348 EAST PRUSSIA TO THE GOLDEN GATE 



We, of course, have long since enjoyed the charming 

 coast of California but, as I have said enough about these 

 regions, I shall drop the subject, though one feels like 

 saying something nice after the monotonous view of 

 Lower California. Tomorrow will bring us to San Fran- 

 cisco! 



Thursday, the 26th of November, 1868. Earlier than 

 usual I arose to watch our approach to the long wished- 

 for place of destination and we soon sighted the fire of 

 Cape Bonito. At seven o'clock we raised our flags oppo- 

 site Fort Point, and by eight o'clock I stepped upon the 

 wharf where old Hess received me cordially. In a few 

 minutes our many passengers had disappeared hither and 

 thither, while I took up my headquarters at the Nucleus 

 Hotel, my former stopping place. After a few calls the 

 afternoon and evening were spent at the hospitable home 

 of Lembcke. There was an old-fashioned rejoicing at 

 every pleasant remembrance I related to my eager listen- 

 ers as coining from their relatives, friends and dear old 

 neighbors in Grabow, Berlin or New York, notwithstand- 

 ing that I had written several long letters, bearing most 

 of the local news as I obtained it while abroad. There 

 seemed always enough matter left to discuss to pass the 

 time agreeably. I feel at home. 



December 3d, 1868. Though tempting offers have been 

 made to keep me here, I decided to visit Los Angeles once 

 more, and settle business matters after I shall have sat- 

 isfied my longing for this trip. The Southern town has 

 something besides climate which seems to draw me 

 thither. (Bless his heart, he had love in his bosom and 

 spurs in his heels.— Translator.) 



Saturday, December 5th. Having taken leave of my 

 good friends I am now bound for Los Angeles, whither 

 the old "Orizaba," Capt. Johnson, is to take me once 

 more. While passing along the portions of the Pacific 

 coast with which I was familiar I cannot help but think 

 of the narrow escape from drowning which I had just ten 

 years ago, when the urgent invitation of my good old 

 friend Capt. Morton of the "Laura Bevan" led me to 



