USA > California > The California pilgrim: a series of lectures > Part 7
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He had been stirring about the country three years ; but every time he was on the eve of a fine fortune, he got tripped up, or let through, by some rascal undermining him, and calling him a humbug, and getting up a Luna against hin. From one town, though he told it, he came out with An escort and a some ado. For a committee of citizens, and a free ticket. company he had been experimenting for, waited on him, and proffered him the honor of a ride. . 1
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2,00
FORTUNATUS WAIT.
" He wasn't a stationer himself. only a temporal."-Page 94.
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large escort took him out of the town, which was rather a pleasant feature of the affair ; but the vehicle they rode him on was too long and narrow for comfort, with some splinters about it, but nothing to hold on by.
It was of no consequence, however ; men had been martyrated to science before, and he could'nt hope to avoid wholly the common fate. It proved his brotherhood with A member of the the great circle of the scientificks. But now,
circle of science. he said, if ho could only find a customer, he had the sure thing on 'em, and they might laugh at him, or rail at him ; a " pocket full of rocks" was better than their compliments.
Keep Faith, observing his eapacious pockets, said they were not wanting in rocks now, apparently. Perhaps, however, they were not tho right sort. He said, not yet ; but he would explain 'en. They were speciments he carried to show customers. He had a house over two
miles toward the coast. He lived there. He was on A cluster of somebody's land ; but that was no matter now. quarries and mines. He was in the midst of a nest of mines. He had a stone quarry, of red sand stone ; a silver mine; a mine of lead ore ; and a quicksilver vein ; and, only a little way off, extensive coal beds. He had discovered them all How discovered, with the help of peach twigs, tractors, and divining rods. He had prospeeted them too. Of course, it was an object to him to keep the matter still, and watch them close. He had no doubt the original fountain of quicksilver was up that way, and by digging to it, it would gush out in a stream, needing only funnels and flasks, to prepare it for market. And it would'nt surprise him if the sandstone quarry, traced far enough, turned into quartz rock, bearing gold. There never was such a place in this
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For sale, or to world before. He would sell out for a let. hundred thousand dollars ; or he would take the right kind of a man into partnership with fifty thousand, and divide even ; or he would allow any body to work the mines, for a six months term, on shares ; the persons undertaking it to find themselves and him, and allow him one half the profits.
So he unloaded his pockets, and there were his sandstone, The specimens. his coal, his lead ore, and his cinnabar. Keep Faith said the specimens were fine, so far as he was competent to judge, but he would rather see just where they came from. Pilgrim said they had no use for fortunes, and could not lose time by going to see any mines, or hills of luere. He had read also of one Demas and his silver mine, where one Byends and others, got something more than their feet in, and he was rather suspicious. Keep Faith was of the same mind, and as they were quite rested Mr. Wait again by this time, they moved on, leaving Mr. in his solitude. Fortunatus Wait waiting for a chance to realize his fortune.
The country did not interest them exceedingly, nor did they meet many persons that seemed in talking mood. And, besides, nearly all they did find were on horses or mules, and rushed by them, kicking up a great dust. Pilgrim said it was all on a par with the most of this great world. The lot of such People on foot must jog on as they could ; as go afoot. there were few that would stop long enough to inquire of those afoot about their health, and journey, and prospects ; and fewer still, who would ever volunteer to go on foot, and let the wayfarers ride awhile. However, they were sure to be through in good time, and they went
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in much safety, and had their share of good cheer, as they trudged along.
All the afternoon they had been traveling where there The trees along were few trees ; and those few were low and the road and
their shapes. ungainly, leaning East, with great proclivity ; looking as if they had been backing into a stormn for the last half century. They had evidently been smoothed into shape, if shape it were, by the rough wings of all the terrible winds that came whistling and roaring from the ocean.
They arrived at length at the old mission out post of St. One sitting at Matthew, where they saw one sitting at the the receipt of custom receipt of custom. But he did not resemble the Matthew of their veneration ; and there were numbers of bottles and decanters ranged along behind him, and he received custom of so many red nosed men, as they judged, that they suspected neither he nor they would go with them on pilgrimage, if asked ; nor make good companions if they should go, they would get so very dry in sight of a public house. So they went on without stopping.
