Miners during the Gold Rush were not always yelling Eureka! It was downright hard work which was more times than not unsuccessful. While some men became successful merchants and "mined the miners" -- hiking up prices of common goods because demand was so high others found success in unconventional ways. Old Put arrived in California via an overland trip early in the Gold Rush, possibly around 1850. He tried his luck in the goldfields of the Sierra Nevada's but was more-or-less unsuccessful. Adopting the pseudonym of "Old Put" he began traveling the mining towns as a composer/minstrel. He achieved success quickly because he would adopt well known tunes and change the lyrics to reflect whathe witnessed among the mining towns. He formed a company of minstrels called The Sierra Nevada Rangers and received payment in the form of gold dust. In 1855 Old Put published the first of two books. Put's Original California Songster featured two-dozen of his songs as well as short quips and passages. His second book Put's California Golden Songster was published in 1858 and featured over 30 more of his works.
These songs reflect a very important time in California's history -- a time of great success and utter failure, of devastation and construction, of kind acts and greedy deeds. While the songs were "originally commenced to relieve the tedium of a lonely cabin life" Old Put has portrayed "Life in California at a time when the restraints of society had to some extend become released" (Golden, preface).
p.s. -- to the 49ers and the following onslaught of argonauts (gold miners), the phrase "Seeing the Elephant" meant going to the goldfields. In encompassed the cost of the endeavor - the expenses incurred to get there and leaving their family behind. It also symbolized all of the possibilities one could encounter on their journey to California. Above all, it represented the unequaled adventure every argonaut would get just making the trip.
The lyrics are the original printed versions and might contain obnoxious comments, outrageous remarks, derogatory phrases, and, in most cases, improper English. The Gold Rush took place during an era of time where there were distinct classifications of rank on the social ladder based on skin color, nationality, religion, etc. These lyrics are included for historical accuracy and do not reflect the opinions of Groundspeak, us, or any sane person.
Sources:
Silber, Irwin - ed. "Coming Around the Horn." Songs of the American West. 1st ed. N.p.: Dover Publications, 2012. 27-29. Print.
Stone, John A. Put's Golden Songster: Containing the Largest and Most Popular Collection of California Songs Ever Published. San Francisco: D. E. Appleton &, 1858. Print.
Stone, John A. Put's Original California Songster: Containing the Largest and Most Popular Collection of California Songs Ever Published. San Francisco: D. E. Appleton &, 1855. Print.
A Miners' Meeting
[air - 'The Raging Canal']
1
When miners get into a row about their mining ground,
A miners' meeting then is called, and miners flock around;
Each party clearly states his case, then both proclaim aloud,
"We'll introduce our evidence, then leave it to the crowd."
2
A witness then is called upon, who tells a crooked yarn,
Declares the diggings "jumpable," so far as he can "larn,"
Is positive they've not been worked as mining laws require;
And any man that says they have, he'll tell him he's a liar!
3
A witness on the other side tells quite another tale.
An interested party then presents a bill of sale,
And proves it clear, and furthermore, that he's been very sick,
Not able since he bought the claim to strike a single lick.
4
Now "Bob" brings up a man and proves "he has not been unwell,
But since the date of bill of sale has been as drunk as h-ll."
The friends of "Bob" begin to howl, and "Jake's" begin to swear,
A few go in and fight it out, or "try it on the square."
5
A call is made from either side to hear the ayes and noes—
By this time half the crowd is drunk, and care not how it goes;
And all begin to curse and swear, and out with bowie-knives,
All ready, should it come to blows, to take each other's lives.
6
A drunken bully in the crowd throws off his hat and coat,
And right or wrong, no matter which, he thus demands the vote—
"Now all in favor of OLD BOB will please to hollow AYE,
And all who vote the other way shall leave the diggings dry."
7
The crowd send forth a hideous howl, and "Bob" has won the day,
Who now invites all hands to drink before they go away,
"Old Jake" concludes he's badly beat, and quietly retires,
Well satisfied that "Bob" has raised the largest crowd of liars!
Path is on a busy street, please exercise caution when going for the caches. There is NOparking along the route. Best to walk or use your bike.