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5 formation of the republic. There are some Indians whose long-black hair forms a distinctive mark - among the curly locks of the blacks. I did not have an opportunity of crossing and visiting the town. The general landscape was interesting. Hills formed the frame of the picture. They rose - covered with trees - green and leafs. The river like a silver thread wound away till lost in an abrupt angle. Flowing amid low banks which could not be seen on account of the foliage - with flowers - and branches drooping into the water - it seemed a tiny stream flowing through a garden. Near me was the landing which was simply the rivers bank - with several vessels alongside - and the landing itself covered with people - and baggage. All busy. Natives were paddling and repaddling [ains?] the river. Toward the north - was the ocean - limiting the horizon with the line of these - The Falcon lay on its swell riding at anchor nearer a schooner - was tacking and retacking trying to get in. The most picturesque object in the scene was the old fort - in its high nest on the rocky point. A few cannon still pointed their hollow ends from the Embrasres - some had fallen down the height and lay imbeded in the sand beach below. The crumbling wall - the missing gates - the high cracks - the worn stones spoke of decay and brighter days gone by. One is recalled to the machko men who built the mission [structure] forts - of the extensive policy of the Spaniard which the whole southern America with its military structures - and planted its laws and religion - among the savage inhabitants. When have passed their days - where is the proud Spain - who once filled these forts with soldiery - by whose command the sentinel paced these dreary walls - and whose past enterprize is evidenced by his language being engrafted upon the people. She is fallen. They are past their days - they are all gone by - and she lies like that old fort - a mass of ruins. We slept on board the Anes - the first steamboat which disturbed these placid waters - and she through American enterprise. We found in even this early stage of the Emigration to California - conveniences springing up with mushroom activity - for travelling. Contractors for passage up the river - publican providing food and lodgings - and natures with the fruits of the land. But then when we were there consisted principally and chiefly of begars and native spirits.