where its quick volume seemed directed. It threads its way in a rock without crevice or crack, and where its continuity becomes at times too subtle for tho naked eye, and then suddenly bulges out like a lank snake that has swallowed a terrapin. The great Hebrew proverbiajist says there are three things about which there is no certainty—the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and he might havo added, the way of a thread of gold in a vein of California quartz; but probably California, with its treasures, had not then been discovered, though some of our wiseacres are trying to make out that this el dorado was the Ophir of the Old Testament; if so, tie men of Joppa must have been pretty good seamen, especially as they had no compass. It may be, but I somewhat doubt it, that the Hottentots or Patagonians are the descendants of some shipwrecked men bound in a wherry from Tarsus to California. The adventurers, even in that case, would have been quite as sober in their calculations as some who put to sea on a gold hunt in these days. "Tuesday, Nov. 7. The price of provisions here is no criterion of their market value on the seaboard, or even at the embarcadaros nearest the mines. The cost of a hundred pounds of flour at Stockton, only sixty miles distant, is twenty dollars, but here it is two hundred dollars. This vast disparity is owing to the difficulty ot transportation and the absense of competition. But few can be persuaded to leave the expectations of the pick for the certainties of the pack—the promises of the cradle for the fulfilments of the freighted wagon. All live on drafts upon the future, and though disappointed a hundred times, still believe the results of to-morrow will more than redeem the broken pledges of to-day. Though all else may end in failure, hopa is not bankrupt here.

"The soil in the mines is evidently volcanic; it resembles in places the ashes which cover Pompeii. You can walk through it when dry, though every footstep stirs a little cloud; but when saturated with the winter rain, you slump to the middle. No horse can force his way forward; every struggle but sinks him the deeper, and the miner himself retires to his cabin as thoroughly cut off from the peopled districts of the coast, as a sailor wrecked on some rock at sea. Years must elapse before human enterprise can bridge a path to these mines, or render communication practicable in the rainy season; nor at any period can heavy machinery be transported here with out an immense outlay of capital. The quartz rock has yet some time to roll back the sunlight before it crumbles under the steam-stamper.

"Wednesday, Nov. 8. Some fifty thousand persons are drifting up and down these slopes of the great Sierra, of every hue, language, and clime, tumultuous and confused as a flock of wild geese taking wing at the crack of a gun, or autumnal leaves strown on the atmospheric tides by the breath of the whirlwind. All are in quest of gold; and, with eyes dilated to the circle of the moon, rush this way and that, as some nsw discovery or fictitious tale may sug gest. Some are with tents and some without; some have provisions and some are on their last ration; some are carrying crowbars, some pickaxes and spades, some wash-bowls and cradles, some hammers and drills, and powder enough to blow up the rock of Gibraltar—if they can but get under it as the monkeys do, when they make their transit, through a sort of Thames tunnel, from the golden but barren sands of Africa to the green hills of Europe. Wise fellows thov, notwithstanding the length of their tails—they won't stay on the Congo side of the strait to gather gold, when, by crossing, they can gather grapes. Wisdom is justified of her children.

"But I was speaking of the gold-hunters hero on the slopes of the Sierra. Such a mixed and motley crowd—such a restless, roving, rummaging, ragged multitude, never before roared in the rookeries of man. As for mutual aid and sympathy—Samson's foxes had as much of it, turned tail to tail, with firebrands tied between. Each great camping ground is denoted by the ruins of ■hovels and shanties, the bleaching bones of the dead, disir.humed by the wolf

and tho skeleton of the culprit, still swinging to the wind, from the limb of • tree, overshadowed by the raven. From the deep glen, the caverned c'Bff, the plaintive rivulet, the croaking raven, and the wind-toned skeleton, comme voices of reproachful interrogation—

"Slare of the dark and dirty mine!

What vanity bus brought theo here?"

"monday, Nov. 13. A mounted company of gold-diggers arrived on our camping premises last evening, and we struck in for four horses, which we purchased at their own prices. Mine is an Indian pony from Oregon, fall of heart and hardihood; but as for ease of motion, you might as well ride a triphammer. But an extremity makes the most indifferent gift of nature a blessed boon.

