New York, October, 1849.


CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.
PAGE
We sail from Boston, and how we felt.—Cure for Sea-Sickness.—Delights of the
Ocean.—Crossing the Equator.—What the Mess was composed of.—We become
reconciled to our Fate.—Pass Cape Frio, and have no Inclination to bivouac on
the Rocks.
[1]
CHAPTER II.
Rio Janeiro, and what is to be seen there.—Life in the City.—Diamonds and
Levites.—Police.—Cookery and Currency.—The Omnibus Jehu to Boto Fogo.
[9]
CHAPTER III.
Gloria Hill.—Il Cateto.—Architecture.—Visit from a Scorpion, and the Habits of
other Reptiles.—The Opera.—The Emperor and Court.—The Brazilians think
of carrying the War into Africa.
[16]
CHAPTER IV.
We leave Rio, and march towards the Horn.—Man overboard and drowned.—La
Plata.—We take an Albatross.—Terra del Fuego.—Pitch of the Cape.—A Marine
dies.—How the Yankee Corvette doubled Cape Horn.—What we did for Pastime.
—Dr.Faustus.—The Island of Chiloe.
[20]
CHAPTER V.
Valparaiso.—Bell of Quillota and Tupongati.—Where and how the Town is built.
—Birlochea.—Shops.—TheTerraces.—El Almendral.—Carmencita.—Creole
Ladies.—Tertulias.—The Samacuéca.—Climate.—Dust.—The Donçella who
caught a Flea, and how she did it.—General Bulnes.—Army.—Government and
Resources.—True Elements of Happiness.
[27]
CHAPTER VI.
Weigh Anchor, with some Trouble and Broken Bones.—Bid adieu to Pleasures of
the Shore.—Islands of St. Ambrose and Felix.—We lose some Shipmates.—Alta
California.—Monterey.
[39]
CHAPTER VII.
Summary of Events Preceding our Arrival.—Difficulties between Fremont and
Castro.—Operations of Naval Forces.—Skirmish at San Pascual.—Battles of San
Gabriel and La Mesa.—The Volunteers Disbanded.
[41]
CHAPTER VIII.
Town of Monterey.—Our First Impressions.—Days of Barricades.—Sentinels.—The
Rocky-Mountain Men.—Keg of Whiskey, and the Use it was put to.—The Trapper's
little Anecdote concerning Old Ginger and the Indians.
[47]
CHAPTER IX.
Treaty of Los Angeles.—The Lady that had a Strange Taste In Jewelry.—The
Disregard of Soap in those Countries.—Visit to an Extensive Establishment.—The
Doña herself, with her Small Family and Prospects.
[53]
CHAPTER X.
Mission of Carmelo.—Tramp in the Mountains.—Wolves and Venison.—We become
bewildered, but encounter a Guide.—Boudoirs for Damsels.—The Fandango.—How
the Gentlemen amused themselves.—We take to Hunting for
Pastime.—Climate.—Juaquinito and his Mama.—Plains of Salinas.—Bill Anderson,
his Windmill and History.—Wild Geese.—Native Entertainment.
[58]
CHAPTER XI.
Maritime Alps of California.—Entrance to Bay of San Francisco.—Yerbabuena.
—Society.—Prankson Horses.—Saddles.—New York Regiment.—The Cannibal
Emigrants, and the Dutchman's Appetite; with Baptiste's Remarks thereon.—Perils
of Emigration.
[69]
CHAPTER XII.
Sousoulito.—The Belle of California.—The Bears of the same, who chase us.—Angel
Island.—Deer and Elk Shooting.
[76]
CHAPTER XIII.
Monterey again.—The Pioneer Newspaper, with the Editor, Dr. Semple.—We
Sail for the Mexican Coast.—Island of Guadalupe.—Peninsular of Lower California.
