In the year 1849, an exciting chapter of American history was being forged. Electrified by the news that nuggets of gold were lying loose, strewn over the rich earth of California, just waiting to be picked up, men swarmed west by the tens of thousands. It was a grand adventure for a generation of brash young men, citizens of a brash young nation. For some few, the adventure was not the only treasure he had sought...