well as expense, in bringing it before the public. 
 
 It is not my intention to discuss the merits of this work 
 in the few prefatory remarks I shall make, but will leave 
 it to a generous public to decide ; and sincerely hope those 
 who have patronized me as a book agent, will not fail me 
 now, since I have turned authoress. 
 
 The Author. 
 San Francisco, 1874. 
 
SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 AS A BOOK AGENT 
 
 IN CALIFORNIA. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 From New York to Greytown. 
 
 Akron, Summit Co., Ohio, March 26th, 1868. 
 No. 225 South Summit street. 
 
 All is bustle and confusion. We are making prepara- 
 tions to move ; for we have sold our house, and must give 
 possession by the first of April. 
 
 When I look around the grounds, although every thing 
 is covered with a slight fall of snow, I think how many 
 happy hours I have spent in planting flowers and train- 
 ing vines. 
 
 Now I must leave them all, with their pleasant memo- 
 ries. There, too, is the grape arbor, where my husband, 
 children and I have spent so many pleasant moments. 
 Also, the four large maples, outside the gate. They are 
 very dear to me; for the one that planted them sleeps in 
 an unknown grave on the battlefield of the Wilderness. 
 
 The neat iron gate, where Jack, the watch-dog, during 
 the hot summer afternoons would wait for the return of 
 my little girl from school, to take him down to the canal 
 for a bath, which was three blocks away. 
 
d. SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 He now stands looking up in my face, as though he, too, 
 knew we must part. 
 
 But I must cheer up ; for I see my husband coming, pale 
 and nearly tired out; with him is my dear friend and 
 neighbor, Mrs. F. She said, "I have almost persuaded 
 Mr. L. to go to California with us ; that is, if I can get your 
 consent. The sea voyage will do you all good ; and the cli- 
 mate is so fine you would like it, and have better health, 
 I am sure. What do you say, Mrs. L.?" I replied, "If it is 
 as you say, I would not mind going. Any place, but to Ten- 
 nessee. I am not afraid on my account, but you know 
 Mr. L. is such a strong republican, and the feeling against 
 them hasn't died out yet in the South ; they might mob 
 him. Anyhow, he wouldn't do well in business there. Of 
 course, I would just as lief go to California, for we are bro- 
 ken up here, at least, there won't be much left when our 
 debts are paid." 
 
 At this she seemed very much surprised, and said, 
 "Why, I thought you were worth thousands." "No, in- 
 deed," I replied, "not now. I would not have sold my home 
 if there was any help for it, but I wish to pay my just and 
 honest debts and go among strangers ; for we will have 
 to make a new beginning." 
 
 Turning, to Mr. L., I said, "Will you go?" 
 
 He replied, "I would like to, but can we get ready?" 
 
 "Yes, of course we can; it is five days until Mrs. F. and 
 her husband leave here for New York. We will unpack our 
 furniture, sell what we can at private sale, and the rest 
 at auction." 
 
 "All right— we will go." 
 
 Mrs. F. left, very much delighted, to tell her husband. 
 
 For the next five days I had no time scarcely to think. 
 
 Neighbors calling, and offering their assistance ; buy- 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 3 
 
 ing some little nicknacks they knew I prized, saying they 
 would keep them for remembrance. 
 
 By the 31st, all our household furniture was disposed of 
 in some way. We spent the night with a friend of ours. The 
 next day my friend, with the assistance of Maria, a girl I 
 had in my employ, prepared lunch enough to last us until 
 we arrived in New York. I must here say, I hated to part 
 with Maria, as she had been in my employ for over a year, 
 and had proved herself kind and faithful to me in sickness 
 and health. I would have liked very much to have taken 
 her with me, as she was a poor, homeless creature. 
 
 The hack called in the afternoon to convey us to the 
 depot. After our trunks are strapped on, the satchels 
 stowed away, and last, but not least, the lunch basket, we 
 bid good bye to poor old Jack, whom my little girl had 
 given to our friend's son, who had promised to take good 
 care of him. 
 
 Arriving at the depot, we found many friends await- 
 ing to see us off. Among them was an old gentleman, who 
 had been in California in '49. In describing the place to 
 me, how rough and uncivilized the people were there, he 
 almost discouraged me. 
 
 Mr. F. and wife got to the depot just as the train 
 came up. 
 
 With many tears we bid our friends good bye, for years 
 and perhaps forever. Who knows? 
 
 We had not traveled very far, when F. very jovially said, 
 "Mrs. L. and my wife's noses are as red as though they 
 had been on a spree for a month," at which we laughed 
 through our tears. 
 
 We pass many towns and villages ; at one of the sta- 
 tions a young gentleman who used to board with me came 
 into the car to bid us good bye. 
 
4 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 I now had time for reflection. I thought of the strange 
 country we were going to, and of the strange faces we 
 would see. My little girl, for a time, seemed to feel as 
 badly as any of us; but, like all children, she soon forgot 
 her trouble in the new scenes around her. 
 
 When the cars stopped for the passengers to take sup- 
 per, we spread our cold lunch on the seat, which served 
 as table, while Mr. F. took cups out, and soon came back 
 with some nice hot coffee. 
 
 This style of eating was somewhat new to me. I must 
 confess I rather liked it. But now my whole life must 
 change. After the remains of the lunch were stowed away, 
 and chatting for some time, we commence making ar- 
 rangements for sleeping. I, for the first time, tried to 
 make beds out of seats in a railroad car. Turning two seats 
 facing each other, spreading blankets and folding shawls 
 for pillows, I pack away my husband and child. 
 
 Rolling myself in a shawl, I soon fell asleep. 
 
 We were all awakened in the middle of the night by my 
 husband laughing loudly. He lay with his heels on one 
 seat, his head was on another while he had a seat on the 
 floor. He was so convulsed with laughter, that it was some- 
 time before he could get strength enough to get up. Af- 
 ter this, we slept very little. 
 
 Nothing of importance occurred until we reached S — . 
 where we left the Atlantic and Great Western Rail Road 
 for the New York and Erie. Now, for the first time, I be- 
 gan to realize what a trouble our bundles and satchels 
 were. Here we all had quite a scare. In my hurry to get 
 everything on the train, I dropped a shawl under the cars ; 
 as I was trying to get it the cars started, and had it not 
 been for a gentleman pulling me out, I should have been 
 crushed to death. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 5 
 
 At last we are safely seated, and are off again. I could 
 not help but laughing, whenever I thought how awkward 
 I must have appeared when the gentleman pulled me out, 
 for I had dropped my hat, and my water-proof cloak was 
 partially off. 
 
 It was half-past four when the train stopped at Jersey 
 City. Messrs. L. and F. left us in the ladies' sitting-room 
 with the baggage, while they went across to New York 
 to purchase the tickets and engage the staterooms, sup- 
 posing we could go aboard the steamship that night, as 
 it was advertised to sail next day. 
 
 At the steamship office they were told that the regu- 
 lar boat on the opposition line had proved, at the last min- 
 ute, not seaworthy. In consequence, another one had to 
 be repaired, and could not sail for several days. 
 
 They, however, purchased the tickets, but could not go 
 on board to get staterooms until next morning, as the ship 
 was anchored out in the East River. 
 
 Mrs. F. and I, waiting for them in Jersey City, thought 
 they would never come ; woman-like, we imagined that 
 all sorts of things had befallen them. 
 
 We did not dare to leave the baggage to go and look 
 for them, so we would each take all we could carry and 
 stand outside waiting. 
 
 I guess, from the way people stared at us, they thought 
 we were trying emigrate to some place, but we did not 
 know exactly where to. 
 
 The men came at last. To our inquiry as to what kept 
 them so long, was, they had been trying to find cheap 
 lodgings. 
 
 When we got to the place, I did not wonder at their 
 staying so long, because it seemed to me as though we 
 had been two hours coming over from Jersey City. 
 
6 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 Everything about the house had the appearance of a 
 third class hotel, even to the landlord and landlady. 
 
 The latter was a little dirty, dried-up old woman, look- 
 ing more like a witch than anything I know of, while the 
 former was a tall, raw-boned, rough fellow, and looked as 
 though he had whiskey enough aboard to commit almost 
 any crime. 
 
 The landlady showed us several rooms, out of which 
 we chose one in the third story, with four beds in it, be- 
 cause we all wanted to be in one room as we did not like 
 the looks of the people that were around. 
 
 After putting our luggage into the room, we descended 
 to the dining-room. The supper that was set before us 
 was filthy in the extreme. 
 
 There was a plate of dried apples for dessert that 
 
 looked as though the flies had roosted on them every 
 
 night for a week, and brought to my mind some poetry I 
 
 once knew: 
 
 The farmer takes his gnarliest fruit, 
 'Tis wormy, bitter, and hard, to boot ; 
 They leave the hulls to make us cough, 
 And don't half take the peelings off. 
 Then on a dirty cord they're strung, 
 And from some chamber-window hung; 
 There they serve a roost for flies, 
 Until they're ready to make the pies. 
 
 I arose from the table, having ate but a few mouthfuls ; 
 went to the room and devoured the remainder of the lunch 
 we had not disposed of. 
 
 The first thing the gentlemen did next morning was to 
 start out and procure new lodgings. They soon returned, 
 saying they had found two nice rooms over a restaurant, 
 where we could eat our meals. In a very short time we 
 took possession of our rooms, and found them pleasant 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 7 
 
 and comfortable. After partaking of a nice breakfast, we 
 went out in a small tug-boat to the "Guiding Star," the 
 steamer we were to sail in. 
 
 Although I had traveled a great deal on steamboats, 
 this is the first time I was ever inside of a steamship. I 
 thought then it was a beautiful ship, and very handsomely 
 furnished; but since then, I have seen others far superior. 
 On board everything was neat and clean. There were but 
 few staterooms in the first cabin that were not taken. Not 
 knowing anything about the motion of the ship then, we 
 engaged one with a single and double berth in the stern 
 end of the vessel. 
 
 After we had made all necessary arrangements, we 
 went ashore and spent several days looking at the sights 
 around the City. On the morning of the 6th of April, bright 
 and early, we were on board the "Guiding Star," watch- 
 ing the passengers as they came aboard. In the afternoon 
 the vessel went as far as the mouth of the river, where it 
 remained all night, the fog being so thick the captain was 
 afraid to venture out to sea until next morning. 
 
 On the 7th I was awakened by the motion of the ship, 
 for she pitched terribly. Dressing myself and little girl, 
 we went into the ladies' cabin to await my husband, as 
 the stateroom was too small for three to dress in at the 
 same time. In a few minutes he came out, looking very 
 much refreshed by his night's rest. We all ascended to 
 the deck. 
 
 I, for the first time, stood on deck of a steamship. The 
 scene looked grand to me. In the distance, the land fad- 
 ing from view, while, in another direction, as far as the 
 eye could see, was spread the broad Atlantic, with its 
 waves rolling, sending up the spray until it glittered in 
 the morning sun. 
 
8 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 I have visited many watering places; on its shores, 
 from some elevated point, watched the rising sun as it 
 sent its rays o'er hill and ocean ; even the pale moon, with 
 its mellow light. I have bathed in its surf, and viewed it 
 from the tall lighthouse; still it never seemed half so 
 grand to me as now. 
 
 I cannot express my feelings with words or pen, for the 
 scene was both beautiful and sad. I was startled from my 
 reverie by hearing a peculiar noise. I saw a gentleman 
 leaning over the railing, looking very much as though he 
 was drunk, and trying to heave up Jonah, or something 
 else. Just then, my little girl staggered up to me, saying, 
 "Oh mamma, I am so sick." I hurried her down stairs to the 
 stateroom as quick as possible, where she made free use of 
 the tin-pans fastened to the side of the berth. Afterward 
 she seemed to feel much better. Bidding her lie still, I went 
 in search of my husband. I found him at the foot of the 
 stairs, trying to hold up one of the beams. When he saw 
 me he said, "I wish they would hurry about breakfast; I 
 think I should feel better if I had a cup of strong coffee." 
 
 The gong soon sounded, and we took our seats at the 
 table. Although it was nine o'clock, there were but few 
 at the table. I suppose some of them were in their berths, 
 trying to play drunk. Mr. L. ordered coffee, but before 
 the waiter returned, he started for the stateroom, walk- 
 ing like a blind horse, stepping very high, as though he 
 thought the floor would come up and strike him in the face. 
 I followed him to the stateroom, where he crawled into the 
 upper berth, as my child was still in the lower one. 
 
 He also made good use of the tin-pan, spattering it all 
 around. I felt sorry for them, but could not help smiling 
 at the scene. Looking up, I saw Mr. F. standing in the 
 open doorway, nearly bursting with laughter. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 9 
 
 Upon inquiring for Mrs. R, he said she was in the same 
 fix, and wanted to see me. I found her very sick, and tried 
 to cheer her, by telling her what she told me, before we 
 started, that sea sickness was good for a person's health, 
 and would probably be beneficial to her; also told her, if 
 there was anything I could do to assist, I would. 
 
 Thanking me, she said she only wanted to see if I was 
 sick. For two days, my husband and child were very sick. 
 On the third, they were a little better, but still could not 
 sit up. Mr. L. being very weak, I was somewhat uneasy 
 about him. 
 
 The stewardess told me they would never get any bet- 
 ter until they went on deck. I started, determined to find 
 some one to help me get them there. 
 
 I found Mr. F. and wife, the latter having ventured on 
 deck for the first time since she was taken sick. In answer 
 to my inquiry as to her health, said she felt much better 
 since she came out and walked around. I told Mr. F. I had 
 come in search of some one to assist me in getting my 
 folks out. 
 
 He said, "Where are his brother Odd-Fellows and Ma- 
 sons, why don't you call on them. You are always bragging 
 about their kindness in sickness." "Yes, and I brag about 
 them still. I shall find some of them, and ask for assis- 
 tance." "All right," he said "I'll watch the proceedings." 
 
 I was now angry and hurt ; I had not expected that from 
 him. I turned to look for some one who wore an emblem. 
 
 For the first time since I had joined the Rebekah Lodge, 
 fifteen years ago, did I need to make myself known. 
 
 At a distance, seated with some companions, was a 
 man, I will not call him a gentleman, with three gold links 
 fixed on his shirt-bosom. I spoke to him, and said, I would 
 like his attention for a few moments. I tried to make my- 
 
10 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 self known to him. He looked at me blankly for a second, 
 then drawled out, "What is it you want old woman." This 
 brought the tears to my eyes, at which one of the others 
 said, "Why the old woman is crazy." 
 
 As I was turning to leave them, a gentlemen touched 
 me on the arm, and said, "Madam, can I assist you in any 
 way?" I told him my situation. He frankly offered his 
 assistance. 
 
 Mr. F. now came forward and offered his services, tell- 
 ing me to stay with his wife, and asking my pardon for 
 his abruptness. Taking several others with them, they 
 went below, and soon returned with my husband and lit- 
 tle girl; by using blankets and shawls, they were made 
 very comfortable. Some kind gentleman ordered lunch 
 for them on deck, of which they partook slightly ; by night 
 they were feeling much better. 
 
 In a few days my child was all right, and enjoyed run- 
 ning around the deck with other children. 
 
 My husband informed me the gentleman who had first 
 offered his services was both a Mason and an Odd Fel- 
 low; he had noticed me trying to make myself known 
 to that ruffian. We now had plenty of friends, who were 
 ready to offer their assistance at all times. 
 
 Off Cape Hatteras we had quite a storm, making nearly 
 everybody sick again. The measles broke out on board. 
 How I pitied the poor women in the steerage, who had 
 so many children, all sick at once; with very few comforts, 
 and lots of filth and dirt. There was one old Jewish lady, 
 who had nine children, that I took quite a fancy to. Al- 
 though she was among such a rough crowd, I know she 
 had seen better days. Several ladies and myself would 
 often go with the doctor to see her, in his rounds in the 
 steerage, and tried to add to her comforts in many ways. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 11 
 
 There was also a lady in the first cabin with five children ; 
 they were all sick about the same time. 
 
 The youngest being very delicate, did not live, but a 
 few days after the body was dressed for its watery grave, 
 the captain ordered it sewed in canvas. 
 
 It was placed on a plank, and held on the guards. 
 
 The passengers gathered round, the steamer stopped 
 for a few seconds, while the chaplain repeated the burial 
 services. The signal given, the body was lowered to its 
 last resting place. 
 
 The scene was sad and mournful. I did not wonder the 
 mother looked almost heart-broken; but I suppose it 
 matters not where we lay our loved ones, whether in the 
 quiet family vault, the restless ocean or the bloody battle- 
 field, or the neat lot in the cemetery, where loved ones 
 could plant flowers, and drop a tear on the marble slab, 
 where their darlings lay. It matters not, for our souls 
 shall meet again. 
 
 It is eleven days this morning since we left New York. 
 There is quite a commotion on board, for the words are 
 going around that we shall land in a few hours. 
 
 Every one is anxious to be the first to see land. Some 
 mischievous chap hallooed, "Land, land! "and then laughed, 
 after all had rushed to where he was standing. 
 
 But midst all this excitement the ship still plowed on 
 for some time, before land was in sight. At first it seemed 
 like a mere speck, but grew larger and larger as we ap- 
 proached it. 
 
 From the deck of the steamer, the country looked low 
 and level. It seemed as though the sea was much higher. 
 The ship cast anchor about four miles from Greytown ; 
 before she had hardly stopped, she was surrounded by na- 
 tives with small boats, to convey the passengers ashore. 
 
12 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 The ladders were lowered. I stood anxiously watching the 
 first boat load off. It was brought close as possible to the 
 ladder, and the ladies would jump and be caught in the 
 arms of the half naked natives, who would stow them 
 away until he got his boat filled. 
 
 Four of them would take the oars and row away, while 
 another would take the vacant place. 
 
 The third one at last pushed off, which contained Mr. F. 
 and wife ; they had insisted upon our accompanying them, 
 but I could not get courage enough to venture just yet. 
 As I watched their boat rise on some high wave, and then 
 disappear for a moment, it seemed to me as though they 
 would never reach land. 
 
 Several gentlemen had promised they would assist us 
 in getting on, and go with us ashore. The fourth one had 
 some trouble in getting passengers, as all were afraid to 
 venture. The gentlemen said we might as well go now as 
 any time so we descended the ladder and were soon in 
 the boat. 
 
 For some time the natives seemed to battle with the 
 waves, but finally cleared the ship and rowed hard for 
 the shore. 
 
 After being sprinkled several times by waves break- 
 ing over us, we reached the bar where they waited for a 
 wave to carry us over. 
 
 In a few minutes we were raised high, and carried into 
 the mouth of the river. I began to breathe more freely, 
 although we were yet quite a distance from land. The boat 
 moved more rapidly, and we were now in very shallow wa- 
 ter. The natives had to push us ashore with setting poles. 
 
 When I once more found myself and family on land, I 
 sent up thanks for our safety so far, to Him who rules over 
 land and sea. I now began to look around me. At some 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 13 
 
 distance I saw Mr. F. and wife coming toward us. When 
 they came up, he said he had engaged lodgings for us in 
 the same hotel with them. 
 
 Arriving there, we found the building a story and a half 
 high, made of rough boards, with two long porches in 
 front, the whole structure covered with a species of cane 
 or palm, to make the rooms cool. 
 
 Everything outside had a free and easy appearance. 
 Hogs running around the door, chickens on the porch, all 
 seeming to be at home. 
 
 The landlord came forward, telling Mr. F. he could find 
 the rooms. We passed up the rough outside stair, crossed 
 the porch and entered a neat, although poorly furnished 
 room, with a single and double bed. Although it was plain, 
 I thought it was Paradise to being on the steamer; even 
 then it seemed as though the house was pitching and rock- 
 ing around. 
 
 We made good use of the soap and water, and dressed 
 ourselves in suitable and comfortable clothing for this hot 
 climate. Afterward we went below in search of the dining- 
 room, in which we found a long rough table, minus a cloth, 
 with long rough seats. 
 
 The fare consisted of roast pork, boiled rice, fried plan- 
 tain and corn bread. They had some kind of wheat bread. 
 I cannot call it any name, for I never saw anything like 
 it before or since, but it answered for dessert with a cup 
 of coffee. 
 
 The landlord was an old Californian, who was very po- 
 lite and obliging, promising to show us around when it 
 became cooler, saying we must not stir around much dur- 
 ing the heat of the day for fear of fever. 
 
 Mr. F. and wife, myself and family, seated ourselves 
 on the porch to watch the natives as they passed. The 
 
14 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 women wore dresses made of different kinds of thin ma- 
 terial, hanging half off of them, showing all of their neck 
 and shoulders, barefooted, while around their head they 
 wore a very highly colored handkerchief, arranged in the 
 same style as the negroes in the Southern States. They 
 also looked free and easy. 
 
 The portion of the town we had a view of lay up the 
 river. The houses were low and small, built of rough ma- 
 terial, all covered with the same stuff as the hotel. 
 
 We all grew tired, and went to our rooms to rest our- 
 selves, where I soon fell asleep. I was awakened by my 
 little girl saying, "They are waiting for you, mamma." I 
 went below and joined the party. We started off, the land- 
 lord acting as guide. First we visited the foreign consuls. 
 They received us very pleasantly. One of them had a beau- 
 tiful cocoa-nut grove. Our guide showed us a great many 
 native trees and shrubs, among them the orange, lemon, 
 pine-apple, mango and plantain. I think the bread-tree the 
 most beautiful of them all. 
 
 Its wide-spreading branches are of the handsomest 
 green I ever saw, with its fruit in abundance. I did not 
 taste it, as it was not ripe, but was told it tasted very 
 much like our wheat bread. 
 
 We next visited the Marine burying-ground, which was 
 some distance in the woods. On the way, we passed a low 
 one story, odd looking building, with no windows. Our 
 guide said it was where the Masonic lodge met. I wan- 
 dered around the building; thought how different it was 
 from the Temple I had visited not quite a year ago in Phila- 
 delphia. The one so very grand and this so lowly. 
 
 But I must follow the party. 
 
 On either side the paths, as they wind through the 
 woods, are lined with wild flowers, and creeping ivy. At 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 15 
 
 last we came to an opening in the woods, there, enclosed 
 with a neat iron fence, lie the remains of many different 
 nationalities ; many of them had handsome tombstones 
 placed there by their fellow seamen. We wandered around 
 the woods for some time; they looked very dark and 
 dismal, for it was now after sunset. It seemed to me as 
 though a gloomier spot could not have been selected for 
 a burying-ground. 
 
 We returned by the way of the river. 
 
 Our guide showed us the hull of an old vessel lying out 
 on the bar, which he said belonged to Walker's filibuster- 
 ing expedition. 
 
 We also saw the large warehouses where freight was 
 stored. In this portion of the town the buildings are very 
 good. There are two fine brick buildings owned by two 
 Englishmen, who have large variety stores. 
 
 We returned to the hotel, and found, seated on the 
 porch enjoying the evening air, many of the passengers. 
 
 The next morning before sunrise finds myself and fam- 
 ily sitting on the river bank, with many others, watch- 
 ing how close the sharks would venture to land when 
 anything was thrown in the water, frightening the chil- 
 dren by catching them, and saying we would throw them 
 to the sharks. 
 
 One thing seemed singular to me, how the half naked 
 natives could swim or wade around in the water and the 
 sharks would not trouble them, when they say it is hardly 
 safe for white men to venture out in small boats. Several 
 hours were quickly spent wandering around the shore, 
 until time to return to the hotel for breakfast, when the 
 landlord saw many of the ladies had on slippers. He told 
 them they must not wear them out doors again, as they 
 might get their feet full of jiggers. 
 
16 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 He gave us a description of what they were. I remember 
 seeing some of the toes of the natives partially eaten off. 
 I asked him if they were the cause of that ; he replied they 
 were— that they sometimes made cripples of them. 
 
 After breakfast we lounged around the rooms and 
 porches, until three o'clock in the afternoon ; we then un- 
 derstood that the Moses Taylor was not expected until 
 night. We knew we would not get away from Greytown for 
 some days, as her passengers had all to be brought down 
 the river before ours could go up. So in company with the 
 landlord as guide, we started out sight seeing again. 
 
 Taking a different direction from the previous evening, 
 we went around by the way of the Lagoon, where we 
 stopped to look at the native women washing clothes. It 
 was a novel way of washing to me. I therefore watched 
 them with much curiosity ; some were beating the clothes 
 over logs, some superintending the boiling, while some 
 were standing in the water rinsing, and others were 
 spreading them on the grass and bushes to dry. 
 
 Leaving them to finish their work, we follow the lagoon 
 for some distance farther on ; the banks of which were 
 very beautiful, covered with green grass, with here and 
 there a large tree, which made it cool and shady. We 
 turned to the left and followed a path that led through a 
 strip of woods towards the river. Close to the bank was 
 a thicket of a species of cane ; here our guide told us to 
 keep a sharp look out, as the place was infested with many 
 poisonous reptiles. For some time we amused ourselves 
 by getting water lilies and wild flowers, some of which 
 were very beautiful, also quite fragrant. 
 
 We returned through the upper part of town. 
 
 Some of the natives had grounds enclosed around their 
 dwellings, in which were planted coffee, indigo and other 
 
18 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 plants and shrubs, they seemed to be well cultivated and 
 with some taste ; but the most of them had no enclosures 
 about their dwelling; around their doors were gathered 
 monkeys, goats, chickens, pigs and generally half a dozen 
 half naked, dirty children, all playing together, and looked 
 as though they might eat and sleep in the same place. 
 
 Sickened with the sight, we returned to the hotel 
 where we found a young man, known among the passen- 
 gers as "Alabama," playing his pranks as usual and talk- 
 ing in his odd and droll way, telling negro stories such as 
 this : "A very zealous colored sister being at a revival 
 meeting, became very happy, and in her enthusiastic way, 
 sprang upon her feet, and shouted very loudly, 'Oh, Lord, 
 I wish I had the wings of a June bug; I'd fly to my Jesus.' 
 Now a less enthusiastic brother, said, 'Hush, you fool; the 
 jay-bird would catch you before you got forty rods'." 
 
 He also told many more laughable ones. The next day 
 was Sunday; we did not go out much. 
 
 Monday morning they commenced to convey the bag- 
 gage and steerage passengers down the coast, to the 
 mouth of the Colorado river. The remaining passengers 
 amused themselves by sitting on the bank, and watching 
 them loading the small steamer until they moved away. 
 We then dispersed to the different hotels, and made ready 
 to go ourselves the next morning. 
 
 By ten o'clock the following day, the first and second 
 cabin passengers were all aboard; bidding goodbye to 
 Greytown ; we passed over the bar, and were once more 
 on the ocean. 
 
 The steamer was a small coaster with no cabin or ac- 
 commodations whatever. There was a heavy sea, and the 
 little steamer seemed to have all she could carry, but still 
 battled with the waves that seemed to threaten her de- 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 19 
 
 struction at any moment: at every surge she seemed to 
 crack, and sound as though she would break to pieces. 
 
 She was named the "Active," and I think it a very ap- 
 propriate one too, for nearly all on board soon became 
 very active, and seemed as though they would throw up 
 even their boots; but I will not jest about it. All the 
 benches were occupied by ladies, lying down, groaning 
 and moaning. 
 
 The strongest man reeled, while others weaker soon 
 became so sick that they lay on the bare floor, in all the 
 filth and dirt— among them was my husband. I was seated 
 on some baggage, watching and tending my little girl, who 
 was so white and limp I was afraid she would die. Two gen- 
 tlemen came and took my husband on deck. I now began 
 to feel sick, but anxiety for my dear ones kept me up. 
 
 Soon those on deck were driven below. The word was 
 given to fasten all the hatches while we crossed the bar, 
 into the mouth of the Colorado river. 
 
 The pilot was lashed to the wheel and even the brave, 
 stout-hearted seamen looked pale, as they went around 
 performing their duties. They said, "We were in great 
 danger of being dashed to pieces." For a moment the 
 steamer seemed to stop, everything was silent except now 
 and then a groan from the sick. She seemed to rise on a 
 wave, a grating sound, as though she struck bottom, then 
 another rise, and she shot like a flash out into the mouth 
 of the river. 
 
 The hatches were raised and all seemed to gain new 
 life. We ran alongside of the river steamer, and were soon 
 on board, where we found the baggage and steerage pas- 
 sengers awaiting us. The two steamers now separated, 
 midst many cheers for the safe return of the little "Ac- 
 tive" and its brave seamen. 
 
20 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Crossing the Isthmus. 
 
 It was three o'clock; we were moving quite rapidly up 
 the river. The boat was a long narrow structure, with a 
 lower and upper deck, open at each side, with low guards. 
 Through the centre were three rows of posts to which 
 berths were attached, five or six feet apart, with cane 
 stretched wide enough for two persons, with one blanket 
 and two pillows. 
 
 The passengers soon began to gather around an open 
 window in the end of the boat where lunch was given out. 
 It consisted of cold boiled ham, bread and butter, canned 
 monkey, or chicken, they said, and nice hot coffee. 
 
 The passengers had plenty of room in their stomachs 
 so they stored away a great quantity of it. I, for one, did 
 not eat any of the fowl, as I did not like the look of the 
 bones; but some said it was delicious. 
 
 During the remainder of the afternoon we watched the 
 shore eagerly to discover any birds or animals, but it was 
 too late in the day, and none made their appearance. 
 
 The banks, on either side, were covered with heavy tim- 
 ber and under-brush, entwined with beautiful vines and 
 flowers. In the setting sun it looked grand but gloomy. 
 
 Soon after dark the confusion began— stealing berths, 
 and many other pranks. We had no light save the moon, 
 and all laid down with our clothing on. I could distinctly 
 hear Alabama's voice about the noise. 
 
 It seems he had stolen an old lady's berth, which she 
 had left for a while. He was saying to her, "Now, please, 
 do go away, and let me sleep; you know I'm awful tired, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 21 
 
 that's a dear, good old soul." He would then make a hid- 
 eous noise, like he was snoring. The lady became tired 
 and disgusted talking, and undertook to pull him out when 
 he cried "Help! Help! This old lady's trying to get in bed 
 with me!" She now let him alone, when some kind gentle- 
 man offered her his berth. All was silent for some time 
 and every one was thought to be asleep, when he yelled 
 out "Say, old lady, are you comfortable? 'kase if you ain't, 
 I'll change with you." 
 
 Next morning when I awakened, the sun was shining 
 brightly. Seats were at a premium. Those that had to 
 stand would look over the side of the steamer very quietly, 
 for some time, then holler, "Alligator! Alligator!" Those 
 occupying seats would, some of them, make a grand rush; 
 but no alligator, nor anything else was to be seen ; upon 
 returning to their seats, would find some mischievous fel- 
 lows in them, laughing heartily at the sport. 
 
 I could sit for hours watching the shore, admiring the 
 scenery. I was perfectly entranced with its beauty, but 
 did not catch a glimpse of either beast or bird. 
 
 About noon we came to the foot of the rapids ; here the 
 steamer was made fast. It was said we were to remain 
 until morning, while the steerage passengers walked 
 around the rapids, and the baggage was conveyed in small 
 boats. It was a wild and picturesque spot. 
 
 During the afternoon, in company with a small party, 
 one acting as guide, who had been over the grounds before, 
 we wandered through the woods for some time, but did not 
 dare to venture far from the boat, for fear of wild beasts 
 or savage natives. I saw many plants and shrubs in which 
 I took great interest. Among them were the rubber and 
 mahogany trees, the ginger root, and other plants. We 
 returned without having seen a bird or monkey. 
 
