Miriam Squier (1836-1914), an actress turned journalist who eventually became a powerful figure in American publishing, married publisher Frank Leslie in 1874. In 1877, the couple traveled to California, and Mrs. Leslie recorded details of their luxurious transcontinental rail trip. California: a pleasure trip from Gotham to the Golden Gate (1877) chronicles the scenes they passed en route, as well as San Francisco's welcome for the visiting Eastern notables. Her account gives special attention to that city's Chinatown as well as the attractions of Los Angeles and Yosemite. On the return journey, Leslie pictures the desolation of the mining town of Virginia City, Nevada, and the prosperity and progress of Salt Lake City, where she interviewed Brigham Young. The editor's introduction provides details of the attacks brought by publication of the book, with critics exposing Mrs. Leslie's illegitimate birth and complicated marital career.