—Jesuits.—Trade.—Portsand Resources.—We blockade Mazatlan.—Reconnoissance,
and the Ballet that ensued.—Yankee Bombs.—The Ladies deceive
us.—The Chased Diana.
[82]
CHAPTER XIV.
Cruise of the Rosita.—Anchorage of Venados.—The Oyster-boat.—We received a
Hostage in Doctor Barret, and learn his Misfortunes.—Change of Position.—We
take a Prize, and afterwards nearly taken for another.—Set fire to the Dried
Grass.—A False Alarm.—The Fish that broke Pat's Nose.—Our Supper and
Attendants.—The Commodore orders us Home.
[89]
CHAPTER XV.
Period of the Blockade of Mazatlan.—The Commandante, Telles; his Habits and
Hospitalities.—The Frigate takes her Departure.—The Shark.—Anchor in Monterey
the Third Time.
[99]
CHAPTER XVI.
Dispatches and Equipments.—Californian Gamesters.—The Vacuero.—Don Herman.
—TheYouthful Mother and her Gay Deceiver.—We Sup on Eggs.—Murphy's
Rancho.—Pretty Ellen.—Picturesque Location.—Puebla.—Santa Clara.—Priests
and Indians.—Ladies drying Beef.—Reach Yerbabuena.
[102]
CHAPTER XVII.
Sail up the Bay.—Embarcadera of San José.—We sleep at a Rancho.—Don Ignacio
proves to be a Scamp.—Puebla.—Architecture and Agriculture.—Mission
of Santa Clara.—The Cannonier.—The Padres.—The Dandies.—We attend
Mass.—"The Forwardest Gall of the Mission."—Bear Hunt with Dan Murphy.—Rustic
Politeness.—Mission of San Juan.—The Gascon.—Crescencia is taken
with Fits.—Empirical Practice.—Get back to Monterey.
[111]
CHAPTER XVIII.
San Francisco once more.—Head Waters.—Bay of San Pablo.—Village of Sinoma.
Vallejo.—Captain Swayback.—Hunting.—We Kill an Antelope.—Straits of Carquinez.
—Cityof Benecia.—Mares Island.—Tulares Valley.
[122]
CHAPTER XIX.
California becomes tranquil, and the Columbus sails for Home.—Sailors drilled
on Shore.—We Return to Monterey.—Town increasing.—The Reverend Alcalde,
and how he collected Treasure.—Indians hung.—Diet and Games of the
same.—Merendas.
[130]
CHAPTER XX.
Final Adieu to Monterey.—Reach Cape San Blas, and San José.—We visit Alcaldes,
and how they passed their Leisure.—Our First Search for the Enemy.—When
we are offered a Baby, but decline.—Watering Ship, and other Pleasantries.—A
Small Garrison landed to occupy San José.
[136]
CHAPTER XXI.
Demonstrations before Mazatlan.—Summons to Surrender.—We land Sailor
Troops, and occupy the Town.—Positions and Selections for Defence.—Land
Ordnance.—Ayuntamientos.—Mexican Morality.—Piety of the People.—Climate
and Diseases.
[142]
CHAPTER XXII.
Burning Launches.—Skirmishing.—A Reefer's Idea of Bullets.—The Retreat.—We
lose the Road, and are scared.—Affair at Urias.—Ambuscade.—Escaramuza.
Flight.—Burial of the Slain.—We are presented with a Black Charger, and
return to the Port.
[150]
CHAPTER XXIII.
Duties of a Garrison.—The Garita.—We Make a Night March, and Surprise
Ligueras.—The Killed.—Lady with them.—Our Trophies.—The Commandante's
Wife.—Is the Innocent Cause of Murdering a Horse.—False Alarm.—Another
Night Skirmish; when the Guide gets a Bullet through his Head, and is Cursed
by his Family.
[159]
CHAPTER XXIV.
How they Marry in Mazatlan.—Fights with Cuchillos.—The Man who is divested
of part of his Scalp and Ear.—Cures effected.—Flying Trip to Urias.—Where we
take General Urrea's Orderly.—Who is afterwards set free.