22 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 Several others, who had been out exploring, had ex- 
 citing stories to tell: what wild animals they had seen, 
 and how near they came being devoured. 
 
 Alabama, who, I think, had not left the boat at all, said, 
 in his queer way, "Why, law, yes, I saw a flying angel wid 
 de long, white robe." 
 
 Some of the passengers passed the time away fishing 
 from the lower deck, with bent pins for fish-hooks. There 
 were fish in abundance ; a bread-crumb thrown into the 
 water would create a perfect tumult. After they were 
 fried by the cook, they tasted splendidly. 
 
 Next morning, at the first peep of day, we were on the 
 move. The river was so low we had to go on foot, around 
 the rapids, while the sick and lame were taken in small 
 boats. It was quite cloudy, and we had not gone far when 
 a drizzling rain set in. We had prepared ourselves with 
 umbrellas to protect us from the sun— now they became 
 quite useful. The road, or path, rather, got very slippery 
 and muddy, but Mr. F. and wife, myself and family got 
 along nicely. We expected to rough it before we left Grey- 
 town. Some of the ladies had on long, trailing dresses and 
 thin shoes, so they suffered the consequences. 
 
 But, for all the disagreeableness, I enjoyed it. One side 
 of the narrow path was skirted with heavy woods, in 
 which there were many birds, making the air resound 
 with their merry notes. Once in awhile the chatter of 
 some unseen monkey would be heard. 
 
 On the other side flowed the river. The path was so nar- 
 row we had to walk Indian fashion, one by one, which 
 made quite a procession. 
 
 The distance was four miles from the steamboat we had 
 just left, to the place where the next one was waiting for 
 us. When we had walked two miles, we came to a low shed, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 23 
 
 where a native had ginger beer, whiskey and other drinks, 
 also ginger-bread, green ginger-root and maple-sugar. 
 
 After resting for a while, and taking a glass of lemon- 
 ade, we trudged on. It cleared off, and the sun came out 
 warm— everything looked bright and cheerful. At length 
 the remaining two miles were passed ; we reached the 
 head of the rapids. There was a short bend in the river; 
 as we were now in sight of the steamboat, our party con- 
 cluded to rest in this beautiful nook for a short time. The 
 small boat containing the sick had not passed us yet, as 
 they had to go very slowly, so there was plenty of time. 
 
 Seating ourselves on old logs and roots of trees, I 
 thought a more beautiful place could not be found. It was 
 so wild and everything grew with such luxuriance. I do 
 not think there can be any richer soil in the world. 
 
 The little boat was seen, after the lapse of a couple of 
 hours, coming slowly up the river. Some of the natives 
 were trying to row, while others were out in the water 
 pushing with poles. 
 
 They soon passed us and ran alongside of the steam- 
 boat; the sick, lame and balance of the baggage were con- 
 veyed on board ; we walked slowly up the river bank, until 
 we came opposite the boat, where we passed down the 
 gang-plank, and were soon on board. 
 
 As the little nook faded from our view it looked more 
 beautiful than ever. While our boat steamed gallantly up 
 the river, I watched both shores in hopes of getting sight 
 of an alligator, and often imagined I saw one, but as the 
 boat would approach near enough to get a good look, it 
 would prove to be an old log, or piece of drift wood, lodged 
 against the bank. 
 
 But after a good deal of watching and any amount of 
 patience, almost exhausted, a regular, genuine live alii- 
 
24 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 gator, was discovered lying on a low gravelly bank, out 
 some distance from the water, enjoying himself in a sound 
 sleep in the bright sun. When the boat came near enough 
 to wake him up, he leisurely betook himself to the water 
 in a kind of half walk and half crawl manner, he seemed 
 to be very awkward on dry land, however spry he may 
 be in the water. 
 
 As a thing of beauty he is not a success, in my estima- 
 tion, and looked but little different from the imaginary 
 ones I had seen previous to this in the shape of old logs, &c. 
 
 The river along here was shallow and narrow, on ac- 
 count of the very low stage of water, and so very crooked 
 and meandering in its course, that, as small as our boat 
 was, it was almost impossible for it to follow the channel ; 
 in some places, often the pilot would run the bow of the 
 boat so close to the bank in these sharp turns, that the 
 captain would have to keep a gang of native boatmen on 
 the bow with setting poles to push her away ; at times 
 even this method would fail and she would strike the bank 
 and stick there. 
 
 The only remedy left, would be for this gang of men 
 to plunge into the water, which was generally about waist 
 deep, and with a tow line, pull her bow around from the 
 bank by main force. These difficulties, of course, made our 
 progress very slow, but slow as it was it did not become 
 irksome, for the climate was delightful, and the scenery 
 was wild and beautiful enough to suit the most romantic 
 maid of sixteen, or the greatest lover of nature in all her 
 natural beauties. 
 
 The land on each side was covered with almost every 
 variety of timber known to that country. 
 
 Underneath the trees were a great variety of plants, 
 shrubs, and vines, some of which had climbed almost to 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 25 
 
 the tops of the tallest trees, and were in full bloom, giving 
 the forest on either side a most delightful appearance, but 
 looked to me almost impenetrable to man or beast. 
 
 As I looked at this beautiful and rich country, lying idle 
 and in a wilderness, I thought if it was under the protect- 
 ing arm of the United States, how soon Yankee industry 
 and skill would make it the garden spot of the New World ; 
 but so long as it remains under the control of the indolent 
 natives, it will be just as it is, a half-civilized wilderness. 
 
 This boat was one grade smaller than the former one, 
 with fare and lodging; about the same sleeping on bare 
 canvas, without any bed-clothes; but as the nights were 
 very warm and pleasant, we did not feel like complain- 
 ing ; the food was passed out of the store-room through 
 a small window. Your cup of coffee, and a tin plate of cold 
 boiled ham and canned meat, with a piece of bread, must 
 be received in your hands, and eaten the best way you 
 could, standing or walking around the deck, as there were 
 no tables. 
 
 We only passed one afternoon and one night on this 
 boat; the next day, about ten o'clock, came in sight of a 
 small town, called Castillo; here we had to land again, at 
 the foot of the rapids, and walk around, this time about 
 one mile. 
 
 In going around the rapids, we passed through this lit- 
 tle, dirty, filthy town, of a few low huts, covered with cane, 
 all on one street, almost every house a trading shop of 
 some kind ; most of them, however, were drinking shops. 
 
 Just above the town, at the head of the rapids, was a 
 fort, manned by a few native soldiers. I had a good op- 
 portunity to see a part of them, as a few of the passen- 
 gers, getting some lightning whiskey at the numerous 
 shops in town, became noisy, and it was said, abused some 
 
26 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 of the native dignitaries ; whereupon they sent to the com- 
 mandant of the fort for a squad of soldiers to quell the 
 disturbance. He sent down about a dozen men, under the 
 command of a commissioned officer, who marched them 
 down through the one street of the town, with more pomp 
 and display than ever Napoleon did his victorious army 
 after a successful engagement. Some had old rusty mus- 
 kets, and some only swords in about the same condition; 
 they were all bare-footed, most of them bare-headed, with 
 but a substitute for a military uniform. 
 
 The officer threatened to arrest nearly the whole 
 boat load of passengers, but after a while, marched his 
 brave troops back to their quarters, without making a 
 single arrest. 
 
 We were then allowed to embark on board of another 
 steamboat, lying above the rapids, waiting for us. We 
 were soon on board, and got away from this great mili- 
 tary city, without further adventure. We were told this 
 was the place where General Walker's filibustering ex- 
 pedition finally came to grief; which, I presume, was 
 correct, as the hull of an old ship lay down the river, be- 
 low the town, said to have been sunk by the fortifica- 
 tions at this place, and drifted down, and lodged, had 
 formed quite a little island by earth and driftwood lodg- 
 ing against it. 
 
 This third boat was still smaller than the last, and the 
 accommodations still poorer, or rather none at all, as there 
 were not even canvass bunks, or no provisions on board ; 
 the boat looked to me as though it was rotten enough to 
 fall to pieces by the motion of the engine ; which would 
 move back and forth every stroke as though it lay loose 
 on the deck; however, we were not destined to remain 
 long on this frail craft. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 27 
 
 About nine o'clock we came in sight of the light on 
 board of the lake steamer, and were soon along side ready 
 to be transferred. It was very dark and foggy ; the lan- 
 terns flickered so it was almost impossible to see. We 
 were hurried on deck like so many cattle, and driven into 
 a narrow hall in which there was no light except the lan- 
 tern which our guide carried ; the flickering light made 
 the place look very dismal and uninviting. That night I 
 never shall forget— even now as I pen these lines I shud- 
 der at the thought, how we groped our way up the side 
 of the steamer, along the dark passage way, while, in some 
 distant portion of the steamer, could be heard the wild 
 screams of a maniac. 
 
 As we were driven farther along, the screams grew 
 louder and louder, until I imagined I could feel her long 
 bony fingers clutching me. In the stem of the steamer I 
 saw a pale stream of light shining through the blinds of 
 her state-room. I was pushed by the crowd against the 
 door, which made her scream louder than ever, while I 
 stood trembling with fear, thinking she might spring out 
 upon me. Some ladies were protesting against being 
 driven any farther, when the Captain who was standing 
 in the bow of the boat holding the lantern over his head, 
 giving orders, said they need not be afraid as the lady was 
 closely guarded and could not hurt any one. 
 
 It seemed a lifetime to me until the word was given 
 that we could go to our state-rooms. Provision was made 
 for the sick, first the ladies and children, next I, my lit- 
 tle girl, and my friend Mrs. F. took possession of one. We 
 found it very small, with two bunks, the lower one almost 
 on the floor. 
 
 With a blanket, shawls and satchels for pillows, we soon 
 retired for the balance of the night. 
 
28 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 It was some time, however, before I could get to sleep, 
 for I could still hear the screams of that poor maniac, and 
 while I lay there thinking what could have caused her in- 
 sanity I fell asleep. 
 
 It was quite late the next morning when I awoke, it did 
 not take long to complete our toilet, for our room was mi- 
 nus water, soap or mirror. I combed my hair as best I 
 could and left the room. 
 
 When I stepped outside, I noticed the hall between the 
 state-rooms was long and quite narrow, without an arti- 
 cle of furniture or a piece of carpet, and was very filthy 
 and dirty. 
 
 I passed to the left through a narrow door, which led to 
 the bow of the boat, when I found myself on what seemed 
 to be a kind of promenade deck, something after the style 
 of the river steamboats in the East, except this one was 
 covered overhead. 
 
 Through the centre was a long, rough, narrow table, on 
 one side of which was a bench of the same make and mate- 
 rial ; on it were seated a number of rough-looking native 
 passengers, gambling, all more or less intoxicated. 
 
 As I leaned over the guards, looking into the water, I 
 could hear the voice of the captain giving orders to the 
 sailors— swearing an oath for almost every word he said. 
 I thought the whole place fearfully low and wicked; but 
 our passengers soon began to gather around on the bow 
 of the steamer. 
 
 I overheard a native, who could speak good English, 
 tell one of our passengers they were taking the insane 
 lady from Castillo to Virgin Bay ; that she had been forced 
 to marry contrary to her wishes, and became insane. 
 
 We now came quite close to a large mountain, rising 
 out of the lake, very rough and rugged in its appearance, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 29 
 
 with a cone-shaped top, in which seemed to be a cavity. 
 Around the edge were dark craggy-looking points. We 
 were told it was an extinct volcano. 
 
 While all were looking closely at it; I heard some one 
 scream ; upon turning around, saw a young lady, who went 
 by the name of Miss S., had fainted and fallen into the 
 arms of a nice-looking gentleman. He said he was sin- 
 gle. Whether he was or not it is as Lord Dundreary says, 
 "That's something no fellow can find out." She did not 
 frighten me much, for I had seen the performance too of- 
 ten while we were on board of the Guiding Star. But I 
 could not blame her very much, as she was getting along 
 pretty well in years, and, I should judge, from her actions, 
 she would like to find some man who would marry her. 
 She came to finally, and the excitement subsided. 
 
 The mountain was passed, and we concluded to have 
 some breakfast; of this every one could partake freely, 
 providing he found his own grub. Ours consisted of hard 
 sea biscuits, native fruit, and river water, with lime juice 
 in it for drink. 
 
 I bit very carefully on the hard biscuits, for fear I might 
 break my false teeth— I did not wish to have another com- 
 motion on board, for if they were broken, there would be 
 a wedding, for my nose and chin would meet. 
 
 The steamer now began to round in toward the shore. 
 It was ten o'clock ; she was some time in making the land- 
 ing, for the passengers would rush to the bow of the boat, 
 which would make her stick fast, before she could reach 
 the rough pier, and would have to back out and take a new 
 start. But after many trials, and a great deal of swear- 
 ing, the captain succeeded in making a landing, and we 
 were soon marched off on to the pier. We started for the 
 town, which was a few hundred yards away, and when we 
 
30 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 arrived at Virgin Bay we stopped to take dinner. Here, 
 and there, scattered through the town, were sheds made 
 of brush, under which were rough tables. You could have 
 your choice of them, but, to me, they all looked alike. I 
 was too hungry to look round much, so my family and I 
 were soon seated, devouring chicken, rice, boiled eggs, 
 and hot coffee. I would have to stop, once in a while, to 
 pick the largest pieces of dirt out of the bread, as I did not 
 wish to choke. I told Mr. F. I did not want to be denied the 
 pleasure of going out to the "Moses Taylor" in the little 
 boats he had talked about. He had pictured them to me as 
 more dangerous than anything we had yet encountered. 
 
 After dinner, we looked around the town for a little 
 while, and met many natives with parrots and monkeys 
 for sale. My husband bought one of the former for our 
 little daughter. 
 
 The conveyance from Virgin Bay to San Juan del Sur 
 consisted of old ambulance wagons, drawn by horses and 
 mules. You could have your choice, to go on horseback, 
 but the horse turned out to be a mule, or in a wagon. 
 Many gentlemen chose the former. 
 
 Our party engaged an ambulance and paid the driver 
 extra, for not to crowd it in. We had not gone more than 
 three miles, when we would come upon some broken- 
 down team, or see some mule trying very hard to get rid 
 of its rider. Still farther on we saw some mules who had 
 succeeded, making for home to be hired out again, and 
 the poor, unfortunate fellows would have to walk it out, 
 unless they were taken in by some teams. 
 
 The road that led down the mountain was very good; 
 the scenery fine; so fine, indeed, I was sorry when we 
 reached the foot and began to move slowly up the beach, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 31 
 
 where the few houses and sheds seemed alive with our 
 passengers. 
 
 At a short distance from shore lay the Moses Taylor, 
 like a mountain rising from the ocean. 
 
 After alighting from the ambulance we went into the 
 sheds. There were many native women, with very hand- 
 some shells, bead-work and corals for sale. 
 
 Mr. F. said I had better hide Polly, as they do not al- 
 low them on board, which I did by emptying the contents 
 of a basket into a shawl and making a bundle of them. 
 
 I put poor Polly into the basket and tied a shawl over 
 it. She would let people know we had her, by once in a 
 while giving a loud squeak, or bobbing her head against 
 the shawl. 
 
 Preparations were soon made to take us on board; 
 which was done by ropes made fast to the shore, and 
 ship, also attached to a barge; we were drawn alongside 
 of the steamer. 
 
 Just a little while before reaching it, the wind took my 
 hat off, which in turn took my net with it, thus leaving 
 my hair flying. We were too near the foot of the ladder 
 for me to think of my appearance. 
 
 Nearly all had ascended ; I stood in one end of the barge 
 with the bundle on my arm, the basket containing the par- 
 rot in one hand, my hat in the other ; and my hair stream- 
 ing in the wind, fearing to step from the barge to the 
 ladder, encumbered as I was ; some kind gentleman as- 
 sisted me. Once aboard I found Mr. F. and wife, my hus- 
 band and little girl all laughing heartily at me saying, 
 "You look as though you were crazy." 
 
 I was angry with them, and stepped into the ladies 
 cabin just as I was. The stewardess came along, and said, 
 
32 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 "Madam, you had better go below; you do not belong in 
 here." I told her I knew where I belonged and took a seat. 
 She looked at me with her piercing gray eyes as if she too 
 thought I was crazy. I felt myself as though I might be. 
 
 Mr. F. secured our state-rooms. When once in the room 
 I made a change in my appearance. We went on deck and 
 amused ourselves watching the rest of the passengers get 
 aboard, until dark. 
 
 I found the Moses Taylor not so fine a steamship as the 
 Guiding Star. The accommodations were very few; al- 
 though the captain and crew seemed to do all that lay in 
 their power to make us comfortable. 
 
 When I went into the state-room, I found Polly fast 
 asleep upon the perch I had made for her, which consisted 
 of a case-knife, with the blade stuck in a crack in the side 
 of the steamer, close to the ceiling. On this she made her 
 voyage from San Juan del Sur to San Francisco, except 
 for a little while, three times a day, when she was lifted 
 down to take her meals of coffee and cracker. 
 
 I soon retired for the night, and fell asleep. Very early 
 next morning, found my husband, little girl and myself 
 on deck, anxious to see the sun rise. Here we found many 
 ladies and gentlemen already seated around the guards, 
 enjoying the delightful morning air; among them Ala- 
 bama. He looked pale ; and upon my inquiry, told me he 
 was quite sick, and would like very much to be with his 
 mother this morning. I asked if there was anything / could 
 do for him. "Not anything, I thank you," he said. 
 
 I crossed over to the opposite side, where Mrs. F. was 
 sitting ; after bidding her good morning, and enquiring 
 after her health, I turned my gaze toward sunrise ; for it 
 now began to show its rays on the sky. The scene soon 
 was very grand. 
 
34 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 Far out on the peaceful Pacific was first seen a small, 
 bright ray, which gradually grew brighter and brighter, 
 until it became so brilliant you could not look upon it with 
 the naked eye, while close to the sides of the steamer the 
 sprays would glitter in the sun. 
 
 I was startled from my reverie by some one pushing 
 me so severely that I nearly lost my balance. On looking 
 around, there stood Alabama, with his arms stretched 
 out as though he was ready to catch me, and tried to look 
 frightened; and drawled out, "Why, I guess you were 
 asleep, or at least you were nodding, and came mighty 
 near falling overboard. You frightened me terribly." 
 
 I told him I would thank him to keep his hands to him- 
 self. He said, "Well, I'll declare, that is the way you thank 
 me, is it, for trying to save your life?" 
 
 The gong sounded, and we all went below to breakfast. 
 Our seats had not been assigned to us yet, so we each took 
 one, where we could find a vacancy. The fare was not as 
 good as on the Guiding Star; still it did very well, and 
 there was plenty of it. 
 
 During the day, my husband introduced me to the Cap- 
 tain, who by the way, is now chief wharfinger in San Fran- 
 cisco. He also introduced me to the first mate. I found 
 them very pleasant gentlemen, but different in disposi- 
 tions ; the Captain firm, sedate, with but little to say yet 
 very kind and agreeable ; while the other was jolly, full 
 of fun, and always ready to play some prank. 
 
 In the evening nearly all were collected on deck ; some 
 amused themselves by dancing to the music played by an 
 Italian, on a harp; others promenading, while I stood 
 apart, watching the moon shedding her light over the 
 smooth waters. The dancing ceased, and the Italian played 
 a low mournful air ; I think it sounded more beautiful than 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 35 
 
 anything I ever heard. It is true that music sounds the 
 sweetest when on the rippling sea. It was very late be- 
 fore we retired that night, for it was so warm and pleas- 
 ant on deck that many preferred it to the close, sultry 
 state-rooms. 
 
 Several days passed without much change. The same 
 monotonous life of a sea voyage. A great deal of the time 
 when land was in sight, the Captain would explain points 
 of note. 
 
 Longing for a change of some kind, I went with my hus- 
 band, Mr. F. and wife below, to look around with the sec- 
 ond mate for a guide ; he took us down by the way of the 
 cattle-pens and poultry coops. 
 
 The cattle were slaughtered every day to supply the 
 tables of the steamer with fresh beef. They looked as 
 though they had been fed on barrel hoops and moonshine. 
 I thought it was a mercy to those that were killed first. 
 
 We then went through the engine room, and looked at 
 the working of the powerful engine that propelled the 
 steamer, and wondered at the immense amount of coal 
 consumed by it while performing its work. 
 
 We returned on deck again, by the way of the steer- 
 age passengers' dining room. Their tables were composed 
 of rough boards, hanging by iron rods, or hooks, attached 
 to the ceiling; the passengers were just taking their din- 
 ner, and looked more filthy and dirty than the stock we 
 had left. 
 
 The tables were furnished with tin plates, tin cups, iron 
 spoons, knives and forks. The grub was served in a num- 
 ber of large tin pans, sitting along in the centre of the ta- 
 bles; it consisted of fat pork and beans, also bean soup. 
 They drank a very poor quality of water, but seemed to 
 relish their meal as well as if it was the best the ship could 
 
36 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 afford, served up on chinaware and a spotless table-cloth. 
 
 After our return on deck, my friend, Mrs. F. and my- 
 self went to the first mate's quarters to try and get a drink 
 of good water ; we found him pleasant and agreeable ; he 
 gave us a drink of condensed sea water ; which we found 
 quite an improvement on the supply of fresh water on 
 board. He said he used it altogether for his own use, as 
 he preferred it to any other he could get. 
 
 While talking, the surgeon passed ; he gave us an in- 
 troduction, and we learned that Alabama was quite sick ; 
 he took us to see him ; we found his stateroom very close 
 and uninviting. We took the doctor's orders concerning 
 the medicine, and said we would act as nurse until he was 
 able to be around again. Although he was such a wild 
 harum-scarum fellow I had taken quite an interest in his 
 welfare. I learned that his parents were wealthy South- 
 ern people ; he was well educated, but had run away from 
 home for some reason or other. 
 
 Next day, Mrs. F. and I, in company with the doctor, 
 paid a visit to our Jewish lady-friend in the steerage. We 
 found this apartment smaller and dirtier than on the 
 Guiding Star. She was in one corner, as far from the rest 
 as was possible for her to be, with the children gathered 
 around her: the youngest was very sick; the doctor had 
 given up all hopes of its living ; but it was still alive when 
 we arrived in San Francisco. 
 
 An Irish lady, some eighty years old, started in company 
 with her daughter, for California, as steerage passengers. 
 She, being old and feeble, fell overboard in re-embarking 
 at Greytown. What little baggage she possessed could not 
 be had just then; consequently had to remain in her wet 
 clothes, which brought on sickness. She lived to get on 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 37 
 
 board the Moses Taylor; but died some seven or eight 
 days after we left San Juan del Sur. 
 
 When I went around among the steerage passengers, 
 and saw the fare and accommodations they had, I did not 
 wonder a lady of her age should die for want of care, after 
 the exposure she had passed through. She was coming to 
 make her home with her son, living somewhere in Cali- 
 fornia, but was committed to the deep as a last resting- 
 place, in the usual form of a burial at sea. 
 
 Our passengers had, by this time, been together long 
 enough to throw off all restraint and act in their natural 
 dispositions, and many flirtations were going on, even 
 among the married ladies. There was a gentleman of fifty 
 married to a girl of sixteen : he was quite fine looking ; 
 the report on board was, she had, as a great many oth- 
 ers have done, married him for his money, and did not act 
 as though she cared much for him ; she seemed to delight 
 in tormenting him in every way she could ; would steal 
 away to have a chat with some nice young fop. 
 
 Whenever we would see the old gentleman coming 
 around peering into every corner, and looking so nervous, 
 we would know Anna had escaped. If you would see him 
 sitting with his eyes fixed on the floor, looking like some 
 melancholy lunatic, you might know he could not find his 
 darling Anna, as he called her. 
 
 On one occasion she came on deck hanging on a man's 
 arm, promenaded past her husband, as though she did not 
 see him, went forward to the bow of the boat, turned and 
 came back until she stood opposite, then sprung toward 
 him. She said, "Why, Pa, what is the matter? You look as 
 though you would jump overboard"; at same time looking 
 up at the young man and winking ; still I do not think she 
 
38 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 meant any harm, for I often overheard them talking, when 
 he would be lecturing her severely ; her replies were al- 
 ways something after this fashion: "Oh nonsense, I am 
 going to to have a good time while I can, what's the use 
 of being so pokey," and away she would go, humming some 
 lively tune, such as "I am the girl that's gay and happy," 
 &c. There were many other married ladies who were 
 older and more experienced, that got into trouble; for 
 them I had no sympathy. Altogether, we had a nice re- 
 spectable crowd. 
 
 I often would amuse myself for hours watching the 
 Mexican shore, and thought it looked very much like some 
 great fire had passed over it all. I was told herds of cat- 
 tle would keep fat among the hills and mountains, but / 
 could not see how even a mountain goat could subsist, 
 they looked so barren. 
 
 In some places were small canons, where vegetation 
 seemed to grow. Here and there the captain would point 
 out some trail or road winding around the mountains. 
 
 One day he showed us, at some little distance, smoke, 
 which he said was issuing from a volcano. In the evening 
 as we drew nearer to it, a red light could be seen. We 
 did not stop at Acapulco. But at Manzanillo the steamer 
 rounded to. She was soon surrounded by natives with 
 small boats, containing different varieties of tropical fruit 
 for sale. It was amusing to watch the various modes they 
 had of conveying the fruit on board. 
 
 Some had long ropes they would fling to the passen- 
 gers, attached to some kind of a basket, and they would 
 draw them on board. Other natives would throw oranges, 
 limes, &c, on deck and seemed to be much pleased, by 
 the broad grin on their faces, at our trying to catch them. 
 Many pranks were played by some of our jolly chaps. Ala- 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 39 
 
 bama who had by this time got all right and at his tricks 
 as usual, was standing on the lower deck with some gen- 
 tleman's cane, and as the passengers on the upper deck 
 were pulling up a basket of fruit, he would draw it to him 
 with the hook end of the cane, and take the fruit out, 
 which made the natives angry. 
 
 At this place a Spaniard got on board, bound for San 
 Francisco. It was said he had a large quantity of coffee 
 with him for the market. A short time was passed at Man- 
 zanillo, which broke the monotony of the trip, the little 
 boats pulled away toward the shore, and the steamer 
 made preparations to leave. I watched the little boats and 
 their dusky owners with great interest. In their dark, 
 swarthy faces could plainly be seen a miniature of the 
 African and Indian races. In their mouth and nose they 
 resemble the African, and in their straight black hair, 
 and snake-like eyes the Indian. 
 
 They wore loose shirts or blouses, pants fastened around 
 the waist, with a red sash or broad belts, in which they 
 carried long dirk-knives ; all bare-footed and some bare- 
 headed. They looked to me very savage and uncivilized. 
 
 My attention was drawn by my husband to a long train 
 of pack mules, leaving the town and winding their way 
 up the mountains. The scenery around this place was 
 quite beautiful. The town itself was very small, the houses 
 seemed to be built like those described heretofore at 
 Greytown. 
 
 In crossing the Gulf of California, it was very rough. 
 I suffered with fear more than at any other time during 
 the voyage. 
 
 The Moses Taylor rolled fearfully. A lady told me it was 
 called the rolling Moses. I think she well deserved the 
 name. Some of the passengers preferred the rolling of the 
 
40 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 steamer to the terrible pitching of the Guiding Star, but 
 I liked it on the other side much better; by sitting in the 
 centre of it, you could scarcely feel the motion, while on 
 this one you could feel it no matter where you went. 
 
 It was very cold and foggy. The waves rolled high. I 
 would stand and watch them as they arose, then fell with a 
 dull roaring sound, sprinkling the guards with their spray. 
 
 It was a wild grand scene. It seemed to hold me spell- 
 bound, while at the same time a great fear took possession 
 of me. I hope I never may, as long as I live, experience the 
 same feelings I had in crossing the Gulf of California. 
 
 The first point of land we saw was Cape San Lucas. It 
 was very cold, and no one could venture on deck, with- 
 out being well protected. 
 
 I left the guards, and went on the upper deck. Here I 
 found Miss S., in company with an Englishman. The for- 
 mer clad in a long water-proof cloak, with the hood drawn 
 over her head; looking pale, as though she had just come 
 out of a fainting fit. I took a seat near them. 
 
 He was telling about his large ranch in California; his 
 'orses, carriages and servants; he said when she arrived 
 there she could 'ave a fine 'orse, and as 'andsome a rid- 
 ing 'abit as could be found in the city. I think she believed 
 every word he said, from the way she looked and acted. I 
 guess Miss S. never enjoyed her ranch life, as I heard he 
 was a bar-keeper in a low saloon, and hadn't a cent in the 
 world. Some time after his arrival here he cut his throat. 
 
 Every day passed pretty much the same as its prede- 
 cessor ; once in a while some one would halloo, "A whale, 
 a whale!" I would often run and look in the direction it 
 was pointed out, but can say I never saw one. Sometimes 
 I would see the water spirt up, and would be told it was 
 a whale blowing; but I think they were only blowing. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 41 
 
 I often caught sight of other different kinds of fish, and 
 saw any amount of sea-gulls. They sometimes followed the 
 steamer in large flocks. It was quite amusing to throw 
 something into the water and see them all dive after it. 
 Often some of the passengers would fire a pistol or a 
 shot-gun among them, and if any were killed or wounded, 
 the remainder would chirp and hover o'er them, as though 
 mourning their loss. 
 
 On the evening of the 7th of May, at the supper-table, 
 the news went around that this was our last meal on board 
 the steamer. This was pleasant news to me, although I 
 dreaded to pass through the Golden Gate. I had heard the 
 first mate tell some of the passengers we would have a 
 rough time of it, he expected. I inquired if it would be as 
 rough as crossing the Gulf. He said, "Yes, much worse, 
 for here we have to cross the bar." 
 
 I went to my state-room in great excitement, and 
 thought of the little Active on the bar, in the Colorado 
 River, and my fear in crossing the Gulf of California. In 
 this way I passed the evening; then I lay down with my 
 clothes on ; after much worrying fell asleep, and awakened 
 about daylight. I found my husband up ; he said he was 
 going on deck to see them pass through the Golden Gate. 
 I went with him. 
 
 When I got there and saw how near we were to the en- 
 trance, I rushed back to my state-room with my little girl, 
 crawled into a berth, and made her follow my example. 
 I lay there trembling, thinking every minute the steamer 
 would be dashed to pieces, turned bottom side up, or 
 something else, I scarcely knew what; still she moved 
 along, if anything, smoother than ever. In a short time, 
 Mrs. F. came in, saying, "What on earth are you doing 
 here? Why ain't you out sightseeing?" I told her she had 
 
42 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 better come and lie down, because we would cross the bar 
 soon. When she laughed loudly, saying "Why, we have al- 
 ready passed over it. You must get up and make prepa- 
 rations to go ashore." 
 
 I soon turned out, and thought what a fool I had made 
 of myself; I went outside to look, as I could hardly believe 
 her, and found we were opposite the Barracks. 
 
 The steamer seemed to be standing very still. I no- 
 ticed several United States officers on board, who, in 
 company with the Captain, visited every portion of the 
 vessel ; some said they would not let us land, as the mea- 
 sles were yet on board. I began to get Polly ready to go 
 on shore; taking her from her perch. I once again put 
 her in the basket, tied her up, and set the basket down 
 to wait their decision. 
 