Coming now to a region more level, and a pleasanter tract of country, they saw a good sized house, not far off, where there were children about, and, as it was almost night, they thought they might lodge there. As they came near, however, they found the pigs quartered in front of the A rather inodern house. A loose plank on blocks was the rancho. stepping stone. A woman with broom in hand was shoo-shooing the chiekens out of the house, and they saw her as she came thus to the door. She was not old, but wrinkled and haggard, with nose and chin sharp, and not very far asunder, her eye brows hanging over, and her eyes restless. Her hair, thin and dark, had tumbled from
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A matron and its fastenings, and hung down her neck ; and housekeeper. her blue calico gown had not been made up in Paris, nor recently been under the flat iron ; and her feet were shoeless. As the two climbed over the rail fence, the children gathered around, and opened all the eyes they had. The lady of the mansion met them at the door. Keep Faith inquired for the man of the house. She said he was milking, but if they wanted anything, she could settle the matter with them. Pilgrim said they were foot travelers and were in quest of lodgings. She said they did'nt keep No lodgings to folks, it was'nt always safe ; though goodness be had. knew she'd nothing for them to steal. She had'nt any beds for them ; there was no floor over head but some loose boards in one corner, and the children slept on them. There was'nt any bread in the house, and Ichabod had kept putting off going for flour. (As Ichabod came in with the milk, she sent Ichabod to build up a fire, and put on some water, and wash some potatoes.) She said she had been in California better than a year, and such a country ! They called this valley like Italy. She hoped it
Distresses and was. She wished the Italians had it. She
troubles re- wished she was out of it; she never did want vehemence.
counted with to come; but Ichabod over persuaded her. She would make him tired of it ; she was not going to stay here. There were no gardens, no orchards, no fields, no woods, no women, no visiting, and no stores. You could only stay in the sunshine and dirt. (She now sent Ichabod An obedient to shut up the hens to keep them from the husband.
coyotes, and then to come and wash the
children's faces, and try and find something to stop the pigs from squealing.) She said, if they wanted to, they might come into the house, only sho was just going to sweep ; it
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was such a country a body never got through with her work. She was not going to like the country. She was always determined she would not. She did'nt care for money, nor anything else ; live here she would'nt. It was worse than Botany Bay. She did'nt take a husband to go to the ends of creation with him. She was silly for ever coming with him at all. She did'nt care who knew it; she could'nt keep it in, and she would'nt; she'd tell everybody she saw Determination that Mrs. Taranta Nettles was not going to
of the will.
live in such a country ! She was going home in the spring, and Mr. Ichabod Nettles could go, or not, as he pleased ; but she would just like to see him undertake to stay when she wished to start.
By this time it was growing dark, but there was a fine full moon, and Keep Faith had already retreated into the The travelers re- street ; so Pilgrim told Mrs. Nettles he thought tire from the scene. they would give her too much trouble if they remained, and bade her good night, just as she was ordering Ichabod to get the dishes on the table, and see if the tea- kettle boiled.
Now I saw in my dream that the two travelers passed on in silence till they were far from the house. At length Pilgrim asked Keep Faith if he were thinking Questions and
Answers. of anything. He replied that he was just asking himself if it were possible that Lot's wife was like Mrs. Nettles ; and, if so, whether he really lost much when he got to Zoar without her. Pilgrim said he never thought of trying to settle such questions. He knew there many sorts of people, and room for them all, in the world ; and we could choose our lot for ourselves, pretty much, so far as Judge not. our associates were concerned. He did not
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condemn any one's peculiarities ; we all had enough to spoil us in the eyes of somebody.
Providence had a design in the existence of all creatures, and of every species ; though, occasionally, it was difficult for mortals to see why these and those animals lived at all.
