This is where the myth of the notorious California bandit Joaquin Murrieta was born. There are probably as many versions of Joaquin Murrieta as there were of sightings of him in the the gold rush days of California lore. Originally published in 1854 the Cherokee Indian Yellow Bird, better known as John Rollin Ridge, created the story that has since grown to mythical proportions. What is most fascinating is that this myth is deeply imbedded in the consciousness of Californians, particularly those of Mexican desent who identify with Murrieta as a sort of Robin Hood.

"First published in 1854 by W.R. Cooke and Company"--Title page verso