Page:California Historical Society Quarterly vol 22.djvu/57

 the contrary they boast of having compelled us to make terms, and there is not an American who had been a resident in the country but expects another revolution— and yet we are exposed with this small force to be cut off— when a few days since it was not considered safe for a man to move without an army at his heels— I never in all my life undertook an expedition with so much reluctance, I feel as if misfortune was before me. I hope my forebod- ings may be without foundation— and when we arrive at San Diego, I do not see that we have bettered our condition. We have encamped on a tributary of the San Gabriel— below the point where the battle took place some four or five miles.

Jany 19*^ We left camp early. Considering that we are new hands at in- fantry the men march well. We crossed the Santa Anna river some miles below the town, and encamped on a Ranch near the bank of the stream- On the plain some distance from the river we met a couple of young Calif or- nians. They approached us with great caution, and showed any thing but confidence in our friendship They professed utter ignorance of any treaty; and were by no means certain in their own minds that peace did actually exist— We asked them if they would sell us horses— and a beef- to this they replied that they did not know that they were at liberty to do so —When we arrived at the camp— near the ranch— the owner was badly frightened— and from his maner I have now [no] doubt expected to be plun- dered. In this he was agreeably disappointed, as the officers assured him nothing should be touched that was not paid for— and now I think he begins to believe it— We got a bullock— and now seem on quite friendly terms— the hospitallity however is evidently forced— the country passed over, was an extensive plain in a great measure I think untillable from the want of water- No timber except on the stream and that Sycamore— The puebla is the best built town I have seen in the Mexican country— Many of the houses are good —but belong principally to foreigners— and the most of them Americans— the population is about 1000— the vineyards in the vicinity are extensive— and the grounds are beautiful— extensive orchards of pears & peaches— and taking it all in all it must be a very pleasant place— we found it so lived well & had the best of wine—

Jany 20^^ We are improving in our gait— we travel well and fast, but the men are decidedly tender footed. We heard to day of the arrival of Capt Cooks party, or rather the advance of it— at Warners Ranch. It is said that there are 8 men, with a member of Congress^^* come ahead— and are now at San Diego— It is reported that the Commodore is some eight miles in our rear, and sent an express ahead for us to wait for him— The country seems quiet

2 1^* We camped last night near the Mission of San Johns— About Dark the Commodore and staff came up, and staid all night at the Mission— We left camp early, and after passing San Matteo the Commodore passed us—