They had traveled on an hour or more, when they saw a A light on their light glimmering through the leaves from patlı. some distant window ; for they were now come where there were beautiful groves of live oaks, deciduous oaks, becches, and other trees. They approached it. As they came near, they found a neat, painted, cottage under a spreading tree. There was a paling fence around it; and even the moonlight showed some dahlias, and other flowers, growing in the door yard. They knocked, and the door was opened by a hale looking man of thirty ; ruddy and cheerful faced. He asked them in. They said they were They gain ad- belated, and wanted lodgings. Your faces nuttance to a cottage. and manners speak well for you, said he. Come in! we will care for you. So they told him their names, and whither they were bound. He was more glad than before, and said that he was Jonathan Makebest, from Litchfield Hills. And then he hastened to introduce them to his wife Theodosia.
The family were just through with tea; but it was only the work of a few minutes to put things in order again. Brushes and ab- Meantime, Mr. Makebest had them out of the lutions. door, and shook their garments and brushed away the dust, and supplied them with water and napkins ; and when they came m, they found the boot jack and some casy shoes put right in their way. So they ate their supper with a keen relish, and a hearty good will, feeling very much at home, and delighted with the cheerful aspect
/
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of everything. Their coming seemed to make neither ado, A pleasant ev- nor confusion ; and they passed the evening ening. delightfully together. They read, and prayed, and sang, and retired early ; for the pilgrims were weary.
They arose with the sun, and were surprised to find the breakfast on the table, and the smiling hostess ready to The morning welcome them. It was morning now, and and the cottage
queen. they could see her well. She was almost queenly in her beauty, though her eyes were rather large. Her face was flushed with exercise, and her arms were par- tially bare. The exceeding neatness and taste shown in her person and dress, were but patterns of everything about her house. When their repast was ended, and they had offered their morning devotions, Mr. Makebest informed the travelers that he was going with his team to the Capital Pueblo, and he would be happy to set them forward on their journey, if they could take up with his accommoda- tions. They said they would ride with him, and with many thanks.
While the vehicle was preparing, Pilgrim returned to inquire of Mrs. Theodosia if her situation pleased her. She
A conversation
said, none better. She was indeed far from
begun. home and kindred; but we must soon part with our friends, even if we lived by their side. She was deprived of many privileges ; but it would not long be so ; and it was surprising how easily we could forego many of them, when we set out heartily to do it. She had few con- venienees ; but those would be supplied as soon as they were very generally in demand. She had few associates, but there was so much to do, the time went rapidly by. She enjoyed the climate much, and she had great hope of
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Her speech is the country at large. It was her duty to be with grace & sea-
soned with salt. with her chosen companion ; and in duty was happiness, whether suffering or enjoying. She should deem it extremely out of character, an ill grace, and a selfishness in her, to make her preference, or her personal happiness the turning point in any matter. Mr. Makebest thought it best to be here ; she did not oppose ; she would not in any case. But, happily, she felt no disposition to do so. She Was content. She complained of nothing. She was glad to be here ; to act nobly a woman's part, if she could ; and do A work for wo. the work which all agreed her sex ought to do,
man to do. and must do, for the country, or it would go to ruin. If she could be true to her household, agreeable in all her social relations, and faithful to her Christian vows, her highest ambition would be fulfilled. And she knew that thus her life would pass happily, and be spent far more usefully, than in any other land ; and so she was content.
Tears of admiration moistened the Pilgrim's eyes, as he paid the noble woman he saw before him a choice and del- icate compliment, and bade her good morning. By this They take leave time they were ready to move. All took of the excellent Theodosia. leave with the utmost grace and tenderness ; and then proceeded on their way, at a brisk trot. They could not but admire the scenery, the bountiful crops, and the incipient farms, with all their fences, fixtures, and stock, as they rode along. They got a glimpse, now and then, into some bachelor's hall, with its bunks, and berths, and antediluvian looking blankets, tin dishes, guiltless of scouring, bottle candlesticks, pickle jars, unswept floors, and old boots ; and they thought - what should they think of?
They could not stop to look in detail about the pleasant
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Santa Clara. little village of our sacred Lady Clarissa ; nor visit its fine old mission, with its many fruits, and its school for boys, kept by the Padre ; nor could they examine the new church, the academy, the university with its one professor, and the fine homes and spacious grounds.
