Crusoe's Island: A Ramble in the Footsteps of Alexander Selkirk Informative Summary

Overview:

J. Ross Browne, a passenger on the Anteus, found himself shipwrecked on the island of Juan Fernandez in 1849. He embarked on a daring journey through the island’s rugged terrain, seeking out the fabled “Crusoe’s Castle” and encountering both the island’s current inhabitants, a mix of Chilians and an American settler, and a group of boisterous Californians seeking adventure. Browne recounts his encounters with pirates, convicts, and outlaws, weaving a tale of adventure and discovery against the backdrop of the island’s rich and fascinating history.

Despite the hardships and dangers faced, the island’s beauty and the author’s fascination with the legend of Robinson Crusoe shine through. The story is a blend of historical exploration, personal adventure, and insightful observations about the human condition.

Key Findings:

Juan Fernandez, a small island in the Pacific Ocean, is rich in history, having been inhabited by indigenous people, pirates, convicts, and settlers over the centuries.
The island served as a refuge for Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration for “Robinson Crusoe.”
The island’s beauty, unique wildlife, and climate make it an intriguing destination, despite its limited resources and lack of a safe harbor.
The island is subject to violent weather and treacherous terrain, posing significant danger to travelers.
Browne’s personal encounters highlight the dangers and difficulties faced by travelers in the early days of California, and the complex relationship between American settlers and indigenous populations.

Learning:

The island of Juan Fernandez: The reader will learn about the island’s history, including its discovery by Juan Fernando, its role as a pirate haven, its use as a penal colony, and its later settlement by Chilians and an American. The text highlights the island’s unique geography, its abundant wildlife, and the challenges posed by its terrain and climate.
The legend of Robinson Crusoe: The reader gains insight into the real-life story of Alexander Selkirk, who inspired the character of “Robinson Crusoe,” and learns how the author’s personal encounters with the island brought the legend to life.
The California Gold Rush: The reader will learn about the dangers and challenges faced by travelers in the early days of California. The text also explores the impact of the gold rush on the state’s indigenous populations, highlighting the conflict and violence that often accompanied westward expansion.
The power of human nature: The text explores the complexities of human nature, showcasing the allure of adventure, the dangers of greed, the impact of hardship, and the enduring power of friendship and loyalty.

Historical Context:

The text was written in 1864, just a few years after California had become a state. The Gold Rush was still a recent and significant event, and its impact on California society and the country’s westward expansion is evident throughout the text. The story also reflects the historical context of the island of Juan Fernandez, its historical significance as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors, and its later use as a penal colony.

Facts:

Juan Fernandez was discovered by Juan Fernando in 1563. The island was named after its discoverer.
Alexander Selkirk was the real-life inspiration for Robinson Crusoe. He was shipwrecked on the island and lived there for four years.
The island was a popular haven for pirates and buccaneers. They used the island for supplies and shelter during their expeditions.
The Spanish government established a penal colony on the island in 1819. This lasted until 1835 when it was destroyed by an earthquake.
The island is home to a variety of unique wildlife. This includes wild goats, seals, walruses, birds, and various marine animals.
The island’s climate is mild and temperate. It is never subject to extremes of heat or cold.
The island’s main harbors are Port English, Port Juan, and Cumberland Bay.
Lord Anson visited the island in 1741. He recruited his ships’ crews and left a legacy of planting fruit trees and introducing animals to the island.
The island’s population in 1849 was 16. This included one American and several Chilean families.
Wild cattle, horses, goats, pigeons, and wild dogs roam the island.
The islanders primarily subsist on fish, vegetables, and goat meat.
Wild goats are abundant on Goat Island. Chilians often hunt them by driving them off cliffs into the sea.
The island is located in the latitude of 33° 40´ S., and longitude 79° W.
The island was struck by several major earthquakes. The 1835 earthquake destroyed the Chilean settlement and was accompanied by an eruption from the sea.
The island has been used as a stopping-place for whaling vessels.
A Tahitian settlement was established on the island in the late 1850s.
The island is rich in natural resources. These include fertile valleys, abundant wildlife, and fresh water sources.
The island is subject to sudden and violent weather. This includes storms, strong winds, and heavy rain.
The author encountered a wild bull and grizzly bear fight on his journey to San Luis Obispo.
The author encountered a gang of Sonoranians and outlaw Californians.
The author discovered a murder scene at an abandoned adobe house on his journey.