[168]
CHAPTER XXV.
Mexican Troop pronounce against their Leaders.—We become Poverty Stricken.
—Lancersattempt to run the Gauntlet, and carry away some Buckshot.—Description
of the Casa Blanca, and how we behaved.—Madre Maria and Pretty
Juana.—The Elite of the Town, who praise us for not beating our Wives.
[173]
CHAPTER XXVI.
Dolores and her Lover; who is wounded; and who is a Coward.—Lola dies and is
buried.
[182]
CHAPTER XXVII.
El Tigre del Norte.—Mr. Bill Foley.—Sociedads.—Circus.—Monté.—Golden Toad.
—Carnival.—Intercoursewith Foreign Society.—Hauson and the Hern Hutter.
Don Guillermo.—While moralising one night we are nearly impaled.—Our
Little Housekeeper.—Pita.—Fandango de la Tripa.—Where a Lepero abstracts
our Sword and Pistols.
[186]
CHAPTER XXVIII.
News of the Peace.—The Outsiders become complimentary, and pay a visit to
Madre Maria.—With the Mounted Patrol and Captain Luigi we ride to Venadillo,
and disturb the slumbers of Señor Valverde, who, with some hesitation,
returns with us to the Port, being the last Prisoner of the War.—A Man deserts,
and we go to the Presidio for him.—General Anaya and Officers.—Commissioners
meet and depart in Dudgeon.
[194]
CHAPTER XXIX.
Siege of San José.—Defences of Garrison.—The Summons and Parley.—The
Storming Party.—Mijares Killed with his Forlorn Hope.—The Brave Whalemen.
—Ambuscadeand Prisoners.—The Guerrillas begin the Second Siege.—Death
of M'Lenahan.—The Garrison Beleaguered.—Arrival of the Cyane.—Battle
and Relief.
[203]
CHAPTER XXX.
We Begin a Journey to the City of Mexico.—Disembark at San Blas.—Ride to
Tepic.—Cotton Mills of Barron, Forbes & Co.—Volcanic Masses.—Aquacatlan.
—TheRed-hot Patriot.—Wake of Don Pancho.—Plan de Barrancas.—The Piece of
Ordnance.—Muchatilti.—Madelena.—How Horses are Hired in the Republic.—Race
with Banditti.
[216]
CHAPTER XXXI.
Guadalajara.—Señor Llamas.—The Lovely Señora.—Plaza and Beauty.—The
Great Bridge.—Old Cypriano's Superstition regarding Horses' Souls.—Tepetitlan.
—Puéblosdel Rincon.—The Drowsy Commandante.—City of Leon.—Knife
Duel.—Mexican Mesons, and the Society therein.—Illumination and Supper.—We
take Coach and reach Guanajuato.—The English Mint and Machinery.—Gaming.
—ScenicViews.—Pat is a Deserter.—Don Pancho.—Escape from Los Compadres.
[232]
CHAPTER XXXII.
Querétaro.—Aqueduct.—Night ride by Post.—The United States Escort.—City of
Mexico.—We are refused a Drive.—Cathedral.—Palace.—Plaza.—Museum.—Sacrificial
Stone.—Manners and Customs in the Hells of Montezuma.—Chapultepec.—The
Deep Spring where we bathed.—Moleno del Rey.—Paseo.
[251]
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Bureau of Postes.—Depart from the Aztec Capital.—Exemptions of Government
Extraordinarios.—Livery Stable Woman at Tepetitlan.—Invited to a Country
Seat, and dine with Ladies.—We are afterwards kicked by a Horse, but continue
the journey.—American Deserters.—Encounter Ladrons, and present our
Passport.—Somebody killed by Mistake.—Excitement in Querétaro.—Traitors
of San Patricio.—Official Visits.—The Dignitaries of the Republic.—Breakfast
with a Brilliant Colonel.—The Alemeda.—We run a Joust.—Treaty signed.
