56 EXPLORATION OF BURTON MOUND [ETH. ANN. 44 
The port of Santa Barbara is completely sheltered from the northwest and 
westerly winds, but somewhat exposed to those from the southeast. The 
anchorage is hard sand, abounding in seaweed, where the ship came to, in six 
and a half fathoms. The sails were furled, the boat lowered and manned, and 
we proceeded to the shore. 
A heavy westerly wind during the night had “knocked up” considerable 
swell, which continued to roll in and fall heavily upon the sand. Our men 
pulled lustily until ordered to lie upon their oars, when we effected our 
landing. In approaching the shore through the surf, more depends upon the 
judgment of the person steering the boat than upon the rowers. Usually, 
there are three consecutive rolls, and then follows a temporary recession ; 
and to land safely, it is necessary to proceed with caution, wait an opportunity 
by observing the swell; pull in strong on a third roller, and the moment the 
boat strikes the sand, the oars should be cast on either side, while the men 
jump out and prevent her being carried back by the retiring surf. 
At the landing we found our Yankee friend, Daniel H {Daniel Hill], 
and a few others who had come down to greet G@ [Gale]. As the town 
was three quarters of a mile distant, I accepted Daniel’s offer of his fine 
saddled mule, and he getting up behind me, we rode along slowly, until we 
reached a small descent [opposite the Burton Mound], where flowed a stream 
which recent rains had swollen beyond its usual bounds. Here the stubborn 
animal stopped, and seemed disinclined to proceed, but repeated application 
of the spurs at last urged him forward, and he forded the stream. Ascending 
the opposite bank, he again stopped, and giving a sudden fling in the air with 
his heels, sent us both rolling down towards the water. Fortunately we were 
neither wet nor hurt, but after so decided a manifestation of the creature’s 
abilities, I declined remounting. Daniel, however, nowise disconcerted, mounted 
the beast and rode off alone. 
We returned to town, and at the beach found a lively and busy scene. 
Our men were passing through the surf to the launch bearing hides upon 
their heads, while others landed, from smaller boats, portions of the ship’s 
cargo. It was a merry sight, and their shouts mingled with the sound of the 
waves as they beat upon the sand. We embarked on board ship, where soon 
our decks were crowded with men and women of all classes; many coming to 
purchase, some to see the vessel, and others to accompany their friends, so 
that it was not unusual for us to have a party of twenty or thirty at dinner. 
GENESIS OF TITLE OF THE BURTON MOUND PROPERTY 
The genesis of title of the Burton Mound, quoted from the Santa 
Barbara Weekly Press, June 7, 1900, is as follows: 
The preliminary steps to the building of a hotel on Burton Mound are being 
taken with considerable rapidity. ... On June 6th, 1900, a deed was filed 
from the Santa Cruz Island Co. to Edward R. Spaulding. This clears the entire 
six blocks included in the original tract of the Sea Side Hotel Association, 
except two lots facing on Montecito St... . 
The first individual owner of the Burton Mound property was Santiago 
Burke, father of the present county tax collector, Mr. M. F. Burke, who held 
it under a title granted by the Mexican Government. 
The abstract made by Judge J. T. Richards in 1875 . . . shows that accord- 
ing to an old “espediente” (record of title) a conveyance was made December 
23, 1833, by Santiago Burke to Jose Chapman. In the conveyance Mr. Burke 
states that “the house which I own, situated in Santa Barbara, near the 
beach, and that which was known as “The House of the Mission of Santa 
Barbara” was transferred to Chapman for $400 in hides and tallow. 
