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 were 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 