[260]
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Señor Rosa forgets our Escort, and we are scared and nearly coach-wrecked.—Mine
of La Luz.—Pass through Guanajuato to Lagos.—A Pronunciamento.—Padre
Jarauta, who treats us with contempt, and afterwards wishes to make an
ejemplo.—We bid a Hasty Farewell.—An Ambulating Pulperia.—San Juan de
Lagos.—Arrieros.—Puente Calderon.—Bathing in the Rio Grande.—The Rayo.
[275]
CHAPTER XXXV.
Bull-fight at Guadalajara.—What Fools the Beasts are, and what Brutes the Men
are.—La Comedia.—Antique Guide.—Execution of Robbers.—Tequilla.—Patron
of the Meson and his Daughters.—Endurance of Mexican Soldiers.—Adaptability
of Western Provinces for Military Operations.—La Nubarrada.—Horse
Jockeying.—We are made Unhappy.—Bathing in Tepic.—Rio Grande and Santiago.
—Showerof Water Melons.—Rio San Pedro.—Rosa Morada.—Acaponeta.—High
Mass.—Tierra Caliente, and Old Tomas, the Poet.—We return to Mazatlan.
[287]
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Don Guillermo and Señor Molinero.—The Olas Altas, and the gay scenes there
enacted.—Thieves and Leperos.—How to learn Castilian.—Evacuation of Mazatlan
by the U. S. Forces.
[307]
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Sailing of the Squadron.—Cross the Gulf, and arrive in La Paz.—Appearance of
Vegetation.—How we amused Ourselves.—Fandangos.—Ball on Shipboard.—Marine
Pic Nic.—The Carrera.—The Uncivil Vacuero and his Rude Cattle.—The
Chowder Party.—Perils and Pearl Fishing.—Hunting.—Game in Lower California.
—TheCove of San Antonio, and Escape from Boatwreck.
[312]
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
What the U. S. Government did to induce the Natives to lake up Arms.—The
Volunteer who shot his Wife.—Little Sam Patch.—Flying Visit to Mazatlan,
and Last Farewell.
[326]
CHAPTER XXXIX.
We leave Mexico.—Go to the Sandwich Islands, and anchor in Byron's Bay, or
Hilo.—Natives.—Scenery.—Constables.—Meeting House.—Dialect.—Sermon.—We
Depart for the Interior.—Half-way House.—Society there, and how they cook
Turkeys.—Volcano of Kilauea.—Frozen Sea of Lava.—The Great Crater.—Sulphur
Banks.—Return to Hilo.
[329]
CHAPTER XL.
Hilo.—Education.—Fondness for Liquor.—Favorite dish of roasted Dog, and process
of fattening them.—Water Nymphs.—Rainbow Falls.—The Wailuku.—The
Three-Decker.—Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
[339]
CHAPTER XLI.
Paipolo Passage.—Maui.—Lahaina.—Cocoanut Tree, and its uses.—The Governor,
James Young.—His Fortress.—Surf-Swimming by Girls, who gave us Lessons.
[348]
CHAPTER XLII.
High School of Lahainaluna for Boys.—Other Institutions for Girls.—Character
of Hawaiians.—Their Crimes and Vices.—Board of Presbyterian Missions.
—Exaggerationsupon Moral Condition of the Natives.—Expulsion of Catholics.
[355]
CHAPTER XLIII.
Oahu.—Honolulu.—Rides and Drives in Vicinity.—Society.—The Pali up theNuana.
—Saturnalia of Kanakas.—Rage for Horses.—Straw Hamlets.—and Life within them.
[362]
CHAPTER XLIV.
King Kammehamma, or the Lonely One.—Ministers.—Presentation at Court.—Furniture
of the Palace.—Approach of Royalty.—Speeches.—Costumes.—Princes
of the blood royal, who patronise us.—And what became of Moses.