They hastened on toward the Capital Pueblo. They The Alameda. entered the fine alameda, as the sun came up to the meridian ; and enjoyed greatly its cm bowering shades, as the willows and elms twined their branches above, or drooped them gracefully to the ground ; and they blessed in their hearts, the Fathers who directed, and the Indians who were instructed, to plant those beautiful rows of trees, from the town to the mission.
They now crossed a bridge, spinning a deep channel, in the bottom of which slunk along some muddy water, all that the season had left of the river Guadaloupe, and were full Pueblo de San in sight of the first Capital of Bustledom ; Jose. though this was not the ancient Capital of the country, before it was Bustledom. Mr. Makebest said the glory of the place was much departed. For, once ou a time, the Capital was found to have departed from the Pueblo between two days, and to have plainly absconded. A fugitive capi- It had been hunted for, advertised for, sued tal. for, and fought for ; but though it had been seen in various places, and camped among bare hills, and going to the head of river navigation, nobody had been able to secure it ; and the probability was, that it would lead a nomadic life, and stop where it could get the best pasture, and the fattest extras, for some years to come.
Now I saw that Mr. Makebest made haste to introduce the travelers to Mr. Oldline Methodics, and to Rev. Mr. Winroc ; after which he took leave of his passengers with a
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hearty "adieu." They, in return, were profuse in their thanks for his hospitality, and for his kindness in helping them on their way after so agreeable a sort. They desired their compliments also to be conveyed to the excellent Theodosia.
When they had dined, Mr. Methodics had them about the ancient city to behold its beauties of situation, adorn- Tour of the Pu- ment, culture, and architecture. They passed eblo. by a large adobe church, without tower or steeple, the church of early (times, not yet deserted, nor put to secular uses, though in external appearance it was so much like a Dutch barn in Pennsylvania. There were divers outbuildings connected with it, but not like wings ; and there were some small adobes in close proximity that appeared to have nothing to do with cold water, and gave forth unmistakable signs of being kept as liquor shops, where natives of the lower sort congregated.
There were two or three other churches, also, which they Churches. visited, not large in size, but new and neat. These had sprung up since the new era began, and in num- ber, seemed quite as many as could get congregations to fill them.
They passed by the hotels, of bulky proportions, that, in the capital days of the Pueblo, had swarmed with men wearing blushing honors, aspiring men, office seekers, hack- neyed politicians, and youthful geniuses ; where cabals and cliques had met to scheme, and ambitious plots had been Cloth partitions formed, and state secrets had been whispered,
let out secrets. and great men had been overheard planning each others' overthrow, and thin partitions had divided envious rivals, and dark sayings had leaked out in mysteri- ous ways, so that parties had been mutually surprised to
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find their opponents in possession of their plans, movements, and measures.
They saw the buildings, too, where, during a certain session of so august a body as the Legislature of Bustledom,
Bounties for several water lot schemers from San Fastopolis such as had votes to give. kept open house for the gratuitous entertain- ment of members, and feasted, and toasted, and drenelied them for weeks together. The same schemers kept also attorneys under pay upon the ground, with money and lands committed to them at the time ; whether so conveyed to them to gratify the feelings of a pure friendship, or for wages, or for bribes, or for all, or for none of these purposes, committees of a subsequent Legislature were unable to determine. The public are aware that the schemers were successful. Their measures were carried through by the votes of generous legislators, who gave to San Fastopolis in general, and, as it proved, to some individuals in particular, lands worth millions of money, that else had accrued to the benefit of the state at large. To suppose the feasting and the toasting had aught to do with the result, were to enter a region of conjecture, where so violent a hypothesis must take its chance with other imaginable, but indeterminate things.
Then they visited the quondam capitol building, a Capitol. quadrangular, two storied, adobe, with a pole on the top, where the two earliest Legislatures of Bustledom held their sessions. The first one met under fair auspices, and was opened in due form, and with the observance of all customary proprieties Each house elected a chaplain of its own, and provided for his maintenance. The second one was so pure in its own eyes, or otherwise affected, as to refuse to employ any chaplain at all ; and one branch of it, :
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Fear of scandal on a certain occasion, when application was to religion. made, refused to allow a special religious service to be held in their hall, on the alleged ground, as some said, that it would be a scandal to religion to come into such a hole, and that there were animals before which pearls should not be cast.