 The steamer began to move once more. All on board 
 was bustle and confusion. I and my family were busy in 
 getting ready to land, our wide-brimmed Panama hats 
 were laid aside for smaller and more suitable ones ; not 
 wishing to discard them altogether, I rolled them up, so 
 as to carry them conveniently. At last the word was given 
 to go ashore ; although we had a nice time and pleasant 
 weather, I cannot say I am partial toward the water. 
 
 In hurrying to land I had forgotten all about the hats 
 I had tied up; looking around to see if I had dropped them, 
 I saw Alabama with them on a long stick, whirling them 
 around, and singing to the tune of Susannah, the words 
 "0 ! California, you're the place for me, I'm now in Cali- 
 fornia with the hat-rack on my knee," &c. but I did not 
 stop to listen ; taking my little girl by the hand I pushed 
 my way through the crowd. We reached the American 
 Exchange coach where my husband and some of my fellow 
 passengers were waiting. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 43 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 San Francisco. 
 
 Being seated, we were driven to the hotel. As we 
 passed up and down the streets, we looked around in 
 hopes of getting some idea what kind of a place it was ; 
 and I must say I was somewhat disappointed with the 
 view it presented, especially in the lower part of the city, 
 but it gradually improved as we drew near the hotel. 
 
 The American Exchange is too well known on this coast 
 to need any comments from me, but I can say, the few days 
 I remained there, the table was supplied with the best the 
 market afforded. The rooms were comfortable, and every- 
 thing seemed to be done with care and neatness. 
 
 The next morning Mr. F. showed us around the city. We 
 visited many places, among them the California market. 
 
 I have been in different markets, in several large 
 cities, such as New Orleans, Mobile, St. Louis, Louisville, 
 Cincinnati and others ; none could compare with this for 
 varieties, order and neatness, with the exception of one 
 at Philadelphia; but I suppose I should not compare it 
 with San Francisco, one a grand old city of many years, 
 the other, in comparison, but a city of a day. 
 
 We next visited Woodward's Gardens ; here I was much 
 surprised to see such a large and fine collection of stuffed 
 birds. We passed through all the buildings and around 
 the grounds. I have seen many private and public cabi- 
 nets, which contained choice selections from every por- 
 tion of the globe, many museums, horticultural grounds 
 and hot-houses; also, art galleries; I have stood in won- 
 der at the beauties man could bring forth with pencil, 
 
44 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 brush and talent, still in this young city I find owned by 
 Mr. Woodward as fine a variety for the amusement of the 
 public as I have ever seen. 
 
 I left the Gardens murmuring many praises for his 
 taste and energy. 
 
 The next morning, Mr. F. said he had made up his mind 
 to settle in San Jose, and invited us to go and stop with 
 them until we could look around, and make up our minds 
 what we would do. 
 
 I gladly accepted the invitation, for I was now so home- 
 sick I could not bear the thought of being separated from 
 my friend Mrs. F. 
 
 Four o'clock found us on our way to San Jose. After 
 we had passed several stations, I began to think, from 
 the looks of the country through which the cars passed, 
 Santa Clara County might well be called the Garden Spot 
 of California. 
 
 We arrived at San Jose just before dark, and stopped 
 at a small hotel on First Street, called the Morgan House, 
 where we were shown to neat and tidy rooms. After sup- 
 per we collected in the parlor, where Mr. W, the landlord, 
 and his wife, whom, by the way, we found very pleasant 
 people, related to us their trip to California, the first 
 house they lived in, and their many trials in getting 
 started in business. Bidding them good evening, we went 
 to our rooms, where we planned for the morrow. Mrs. F. 
 and I concluded to rent a house together. 
 
 In the morning it was foggy and cold. After breakfast 
 Mr. F. and my husband went to Mr. C.'s real estate office, 
 and soon returned with the keys to several houses. We 
 went around to see them, and finally rented one on Third 
 Street. The balance of the day was spent in buying a few 
 things necessary for housekeeping. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 45 
 
 I did not wish to buy very much furniture, until we 
 knew where we would settle. 
 
 Being worn out, we retired early ; but very little sleep 
 did we get that night, for the fleas nearly carried us away. 
 I lay and thought of all the stories I had read concerning 
 bedbugs and fleas ; one of them was about a teamster, who 
 stopped over night at a country hotel ; finding he could not 
 sleep in the bed for the bed-bugs, he thought he would 
 fix them : going out to his wagon, he got his blankets and 
 a pail of tar; returning to the room, he spread the blan- 
 kets on the floor, and made a ring of tar around them ; he 
 then laid down, thinking he would have a good sleep. 
 
 "But, by Jove," he said "if they did not crawl up the 
 wall and along the ceiling until they got right over me 
 and then fell." 
 
 I am afraid if I had the tar, and tried his experiment, 
 those San Jose fleas would have jumped over it, they 
 were so large and strong. 
 
 After passing a sleepless night, and eating a hasty 
 breakfast, my husband started out in search of employ- 
 ment. He tried for several days, but each day would return 
 home tired and pale, having found nothing his strength 
 would permit him to do. This combined to make me still 
 more homesick, and almost wish I had never come to Cali- 
 fornia. It was Sunday morning; I and my family started 
 out in search of the Methodist Episcopal church. Upon my 
 husband inquiring for it, we were shown where it stood. 
 
 As I passed its threshold, a great change came over 
 me. I was now in the house of God, in a strange land, and 
 among strange people. A few moments after we were 
 seated, the pastor in charge arose and commenced deliver- 
 ing his morning services. 
 
 I could now refer to the text, repeat much of his ser- 
 
46 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 mon and many words in his prayer, but I am not writing 
 a religious work, and do not wish to mingle the sublime 
 with the ridiculous. 
 
 I here remark, the sermon was excellent. After church 
 was over the minister came forward and introduced him- 
 self. It was the Rev. Mr. Dunn. Many of the members also 
 came forward and seemed to give us a hearty welcome. In 
 the afternoon we attended the Sunday-School; found it 
 well conducted under the superintendence of Mr. Clayton. 
 
 During the following week, my husband went to San 
 Francisco to see if he could get a position at either of the 
 railroad offices. He called on H. M. N., who promised to 
 see the Superintendent and try to get him a situation, and 
 let him know in a few days. When my husband returned 
 to San Jose he seemed in better spirits. 
 
 Two days passed in suspense, then a dispatch came 
 from Mr. — , the Assistant Superintendent, for my hus- 
 band to report in San Francisco immediately. He was off 
 by the first train. 
 
 For several days I heard nothing from him, when a 
 letter came saying he had a situation of overseeing the 
 freight shipped on the passenger trains in connection with 
 the baggage, and wished me to come to San Francisco. 
 Enclosed I found passes for myself and child. 
 
 I here return my thanks to H. M. N. and Mr. H — , for 
 their many kindnesses shown my husband. 
 
 When I arrived in the City I found him looking much 
 better. He was boarding and lodging at a restaurant at 
 the San Jose Depot, on Market street. He took us to his 
 room. As we passed up the narrow rough, uncarpeted 
 stairs, through the dark hall, the gloomy appearance of 
 everything made me almost shudder. I found the room 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 47 
 
 plainly but neatly furnished with two large windows look- 
 ing out on the platform of the depot. 
 
 At the supper table I was introduced to the landlord 
 and lady, also to a gentleman and his wife who were board- 
 ing, whom I will call Mr. and Mrs. T — . I could not keep 
 my eyes off the latter; she looked so sad and heart-broken 
 I pitied her. This is Sunday, but I did not attend church, 
 as my husband had to work. 
 
 Monday morning I started out house-hunting. I soon 
 secured one. 
 
 Tuesday I returned to San Jose, packed my furniture, 
 had it conveyed to the depot, and shipped to San Francisco. 
 In a few days I was nicely settled in the City, and every- 
 thing went on smoothly until the eighteenth night in July. 
 
 About midnight my daughter was awakened by the 
 screeching of the parrot, to find the house filled with 
 smoke. She had some difficulty in awakening my husband 
 and me, as we were almost smothered by the smoke. 
 
 As we hurried down the stairs, everything was aglare. 
 We saw Polly crouching at the foot, where in fright she 
 had flown from her perch. We picked her up, and escaped 
 into the street just as the flames rushed into the hall. 
 
 Our furniture and clothing were totally destroyed by 
 either fire or water. I afterward learned the fire origi- 
 nated from a defective flue. A kind neighbor gave us lodg- 
 ings for the night. In the morning we went over to the 
 same restaurant, where we procured board and lodgings. 
 This room was not so nice as the first one we had, being 
 dark and small, but it was cheaper. I knew I must be very 
 saving, for our money was almost gone. My husband had 
 taken cold and felt much worse. Here I will drop the cur- 
 tain for awhile over the scene. 
 
48 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 August 11th, 1868. 
 
 Now begins the one great struggle of my life. I scarcely 
 know where to turn or what to do. As I look around the 
 room, I see nothing but want and poverty on every hand. 
 Something must be done to get out of this place. Bidding 
 my dear ones keep up courage, I start out. Never before 
 did I know the meaning of the word poverty. Now I felt 
 it in all its keenest pangs— everything looked dark and 
 cloudy. I started for the Post-office. Not being able to pay 
 car hire, I went on foot. On my way I passed the book- 
 store of H. H. Bancroft, then on the corner of Montgom- 
 ery and Merchant streets. In the window I noticed a card 
 with the words "Agents Wanted" on it. Stepping into the 
 store a gentleman advanced to meet me. I asked him "Do 
 you employ lady agents?" "Yes," he replied, "allow me 
 to take you to the Subscription Department." There I was 
 shown to the gentleman in charge. I found him to be a 
 frank kind-hearted gentleman. 
 
 Will I ever forget him, for it was he who cheered me 
 with his pleasant words. After talking for a few moments, 
 he showed me an engraving of Grant and his Family, in 
 upright form; told me his terms, what to sell it for, and 
 how much commission I would get. Knowing as I did that 
 something must be done by me, we made a bargain; he 
 giving me a book to take orders in, and two of the pic- 
 tures, told me to go on Montgomery street. I left the store 
 with more elastic steps than I had since my arrival in Cali- 
 fornia. I started up the street, but did not have the cour- 
 age to stop until I reached Mr. M., on Washington street; 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 49 
 
 he bought the two and gave me the coin for them. How I 
 thanked him ; I think if he had refused, I should not have 
 had courage enough to ask anyone else. I hastened back to 
 the store, paid Mr. S. for them, and had four more rolled 
 up for me. It was now three hours since I had left home. 
 
 Taking them on my arm, order-book in my hand, I 
 started up Montgomery street, calling on one and all, up 
 stairs and down, in every room. 
 
 Some looked at me curiously, others with pity, and some 
 few with contempt, while I endeavored, in my embarrass- 
 ment, and in an awkward way, to show the picture. 
 
 I worked on faithfully until three o'clock in the after- 
 noon, when I returned to my miserable room; but it con- 
 tained those dear to me, where I found them very anxious 
 about me. They soon cheered up, as I told them the events 
 of the day. 
 
 Tuesday morning I again resumed my work ; for five days 
 I canvassed steadily, nothing of importance occurring. 
 
 In this time I made many dollars, which I put to good 
 use, buying comforts for myself and family, and prepar- 
 ing my little girl for school again. 
 
 Eight o'clock every morning would find me in the street- 
 car on my way to the business part of the city. I had one 
 of the pictures mounted on canvass and rollers, that I used 
 as a sample copy, taking orders, to be delivered in two or 
 three weeks, and sometimes as far as two months. 
 
 It was now just before Grant's election, and great ex- 
 citement concerning it prevailed. The Democrats arguing 
 in favor of their candidate, and the Republicans in favor 
 of theirs. 
 
 In almost every room, in front of every store or busi- 
 ness house, and on every street corner, I would find gen- 
 tlemen in groups, whispering or conversing in low tones; 
 
50 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 I suppose plotting and planning for the coming cam- 
 paign; while others were loud, and boisterous in expres- 
 sing their opinions. 
 
 It was a great trial for me to know just how to approach 
 them, for the one almost frightened me, and the others 
 so grave and solemn, still I did not pass any of them ; with 
 a heavy heart I would step up, unroll the picture, saying, 
 "Gentlemen, I have a fine engraving of General Grant and 
 his family." 
 
 After they had looked at it, which they very seldom 
 failed to do, I would present my order-book, take them in 
 rotation, and insist upon one and all to subscribe, and was 
 generally very successful. They would treat me kindly, and 
 were very polite, with the exception of some few ruffians 
 who seemed to have forgotten "their mother was a wo- 
 man," would hurt my feelings, in many ways, with regards 
 to Grant's life and character, on this coast, before the war ; 
 as though / was accountable for the way he had acted. 
 
 I will here relate a circumstance. I went into a lawyer's 
 office on Montgomery street. It was richly furnished, with 
 care and neatness. At a table were seated two young gen- 
 tlemen ; at a desk was seated a person whom I took to be 
 a gentleman, from the looks of his back. 
 
 When I spoke to the young gentleman concerning the pic- 
 ture, he whirled around in the chair, and, oh, horrors, what 
 a repulsive face. I had never seen any thing to equal it. 
 
 With a snarl, and the authority of a king, he said, "I don't 
 want you to bother those boys, woman; what is it you want? 
 I will attend to you." I politely showed him the picture. 
 He looked up, with his blinky eyes, and crooked mouth, in 
 which there was an attempt to grin. "I would buy the en- 
 graving if it had his squaw wife and Indian babies on it ; we 
 cannot trade madam," and he turned around to his desk. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 51 
 
 I left the office, without daring to again ask the young 
 gentlemen to buy; but as I passed them, and although 
 they were busily writing, their faces showed they were 
 deeply mortified. 
 
 When once alone in the hall, I sat down on the bottom 
 stair that led to the third story of the building, and had 
 a good cry. 
 
 Many passed me, looking at me wonderingly but none 
 addressed me. I dried my tears away, drew down my veil 
 and passed into the street. I had canvassed California street 
 on both sides from Front to Montgomery ; on Montgom- 
 ery, from California to Washington, and now made up my 
 mind to try Front street, as Mr. S. had told me he thought 
 I would be very successful there. I started in at Califor- 
 nia street, passed down the lower side to Washington. 
 
 The gentlemen whom I met were all pleasant and jolly. 
 Democrats joking Republicans by saying "Don't back out 
 now, if the lady had a picture of Seymour we would buy 
 it." Others would say, "Don't let him off, madam ; he is as 
 black as ever was." After many more jokes I passed up 
 the other side. 
 
 Here I met a gentlemen from the country, who was trad- 
 ing at one of the wholesale houses ; he seemed very angry 
 to think a woman should be selling pictures among so 
 many men. He said I looked old enough to be married and 
 have a family, and ought to be at home taking care of them. 
 
 I told him I knew I looked old, but he need not remind 
 me of it; that I had a family and was trying to make an 
 honest living for them, at the same time telling him I pre- 
 sumed he was a bachelor, who would not know how to ap- 
 preciate a wife if he had one. 
 
 The proprietor laughed heartily, and said, "Madam, you 
 guessed right." As I was wasting time I left him. 
 
52 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 When I got to California street my order-book showed 
 fifty-three names I had taken on Front street. I next tried 
 Davis street and took more orders than on any street of 
 its size in the City. After this I took the rest of the busi- 
 ness streets in rotation, canvassing them thoroughly, 
 walking all day, and running the sewing-machine until late 
 at night. I kept this up for six weeks, and was now can- 
 vassing on Third street, not succeeding very well. 
 
 An old man was standing in the door-way of his shop ; 
 I spoke to him, unrolled the picture and asked him to 
 subscribe. He was a strong Democrat and was not long 
 in letting me know it. 
 
 "You d — women think you will rule the country. 
 There is a clique of you who go prowling around, having 
 secret meetings, lecturing all over the country on wom- 
 en's rights; here you are roaming around with that d 
 
 picture of that loafer Grant. There was one of your clique 
 in here the other day, lecturing on temperance. I told her 
 in plain English to leave my shop ; I would have no wom- 
 en's rights around me." 
 
 I replied, "Thank you for your hint: I am not in your 
 shop nor do not intend crossing your door-way, for fear I 
 might become polluted, for you certainly are the most pro- 
 fane ruffian I ever met." 
 
 At this he became very angry, and I think he would 
 have struck me, had he dared. I passed on and canvassed 
 for several blocks; all the gentlemen were polite and kind, 
 
 until I came to Mr. B e's large grocery store. Inside 
 
 were a large crowd of gentlemen talking politics, some 
 of them seemed very much excited. 
 
 I stepped inside, unrolled the engraving and held it up 
 for inspection, but did not say a word. One red-faced half 
 drunken fellow stepped up and with many airs took hold 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 53 
 
 of the engraving, examined it for a minute and said: "This 
 picture is very imperfect." "In what respect?" I asked. 
 He replied, "It has not Grant's Indian babies." I told him 
 "it was better to be father of Indian babies than, like 
 Seymour, not the father of any." 
 
 At this they laughed loudly. I looked at them for a 
 second before I thought what I had said. I hurried away 
 without asking any to subscribe. One of the gentlemen 
 came out and called to me. I went back and four of them 
 subscribed. 
 
 Next day I tried Kearny street, and took many orders, 
 before I reached the City Hall ; here I turned down Mer- 
 chant street, until I came to the lowest story of the build- 
 ing, determined to take the offices in rotation, I found 
 
 Mr. B behind the counter, who was very kind. After 
 
 examining the engraving for some time he took my order- 
 book, and signed his name. There were a great many of 
 the street contractors in the office, among which he se- 
 cured me some eight or ten names. 
 
 He returned to where I was standing, and showed 
 me what he had done. I did not wish to take the money, 
 and I could not deliver the pictures to them for two 
 weeks. "Take it along," he said, "if you are mean enough 
 to run away with so small a sum the country is well rid 
 of you." Thanking them for their kindness I visited every 
 room in the building. By the time I reached Washington 
 street, I had twenty names on my order-book taken in 
 the City Hall. 
 
 That evening, when I returned to the restaurant, I 
 went to Mrs. T.'s room (whom I have mentioned in another 
 chapter). After telling her how well I was succeeding, I 
 tried to persuade her to take Sacramento, and some of the 
 upper counties, also telling her I had contracted with Ban- 
 
54 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 croft's for the whole Pacific coast for the upright picture 
 of the Grant family, in connection with many others. 
 
 It was some days before she would give me any definite 
 answer concerning it, though finally consented to try and 
 canvass Sacramento ; for she, like myself, was very tired 
 of the restaurant, and was willing to do anything that was 
 honorable and honest to get away from it. 
 
 She went in company with me to the store, where I in- 
 troduced her to Mr. S. ; at first, she was somewhat embar- 
 rassed, but his kind and easy manners soon reassured her. 
 
 I told him I did not wish the whole Coast. That Mrs. T. 
 could have Sacramento, Marysville and Grass Valley. The 
 bargain was closed. 
 
 I now selected out of the remaining territory what I 
 desired, which were San Francisco, Santa Clara and San 
 Joaquin counties. 
 
 It was two months since I first began to canvass, and 
 I had several hundred names, also had the money for 
 many small engravings. Bancroft's were looking daily for 
 a new supply from New York. I had made up my mind to 
 go to San Jose to canvass and take orders, during the Fair 
 in that place, which was to commence in a few days. 
 
 The afternoon before the opening of the Fair found me 
 in a railway car, bound for San Jose. I thought how lonely 
 it would be there in not finding my friend, Mrs. F, as they 
 had gone to San Diego. 
 
 Although I had passed over the road four times pre- 
 vious to this I could see new beauties in almost every- 
 thing. In fact, in the former times, I was so home-sick I 
 scarcely noticed anything. But the prospects looked much 
 brighter to me now. 
 
 As I sat and gazed from the car-window, I could but 
 compare the autumn here with that in the East. There, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 55 
 
 at this season of the year, I have often wandered through 
 the woods, looked with admiration at the leaves, with 
 their many tints, listened to the soft, low murmuring of 
 the wind, while in the distance I heard the notes of some 
 merry bird, keeping time with the sad rustling of the 
 leaves beneath my feet, while here before me lies the 
 Coast Range, sunburnt and barren in its uneven appear- 
 ance, looking as though some great convulsion of the 
 earth had thrown it there. This scene is both grand and 
 sad, while the thoughts of the other are sublime. 
 
 We pass on, and are soon at San Mateo. The town is 
 not very striking in its appearance. But the country on 
 either side, as far as the eye can look, seems fine and well 
 cultivated. The next place that takes my attention is Bel- 
 mont. Off to the right is a winding canon skirted with 
 heavy timber, making it look very beautiful to me. 
 
 As we pass through Redwood City, I was told it was 
 the county seat of San Mateo county ; it seemed to be 
 quite a lively and flourishing little town. 
 
 There is Fair Oaks and Menlo Park, which are beauti- 
 ful places for private residences. 
 
 At Santa Clara I did not get a view of the town, as it 
 lies at some distance from the depot. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 San Jose. 
 
 When I arrived at San Jose, I directed a hackman to 
 take me to the Morgan House. The landlord recognized 
 me at once, and seemed very glad to see me, but said he 
 
56 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 hadn't a vacant room in the house and recommended me 
 to Mrs. M — on Third street. 
 
 At Mrs. M — 's I was shown to a nicely furnished room. 
 When the bell rang for dinner I descended to the dining- 
 room. At the table were several ladies and gentlemen ; 
 all strangers to me. The landlady inquired my name and 
 introduced me to all. 
 
 The meal passed pleasantly. I found them to be polite 
 and genteel in manners and appearances. 
 
 Next morning I went to the hall where the Fair was 
 to be held, to try and secure some space where I might 
 put a small table and a chair, but there wasn't any va- 
 cancy. The agent for the Florence Sewing Machine, who 
 had a large space, kindly offered me room in one corner. 
 Mrs. M — the landlady, loaned me a table and a chair. 
 After they were conveyed to the hall ; I arranged my pic- 
 tures on the table and took my seat behind them, feeling 
 more like a culprit than anything else. 
 
 Although it was a short time since I had commenced 
 to canvass, and knew it was an honorable and legitimate 
 business, still it seemed to me very much like begging. 
 As ladies and gentlemen would pass me, I would try in 
 many ways to gain their attention, but I acted so awkward 
 and out of place that I did not succeed very well. 
 
 Some would stop for a moment and admire the engrav- 
 ing; few ladies would insist upon their husband buying, 
 but I scarcely took any orders. 
 
 I soon found it was not the place for me ; if I wish to 
 sell anything I must get out among the crowd. 
 
 Standing close to the entrance, I tackled every one I 
 would see, something after the fashion of a little news-boy. 
 
 "Ladies and, gentlemen, here's a fine engraving of Gen- 
 eral Grant and family," insisting upon one and all, who 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 57 
 
 stopped to look at it for a moment, to subscribe. In the 
 afternoon as I was going around among the machinery, I 
 overheard an old man, who had a patent wash-boiler, "and 
 I suppose feeling very important" say to one of the su- 
 perintendents of the Fair as he passed by him, "Why do 
 you allow that woman around here with that picture, 
 trying to get everyone's attention; why, a minute ago, 
 while a gentleman was looking at the boiler, she had the 
 impudence to ask him to patronize her." 
 
 He answered, "This is a free country, and as she don't 
 seem to be doing any harm, she has as much right in here 
 as any one else." At this the patent boiler man seemed 
 to become a little embarrassed, but made no reply. In the 
 evening I attended the Fair as a spectator, not as peddler. 
 
 I could not help but notice everything was arranged 
 with good taste. I think there were the finest and largest 
 apples, pears and grapes I ever saw. The canned fruit and 
 jellies, in giant jars and tumblers, looked very inviting. 
 
 I stopped to examine the needle-work, waxflowers, and 
 paintings. The most interesting of all to me was the silk 
 worms. I listened to the man in charge, while he explained 
 their habits and customs, and could not help looking on 
 them with curiosity, to think that mulberry leaves could 
 be converted into material for our finest silk fabrics 
 through the agency of these homely-looking worms. 
 
 The next day I went around to the Court House. The 
 officers were all very kind and polite. I received several 
 orders. During the day I visited many offices and stores; 
 being very successful, Mrs. M., the landlady, told me in 
 the evening she thought I would do well to go to the Fair 
 that night and take my picture. I did so, and had quite 
 good success, taking orders for several of "Lincoln and 
 Family," "Washington and Family," also of the "Grant 
 
58 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 Family," saying they wished a group of the three great 
 men of the United States. In the evening, I heard some 
 one talking about a gentleman who had small photographs 
 of different varieties, and a book written by himself. I 
 inquired whether he was in the hall, and was told he had 
 a small space at the far end of the building. I concluded 
 to go and see him; when I came quite close to him the 
 thought struck me to stand and watch his manner of doing 
 the business. 
 
 He was standing, with his books and pictures lying on 
 an oval table in front of him ; they were arranged neatly, 
 and showed well. I listened to his fast talk in recommend- 
 ing his goods; my thoughts were, "I'll have no chance 
 while this gentleman's around." 
 
 I stepped up to his table ; he turned politely and com- 
 menced urging me to buy. I told him I did not wish to pur- 
 chase, as I was in the same occupation. I told him, upon 
 inquiry, what subject I had. He said he had seen the en- 
 graving; it was very fine, and hoped I would be success- 
 ful. I thanked him and wished him the same. I learned 
 afterward his name was D — . 
 
 When I returned to my seat again, I found one of the 
 ladies who had charge of the sewing-machines trying her 
 best to sell one of the pictures. I helped her to close the 
 bargain, and thanked her very much for the interest she 
 had taken. It being late, I returned to the boarding-house, 
 well pleased with my day's labor. 
 
 I continued my work there for several days longer, then 
 returned to San Francisco; next day, after my arrival, I 
 went down to Bancroft's. I showed Mr. S. my order-book, 
 with which he seemed to be well pleased, saying, "You 
 have done splendid." I thought so too, as I had taken sixty 
 orders during my absence. He told me the engravings 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 59 
 
 of the Grant family had come, and I could commence de- 
 livering that day if I wished ; counting out as many I 
 could conveniently carry, I left the store and went up 
 Montgomery street. Using my order-book for a guide, I 
 called on each one in succession who had subscribed ; they 
 all treated me kindly, taking their engraving, and some 
 gave me orders for frames, on which I also made quite a 
 good commission. 
 
 In this way, I worked very hard all day ; as fast as one 
 lot was delivered, would return to the store for a fresh 
 supply. I now began to realize that taking orders for pic- 
 tures, and delivering them were quite different things, 
 the latter being very laborious. 
 
 I continued to work for several days, as I was in much 
 need of the commission I was to get on them. At the same 
 time, I felt anxious to deliver as many as possible each day, 
 so that my employers should have no cause of complaint. 
 
 I now began to think about looking up a house, so that 
 we might go to house-keeping again. After some diffi- 
 culty, I procured rooms on Fourth street near Howard. 
 
 This morning I had concluded to go down into the City 
 and buy some furniture, for the purpose of fitting up 
 my rooms. I had just got my little girl ready for school, 
 and about to put on my hat and shawl to start on my er- 
 rand, when the house commenced rocking and shaking 
 at an alarming rate; my little girl said, "Mama, what is 
 the matter?" 
 
 The cars never shook the house so before. The Polly 
 was flying around in her cage, and seemed very much 
 frightened. I did not realize myself what it was, until the 
 second shock, then I exclaimed "Oh, this must be an earth- 
 quake, let us run into the street." We started, she gath- 
 ering the cage in her hand containing the Polly. As we 
 
60 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 passed through the hall, I heard the whatnot fall in the 
 ladies' parlor, breaking the vases and other things on 
 it, and making quite a noise. Before we got clear of the 
 house, an old wardrobe standing in the hall fell behind 
 us with a great crash ; then I thought surely the house 
 was coming down on our heads, and expected every in- 
 stant to be crushed to death. 
 
 But amid all the danger and confusion, as I passed 
 through the hall by the landlady's room-door, I could not 
 help noticing her, lying full length on the floor throwing 
 her hands wildly about, exclaiming, "Oh Lord, save us, 
 Oh Lord, save us," at the top of her voice. 
 
 When we reached the street, the sidewalk seemed to 
 be still moving. We hurried down the platform toward the 
 baggage-room in search of my husband, who had gone 
 there but a few moments before. I found him standing in 
 the door-way laughing. I said, "How can you laugh at any- 
 thing so terrible as this?" He replied, he "could not help 
 laughing to see those piles of lumber in front of the office 
 dancing"; also said, "that as far as that was concerned, 
 if the earthquake was going to sink the City, he did not 
 see why we might not as well go down laughing as crying, 
 as crying would not save us." 
 
 Many gentlemen came into the office laughing, talking 
 and jesting about the earthquake, which seemed to me 
 to be perfect mockery, for from my feelings then, I thought 
 at every shock we should all be swallowed up. 
 
 I often smile now to myself when I think how ridicu- 
 lous I must have appeared that morning, running down 
 the platform with my hat in my hand, my shawl dragging, 
 and almost crying; my little girl closely following, drag- 
 ging after her the large cage with the Polly in it. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 61 
 
 I stayed around the platform all day, and no one could 
 persuade me to go into the house, until night drove me 
 there. Then I lay down with all my clothes on, ready to 
 run at any moment, and wished myself back in Ohio a 
 thousand and one times. 
 
 It was two days before I could get up sufficient courage 
 to venture up into the City to commence work again. I se- 
 lected furniture for our rooms, and moved what few traps 
 we had at the restaurant, and once more commenced 
 house-keeping. Everything passed off pleasantly for two 
 weeks, with plenty of work and liberal patronage. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 I now concluded to go to Santa Clara and canvass that 
 town, before delivering my pictures in San Jose. Eight 
 o'clock in the evening found me seated in the ladies' parlor 
 at the hotel, conversing with the landlord concerning the 
 severe shock of earthquake we had two weeks previous. 
 
 He explained to me how the sliding iron doors of the 
 hotel had come together, and he thought had shut them 
 in at first, but as the convulsion of the earth continued, 
 they opened again, and allowed the inmates to pass out 
 into the street, which they were not long in doing. The 
 shock was so severe, that they had apprehensions the 
 house would fall before they could escape. 
 
 After conversing awhile on different subjects, he bade 
 me good evening and went below. As I passed through 
 the hall on the way to my room, noticed the ceiling was 
 bare in some places where the plastering had fallen off; 
 
62 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 the walls were badly cracked. Taking a light from the 
 stand, I went into my room almost fearing to lock the door, 
 lest another shock might come, and I could not escape. 
 
 I thought, if the Lord spared me, I would not stay an- 
 other night in a brick house. I had partially undressed 
 when the house commenced shaking. Frightened all but 
 to death, I scarcely knew what to do; but found myself 
 in the door- way with the candle in my hand, thinking I 
 must not go into the street in this condition. There came 
 a second shock. I blew out the light, threw it on the floor, 
 and rushed into the street, not caring how I appeared. 
 It was full of people. Some of them looked at me curi- 
 ously ; but I drew my shawl close about me and stood my 
 ground, nor could I be persuaded to return to my room. 
 The clerk brought me my shoes and baggage, and took 
 me where he knew I could obtain lodgings, to a lady's, a 
 few doors away. She gladly offered me shelter, as her hus- 
 band was away from home, and she was very lonely. 
 
 There were several light shocks after I had been there. 
 Next morning, many joked me about my appearance the 
 evening previous, especially Mr. W., who said he never 
 would forget how comic and frightened I looked. 
 
