RETURN TO THE SHIP. 103 



year 1797, on a very fertile spot. It is already 

 one of the richest in California, and a Pueblo 

 has arisen in its neighbourhood; the only 

 Pueblo on the Bay of St. Francisco, except 

 that near Santa Clara. Between St. Jose and 

 Santa Clara a road has lately been made which 

 may be traversed on horseback in about two 

 hours. 



Soon after our return to the ship, a monk was 

 observed riding along the shore in company 

 with a dragoon, and making signs with his 

 large hat, that he wished to come on board. 

 We sent the boat for him, and a little, thin, 

 lively, and loquacious Spaniard introduced him 

 self as the Padre Thomas of the mission of St. 

 Francisco, and offered, for a good remuneration, 

 to furnish us daily with fresh provisions, besides 

 two bottles of milk. He boasted not a little of 

 being the only man in the whole Bay of St. 

 Francisco who had succeeded* after overcoming 

 many difficulties and obstacles, in obtaining 

 milk from cows, of which he had a numerous 

 herd. As the Presidio could not supply our 

 wants, and the mission of Santa Clara lay too far 



