The weekly Placer herald., 1853-02-26
San FRANCISCO, Feb. 2sd 1858.

San Francisco, Feb. Esd 1853.
Dear .MitcheN:-Yesterday passed of
in manner satisfactory to all concerned
in celebrating the anniversary Of the birth
day of the ilustrious Washington. AL
though the atmosphere at one time beto.
kenpd shower, sti it did not come &c
mar the apparent enjoyment Of the vas
multitude, and the clouds prevented j,
from becoming sultry. Thousands ol
people had focked into the city the day
previous from NIL parts of the State, to
participate in, or be witnesses Of the fes.
tivities which we're to mark the occasion
At day break the whole city was awaken.
ed by the two ponderous bells which are
comlnonly used to sound the dreful alarm
Of fire, and which might be heard dis
tincty for nearly ha mile upon still
morning; and the risihg sun was greeted
by two Of Uncle Sam's bull dogs, to the
tune Of the 81 gem studded Union. For
the first two or three hours all was hurry
and hustle Of preparation for the parades,
and at ten O'Clock the profession WAS
formed escorted by the first California
Guard. A maturity of the Fire Compan-
les then followed, interspersed among
which were carriages conveying the city
officers, Orator, and Chap ain of the day,
Sc; the rear Of the whole being brought
up by the National Lancers, and Eureka
Light Horse Guard.
The whole made fine appearance, and
the apparatus of some of the companies
were decorated with an unusual degree
of taste. The Knickerlocker, No. 5, had
two little boys riding upon their engine,
dressed in knee breeches, cooked hats,
powdered wigs, and every article pertain
ing to the continental dress. This was
truly one of the happ;e>t FEATURES Uf the
display, and reflected much credit upon
that efficient company. After parading
through the principal streets, the process
sion moved to the American Theater,
where an able and eloquent address was
delivered by Frank Pixly, ESD, Orator
of the Day. The several companies then
proceeded to partake Of cOlIations pre-
pared for them, and as Empire No /, and
the other companies who did NOT join in
the procession kept open house, they had
Il ''lively time" of it. Ia the afternoon
Nos. and II proceeded to the Plaza
where they had friendly trial Of their
respective machines, after which the
members of l, 8 and l. joined their ropes
to the Howard Engine, and marched
about until dusk, in the meantime salutIng
Miss Kate Hayes, at her rooms in the
Oriental, and Mrs. Proctor, at Jones'
Hotel. The three companies to one en-
ginr formed line two blocks in length,
being over twice the length of any one
rope ever stretched in California, and
perhaps their appearance attracted as
large crowds as had the bona fde process
sion of the day. In the even.n. two com
panies visited the American Theater to
witness the play Of "Putnam or the Iron
Son of '76," which went off well. The
Pioneer Club gave splendid fete ut their
rooms which was numerousIy attended by
the beauty and fashion.
The steamship Winfield Scott arrived
yesterday from Panama, bringing 500 pas
sengers. She reports great mortality on
thr Isthmus. 40 having died on the pas
sage up by lSeases contracted while there
The steamer Go iah also arrived yes.
teriay from Los Angeles and San Diego
During last night we were visited by a
very heavy rain, and to day we have had
one or two slight showers. The weather
looks decidedly wintry this evening, and
no doubt we sha have more stormy
weather before it clears up.
In markets, transactions have beer
rather limited thus far this week. Heavy
additions TO the stock of -four on hand
have been made, ana last night the mar.
ket closed with uninspected f"ur selling
ut $40, and lots Of superfi'e offering n,
$ll per bbl. Sales Of clear pork we no.
ticrd ut $50; mess beef at $27; 5000 lbs
butter at 55 l2c; lard 22c. ......
Several attempts at bug ary have been
frustrated in this city during the past few
days, and in one or two instances the
burglar shot. With continuation OF
wat:hfuInesS we NAV he able to thin the
number of these autlacious vii ians.
Respectfully yours, Reflex.
We have reserved what you will pro.
bahly consider our most important item
for the conclusion. The accounts from
Australia exceed those from your d,g.