 During the day I took several orders, sold a great many 
 and received the coin for them. I had taken some eleven 
 or twelve to Santa Clara with me. I made arrangements 
 to stay with the lady until I should leave town, so I went 
 back and spent the night. 
 
 After breakfast, I started for Mrs. W's., who lived a 
 half or three-quarters of a mile from town. I found her 
 and husband living on a fruit ranch. She did not recog- 
 nize me at first. 
 
 I told her I had brought the picture she had subscribed 
 for one evening, at the Fair in San Jose. She remembered 
 
64 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 it, took the Grant picture, and gave me an order for the 
 engravings of Washington and Lincoln's families. She gave 
 me some choice pears, grapes, and a piece of pie, insist- 
 ing upon my eating them, as she said I looked very tired. 
 Everything in and around the house, so far as I could see, 
 showed a neat and tidy housewife. I promised to bring 
 the engravings in a short time, also thanked her for her 
 kindness, and returned to Santa Clara. 
 
 After lunch I started out along the Alameda, toward 
 San Jose. I had sold all the engravings I had brought with 
 me, so I made up my mind to call at every house and take 
 orders, to be delivered in two weeks. The houses were 
 very scattered, and I found it slow and tiresome work; 
 but I enjoyed walking in the shade of those stately old 
 trees that line either side of that favorite resort of San 
 Jose and Santa Clara for driving. It reminded me of por- 
 tions of Bourbon County, Kentucky. In that county is one 
 of the dearest spots on earth to me, for it was my child- 
 hood home. I came to the place where they were about to 
 establish the depot of the Santa Clara and San Jose street 
 railroad. Here were several gentlemen collected. Among 
 them was one without a coat, who did not seem to be 
 working very hard, although the perspiration was stream- 
 ing down his face. I did not wonder at it, he was so large 
 and fleshy ; he reminded me of the darkie song, "he's tree 
 foot one way, six foot tudder, and weighs tree hundred 
 pounds," and as for his coat, it was nowhere around. 
 
 However, I ventured up and addressed him, unrolled 
 the engraving for his inspection; he looked up, politely 
 bowed, viewed it for some time, occasionally wiping the 
 perspiration from his face with his hand. 
 
 Turning his head to one side he laughed jovially, and 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 65 
 
 said, "Old Grant is no favorite of mine; but if you will 
 bring me a good engraving of his Indian family I will buy 
 it. Will you?" I replied, "The demand for such an engrav- 
 ing seems so great I certainly shall order some for the 
 accommodation of people of such refined taste." 
 
 Then the three hundred pounds looked at me sharply, 
 as much as to imply, "I don't sabe," but I kept a very grave 
 look on my face, and said, "I shall most assuredly bring 
 you a picture of the kind you desire, and shall expect you 
 to take it off my hands." 
 
 I showed the engraving to a number of other gentle- 
 men standing around, and insisted upon their buying it, 
 but did not get a single order. 
 
 I bid them good day, and took up my line of march to- 
 ward San Jose. It was now getting late, so I did not stop 
 at any more houses, but hurried on, until I reached the 
 Morgan House, on First street; here I partook of a light 
 supper, went to my room very tired, having walked about 
 six miles during the day. 
 
 Next morning I arose not much refreshed, partook a 
 hasty breakfast, and visited the Express Office ; found my 
 package of engravings all right ; had them sent up to the 
 hotel, where I soon followed. 
 
 I found Bancroft's had also sent a number of small en- 
 gravings on different subjects. Taking an armful of the 
 Grant pictures, I started out to fill my orders in this place. 
 
 I worked very hard for several days, and with good suc- 
 cess, selling a great many small ones, and taking orders 
 for Grant, Lincoln, and Washington families. I had now 
 canvassed the business part of the town thoroughly, and 
 made up my mind to try what success I would have among 
 the private families. Many ladies had been recommended 
 
66 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 to me, as being very liberal, and believed in patronizing 
 their own sex; so, I concluded to make one of them my 
 first victim. 
 
 She lived several blocks from the business part of the 
 town ; while on my way I had plenty of time for reflect- 
 ing, and wondered how I should be received, as this was 
 my first effort to canvass among the ladies. 
 
 My somewhat long walk brought me in front of the resi- 
 dence of my intended first victim, who was the dashing 
 widow of the lately deceased Mr. — , as I shall call her. 
 I opened the gate and passed in through the neatly laid 
 out and well-kept grounds. 
 
 I passed up to the front door, and timidly pulled the 
 bell and waited for the appearance of the servant, or I 
 thought, maybe the lady herself might appear to admit 
 me, and perhaps might invite me into her parlor, and 
 might even go so far as ask me to stay for tea, as it was 
 getting late in the afternoon. 
 
 After waiting some time, with as much bashfulness as 
 a young miss of sixteen awaiting her first beau, the door 
 opened just sufficient for the dashing widow to see who 
 the intruder was ; instead of the cordial handshaking and 
 hearty welcome I had expected, while awaiting her ap- 
 pearance the first words that greeted my ears were, 
 "What is wanted, Madam?" at the same time holding a 
 tight grip on the door, I suppose lest I might burst it open, 
 rush past her and take the castle by storm. I had no such 
 intentions, but politely told her I had a very fine engrav- 
 ing of General Grant and family ; would like her to look 
 at it, and perhaps could induce her to buy. 
 
 She said she had no use for such things and had no 
 money to fool away for such purposes; still keeping her 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 67 
 
 hold on the door, which was so nearly closed I did not 
 get a full view of her august person. This liberal lady, I 
 learned, was a leading member of one of the fashionable 
 churches, and gave quite freely of her wealth, whenever 
 an opportunity offered for it to be proclaimed publicly 
 that the dashing widow had given hundreds for such, and 
 such, a charitable purpose. 
 
 I had always been used to civil treatment from my 
 own sex at least, and turned away with disgust from this, 
 what the world calls a liberal lady, and must confess with 
 scarcely sufficient courage left to call on another of the 
 same liberal reputation. 
 
 When I reached Mrs. J — I concluded to go in. She 
 also was a descendant of the same family, but I found her 
 very different, treating me kindly and politely, conduct- 
 ing me into the parlor, and inviting me to rest myself, 
 while she examined the engravings. After looking them 
 all over, she stepped into another room, and brought out 
 an engraving of the Grant family which her husband had 
 purchased of me a few days previous. 
 
 We conversed awhile, then thanking her for her kind- 
 ness I bid her good afternoon. 
 
 As I passed down the street I saw a new and neat 
 house, and inquired of a boy, who lived there ; was told by 
 him of Mrs. C — , whose husband was a buyer of grain. 
 I went up the steps and rang the bell ; it was answered 
 
 by Mrs. C in person; she is very nice looking, well 
 
 dressed and a perfect lady in her manners, she cordially 
 invited me in, and with her easy conversation made me 
 feel quite at home. She examined the engravings and pur- 
 chased two of the smaller ones. It was late and I returned 
 to the hotel, concluding to take a new start next day. 
 
68 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 In the morning I set out for Gen. N — 's residence; 
 this I found at quite a distance, but did not mind it much 
 for the morning was pleasant, and the air balmy. 
 
 When I reached the gate that led into his grounds, it 
 was just nine o'clock. As I passed through the wide wind- 
 ing carriage-drive, thickly skirted on both sides with ever- 
 greens and ornamental trees, it looked dark and gloomy. 
 I did not see his cottage until I was right upon it. The ap- 
 pearance of the dwelling outside is not in keeping with 
 his grounds. 
 
 After rapping at several of the doors, I did not find any 
 one at home. I looked around me; saw at a distance the 
 gardener ; in answer to my inquiry, he told me the Gen- 
 eral and family were away. I asked permission to go over 
 the ground, which he readily granted, thanking him, I 
 started down the wide foot-path, bordered with flowers 
 and small shrubs of the widest variety ; now and then a 
 tree thickly entwined with creeping vines. 
 
 Sometimes I would see a narrow path leading off to 
 the left, so thickly covered overhead with honeysuckle, 
 making the entrance so low, I would have to stoop to see 
 where it led. A few yards away was a neat small summer- 
 house, dark and gloomy looking as though it might be a 
 romantic lovers retreat. I wandered on, over a rustic foot- 
 bridge that spanned a small stream, while overhead were 
 large weeping willows, their branches dipping in the 
 water beneath. 
 
 I stepped back upon the bridge, for the spot seemed 
 delightful, although gloomy. To the left was a small grove 
 of weeping willows, while around and about them were 
 many rustic seats. 
 
 In front of them, on an elevation was a small artificial 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 69 
 
 lake, supplied by a flowing well, the waste water form- 
 ing the stream beneath my feet. 
 
 The wide path through which I had just come led to the 
 hot-houses. I did not visit them as my time was limited. 
 Turning to the left I passed around the lake, watched 
 the numerous fishes playing in its waters, passed down 
 the stone steps into the same dark drive I had first en- 
 tered, out through the gate, and was once more on Santa 
 Clara street. 
 
 I now went out to Tenth street, down Tenth until I came 
 to Mrs. Dr. S — 's, whose husband raised fruit. I had met 
 them one evening at the Fair, and promised to call at their 
 residence. I inquired of a small boy, who pointed out the 
 house. They have a beautiful place. At the edges of the 
 sidewalk around the grounds was planted maples, which 
 are now large and stately trees. I noticed the yard was 
 tastefully laid out ; there were many choice flowers and 
 shrubs. I crossed the porch and rang the bell. 
 
 Mrs. S — answered the bell, recognized me, invited 
 me in, bought three different engravings, and sent for 
 her married daughter, who lived next door to come and 
 examine them. 
 
 Mrs. F . the daughter, purchased a few. They in- 
 vited me to stay for lunch, which I gratefully accepted, 
 as I wished to canvass that portion of the town in the 
 afternoon. After lunch, thanking them for their hospi- 
 tality, I started out, calling at every house in rotation. I 
 was treated kindly and politely, and found the ladies 
 very liberal. 
 
 It was almost dark when I reached the hotel. In the 
 morning I went in the direction of the San Jose Institute. 
 It was quite cold ; by the time I reached Mrs. W — I was 
 
70 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 chilled through. She invited me into a neat sitting-room 
 where there was a bright fire. 
 
 Although she was a widow and a lady of consider- 
 able wealth, she condescended to treat me, a canvasser, 
 with respect, and gave me her patronage, also a pair of 
 warm gloves. 
 
 Calling at several houses, and being in the vicinity of 
 Judge D — 's residence, I concluded to call and fulfill 
 his order, given to me a few days previous for a picture 
 of General Grant and family. 
 
 His married daughter was sitting on the porch ; she 
 asked me to be seated while I told her my errand. She 
 called her father, who came out accompanied by his wife 
 and youngest daughter. He took the engraving. I found 
 him and his daughters polite, but I must say his wife was 
 rather abrupt in her manners. 
 
 During the day I called on Mrs. C . whose husband 
 
 is a house-painter. A little girl of six or seven years an- 
 swered the bell, a timid and very delicate looking child. 
 I stepped inside; Mrs. C — came forward and offered me 
 a chair. She took the roll of engravings and spread them 
 out upon the table, telling her little girl to select two, as 
 she would buy them for her. 
 
 All the while they were examining them, I could not 
 
 keep my eyes from Mrs. C ; clad in a dark muslin 
 
 dress, with a spotless linen collar, she looked more styl- 
 ish than many others in the finest of fabrics. Though not 
 strikingly handsome, still in every line of her features 
 could be seen a true and noble woman. 
 
 She looked like one who, if you could once gain her 
 friendship, would be firm and steadfast; one who had a 
 mind and will of her own, not ready to change with the 
 slightest breeze. If the rough winds of adversity should 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 71 
 
 sweep over you, sunshiny friends turn away, she would 
 stand by you, and do all in her power to shield you from 
 its second blast. 
 
 I have tried her, and now know I was not deceived. But 
 to my subject. The little miss selected two of the engrav- 
 ings ; thanking her, I hurried away, as I wished to see 
 Mr. P — before the bank closed. I had a slight acquaint- 
 ance with him during the short time we resided in San 
 Jose. He recognized me, and gave me an order for an en- 
 graving. I returned to the hotel, where I remained for the 
 balance of the day. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Gilroy. 
 
 Next morning I took passage in the stage for Gilroy. 
 The railroad was not completed any farther than San Jose 
 at that time. 
 
 There were several gentlemen in the stage ; one of them 
 bound for Hollister, where he had purchased a ranch. I was 
 very much amused at his description of the fertile and 
 rich soil in and about Hollister. "Why," said he, "anything 
 in the world will grow there. Mr. H., that I purchased the 
 ranch of, would always raise three large cabbage-heads 
 from one stalk; also, said he raised a sweet potato, so 
 large that the family of five made a good meal off of it, 
 and all of them were very fond of sweet potatoes. He also 
 raised a beet that was so large the first season he con- 
 cluded to let it stand for two or three more ; until it grew 
 so far out of the ground the wind broke it off, and it meas- 
 ured four feet across." That must have been a dead beat. 
 
72 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 Near the Eighteen Mile House I saw a large flock of 
 sheep, tended by a herder. When I first caught sight of 
 them they were some distance away, feeding on an open 
 plain, beyond a strip of woods. 
 
 I inquired of dead beat what that was growing off to 
 the left, pointing in that direction; he said he did not see 
 anything growing ; just then I saw them moving, and ob- 
 served what they were ; by this time all the rest of the 
 passengers were looking at them. I acknowledged myself 
 sold, and joined in their merry laughter. 
 
 We passed several tracts of land covered with timber, 
 among which were many live oaks, some of them very 
 large and beautiful, with their wide-spreading branches 
 covered with thick foliage, looking as though they might 
 be a safe retreat for man or beast, and would protect them 
 from a heavy fall of rain. 
 
 We crossed the creek, and followed it for some little 
 distance. The country around Gilroy seemed low and flat, 
 as though it might be easily undulated in the rainy sea- 
 son. When we entered the town, I was surprised to see 
 so small a place; but there were many new buildings 
 going up, among them the Williams House; everything 
 appeared brisk and lively. At this time there was but one 
 hotel in the place. The stage drove up to the door. 
 
 It was a long, rough building, with several live oaks in 
 front which made it look much more inviting than it would 
 otherwise have done. I was shown into a room they called 
 the parlor. It was very poorly furnished; but on the 
 hearth a bright fire was blazing, which made the room 
 have a cheerful appearance. 
 
 In a corner were seated two ladies. I was not long in 
 discovering they were Southern people. The youngest 
 was trying to get the village school ; the elderly lady, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 73 
 
 her mother, was very communicative, and gave me her 
 whole history in a short time. 
 
 I sat and listened to her, and thought she would make a 
 splendid agent, for she was such a fast talker in her way. 
 She tried to find out my business in Gilroy, but I did not 
 give her any satisfaction. She would look at me sharply 
 when I avoided her questions, and finally turned to her 
 daughter, saying, "Sal, that poor critter is to be pitied, for 
 she is mighty deaf, and not got much laming, no how." 
 
 She then crossed the room to the table where I had laid 
 my engravings, picked up the sample copy, took it close to 
 the window, and put it to her eyes, as though she thought 
 it was an opera glass, unrolled it, saying, "Humph! pic- 
 ture, hey?" came to where I was sitting, held it up before 
 me, and screamed into my ear, until it made me jump, 
 "Peddling, I reckon." I looked at her in amazement, but 
 made no reply. 
 
 She returned to the window, saying, "That's mighty 
 queer how she peddles ; Sal, what's that thare reading?" 
 Sal took the engraving, looked at the name on the bot- 
 tom, spelled it over two or three times, and finally draw- 
 led out "Why, it's old Grant and family, the darned old 
 thief." I thought to myself, you would make a splendid 
 school-marm. 
 
 The old lady stormed and capered around the room in 
 such a manner, that I thought it time to interfere for I was 
 afraid she would tear the sample copy to pieces. She, at 
 first, refused to give it to me, saying she "would burn the 
 darned thing up." I told her it was not mine, that I was 
 taking orders for Bancroft and Company ; also I told her 
 I, too, was a Southern woman, in reduced circumstances, 
 and had to work for a living. She replied, "No, you ain't, 
 you're a darned Yank, an impostor. There ware a heap on 
 
74 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 you going round in the Southern States, before the war, 
 'tending to peddle, all the time stealing nigs." She came 
 close to me again, shaking her head, "I know you ain't 
 much, else you wouldn't played deaf." 
 
 I replied, "Madam, you are mistaken; I did not say I 
 was deaf, nor act as though I was. I did not wish to an- 
 swer your numerous questions, nor treat you impolitely, 
 so I did not say anything." 
 
 At this, she stormed at me in such a rough and unlady- 
 like manner, I think it best not to repeat what she said. 
 I had intended not to go to my room until bedtime, for 
 the evening was cold, and the warm fire felt very com- 
 fortable ; but I could not endure her abuse, so I gathered 
 up my traps and started for my room, laughing at her as 
 I went, which seemed to enrage her still more. 
 
 When I entered the room, I locked and bolted the 
 door, for fear she might follow me. When I awakened 
 next morning, I heard the rain, as I thought, dripping 
 from the branches of the trees on the roof of the house. 
 The thoughts of having to wade around in the mud dur- 
 ing the day made me feel anything but comfortable. I 
 arose and went to the window, and was much relieved to 
 find it nothing more than a heavy fog. 
 
 After breakfast I commenced to canvass, calling at 
 every house. I found it to be a lively and bustling town, 
 the citizens kind and very benevolent, giving me a lib- 
 eral patronage. In the afternoon I called, at the pastor's 
 residence of the M. E. Church. There I met a lady from 
 Marion County, Ohio, who was well acquainted with my 
 father-in-law and family. She had been in California for 
 many years, and lived on a ranch close to old Gilroy. We 
 had a pleasant chat for some time. I promised to call 
 and see her if I ever happened to be in that part of the 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 75 
 
 country again. Bidding her good afternoon, I returned 
 to the hotel. 
 
 In the evening I made inquiries concerning my South- 
 ern friends, and was told they had returned to their ranch, 
 some fifteen miles from Gilroy. The accomplished young 
 lady was not successful in getting the school. 
 
 Next morning, early, found me in the stage, on my way 
 for San Jose. Upon arriving there I took the cars for 
 Mayfield. It is a small village in Santa Clara county, on 
 the line of the railroad. 
 
 As I went down the street, towards the hotel, many 
 looked at me wonderingly and then at the large, long roll 
 of engravings I carried in my arms. I did not address any 
 of them. 
 
 When I looked around me, I saw many neat dwellings, 
 with well laid-out grounds, which looked cosy and home- 
 like. When I reached the hotel, the landlady showed me 
 into a neat, comfortable room. She seemed to be a jolly, 
 kind-hearted woman, full of fun and quite witty. I told her 
 I had come to canvass the place ; she gave me all the in- 
 formation I desired. 
 
 Taking my bundle, I started out ; called at the several 
 places of business, and had tolerable good success. I 
 called on one gentleman I pitied very much ; he had to use 
 crutches. He told me he was a cripple, from rheumatism. 
 Still he seemed energetic, and full of business, carrying 
 on a drug-store and keeping the Post-office, and was con- 
 tented and happy. He said, when I came around again, he 
 would take Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad," if I would 
 bring it to him, as he was a great reader. I called at the 
 blacksmith shop, above his place. There was a man work- 
 ing there, an apprentice, I think, who was so low as to be 
 abusive and vulgar, forgetting he ever had a mother. 
 
76 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 He was a stout, raw-boned, thick-lipped, flat-nosed 
 tangle-haired, uncivilized creature, who depended mainly 
 on his strength more than his brains to make his way 
 through the world, and would just as lief strike a woman 
 as a man. With the exception of this ruffian, I was treated 
 with the greatest of respect by all of the citizens of May- 
 field; and was more liberally patronized than I had ex- 
 pected from so small a place. 
 
 I returned to the hotel well satisfied with my after- 
 noon's work. Next morning I took the first train for San 
 Francisco. When I arrived there, I went directly to my 
 home on Fourth street where I remained for a week 
 resting myself, as I was very tired and worn out. It was 
 now late in the fall, and I was afraid the rainy season 
 would set in, for I had to canvass Stockton, so I con- 
 cluded to go at once. I called at Mr. Bancroft's and told 
 Mr. S — my intentions. He offered no objections, and 
 showed me some new engravings they had ; most of them 
 were small and cheap; two of them were very pretty, 
 entitled the "Sale of the Pet Lamb," and the "Burial of 
 the Pet Bird." 
 
 I was not long in making a selection of those I thought 
 would be most likely to sell; I told Mr. S — he could do 
 them up and send them to me by express. I went to the 
 wharf and took the boat for Stockton. I had a severe head- 
 ache, and laid down, so I did not see any of the country 
 through which we passed. By the time we arrived there 
 I felt much better. I took a "bus" and told the driver to 
 take me to the best hotel in town. I was soon in front of 
 the St. Charles and was shown into the ladies' parlor, a 
 large, well-furnished room, with a bright fire in the grate. 
 After warming myself for a few moments, I went to my 
 room, which was very pleasant. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 77 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Stockton. 
 
 The next morning was Tuesday; I went to the Ex- 
 press Office, where I found the engravings awaiting me. 
 My first visit was to the printing offices, where I received 
 a promise from the editors that they would give me a 
 good notice. 
 
 I then commenced to canvass the town ; calling at ev- 
 ery business house and office, up stairs and down. In this 
 way I worked for two days. 
 
 At this time I had finished the business part of the 
 town. Friday and Saturday I canvassed among the ladies, 
 and was well treated. 
 
 I must say, that I found in Stockton as many kind and 
 benevolent people as I have met anywhere. For all that, 
 I was so homesick, I could not see a single spot in all the 
 place that looked nice, much less beautiful. 
 
 The editors, true to their promise, gave me an excel- 
 lent notice in their papers, and continued it for several 
 days, which was of great service to me; and I here return 
 my heartfelt thanks to them for their kindness. 
 
 Sunday morning, when I went into the ladies' parlor, 
 I found collected there quite a number of ladies and gen- 
 tlemen. From their manner and appearances they de- 
 served that title in full. 
 
 I soon learned from their conversation that they were 
 from Alabama. A number of gentlemen from the same 
 neighborhood had come to California a year previous and 
 settled about a hundred miles from Stockton, where each 
 had taken up a ranch and fixed houses and conveniences 
 
78 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 for their families. The latter had just moved the evening 
 previous and they had come down with their teams to 
 meet them, and convey them to their new homes. 
 
 It seemed hard to hear them talking of their old homes, 
 back in the Southern States ; how well improved and con- 
 venient they were ; their husbands telling how rough and 
 uncomfortable their new ones would be. There was one 
 of the gentlemen they called Doctor, a tall, fine looking 
 man, past the middle age, his hair quite grey. It seemed 
 hard to see a man at his age have to give up a good home, 
 and make a new beginning. 
 
 His wife was a neat, stylish looking lady, much younger 
 than himself, and I should judge was his second wife, from 
 the different appearance of the children ; some of them 
 were very large and others small. In describing their new 
 house to her, he said it was a low, rough, one story build- 
 ing, without even a loft. She replied, "How does that 
 come? At home there was a loft over the carriage-house." 
 He answered, "I wish our new dwelling was half so com- 
 fortable as that same carriage-house." 
 
 Just then a negro girl, somewhere near eighteen years 
 old, entered the room, carrying a sickly looking child, of 
 about two years. She gave it to the Doctor's wife, saying, 
 "Dis yer chile cries all de blessed time." 
 
 They told the girl not to go away, as they wished to at- 
 tend church, and wanted her to stay with the children. I 
 saw no more of them, except when they came down to the 
 dining-room to their meals. 
 
 Monday morning all the wagons were in front of the 
 door, many trunks and satchels were stored away ; also, 
 provisions and some farming utensils. There were rough 
 seats prepared for the ladies. In a very short time every- 
 thing was ready, and they began to move away. Many of 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 79 
 
 the ladies said it was a new way of traveling, but they 
 seemed happy and contented. I looked after them, and 
 silently wished them much happiness and prosperity in 
 their new homes. 
 
 I now hurried into the street, determined to finish my 
 work, and return home on the afternoon boat. In this I 
 was very successful, as four o'clock, p. m., found me on 
 board, bound for San Francisco. 
 
 From the deck of the steamer I had a good view of 
 the surrounding country, and was not very favorably im- 
 pressed, as it seemed too low and marshy. 
 
 The river is very crooked. Sometimes I could see a 
 small sail-boat, which looked to be in an entirely differ- 
 ent direction from the one in which we were going, when, 
 all of a sudden, the first thing I would know the steamer 
 was right alongside of it. The river was very low, and it 
 was sometimes difficult for the boat to turn in the short 
 bends. At a few places the steamer stopped, but the 
 towns were small. Nine o'clock, Tuesday morning, found 
 me at home, figuring up how much I had made while I was 
 away. And, to my great astonishment, I found I had made 
 over one hundred dollars. 
 
 For the next two weeks I worked in the city, nothing 
 of importance occurring during that period. After that 
 I concluded to take a run down to San Jose and finish up 
 my work there ; from that place I went to Santa Clara ; 
 also, went out in the country to Mrs. W., and took her the 
 Lincoln and Washington families pictures she had pre- 
 viously ordered ; there I remained until after lunch, when 
 I returned to Santa Clara, and went to the hotel. 
 
 The landlord tried to joke me about the earthquake, 
 telling me I had better not go inside for fear of another. 
 In reply I told him I thought his hair curled much tighter 
 
80 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 than it did before the last shock. That afternoon I re- 
 turned to San Francisco. This being Friday, I remained 
 at home until Monday morning. 
 
 Half past four o'clock that afternoon found me on board 
 the boat bound for Stockton again. 
 
 The bay was very rough, and the wind was so cold I 
 could not stay long on deck ; but from the window in the 
 cabin below, I had quite a good view of the surrounding 
 hills as we passed; they looked nice and green, as there 
 had been a few slight showers. 
 
 When I arrived in Stockton, I took a "bus" for the 
 Eagle Hotel, as I had been told it was much cheaper than 
 the St. Charles, and the fare was just as good; when we 
 reached the Hotel, I must acknowledge it did not look 
 very inviting from the outside. I was shown to a room at 
 once; as I passed the ladies' parlor, and up the stairs, 
 everything looked neat and tidy ; once inside of my room, 
 I found it very comfortable. 
 
 Next morning I called at the City Attorney's office. He 
 treated me kindly ; during our conversation I learned he 
 was a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and had taken the Re- 
 bekah degree. 
 
 Taking my order-book for a guide, I called on all who 
 had subscribed, filling my orders, and in some places, sell- 
 ing some small engravings in a liquor store. The propri- 
 etor insisted upon my drinking some wine ; I thanked him, 
 but declined. 
 
 We had quite an argument on temperance, but I cannot 
 tell which came out better. I started for the Flouring Mill. 
 On the way, I noticed a policeman following me, but did 
 not care, as I knew I had not been guilty of any crime. 
 
 At the Mill I offered the engraving for sale; when 
 I came out the policeman stepped up to me, and said, 
 
82 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 "Madam, have you a license?" I told him no, that I did 
 not require any. He replied, "You will have to come along 
 with me, and we will see about that. If you don't come 
 peaceably, I will have to arrest you." 
 
 I acknowledge I was angry, and somewhat frightened. 
 I was then forty-three years old, and had never been in 
 a lawsuit of any kind, and always had a great horror of 
 them. I told him I would go with him to the City Attor- 
 ney's office, for I knew he would see justice done me. 
 
 The policeman did not have much notion of going there. 
 As I walked up the street, with him close beside me, 
 also the usual battalion of urchins that are always ready 
 to gather around when there is a disturbance of the 
 peace, I was so hurt and mortified, that, by the time I 
 reached the Attorney's Office, it was awhile before I could 
 tell him of my situation, for weeping. He tried to cheer 
 me with his kind words, saying he thought I did not 
 require a license, but he would go and see the County 
 Clerk. The policeman seemed bewildered, and could not 
 understand why the attorney should take such an inter- 
 est in me. This was the second time the Rebekah degree 
 had been beneficial. 
 
 Bidding me remain in his office, he went out, but soon 
 returned, saying it was all right, I did not require a li- 
 cense; also, said the policeman ought to be made to pay 
 me for the time I had lost. I thanked him for his kindness 
 and went to the Hotel, for my mind was in no condition 
 to battle with the rough trials of canvassing. 
 
 In the morning I started for the Insane Asylum. It 
 being pleasant, I concluded to walk. In the portion of 
 the town through which I passed I noticed some fine pri- 
 vate residences and grounds. When I reached the Asy- 
 lum, I was shown into the Doctor's office. He treated me 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 83 
 
 kindly and gave me his patronage; also, permission to go 
 through the Ladies' Department, and over the grounds. 
 He sent one of the gentlemen attendants with me, tell- 
 ing him to introduce me to the Supervisoress and she 
 would show me through the building. Thanking him, we 
 started out and first went over the grounds belonging 
 to the gentlemen's department. They were nicely laid 
 out with broad gravel walks, well shaded with natural 
 and ornamental trees, bordered with flowers and shrubs. 
 The columns of the porches were covered with creeping 
 vines and ivy. On our way to the Ladies' Department I 
 saw quite a garden of small fruit and vegetables, which 
 did great credit to the cultivators. In front of the build- 
 ing there were many very beautiful flower plots. 
 
 In the hall, the gentleman requested one of the lady 
 attendants to show me around, as the Supervisoress could 
 not be found. We passed up the stairs into a large hall, 
 on either side of which were a row of rooms, containing 
 each a bed and other necessary furniture. All was scrup- 
 ulously clean. There were many ladies sitting around; 
 some of them looking very melancholy, with downcast 
 eyes, seeming to be unconscious of anything that was hap- 
 pening; others were laughing and chatting, and looked 
 and acted rationally. One of them came forward. The at- 
 tendant told me to speak to her, as she liked to be noticed. 
 She was dressed in a gaudy manner, wearing a dress of 
 highly colored silk, with heavy rich lace fastened about 
 her head, and trailing on the floor. 
 
 The attendant said she had gone deranged about dress, 
 and imagined she was a great queen. Bidding the imagi- 
 nary queen good-day, I passed into a room at the end 
 of the hall; inside, the walls and windows were com- 
 pletely covered with pictures, painted on different pieces 
 
84 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 of paper, from two to eight inches square, in highly col- 
 ored paints, in fantastical shapes. The lady artist was in 
 bed, and looked very feeble. 
 
 The attendant said she had gone insane while taking 
 drawing lessons, and imagined herself a great painter. 
 The attendant offered to take me to some of the rooms 
 where the patients were violent. I thanked her, and said 
 I did not wish to go. I have visited the Asylums in Lex- 
 ington, Kentucky, and Columbus, Ohio. In each I saw 
 many lady patients and I must say of all the insane peo- 
 ple I ever saw, there were not any of them had a good 
 shaped head. The majority had very low foreheads. 
 
 When we reached the hall below, I thanked the atten- 
 dant and took my leave. As I passed out through the 
 grounds, I could hear the screams of the raving maniacs, 
 in both the ladies' and gentlemen's department. I then 
 took a solemn vow that I would never again visit an In- 
 sane Asylum, unless I should be so unfortunate as to have 
 some friend or relative confined there. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 San Francisco. 
 
