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Show ~- ~.\.\ ... ~ _.. ... -.-:-- ~ · IN CALIFORNIA. 47 time previously to this, and shortly after the discovery of the gold countries, and had been trading with the Indians and the Americans in various parts of the mines, with unusual success. He was now on his way to Stocton, to procure a large supply of champagne brandy and dry goods, his partner meanwhile remaining at the " diggins," to attend to the trading-post. I found him to be a highly intelligent, well-informed gentleman, and learned that he stood in excellent repute as a professional man. His character and habits were of a practical stamp, and well adapted to the half-venturous, half-civilized life of California, during this interesting and bustling period of its history. He was looking forward to the sett~en1ent of the country, and appeared sanguine as to the position it would eventually, and at no distant period, occupy as one of the States. We continued our journey without any incident occurring worthy of record, save that we experienced great privation on one or two occasions, in consequence of the want of |