In the lower hall, Mr. Methodics pointed out to them the place where the honorable Senator had his seat, who used A thousand of frequently to move, that the "Senate adjourn drinks. to a thousand of drinks," so often, in fact, that that Legislature was now distinguished as " the thousand of drinks Legislature." He said that person belonged to the same, who alleged that it was not fair that any one should be allowed to drink liquor out of the bung, while the rest took it at the tap.
Mr. Methodics said that those Legislatures were remarka- ble bodies of men, in more respects than one. There was Titles & honors. hardly an untitled person in them. There were governors, judges, esquires, doctors, generals, colonels, captains, and majors ; but not a lieutenant, nor scarce a simple mister, among them all. But he said that among the outsiders, there were a great many who were in want of titles and honors, and were, withal, slightly troubled with emptiness of the pocket. So, in order to accommodate such persons, and also divers operators in stocks, exchange, and loans, and others of various sorts, lean and hungry, who were tired of playing the " honest miner," and were anxious for a chance at the public crib, one of these Legislatures was induced to enter upon the business of prosecuting Indian wars.
These wars were gotten up upon a method, devised by Origin of glori- gentlemen of enterprise ; and it was known at ous wars. the capital where there would be Indian
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difficulties, before any were known to exist by the public generally. When the plan of proceeding had been matured sufficiently, a part of those who were in the secret scattered themselves among the Indians in different localities. They plied them with liquors, got them intoxicated, and abused them in every way, in order to rouse their passions and sting them to retaliation, and get up a general quarrel against them. In this way they got the whites and Indians by the ears, kicked up a muss in every form imaginable, wrote letters to public men and to newspapers, everywhere, filled with accounts of murderous assaults, and the details of horrid barbarities committed by the Indians ; and so they endeavored to excite the sympathy of the public.
They enlisted companies of volunteers, placed themselves at the head of them ; obtained arms and provisions at high prices from particular friends ; and marched up hill and down, toward the scene of hostilities ; all of which some apologies, a few blankets, and a drove of horned cattle, would have quelled in a day.
Meantime the friends and copartners in this martial
Cool and delibe- enterprise, who were at the capital, were rate legislation. moving heaven and earth to get up an excite- ment and a sympathy among the honorables; pouring in the petitions sent them, showing the appeals printed in the papers, boring members where they could find them, and doing the pathetic in a masterly manner, till they succeeded in log rolling war bills, and war appropriations, and war loans, in plenty, through both branches of the Legislature.
Now whole regiments were raised and officered with wonderful celerity ; and there were departures from the capital of scores, with commissions as colonels, majorz,
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Officers and re- captains, adjutants, quartermasters, pay- giments. masters, commissaries, and so on. When the companies were arranged into regiments, and the march was taken up, it was found that about two thirds of all the regiments were officers, of some grade, and entitled to advanced wages ; and those that were not officers were none of your mere comnon soldiers ; they were the choice spirits of the land, and were high privates, at least, after the dis- tribution of the liquor rations.
Great were the exploits of these avengers of wrong, these defenders of the innocent, these self sacrificing patriots, these iron men of destiny. Wonderful to recount were Victory & fame. their valorous achievements. Prodigious were their efforts and toils, as shown by the amounts of food and drink requisite to sustain them. Numerous were the spoils of their enemies, brought back by the invincible hosts, returning in triumph from their bloody campaigns. Lo, where they hang in our halls of state ; lo, where they adorn the "rostra" of our public men, and inspire the hearts of orator and poet !
On the examination of such few returns and accounts as Martial returns. could be got together, after the money gave out, and the regiments were disbanded, (few being willing " to sacrifice their private business" after the funds were gone, and the supplies deficient,) it was found that the discreet warriors had been careful not to venture too high up into the hills for fear of deep snows, and other obstacles ; that there were reported, on the average, to a regiment, Indians killed, several scores ; squaws captured, one to a company ; wounded, hundreds ; burned, a dozen rancherias ; seen, several deserted villages and campfires ; almost seen,
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