The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-02-06
On the Coast The Los Angeles Vdtteg-A
Successful CinctnaatiaN, Go., &c.
Los ANGELos. CAL., Jan. 23, 1875.

Successful Cinctnma tien, Co., &c.
Los ANGELos, CAL, Jan. %, 1875.
Our journey from Santa Barbara by
stage-coach (wih eight passengers in
side, two of whom were ladies has, by
way of the coast distance OF thirty
miles to the ancient seaport town OF San
Buena Ventura. Very much of this dis
tance ON the sea beach was as level as q
floor, the sand being hardened by the
washing of the surf, which at times
would flow around the coach and the
horses feet. 1t was pleasant riding, and
the view was grand. On the lett were
the towns of Montecito and Carpentarie,
with their vineyards and orchards. On
the right the grand Pacific, with the
island of Santa Cruz in the distance.
The sea being moderately calm, the
cranes. gulls, and other sea birds sport
ed, it seemed, for our especial amuse-
ment. But the greatest novelty was the
sea; white column of water rising
some twenty feet in height, this followed
by the huge whale showing the greater
part of his body above the surface.
Arriving at San Buena Ventura, two
young Soutberners who had contributed
to the enjoyment of our party lett, and
their seats were taken by two others.
Our route from this place was up the
Valley OF Santa Clara. AS we lett the
ocean pehind us current of air set in
from the sea and carried the dust along
with us. This plague continued for thir-
teen miles, during which time there was
but little said, each fearing to open his
mouth for fear of ihhaling the dust.
When we reached the Valley of the Smi,
our direction being more south, the dust
ceased to annoy us, and our fellow-pas-
sengers became more talkatlve.
We learned from one that he owned a
rancho III this valley of twenty-eight
thousand acres, and had on it twelve
thousand sheep, several fioeks of which
we saw; each flock consisting of iour
Thousand head, were cared ior by shep-
Aerd who never leaves them day nor
night. "They know his voice and will
follow him, and strangers voice they
will not follow"
The young man who owns this rancho
is not married. We failed to obtain his
name, but learned that he is from Cham
bersburg, Penn. He and his friend hay-
ing lett we now had but six inside pas
sengers, which gave us little room to
turn ourselves in our seats. AS we as
cended the mountain which divides the
Simi from the Los Angeios, we could
loo k back over the Plains, distance OF
fifty miles, and witness the sun set in the
broad Pacific.
AS we ascended the gentlemen were
requested to walk over the steepest part
of the mountain, and in doing so one OF
our party, Mr.. g., having tried to keep
up with the stage some time, put on the
appearance of o very feeble old man,
some gentleman of the party called out
to the driver to ''stop and take the old
gentleman in," which was done. When
being helped into the coach the ladies
.averred he was the oldest looking and
the Oldest acting man they had ever
seen. Since, II he puts on any sprightlv
airs, he is reminded of playing "the old
dodge" on the mountain.
The Los Angeles Valley is said to con.
| tain two million acres, most of which lie
good arabic land, susceptible of The high
est cultivation. The city OF Los Angeles
is situated adjacent to the foot of hills
some distance from the base of the noun
tain. The valley spreads out to great
width from the city to the coast wenty-
three miles distant).
There are many orange groves and
apple orchards in town. Many of the
semi-tropical fruits are cultivated here
with success. As to the cultivation OF
grapes, it appears to be a specially of
California; and from the many vineyards
to be seen, and the numerous wine-
houses on every hand, one would think
the vintages of this valley equal In value
to any other product.
On a bluff overlooking the central part
OF the city are the remains Of f0rtitica-
tions saId to have been thrown up by
Fremont during his expedition in time
Of the Mexican war. The veteran Gen.
eral PicO, who commanded The Mexican
r. n,,I RI "a
finder without firing gun, still lives.
He is gentlemanly-looking bachelor Of
over three-score years, and owns the fine
hotel called by his name.
The first walk of The visitor after To-
eating at some of the hotels is to ascend
this hill, from which one has such a fine
view of the city beyond which can be
seen the Los Angeles river; on either
side the broad and extensive plains dot
ted over with orange groves and grape
fields.
The fortifications consist of a circular
ditch from five to eight feet deep. Ask
any one you meet about the fOrtitcations
they wall tell you they were thrown up
by Frem0nps men during the night, and
that Gen. Pico, with his Mexican forces
were surprised in the morning. to see the
hill occupied by Fremont's men, and
luuuituldLcly ouIAcuuSicu, uut any llllLu-
er information no one can give.
Where Fremont came from, few, il any,
appear to know. l took some pains TO
ascertain the facts, and as no written
history could be obtained here, learned
from State Senator that during the
Mexican war, General Kearney appeared
in this valley, had a battle with General
Pico, ard was defeated. A few days af-
ter, another engagement gave the victory
to Kearney's forces. About this time a
company of mariners from Stoeton's fleet
came up from the coast, took possession
OF the hill, threw up the intrenchments,
and what was left OF General Pico's army
surrendered, the General himself being
absent.
On this hill is neatly kept cemetery,
in one corner of which are buried thirty
two Cinnamon, whose tragical end will
always reflect upon this city. About
three years since disturbance occur
red in the Chinese quarter. Some Off
GERS undertook to arrest some OF the
Chinese, who resisted, and some one
was shot in the melee. This caused ex-
mob was organized, and ar
rested and hung thirty-two of the poor
who calmly submitted to ar
rest thinking that by SO doing they
woald have a tair trial by Christian
Court; instead of which they were pun
ished first and tried afterw ard by that
code which has SO often brought dis
grace upon so many parts Of our.
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