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Show CALIFOENIA LADIES. 243 Fillmore, caused that tribe to murder Capt. Gunnison and officers, a description of which I have already given. Mr. Hildreth says that his brother (the commander), and himself had left camp to hunt, and when they returned they were informed of the unfortunate and premature attack of some of his people upon the Indians. It seems that a small number of Parvain Indians came into camp armed with bows and arrows, begging food and clothing at sundown. They were ordered out of camp, they refused. They were told if they gave up their bows and arrows they might remain, and one of the men used force to obtain the bow from an Indian. In the scuffle the American was wounded, whereupon, without any further provocation, a number of rifles were discharged at the Indians, killing several, among whom was an old chief. Capt. Hildreth at once raised camp and proceeded on his journey for fear of the consequences. This fatal event would not have occurred if Capt. Hildreth had been in camp, and he lamented the occurrence. The California ladies are generally brunettes; some of them with whom I became acquainted were most beautiful and accomplished. Bonnets are unknown. During the^ morning their magnificent tresses are allowed to hang at full length down their backs. I have seen suits of hair at least three feet long, waving gracefully around a well-formed neck. In the evening a great deal of care and pains are taken to curl and plait it. When they go out, a simple mantilla of black satin or silk, sometimes of colored silk, is gracefully thrown over their heads; they invariably carry a large fan. The most costly material is used for dresses, and the richest and most expensive shawls may be seen worn by the ladies in Los Angeles. Society is very select among |