[368]
CHAPTER XLV.
We sail from Sandwich Islands.—The Tar of all Weathers.—Weather.—Currents
and Passage to Marquesas.
[376]
CHAPTER XLVI.
Nukeheva.—Bay of Anna Maria.—Style of Head-dress in Vogue.—Tattooing, and
other Ornaments.—French Garrison.—Physical Characteristics of these Savages.
—Bathing.—King'sResidence, where we beheld a Nobleman drunk with Arva.
[380]
CHAPTER XLVII.
Visit to a Distinguished Chief.—His House and Attendants.—Babies Swimming.
—MakingFire with Sticks.—An Ancestor Embalmed.—Catholics.—Vagabonds
and Deserters.—Whaling Interests.
[387]
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Sail from Marquesas—for Society Group.—Tahiti.—Port of Papeetee.—The Reef.
—Shoresand Batteries.—Missionaries.—Melville.
[393]
CHAPTER XLIX.
Brown Road.—Semi-Civilization.—Excursion to Pomàrce Country House at Papoa.—The
Queen and her Hen-coop Habitation.—School.—Fondness for Flowers.—Native
Dinner.—Jack the Head Waiter.—Finger Glasses.—We sleep in
the Palace, and are Serenaded.—Visit from a Tahitian Noble, and how he conducted
himself.—Coral Groves in the Harbor.—Islet of Motunata.
[400]
CHAPTER L.
Trip to the Mountains.—Teina.—Ferry-Boat, By Toanni.—Lofty Cascade, Fortress
of Faatoar.—Losses by the French.—The Diadem.—We spread a Banquet,
and the Ladies have an Appetite.—Soirée by French Governor.—Departure.
[413]
CHAPTER LI.
Leave Polynesia.—Accident to Topmen.—The Great Pacific.—Old Harry Greenfield's
Yarn.—The Royal Bengal Tiger, who had a difficulty with the Cook.
[421]
CHAPTER LII.
Callao.—Appearance of the Place.—The Citadel.—Rodil.—Road to Lima.—And
what may be seen in the City.—Rimac.—Public Edifices.—San Domingo.
[426]
CHAPTER LIII.
The Clergy Mingling in every-day Panoramas.—Vespers.—Promenades.—Bull
Fights.—Berlinas.—Sayas y Mantas, and Speculations upon uses and abuses.—Youthful
Lumps of Gold, and Attachment to their Uncles.
[433]
CHAPTER LIV.
Cathedral.—Viceroy's Palace.—Plaza.—General Castilla.—Museum.—Antiquities.—Portraits
of Pizarro.—Opera.—The Scene not in the Play.
[439]
CHAPTER LV.
Valparaiso Again.—El Dorado.—Rides.—The Yorkshire Dame at the Post House.—Pic-Nics.
—OurLovely Country-Women.—The Terraces.—Monte Allegro.
[445]
CHAPTER LVI.
Homeward Bound, and the Cruise is over.[452]

CHAPTER I.

It was on the last day of summer, 1846, that a large vessel of war lay in the stream of Boston Harbor; presently a dirty little steam tug, all bone and muscle, came burroughing alongside. The boatswain and his mates whistled with their silver pipes, like Canary birds, and the cry went forth, to heave up the anchor. Soon the ponderous grapnell was loosened from its hold, and our pigmy companion clasping the huge hull in his hempen arms, bore us away towards the ocean; by and by, the unbleached canvas fell in gloomy clouds from the wide-spread spars—the sails swelled to the breeze—friends were tumbling over the side—light jokes were made—hats waved—cheers given, whether from the heart, or not, was a problem, and then there came a short interval in the hoarse roar of steam, as the pigmy's fastenings splashed in the water—then all was silent; and the stately ship, dashing the salt tears from her eyes, turned her prow, in sadness, from her native land.