Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1854-11-15
EVENING STAR.
The FAR WEST.
AS SEEN BY A WASHINGTON YOUTH
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, !
October ID. 1854.

To the Editors Of tie Erening Star:
Ihave ventured to think few sketches.
however roughly drawn by the hand Of
your friend, might not be unacceptable to
the Star, whose light shines even upon
the distant waters of the Pacific ocean.
You may remember we left Panama
on the 18th of September, in the steamer
John l.. Stephens, q splendid ship, and
ably commanded, en- route for San Fran
cisco.
On the 23d of that month we reached
Acapulco, situated in the department of
Mexico, about ITS miles nearly due
south from the capital, and about :. 900
miles sailing distance from New York.
We spent q very pleasant day at Aca,
pulco. The ship, on our arrival. was
Immediately surrounded by natives, in
boats, offering all kinds of fruit for sale,
and ready to carry passengers on shore
Native boys little fellows about the
size of D., swan around, diving
down, very deep, catching dimes, which
were thrown to them by the passengers
A shark was seen within one hundred
feet of the swimmers, who seemed not to
take the least notice of him.
Acapulco is very ancient town. The
houses are made of clay, or sticks cover
ed with burnt clay. The inhabitants
are of dark yellow hue, and would
style themselves in our country mulat.
toes or negroes.
saw one of the largest-in fact it
was said to be the largest pearl in the
world. The price was two hundred
dollars. A dealer said he would be
willing to give thousand for two of
them, if they could be had, and then he
would be able to dispose of them at an
enormous profit.
Acapulco is in the hands of General
Alvarez, and for that reason Santa Anna
blockaded the port with two Spanish
war steamers. But we slipped the block
ade and got in safely 1t WAS fortunate
for us that we did, for our coal was
exhausted.
Leaving that port, we passed the
island where The ill-fated steamer Inde.
pendence was lost, with so many per
sons on board, not long since; and also
came in view of the place where the Win
field Scott was wrecked, and arrived at
the city of San Francisco on the morning
of the I'd instant, about 2 o'clock. Just
before coming to anchor, we ran foul of
. brig, and smashed considerable of our
starboard side, knocking the barber shop
all to pieces, and knocking the bowsprit
of the ship nearly of:
Upon landing we dashed off to Wilson's
Exchange, where we had engaged rooms,
but subsequently took quarters at the
Bassette House, at the rate of Sl4 DER
week, which, on the score of economy,
we preferred to q boarding house of
equal comfort.
This is one Of the most extraordinary
cities on the continent, or indeed in the
world. Its growth is unprecedented,
and its riches and splendors in some re-
spects rival the East. just look at it.
A city six years old, repeatedly burnt
out and rebuilt again, and now with
more than sixty thousand inhabitants
l should like, if time permitted to 90 into
particulars.
Among the splendid establishments Of
the place visited Duncan Chinese Ss-
loon, which is really magnificent, sur
passing any thing had ever before be-
held. 1t is, indeed, a bazaar, filled wi b
the richest products Of China, India, and
of Europe. Shawls of the finest texture,
at prices Of five and six hundred dollars
each; Chinese goods and worries, ex-
tremely curious and of great variety
diamonds of all sizes, among which /
observed one valued at $3,25O. Time.
however, will not allow me to 20 into
further particulars.
Shortly after my arrival called at the
residence of Senator Gwin. I partici
pated in his elegant hospitality. His
lady is one of the most accomplished of
her sex, and presides over his establish
ment in such a manner as to win the re-
gard of the crowd of friends that fire.
quent his house.
By the way, let me tell you that since
[ have been here have heard enough to
convince me that the chances of Mr..
Gwin' s reelection to the United States
Senate are getting stronger every day.
He is branch of the stOld Hickory"
tree, Tennessean, born near the burial |
place of ex-President jackson, and a |
Democrat and statesman every inch ofl
him. Well informed men tell me the
people are for him, and the Legislature ofI
California will not be likely to disregard
the popular choice in this matter, so |
gravely affecting the present and future
interests of this great State.
/ had the pleasure also of meeting in
this city with MIR. Johnston, cousin of|
Judge Johnston, of the Sixth Auditor 8 |
office. Mr.. Johnston 10 q member elect
of the next Legislature, and is q gentle
man of fine attainments.
I presume, ere this reaches you, that
the news of the dreadful catastrophe to
the Yankee Blade will have been tele-
graphed. 1t is supposed that the vessel
was run upon the rocks purposely. By|
others it is said that the Shoulder
Strikers" who were on board to the
number of fifty or sixty, altered the com
pass that they might have an opportuni-
ty of robbing the baggage of passengers.
L. L.