TRAVELS IN TIIE CALIFORNIAS. 
129 
Having passed a part of the day among them, they steer 
across the mouth of the Gulf, and on the 9th of July make 
Cape San Lucas. As they stand in, a heavy fog falls upon 
them, and completely conceals the shore. For a day and a 
half they lie thus enveloped, out of sight of each other, and 
in great danger. At length it clears up a little, and the Al- 
miranta discovers that she is within twenty-five fathoms of a 
reef of rocks, on which she barely escapes being dashed in 
pieces. Having borne away from so fearful a doom, they en¬ 
ter a bay where they rejoice to find the frigate already an¬ 
chored. This is the day of San Barnabe, and accordingly 
the harbor is named in honor of that saint. 
Their attention is soon attracted to the natives, who, armed 
with bows, arrows, and spears, line the shore, shouting 
fiercely, and throwing sand in the air. General Viscayno 
lands with twelve soldiers, the priests and officers. But the 
natives are so intimidated by the lighted matches and arque¬ 
buses that they are near losing all communication with them, 
when Padre Antonio de la Ascencion, advancing alone, mak¬ 
ing signs of peace and friendship, induces them to stop, em¬ 
braces them all kindly, and gives assurance that no harm is 
intended them. They now lay down their arms, and intimate 
that the soldiers must do the same before they will advance. 
The Padre conveys this wish to his friends, and calls a little 
negro boy to bring a basket of biscuit to distribute among 
them. At sight of the negro they are greatly pleased, and 
tell him, by signs, that there is a village of people like him¬ 
self not far thence, with whom they are on friendly terms. 
Having received beads and other presents, they retire to their 
rancherias, or settlements, much pleased, though apparently 
not entirely free from apprehension. After this, the general 
and others walk about to examine the shore. Not far distant 
they observe a pond of clear water, on the borders of which 
lie great quantities of sardine and pilchard, which have been 
thrown up by the breakers. The next day they visit another 
