Recollections and Opinions of an Old PioneerPeter Hardeman Burnett (1807-1895) spent his early years in Tennessee and Missouri, serving as a district attorney in the latter state. In 1843 he joined an emigrant party bound for Oregon, where he became a prominent and controversial lawyer, judge, and politician in the new territory. In 1848, he went to California in search of gold and soon became a business and political leader of that territory. Recollections and opinions of an old pioneer (1880) contains Burnett's recollections of his early life in Missouri, his career in Oregon, and his decision to join a wagon train to California in the summer of 1848. There he seeks gold for six months before resuming the practice of law and the pursuit of politics. Elected a judge in August and governor in December 1849, Burnett turned to the practice of law in the 1850s and the business of banking in the 1860s. He touches on his various professional pursuits and his home life in Sacramento. |
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Page 303 - ... before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: " I do solemnly swear (or affirm...
Page 441 - As the sun-flower turns on her god, when he sets, The same look which she turned when he rose...
Page 307 - The only government which remained was that established by the military authority during the war. Regarding this to be a de facto government, and that by the presumed consent of the inhabitants it might be continued temporarily, they were advised to conform and submit to it for the short intervening period before Congress would again assemble and could legislate on the subject.
Page 448 - THE ART JOURNAL : An International Gallery of Engravings by Distinguished Artists of Europe and America. With Illustrated Papers in the various branches of Art. Each volume contains the monthly numbers for one year.
Page 197 - The laws of 1843 made no provision for the support of the government, except putting in circulation a subscription paper, as follows: We, the subscribers, hereby pledge ourselves to pay annually to the treasurer of Oregon Territory the sum affixed to our respective names, for defraying the expenses of the government: Provided, That in all cases each individual subscriber may at any time withdraw his name from said subscription, upon paying up all arrearages and notifying the treasurer of the colony...
Page 444 - By ARTHUR HERBERT CHURCH, MA Oxon.; Author of ' Food : its Sources, Constituents, and Uses,
Page 354 - ... provisions of the Constitution of the State, the undersigned hereby resigns his powers as Governor of California. In thus dissolving his official connection with the people of this country, he would tender to them his heartfelt thanks for their many kind attentions, and for the uniform support which they have given to the measures of his administration. The principal object of all his wishes is now accomplished — the people have a government of their own choice, and one which, under the favor...
Page 315 - We would recommend that the delegates be intrusted with large discretion to deliberate upon the best measures to be taken ; and to form, if they upon mature consideration should deem it advisable, a state constitution, to be submitted to the people for their ratification or rejection by a direct vote at the polls.
Page 277 - Religion! what treasure untold Resides in that heavenly word! More precious than silver and gold, Or all that this earth can afford. But the sound of the church-going bell These valleys and rocks never heard, Never sighed at the sound of a knell, Or smiled when a sabbath appeared.
Page 209 - Section 6. That if any such free negro or mulatto shall fail to quit the country as required by this act, he or she may be arrested upon a warrant issued by some justice of the peace, and if guilty upon trial before such justice, shall receive upon his or her bare back not less than twenty nor more than thirty-nine stripes, to be inflicted by the constable of the proper county.