 On Friday I returned to San Francisco. It was now 
 just one week before the Christmas holidays, and as I 
 had worked faithfully for four months, I concluded to 
 take a rest and make some preparations for them. They 
 passed off very pleasantly. In walking around town, I 
 was struck with the brilliant display of toys and eat- 
 ables, which certainly give good spirits and light hearts 
 to the community at large. I must candidly admit that in 
 all the large cities I have been, I never saw so much good 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 85 
 
 taste and cleanliness displayed in decorations as I have 
 in San Francisco. 
 
 On February the first, I commenced canvassing again, 
 adding to my stock of engravings, "Washington Irving en- 
 tertaining his literary friends at Sunnyside"; also three 
 others, entitled, "Life's Day," "Morning," "Noon" and 
 "Night." The three latter were very handsome for to be 
 so cheap, and they made a fine group. 
 
 I concluded to try among the private families. I called 
 at many houses on Stockton, Powell and Sutter streets. 
 At some of them it was impossible to see the lady of the 
 house ; the impertinent servant girls would almost always 
 shut the door in my face. At several places, where I would 
 succeed in getting into the hall, the women would come 
 to the head of the stairs, and in a very unladylike man- 
 ner, holler, "What is it you want?" After politely intro- 
 ducing myself and business, scarcely waiting until I had 
 finished, they would say, "No, I don't want anything. 
 Biddy, show that woman out." Of course, I had no alter- 
 native but to leave. 
 
 Working this way very faithfully for four weeks and 
 getting but little patronage, and not even meeting with 
 but very few that I would call ladies, I became so dis- 
 gusted that I made up my mind I would never try the pri- 
 vate families in this city again. I dislike very much to say 
 anything against my own sex ; and when I am misused by 
 them I feel it keenly. I can stand a rebuff from a gentle- 
 man much better, and with less pain ; for when I go can- 
 vassing amongst them, I look at it in a business point 
 of view, and expect to meet many who will speak to me 
 abruptly; but I must say, with but few exceptions, I have 
 always been treated with a very great deal of kindness 
 and respect among the gentlemen. 
 
86 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 After having remained at home for a few days, I started 
 once more to try amongst the shipping. Here I met with 
 good success, selling many engravings and taking many or- 
 ders for "Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad." I had sufficient 
 employment to keep me busy for several months amongst 
 the shipping, wharfingers, and lumber-merchants. 
 
 In this way I finished my first twelve months' canvass, 
 nothing more of importance occurring than I have al- 
 ready related. 
 
 But one thing I must acknowledge, that if any one of 
 my patrons had looked into my rooms the night previous 
 to my starting to canvass, and had seen them one year 
 from date, would say it was the best money they had ever 
 spent for benevolent purposes. 
 
 On August 15th, 1869, I concluded to actually turn 
 book agent, in connection with two chromos, entitled, 
 "Masonics' and Odd Fellows' Charts"; the title of the book 
 was the "Mirror of New York," or, "Life and Sensation in 
 and about the City." 
 
 On the book, I was allowed south of Market street as 
 my district ; the charts I carried with me and sold on the 
 spot, without having the trouble of going over the ground 
 again. As my commission was very small, I was not re- 
 stricted to any particular part of the city for them, so I 
 traveled over the whole of it. This gave me steady em- 
 ployment for six months, and was the most pleasant can- 
 vass I ever made ; not meeting with but very few rebuffs. 
 I also had taken a great many orders for the book, and 
 delivered them during that time. 
 
 It was now the month of March, and Mr. Bancroft 
 wished me to make another trip to San Jose, with a book 
 entitled, "The Ladies of the White House." On the 4th of 
 March, I commenced my canvass in that place. Here I 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 87 
 
 worked faithfully for two weeks, and was very success- 
 ful. Nearly every one I met seemed to recognize me, and 
 treated me with a very great deal of respect. There was 
 one old Judge, who looked up when I addressed him, and 
 gruffly asked if I had any family. I told him I had; he said, 
 "You had better be at home, taking care of them, and 
 not strolling about in this kind of a manner," adding an 
 oath now and then, and offering to bet his old hat that I 
 could neither make a loaf of bread, or wash and iron a 
 shirt. I informed him very politely I could do both. He 
 replied, "I would rather see it than hear tell of it, as I 
 doubt it very much." 
 
 There were two or three other persons in his office at 
 the time, who laughed very heartily when they consid- 
 ered he was getting the best of me; I, for the first time 
 since I had commenced canvassing, made up my mind not 
 to be beaten. Taking a chair, I seated myself close beside 
 the Judge, saying, "I know you are an old bach., and likely 
 a woman-hater ; but, still you must listen to me for a short 
 time." I then explained to him the position I was placed 
 in, and showed him the necessity of me having to canvass ; 
 I told him I was no strong-minded, woman's rights advo- 
 cator, as that seemed to be his strong point of argument 
 against me. I also said that a lady could be a lady, and 
 follow any kind of employment that was not too laborious 
 and in the event of her having performed any duty as well 
 as could possibly have been done by a man, she certainly 
 ought to be as well remunerated for the same. 
 
 After some lengthy discussion, for and against, I ac- 
 tually was successful in talking him into buying a book. 
 When he had bought, and paid for it, he complimented 
 me, by saying that there was not another woman in the 
 State could have persuaded him to buy, so I felt proud of 
 
88 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 my success, and began to think that he was not such a 
 woman-hater after all. 
 
 The next morning found me seated in the Western 
 Pacific R. R. cars bound for the so called city of Milpitas. 
 When I arrived there, it reminded me of the town of the 
 old saying, that I could not see the town for the houses, 
 which consisted of one hotel, two drinking saloons, one 
 dry goods and grocery store, two black smith shops, one 
 harness making shop, and a half a dozen dwellings; but 
 the citizens were all very kind and polite. I did not meet 
 a person but who appeared, from their manners and con- 
 versation, to be a well bred class of people. Every thing 
 around the hotel was very neat and clean. 
 
 In this place I took some half a dozen orders, which I 
 considered pretty well for a small place. 
 
 In the afternoon, I went to Washington's Corners: 
 From San Jose to this place, along the line of the railroad 
 I was delighted to see so many beautifully cultivated or- 
 chards, strawberry beds and vegetables, the land seem- 
 ing to be adapted for that kind of cultivation. I found 
 Washington's Corners about the same size of a place as 
 Milpitas, but the hotel had very few accommodations ; still 
 I found the landlord and landlady very pleasant people. 
 
 I noticed a large building, the upper part of which was 
 the Odd Fellows' and Masonic hall; I found that most of 
 the citizens belonged to and were proud of the Orders. 
 In this place I was liberally patronized. 
 
 The next day I returned to San Francisco; calling at 
 Mr. Bancroft's, Mr. S., the manager of the subscription 
 department, told me he wished I would go to Sacra- 
 mento with a new book, entitled "The Sights and Sen- 
 sations of the National Capitol," a book descriptive of 
 Washington City. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 89 
 
 The first Wednesday afternoon in April found me 
 aboard the Sacramento boat. When we left the wharf, I 
 was standing on the upper deck ; the bay was very calm 
 and from where I was, I had a good view of San Fran- 
 cisco, Oakland, and the surrounding hills. The scene 
 looked grand to me as it faded from view. About sunset 
 we passed into the mouth of the Sacramento River. The 
 shores looked very beautiful, and I felt sorry when the 
 shades of evening spread their dark mantle o'er the earth, 
 and hid them from my view. 
 
 Soon after dark I retired to my state-room, and it was 
 quite late in the morning when I awoke. It did not take 
 me long to complete my toilet as it was very simple. I 
 went outside and inquired for some one whom I could hire 
 to carry my satchel, and succeeded in getting a colored 
 boy to take it to the corner of Ninth and L streets, as I 
 had a letter of recommendation to a Mrs. W, whom I 
 believed kept a boarding house. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Sacramento. 
 
 Upon arriving there, and ascertaining that I could get 
 board, I paid the darkey four bits for his services, being 
 all the money I possessed in the world at that time; I 
 did not feel much alarmed at this, for I had a half dozen 
 copies of the work with me that I felt confident I could 
 soon dispose of after breakfast, and had arranged to pay 
 my board by the week. 
 
 After taking possession of my room, which was very 
 neat and comfortable, the lady invited me out to break- 
 fast, where there were several boarders already seated. 
 
90 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 She introduced me to them, also to her husband, son 
 and daughter. 
 
 Partaking of a good breakfast, and having a short but 
 pleasant conversation with many around the table, I re- 
 turned to my room. Taking two books in my arms, I passed 
 into the street, intending to call upon a few that had been 
 recommended first, and as I went I heard a few outside 
 remark: "There goes another book agent." Being in a 
 strange place, I must acknowledge I did not like the title. 
 I called on four of the parties of my recommendations, and 
 made a sale of my two books. I next visited the editors of 
 the press, and was kindly received by both. In the morn- 
 ing I was pleased to find, in their papers, a notice, which 
 tended to make my sojourn in that city both pleasant and 
 beneficial. I now commenced a regular canvass of K street, 
 calling on every person, working hard until night, not 
 even stopping long enough to take lunch. I was very suc- 
 cessful and was treated kindly indeed. Returning to my 
 boarding house, where I spent a very pleasant evening 
 with the landlady and her daughters, I found them both 
 agreeable and intelligent. 
 
 The next day I visited the R. R. offices, and on making 
 my appearance before the illustrious and distinguished 
 Governor S[tanford] I was treated with a very great deal 
 of respect and received permission from him to visit all 
 of the offices, after having himself patronized me, for 
 which I tendered him my sincere thanks. I then called in 
 every office, and among the numerous clerks; my order 
 book will show evidence of their liberal patronage, for 
 which I thanked them all very kindly. I here admit that 
 Rail Road men, as a body, are a class that have treated me 
 very politely, and with but one exception have not been 
 even abrupt in their manner, this fellow was in the em- 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 91 
 
 ploy of Mr. J., the superintendent of the road from Sacra- 
 mento to Folsom. He was a baggage master, by the name 
 of L. He came up to me, and offered to shake hands. With- 
 out being impolite, I could not very well refuse, at the 
 same time telling him that I did not remember ever meet- 
 ing him before. With a hateful grin, he said, "you cannot 
 play that on me; didn't I see you in San Jose, the week 
 before last, working on this same book?" reaching his 
 hand for the prospectus, which I refused to give him, 
 saying, "you are very much mistaken, I was in that place, 
 but had a different book." 
 
 "I presume you take me for Mrs. B.," who was work- 
 ing there on the same book. He answered, "you need not 
 try to play such a game on me, as I know you are that 
 Mrs. B. ; probably if you don't want to recognize me, you 
 would recognize Mr. P., the engineer, if he would come 
 around. Probably, you will also deny making a row be- 
 tween him and his wife, a few weeks ago." 
 
 Finding it was impossible for me to convince him of his 
 mistake, and seeing that he was a ruffian under the in- 
 fluence of liquor, and as I had tried hard to get away from 
 him and his abuse, he persisted in following. At a little 
 distance, I saw a Mr. J — (I think a son of the Superin- 
 tendent), who wore an emblem of Odd Fellowship, and was 
 pleased to find that he had taken the Rebekah degree ; and 
 immediately inquired of me what assistance I needed. I 
 told him my name and situation as best I could, for weep- 
 ing. I pointed out to him the ruffian, who stood at some 
 little distance. As he kind of left on seeing me approach 
 
 Mr. J , Mr. J — called to him, and told him he must 
 
 necessarily be mistaken, as Mrs. J. W. L. must be a lady, 
 or otherwise she would not be in possession of certain 
 signs and pass-words. He also told him that if he did not 
 
92 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 at once beg the lady's pardon he would discharge him 
 from his employ. 
 
 The ruffian then came forward, and asked to be excused. 
 I told him it was freely granted, telling him at the same 
 time I hoped, after this, he would treat every woman with 
 respect, until he knew she deserved to be treated other- 
 wise. I watched him sharply while we were talking; he 
 did not seem to care for the insulting language he had 
 used, but stood, with a half drunken idiotic grin on his 
 countenance. I pitied him, for he looked as though he had 
 not been raised at all but was something like Topsy, 
 growed up, along with a lot of other ruffians. 
 
 Thanking Mr. J for his interest in my behalf, I bid 
 
 him good-day, and started for the railroad shops. In pass- 
 ing through the buildings, I insisted upon every gentle- 
 man I met to buy ; was treated kindly, but received little 
 patronage. 
 
 As I returned to my boarding house, I stopped into the 
 Chief of Police's Office. Here I was treated somewhat 
 abruptly by some loafers, who seemed to be just hang- 
 ing around. The Chief of Police subscribed for the book, 
 and joked me some about having to pay license. I next 
 visited the Water Company's Office, which was in the 
 same building. There were several gentlemen in the 
 office, from whom I received liberal patronage. 
 
 I then continued on my way to the boarding-house, 
 tired in both body and mind. When once in my room, and 
 reflecting over the occurrences of the day, I could not 
 help weeping. I thought it was a great undertaking to be 
 a book agent. I worked faithfully in Sacramento for three 
 weeks, and was very successful. I also liked the place. 
 A great many of the streets were beautifully shaded with 
 large trees. There were many handsome private resi- 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 93 
 
 dences and fine grounds ; large and commodious business 
 houses, well filled with merchandise of all descriptions; 
 also several well kept hotels. 
 
 The Capitol, then in course of construction, had the 
 appearance of being an elegant structure when com- 
 pleted. There were but few of the rooms occupied, and 
 they were yet incomplete. The officers were very kind, 
 and each of them gave me their patronage. 
 
 I made up my mind to return to San Francisco by the 
 way of Davisville. The portion of the country through 
 which the cars passed, from Sacramento to that place, 
 was, most of it, low and marshy, many miles of the road 
 being built on trestle work. At Davisville I remained over 
 night. I found it a very small village. 
 
 In the morning I concluded to take a run down to Wood- 
 land ; the journey had to be performed by stage ; the coun- 
 try seemed to be well cultivated, and contained some 
 splendid ranches. 
 
 I found Woodland a beautiful inland town of, I should 
 judge, about two to three thousand inhabitants, who 
 seemed to be a well raised and intelligent class of people, 
 full of life and energy ; every branch of business was well 
 represented. Here I remained two days, meeting with 
 great success among the ladies, for a wonder. 
 
 I returned to Davisville, and finished my work; there 
 I took the afternoon train for home. I passed through 
 some fine looking country, also two small villages, which 
 I was told were Fairfield and Suisun. 
 
 As we went through Vallejo, but a small portion of the 
 place could be seen. The railroad was some little distance 
 from the central portion, and hills running between it and 
 the town hid it from view. The day after my arrival home 
 I went to the store, where Mr. S. seemed very much 
 
94 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 pleased with my success while I was away and wished me 
 to go immediately to Santa Cruz, with the same work I 
 had in San Jose, "The Ladies of the White House!' I prom- 
 ised to go in a few days. 
 
 The second Monday in May at half past twelve found 
 me seated in the Santa Cruz stage, moving slowly away 
 from Santa Clara. We passed some small fruit ranches ; 
 further on large fields of grain, which looked as though 
 they would yield abundantly; we crossed a small creek, 
 which reminded me of the streams in the Southern States, 
 so clear and pellucid that every pebble could be plainly 
 seen in its gravelly bed. After crossing this stream, the 
 soil in appearance seemed to change to a reddish cast and 
 was not near so fertile; and some places were covered 
 with oak timber. 
 
 Shortly after noon, we passed through a small place 
 called Los Gatos, at the foot of the mountains; here the 
 stage stopped, while the mails were changed; we started 
 up again and passed over a rough bridge, after which we 
 commenced to ascend the mountains. Three miles from 
 Los Gatos the stage stopped at Lexington, for the pas- 
 sengers to take dinner. This small place, consisting of a 
 hotel, blacksmith shop, stables where the stage horses 
 were kept, and a few dwelling houses, was built on a piece 
 of table land on the side of the mountain. This is indeed a 
 beautiful and picturesque spot. The horses were changed, 
 the passengers took their seats, and we were soon whirl- 
 ing up along the side of the mountain again. 
 
 In making the short turns where the road would be 
 very narrow, on one side a deep canon, on the other the 
 steep mountain, at times I feared the stage would over- 
 set into the yawning abyss below; but the scenery was 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 95 
 
 so grand and I became so absorbed in its beauty that my 
 fears were only for a passing moment. 
 
 The deep forests, with their tall redwoods and many 
 varieties of smaller trees ; while beneath their branches 
 grew large quantities of ferns and flowers, with their 
 many shades and tints. On nearing the top of the moun- 
 tain were spots where the large trees were cleared away, 
 and there would be a beautiful thicket, with here and 
 there bunches of wild lilacs, white and purple. In some 
 places bunches of the wild rose could be seen, with buds 
 and flowers. From the time we commenced ascending the 
 mountain until we reached the foot on the other side, 
 the scenery was one of perfect sublimity. I think it would 
 pay any one for their time and trouble to take a trip to 
 Santa Cruz over the mountains so that they might see 
 the beauties for themselves. 
 
 It was past sunset when the stage drove up in front 
 of the Santa Cruz House. Here I stopped. The outside of 
 the building looked old, and somewhat rough, but when 
 I entered, I found it well kept; the rooms neat and com- 
 fortable. The table was provided with the best their mar- 
 ket afforded. I was very much fatigued, and so retired 
 to my room. Through my open window I could hear the 
 sad, low murmurings of the sea, as its waves would break 
 upon the shore, with their ceaseless motion. 
 
 The next morning I inquired of the landlady concern- 
 ing the citizens of Santa Cruz who she thought would be 
 the most likely to patronize me. She recommended me to 
 Mrs. J , saying she was a strong woman's rights advo- 
 cator, and believed in helping her own sex; I told her I had 
 not much faith in that sect, at the same time relating to 
 her how I was misused by one of them in San Jose. 
 
96 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 She still insisted upon me calling on Mrs. J , saying, 
 
 that I would find her a perfect lady, and her name would 
 be of great service to me in obtaining others. After re- 
 ceiving her proper address, a short walk brought me to 
 her residence. 
 
 She was a widow lady, and the grounds around her 
 house showed her to be a woman of energy and good 
 taste; as I passed up the wide gravel walk, I had some 
 forebodings that she would not treat me pleasantly ; the 
 bell was answered by a more than middle aged lady, 
 neatly dressed, and with a smiling countenance, until her 
 eyes fell upon the books that I carried in my arms. 
 
 Oh, horror ! what a change came over her; her face was 
 drawn into more than a thousand wrinkles, as she partially 
 shut the door in my face, so that I could only see one eye, 
 as she told me she supposed I was selling books, and that 
 she had just bought one the day before from one of you 
 agents, and could not afford to spend money every day 
 for books, all the time closing the door a little, while she 
 was speaking, until it was finally closed in my face. She 
 acted very much as if she was afraid of me. I left with the 
 opinion she was not a lady, or at least did not act like one ; 
 and my fullest anticipations were realized, as to my being 
 received by the so called woman's rights advocator. 
 
 When once more I reached the street, I asked a small 
 boy if I could get to the town by taking the street to the 
 left; he replied in the affirmative. After walking a few 
 blocks, I found myself on the top of a hill that overlooked 
 the town; I must say it looked rather picturesque and 
 beautiful, lying, as it seemed, in a kind of basin, sur- 
 rounded by hills; the dwellings were very much scattered, 
 and a great many of them were even built on the tops of 
 the surrounding hills. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 97 
 
 I passed down a long flight of steps, and by taking the 
 first road to the left, I was soon in the business part of 
 the town, and commenced canvassing the business men, 
 vowing at the same time I would not try the ladies again 
 in that place. I must say I was favorably impressed with 
 the gentlemen of Santa Cruz, all treating me politely, 
 and giving me liberal patronage. I spent a pleasant after- 
 noon on the beach, in company with some ladies from the 
 hotel. We also visited the light-house, standing on a rocky 
 point, jutting out into the sea. From the shore, below 
 this point looked very rough and rugged, the rock is high 
 and straight, the breakers dash against it in a wild, tem- 
 pestuous manner, even in a calm, showing the necessity 
 of a beacon light to warn the approaching vessels of their 
 danger in time of storm. 
 
 I returned to the hotel, and the next morning took the 
 stage for San Jose. On arriving there I went to see the 
 Superintendent of the San Jose and Santa Clara R. R., 
 as I understood they wished to make a change in their 
 advertising agent. I found him, and succeeded in making 
 a bargain, I agreeing to pay him fifty dollars a month for 
 the privilege of putting two rows of advertisements in 
 the inside, and as many as I wished outside. 
 
 I remained in San Jose several days soliciting adver- 
 tisements and was successful in obtaining about twenty, 
 who signed an article of agreement to let them remain 
 in one year. 
 
 When I returned to San Francisco I called on K. & 
 Company, also on Mr. M — , advertising agents, and 
 learned from them the best plan of conducting business. 
 They recommended me to somewhere near thirty parties, 
 who were then advertising with them, saying probably 
 I could get their patronage. 
 
98 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 I obtained twenty of them, and through my own exer- 
 tions I succeeded in getting ten more. They all agreed to 
 pay me from three to five dollars a month. Messrs. K. and 
 M. gave me a great many advertisements, already printed, 
 saving me that expense. I returned my sincere thanks to 
 them for their kindness. Arranging everything satisfac- 
 torily, I returned to Santa Clara, where I worked stead- 
 ily for a week, framing advertisements, and putting in a 
 few at a time in the car when it would stop in that place. 
 In this way I managed until each was properly put up. I 
 hired the drivers to keep them in order. Three parties in 
 San Jose hired the outside of the cars, furnished their own 
 signs, put them up, and agreed to keep them in order, for 
 the privilege of which they paid me liberally. 
 
 When I returned to San Francisco, I commenced work- 
 ing on Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad," which had just 
 been published. This was a very popular book. The City 
 was divided into three districts, making two agents in the 
 City beside myself. With them I had some trouble, as I 
 did not understand their rules and regulations in the busi- 
 ness ; but the agents were persons meaning to do right, 
 so we soon made every thing satisfactory. With this book 
 I was very successful, working hard and steadily for three 
 months on my territory in the City, with the exception of 
 a few days the first of each month, when I would stop, col- 
 lect for the advertisements in the street cars, and go to 
 San Jose one day, to settle with the company. 
 
 About this time, some gentlemen persuaded my hus- 
 band to join them in starting a factory, to manufacture 
 shoes, with Chinese labor. All worked well for a few 
 months, when it failed, leaving us in debt. As to whose 
 fault it was, I am not able to say ; but I felt the loss of that 
 few hundred dollars more keenly than I did years ago, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 99 
 
 when many thousands were lost, for I had worked very 
 hard for the few hundreds, trying to save enough to buy 
 us a home. After closing my district in the City, I prom- 
 ised to canvass San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, for 
 the same book. In the town of San Mateo I did not receive 
 much patronage, as there was but little business. But at 
 the private residences, on the outskirts of the town, I sold 
 a great many. The husbands of several of the ladies had 
 already purchased the book in San Francisco. 
 
 My next stopping point was Redwood City. Here I put 
 up at Mr. A.'s hotel. During the afternoon I visited the 
 lumber yard. In the office was a gentleman, seeming to 
 be very busy with the books. When I addressed him, I 
 found him polite and agreeable. After conversing a few 
 moments, he gave me an order for the book. In the eve- 
 ning, when I entered the dining-room, I noticed he was 
 seated at the table. After dinner the landlady told me 
 he was an old bach., and boarded there. "You just wait," 
 she said, "I will have some fun with him. I will get some 
 of the boys to help me in making him believe you are a 
 widow lady, and try to get him to take you to the ball, 
 which is to come off this evening." I told her I did not at- 
 tend parties or balls while I was canvassing. She inquired 
 my name, and introduced me to said old bach, when he 
 came out from dinner, and some one went so far as to tell 
 him I was a widow; still, we did not, for all that, get up 
 much of a flirtation, nor fall desperately in love with each 
 other, for I think he would not be so easily caught by a 
 stranger, especially a book agent. I know I did not wish 
 to get rid of my husband; one man is trouble enough, 
 without having two. 
 
 In the morning I called upon Mrs. C. Her house and 
 grounds are as fine as any in the place. I found her neatly 
 
100 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 dressed, and a lady in manners. I knew, from her very 
 countenance, she was a kind-hearted and noble woman. 
 Thanking her for her patronage, I started for Mr. B.'s 
 house; he was at home, and purchased the book I carried. 
 His wife had every appearance of being a perfect lady. 
 
 I canvassed all the business men, and found them 
 liberal and courteous, even to the colored "brodder," 
 the barber. 
 
 I remained at the hotel over night ; ten o'clock next 
 morning found me in San Jose. While working there, I met 
 on the street one day a widower; he was a Missourian, a 
 fair specimen of southern chivalry, with light hair and blue 
 eyes, which spoke volumes of love as they looked into 
 mine. Using all the persuasive powers he possessed, 
 which were not many, for me to accompany him to his 
 ranch, a few miles from San Jose, he told me he knew I 
 would make a good stepmother, for I was the mildest and 
 pleasantest old maid he had ever met, and would give me 
 a good home, so I would not have to go around the streets, 
 peddling books for a living. While he was making this long, 
 heart-smashing speech, I stood all attention, now and then 
 smiling, which seemed to give him courage, for he was 
 awfully bashful; I could not tell whether he blushed or 
 not, for when I first met him his face was so red from the 
 effects of the tangle-log whisky he had drank. 
 
 I told him my husband might object to his proposition. 
 At this he seemed very much surprised, and said, "Why, 
 are you married?" I told him I had been for seventeen 
 years, to which he replied, "darn them fellows, they made 
 you were an old maid, and on the marry." I told him he 
 had better return to his jolly friends, and acknowledge 
 himself sold; probably they would treat him, for after 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 101 
 
 such a long love-making harangue, he must certainly be 
 dry; bidding him good day, I continued my work. 
 
 When my business was completed in San Jose, I had 
 sold sixty copies, which was doing well for that place. I 
 hired a team to take me to Saratoga Springs. The coun- 
 try through which we drove was beautiful. Just this side 
 of McCartersville we passed a grove where they were 
 holding camp-meeting. The driver promised the young 
 miss that was accompanying us that he would stop as he 
 came back ; she never had been at a camp meeting, and 
 wished to see the performance. 
 
 At the village we stopped, and went through the pa- 
 per mills. I was surprised to see what a good quality of 
 brown paper was made from straw. When we came out- 
 side, Mr. K., the proprietor of the mill, introduced me to 
 the ex-senator of Santa Clara County, who looked, from 
 his dress, more like an exile than anything else, and from 
 his swaying walk, as he passed to and fro in front of me, a 
 lofty manner, when he found I was a book agent. I know 
 he had a very poor opinion of such low, degraded crea- 
 tures, that go strolling around the country peddling 
 books. I saw he kept his eye on all he possessed, as though 
 he was afraid I might run away with the rocky hills, small 
 bottom land, carrying along with me the grist mill, dry 
 goods store, and rob him of the title of post master. We 
 drove away, leaving him still lord of all he surveyed. 
 
 As we passed up the canon, the scenery was beautiful. 
 When we reached Saratoga, Congress Hall was deserted, 
 for it was too late in the season for visitors. 
 
 The proprietor of the hall at this time, was Mr. U. His 
 mother was also stopping there, for the benefit of her 
 health, as she was almost gone with consumption. In a 
 
102 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 few weeks after I was there, she returned to Santa Clara, 
 where she died in a short time. 
 
 The Springs were quite a distance from the hall, so we 
 drove over to them. We crossed a beautiful stream of 
 water, and commenced ascending the hill. The road was 
 very good, while on either side was a thick forest. While 
 riding along, a gurgling sound could be heard, as the wa- 
 ter passed over its rugged and stony bed. 
 
 When we had nearly reached the Springs, we came in 
 sight of a rough building where men were bottling the 
 water, preparatory to its being shipped throughout the 
 country. The Springs looked as though they received lit- 
 tle or no care. The nature of the water is too well known 
 to need any explanation from me. I cannot say I liked the 
 taste of it. As I wandered around this wild and romantic 
 place, although not having such a renowned reputation 
 as the Saratoga in New York, I thought it, in its quiet, 
 natural state, a more suitable place for invalids and per- 
 sons wishing to get away from the cares of business, and 
 noisy confusion of a large city, than that bustling fashion- 
 able resort. 
 
 On returning to Santa Clara, we stopped at the camp 
 meeting. It was held in a beautiful grove. As I looked at 
 the minister's rough pulpit, the rows of seats, the tents, 
 wagons and smaller vehicles, it all had the effect of mak- 
 ing me homesick. It reminded me how often my dear 
 mother, who has for many years slept in her quiet grave, 
 when I was a child, would take me once a year to camp 
 meeting, for she was a Methodist ; not the kind of to-day, 
 who go to church to show their new dresses or fine bon- 
 nets, but a plain, old fashioned, true Christian, one who 
 lived up to what she professed, and tried to rear me, her 
 only child and idol, to follow in her footsteps; but I frankly 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 103 
 
 confess, although I have never forgotten her counsel and 
 advice, I am far from being the woman she was. 
 
 I remember once attending camp meeting in Ohio with 
 my husband. There were a few mischievous fellows, who 
 had been making a great deal of disturbance in the eve- 
 nings. One of the ministers said he believed he could find 
 out who they were, so he watched them closely, until he 
 caught them at some of their pranks. He was a revival- 
 ist, and very popular. He went among them, and putting 
 his arms around their necks, insisted upon their coming 
 up to the altar to be prayed for, at the same time making 
 long chalk marks on their backs, thinking it was too dark 
 in that portion of the ground for them to discover what 
 he had done ; but they by some means discovered it, and 
 succeeded in chalking him, without his knowledge. 
 
 The next morning, when service began, this minister 
 arose, and said the roughs that were causing the disturb- 
 ance would be known by the chalk marks on their backs ; 
 at the same time, he turned to sit down; on his back were 
 two or three long white marks ; all that saw them roared 
 with laughter, for not another person on the grounds 
 could be found so marked ; after that he went by the name 
 of the "Rough Revivalist." 
 
 I stopped in Santa Clara for a few days. I had now been 
 in this place at all seasons of the year, and think the cli- 
 mate cannot be excelled anywhere. As Mr. C. keeps a first 
 class hotel through the Summer, he cannot find accommo- 
 dations for all the persons making applications for board. 
 When I reached the house, I found Col. Albert Evans wait- 
 ing for me, to take hold of his work in the city, entitled 
 "Our Sister Republic." With this I was very successful, 
 and all treated me pleasantly, for he had many friends. 
 This book gave me employment until the holidays. 
 
104 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 Return to San Francisco. 
 
 In February, 1871, 1 concluded to sell out the advertise- 
 ments in the street cars, and start a boarding and lodg- 
 ing house. It was the worst move I ever made. I rented 
 a house on Minna street, between Eleventh and Twelfth, 
 suitable for that purpose. I started with six boarders, but 
 in one month's time I knew I could not make anything. I 
 hired a Chinese boy, and tried canvassing and keeping 
 boarders, together. I found it a laborious business; still 
 I kept it up for a year. 
 
 During that period, I worked in all parts of the city, 
 on several books; among them, "Knots Untied," a work 
 written by a New York detective; "Garnered Sheaves," 
 by Richardson; "Poetry and Songs," by William Cullen 
 Bryant; "Cuba, with Pen and Pencil"; "Life of Barnum," 
 and "Woman's Pilgrimage in the Holy Land." 
 
