HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 93 



anticipate time only could have effected ; and its pro- 

 gress in importance has far outstripped the most 

 sanguine expectations which could be based upon anj 

 hypothesis hazarded on the strength of its admirable 

 position and facilities for trade. Nevertheless, its 

 growth seems unnatural ; and, looking at it as I saw 

 it then, it left on my mind the impression of instability, 

 so marvellous was it to gaze upon a city of tents, wood, 

 and canvas, starting up thus suddenly, forming but a 

 halting-place to the thousands who visited it ; having 

 for citizens a large majority of gamblers and specula- 

 tors ; and presenting of civilization but the rudest 

 outline, and some of its worst vices. It was impossible, 

 indeed, for an observer to contemplate San Francisco, 

 at this particular period of its history, and not to feel 

 that every thincr about it savored of transition. A 

 storm or a fire must have destroyed the whole in a few 

 hours ; for every house, shed, or tent, had manifestly 

 been constructed merely to serve the end of the actual 

 occupier ; they were all adapted for trading, but not 

 a convenience or a comfort appertained to them, to 

 indicate a desire or an intention of settlement. Every 

 day brought new-comers, and added to the number of 

 ephemeral structures which crowded the hill-sides. 

 Mechanics of every description of calling were at work, 

 earnestly, busily, and cheerfully ; and, whichever way 

 I turned, there was bustle and activity ; yet, withal, I 

 felt that such a state of things was unsound, because 

 resting on what was essentially speculative, and I 

 doubted not but a o^reat chan^j^e must come before the 

 city could be regarded as substantially advancing. 

 Comprised at a glance, it presented no other ap- 

 pearance save that of a confused crowd of tenements, 

 of every variety of construction ; some high, some 



