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252 LEWIS A. MCARTHUR

cations, Navy Yards, Docks, etc., etc., are all here on board the Massachusetts. They are without men and have done ab- solutely nothing. They have borrowed some men from the Commodore 6 to enable them to run over to the Sandwich Islands and ship a crew. ... It is asserted that the islands are nearly depopulated already. I hope seamen may be had there, as I may be compelled to recruit there myself."

On October 26, 1849, Lieut. Commanding Me Arthur wrote to Commander Young, dating his letter from San Pablo Bay. Among other things he says :

"This country is truly one of the greatest wonders of any age. The increase of population is truly wonderful. Let us estimate San Francisco at 100,000 souls, Sacramento City 40,000, and Stockton 35,000 or nearly. Eighteen months ago there was scarcely 100 people in all three. There [are] many other places springing up into importance, and I am now making a survey of a place where great improvements must take place. But as it is an island, it will probably be reserved by Government, and I presume to think that it will be the site for the Navy Yard.

"As soon as I get through with this work, I will go on a cruise of reconnaissance to the northward, and hope to be re- paid by some discoveries. At all events, I would be pleased to leave San Francisco for a time.

"Captain Williams has not been able to do any work for want of hands his men all left him but one, and he is waiting to know whether he may be authorized to give California prices for assistants. He expects to hear from the Superin- tendent on the subject by the next steamer. The joint com- mission for Yards, Docks, Fortifications, etc., are used up. They are on board the Massachusetts, and will go to the Islands (Sandwich) in a few days for men. I may go there

6 Captain Thomas ap Catesby Jones, who had the frigate Savannah as his flagship. He commanded the American naval forces in the battle with the British near New Orleans in December, 1814, and it was he who made the premature attempt to capture Monterey, California, on October 19, 1842. When he found that the United States and Mexico were not at war, and that California had not been ceded to England, he withdrew his landing party.