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Show 104 PERSONAL ADVENTURES The example given by General Castro was attended with a good effect upon others, and all idea of fighting was abandoned for the present. Still, however, there lurked in the breasts of the people a strong prejudice, which the conduct of the Americans themt:elves tended greatly to embitter. I have frequently seen a quiet and respectable party of the natives intruded upon by drunken soldiers or sailors, who, not .content with observing or partaking of the festivities, to the enjoyment of which all strangers \vho conduct themselves properly are welcome by the usages of the country, insisted upon monopolizing the privileges of the fete, and otherwise outraging the feelings of the people. Up to the time of my visit, such had been, generally speaking, the cond net and character of the foreigners who had visited California; and it is not to be wondered at, that a people so isolated and so naturally courteous should have regarded the Americans and English somewhat in the light of savages. Owing to this feeling, which seemed to pervade the entire population, ~ery IN CALIFORNIA. 105 little opportunity was afforded me of forn1ing a correct judg1nent of the real character and opinions of the upper classes. One fact, however, was sufficiently obvious, narnely, that the old Spanish aristocratic distinctions are maintained witl1 infinitely rnore rigour than in the parent country ; the lines of detnarcation between the descendant of the Castilian and the rnost civilized Indian being as broad and itnpassable as those existing bet·ween the planters of the southern states and their negro slaves. Yet there is nothing like slavery in the country, and both Spaniards and Indians live on the best understandin tr to- o gether. I-Iaving alluded to General Castro's capitulation in terms that may possibly lead to inferences unfavourable to his character, I think it but justice to add, that there is not the slightest ground for supposing that it was dictated by any but the 1nost honourable tnotives. This gentlernan is the very beau ideal of the Spanish race-handsome and dio·- 1u" fi ed in person, and as brave, hospitabl~e , F5 |