 While I was canvassing for "Garnered Sheaves" on 
 Steuart Street I called in at one of the piers. As there 
 were a great many ladies canvassing, by this time the 
 men began to be more cheeky. Mr. P — joked me very 
 roughly; so much so, I could not help weeping. He asked 
 my pardon, but I must allow it was not very freely given. 
 On the corner of Folsom and Spear streets I received five 
 orders the same afternoon, which helped to cheer my 
 drooping spirits. 
 
 While I was canvassing for the "Life of Barnum," on 
 California Street, I went down three or four steps into a 
 large room, where there were quite a number of little 
 offices divided by railings, each containing a desk and one 
 
106 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 or two chairs. In the farther end of the room was one 
 quite large office, with four or five men in it. I will not 
 call them gentlemen ; they do not deserve that title. 
 
 When I first entered, I noticed them whispering, look- 
 ing toward me, blinking and winking, as though they 
 thought I was very green, and they could play almost any 
 kind of a prank upon me. When I went up to them, one 
 took my order book from my hand very impolitely, looked 
 it all through, saying, "Barnum is an old humbug; still 
 my friends and I will each take a copy, to help you along. 
 We are all friends, and strangers in the city, and will not 
 remain but a few days. Will you bring the books to our 
 rooms, and can you bring them immediately?" I told him 
 the books were ready to be delivered right away, I would 
 comply with his request, providing he would give me the 
 directions. Two of them pretended to sign their names 
 in my order book. One's address was the Cosmopolitan, 
 the other the Occidental Hotel. 
 
 I felt confident at once they were fictitious names ; but 
 I thanked them all the same, thinking inwardly, you will 
 find I am not so green after all. I stopped at several of 
 the other smaller offices. As I left the room and passed 
 up the steps, one of the pretended gentlemen who had 
 not signed for the book, was standing outside, and said, 
 "Madam, if you will tell me where you live, I will call at 
 the house and buy a book." I told him I lived in San Fran- 
 cisco. He replied, "Well, I declare, that is satisfactory." 
 "It is all the satisfaction you will get from me, sir," and 
 I passed on. 
 
 I went directly to the hotels, and found no such persons 
 stopping there. I was very much annoyed and studied for 
 some time what course to pursue, made up my mind to 
 find out their real names, and compel them take the books, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 107 
 
 if there was any law to do so. In three hours from that 
 time I knew who they were ; as to who gave me the infor- 
 mation, it is no fellow's business. I secured four copies of 
 the books, in two styles of binding, and watched the office 
 for several days before I could catch them all in. When I 
 did, I marched through the room, with my four books, into 
 their office. I addressed them politely, calling them by 
 their right names, saying, "You mentioned no style of bind- 
 ing, so I have brought both ; you can take your choice." 
 
 They seemed very much confused, made several efforts 
 to say something, but did not succeed. They took the best 
 binding, and paid me for them, all the time trying to 
 laugh ; said one of them, "You are a Yankee woman, sure 
 enough." I told him he was very much mistaken, for I was 
 a Southerner, and was now even with them. Feeling as 
 though I was victorious, I left the room. 
 
 In January, 1872, finding I could not make anything 
 keeping boarders and lodgers, I sold a portion of my fur- 
 niture, and moved into a smaller house in Hayes Valley. 
 There were two of the boarders I could not get rid of; 
 they said they would be no trouble; so I kept them. 
 
 On the first of March I called in Mr. Roman's book- 
 store, to secure territory for Mark Twain's book, "Rough- 
 ing It." They gave me Santa Clara county, and a portion 
 of the City. The book was not expected from the East for 
 several days ; so I worked on miscellaneous books until 
 its arrival. 
 
 One day, when I was in the Subscription Department at 
 Roman's, I was introduced to two ladies, one of them me- 
 dium size, the other very small. When I learned they were 
 canvassers, just starting in the business, I pitied them, 
 although they looked smart enough to fight their own bat- 
 tles; for I knew the trials they would have to contend with. 
 
108 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 When I commenced on Mark Twain's "Roughing It," 
 I found the small lady had the district in the City adjoin- 
 ing mine. There was an M. B. we both had to contend 
 with ; his district was one side of Market, and one of Mis- 
 sion, from the Bay to Sixteenth street. Instead of work- 
 ing on his own district, he was like a wandering Jew, all 
 over creation, and caused me to receive a great deal of 
 abuse; when I contended for my rights, I found a great 
 many in my district who had patronized him; they told 
 me he came into their offices, which were many of them 
 four or five blocks from his territory, to obtain their or- 
 ders, and they could not very well refuse him, as he was 
 a friend of theirs. It grieved me very much to think he 
 would act so, when he knew my circumstances, and I had 
 taken him for an honest gentleman. 
 
 While I was working on this same book, I called in a 
 store where there were two proprietors. As I entered, 
 one was standing in the door-way ; when I asked him to 
 buy, he gruffly said, "I don't want any books." I passed 
 him and went inside, which I suppose was very unlady- 
 like and had the impudence to ask one of the clerks to 
 buy; while I was speaking to him, the other proprietor 
 stepped up to me, saying, "What in h — 1 are you doing 
 here? You had better get out, or I will show you the door; 
 there are getting to be too many of you women strolling 
 around, but it is only an excuse to get amongst the men. 
 You are getting most too old; you won't stand much show 
 in picking up a man to live withy 
 
 I stood my ground, and did not fall on my knees at his 
 majesty's feet nor ask his pardon for entering his store; 
 but straightened myself to my fullest height, and took a 
 bird's eye view of him, as he stood with his hands crammed 
 in his pants' pockets, with a thousand frowns upon his 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 109 
 
 countenance, looking as though he would like to devour 
 me; he was very tall, round shouldered, and light com- 
 plexioned. As I could not imitate him by putting my hands 
 in my pockets, as I had but one, I deliberately laid my 
 order-book down, and folded my arms, still continuing my 
 view, when he said again, "Get out of my store, you trol- 
 lop." I answered, "You will please to give me a little time, 
 and I will. I wish to see if you are a man, or a brute ; you 
 look something like a man ; you have his form and image, 
 if you wouldn't wrinkle your face so much; still your ac- 
 tions are certainly brutal." I took up my order-book, and 
 started for the door, when on the steps I turned and told 
 him I already had a husband, and knew how to appreciate 
 him, for he was a gentleman; even if I had none, he need 
 not be afraid, for I would not trouble him. 
 
 I had much to annoy me, notwithstanding this was the 
 most salable book I had ever worked on. In many of the 
 stores on Front Street, I took from three to five orders a 
 day. In canvassing Battery street, I went up stairs in a 
 building occupied by Government employees. In the front 
 room were half a dozen gentlemen, who treated me kindly, 
 but said when I insisted upon their buying a book, "I can- 
 not; my wages are too small, and I do not feel able." I 
 passed into the office. There was a gentleman I will call 
 Mr. W., who had patronized me heretofore. Off from this 
 room was a small private office ; the door was open ; seated 
 inside was a gentleman, whom I politely asked to sub- 
 scribe for Mark Twain's "Roughing It." He said, "I would 
 be pleased to do so, to assist you, but I have already sub- 
 scribed for a copy." "You will please to excuse me, sir," 
 I replied, "but where did you buy, and who of?" He had 
 not time to reply, when I heard a peculiar noise, some- 
 thing like a big bull-frog croaking. I looked around, won- 
 
110 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 dering how it came in the room. There I beheld, seated 
 in a chair at a desk, a being, something in the form of a 
 man, but in reality looking more like a frog; for he seemed 
 to hold his breath, and swell himself up after the frog fash- 
 ion, blinked his eye, scowled his face, and croaked out, 
 "What in the h — d — m — is it your business, where 
 he got the book? Any one has as much right in this city, 
 as you have. You surely do not think you are going to run 
 it. There are a d — m sight of you women going around. 
 Pretty soon you will be wearing the breeches. You seem 
 to be one of them, that think a man has no rights at all. 
 I can tell you d — m plainly where he bought the book; 
 it was in this office, and I bought one too from a Mr. B — , 
 and it is none of your d — d business." I tried to explain 
 to him how the territory was divided ; it only seemed to 
 enrage him the more, to think / would dare to speak in the 
 presence of the majestic frog. He held his breath again, 
 swelling up his jaws, and whirling around in his chair, 
 when I was much surprised to see he wore two emblems. 
 I was already very angry, but the sight of those grieved 
 me to tears, to think I was so closely connected to a frog; 
 but then I consoled myself with the idea that it was no 
 blood connection. I know those orders are liable to be de- 
 ceived and imposed upon by men who join for nothing but 
 selfish motives and popularity. I understood afterwards, 
 his great sympathy for his brother B — , who he said was 
 in reduced circumstances, but who, I heard, was indebted 
 to him in the small amount of thirteen dollars ; and he 
 promised to get him all the subscribers he could, provided 
 he would settle with him. They say this same frog is very 
 benevolent, but I think his benevolence is like a great 
 many others, given very liberally when they think it will 
 be sounded far and wide ; but let any person that is poor 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. Ill 
 
 and worthy come to them for assistance, I am positive the 
 frog, especially, would spurn them from his presence. If, 
 by blinking his eyes, scowling his face, he could tramp 
 them any lower, he certainly would, forgetting he was 
 once poor and made his money by washing the filth and 
 dirt from the clothes of the general public, which I think 
 is just as degrading a calling as being a book agent. 
 
 For my own part I do not think either degrading, if hon- 
 orably and properly conducted ; but this big bull-frog was 
 now a government official, and liked to show his author- 
 ity. It grieved me very much to think that my sons should 
 give their lives in helping to sustain this government, that 
 would hire such a ruffian, who would take the liberty to 
 curse and swear at me in such a manner. I never rejoice 
 in any one's downfall, but this frog I believe has had his 
 most auspicious personage dethroned ; I expect he has 
 gathered a good deal of moss to beautify his hilly but 
 sandy home; there may he rest in peace, and may he 
 never have an opportunity to gather any more moss from 
 this government. 
 
 I next visited the Custom House, but found it impos- 
 sible, under my present excited state of mind, from the 
 abuse I had just received, to solicit any more that day; 
 so I returned to my home, where I remained for several 
 days. When I commenced work again, I determined to 
 ask no questions, when any one said they had already 
 purchased the book. I was five weeks working my district 
 in the city, and was more successful than I had ever an- 
 ticipated; I would often think that I myself was most 
 assuredly Roughing It. 
 
112 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 Calistoga. 
 
 It being now the anniversary of my marriage, and hav- 
 ing always celebrated that memorable day, I concluded, 
 in company with some friends, my husband and daughter 
 to take a trip to Calistoga, and for a few days to try and 
 throw aside the cares and trials of every day life. Four 
 o'clock Saturday afternoon, May 25th, found my friends, 
 family and myself aboard the steamer New World, en 
 route for Vallejo. It being a very pleasant afternoon, we 
 all seemed to enjoy the trip on the bay ; arriving at Val- 
 lejo at a quarter to six in the evening, and after getting 
 aboard the cars, we had to remain half an hour, for some 
 reason better known to the Railroad Company than to us ; 
 at quarter to six we left, bound for Calistoga. 
 
 The country through which we passed for some miles, 
 I was not favorably impressed with, in its appearance, but 
 as we neared Napa City, we passed some fine ranches ; the 
 city is not so large as I anticipated ; that was my impres- 
 sion from passing through it, on the cars. 
 
 From Napa to Calistoga the country seemed to be well 
 cultivated and adapted for the grape. In the upper part 
 of the valley we saw some splendid vineyards. At Yount- 
 ville there was a large wine cellar; they say it was well 
 filled with wines, and in a flourishing condition. 
 
 When we stopped at St. Helena, a great many of our 
 passengers left us, bound for the White Sulphur Springs. 
 We saw many different kinds of conveyances, from the fine 
 carriage with its beautiful horses to the rough farmer's 
 wagon with its rawboned span of mules, that had, as Mark 
 
114 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 Twain says, "scarcely any tail at all." It was now getting 
 dark, and as we could not amuse ourselves by viewing the 
 country, we then began to realize the grand mistake we 
 had made in not taking dinner aboard the New World ; 
 so that by the time we arrived in Calistoga, we were all 
 in a famishing condition. On arriving, we were driven to 
 the Cosmopolitan Hotel. There we engaged rooms ; and 
 scarcely waiting to lay aside our hats, wash the dirt from 
 our faces, much less brush the dust from our clothes, we 
 rushed into the dining-room, telling the landlord we were 
 almost starved, and wanted him to send on the table all 
 the Cosmopolitan could afford, as we felt able to devour 
 the whole town, springs and all. 
 
 After partaking of a good supper we seated ourselves 
 outside on the porch for a short time, as it was very pleas- 
 ant. We then returned to our rooms, proposing to meet 
 early next morning in the parlor, and visit the Springs. 
 In the morning, before sunrise, found us all on our way to 
 the Springs, a short distance from the Hotel. When we en- 
 tered the grounds, to the right was a neat row of cottages, 
 while to the left were several buildings going up. 
 
 On both sides of the carriage drive there were a few 
 summer houses, and on the left a small grove, with here 
 and there a narrow path leading to rustic seats beneath 
 the trees. 
 
 In the center of the grounds stands the famous Cali- 
 stoga Hotel, with its porches well shaded with large trees. 
 Just past the hotel is a well beaten path, leading to the 
 famous spring known as the Devil's Kitchen. It was en- 
 closed, forming a kind of room, in the center of which was 
 a small table ; upon it were salt and pepper, for the ac- 
 commodation of visitors desirous of gratifying their curi- 
 osity, concerning the length of time taken in boiling an 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 115 
 
 egg— which we performed by placing the eggs in a wire 
 bucket, attached to a cord, and lowering them into the 
 spring for five minutes. When we took them out they were 
 boiled hard. After partaking of this romantic breakfast, 
 we visited the several springs. In some places the ground 
 seemed to be very spongy, here and there smoke arising, 
 showing there was a hot spring underneath. On this por- 
 tion of the ground no vegetation or trees would grow. 
 
 The bath houses seemed to be very much neglected. 
 We saw a few parties returning to the hotel, after taking 
 their morning bath. 
 
 We left the place, thinking there were more natural won- 
 ders than beauties around Calistoga. We returned to the 
 hotel, and after breakfast we hired a team to take us for a 
 morning drive. We took the mountain road to the left. We 
 passed some small vegetable ranches. The driver took 
 us over a very beautiful mountain road, not very steep 
 nor dangerous. The scenery was grand. Some places the 
 trees were so thick and tall that their branches closed 
 and formed a delightful shade. We drove three miles. As 
 we returned, at one point we could obtain a fine view of 
 Calistoga and the surrounding country. When we reached 
 the hotel, the driver told us of another beautiful moun- 
 tain drive, leading to the famous Petrified Forest; so we 
 engaged the same team for the afternoon. At half past 
 twelve, our party again left the hotel. Taking the road to 
 the right, we crossed a beautiful mountain stream, which 
 we followed for some distance. On either side were the 
 stately mountains, covered with the finest variety of na- 
 tural trees that I have ever seen in California. We passed 
 two small huts, where the driver told us the wood chop- 
 pers lived. We now began to ascend the mountain. The 
 road led through a dense forest, and at some places was 
 
116 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 very steep and dangerous. At one point we passed a team 
 that was driven by a young man at break-neck speed. I ex- 
 pected we would both collide, which frightened me very 
 much; but still they passed without doing any damage. 
 
 When we reached the top of the mountain we found a 
 small hut where a man kept bachelor's hall, who went 
 by the name of Petrified Charley. He claimed the land 
 around, and charged every person four bits to admit and 
 guide them through the forest. Each of our party regis- 
 tered his name and address in a large day-book kept for 
 that purpose. In this book were hundreds of names of par- 
 ties who had visited the forest previous to us, from all por- 
 tions of the globe. The location of the hut was the most 
 beautiful I ever beheld. There was one of the finest moun- 
 tain springs, from which our party drank freely of its 
 clear, cold and crystal waters. We found the real owner 
 not at home at the present time, but the place was left 
 in charge of an old shepherd. In company with the old 
 man to guide us, we started for the forest, which was but 
 a short distance, over a small elevation of ground. I could 
 not help but admire how spry and supple the old man of 
 seventy, supported by his staff, seemed to get over the 
 ground, with his long white locks almost covering his neck 
 and shoulders. He was very communicative, and as I lis- 
 tened to his conversation, by his accent I knew he was a 
 southerner ; while he told us his son and himself owned a 
 small sheep ranch, as he called it, of four or five hundred 
 acres in the mountains, and had up on it several thousand 
 sheep. Also, that they had lived there for many years, 
 keeping bachelors' hall. 
 
 As the country looked so wild and uncivilized, one of 
 the party asked him if he was not troubled with wild 
 beasts or bears, when he replied, "Thare hasn't been a bar 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 117 
 
 round these thare parts for many years." I then made in- 
 quiry as to which one of the Southern States he was from, 
 and was somewhat surprised to learn he was from my na- 
 tive State, Kentucky. He asked why I thought he was from 
 the south; I answered, "by your accent." We now com- 
 menced examining the Petrified Forest, which is certainly 
 a great natural curiosity ; to see large trees lying on the 
 ground, turned completely into stone, many of them meas- 
 uring from three to eight feet across, and some had been 
 very tall, showing that they were redwoods, and from 
 their appearance had been petrified while standing, and 
 by some great convulsion of the earth had been thrown 
 down ; what seemed more singular, they had all fallen one 
 way, many of them were broken in several pieces, the 
 breaks looking very cragged, the same as a stone will of- 
 ten look when broken. Our party secured many speci- 
 mens ; some of them even showing very plainly the knots 
 on the limbs ; many of the trees I examined closely, and 
 found none but what seemed to be solid stone. 
 
 In the same forest there were large, thrifty looking 
 redwoods, and the soil around them appeared very rich; 
 but as we wandered further on it had a white, ashy ap- 
 pearance, with only here and there a sagebrush. At a dis- 
 tance, in a small kind of a basin, was a spot looking as 
 white as though it was covered with lime, but when we 
 drew near we found it mixed with a yellow substance that 
 had somewhat the appearance of brimstone ; some of the 
 party broke off a piece. It seemed very hard and solid, 
 as if it had been melted and run together. In a circle of 
 some twelve or fourteen feet in diameter, to stamp on it, 
 would sound as if it was hollow ; and when several of the 
 party would stamp on it at once, it made such a terrible 
 noise it would frighten me very much, for fear it would 
 
118 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 go down. Close to this place were several quite tall points 
 of mountains covered with the same white substance, and 
 many of our party joined me in the belief that centuries 
 ago this very spot had been an active volcano. Near this 
 place was a large partly petrified tree ; from this we ob- 
 tained some specimens of petrified bark. 
 
 The old man also said there was, at a distance of a 
 quarter of a mile from here, a large tree, also standing, 
 that was petrified ; but as it was getting late and as we 
 did not feel disposed to drive down the mountain road in 
 the dark, we concluded not to go over to inspect it. We 
 now returned to the hut and I certainly think it would pay 
 any one, for the time and expense, to visit such a freak 
 of nature known as the Petrified Forest. I regret not 
 being a scientist and not therefore being able to give a 
 scientific description, as I would like to have done ; trust- 
 ing, however, that the public will receive it in my common- 
 place manner, also the thanks of J. W. L. 
 
 Thanking the old man, we left the hut, and began to 
 descend the mountain. We had not gone very far until I 
 became frightened, thinking the driver had lost control 
 of the horses for they seemed to be traveling like the team 
 we had just passed going up, at break-neck speed ; at some 
 places it was so steep it was impossible to keep from slid- 
 ing from the seat. The younger parties seemed to enjoy 
 the fun, and said I was trying to form myself into a brake, 
 by trying to hold up the buggy. It might have been fun 
 for them but it was none for me, for when I arrived at the 
 hotel my hands were swollen from trying to hold myself 
 in my seat. I may here mention that on our way down 
 the mountain we passed a man on horseback, whom, the 
 driver informed us, was the original Petrified Charley, 
 the owner of the land and forest we had just visited. He 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 119 
 
 certainly looked like a rough mountaineer, and I believe 
 was of German descent. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 Napa Valley. 
 
 Next morning some of our party had to leave for San 
 Francisco, to attend to business, but my family and my- 
 self remained until Tuesday morning; we took the first 
 train for Napa, where we arrived at half past nine o'clock, 
 and found it a beautiful place, much larger than it ap- 
 peared when I viewed it from the cars on my up journey. 
 We had heard of a gentleman that owned a fine mountain 
 ranch, some eight or ten miles from Napa City; so we con- 
 cluded to stop off, hire a team, and make him a call, which 
 I never regretted. After leaving Napa we followed the 
 main road for several miles ; then we turned to the right 
 and passed through a large vineyard, and began ascend- 
 ing the mountain. On the side of the road there were some 
 men working; we inquired of them the way to Mr. H — 's 
 ranch and were told we were now on the direct road to 
 his residence. When we reached the top of the mountain 
 the view was very grand ; we could see the Napa Valley, 
 with the beautiful windings of the river. After going along 
 the ridge of the mountain for some distance we com- 
 menced descending, and passed through a small thicket 
 of underbrush. In a short time we reached the residence 
 of Mr. H — . 
 
 His residence and grounds were situated on a sloping 
 piece of land on the side of the mountain, and I think 
 a more beautiful spot could not have been chosen for a 
 
120 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 retired private residence. Mr. H. gave us a hearty wel- 
 come, showing us around the grounds, and exploring 
 every point he thought would interest us. His house was 
 built in Gothic style, with porches, from which you could 
 get a good view of the three fountains that were con- 
 stantly playing, sending up their millions of sprays, to 
 sparkle like so many diamonds when the sun would strike 
 them. They were situated on the sloping ground in front 
 of the house, one just below the other, their waters com- 
 ing into an artificial lake at their base. In the center of 
 this lake was a small island, on which strawberries and 
 many choice flowers were planted. Around it was a wide 
 path. On the side, shade trees were thickly set. Beneath 
 one of these was a small boat, in which to row to the is- 
 land or around the lake. On the ground were many paths 
 around different shaped plots, arranged according to the 
 owner's taste, on which grew a fine and choice selection 
 of plants and shrubs. On each side of the fountain were 
 peculiarly shaped rocks, completely covered with varie- 
 ties of climbing roses. What made the place seem even 
 more beautiful to me, its owner had left groups of natural 
 trees standing here and there, all over the grounds; un- 
 derneath were untrimmed, remaining in their wild and 
 uncultivated state. 
 
 In some places there were large redwoods sawed down, 
 leaving the trunks just high enough to form a table, 
 around which were seats, on which Mr. H. and his friends 
 held their private picnics. There were several swings and 
 hammocks under the trees close to the lake, and many 
 rustic seats scattered here and there, while on the porch 
 were lounging chairs. I do not see how any person could 
 live in such a place, surrounded by so many comforts and 
 luxuries, without being perfectly happy. Still, Mr. H. was 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 121 
 
 a bachelor, and said his reasons for so being, were, he was 
 afraid no lady could be contented in so lonely and retired 
 a spot, and he could not give up his mountain home he 
 had taken so much pains to beautify. The fountains and 
 lake were fed from a spring, bursting out of the side of 
 the mountains just above his house. He said this was his 
 reason for settling there, so he could have an abundance 
 of water. 
 
 After having shown us all over his beautiful place he 
 insisted upon our remaining and taking lunch with him; 
 after which he ordered out his team, and accompanied us 
 as far as the foot of the mountain. Stopping on the ridge, 
 he pointed out many ranches and vineyards of note, and 
 showed us how far his lands extended, of which he had 
 several thousand acres. At the foot of the mountain we 
 parted, thanking him for his kindness and hospitality. We 
 arrived at the station in Napa City just five minutes be- 
 fore the starting of the last train that day for San Fran- 
 cisco. We were soon on our way, and reached home about 
 half past eight o'clock in the evening, where we found 
 Polly, the parrot, very much rejoiced to see us. 
 
 Here I remained for several days. On the fifteenth day 
 of June I packed up my books and started for San Jose. 
 On arriving, I once more became a book agent, working 
 on Mark Twain's "Roughing It." The citizens of San Jose 
 knew me well by this time, and patronized me liberally. 
 In this place in three weeks I sold one hundred and five 
 copies, which was the largest sale ever made there on one 
 book by any canvasser. With this book I visited Los Gatos. 
 It being such a small place, I was not very successful, and 
 returned to San Jose. The next day I took the stage for 
 the Alameda mines, in Santa Clara County. The road was 
 very dusty and in some places very rough. We passed a 
 
122 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 number of flourishing looking ranches. When the stage 
 arrived at the town on the flat, I was much surprised to 
 see the store and hotel windows with iron bars across 
 them, something after the fashion of a jail ; but I was told 
 it was necessary, on account of so many roughs that work 
 in and about the mines. 
 
 The town here consisted of one street; on the lower 
 side of it were many dwellings ; at some of them the en- 
 trances were lower than the sidewalk ; along this side of 
 the street at the edge of the sidewalk, was a small ditch, 
 through which the water was carried from the mountain 
 stream to supply these dwellings. It was constantly run- 
 ning, being very clear, and, I was told, very cold, although 
 I did not taste it. 
 
 At this place is the spring from which we get the Vichey 
 water. I do not know what its medicinal qualities are. I 
 drank freely, and know it was beneficial to me the few 
 days I remained there ; for I was very near sick on my ar- 
 rival, and had been for some days, and felt much better 
 from the effects of the water when I left. In this place I 
 did very well, considering the small amount of the citi- 
 zens that could read English. I returned to San Jose and 
 took the first train for Mayfield ; here I sold seven cop- 
 ies. The next day I returned home, where I remained for 
 several weeks. 
 
 Mr. Roman wished me to take another trip to Stockton 
 for him, with a work entitled, "The Great Industries of the 
 United States." This trip I made by the cars. The scenery 
 around Niles' Station I thought quite beautiful, located 
 as it was in a corner in the mountain. After winding our 
 way through the canon, we arrived in the Livermore Val- 
 ley ; the soil seemed to be very gravelly ; but they say it 
 produces fine crops in a rainy season. Livermore seemed 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 123 
 
 a new, flourishing little village. When we arrived at Ban- 
 tas I concluded to stop. Here I met a gentleman whom I 
 had seen before in San Francisco. He said he would like 
 a book, but did not feel able; but would try and get me 
 some subscribers. He went to the door, looked around, 
 and says, "There is a gentleman, an old bach. I will call 
 him, and tell him you are a widow and want to marry. You 
 must not contradict me. I can then soon persuade him to 
 buy several books." He said, "Not long ago our boys played 
 a terrible prank on him. He is very rich, and one of the 
 meanest men we have in the country ; so mean that no 
 woman would marry him, not even for his money. 
 
 "Our boys knew he was crazy to get married, so they 
 wrote many fictitious letters purporting to come from 
 some nice young lady in the neighborhood ; upon receiv- 
 ing his answers they would answer themselves saying 
 that if he would send her so much money she would meet 
 him in San Francisco, where they could be married, as 
 her parents were not willing for their union. The old fool 
 took the bait, sent the coin, and at the appointed evening 
 would have gone to San Francisco if some one had not re- 
 turned him his money and letters. Now if they say any- 
 thing to him about going to San Francisco, he gets very 
 angry." But my gentleman friend said, "Anyhow, I will call 
 him, and try and get some coin out of him for you." When 
 he came over to where we were standing, he introduced 
 me, saying, "This is Mrs. L — , a widow lady, from San 
 Francisco, selling books." He then told the gentleman to 
 come into the hotel, and he would see how many he could 
 get to subscribe for the book. He afterwards informed me 
 that when he went inside he told I was a hard-working wo- 
 man, and would make him just such a wife as he wanted, 
 for he knew I could make splendid bread, as he had often 
 
124 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 eaten at my house; "and," says he, "if you will show your 
 liberality by buying two of the books she has I think, with- 
 out any doubt, you can persuade her to marry, by telling 
 her you have a fine rancho, not far from town, where she 
 could have a good home"; at the same time telling him 
 "I will sign for a copy myself." Then they came out, gave 
 me my order book they had taken in with them, and the 
 old man bought two books, and at once began asking me 
 questions that I scarcely knew how to answer. 
 
 During the conversation, I mentioned something about 
 my husband. He got very angry, and said I told him I was 
 a widow. 
 
 The other gentlemen now came up, and repeated the 
 conversation he had with the old man, who seemed so 
 angry that I offered him his money again ; but he would 
 not take it, saying I was not to blame, and with a terri- 
 ble oath said, "These boys are always playing pranks on 
 me. Now I will get even with them yet, if I blow some of 
 their brains out." 
 
 I left them, and reached the depot just in time to catch 
 the train. After I was seated in the cars, I vowed I never 
 would be guilty of allowing any one to falsely introduce 
 me. When the train arrived in Stockton, I took the 'bus 
 for the Eagle Hotel. The next morning I started out as a 
 book agent for the first time in that place, but was not 
 so successful as I had been with the pictures. I worked 
 very faithfully for several days, and scarcely made enough 
 to defray my expenses ; returned to my home in San Fran- 
 cisco where I remained for several weeks. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 125 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 San Francisco. 
 
 I next went to work for Mr. Bancroft on a book entitled, 
 "How I found Livingstone," by Stanley; for it I took the 
 central district. While on California street I went into an 
 office where there were three or four boys, about nine- 
 teen years of age, behind the counter. When I entered, 
 they seemed very much tickled at my appearance or busi- 
 ness, I scarcely know which. They huddled together like 
 so many chickens, that their mother had just weaned and 
 set afloat; they tucked down their heads and whispered 
 and giggled, as though they needed some one to teach 
 them good manners. I tried several gentlemen who were 
 in the office, and from one of them obtained an order. He 
 pointed to the giggling boys and said probably they would 
 buy. I told him there was no use showing them the book, 
 for I was positive they could not read, or otherwise they 
 would know what good manners were. This book gave me 
 constant employment until the holidays, during which I 
 remained at home, and spent them very pleasantly. 
 
 The latter part of the spring of 1873 I commenced 
 working for Mr. Roman on Gen. McClellen's book, "The 
 Golden States, or West of the Rocky Mountains." My dis- 
 trict was from the south side of Market street to the bay. 
 While on Steuart street, I stopped into Mr. P.'s office. He 
 is a lumber merchant. In the office were several gentle- 
 men, among them Mr. K., whose office is a short distance 
 away. Mr. P. said "you need not come around any more, for 
 now we have nice young ladies calling on us every day"; 
 and laughing, said, "you are like myself, getting too old 
 
126 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 to stand any show ; but if you will bring some nice young 
 lady around with you, we would all buy a book." Mr. K. 
 then said, "I think Mrs. L. would be afraid to bring any 
 of her young friends among the rough lumber merchants 
 of Steuart street." I replied, "No, indeed, for I have can- 
 vassed this street many times, and the gentlemen, one and 
 all, have treated me with a great deal of respect, with the 
 exception of Mr. P. here." At this they all laughed, saying, 
 "That's a good joke on you, Mr. P." He blushed a little, and 
 joined in their merriment, afterwards saying, "That is one 
 for you." I said to him, "Don't you deserve it, for joking 
 me so roughly a year or more ago?" His face became still 
 redder, and he stammered, "I don't remember, for I am 
 always joking with some one." I remembered it very dis- 
 tinctly, and thought we were even now. After trying to 
 get an order for the book, I started to leave the office, tell- 
 ing Mr. P. good naturedly, to be careful what he said to 
 book agents, for they were treacherous beings; bidding 
 them good-day, I tried my luck in the next office. 
 
