MOUTH OF THE COLORADO—COCOPAS. 33 
of the chronometers, and determining the errors of the instrument preparatory to the coming 
lunation. Though the days have been clear, at night light clouds constantly collect, and often 
entirely disconcert the observations. There are occasional transitions, however, which com- 
pensate for this vexation. The misty wreaths will sometimes suddenly and altogether disappear, 
unveiling an illuminated sky, upon which the pale constellations of the milky way are clustered 
in a distinct silver band. The dome of the heaveu, reflected from the smooth river, is pro- 
longed far below the horizon, and presents a nearly unbroken sphere of radiant sapphire blue, 
from whose surface myriads of burnished quivering points emit vivid streams of light, while 
the steadier rays of the planets seem almost to rival those of the moon in splendor. 
December 17.--On the day preceding the night of the highest new moon tide, the surface of 
the river at high water was several feet below the point which it had to attain before the 
Monterey would float. The prospect for the next tide was, therefore, not encouraging, but 
shortly after midnight all hands were on the alert, and making ready to assist in the hoped for 
liberation of the schooner. The boats were manned and provided with tow lines. Anchors 
were sunk into the bank on either side near the mouth of the gulley. To these blocks and 
tackle were attached and connected with the schooner so as to secure as strong a pull as 
possible to move her from her bed in case she should not float entirely free. There wasa 
general excitement as the time of high tide drew near, and the water began to flow about the 
bulge of the vessel. At last the stern commenced gradually to rise, and then the hull to 
undulate, and after a few hearty pulls at the ropes, there was a perceptible movement of the 
whole mass, and in a moment more, to the delight of all engaged, the Monterey slid gently out 
of the bed where she had lain for two weeks, and was restored, with her happy commander, 
to her proper element. Though the tide rose high enough to bring about this felicitous result, 
it was far inferior both in height and velocity to that of the preceding full moon, and if 
accompanied by a bore, the latter was so slight as to be imperceptible from the shore. 
The change of the Monterey’s position was quite opportune, for during yesterday and to-day 
the two steamboats came down to receive their loads. They started back for Fort Yuma as soon 
as this was accomplished. Captain Walsh has now only to replenish bis.water casks and take 
in a quantity of mud for ballast, and he will be ready to set out on his return voyage. 
The arrival of the steamboats and the presence of new faces has formed an event in our 
monotonous life. These boats are run by two of their owners, Messrs. Johnson and Wilcox, 
who have been for several years engaged in navigating the lower part of the Colorado. Upon 
, the establishment of Fort Yuma, it was found a measure of economy to supply the post by way of 
the Gulf and the river instead of by the overland route, and for a year or two freight was 
carried up in lighters, which were poled along or hauled up by hand. The rapid current, the 
shoals, the marshy banks, the unknown character of the country, and the presence of hostile 
Indians, were obstacles in the way of inaugurating navigation that few men would have suc- 
cessfully overcome. As business increased a small steamer was procured, bit, owing to some 
defect in the boiler, blew up before it had been long in operation. Another was then built, 
and a short time ago a third and larger boat. The two latter now ply regularly between the 
head of the Gulf and Fort Yuma, and secure profitable returns to their persevering and ener- 
getic proprietors. These have the good will of the Indians, and by contributing a certain 
amount towards staying the cravings of their stomachs, are exempted from thefts and other 
molestations. 
The steamboats brought down a fair stock of passengers of both sexes, from the nearest 
villages. They were, as a whole, better looking than the pair we had seen. Several of the 
men had good figures. The women were yather too much inclined to embonpoint, with the 
exception of the young girls, some of whom were by no means ill-favored. Bright eyes, 
white teeth, and musical voices, they all possessed. In point of apparel they were about as 
deficient as the men, a very short petticoat, their only garment, taking the place of the strip 
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