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Show INTRODUCTION. When the great mass of humanity which left the Mississippi valley and the eastern slope of America, in 1849-50-51-52, grasped the offered hand of friendship, and shed the parting tear on the eve of their departure for the Pacific coast, they cherished the fond expectation of returning to their dear old homes, and were buoyed up by the prayers breathed by feeling fond ones, that the wanderer's return might soon cast a gleam of joy and sunlight o'er the darkened home circle. They moved, thinking that the cloud they had caused to gather dark over the _once happy hearthstone, would indeed be possessed of a silvery lining. That when the glittering "dust" their well lined pockets filled, away to the sunny land of their youthful d.I'eams, with joyous step and proud, their course should lead; deeming the country they sought, a land suited only for the home of wild beasts; the forest brave, or the thirsty hunter of gold. Arriving in the promised land, it was found not only to contain gold, but to possess all the qualities and characteristics necessary to the producing of happy homes. Men so?n learned that they could live in the golden land. Homes were instituted ; a different class sought refuge in the sunset land. We come here now to feast upon the endearments which linger around well regulated homes. We come here now to live, expecting here to die. Many portions of our western border of the Pacific region, offer great inducements to those who would leave the more crowded eastern States; those of city, town and county. All that is required to stimulate thousands to cut loose the chains that bind them down to the frozen North, East and West, and the "sunny South," is a simple narrative of facts. The simplest manner of recitation and the fewest terms possible for the setting forth of the truth, seem to be best suited for this little book, hence my readers will pardon any ~ack of style, or want of elegance . • |