 After canvassing Steuart street I went among the ship- 
 ping. Here I stood no chance, for the small lady had made 
 such a deep impression on all the sea-faring men that they 
 would not notice so old and homely a creature as I. 
 
 I worked on this book for some weeks. One morning, 
 on the corner of Townsend and Fourth streets, three small 
 boys came out of a saloon ; two of them were smoking cig- 
 arettes, and one of them a little old clay pipe; I looked 
 at them sharply, thinking how young they were (for they 
 were not more than eight or ten years old), to be on 
 the broad road to ruin. I suppose the one with the pipe 
 thought, by the way I watched them, I was envious of 
 their enjoyment; for he stepped up to me, politely tipped 
 his hat, at the same time holding the pipe toward me, 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 127 
 
 said, "Old woman, won't you have a smoke?" He looked 
 so comical, in spite of myself, I could not help laughing. 
 They all clapped their hands and laughed, like any little 
 hoodlum would. I passed on, and was soon in the blind 
 and sash factory, on the next street ; but for some days 
 after I could not help smiling whenever I would think of 
 the boy with the little old clay pipe. 
 
 A few days after Mr. Roman wished me to commence 
 work on William H. Seward's book, entitled, "His Voyage 
 around the World." For this I had the central district, 
 being from the south side of California to Market and from 
 Kearny to the Bay. While continuing this work, I met a 
 young lady I had formerly known in the East. She said 
 during our conversation that she was in reduced circum- 
 stances, and asked me what I thought about her trying 
 to canvass, and if I would help her in obtaining a situa- 
 tion. She called at my house, and I gave her all the in- 
 formation I could concerning the business, and went with 
 her to secure a chromo, that she could have the privilege 
 of selling on the spot, without taking orders. We started 
 out, I having promised to assist her for several days. 
 As we passed a large business house on the north side 
 of California street, where twenty dollar gold pieces 
 were very plentiful, with many clerks behind a counter 
 to watch them, here I told her we would stop; though / 
 never was successful with Mr. R — , I thought she might 
 be, as she was very handsome and young. I led the way, 
 the handsome lady following; and as we passed the coun- 
 ter, towards the private office, even the quiet clerks cast 
 admiring glances at her. 
 
 We entered the office ; just inside the door she took a 
 seat. Mr. R — was at his desk ; when I approached near- 
 er, he looked up; when his eyes fell upon me he frowned, 
 
128 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 and said, "I do not want any book." I did not seem to no- 
 tice what he said, but called up my friend and introduced 
 her and her chromo ; at the same time holding it for his 
 inspection. I do not think he saw the chromo ; for when 
 the young lady approached he sprang to his feet, scraped 
 and bowed very politely, saying, "Excuse my abruptness, 
 ladies, I was very busy"; all the while never taking his 
 eyes from the lady which made her blush and look hand- 
 somer than ever. I politely asked him to buy the chromo, 
 to assist her. He replied "certainly, certainly" and handed 
 over the coin. 
 
 He took the chromo from her hand and set it to one 
 side, never for a moment faltering in his gaze ; as we left 
 the office I turned to close the door. He was still sending 
 his most bewitching glance after her. But I do not think 
 he ever had the pleasure of meeting her again, for she did 
 not like either California or canvassing, and returned to 
 her home in the East a short time after. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 Santa Clara. 
 
 I was not as successful with Seward's book as I had an- 
 ticipated, but felt grateful to all those who did patronize 
 me. I finished my district in the City in five weeks, and was 
 now ready to be transferred to some other seaport where 
 I might annoy the citizens with another book agent. Santa 
 Clara County, my old stomping ground, was next assigned 
 to me. In San Jose I had great success ; so I concluded to 
 take a run to Gilroy. I was much surprised to see how this 
 place had improved since my first visit, the population 
 having increased to twice its original number. I stopped 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 129 
 
 at the Williams House ; found it well kept, under the su- 
 pervision of Messrs. Fish & Gray. I called in a store where 
 medicines were sold ; the clerk was very airy, and asked 
 me a great many questions, some of which I did not feel 
 disposed to answer, when he said, "What in the devil do 
 you know?" I told him there was one thing I knew, that 
 he thought himself very smart, and one thing I would like 
 to know: did any one else but himself think him so? at 
 which he laughed, very much like an idiot. Some gentle- 
 men came in. I tried to sell them the book when he com- 
 menced some of his dirty, low slang. One of the gentlemen 
 reproved him, at which his face became crimson. I said, 
 "Is it possible that you can blush? I thought you entirely 
 destitute of shame. I shall have a better opinion of you in 
 future"; and left the store. I was quite successful in Gil- 
 roy. I heard many speak of Hollister as being a lively place, 
 and concluded to try their generosity in patronizing book 
 agents. The country through which the cars passed was 
 very low, but the soil seemed good. When we arrived at 
 the town I stepped from the cars, looked around for a hack 
 or some conveyance to the hotel, which seemed to be some 
 distance away. I saw nothing but a two-seater carriage, 
 looking as though it might belong to some rancher. I 
 noticed many ruffians of both sexes standing on the plat- 
 form, and recognized them as being the same party who 
 came aboard the cars at Gilroy. I inquired of the gentle- 
 man in the carriage if I could get a conveyance to the ho- 
 tel. He said "yes, I will drive you there; get in." Just then 
 a gentleman stepped up, who I afterwards learned was 
 clerk in the Montgomery House, saying, "Madam, this is 
 not the carriage ; you will find a conveyance on the other 
 side of the depot for the Montgomery House." 
 
 Away I went, lugging my two baskets ; the wind blew 
 
130 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 fearfully, and as I turned the corner of the ladies' sitting- 
 room it lifted my hat from my head and sent it whirling 
 up the street. Some kind gentleman picked it up for me, 
 for which I thanked him, and then secured it firmly on my 
 head by tying my veil over it while the impudent clerks 
 stood laughing at the scene. Upon reaching the opposite 
 side of the depot no vehicle of any kind was to be seen ; 
 so I had to retrace my steps, lugging my baskets with me. 
 By this time many of the loafers had gone ; while in the 
 above-named carriage was seated a lady from San Jose, 
 with whom I was well acquainted. She called to me saying, 
 "Mrs. L., here is room for you; come, get in; you don't 
 intend walking to town with all that baggage, surely." I 
 asked her if she was going to the hotel, to which she an- 
 swered, "Yes, to the Montgomery House, the best in the 
 place." "Why, this man (pointing to the clerk) said this car- 
 riage was not the owe." She seemed astonished, and looked 
 first at the clerk, and then at me. He stepped forward, 
 took my baggage, and assisted me to get inside. 
 
 I was very angry, and if it had not been so near dark, 
 and I being in a strange place, I would not have accepted 
 the ride, but left my baggage and went on foot. When we 
 reached the hotel I was informed the landlord had re- 
 ceived a dispatch from Gilroy stating they had driven a 
 lot of roughs from there, who had taken the cars for Hol- 
 lister, and to look out for them. This, then, explained the 
 cause of the clerk's singular conduct. I told him it was the 
 first time I had ever been taken for a rough. But I sup- 
 pose he knew from the way I carried my baskets they 
 must be heavy, and took me to be the leader of the gang, 
 who had stolen all the money Gilroy possessed, and had 
 it in them. Being attired in a plain muslin dress, hat and 
 shawl confirmed his belief. When my lady friend in rich 
 
132 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 attire recognized me, he changed his mind. Probably he, 
 like many others, thinks fine dress makes a lady or gen- 
 tleman but he must not forget the old saying, "Never 
 judge from appearances"; for sometimes beneath the 
 coarsest fabric, beats an honest, kind and noble heart. 
 Remember Our Saviour was born in a manger wrapped 
 in swaddling clothes. 
 
 Notwithstanding the trouble I had in getting to the 
 hotel, I found it well kept; the landlord and lady were 
 Southern people, very kind and obliging; even the clerk, 
 which I forgave for his treatment, as I know he only did 
 his duty. The next day I canvassed the town, found it quite 
 a large place, considering such a few years' growth, very 
 lively, and all branches of business well represented. The 
 citizens were kind and benevolent. The country around 
 the town, as far I could see, looked in a flourishing con- 
 dition. Here I sold a number of William H. Seward's 
 books ; the first man that bought one of me was the dead 
 beat, as I called him, who, you will remember, I had met 
 some years previous, on my first trip to Gilroy, and by the 
 way lives on the same rancho where the monstrous sweet 
 potato and beet were raised. I recognized him at once; 
 when I repeated our conversation in the stage, he laugh- 
 ingly said, "Yes, I remember it well; and the soil is just 
 as productive as I said. If you don't believe me, come and 
 see for yourself." Thanking him for his invitation, I bade 
 him good afternoon. 
 
 Next day I went to Gilroy, and from that place directly 
 home. In a few days I entered Mr. Roman's store. He 
 wished me to take Vallejo for William H. Seward's book, 
 which I did. On leaving the boat at South Vallejo I took 
 the cars as far as the junction. There I took a hack for 
 the hotel. As we drove down the street I thought it would 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 133 
 
 be a very difficult place to canvass, being hilly, and the 
 residences very scattering. After reaching the hotel I 
 remained there over night. Next day I crossed over in 
 the ferry-boat to Mare Island. Here the Government has 
 some splendid machinery, which I take as much delight 
 in examining as any great connoisseur ; each department 
 seemed to be well conducted ; I found the Superintend- 
 ents kind and obliging. I visited the officers' quarters ; 
 there I received liberal patronage. Beyond these the Gov- 
 ernment has erected a row of neat brick dwellings, sur- 
 rounded by beautiful grounds. Here the officers make 
 their homes. I called upon their wives; found them also 
 kind; all begged to be excused from buying, saying that 
 they were changed around so much, they did not wish to 
 be encumbered with books. I think Mare Island a beau- 
 tiful place. In the afternoon I returned to Vallejo. There 
 I worked hard for some days, with but little patronage. 
 I found the citizens all civil and well bred. In this place I 
 spent a very pleasant evening, at the Rebekah Lodge; I 
 must say the pleasantest I have ever spent away from 
 home, in California. They have a nice hall, and the ladies 
 were very sociable. The next day I went to Fairfield and 
 Suisun. I took a rickety old carriage, driven by a darkey ; 
 it was quite a distance to the hotel from the depot, and I 
 was afraid the old vehicle would break to pieces before 
 it got there ; but it landed me safely at the door. The pro- 
 prietor I found to be a gentleman who the year previous 
 had a store on Fourth street, San Francisco. As I had 
 called at his store several times to sell him a book, we 
 were slightly acquainted. He introduced me to his wife; 
 the evening passed pleasantly. 
 
 Next morning in looking around the town I did not like 
 its location, and the wind seemed to blow a perfect hur- 
 
134 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 ricane. The inhabitants did not appear to mind it but all 
 were bright and alive when it came to business. I never 
 saw or heard tell of so many pianos and musical instru- 
 ments in a town as there were in that small place. 
 
 There was a street they called Piano street, for a nick- 
 name. Here I met an old widower, who owned many of 
 the swamps around the town; good land, as he called 
 them. He said he had a son that was marriageable, and 
 would soon be off his hands; then he would be all alone, 
 for his wife had been dead these many years; all the time 
 looking up into my face; and sending his bewitching 
 glances in that direction. He was seated on an apple-box 
 in a warehouse. Wasn't that romantic? Continuing his 
 nonsense, he said "I suppose you are a widow or an old 
 maid, else you wouldn't be tramping about the country 
 selling books." He talked so fast, I did not get a chance to 
 put a word in edgeways. And my friendly readers know, 
 if he could beat me, he must have been an extraordinary 
 fast talker. But he finally stopped to take breath, when I 
 told him I was a married lady ; also, if I could not sell him 
 a book, I must be going. 
 
 On my way to the hotel, I thought what splendid of- 
 fers I had, if I was only a widow or an old maid; the old 
 widower I had left was something like the one in San Jose, 
 about half drunk. In Suisun I was very successful; also 
 in Fairfield. Next morning I returned to San Francisco. 
 At home I found awaiting me a letter from Mr. Bancroft, 
 stating he wished me to go to Watsonville and Santa Cruz, 
 with Col. Albert Evans' book, entitled "A la California." 
 I called to see him and promised to go the next week. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 135 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 Pajaro Valley. 
 
 Tuesday following, found me on the cars moving away 
 from Gilroy. In the country through which the cars passed 
 the soil seemed to be well adapted for the tobacco culture. 
 
 When we came to Pajaro Valley, I was surprised to see 
 such fine richness, well fenced; many of them having nice 
 dwellings and barns. 
 
 It reminded me more of farm life, in the Eastern States, 
 than any place I had seen in California. The soil seemed 
 adapted for all kinds of crops and many of the ranches had 
 fine fields of corn. When the cars arrived at Watsonville, 
 I took a carriage for the hotel, which I found a fine build- 
 ing; the rooms large, airy, and well furnished. I think 
 Mr. Billings and his wife are perfect in the art of manag- 
 ing a hotel; for everything moved along like clock work. 
 I remained at the hotel until next day, resting myself, 
 when I started as book agent in a strange place. Watson- 
 ville is a very pleasant little town, the population seem- 
 ing to be a very intelligent, industrious clan, and inclined 
 to treat strangers with respect; but I sold very few books, 
 as one and all, when urged to buy, would say, "there are 
 several agents living here, in our town, who are very 
 needy, and if I buy of any one, I must patronize them." For 
 this I was well pleased with the citizens. Thursday I took 
 the stage for Santa Cruz. In some places the scenery was 
 grand, but nothing to compare with that on the other road, 
 across the mountains; still it was a very pleasant drive. 
 As we neared Santa Cruz a splendid view could be had of 
 the surrounding country. I stopped at the Franklin House, 
 
136 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 which was kept by a widow lady, and found both her and 
 her daughter obliging and agreeable; the latter very 
 handsome and stylish. After partaking of a light supper, 
 I retired to my room, and I felt very much fatigued. 
 
 In the morning I thought, on this, my second visit 
 to Santa Cruz, I would not call on the benevolent lady, 
 Mrs. J. Taking my basket, I passed into the street, where 
 I made a hasty march toward the Court House, thinking, 
 as nearly all book agents do, I must try the County Of- 
 ficers first. I found them all perfect gentlemen, and re- 
 ceived two orders; several promised to buy when the 
 books came. I worked all day, with but little success. Next 
 morning, at the breakfast table, I met a young lawyer that 
 I had seen the day previous in the Judge's office. Upon his 
 inquiry as to how I was succeeding, I informed him "not 
 very well." The conversation turned upon the war; when 
 I related to him my losses and trials during the rebellion, 
 and that I lived in Ohio at the time. He seemed to sym- 
 pathize with me; for he, also, then resided in one of the 
 Eastern States, and took an active part in helping his 
 country. He used his influence outside, and was the means 
 of my selling many copies, for which I was very grateful ; 
 and hope he may always prosper, no matter where his lot 
 may be cast. As I have understood, he has since married ; 
 I hope his wife may prove a true and noble woman. 
 
 The Sabbath I spent in Santa Cruz was very lonely, for 
 on that day I always prefer to be with my family. Mon- 
 day I worked very hard, and Tuesday until time to take 
 the stage for Soquel. The gentleman who owned the stage 
 resided there; as we neared the town he inquired which 
 hotel I wished to stop at; I told him the best in the place. 
 He replied there was no preference; they were all about 
 the same. No matter which one you stop at; the others 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 137 
 
 will work against you; for they are at swords' points. I 
 told him I would just as lief stop at a private boarding 
 house, if there was one in the place. He said he some- 
 times kept boarders, and perhaps could accommodate me. 
 I thankfully accepted his offer; so he drove to his resi- 
 dence. When we reached it I found it quite a large and 
 nice looking house. After introducing me to his wife, he 
 went to put away his team, when his wife informed me 
 she did not keep boarders; she was very cool, and my 
 presence seemed to annoy her ; so I quickly betook myself 
 to Mr. Mann's Hotel, where I procured a room, and in 
 company with a small boy returned for my baggage. 
 
 I asked the wife how much my bill was, as I had taken 
 lunch there ; she appeared very much astonished to think 
 I was going to the hotel ; I told her she had a large fam- 
 ily and I did not wish to annoy her; thought I should feel 
 more at home in the hotel. Returning, I found Mrs. Mann 
 to be as pleasant a lady as I have ever met. I canvassed 
 this large city in three hours, was treated kindly, received 
 but one order, and that from the landlord. 
 
 In the morning I took the stage again, bound for Wat- 
 sonville. After stopping at the hotel for lunch, I took the 
 'bus for the railroad, and came directly to my home in San 
 Francisco. There I stayed until I commenced work on 
 Mark Twain's last book, "The Golden Age," for which I had 
 my old district north of California street. I worked faith- 
 fully on this for three weeks. Nothing of importance oc- 
 curred during that time ; each day seemed to be a great 
 trial to me, for my strength was fast giving away. Mr. Ro- 
 man was to have the books the fifteenth of December; 
 luckily for me, they did not come until almost three 
 months from that time. During the holidays it was with 
 great effort I sat up. The second day in January I was 
 
138 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 attacked with a congestive chill and was not able to leave 
 my room for eight weeks, where I was confined with ty- 
 phoid fever. When I did commence work again, which was 
 about the middle of March, I was so weak I was afraid to 
 venture out alone. 
 
 During my sickness the books had come ; as I was in 
 need of the money, and Mr. Roman was anxious to have 
 them delivered, I had to take my daughter to assist me, 
 which I regretted very much. But in a few days I was able 
 to go alone. After filling my orders, I commenced to can- 
 vass the balance of my territory that I had not been able 
 to finish before. I found it already thoroughly canvassed 
 by several agents, who knew I was sick. Upon my ask- 
 ing them about it, they all denied it. It is an old adage, 
 "111 got gains never prosper." Whoever they were, I wish 
 them no harm. With "The Golden Age" I was not so suc- 
 cessful as with his former two books. As I had not fully 
 regained my strength, I remained at home for a short 
 time, when I again commenced work for Roman, on Josh 
 Billings' book, "Everybody's Friend." 
 
 For this book I chose the south side of Market street. 
 I also took San Jose, where I was very successful. Tired 
 and disgusted, I almost made up my mind to retire from 
 the business. I remained at home for some time; but 
 getting scarce of pocket money, and Mr. Roman wishing 
 me to go to Redwood City, San Jose, Gilroy, Santa Cruz, 
 Watsonville, Salinas City, with the "Life of Sumner," 
 and Johnson's work, I left the store, promising to start 
 next morning. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 139 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 Santa Clara Valley. 
 
 July 14th. Upon waking, in the morning, my first 
 thoughts were, must I again leave my home to go and con- 
 tend with the rough realities of a canvasser's life? With 
 a heart filled with sad forebodings, and I fear a sad coun- 
 tenance, I prepared for my journey ; books packed, hasty 
 breakfast, sad goodbye to dear ones, I started, satchel in 
 one hand and basket in the other, for the Market street 
 cars, which are three long blocks from my residence ; at 
 the depot I buy my ticket for Redwood City, which left 
 me only a dollar and a half. Taking my seat in the cars, I 
 amused myself by watching the different faces as they 
 came in. Four ladies attracted my attention by their 
 merry laughter. A few minutes after their husbands came 
 in, with their tickets and checks, followed by four small 
 boys. I soon learned from their conversation that the la- 
 dies were bound for Pescadero, on a pleasure trip. The 
 gentlemen seemed very jolly ; one of them inquired what 
 about the boys? the other answered, "Tell the conductor 
 when he comes around there is one apiece." The bell 
 rings, the gentlemen bid goodbye, and leave the car; the 
 signal given, we are off. As the car passed the gentlemen, 
 I though how happy they looked, because they could send 
 their wives and children away for pleasure and recreation. 
 Wives and children looked happy, also, and I know they 
 were; for their countenances and actions did not deceive. 
 There are many hundreds more who are happy, while 
 others are very miserable. 
 
140 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 It is not money or position that makes happiness, but a 
 contented mind, that can withstand the cares and storms 
 of this life. I often look at a grand and beautiful tree, one 
 of nature's own planting, and compare it to the human 
 mind. The rough winds will bend its branches until it 
 would seem as though they would break and fall to the 
 ground; still a light breeze will send them up, and there 
 they stand straight and majestic as ever. Oh, for a mind 
 and strength of will for one and all to stand the cold rough 
 winds through life, is my prayer. But I have wandered 
 from my subject. There was nothing of importance oc- 
 curred until we arrived at Redwood City and I once more 
 
 became a book agent. I called on Mrs. D . found her 
 
 not in, and started for Mr. H — 's residence. I passed 
 
 Mr. B 's saloon; two gentlemen were seated outside. 
 
 They both seemed very pleasant and one signed for a 
 book. The other buys one of Mark Twain's books and pays 
 me the coin. I then continued my way to Mrs. H 's resi- 
 dence. The bell was answered by the lady in person; I 
 found her, as heretofore, very kind and agreeable; she 
 bought one of Josh Billings' books, and signed for Sum- 
 ner's. Thanking her very kindly for her patronage, I bade 
 her good morning, and next visited the Court House, 
 where I sold one book and got a few orders. From there 
 I commenced my regular canvass, from one place of busi- 
 ness to another. They all seemed glad to see me. 
 
 I took about fifteen orders. Just as I was leaving the 
 last place, some one pulled my shawl. On looking around 
 I found it to be a man (he did not act like a gentleman) 
 from San Jose. I told him kindly to keep his hands to him- 
 self. "I know you have been very kind in giving me your 
 advertisements, when you were in the insurance busi- 
 ness ; still, I do not like so much familiarity"; at which he 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 141 
 
 very abruptly said, "What are you following me around 
 for? The next thing I know, my wife will be getting jeal- 
 ous of you." I bit my lips with anger, and informed him 
 his wife, with no disrespect to her, would have to marry 
 a gentleman before she need to be jealous of me. He re- 
 plied, "I believe you are angry," and left me. 
 
 I went to the hotel next. There I remained until time 
 to take the train for San Jose, which was the first train 
 the next morning, July 15th. Taking said train, I left Red- 
 wood City. Nothing occurring, I arrived in San Jose in due 
 time. Taking the New York Exchange coach, I was driven 
 to the hotel. Was shown to a room, in which I remained 
 until lunch time. After lunch, I went to Mr. B — 's office 
 at Santa Clara street, and got him to attend to some busi- 
 ness for me. I then took the street car for Mrs. B — 's 
 where I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening. 
 July 16, 1 returned to San Jose and canvassed all day, and 
 only received four orders ; returned to the hotel, tired 
 and disgusted with life. 
 
 July 17th. Arising, I make a hasty toilet, and descend 
 to the breakfast table. There were three ladies already 
 seated at the table where I was. They seemed to be strang- 
 ers in the place; one, an elderly lady, and her daughters. 
 I did not learn their names, or anything about them ; but 
 I never saw, in all my travels, sorrow depicted on counte- 
 nances so plainly as in theirs. I pitied them from the bot- 
 tom of my heart. Leaving them at the table, I returned to 
 my room and prepared, for the street. Passing down the 
 street, I met Mr. G — and asked him to subscribe for a 
 book. He replied, "I am sorry, but I cannot, as I have been 
 almost laid up with my leg." I then observed he was walk- 
 ing with a cane. I inquired what was the matter. He said, 
 "Did you not hear of my mishap? The other day, when 
 
142 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 we had local option here, Sallie Hart threw me down, run 
 over me, and broke my leg." Mr. G — and I are the best 
 of friends ; so I knew he was only jesting. I next called 
 on Mr. P — , and asked him to subscribe for the "Life of 
 Charles Sumner," for the library. His answer was "We are 
 
 not buying any books at present." Mr. J 's office being 
 
 in the same building, I visited him, and he subscribed for 
 Johnson's book. He requested me to be seated and rest 
 myself, which I did, and we had a short, pleasant conver- 
 sation on different subjects. Promising to bring his book 
 the next day, I bade him good afternoon. 
 
 In the hall I met Mr. B — , and tried to sell him a book, 
 but without success. The balance of the day I canvassed 
 among the ladies ; but without very good success. I do not 
 know why, but with the ladies I can never be successful. 
 Very tired and worn out, I turned my steps toward the 
 hotel. Passing the post-office, I stepped in and found two 
 letters waiting for me. One was from home; the other 
 from Roman's with a bill for books sent to me by express. 
 As soon as I got to my room, sat down to read my letter 
 from home. It contained no bad news, but still it had the ef- 
 fect of making me very homesick. I thought how different 
 my life was from many others ; how glad I would be if I 
 could remain at home with my family, instead of roaming 
 around the country ; still I feel it is best for the present. 
 I am anxious to get a home, so we all can be independent. 
 With these thoughts, I retire for the night. 
 
 July 18th. This day passed as many others, working 
 hard, and with but little success. This being Saturday, I 
 
 took the street cars for Mrs. B , where I remained 
 
 until Monday morning, enjoying myself hugely. 
 
 July 20th. After breakfast I packed my books and 
 left them at Mrs. B — , telling her I would have the stage 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 143 
 
 call for them on our way to Los Gatos. At her house I took 
 the street cars for San Jose. I delivered several books 
 and received pay for them. Returning to the hotel, I set- 
 tled my bill, and there I remained until the stage bound 
 for Santa Cruz called for passengers. Taking a seat in- 
 side with many others, the driver takes his seat and we 
 are off. On our way through the Alameda we stop at 
 Mrs. B — for my baggage and books. 
 
 We stopped at Santa Clara depot to receive passen- 
 gers from the cars. By this time the stage is pretty well 
 filled. Again we are off. The drive from Santa Clara was 
 very dusty. We reached Los Gatos at one o'clock; stopped 
 at the boarding house. I took a room, and after washing 
 and brushing for a half hour, began to look once more 
 like a civilized person. After taking a late lunch I took 
 up my basket once more, and started for the store ; here 
 I met two young gentlemen, who promised to buy Mark 
 Twain's "Gilded Age" when I was here before. In speak- 
 ing to them concerning the book, they said they had not 
 forgotten our agreement, which was : I was to let them 
 have the leather binding for the same price as the cloth. 
 Having none but the cloth binding, we had some joking 
 and disagreement about the price; but we settled it, and 
 they took the books. 
 
 Mr. H. came in during the conversation, and told how 
 he once made a raise by selling books. "I was down to 
 the bedrock," as the Californians say. "As I could not get 
 any other employment, concluded to try canvassing for 
 the Life of Lincoln, in Santa Clara County. In going from 
 Saratoga to Los Gatos, across the country, I lost my way. 
 Stopping at Mr. P.'s to make inquiry, I tried to sell him 
 a book ; he would not buy, and I could not make him be- 
 lieve I had lost my way. He said, 'You are pretty smart 
 
144 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 but you can't play lost on me.' He insisted upon my staying 
 all night, saying he would like to have an argument with 
 me about the war. Thanking him, I bade him good eve- 
 ning without gaining the desired information. I soon 
 found the road, and reached Los Gatos soon after dark, 
 where I stopped for the night." Mr. H. also said "there 
 was a great deal of money made by some canvassers; still, 
 for all that, it is the most trying business I ever engaged 
 in. But ladies do better than gentlemen, I think, and they 
 are not likely to be treated so abruptly." I replied "that 
 they were not so used to battling with the world, and 
 their trials were far greater. We will not argue the ques- 
 tion now ; I must be going." I could not get him to sub- 
 scribe for a book, although he said he would like to, but 
 did not feel able. 
 
 Leaving my basket and books in his store, I started out 
 on foot for the rancho. On my way I called on Mrs. M. She 
 has lived in this neighborhood for many years. She does 
 not like ranching, and thinks I would not either; but I 
 think differently. I would prefer any place that was quiet 
 to this excitable life I am now leading. After a few mo- 
 ments more conversation I bade her good afternoon. 
 
 In going along the road I passed Mrs. F.'s almond or- 
 chard. I could not but notice how nicely it was kept, and 
 how fine the trees were looking. Crossed the road, passed 
 through the gate, and was now at the place I expected 
 to make my future home. At present it looks very dismal 
 and forsaken. Still through time it can be made very com- 
 fortable. Mrs. C. and myself walked around the place, she 
 telling me not to be afraid to move on it, as we could make 
 a good living. After making some calculation concerning 
 repairs, returned to the store. Taking my basket and 
 books, I called on Mr. R., at his residence; was introduced 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 145 
 
 to his wife and son ; found them very pleasant. The latter 
 bought Mark Twain's "Gilded Age." Thanking him, and it 
 now being dark, hastened to the boarding house. There 
 I found one of my fellow passengers of the morning stage 
 seated in the sitting room, and soon learned he was from 
 Terre Haute, Indiana; was traveling for pleasure. Having 
 heard so much about California and its beautiful climate, 
 he thought he would like to spend a season here. It was 
 two weeks since he arrived ; so far as he had seen, he was 
 very much pleased with the country; but said he would not 
 like to make it his home, on account of the society. I told 
 him he must not judge too hastily, when he inquired how 
 long I had lived here ; upon telling him six years, he said, 
 "Well, madam, do you think the society here is as good as 
 it is in the Eastern States?" I replied, "It is not to be ex- 
 pected, as California is settled with different nationali- 
 ties, from all parts of the globe, and they are constantly 
 changing from one place to another. I can see a great 
 change in society since I came here, for the better. 
 
 "When the population becomes permanently located 
 the society will be as refined as it is now in the East. 
 There is one thing I can say, there is no State in the Union 
 where you will find as many kind and benevolent people 
 as in California. At least I have always found them so. I 
 think you will form the same opinion, after you have been 
 here one season." To which he replied, "Probably I shall." 
 The conversation turned on different subjects, until time 
 for retiring. 
 
 Upon waking, next morning, I did not feel very much 
 refreshed ; having coughed all the fore part of the night. 
 I think it must have been from inhaling dust the day pre- 
 vious. After eating breakfast I took my basket of books, 
 and canvassed the large City of Los Gatos, consisting of 
 
146 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 five dwelling houses, two stores, and a blacksmiths' shop. 
 Oh, I had forgotten also a Chinese wash house. I could 
 not help but stop and admire their vegetable garden. 
 'Tis astonishing what a quantity of vegetables they will 
 raise on such a small piece of ground. They are certainly 
 a very energetic and industrious race of people. Still I 
 think they are a greater curse to our country than ever 
 slavery was. I may be wrong. 
 
 Returning to the boarding house at noon, I packed 
 my traps, took a hasty lunch, settled my bill, and went 
 to the company store to wait for the Santa Cruz stage, 
 which leaves at one o'clock. Picking up my satchel, I found 
 a card tied to it, with the words written on it, "Mrs. 
 A. J. L., &c. Book Peddler. Beware of her." I took it good 
 naturedly and laughed heartily with the rest of them. 
 The stage at last drives up, being a few minutes late. 
 Taking a seat inside, everything ready, we start. Pass- 
 ing the Ten Mile House, we commenced ascending the 
 mountains ; the stage stopped at Lexington to change 
 horses, and for the passengers to take lunch. In half an 
 hour we are off again. 
 
