An exceptionally nice example of the first official report, ostensibly on the Gold Rush. As it turned out, Thomas Butler King’s mission was more complex. A Georgian Congressman, he was dispatched by President Taylor also with a “semi-secret” message of encouragement for California to forego territorial status and instead seek statehood directly. Taylor wanted to avoid the dissension within the Congress on the issue of slavery within California as a territory and instead allow Californians to make their own choice in its Constitution, the prelude to statehood. 

In the report King vehemently denies that he was attempting to influence the decision on slavery one way or the other (Californians chose to be a free state). He also describes the soil, climate and products of California and gives account in detail of the gold rush and its impact on the people and the local economies. He later became the Collector of Customs for San Francisco and failed in several attempts to win elective office in California. 

King, Honorable T. Butler. Report of Hon. T. Butler King on California. Washington. Printed by Gideon & Co. 1850. 72pp.

An exceptionally nice example, retaining the original wraps and then bound in an attractive 3/4 morocco binding, raised bands, by H. Zucker of Philadelphia, etc., Very minor remains of an early label at the base of the spine, some ever so slight rubbing. Interior blank ffep bears an ex library stamp.