"We reduced our effects to the fewest articles possible, and packing toes-, with provisions for three or four days, upon little Nina, were ready for a start. Two Oregonian trappers joined us, and before the sun's rays struck the depths of the ravine, we were off, with three hearty cheers from the diggers. An hour brought us to the summit of an elevation, beneath which lay, in panoramic life, the ravines, rivulets, rambling paths, and roving groups of the gold-hunters. 1 have walked on the roaring verge of Niagara, through the grumbling parks of London, on the laughing boulevards of Paris, among ti» majestic ruins of Rome, in the torch-lit galleries of Herculaneum, around the flaming crater of Vesuvius, through the wave-reflected palaces of Venice, among the monumental remains of Athens, and beneath the barbaric splendor! of Constantinople; but none of these, nor all combined, have left in my memory a page graven with more significant and indelible characters than the gold digging of California."

We have thus followed our spirited and eloquent traveller through the goldmining regions of California, and given, by his help, a clear and pic^uresqse description of life in this new and most interesting phase. With this, and a brief notice of the new cities in our empire on the Pacific, our condensed and comprehensive sketch of California must be brought to a close.

"The growth of towns in California is so rapid, that before you can sketch the last, a new one has sprung into existence. You go to work on this, and dash down a few features, when another glimmers on your vision, till a: last you become like the English surgeon at the battle of Waterloo: who began by bandaging individuals, but found the wounded brought in so fast he declared he must splinter by the regiment.

"San Francisco.—This town has twice been laid in ashes; but the youaa phoenix has risen on ampler wings than those which steadied the consumed form of its parent. It must be the great commercial emporium of California, in spite of competition, wind, and flame. Its direct connection with the sea, its magnificent bay and internal communications, have settled ths question of its ultimate grandeur. It may be afflicted with grog-shops and gamblers, and the mania of speculation, but these are temporary evils which time, a higher moral tone, and the more steady pursuits of man will remedy. Three years ago only a dozen shanties sprinkled its sand-hills; now, even with its heart burnt out, it looks like the skeleton of a huge city. That heart will be reconstructed, and send the life-blood leaping through the system.

"BENrctA. This town on the straits of Carquenas has the advantage of a bold shore, a quiet anchorage, and depth of water for ships of any size. Even without being a port of entry, it must become in time a large commercial depot. The small craft which float the waters of the Suisun, Sacramento, and San Joaquin, and which are ill suited to the rough bay below, will here deposit their cargoes. It has been selected as the most feasible site for a navy-yard, and the army stores are already housed on its quay. It was first selected at the site of a city by Robert Semple, president of the Constitution Conventica, and rose rapidly into importance under his fostering care, and tb* energeoe measures of Thomas O. Larkin.

"SACRAMENTO CITY.-The site of this town on the eastern bank of the Sacramento, at its junction with the Rio Americana, presents many picturesque features. It is a town in the woods, with the native trees still waving over it* roofs. The sails of the shipping are interwoven with the masses of shade, which serve as awnings. Roads diverge from it to the mines on the North, Middle, and South Forks, Bear, Juba, and Feather rivers. The town has been swept by one inundation from the overflow of the Americana. It came upon the inhabitants like a thief in the night; they had only time to jump from their beds; the roaring flood was at their heels: some reached the shipping, and some sprung into the tops of the trees. But a levee has since been built, which will shut out the flood; while brick and slate will ward off the flame. This place is destined to figure among the largest towns of California."

But a still more deplorable event in the history of Sacramento City, was the bloody and fatal riot which occurred there in August, 1850, between the squatters and the land speculators and municipal authorities. The history and result of the affair, thus far, is briefly thus:—Large tracts of ground, covering the city and vicinity of Sacramento, are held by grants from Captain Sutter, who claims under his New Helvetia Spanish grant. The settlers hold that Capi. Sutter's grant does not cover this territory; that it belongs to the government. They accordingly moved on, and erected buildings. A suit for forcible entry and detainer was brought against them, and decided in the plaintiffs' favor: a writ of restitution issued; the officer attempted to execute it, and was met by a body of armed squatters, who resisted him. This occurred Saturday, August 10th. Prior to this date an appeal to the County Court was made by the attorneys for the settlers, Judge Willis presiding, and the right of appeal denied. Exasperation, of course, was the effect upon the party seeking redress in the higher court. Meetings were held, and resolutions passed to resist the law. Nothing was done more by legal process from Saturday until Tuesday, when some six or eight persons were arrested for rebellion or resisting the officers and the process of the court on Saturday, and two, in default of bail, incarcerated in the prison brig.