Statistics:

100,000 Indians resided in California upon the state’s admission to the Union.
5,000 – 6,000 Indians resided near the Missions.
The temperature in the valleys seldom falls below 50° Fahr. in the coldest season.
The maximum heat at Fort Miller was recorded at 118° Fahrenheit.
The maximum heat at Fort Yuma was recorded at 110° Fahrenheit.
The author’s mule cost $300.
The author traveled about 30 miles per day on his mule.
The author found a Spanish vaquero who owned 16 square leagues of land in Soledad.
The author encountered a group of 20 long-bearded Californians dressed in red shirts at Crusoe’s Cave.
The author’s stolen pistol was worth $150.
The author believed the duties on the cargo of the shipwrecked vessel amounted to over $10,000.
The California delegation to Congress endorsed 200+ public offices in the state.
The salary for the collector of customs at Benicia was $3,000 per year.
The salary for the collector of customs at Stockton was $3,000 per year.
The salary for the collector of customs at San Pedro was $3,000 per year.
The salary for the collector of customs at San Diego was $3,000 per year.
The government of the United States loaned $72,000 for the construction of the Union Street Bonded Warehouse in San Francisco.
The government of the United States paid $110,000 to abrogate the contract for the Union Street Bonded Warehouse.
The government of the United States spent $288,000 in interest on the loan for the Union Street Bonded Warehouse.
The government of the United States spent $10,000 per year on the rent for the United States Court-rooms at San Francisco.
The government of the United States spent $40,000-$50,000 per year on the maintenance of its revenue cutters on the Pacific coast.
The government of the United States spent $250,000 per year on the Tejon reservation.
The government of the United States spent $30,000 per year on the Fresno reservation.
The government of the United States spent $50,000 per year on the Nome Lackee reservation.
The government of the United States spent $10,000 per year on the Nome Cult reservation.
The government of the United States spent $48,000 per year on the Mendocino reservation.
The government of the United States spent $16,000 per year on the Klamath reservation.
The government of the United States spent $50,000-$60,000 per year on miscellaneous Indian matters.
The government of the United States spent $250,000 per year on Indian reservations in California.
The government of the United States spent approximately $15,000,000 on the original purchase of California from Mexico.
The government of the United States spent $150,000 to purchase a claim for military purposes in Bear Harbor.
The price of hay was $300 per ton.
The price of barley was $0.75 per pound.
The author paid $30 to ride a horse for 25 miles.
The entrance fee to the fandango was 2 realles.
The price of a drink at the fandango was 2 bits.
The price of a room at the Lake House was $1.
The author paid $50 for a ride on an ox-cart to Woodford’s.
The price of a horse for a journey across the mountains was $30.
The author paid $0.50 to ride on an ox-cart to Woodford’s.
The cost of a bunk in Virginia City was $1.
The cost of a meal in Virginia City was $1.
The cost of a loaf of bread in Virginia City was $0.50.
The author paid $1 to sleep at Zip’s in Virginia City.
The author paid $1 to sleep at Dick’s.
The author paid $30 for a ride on a horse from Woodford’s to Placerville.

