Bertha L. Heilbron

In 1851 Frank Blackwell Mayer, a talented young artist from Baltimore, traveled to Minnesota Territory to attend the signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux between the Dakota Indians and the United States government. "He went," notes Bertha Heilbron in the introduction, "not to participate in the negotiations, but to observe Indian life at first hand and to find subjects for his brush and pencil... With a sure stroke he pictured the scenes and the inhabitants--red and white--of the frontier; with a fluent pen he described all that he saw through the sensitive eye of the artist." Mayer's diary is a travel narrative, an eyewitness account of a critical treaty signing, and a candid personal view of the development of the artist in mid-nineteenth century America. His words and drawings offer a lively and important resource for historians of art and the frontier, as well as readers of regional history. This edition includes an additional section of Mayer's diary that was discovered after the book was first published in 1932. Bertha Heilbron's helpful introductions and annotation provide important historical information for both parts oif this valuable document.

With Pen and Pencil on the Frontier in 1851 is a historical book that features the diary and sketches of Frank Blackwell Mayer, an American artist who traveled to the American West in the mid-19th century. The book is a fascinating account of Mayer's journey through the frontier, where he encountered Native American tribes, witnessed the California Gold Rush, and explored the rugged landscapes of the West. Mayer's diary entries provide an intimate glimpse into his experiences, including his interactions with the people he met, his observations of the natural environment, and his reflections on the challenges and joys of traveling in the West. The sketches that accompany the diary entries offer a visual representation of the places and people Mayer encountered, capturing the beauty and diversity of the American West. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the American West, as well as for art enthusiasts who appreciate the work of early American artists. It provides a unique perspective on the frontier experience and offers a glimpse into the life and work of one of America's most talented and adventurous artists. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.