What I Saw in California: by Wagon from Missouri to California in 1847-48

As a young man in 1846-47, Edwin Bryant traveled from Independence, Missouri, through the Rocky Mountains, across the desert, and throughout California. He often functioned as an unofficial doctor on the wagon trains. Describing the trail west and the character of the local people, he was an extremely detailed observer, taking note of everything he saw. A highly informative book, and very well written.