 The scenery now becomes very grand. Although I had 
 traveled over the road once before, still I saw new beau- 
 ties in every place. The first time the mountains and 
 deep ravines were covered with wild flowers. Then it was 
 spring; now it is mid-summer. There are but few flowers 
 to be seen, but the tall and stately redwood, pine and ma- 
 drona mingled with many other varieties with here and 
 there a high rough stone or cragged peak ; now and then 
 you caught a glimpse of a small valley, dotted with farm 
 houses; all combining to make the scenery grand and pic- 
 turesque. As we neared the top of the mountains we met 
 the person known as Mountain Charley ; the stage stops 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 147 
 
 while he tells the driver the bad news of his son's death, 
 and how it occurred — having shot himself accidentally. 
 I watched him closely during the conversation. Though 
 used to the hardships of a mountaineer's life, I could see 
 with what an iron will he kept back the tears. A parent's 
 love was there. He passed on, looking very sad. The stage 
 now moves very slowly. The soil presents a white, ashy 
 appearance, with here and there a tree, and very few 
 shrubs. This only continues a very short time; we now 
 begin to descend the mountains. The scenery is, if any- 
 thing, grander than on the other side. But the horses are 
 driven with such rapidity, making such quick and short 
 turns, it is impossible to look around very much, without 
 becoming dizzy; though I enjoyed the view very much. 
 We passed through a small valley, which, upon inquiry, I 
 found to be Scott's Valley. Horses are changed again, and 
 we lose some of our passengers, four in number, making 
 the rest of the drive rougher than ever. Santa Cruz is 
 reached about five o'clock. I stopped at the Santa Cruz 
 House, very tired and dusty, thinking wasn't it jolly to be 
 a book agent. About this time I caught a glimpse of my- 
 self in the mirror in my room, and laughed right heartily 
 at my appearance. My face and hair were completely cov- 
 ered with dust, with the exception of a streak here and 
 there on my cheek, that I had brushed away in moving 
 my veil, reminding me of ladies I had seen who had pow- 
 dered their faces so thickly that when they perspired it 
 left their faces streaked, or some urchin with a very dirty 
 face had cried, and the tears had run down his cheeks, 
 leaving a clean place ; but enough of this nonsense. With 
 the free use of water and soap I began to look like my- 
 self again, and felt much refreshed. I then descended to 
 the dining-room. 
 
148 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 I went to the sitting-room, where I passed a pleasant 
 evening with the landlady, finding out many points con- 
 cerning my business for the morrow. 
 
 At nine o'clock next morning, I started for the Court 
 House; found but one office opened. A gentleman was 
 seated at his desk, reading a paper. I had never met him 
 before, and supposed from his actions that he was a dep- 
 uty. I inquired of him for Mr. B — . He told me that he 
 had not been re-elected last fall. I then took out the "Life 
 of Sumner" from my basket, and asked him if he would 
 not like to buy a copy, to which he replied, "No, madam, 
 I have vowed I never would but another book from an 
 agent. In the first place, they charge twice as much as 
 they are worth ; and another thing, they are generally 
 nothing but a lot of trash." I answered : "I think you are 
 mistaken, sir; there are many good and valuable books 
 sold by subscription." 
 
 "There is no use arguing. When I wish a book I will 
 go to the store and buy it. Just the other day there was 
 a nice young lady came in and persuaded me to sub- 
 scribe. In a few days she brought the book ; it is the most 
 trashy thing I ever read." I learned afterward he did 
 not buy the book at all ; that his clerk bought it and gave 
 it to him. 
 
 Many others passed in and out; among them Mr. C — . 
 I was very glad to meet him, as I had not forgotten his 
 kindness to me when I was here last fall. After conversing 
 for a little while, he asked me what books I had this time. 
 I told him several ; among them, the "Life of Sumner," and 
 "Johnson's Sketches of the War." After looking them over, 
 said he could not buy this time, as he had been getting 
 married. "My wife needs all my spare coin. But if I can 
 assist you in any other way I shall be pleased to do so." 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 149 
 
 By this time the offices were all opened. I went down 
 the hall to Mr. M — 's room. He received me very kindly; 
 looked at all my books ; said he would like to have John- 
 son's work. "Call and see my wife, as she buys all the 
 books, and knows better what kind she would like." I told 
 him I never canvassed among the ladies in this place. I 
 had tried it in many other towns without good success. 
 "You will not find it so here," he replied. "They are the 
 principal ones that buy; at least my wife always does. You 
 call on her and see. I would like to have her patronize you, 
 because I believe you deserve it, unless you have deceived 
 me. If you have, that remains with you and your God." I 
 reassured him my statements were correct. 
 
 Promising to call on his wife in the afternoon, I crossed 
 the hall to Mr. J. G.'s room. He was kind, but begged me 
 to call again. Saying I would do so, I thanked him, and 
 left the Court House, thinking how different his words 
 were from the gentleman's I had first met. Mr. J. G.'s were 
 kind, with a touch of pity in them, while the other one's 
 were harsh, and inclined to be sarcastic, as though "You 
 are nothing but a book agent." I feel these things very 
 keenly, though I know mine is an honorable and legitimate 
 business, and no lady or gentleman would look at it in any 
 other light ; and God knows I try to conduct myself in such 
 a way as to command respect from all. I called on many 
 others, with little or no success. Mr. L. said he would not 
 subscribe, but he would buy Sumner's book when I de- 
 livered it. My next visit to the telegraph office where I 
 sent an order to Roman for some books. It was now noon. 
 After lunch I called on Mrs. L., at her residence across 
 the creek. As I passed up the walk, I could not help but 
 admire the beautiful grounds. The bell was answered by 
 a neat looking lady, whom I found to be Mrs. L. When I 
 
150 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 told her my business, she said her husband was speak- 
 ing about me at lunch time. I accepted her kind offer to 
 walk in and rest myself, while she examined the books. 
 She bought Johnson's work, and subscribed for "Poetry 
 and Songs," by William Cullen Bryant. Thanking her for 
 her kindness and patronage, I crossed the road to a build- 
 ing I found to be a beer saloon. The proprietor tried to 
 get me into an argument on local option. I told him I 
 would not express my opinion either way. 
 
 "You women, tramping around the country, are gener- 
 ally in favor of woman's rights." I replied, "local option 
 and woman's rights have nothing to do with each other. 
 I am in favor of the latter, with regard to labor. I think a 
 lady can be a lady, and follow any occupation. If she does 
 her duty and performs the same labor as a gentleman, 
 she ought to receive the same pay for it. But I do not 
 believe in the ladies having the ballot. If they had it, their 
 votes would not be so easily bought as some men's are." 
 I left him, and crossed the street again ; called at a great 
 many different dwellings, and was treated politely by 
 all; but made no sales. Found several who had already 
 purchased Sumner's book. Leaving the hill, I crossed 
 the creek, and started for the hotel. As I passed up the 
 street, two gentlemen were seated in front of a store. To 
 my asking them to buy, they replied as many others have 
 done, "I cannot read." "You are to be pitied," I said, and 
 passed on to the hotel. 
 
 My first thoughts are, this morning, must I move in the 
 current, wear a smile, while my heart is sad? Making a 
 hasty toilet, I descended to the breakfast table where the 
 landlady introduced me to Mr. A. We talked on different 
 subjects. I asked if he could tell me Mr. B.'s office hours. 
 Instead of informing me, he said, abruptly, "Why I attend 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 151 
 
 to all the business. He does the head work, and I handle 
 the money. I am the money part of the institution." I re- 
 plied, "It is the money I am after," thinking he needed 
 some one to do the head work for him. "I have several 
 books. I should like to sell you and Mr. B. a copy." Mr. A.'s 
 countenance fell. "You can't sell me any books; I don't 
 know what you can do with Mr. B." He then turned from 
 me, and commenced telling the landlady how he intended 
 to enlarge his house ; and that was the way he thought 
 of spending his money. I went to my room, thinking it sad 
 to be a book agent, especially when you meet gentlemen 
 who have handling of other people's money. 
 
 I started for Mr. C.'s drug-store ; found him very jovial, 
 and glad to see me ; saying he had bought a book the other 
 day, and would like to trade with me. I said I was in for a 
 trade, if it was not too much soiled, and he would give me 
 boot enough. We were interrupted by the entrance of 
 Mr. C, an insurance agent. We had met often before in 
 our travels. After shaking hands, he said, "Mrs. L., don't 
 you think book and insurance agents have a hard time? 
 I am afraid I shall never get to Heaven for the fibs I have 
 told." Then he went on to illustrate some of them. In 
 trying to get them to insure their lives, he would tell them 
 how Mr. Smith, Brown or Jones got blown up in some mill, 
 or crushed in the cars, and would have left his family des- 
 titute, if it was not for the insurance he had on his life. 
 Some of them are foolish enough to believe it true ; when 
 it is all hearsay. I do not know how much longer he would 
 have kept on this strain, but on looking out, I saw the 
 'bus was ready to start for the beach, and not wishing to 
 miss it I left the store, and took a seat inside, with many 
 more. On our way the driver stopped; an elderly lady 
 with two boys, both using crutches, get in. They looked 
 
152 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 like brothers. I thought how sad it was to see them so af- 
 flicted, not being able to run about with other children; 
 although they looked happy. By the time the 'bus reached 
 the beach, it was pretty well filled. I went with the crowd 
 into the sitting-room of the lower bath-house. The sitting- 
 room was well filled with different nationalities, from the 
 Caucasian race to the African. It was now ten o'clock, the 
 time for surf bathing. I wandered up and down the beach, 
 in hopes of getting a glimpse of the masked bather. My 
 curiosity was not gratified. Afterwards I visited the up- 
 per bath-house. 
 
 I do not find any pleasure in wandering alone, for those 
 I love are not with me to enjoy the scene. I took lunch 
 at the last mentioned bath-house. Ascending the hill, I 
 called at Mr. W.'s warehouse ; tried to sell Mr. G. a book, 
 but with no success. Mr. W. and wife drove up to the door 
 in a buggy. I tried them, and both refused. After calling 
 at every house in that vicinity, and not getting any orders, 
 I concluded to return to the hotel. After waiting for some 
 time, and not seeing any prospect of getting a conveyance, 
 I started on foot. I stopped at several residences on my 
 way but I might as well not have gone in, as it availed me 
 nothing. At the hotel I left my basket, and went around 
 to the express office, to see if my books had come; they 
 had not. Being greatly disappointed, and knowing there 
 must have been some mistake in the dispatch, or they 
 would have filled my order, I tried to find the telegraph 
 operator; but could not. It being late, I concluded to wait 
 until morning. 
 
 At eight o'clock next morning I found him, and learned 
 there was a mistake, through the Watsonville office. 
 
 As it would detain me too long to have another order 
 sent to this place, I sent an order for the books to be 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 153 
 
 sent to Watsonville. I then called on all who had sub- 
 scribed, and got them to wait for their books until Octo- 
 ber. It was now twelve o'clock. As the stage did not leave 
 for S. for several hours yet, I busied myself in writing 
 up Santa Cruz. 
 
 Four o'clock found me in S. The landlady at the hotel 
 was very sick. I was shown to my room by a woman in 
 charge, whom I had met when I was there before. She 
 said, "Our town is overrun with book agents; we are all 
 getting pretty tired of them. There was one old woman 
 here, selling her life, or some other kind of a book, writ- 
 ten by herself. When she came she said she was going to 
 stop here ; but did not. I don't know what became of her, 
 nor I don't care." I smiled and thought to myself, "When 
 I am gone, won't I catch it." She turned very abruptly, 
 saying, "I hope you will be comfortable in this room. I 
 must go"; and she went. Wasn't I sorry ? Arranging my 
 traps, I took up my basket and started for the tannery. 
 Trudging along through the dust, from two to six inches 
 deep, I passed Mr. S — 's saloon, and got his order for Jo- 
 seph B. Johnson's work. At the tannery there were but 
 three or four men at work; one of them told me the firm 
 had "busted" up. They could not buy, because they would 
 be out of work in a few days. I called at several private 
 residences; found the ladies agreeable, neat and tidy 
 housekeepers. I returned by the way of the blacksmith 
 shop ; the gentleman promised to buy a book when I came 
 back in the fall. Called at the store, but had no success; 
 crossed the street to the telegraph office; sold one of 
 Mark Twain's "Gilded Age" to the operator, who, by the 
 way, I found to be a very kind hearted gentleman. I next 
 called on the butcher. He recognized me immediately, and 
 seemed very glad to see me, but would not buy. 
 
154 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 I stayed all night at the hotel. In the morning the stage 
 from Santa Cruz arrived, bound for Watsonville. On the 
 middle seat were two young ladies and one gentlemen. I 
 said I could not ride backwards, at which the gentleman 
 arose and gave me his seat; for it, I thanked him. 
 
 The stage moved on ; the two young ladies kept the pas- 
 sengers laughing for some time, by the description they 
 gave a gentleman as to how they intended to marry some 
 old man for his money. "Of course," said one, "he would 
 not want to go to parties, balls, and such places, being 
 well enough satisfied with our smiles during the day. He 
 could stay at home, and take care of the house and chil- 
 dren, if there were any, while we would take his purse 
 and some young man's arm, and go to a ball or place of 
 amusement. We would have to take his purse, because 
 the young gentlemen nowadays have no money and some 
 of them very little brains. I don't know but two or three, 
 in all my acquaintances, that can make a living for them- 
 selves, much less a wife. But they are, most of them, jolly 
 good fellows to go around with." 
 
 The other one now spoke up, saying, "I had my heart 
 set on Mr. M. R. ; but understood, the other day, he was 
 so stingy he would not eat a square meal. That almost 
 frightened me, for I tell you I like good grub ; still, he has 
 so much money, is so tall, so handsome, so very polite, I 
 scarcely know how to express my feelings." 
 
 "Will you allow me to express mine, Miss, with regard 
 to his politeness?" I said. To which she replied, "Cer- 
 tainly." "I called at his office, some time ago in San Fran- 
 cisco. He reminded me of some savage, snarly bull dog, 
 keeping watch over some bones that he could not eat him- 
 self, nor would not allow any other dog to, without a big 
 fight. When I addressed him, all the answer I got was a 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 155 
 
 snarl. He might have been very polite and sociable, had 
 he not seen I was a book agent. Perhaps he thought they 
 ought not to expect politeness from anyone." In reply to 
 this, she said, "just wait until I get him ; I will train him 
 to do differently ; at least, I think so. I have never had 
 the pleasure of seeing him yet." 
 
 After a few more jests, we arrive in front of the hotel 
 in Watsonville. Here I part with my companions; they 
 going on to San Jose, and I remaining at the hotel. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 Watsonville. 
 
 This is my second visit here ; not having much success 
 the first time, I started out with but little energy. At the 
 express office I found my box of books awaiting me. I took 
 two, and started out again on my regular canvass. Soon 
 sold them, and received several more orders in the after- 
 noon, while in conversation with a gentleman from the 
 country, some one passed, whom he called Judge. He said, 
 "This lady has some books for sale; would you like to pur- 
 chase a copy?" He replied, "I cannot read." I told him I 
 did not like to hear anyone make light of education, for I 
 had worked the life almost out of me to educate my chil- 
 dren, and did not like to hear it made fun of. He looked 
 at me very solemnly, and said, "I am sorry you weren't 
 around when I was a child." By this time there were sev- 
 eral present; they all laughed heartily. I took it good 
 naturedly, and laughed with the rest; but succeeded in 
 persuading some of them to subscribe for a book. Leaving 
 
156 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 them, I went upstairs into a lawyer's room ; was treated 
 very kindly, but could not get him to buy. 
 
 Passing into the street I saw three or four gentlemen 
 in a group. Approaching them, I asked, "Gentlemen, will 
 you allow me to show you some books that are for sale?" 
 They all answered politely they did not wish to buy ; but 
 one ruffian straightened himself very proudly, and said, 
 "I have too many children to buy school books for; they 
 are scattered all around; I expect to be elected mayor 
 of this town; so I can father all the hoodlums running 
 abroad." He laughed, thinking he had said something very 
 smart. I told him I guess his mother had died before he 
 could remember her. From his looks and actions, one 
 would think he was capable of being father to a hoodlum. 
 I now returned to the hotel, where I spent a very pleas- 
 ant evening in the parlor, listening to some fine music by 
 a professor from San Francisco who was staying in the 
 country for his health. Next day, being Sunday, I spent 
 the greater part of it in my room, writing. 
 
 Monday morning I started to work with new energies, 
 being somewhat refreshed with my day's rest. I called on 
 Mr. B., where I met a gentleman who tried to joke me 
 about Masonry and Odd Fellowship. Found I was well 
 posted, and acknowledged I had a right to wear the em- 
 blems. Returned to the hotel and took the hack for the 
 railroad depot. 
 
 BOUND FOR SALINAS CITY. 
 
 The country through which the cars passed did not im- 
 press me very favorably, portions of it being low and 
 swampy ; although in some places there seemed to be ex- 
 cellent soil, and finer crops I never saw. In conversation 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 157 
 
 with a gentleman on the train, I was told, upon inquiry, 
 that the Abbott House was the best hotel in the place. 
 
 Arriving there, I took the coach, and was driven to the 
 hotel before mentioned. I found it to be as fine and well 
 kept as any I had seen in so small a place. I was shown 
 to a room in the third story, neatly furnished, and very 
 pleasant. 
 
 Arranging my baggage, I took my basket, and once 
 more became a book agent. As I passed through the hall 
 I noticed it was just five minutes to three. At the foot of 
 the stairs I paused to think which way I had better go. 
 Though I had canvassed for almost six years, I was now 
 in a strange place, and must meet strange faces. My 
 thoughts were, "how will they treat me; will they meet 
 me kindly or abruptly?" With a heavy heart I stepped into 
 the street, I made inquiries for the Court House ; being 
 told, I started in that direction. On my way I passed the 
 Post Office ; stepped inside and found a letter from home 
 waiting for me. 
 
 I once more started for the Court House. Found the 
 building not very prepossessing in its appearance. I first 
 called on Mr. D. He was very polite and kind ; but after 
 talking some time, I could not induce him to buy a book. 
 In the same office was Mr. S. ; he spoke very crossly : "Am 
 very busy, and don't wish you to bother me," is his reply 
 in answer to my asking him if he would like to subscribe 
 for Charles Sumner's Life. I next called on Mr. A. ; found 
 him pleasant and promised to buy a book when I came 
 in October. Thanking him, I passed into the next room 
 where I found four gentlemen very busily writing, and 
 one other (making five in all) who had a more elevated 
 seat than the rest and seemed to be giving orders. Al- 
 though not very tall, he was somewhat like the Dutch girl, 
 
158 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 pretty wide out. Book agent addressed him ; good looking 
 man looked up, smiled, and asked: "What do you wish, 
 madam?" "I have some books I would like to show you." 
 At this his countenance fell wonderfully, and he replied : 
 "I am too poor to buy." I insisted upon his buying, when 
 he turned very abruptly, and inquired my name. I told him 
 I was not ashamed of it; it was Mrs. L. ; whereupon he 
 looked at the other gentleman, and introduced me to the 
 Judge, so he said ; which seemed to occasion much laugh- 
 ter, much to my annoyance. Good looking man could not 
 but see I was annoyed, for he is a "Judged I suppose he 
 thought, as I was only a book agent, he could have all the 
 fun he desired, at my expense ; so he went on, making his 
 eloquent speeches, while I stepped back, and stood in per- 
 fect amazement. I have sat for hours listening to the 
 ablest lawyers, pleading for criminals, but never did I hear 
 anything half so grand or eloquent as his little speech 
 was. While he was talking he kept backing towards the 
 door, until he passed out. I sighed to think I did not learn 
 his name; perhaps we may meet again. After showing 
 the book to the remaining four gentlemen, and getting 
 one order for "Sumner's Life," I thanked them and left the 
 room, returning to the hotel, where I spent the remain- 
 der of the evening. 
 
 Next morning I wrote for a few hours, and started once 
 more for the Court House, for I wished to see the rest of 
 the County officers. Made my way to the Judge's room, 
 where I found five or six gentlemen writing. One of them 
 I had frequently met in San Francisco during my canvas- 
 sing. He seemed to recognize me, and said, abruptly, 
 "What brought you here?" I will call him City Gent. While 
 I was engaged in showing my books to the rest of the 
 gentlemen, City Gent spoke, and asked me if I knew Tom 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 159 
 
 Collins. "No," said I, "what about him?" City Gent, "Why, 
 yes, you know Tom Collins, of San Francisco." I replied I 
 knew several gentlemen by the name of Collins, but did 
 not know Tom. I looked around the room at each gentle- 
 man's countenance, to learn his meaning but their faces 
 betrayed nothing. City Gent, "Upon my word and honor, 
 he is here in town hunting you." In reply to my question, 
 "What does he wish?" he said, "He has a dispatch for you 
 from home." I told him I did not believe a word of it. My 
 family knew where I was and would telegraph to me. 
 There was a smart young gent, very dark complexioned, 
 and not very tall, in the office, who, with hateful grin, said, 
 "Yes, madam, you go ask the telegraph operator if Tom 
 Collins didn't get a dispatch for you." I replied, "Thank 
 you, sir; don't trouble yourself; I will attend to my own 
 business. I do not wish to jest about it because I might 
 get one that would cause me great trouble." 
 
 On my way to Mr. C.A.'s room, I must acknowledge I 
 was somewhat worried ; still I believed they were trying 
 to play some kind of a joke on me. I found Mr. C.A. in; 
 he told me to be seated while he examined the books. I 
 asked him if he knew of such a person as Tom Collins. He 
 smiled, and added, "They have been trying to play Tom 
 Collins on you, have they?" He then told me the joke. I 
 was hurt and annoyed, to think I had to contend with all 
 classes and could not restrain my tears. But I soon dried 
 them, thinking what a fool I was to allow myself to take 
 any notice of it. Mr. C.A. signed for a book, and tried to 
 cheer me, with many kind words. We conversed about 
 the Southern people, and their trials ; of the war and its 
 many sorrows. I bade him good day, and left the room in 
 better spirits than I had entered. 
 
 On my way to the hotel I called at Mr. W.'s office, who 
 
160 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 is a fat, jolly man. There were several gentlemen in: one 
 of them bought Joseph E. Johnson's book. Expressing my 
 thanks, I started again for the hotel. As I passed through 
 the dining room, all eyes seemed upon me. I sensed they 
 thought "there goes that book agent they tried to play 
 Tom Collins on" because nearly all of the gentlemen were 
 at the different tables eating, that were in the office at the 
 time. After being seated at the table, there was some lit- 
 tle jesting about the Tom Collins affair, between Mr. B. , his 
 wife and myself. Returning to my room, I found Mrs. B. 
 in the hall ; she wanted to know the particulars about the 
 joke. I related the facts concerning it, also the circum- 
 stances under which I had met the city gent heretofore, 
 and his impoliteness towards me. She said from what she 
 had heard about him, he was no gentleman. I passed into 
 the street, and stopped at the large grocery on the cor- 
 ner. After urging the proprietor for some time to buy, and 
 not selling, I went into the office, to see the book keeper. 
 When I addressed him he looked very blank as though 
 he did not know anything. I told him I had the "Life of 
 Sumner," and "Johnson's Narrative of the War." He took 
 both order-books in his hands, as though he was so weak 
 he could scarcely hold them. "Who is Sumner, and who 
 is Johnson?" he drawled out; "I never heard of them." 
 Looking up at me, he said again, "Are they some great 
 men in San Francisco?" I replied, "Sir, I pity you very 
 much, for being so ignorant." He saw I knew he was trying 
 to play smart and said, "Excuse me, madam; but I can- 
 not buy either." I next visited many private families, but 
 without success. 
 
 In front of the hotel I met Mr. C of San Jose. After 
 
 shaking hands with him, the proprietor came up. He was 
 well acquainted with Mr. C, and slightly with me. Laugh- 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 161 
 
 ing, he said, "Well, Mrs. L., they didn't play Tom Collins 
 on you." "No," I said, "I am too much of a Yankee ; am too 
 inquisitive to be caught by such sharpers." The proprie- 
 tor was then called away, and Mr. C — asked me what 
 was the trouble. I related to him the circumstance of the 
 morning. The city gent was getting near, and heard our 
 conversation. He came forward and said, "Madam? I do 
 not wish you to be angry with me ; indeed, upon my word 
 and honor, I did not mean to play a joke on you." 
 
 "Please stop, sir, and do not tell another falsehood." 
 He said, "Why did you tell that lady about me? I'll have 
 no chance with them." "Sir, what need you care for the 
 ladies? You have a wife already ; at least I judge so, from 
 what I have heard." 
 
 "It makes no difference whether I have or have not ; I 
 always treated you well; have I not?" 
 
 "There are two questions I should like to ask you, can 
 you give me a truthful answer?" 
 
 Upon his saying he could, I said, "You have met me 
 a great many times at different places and under differ- 
 ent circumstances. Did you ever know or hear of any 
 harm of me?" "No," he answered, "I have always heard 
 you highly spoken of, as being a hard working, industri- 
 ous woman." 
 
 "Did you ever know me to tell a falsehood?" "No." 
 "Then, I did not tell that lady one either." He looked at 
 Mr. C — , winked, and said, "I do not know when I ever 
 misused you, unless it was when you had some books 
 or pictures; will you please name any one time when I 
 treated you badly?" 
 
 "You have urged it on me ; I can tell you very plainly, 
 that I have never met you at any place that I found you a 
 gentleman ; always rough and uncouth. The first time was 
 
162 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 in a lawyer's office in the city, when I was canvassing for 
 the upright picture of the Grant Family. When I showed it 
 to you, you very abruptly told me you would buy it, if it 
 had all his family on it, including his squaw wife and Indian 
 babies. The second time, from your personal appearance, 
 and the appearance of your office, I saw you were going 
 down ; although you treated me ungentlemanly, I pitied 
 you very much; since that time, I have seen you in the 
 street cars, and doubted if you knew where you were." 
 
 At all this he replied, "Let's shake hands, and be 
 friends." "I have no objections, but I should think an old 
 grey haired man like you would be ashamed to trifle with 
 an old grey haired woman like I am." By this time there 
 was quite a crowd gathered around us. Thinking I was 
 making myself too conspicuous in a strange place, I went 
 to my room, tired and disgusted. In the morning I called 
 on Mr. F — . He gave me an order for William H. Se- 
 ward's "Travels around the World." 
 
 On my way back to the hotel I again met Mr. C of 
 
 San Jose. I asked him if he thought I did wrong in talk- 
 ing to the city gent as I did. 'Wo, I think you did just 
 right," he said; "but knowing you as well as I do, I must 
 acknowledge I was somewhat astonished at your cour- 
 age ; but still you kept even with him." 
 
 I next went to the Express office, and had my box of 
 books sent to San Jose. I returned to my room to wait un- 
 til time to go to the depot. Bidding adieu to one and all I 
 left Salinas City ; but sigh to think I did not learn the good 
 looking man's name. As I have described this part of the 
 country in another chapter, I shall not repeat it, although 
 seeing new beauties in every place. At Gilroy we stopped 
 to take lunch. A little ways from the station the conduc- 
 tor came around to collect the fare ; in the far end of the 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 163 
 
 car was a very dark Spanish boy, from ten to fourteen 
 years old. When the conductor asked him for his ticket, 
 he said his mother had it. "Where is your mother?" He 
 raised up and pointed to where I was sitting. "Come 
 along, and show me." He coolly walked down the aisle, 
 stopped in front of my seat and without flinching, said, 
 "Mother, I want my ticket, or six bits." 
 
 The conductor being well acquainted with me, knew 
 he was lying, and pushed him down into a seat opposite, 
 saying, "Boy, I know that lady; she is not your mother"; 
 but he still persisted I was, and it was some time before 
 he would acknowledge that his mother was not on the 
 train. The gentleman sitting behind me said, "Wasn't that 
 the coolest piece of impudence you ever saw?" It was such 
 a good joke on me that it was soon whispered among the 
 passengers, and caused great laughter and merriment all 
 the way to San Jose. 
 
 On my arrival there, I went directly to Mrs. B., where 
 I remained twenty-four hours. After delivering my books, 
 and collecting what was due me, I went to Santa Clara 
 and remained all night. Next morning I took the early 
 train for Redwood City. When I went to the hotel I met 
 my old friend, the bachelor, looking much better than I 
 expected to see ; for I had heard he was very sick. After 
 a short and pleasant conversation, I started out to deliver 
 my books. Calling at Mr. C — 's blacksmith shop, he in- 
 sisted upon my going around to see his wife, as they had 
 moved in his new house. I told him I should be very much 
 pleased to do so; but did not think I should have time. 
 Here I received several orders for my own book. At the 
 mill I delivered some books and got some new orders. It 
 was, by this time, twelve o'clock. I remained at the hotel 
 until time to take the cars for home. Bidding my friends 
 
164 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 
 
 good bye, I left Redwood City and was once more on my 
 way to San Francisco. When the train left the former 
 place, it was a bright, sunny afternoon; as it neared the 
 city the wind blew cold ; and at San Miguel the fog was 
 very heavy. At the junction of Fourth & Folsom St. R. R. 
 I met my husband on his way home from the office. When 
 I got home I found a nice hot dinner awaiting me. Seated 
 at the table, I am thankful that I am home again, and find 
 them all well. 
 
 EXPLANATIONS. 
 
 I hope all who may have read this simple sketch will 
 not criticise it too severely, but remember it was very 
 hastily written; the authoress a plain, unassuming, hard- 
 working woman ; not aspiring for fame or popularity, but 
 wishing to show how rough and impolite many persons 
 act towards the class of people so called "Book Agents," 
 forgetting it is an honourable occupation, if properly 
 conducted; and politeness costs nothing. No agent, that 
 is a true lady or gentleman, will urge their books upon 
 any one ; some people think no respectable person would 
 go around the street peddling books ; but they are very 
 much mistaken. 
 
 I know some who have canvassed that were once sur- 
 rounded by all the luxuries money could buy, but when 
 these were swept away, sunshiny friends had flown ; they 
 felt the cold hand of poverty grasping them, and would 
 sell books sooner than be supported by charity ; through 
 all never forgetting for a moment that they were ladies. 
 
AS A BOOK AGENT. 165 
 
 I ask pardon of my readers if they think I have been 
 too sarcastic in some of my remarks ; many may think me 
 malicious but I have no malice towards anyone, nor have 
 written untruly with regard to anything; and many times 
 beside those mentioned have had my feelings hurt so se- 
 verely, I wept bitterly. Still there is no business but what 
 has its trials; and this one I suppose, is no exception. In 
 the six years I have canvassed I can truthfully say, taking 
 the ladies and gentlemen as a majority, they have treated 
 me with great respect and patronized me liberally, for 
 which I offer, to one and all, my sincere thanks, and hope 
 they may prosper in all their undertakings. 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 J. W. L. 
 
COLOPHON. 
 
 This book was designed by Leda Black at Black Swan 
 Letterpress Printing and Design, typeset by Kathleen 
 Burch at Burch Typografica, printed at West Coast Print 
 Center, and bound by Cardoza-James Binding Company. 
 400 copies were printed on Mohawk Superfine paper in 
 Century Expanded types. 
 
 The design of this edition of Six Years Experience as a 
 Book Agent in California is based on the original printed 
 by the Women's Union Book and Job Printing Office in 
 1874. The California State Library kindly lent its copy of 
 the 1874 edition for use in this project. The endsheet de- 
 sign is drawn from a 19th-century fabric pattern. 
 
 This is The Book Club of California's publication num- 
 ber 198. 
 
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