Terms:

Alcalde: A magistrate in a Spanish or Mexican community.
Antelope: A species of deer native to North and South America.
Arroya: A dry creek bed or ravine.
Basilium: The staff used by the master of ceremonies in former times.
Broncho: A wild, unbroken horse.
Burro: A donkey.
Cannons: Large guns used for military purposes.
Chaparden: A type of tent made of brushwood.
Chuta: A type of palm tree found on Juan Fernandez.
Coyote: A wild dog native to North America.
Croppings: Pieces of rock or ore exposed on the surface of the earth, indicating the presence of a mineral vein.
Diggers: A general term for the indigenous people of California.
Fandango: A traditional Spanish dance, often involving couples.
Frijoles: A dish of beans common in Spanish-speaking countries.
Grade: A steep, winding road in a mountainous region.
Grizzly Bear: A large, ferocious bear native to North America.
Hunkers: A political term used in the 1800s to describe a conservative faction.
Indians: A general term for the indigenous people of North America.
Leads: Mineral veins or deposits containing valuable ore.
Lasso: A rope used for catching animals.
Ledge: A narrow outcrop of rock, often containing valuable ore.
Loominary: A light-emitting object in the sky, often referring to the sun or moon.
Monte: A gambling game using cards.
Mustang: A wild horse of the American West.
Oja: A dish made with tripe, popular in Spanish-speaking countries.
Ogress: A female ogre, often depicted as a monster.
Pah-Ute: An indigenous tribe of the American West.
Ranchero: A rancher or owner of a ranch.
Rancheria: An indigenous village or settlement.
Riata: A long lasso or rope used by cowboys for catching cattle.
Saddle-train: A group of horses or mules carrying goods.
Scourge: A whip, or something that causes pain or suffering.
Secos: Ditches used to irrigate farmland.
Serape: A type of shawl or blanket worn by Mexicans.
Sierra Nevada Mountains: A mountain range in California.
Sonoranians: People from the state of Sonora, Mexico, often associated with banditry.
Stakes: Posts used for marking boundaries.
Stirrup-scale: A scale of relative value or importance, often referring to a ranking of social status.
Tortilla: A thin, flat bread made from corn, common in Spanish-speaking countries.
Vaquero: A Mexican cowboy or rancher.
Vigilance Committee: A group of self-appointed citizens who maintain law and order in a community.
Wigwam: A dwelling used by Native Americans.
Whiskey: A strong alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains.
Woolly Horse: A type of horse that is covered in a thick coat of hair.

Examples:

The author’s encounter with the outlaw gang at Soledad. This encounter showcases the dangers faced by travelers and the author’s quick thinking and resourcefulness.
The author’s description of the wild bull and grizzly bear fight. This example illustrates the intense natural world of the American West and the raw power of nature.
The author’s encounter with the American Crusoe on Juan Fernandez. The American Crusoe is a stark contrast to the idyllic image of Robinson Crusoe, providing insight into the reality of life in isolation and the challenges of encountering those who have lived too long alone.
The author’s description of the fandango. This is a vivid example of the cultural richness and social life of California during the Gold Rush.
The author’s experience at the Devil’s Gate. This illustrates the harsh conditions and the pervasive lawlessness of the mining regions.
The author’s encounter with the Stocking-thief at Strawberry. The theft highlights the desperation and the lack of law and order in the mining areas.
The author’s description of the “lay-out” at Strawberry. This showcases the cramped, unhygienic living conditions in the mining camps.
The author’s description of the brawling in Virginia City. This highlights the rowdy, uncontrolled environment of the mining towns.
The author’s encounter with the Duke of York. The author’s meeting with the Duke is a comical illustration of the impact of liquor and cultural differences on the lives of Native Americans.
The author’s descriptions of the various mining companies. The reader learns about the wide range of mining operations in Washoe and the speculative nature of the industry.

Conclusion:

J. Ross Browne’s “Crusoe’s Island” is a captivating account of his travels through the rugged terrain of Juan Fernandez and the newly settled territories of California. The author, an ex-inspector general, shares his experiences with an engaging blend of humor, irony, and keen observation. The reader learns about the island’s fascinating history, the legend of Robinson Crusoe, the challenges faced by travelers in the early days of California, and the wild nature of the Gold Rush and the silver boom in Washoe. Browne’s journey provides a glimpse into the complexities of human nature, highlighting the allure of adventure, the dark side of greed, and the importance of perseverance and integrity. While the author’s experiences may sometimes border on the unbelievable, he leaves the reader with a vivid and memorable portrait of life on the American frontier during a pivotal period of westward expansion.

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