Stephen Palfrey Webb 
A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856 

Stephen Palfrey Webb’s ’A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856’ offers a detailed examination of the Vigilance Committee formed during a tumultuous period in San Francisco’s history. Webb’s writing style is both analytical and descriptive, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the committee’s activities and their impact on the city. This book is a valuable historical document that sheds light on the vigilante justice prevalent in 19th-century America. Webb’s meticulous research and narrative skills make this work a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of law enforcement and social order in frontier communities. The author’s first-hand knowledge and access to primary sources give the book an authoritative perspective on the subject. I highly recommend ’A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856’ to readers seeking a deeper understanding of vigilante movements and their role in shaping American society.