172 
CALIFORNIA. 
in many respects superior to any other in the Pacific, possessed as it 
must be by the Anglo-Norman race, and having none to enter into 
rivalry with it but the indolent inhabitants of warm climates, is evi¬ 
dently destined to fill a large space in the world’s future history. 
Although I have already spoken of the Indians, yet in order to make 
the state of the country fully understood, it is necessary to explain their 
former connexion with the missions, as well as their present condition. 
The Indians who w r ere brought into the fold of the missions, were 
either induced through persuasion, by force, or enticed by presents : the 
agreement, or rather law, was, that they should be converted to Chris¬ 
tianity ; and for this benefit conferred upon them, they were to give ten 
years’ faithful service, after which time they were to be at liberty, and 
to have allotted to them a small piece of land for cultivation, and a few 
cattle, provided they could get the security of any respectable person 
for their good behaviour. This seldom happened ; but their treatment 
was much more kind after the expiration of their term of service, and 
they usually remained in the employ of the missions, having become 
attached to their masters and occupations. These chiefly consisted in 
taking care of cattle, the work of the farm, gardening, and household 
duties. Some became carpenters and blacksmiths ; others weavers, 
shoemakers, and manufacturers of leather; and some were let out to 
private service to “ gente de razon,” or people of reason, as the whites 
are termed. The police of the missions was strict, and punishment was 
administered when required ; but then rewards for good behaviour were 
also given, as well as for bringing in neophytes. In the latter way, it 
is said that the missions were usually recruited. 
During the troubles of 1836, the Indians of many of the missions 
were cast off neglected, and in fact deprived of the proceeds of their 
labour. They had reason to believe, as had been impressed upon them 
by the Spanish padres, that they were interested in the proceeds and 
wealth that had been accumulated by their labour; and this belief had 
naturally tended to attach them to the soil. 
The ravages of the small-pox, two years prior to our visit, completed 
the destruction of these establishments; for it swept off one-half of the 
Indians, and served to dispirit the rest. Many of them have joined the 
wild Indians, and are now committing acts of violence on the whites; 
they are becoming daily more daring, and have rendered a residence 
in single farm-houses or estancias not without danger. In looking at 
the state in which these poor Indians have been left, it cannot be denied 
but that they have cause to be dissatisfied with the treatment they have 
received. 
Every mission was regarded as a separate family of Indians, and 
