104 RETURN FROM SAN FRANCISCO 
priest still remained. The buildings, which are of 
adobe, are not extensive, but are in good preservation. 
They possess more of an Oriental appearance than 
any similar establishments. There was formerly a 
large vineyard and orchard, containing figs, peaches, 
etc., a portion of which is still in existence. The 
place is celebrated also for a flourishing orchard of 
olive trees, which still remains, yielding a great abun- 
dance of olives, the excellence of which we had an 
opportunity of testing on our homeward journey. 
The mission is at present occupied by United States 
troops, under the command of Colonel J. B. Magruder, 
and in consequence is kept in good repair. 
San Diego, like Monterey, is noted for its excellent 
society. There remain many of the old Castilian 
families here, who have preserved their blood from all 
admixture with the Indians. In this circle, all Ame- 
ricans and foreigners visiting the place have expe- 
rienced much pleasure; for such is its refined and 
social character, that one almost imagines himself 
again enjoying the delights of home. The Californian 
ladies are said to possess all the finer qualities of the 
sex, whether of the head or the heart, and to make 
most excellent wives. Such have been the attractions 
of these fair seforitas for the young American officers, 
that many have been induced to relinquish their com- 
missions in the United States army, and become 
planters or stock raisers in California. 
While detained here, I took occasion to visit the 
monument erected at the Initial Point, on the Pacific, 
of the boundary between the United States and Mexi- 
co, one marine league south of the southernmost point 
