The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-12-16
Che TrapcIlcr.
ICorrc.pon lence of The Cecil Whis.l
SIN FRANCISCO.
(Coatunued.)

mercy of memory and tradition and that
exact observations Of the quantity of rain was
not recorded. To hear the eloquent nara
tons of the survivors, one might suppose that
the windows of Heaven were kept steadily
open, from the commencement to the end of
the rainy season. The few records published
in the newspapers tell different story. 1t
appears that the rains set in regularly with
storm from S. Il. on the 18th Of November
and terminated sometime in March, and that
The number of days on which the rain fell
was II. That is to say onchalf the days
during the rainy season. Business operations
were not suspended, for many handsome
brick offices were completed this season.
Tn the DIST Of February there was a consid-
cradle fall of hail which lasted several hours.
In those days, before the recent improve
mcnts in the delivery of letters the Post Of
flee existed, the most curious scenes on the
arrival of the mails from the Atlantic States.
People crowded by hundreds in the long lines
to march to the windows in quest of letters
from home. Desperate efforts were made to
secure place near the window, in anticipa-
lion of the opening of the Office. Men arose
from their beds in the middle of the night
fol this purpose. 1t was common practice
to provide chair and hitch up step by step,
MS the procession slowly advanced, and to
while away the time with scgars and other
appliances. Persons were exposed for hours
to the most drenching rains, which they bore
with heroic fortitudc, rather than rclinquish
their post. Men of speculative views who
expected no letters secured advanced places
which they sold sometimes for ten dollars.
The most molly population in the world
was congregatcd in San Francisco and the
copio,ls taste ofthe citizens in regard to dress
served to add to the apparent diversity. EV-
cry man had his own standard of fashion en-.
tircly independent Of the rest of the world. A
ludicrous account of their costumes was print
I'd in the Alta California newspaper, referring
to the short wasted frocks, the cuta-ways,
the high collars. the board tailed, the swal-
low tailed dress coats, the double breasted
jackets, the surtouts, the bang-ups, the
Spanish wrappers, the scrapcs, the blankets,
the bear skins, the boots, high tops, and low
topped, fair topped, red topped and green
topped, fishcrman's and horscman's boots
Miners boots, brogans, CATERS and shoes of
patent leather, calf skin and COW hide. There
was also marvellous variety of hats, though
the most popular was the California SLOUGH.
which had the virtue Of plainery and was
convertible into pillow, basin. hand
kerchcif or basket, without injury to its
substance OF form. As the female popula
ton increased the costume Of men began to
approach a more uniform standard and now
the SLOUGH hat has given place to the formal
fashion of Chestnut St. and Broadway: In
those days the hunor of the people inclined
not in the slightest degree towards intellect
llnl pursuits.
From the mutitud, gambling and drink
ing bouses and the crowds that filled them,
one might infer without shining violently
against truth, that drinking was universal
habit and that gambling was the regular &C.
curation of one half Of the people and the
nightly diversion Of the other half.
In the progress of civilization and refine
fincment during the winter mentioned, two
theatres were kept open. and portion Of the
citizens began to amuse themselves with con-
ccrts, balls and parties, and military sup
pers.
This winter Happy Valley began to figure
in the worlds history and discussions were
had in the papers as to the rightful claimant
of the honor attached of giving it that name.
The Mission also began to attract notice and
it was proposed to extend the city to take it
within its limits.
The first rush homcward took place this
winter. Driven from the mines by the wealth
or, many of the fortunate adventures and
not few of the most unfortunate looked
with longing hearts towards the fathcrland
All the tickets for the steamers being taken,
extraordinary prices were offered for them
For storage ticket which was $l50, as
much as $3.50 was frequently given.
The first series Of calamtous confagrations
flat have marked the history of the city,
broke out on the Oath of December, lS49
Abe ut o'clock A. NJ. 1t commenced in fan
upper story of Dcnnison's Exchange on the
east Of the Plaza. Nearly fifty houses were
consumed, and the destruction of property
was estimated at million of dollars. The
fire of November, 1852. commenced almost
on the same spot, yet the destruction was
much less. Early in 1850, an Express
wagon made its appearance in the streets.
In March, the pioneer milk wagon awakened
many pleasant emotions in the minds of the
people. And the reduction of the price of
washing from six to four dollars per dozen
was not an unlnportant event. -.
A curious incident transpired in january,
1850: the public sale of three females from
Sidney to pay their passage to this port.
They were sold for five months at Is dollars
each, the Captain pocketing the money with
perfect "g,sto." In March was formed the
Strangers Benevolent Society for INDECENT
sick from all parts of the world. From 18th
of April, 1919, to Goth January, 1880, Pc
Rod Of little over nine months. there arrived
by sea at San Francisco 39,888 immigrants,
Of whom ,42l were females. of SO5 vessels
Il ~. l.. III A