Olesen's New Book
Posted by LeRoy Johnson on August 05, 2004 at 19:35:41:
In Reply to: Book Reviews Just Posted - Olesen's New Book posted by Last Chance Rand on August 05, 2004 at 16:25:08:
I have challenged Olesen to a debate but he will not respond. Possibly the Old Fart would host such a shootout at Panamint Springs if Olesen accepts the challenge.
Olesen traveled the desert extensively with John Southworth, who is possibly the only person who still believes the bunk trunk Jerry Freeman found on Pinto Peak was placed there in winter 1849-1850 by William Robinson or by some of Robinsons relatives. I hear via the grapevine Southworth is coming out with another edition of his book. Maybe he will shed some additional light on the bunk trunk in his new edition.
I find it strange that Olesen does not mention the trunk. Not covered in our review is Olesen’s wishy-washy handling of the location of Towne Pass (See Olesen’s pages-column: 26-1; 45-2 & 49-1). The Koenig–Southworth–and now Olesen’s misreading of Wheeler’s 1877 map seems to be a myth members of the Westerners, Los Angeles Corral will perpetuated forever. The above troika incorrectly interpreted Wheeler’s map as showing Towne Pass south of today’s Pinto Peak. This myth is inexorably linked to Southworth’s interpretation of having the Jayhawkers go to the summit of Pinto Peak, thence westward. The logical westward route off the peak takes you down a ridge to the cave where Jerry found the trunk.
Some reader of this board undoubtedly know who the hoaxter was. I wish he or she would come forward so Jerry’s name can be cleared. Most people I talk to feel Jerry planted the trunk—I think not. Jerry and I were close friends and I would like to remove the dark cloud that that has besmirched his name.
There are many unanswered questions related to the trails of the ’49ers and this board has been a great place to rationally discuss many aspects of these trails. We all benefit from the selfless time and money the Old Fart gives us and we are particularly blessed by having an excellent Web master—thanks Randy.
I’m patiently looking forward to a debate with Olesen. I hope we can have it at Panamint Springs or possibly some place in the Los Angeles area. LeRoy