Washington telegraph., 1849-02-28
J. J. d.
J. r. K.
J. T. w.
From tie California Star.
THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO.

THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO.
Yerba Buena, (San Francisco) the
name of our town, which means good
herb, is situated on the southwest side
OF the principal arm of San Francisco
bay, about five miles from the ocean, on a
narrow neck ofland, varying from four to
ten miles III width-the narrowest place
being sixteen miles southwest of the
town. 1t is in latitude 81 45 n. This
narrow strip of land is about sixty miles
in length, extending from the point form
ed IN the bay and the ocean, to the val
ley of San Jose. The site of the town is
handsome and commanding-beng an
inclined plain of about mile in extent
from the waters edge, to the hills in the
rear. Two points of laud-one on each
side, extending into the bay. form a cres-
cent, or small bay in the shape of cres-
cent, in front, which bears the name of
the town. These points afford fine
view of the surrounding country-the
snow-capped mountains in the distance
the green valleys beneath them-the
beautiful, smooth and unruffled bay in
front and on either side, at once burst
upon the eye. There is in front Of the
town small island, rising high above
the surface of the bay, about two miles
long, and one wide, which is covered the
greater part Of the year with the most ex-
uberant herbage of untrodden freshness
This little island is about three miles from
the shore Between it and the town is
the principal anchorage. Here vessels
of all nations rest in safety and peace, and
their flags are displayed by the armotic
breeze. Two hundred yards from the shore
there is twenty-four feet of water, and
short distance beyond that as many faith
oms The beach immediately in froEt
Of the now business part of the town is
shelving; but it will no doubt in a short
time be filled up and become the most
valuable part of the place.
The climate here is, in the winter,
which is the rainy season, damp and
| chilly. During the balance of the year
it is dry, but chilly, in consequence OF the
continual strong winds from the north
and northwest. There is but little varia-
ton in the atmosphere throughout the
year; the thermometer ranging from fifty
five TO seventy degrees Farenheit. Yerba
Buena is one of the most healthy places
on the whole coast of the Pacific. Sick
ness of any kind is rarely known among
us. The salubrity of the climate-beau-
| ty of the site of the town-its contiguity
to the mouth of the bay-tlie finest .har-
| Dor on the whole coast in tronJ-the rich
and beautiful country around il, all con-
spire to render it one of the best CONNER
cial points III the world. The town is
new, having been laid Off in 1889 by Cap
tain John Nioget; and Notwithstanding
all the troubles Ill the country, has grad
ually increased in size and importance. 1t
now contains population of about five
hundred permanent citizens. Two years
ago there were but about two hundred
| Three miles south is the Mission Dolores
on Mission creek, surrounded by a small
valley of rich and beautiful land. The
water from this creek can easily be brought
by means of aqueducts to any point TO
supply vessels. For the supply OF the
citizens the best of well water is obtain
ed in every part of the town, by boring
the distance of forty feet.
In going south from Yerba Buena, the
traveller passes over this narrow neck OF
land; a most delightful region, interspersed
with hills, valleys and mountans-the
valleys lich and beautiful-the hills COW
cred with tall pines, redwood and cedar,
that have withstood the tempests and
whirlwinds of a century, and the noun
tains rising in majestic grandeur to the
clouds. In passing out, the valley of San
Jose opens to the view in all the lowell
ness of the climate of Italy and beauty of
the tropics. This valley is about sixty
miles long and ten wide The Pueblo,
which means an incorporated town, is the
| principal place of business for the valley,
and Is about FIVE miles from Santa Clara.
the landing, on the bay, or as it is termed
here, "the embarcado." Passing on
from here northeast, the traveller i'll a
few hours reaches the Straits, which sep
arate the Susisun bay, formed by the con-
1uence of the Sacramento and San Joa-
quin rivers, from that of San Pablo
| Here 1t seems that the accumulated wa
ters' OF thousand years had suddeuly
rent the opposing mountains assunder.
and flowed with tremendous force TO the
great bosom of the deep. On the north
side of the bay, from the straits to Sou
silito, is one of the finest districts of conn
try in all Upper California. Next to Yer