Alta California : embracing notices of the climate, soil, and agricultural products of northern Mexico and the Pacific seaboard : also, a history of the military and naval operations of the United States directed against the territories of northern Mexico, in the year 1846-'47 : with documents declaratory of the policy of the present administration of the national government in regard to the annexation of conquered territory to this union, and the opinion of the Hon. James Buchanan on the Wilmot Proviso, &c
Description of area: p. 9-12; history and documentation: p. 13-64.
Anti-annexation tract.
Summary
The 1847 publication briefly address climate soil and agriculture in Alta and Baja California in chapter I. The following eight chapters consist of communications from the U.S. Government consisting of instructions in the event Mexico declared war, justification of and motives for war, various reports to Washington, communications with Mexican officials in Alta California, accounts of the military operations in California, the articles of capitulation entered into at Rancho of Cowanga on January 13, 1847, all of which are interspersed with personal observations and comments by the author. The final chapter deals with the question of whether slavery would be allowed in California, the policy of the South and its motive for a slave market and emigrants to California and Northern Mexico [from California State University's Digital Commons]
The charter, laws, catalogue of books, list of philosophical instruments, &c. of the Juliana Library-Company, in Lancaster : To which are prefixed, some reflections on the advantages of knowledge; the origin of books and libraries, shewing how they have been encouraged and patronized by the wise and virtuous of every age. : With a short account of its institution, friends and benefactors. ... Published by order of the directors
The earliest library in Lancaster, known as the "Juliana Library," was established in 1759, under the name of "The Lancaster Library Company." It was the third subscription library established in Pennsylvania. In 1763 it was chartered, and, out of compliment to Lady Juliana Penn, daughter of the Earl of Pomfret, and wife of Thomas Penn, one of the proprietors of the Province of Pennsylvania, it was called the Juliana Library. The library at one time had about 800 books on its shelves and was fairly prosperous. Its most flourishing period was from 1760 to 1775.
On back of cover: "#532 Hinkels Sale Mar 31 1920 --$61.00. Purchased by Chas. I. Landis July 14 1920 from Nevin F. McGirr fpr $25."
Sign for the Lane House, built by Thomas Lane, was later occupied by the family of Elliott Lane, a brother. Here, Harriet Lane, niece of James Buchanan and mistress of the White House during his Presidence, was born. Sign erected by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commisstion.
Provenance
Photographs from the James Buchanan Foundation institutional archives.
Sign for James Buchanan, President 1857 - 1861, was born April 23, 1791, a half-mile from here. The cabin itself was moved to Mercersburg, 1850, and in 1925 to Chambersburg. In 1953, it was removed to the Mercersburg Academy campus where it may be seen. Sign erected by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commisstion.
Provenance
Photographs from the James Buchanan Foundation institutional archives.