On the 14th a body of settlers repaired to the brig, to release their two companions, where they met Sheriff McKinney, Mayor Bigelow, and a posse, who drove them from the ground; but no force was used until the settlers had retreated as far east from the river, up J street, as the corner of Fourth, near the Crescent City Hotel, when they were overtaken, and turned at bay with pistols and guns. Forty or fifty shots were fired between the parties, and in the period of five minutes Mayor Bigelow was shot from his horse, through the body, arm, and in the face. The leader of the settlers, Mahloney, was also shot dead. The horses of both leaders were pierced with balls. Assessor Woodland, an auctioneer, was also killed while supporting the officers. Mr. Harper, assistant P. M., was shot in the left hand and right shoulder; and others of the same side wounded.

Another man of the settlers was killed: shot through the body. A little girl was wounded while passing along J street. The shots flew in all directions around the corner of J and Fourth, and the blood of the wounded streamed upon che sidewalks as they were carried along. One man, leading a mule along the street, was shot through the head; from the top the ball passed downward through the neck.

Immediately upon the occurrence of this dreadful riot, the city was declared under martial law, troops called out, and every available means taken to restore order. However, although these means may be effectual for a time, yet there is a deep-seated feeling among the emigrants that land speculation and land monopoly must not be permitted in the new and golden state. How this terrible controversy will eventually be decided, time alone can determine. "Sutter. This town, which bears the name of the old pioneer en whos* lauds it stands, is beautifully located on the Sacramento, at the head waters of Avigation. From it issue the roads leading to all the northern mines; the

site is not subject to overflow, and the country around possesses great fertifitr. It has a large commercial business: its central position must secure its prosperity. Its proprietors are Capt. Sutter and John McDugal, lientenaut-oorernor of the state—gentlemen who pursue the most liberal policy, and reap their reward in the growth of their town.

"Vernon. This is the only town on Feather river, and stands at the coufluence of that stream with the Sacramento. It is above the reach of any inundation, and commands a country of wildly varied aspect. Its location, rather than buildings or business, invest it with interest. Its importance is prospective; but the future is fast becoming the present. Its projectors are Frankiii Bates, E. O. Crosby, and Samuel Norris.

"Boston.—This town is located on the American Fork, at its junction with the Sacramento. The plot of the town is beautiful—its situation agreeable Direct roads issue from it to the placers of the Yuba, Feather river, the North, Middle, and South forks of the Americano. Like Sacramento City, it is located within the grant of Capt. Sutter, whose title to the enterprising proprietors will undoubtedly be found valid. Several buildings have been erected, which give an air of stability to the flapping tents which shadow its avenues.

"Stockton.—This flourishing town is located at the head of an arm of tba Suisun bay, and is accessible to small steamers. It stands in the centre of a vast fertile plain, and on a position sufficiently elevated to exempt it from inundation. It is the commercial depot for the southern mines; the miners on the Mokelumue, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mercedes, and King's river, are supplied with provisions and clothing from its heavy storehouses. It will yet loom largely in the map of California.

"New York.—This town is located on the triangle formed by the junction of the San Joaquin river and Suisun bay, with its base resting on a broad plain covered with clusters of live-oak. The banks of the river and bay are bold, and above the reach of tide and freshet. The bay is represented on the surveys which have been made as having sufficient depth for merchantman of the largest class. The communication with the sea lies through the broad straits of the Carquinas. The town will naturally command the commerce of the San Joaquin and its numerous tributaries. The projectors of the town are Col. Stevenson and Dr. Parker.

"Alvezo. This town is situated at the head of the great bay of San Francisco, on the Guadalupe, which flows through it. It is the natural depot of the commerce which will roll in a broad cxhaustless tide through the fertile valler* of Santa Clara and San Jose. It lies directly in the route to the gold and quicksilver mines, with a climate not surpassed by that of any locality in the northern sections of California. The fertility of the surrounding country must ere long make itself felt in the growth and prosperity of this town. San Francisco is dependent on the products of its horticulture. Fortunes might be made by any persons who would go there and devote themselves exclusively to gardening. But it is not in man to raise cabbages in a soil that contains gold. The proprietors of the town are J. D. Hoppe, Peter H. Burnett, and Charles B. Marvin.

