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Show 166 PERSONAL ADVENTURES and rolled over the rock into the precipitous valley beneath. We took up our quarters in the church and the adjoining 1nission buildings, our standard-bearer clambering to the top of the forn1er, where he left our colours flying. At the corner of the street in which the church stands, we saw a Y akee Indian sitting on a stone, and suffering intense anguish from the effect of a musket-ball, which had shattered the bone of his right leg in the most shocking manner. We proffered every assistance our Tnedical and surgical resources would allow of, but he stedfastly refused all our offers, and we consequently abandoned him as lost; but sorne time after I learned, that, under the care of the natives, he had perfectly recovered. Our men 'vere completely exhausted from the fatigue of the march, the recent fight, and the want of food ; and, as soon as we were housed, we began to think of refreshment. To our consternation, there were but a few pieces of dried beef left ; and, what was worse, nothing could be procured, for the IN CALIFORNIA. 167 huts had been abandoned and cleared of every thing in the shape of victuals, and our foraging parties returned empty-banded. In this dilemma we sallied forth in a body, deterrnined to procure wherewith to satisfy Nature's cravings; and, descending frorn the town, entered one of the loveliest valleys I have ever seen in Lower California, almost encircled by a clear and rapid stream, about eight feet wide, but shallow. I-Iungry as 've were, the luxury of a bath in our present condition was irresistible, and we plunged into the water like so many spaniels. Our bathe over ·we were further rejoiced by the discovery o'f an extensive sugar plantation, 'vhere the rich • • ~anes, JUst arrived at maturity, stood tempt-mgly inviting. Never did a herd of famished wolves pounce more ravenously upon a flock than did we upon these delicious canes. Our knives and jaws were soon in full activity, and we kept the latter hard at work for the space of three mortal hours, 'vithout, however, satisfying our stomachs. At length we were f'airl Y b ea t en ; we could che'v no Ion O'er 0 ' |