ISSUES | fall 1989
12.3 (Fall 1989): History as Literature
Featuring works by E.P. Howell, John D. Howell, George Sargent, Elisha Steel… and an interview with Esther Jane Rohrer by Ginger Jones and Christian Michener.
CONTENT FROM THIS ISSUE
Foreword
Sep 01 1989
Foreword to 12.3
This issue contains several items of raw experience, most of which come out of momentous events in American history from the last one hundred fifty years: An overland journal by… read more
History as Literature
Sep 01 1989
The Road to California
Tuesday May 22nd. There is considerable sickness on the road–some in our own company. The Mormons passed on. Palmer’s Company remained and buried Mr. George Thompson, who died with cholera. Several fresh graves here. Our company now consists of seventeen wagons, 51 men and 21 ladies. It is divided into messes for convenience…
History as Literature
Sep 01 1989
The 4A Shuffle
“Howell, I’m not here to punish you. Life will pubish you enough.” –Captain Roberto Cuesta
History as Literature
Sep 01 1989
A Conversation with Esther Jane Rohrer
“What was life like in rural Missouri at the turn of the century?”
History as Literature
Sep 01 1989
Steele's Modoc Question
Dear Brother, at your request I subjoion a brief statement of my recollection, knowledge, and intercourse with the Indians since my leaving the east in the spring of 1850. Crossing the plains that summer, whilst suffering much with other immigrants by short feed for my stock and loss of supplies in our train, I had no trouble with the Indians. Others did, but I saw or thought a cause was with themselves or with some that had shortly preceded them…
History as Literature
Sep 01 1989
For Our Beloved Country: The Diary of a Bugler
In the fall of 1861 I caught the disease called war fever, which was spreading very rapidly about that time, and if once fairly seated it is hard to be cured, no matter how much doctoring you have done. In November I applied at the recruiting office of the 24th Massachusetts Volunteers to make one of that regiment. I signed my name to the roll, then was told to make the surgeon a visit for inspection. I found him all ready to receive visitors, so I pulled off my dry goods and he made an examination.