"San Francisco Vigilance Committee of '56, with Some Interesting Sketches of Events Succeeding 1846",

Compiled and edited by Frank Meriweather Smith from contemporary newspaper accounts, this book provides a concise history of the rise of vigilantes in San Francisco during the Gold Rush period. Prior to the establishment of an efficient constabulary, the city was plagued by a variety of social evils. Law-abiding citizens took it into their own hands to quell riots, robbers and fires and organized a Vigilance Committee in 1851. First edition published by Barry, Bairds & Co. 8vo., 83 pp. Hardbound incorporating the original soft cover.

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Condition: B+

Covers lightly worn and stained, text slightly toned.