The Shirley Letters from California Mines in 1851-52

I have many histories and some diaries written by women as I love history and am very interested in first hand accounts. This was interesting but did not give as much information and context as I expected. It is very much something that was written for publication in the newspaper, as it was, written for entertainment more than a specific account of her life. However it is only a partial account of a very specific period and I did appreciate this window into what life was like. I very much enjoyed the Forward that did give a lot of information of Ms Shirley's life in the Northeast and also what happened to her after she left the mining camps. She was an interesting, intelligent and brave woman

The Shirley Letters, in a way, don't deserve to be reviewed because they weren't written as literature. They are what they are, letters from a sister to her beloved sister, written from the California gold mine camps in 1851-1852. Except these letters are very special, filled with description, candor, and charm, from the pen of a woman who was educated, talented, and witty. The 23 missives made their way to Pioneer magazine, and I am glad they did, because the rich trove of 19th century lore, camp culture, geography, history, and daily living Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe ("Dame Shirley," 1809-1906) recorded in them remains a treasure for the rest of us to enjoy to this day. In 1849 Dame Shirley left Massachusetts to follow her husband, a doctor, to the mining camps. Her letters to her sister detail her experiences in the camps and later in San Francisco. She spares no detail in describing the rugged but beautiful West, the problems of crime and resulting whippings and hangings, the problems between whites and the Indians and immigrants, her simple cabin, and her efforts to establish gracious living in the wilds. As I read her letters I can't ignore the obvious: Dame Shirley loved to write, found joy in describing her new life in the Wild West, and exulted in the raw beauty of unspoiled creation. Her writing is energetic and lively, a great resource for anyone who desires to write about daily living during the Gold Rush period. The Shirley Letters include a very informative introduction and illustrations (reprints) of mining country scenes of that era, particularly the camps around the Feather River.

I found the Shirley Letters to be an interesting read because of the times that were being characterized. The Gold Rush was an interesting time and the news coming out of Them There Hills was nonexistent. The life of the miners was for the sturdy at heart. Shirley, being one of just perhaps four women in the camp and giving her perspective of life and how the camps were self governed I found amusing. It's worth a read.

Streached my interest to give these "letters" three stars, but they were not what I was expecting! There are a few interesting tidbits, but just not enough exciting episodes to appease my "old western" appetite . Perhaps if you non-western enthusiasts try these tales you may find them interesting, but you shootem up bang-bang western addicted enthusiasts won't be too interested. Try it! You may find something I missed!!!😃

This edition edited with an introduction by Marlene Smith-Baranzini has added so much more information before I even got in to the letters. This is one of my favorite histories and "Dame Shirley's" writing is exceptional. Her early years and schooling in New England gave her a love of putting pen on paper.. How fortunate we are to have these letters written first hand by a women living in the raw gold mining world of 1851 and 1852 California.

This is a really fun read for anyone who's interested in California history, especially during the Gold Rush. "Dame Shirley" was quite the observer and storyteller. Though you should probably take her words with a grain of salt, her descriptions of camp life are a joy to read. One note: I started reading from the beginning and was like, "What? These aren't letters." The book begins with a VERY long essay *about* the letters, not with the letters themselves. I thought maybe I had mistakenly downloaded a scholarly study of the letters. Turns out you just have to skip WAY ahead before getting to Dame Shirley's correspondence with her sister. (Also, the letters are a lot more fun and evocative if you imagine them in the voice of Alma Garrett from Deadwood. Trust me.)

For stories written 170 years ago, these are remarkably fresh and feel almost like a modern read. "Dame Shirley" which is a pen name, writes lyrically, with a sense of humor. It is rare to find first person accounts from the Gold Rush written by women. If you enjoy this time period of the GR and pioneers settling in the West, you will love this book!

One of the books I lost in 2018 wildfire. Wonderful rendition of Mrs. Clappe's experiences at the CA gold mines of the 1840's. Can look out my window and see Table Mountain which she described so well. Terrific bit of real history which is not dry!