Clementine de Chaumont-Quitry La Grange (1863–1944)

Very witty, with a dry sense of humor, the Baroness tells the story of her adventure into the Wild West. Though critical of the food and dwellings, as well as the sanitation, still she sings praises of the people she meets and the adventures she has. She is horrified when she sees a Chinese cook's braid fall into the soup just before it is served to her, but she gamely eats it, as there is nothing else available. Also appalled at the method her own Chinese cook uses to moisten the laundry as he irons (spitting on it), she defies anyone to find a laundress who does such a fine job. Though it is all she can do to make herself use the handkerchiefs! A competent, spirited and independent woman for her times, she gamely travels with her husband, bringing their children from the comforts of an estate in France to the wilds of California to explore various business opportunities (perhaps because it was her money they were investing!). She often supervised the many miners and the mining operation while her husband was away. A great rarity in those days. I would like to read more by this woman.… (mehr)