Page:California Historical Society Quarterly vol 22.djvu/257



Sunday Evening.

I have taken the first grand step toward coming home, have sold my whole right, title, and interest in and to the grocery, feed store, and livery stable, now so well known in San Francisco; the new proprietor takes possession tomorrow and I feel like a freed captive as though this move had placed me much nearer home, and indeed it has, for I can now arrange my business affairs so as to close them at any time between this and fall, and "Vamose the ranch." I shall be occupied for a week or so settling my accounts, or rather bringing others to a settlement, and then for a trip up the Sacramento to take a hasty glance at the "diggings," perhaps dig a few lumps myself as a "memento mori" and then, start for home. I have just received letters from Mother and Sister, both urging me in most affectionate terms to return home; Mother is a little ambitious however, and wishes me for the honor of the family to secure a few of those large lumps such as they read about home, she does not wish me to return empty handed. ..

Our fourth of July was rather a dull affair. We tried to get up a proces- sion; I was one of the Marshals all in consequence of riding a fine horse, I suppose. I rode in the van of the procession on a large coal black Chili Horse with a splendid California saddle which cost $300, which I may splurge in Georgetown one of these days, if I do not find some one more foolish than myself, to pay a higher price for it. 'Tis the most beautiful saddle I have seen in California, but I must close tonight for (you will scarce credit it) I am completely chilled through standing at my desk, the cold northwest wind is blowing a gale as it does every night and it is impos- sible to keep warm with the thickest coats on. ..

Now as to my future movements, I now intend leaving for home before the first of November, but the events of the coming two weeks will decide, and in my next letter I think I shall be able to inform you to a certainty, almost. Our Barque Galindo is now at Trinidad^ ^ and on her return we talk of sending her to Tahiti, one of the Society Islands, for a cargo of fruit, oranges, lemons, limes and cocoanuts. If we are successful and get a fair proportion of the cargo here in good condition it will be a fine speculation, if not we lose. This, if we conclude to carry it through, will detain me here until December, longer than I wish to stay. They wish me to go with the vessel but I can hardly bear the idea of another imprisonment of three or four months, dearly as I should like to visit the islands. We should stop at the Marquesas Islands and probably some of the other groups on the way down, so if I should take this trip I should have more than California to talk about on my return. I have always had a wish to visit these islands and may possibly conclude to go, but do not think it probable as yet. ..

Sincerely yours ever, W.