The Alaska Gold Rush Letters and Photographs of Leroy S. Townsend: 1898-1899

Juneau, Alaska: Klondike Research, 1999. First edition. Hardcover. New/near fine. This book contains 33 letters by Leroy S. Townsend, a medical doctor from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He came north in 1898 to Valdez to enter Alaska via the Valdez Glacier along with 4,000 gold seekers. He brought a camera, and many of his photographs are published for the first time (59 photographs and illustrations in all). The book also contains an Introduction and Conclusion by Peggy Jean Townsend, a descendant of Dr. Townsend, an Historical Perspective by Alaska Historian Patricia Roppel, a Preface by Art Petersen, the General Editor, an Appendix of five parts, and a comprehensive Index. In the words of Alaska Historian Robert DeArmond, "A good piece of work and a real addition to the literature of this Klondike Centennial period." Dr. Townsend was quoted as follows in the "Seattle Post Intelligencer," July 7, 1899: "I consider the Valdez trail the worst trail in any country of which mining history makes mention, and that Valdez glacier is a veritable deathtrap." So much for the so-called "All American Route" to the Klondike gold fields, touted by outfitters and shippers. This book details the 19th Century adventures of Dr. Townsend on Valdez Gold Rush trails and the humanitarian contributions that caused a mountain near Valdez to receive his name.