"Stanislaus. This town, situated at the junction of the Stanislaus and San Joaquin, is fast rising into consideration. It is the highest point to which the lightest steamer can ascend, and is in the immediate vicinity of the richest mines in California. From its storehouses supplies are destined to flow through the whole southern mines. The placers on the Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mercedes, and King's river must contribute to its growing wealth. It is in the direct route from Monterey to the mines—a route which has been surTeyed is reference to a great public road, and through which a portion of the commerce of the Pacific will one day roll. This town was projected by Samuel Brannan, the sagacious leader of the Mormon battalion in California.

"Sonora and CRESCENT CITY.-These towns, perched up among the goki mines which overlook the San Joaquin, derive their importance from no river

or bay; their resources are in the rocks and sands of the mountain freshet. They are the miner's home—his winter quarters—his metropolis, to which he goes for society, recreation, repose, frolic, and fun. Through the livelong night the rafters ring with resounding mirth, while the storm unheeded raves without. Of all the sites for a hamlet which I have met with in the mining region, I should prefer the one at the head of a ravine near the sources of the Stanislaus. It is a natural amphitheatre, throwing on the eye its sweeping wall of wild cliffs and waving shade. From the green bosom of its arena swells a slight elevation covered with beautiful evergreen trees. A little rivulet leaps from a rock, and sings in its sparkling flow the year round, while the leaves, as if in love with the spot, whisper in the soft night-wind. Many a night have I stood there in silent revery, watching the bright stars, the trembling shadows of the trees, and listening to the silver lay of the streamlet. The Coliseum, with its melancholy night-bird and solemn grandeur, can never rival this temple of nature.

"the Owe MOON TOWN.—The recent discovery of Trinidad bay, which lias about two hundred miles north of San Francisco, will have a material effect on the local interests of the country. It will open a new channel of commerce into the northern mines, and render accessible the finer forests in California. This bay, as represented, has sufficient depth and capacity to shelter a large marine. A town has already been laid out on the curve of its bold shore; streets, squares, and edifices have ceased to figure on the map and become a reality. Where but one moon since the shark and seal plunged and played at will, freighted ships are riding at anchor; while the indignant bear has only had time to gather up her cubs and seek a new jungle.

"Before this sheet goes to press, there will be a daily on Trinidad bay, with the price current of New York and London figuring in its columns, and an opera of Rossini singing its prelude between the reeling anthems of the churchgoing bell. Why, man! you talk of the slumbers of Rip Van Winkle, and the visions of the seven sleepers of Ephesus. Know you not the whole world is asleep, save what wakes and works on Trinidad bay? It takes an age in other lands to rear a city; but here, one phase of the fickle moon, and up she comes like Venus from the wave, or the cold peak of Pico at the call of the morning star. Clear the coast with your old dormitory hulks of slumbering ages, and let this new Trinidad launch her keeled thunder! Her pennant unrolls itself in flame on the wind, and her trident is tipt with the keen lightning. The great whale of the Pacific turns his startled gaze, plunges, and blows next half way to Japan."

We have already spoken of the action of Congress in the admission of California, as a State, into the Union. The intelligence of this important and long hoped for event was received in San Francisco on the 18th of October, and created, as might well be conceived, a profound sensation in the community. The occasion was one of universal rejoicing. Separated thousands of miles from the mother country, and left, abandoned as il were, to their own direction and keeping, the knowledge that they were once more within the Union, and that its broad, protecting arms were extended over them, gave rise to a tumult of joyous feelings in the hearts of the people, which manifested themselves in enthusiastic public celebrations throughout the settlements. In San Francisco, the citizens immediately held a public meeting, and in conjunction with the authorities, adopted measures for a grand demonstration in honor of the event. The stars and atripes floated proudly from every public place, and gayety and rejoicing ruled the hour.

Towards the close of the month, that dread scourge, the cholera, appeared at San Francisco, and extended itself over the State. The mortality was extensive, and the sad intelligence of the death of many a friend and relative, far away from the home of his kindred and the scenes of his youth and manhood, was conveyed to the States. Business, in