California | Page 7

in pitching it, and three times did the whole structure come
down by the run, burying several of us in the flapping canvas, and
inflicting some tolerably hard knocks with the poles. However, at
length we succeeded in getting it fixed; and, kindling a blazing fire
close to it, as a polite intimation to the bears that they were not wanted,
cooked our supper over the embers, and then, wrapped in our blankets,
slept far better than the fleas had allowed us to do the night before.
This morning I examined Bradley's arm, and was glad to find the
inflammation somewhat reduced. He was bruised a good deal about the
body generally, and complained to-day sorely of the pain he felt while
being jolted over the broken ground which we crossed in our ascent of
the tall mountains that bound the Sacramento Valley. From their
summit we obtained a noble view of the broad winding river and its
smaller tributaries, thickly studded with islands overgrown with noble
oaks and sycamores. We encamped to-night at the foot of these hills,
near a little stream which gurgled merrily by. We have seen several
herds of elk to-day, and a large quantity of wild fowl.
Sunday, May 28th.--To-day we made a long halt, for we were all
exceedingly tired, and some of our pack-horses, which were heavily
laden, showed symptoms of "giving out." We determined, therefore, to
stay here till late in the day, and then to follow the course of the creek
for a few miles, and there pitch our tent. Turning our horses loose to
graze, several of the party went off on a hunting excursion on foot, but
their only success was about a score of wild geese, which are very
plentiful in the marshy land bordering the creek. I got a shot at an elk
which came down to the water to drink, but he made off unhurt.
CHAPTER V.
Encampment for the night Symptoms of neighbours not far off Reach
the Sacramento River Sutter's Fort Captain Sutter His offer of
accommodation Various matters to be seen to A walk through the Fort
Desertion of the guard to the "diggings" Work and whisky Indians and
their bargains A chief's effort to look like a civilised being Yankee

traders Indians and trappers "Beats beaver skins" Death to the weakest
A regular Spanish Don and his servant Captain Sutter a Swiss Guard
His prejudice in favour of "constituted authorities."
May 29th.--Last night we encamped under a group of oaks, and we
"knew by the smoke that so gracefully curled" over other parts of the
valley, that there were several other camps pitched at no great distance.
When we started in the morning we fell in with a few parties moving
towards the Sacramento. A ride of a few hours brought us to the
borders of that noble river, which was here about a couple of hundred
yards wide, and we immediately made preparations for crossing it.
After several mishaps and delays, we at length succeeded in getting
over in a launch. The new town of Suttersville, numbering some ten or
twelve houses, is laid out within half a mile of the banks of the river.
From here a brisk ride over a level plain--parcelled out into fields of
wheat and pasture-grounds, dotted with hundreds upon hundreds of
grazing cattle, and here and there a loitering team--brought us to
Sutter's Fort, an extensive block of building planted on the top of a
small hill which skirts a creek running into the Americanos, near its
junction with the Rio Sacramento. A schooner and some small craft
were beating up the Americanos River towards the Fort, and alongside
the landing-place several launches were lying unshipping cargoes. As
we made the spot, we soon saw that here all was bustle and activity.
Boatmen were shouting and swearing; wagoners were whistling and
hallooing and cracking their whips at their straining horses, as these
toiled along with heavily-laden wagons to the different stores within
the building; groups of horsemen were riding to and fro, and crowds of
people were moving about on foot. It was evident that the gold mania
increased in force as we approached the now eagerly longed for El
Dorado.
On inquiring of a squaw we met at the entrance of the Fort, and who
knew just sufficient English to understand our question, she pointed out
to us as Captain Sutter a very tall good-looking sort of personage,
wearing a straw hat and loose coat and trousers of striped duck, but
with features as unlike those of a Yankee as can well be imagined. I at
once introduced myself, and handed him the letter which Lieutenant

Sherman had given me. After reading it, the Captain informed me that
he was happy enough to see me, although