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24 long snakes - one of whom I liked to have trod on. This I disrelished exceedingly. Found some of our company on the river bank trying to shoot fish. It was useless - though they came to the bank when a stone was pitched in - they shot back again - like a flash. Returning met another of our members - who had shot some pigeons - and a monkey. We attempted to follow a ravine down to the river instead of returning by the mountain road though all looked fair at first - distance and difficulties thickened fast. At last we were fain to retrace our steps - and take the road again. This reminds one - the voyage of discovery are dangerous - and often profitless. Keep by the old landmarks. The anxieties of company matters weighted so heavy on from Haskins mind - although not called upon to bear this burden - that he quite lost his usual health. Indeed he talked and acted so strangely - we thought his wits were turned. Taking the Director aside he assured him with tears e had discovered a plot among the members - viz: to seize the funds proceed on to San Francisco and leave him behind on the Isthmus. Human nature began to display itself - without gloss in one company. Each man - all former influencers and restraints being removed - began to develope his peculiarities of temper and character. One night a serious quarrel arose between our appointed military heads - our General and Colonel. It was on the occassioned of my being called upon to stand guard. My warm friend the Colonel objected. I having performed sundry other duties - he offered to stand in my place - when our rascally General - to thwart his generosity - nominated him to the second watch. There was high words at once - the minds of all were warmed. We received an insight of the character of A M Comstock which was profitable to know in one when we had received among us as a brother. Some of our provision had spoiled. Many were the cans of preserved meats - soups &c which the emigrants were forced to throw away on the Isthmus. The call for such articles - had induced speculators to palm off a poor article for that well put up. One company lost over $500. in this manner. Is there no honesty at large in the world. The greatest prey of man, is man! It was the hey day of luck - to the carriers between Goyonnes and Panama. These natives who their lives long - had worked for a rial (one shilling) per day - found in the California emigrants - a gold mine. With the willingness to give - so grow their demands