ON AMERICAN SOIL 173 



We weighed anchor once more, about nine this morning, 

 and sailed slowly under light Westwind into the inner- 

 harbor of the Western Metropolis. The weather is beau- 

 tiful. We reached the California wharf at twelve and 

 anchored opposite. 



Thus ended my trip in Tiro hundred sixty-five days, 

 five hours and fifty-five minutes since my departure from 

 KonigsbeTg, on board of the steamer "Ki'migsberg," Cap- 

 tain Lybe. 



Two hundred twenty-three days, eighteen hours and 

 ten minutes since my departure from Hamburg in the 

 bark "Victoria," Capt. Meyer, Fifty-nine days, one hour 

 and twenty-five minutes since my departure from Valpa- 

 raiso in the brig "Aurora," Capt. Mihlenstein. 



On American Soil! 



No sooner had we anchored than T at once went ashore 

 to visit Boettcher, who received me very kindly. It was 

 from his place that 1 dispatched my letter Xo. 11 (includ- 

 ing strictly persona] notes), which informed you in few 

 words of my safe arrival and well-being. 



You will now doubtless be exceedingly curious as to the 

 impression which San Francisco has made upon me; and 

 therefore a description of the city and its people will be 

 in order. San Francisco is, to begin with, an American 

 city. "Every third grade pupil can tell us that," will 

 be your impatient suggestion, "but what is in reality 

 an American city?"* Let me explain, what I mean by a 

 typical American city. 



The American uses the very practical and characteris- 

 tic expression "for a purpose" on nearly every occasion, 

 so much in fact that it may almost be called his life's 

 motto: "Working for a purpose." He eats and drinks 

 for a purpose; he works for a purpose; he builds his 



* The third grade of a German grammar school corresponds 

 witli the sixth grade °f an American public school, as the highest 

 grade is named the "Prima." — Tr. 



