Subsequent to completing her education, Pittsinger was engaged for several years at Rogers' stereotype institution in
Boston as proof-reader and reviewer. In the spring of 1854, she sailed for
California; and four years later, her stirring songs and lyrics began to appear in the California journals. Here, she developed many admirers and warm friends by her fervent patriotism and devoted enthusiasm to the zealous efforts in the cause of social and moral reforms. In the mining districts, she was enthusiastically received and appreciated. In 1866 and 1867, at
Nevada City,
Grass Valley, and at the lakes and among the
Sierra Nevadas, at
San Francisco and elsewhere, she read her own poems to enthusiastic audiences, and at the same time wrote letters of travel for San Francisco papers. A farewell benefit was tendered her by the influential people of that city on the eve of her departure for a visit north. She wrote an extended “Poem on California,” to be compiled with others. In the early 1860s-1870s, Pittsinger was well known within the poetic world. Then, her poems regarding the eternity of life, the sublimity of love, and the glory of patriotism thrilled readers. With patriotic fervor she wrote war songs, the inspiring words of which stirred California youth for the cause of
The Union in the days of the
American Civil War. She was called "The California Poetess". Her poems were recited in the schools and taught by teachers of
elocution. No public meeting was complete in those days without a rendition of one of her thrilling "Bugle Peals", or her "Song of the Soul Victorious," a lyric on the immortality of life which she considered her masterpiece. Throughout California, she was known and revered. But in later days, the lyrics grew less inspiring, though her enthusiasm never wavered. Slowly among the rising generations of young people, her popularity waned and faded away. At the time of her death, her name was practically unknown. She wrote wholly from aspiration. Freedom and justice to all was her motto. She accepted the theory of
reincarnation, embodiments in the material form, and the varied experiences thereby obtained, to prepare it for its immortal destiny. That idea was embodied in a number of her most remarkable poems. She was chosen the poet for the 40th anniversary celebration of the raising of the first American flag in California. She wrote a stirring poem for the 400th anniversary of the birth of
Martin Luther, which was recited by herself and others on that occasion. Her poems were varied and numerous. ==Personal life==