In a prologue the author explains how her fact-fiction book is based on her great-great grandfather\'s 1849 Gold Rush letters.
Leal is to meet him in.
In March 1849, at nineteen, Eugene leave home for New York City.
Eugene\'s sister Hortense understands her oldest brother\'s desire; and she makes him promise to write letters home, addressed to her.
Against his parents\' wishes, Eugene Chase makes plans with boyhood friend Leal to leave Vermont and seek their fortunes in California.
In a prologue the author explains how her fact-fiction book is based on her great-great grandfather\'s 1849 Gold Rush letters