Mountains and molehills; or, Recollections of a burnt journal

"Mountains and Molehills; or, Recollections of a Burnt Journal" by Frank Marryat, recounts the writer's adventures in mid-19th century California. Marryat writes about his time during the height of the Gold Rush, and the many people is meets during his travels. His writing emphasizes a colorful retelling of events, using his humorous personality to look at life during that time. The story begins with Marryat's thoughts on the lost diary that holds his past memories, which sets the stage for the honest story to come. As he begins so travels, Marryat talks about landing in Chagres and meeting other voyagers, native people, and the disorder of Panama. His descriptions paint vivid pictures of the land, living situations, and the personalities of immigrants and local people. His story about his trip to Panama uses funny stories, hardships, and cultural ideas to set the stage for what is to come, showing the beauty and cruelty of life during the Gold Rush.