The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-16

BAN Oik0O, ApTu !, ioOis
Since writing you Last have made the move
suggested, from Point Pinos, which occupied M
teeR days; ten days We spent in the town Of Mon
terey, waiting for a steamer, the other i've on
the passage During thii time ! saw more Of
Monterey than ever had before; and the most
prominent impression that have brought away is,
that Monterey is the "deadest'' town that ever
have seen. From being the commercial capital Of
the country. it has sunk into the insignihcance
that must belong to place of its size without COM
mercial advantages, and there really seems no inn
mediate prospect Of its rcvving. The situation is
pretty. and the country about it is pretty. consist
ing of hills covered with rines and valleys dotted
over with oaks. which giveit the appearance OF an
immense park. The harbor 10 only tolerable one,
and the attractions for settlers few 90 that
it will have to wait long while before 1t can ever
have much Importance The population ! have
estimated at about fifteen hundred, and great
many of the houses are empty. am informed
that among this population there are no less than
fifty stores The town 10 completely American
lied, and the native population is thrown entirely
into the shade. Altogether, have got rather q
small opinion Of the place.
There are good many Americans married here,
but do not think there are likely to be many
more, at least if they are men Of taste. There 10
an old church here that presents fair picture OF
the ineficiency of these people in its sleepy and
diapidated condition. l attended service here one
Sunday. however, and heard about as good SER
mon in Spanish az afterwards heard in English
We had no idea of staying in Monterey so long,
but the steamer that were expecting missed q
trip, and we went aboard the Constitution. She is
a very fine boat, and every thing about her Is in
the very best style, and we had pleasant weather
and pleasant passage. stopping at Santa Barbara
and San Pedro, and passing in sight of Point Con-
ception.
went ashore at Santa Barbara to see our old
friends, but it was the most melancholy town that
ever was in. They had the cholera there, and in
almost every house ! went into there had been
either sickness or death. Don was the only
exception. They seemed glad to see US, but were
somewhat saddened by having lost friends and ac-
quaintances. Twas glad to get away from 30 much
unhappiness, and went on my way, rejoicing that
none Of it had come near US
We arrived at this place on the morning Of the
18th March, and after reconnaissance of the
try, and day or two spent in man0uvring, we
got from the quartermaster permission to occupy
house that belongs to his department, thus locat-
ing pleasantly and saving the trouble of putting
up tents. l had probably vague ideas Of this
place before coming here az you have, and was
surprised to find here bay twelve miles long, and
an excellent harbor. with every natural advantage
of becoming the site of large commercial city al
some future day, if there should ever be any thing
to attract population to the neghborhood; but there
is great scarcity of good water, and the country
il barren and unproductive.
The energies OF this place are divided between
three spots settlements, all rivals and all strug
Cling for existence, while the combined popula-
ton does not exceed seven hundred. The new
town, where vessels can 60 and where large
wharf is being built, contains population of about
one hundred and thirty. The "Beach' has about
twenty five Inhabitants, and is the landing for the
old town about five miles distant, where vessels
cannot go on account of shoals, and where little
river comes in that supplies the whole region with
drinking water.
The point on which we are located 10 high, and
broken with gulleys, while the opposite point il
very low and fiat; the whole country is entirely
destitute of trees, which gives il very bare ap.
pearancc, and the only productions to be lit.
tie scrubby bushes, cactus, and flowers The flow
era are in profuson that never ina gined before
and there is great variety Of beautiful ones This
is certainly pleasant land, when you inspect il
closely; but the general aspect is barren and desc
late, and It is really unproductive.
All our water il brought from the old town, al
the cost of s. per barrel; irewood comes thirteen
miles, and costs $50 per cord, which is considered
quite a bargain. We get the delcacies of the sea-
in the shape of ducks, of which there are pen.
ty in the bay, and rabbits abound in the hills
We are here within about fifteen miles of the
southern boundary of our possessions, and in about
the latitude Of Charleston, but Charleston cannot
show any such weather as we have here, as know
by experience. The natives never dream Of warm.
ing themselves by fire, and their houses have nc
such things az freplaces
We have had some rain, but this has been an
uncommonly dry winter, and the want Of rain is
and will be very much felt
There are good many officers of the army in
and about tho town, who we find very pleasant
company; we have been particularly indebted to
Captain II. for a number of little attentions, and
among others, introducing us to the ladies. Fancy
balls are not very plenty in this part of California
but fancy costumes are, as the largest liberty
lists in this respect The fancy dress generally
consists of white shirt tail coat and cloth pants