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61 lying till Starinton and cold should put an end to its life. I asked him why he did not shoot it - and he replied I thought I would at first - but was alone - and needed some spurring before taking its life. His only shot was at a large hawk which was out of our path and sailed leisurely through the air. We might have secured a fine bag of patridges - if so disposed. They are now plenty and fat. We arrived at our camp at night fall. And were right glad to eat our supper and finish our day of prospecting around a comfortable fire.
Thursday November 23d 1849. A clear sunshine day. Wind northerly. Moon in her second quarter. This is the second day without rain. I understand in this country - the raing quarter of the winds is from the east and south. Those from the north and west bring clear sky. The past three weeks rain - has had the wind in the south east - our first intimation of a change was the shifting of the wind. Our hopes of reaching Amador Creek are again on the rise. The forenoon was spent in searching for a team without success. Willow Spring ravines are our dernie's resort. Spent most of the evening in visiting - our neighbors Mr Williams and the Paysons - George & Charles. They are sons of the Rev Dr Payson - so well known as a religious author. Polished minds and refined manners - cannot be hid - they are jewels to their possesons - they are epistles known and read of all men.
Sunday November 26th 1849. Clear weather still continues. - Wind still northerly - air cool and bracing. Ice made last night about 1/8 of an inch. This is the first I have seen in California. We are in doubt of the continuance of the fair weather. All around us are equally ignorant of this climate - being like ourselves new settlers. Received a call from Pagan. He with Warren are the only two men of my acquaintance who know every thing. Pagan was regreting the death of his brother-in-law who died at Weaverville last Wednesday of the Pleurisy. "If I could only have been with him," he said, I "would have saved him". "I can cure any case of Pleurisy in a couple of hours -"