Page:Hubert Howe Bancroft His Work and His Method.djvu/2

Rh His education was limited; indeed, so far as his school life is concerned, we should say he fell considerably short of adequate preparation for a modern college. Like so many other boys, he worked during the summer months and attended school in the winter. He hated grammar, but progressed far enough to get a smattering of Latin and Greek, and an introduction to the higher mathematics, which he greatly enjoyed. At the age of fifteen he was offered the choice of preparing for college or entering the book-store of his brother-in-law, Geo. H. Derby. Possessed of aspirations to be a scholar, and passionately fond of music, "without stopping to count the cost, childlike I struck at once for the prize. If self-devotion and hard study could win, it should be mine. So I chose the life of a student and spent another year in preparing for college." (98) But the allurements of active business and city life proved too great for him; so he decided to quit his studies and enter the book-store. "Nor am I disposed to cavil over the wisdom of my final choice." (104)

At about August 1, 1848, at the age of sixteen, he left Granville for Buffalo, where he entered the service of his relative. This he regards as his "starting out in life." (110) After six months, during which time he was "stubborn and headstrong, impatient under correction," he was discharged. Then he determined to start in business for himself; this he did by becoming, on a limited scale, a book drummer, setting out with horse, wagon, and some cases of books. His unexpected success had the effect of inspiring in the Buffalo firm a deeper respect and greater confidence; "and just as my mind was made up to enter school for the winter I was summoned back to Buffalo," where "I was to enter the store as a recognized clerk, and was to receive a salary of $100 a year." (112) Young Bancroft now began to look upon himself as "quite a man," relaxed from his puritanical ideas, and—to quote his exact words—"I do not think I ever held myself in higher estimation before or since." (112)

In March, 1850, Bancroft's father set out for the gold fields of California, but Hubert was busy with "flirtations, oyster suppers, and dancing parties." (117) In 1852 he was sent out, in company with George L. Kenny, to found a branch house in California. Sacramento was at first decided upon as the best field for a small bookshop. His plans and purposes, however, were quickly at an end because of the death of Derby. Going to San Francisco, the future writer of history sought work for six months without success, then determined to try his fortune at Crescent City.

There he became bookkeeper and seller for Mr. Fairfield, and was so greatly prospered that by practicing frugality he was, at the