TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIAS. 
135 
island they discover a large bay into which a considerable 
creek empties itself with a strong current.. The frigate goes 
in to survey it. They observe great numbers of naked Indi¬ 
ans fishing in the creek, who approach the Spaniards with the 
liveliest marks of joy, offer them the best of their fish, and 
show them several wells of pure fresh water. When these 
things are reported to Captain Viscayno, he orders a tent to 
be pitched for the celebration of mass, and preparations made 
to lie here till the Almiranta comes up, or all hope of her is lost. 
They take in wood and water. Every morning the Indi¬ 
ans bring them a supply of fish for the day, and pay such 
deference to the Spaniards, that they never visit the rancherias 
in the neighborhood, without first soliciting the permission 
of the General and the Padres. The Spaniards return their 
courtesy with trifling presents, which enlist their wonder and 
admiration so deeply, that immense numbers of Indian men, 
and women with two infants each, flock from the neighboring 
rancherias; pronounce Spanish words after the soldiers; 
eat with them; and in other ways show a disposition to culti¬ 
vate the most friendly and intimate acquaintance. The fe¬ 
males are clad in skins, and show much propriety of conduct. 
These Indians carry on a considerable trade with their inland 
neighbors by furnishing them with fish, and receiving in re¬ 
turn net purses, curiously wrought, and a root called mexcalli 
or maguey , boiled and prepared as a conserve. Of both 
these articles they give great quantities to the Spaniards 
in return for the beads and other trifles. They in¬ 
form their visitors that up in the country there are a great 
many people who wear clothes and beads, and have fire-arms. 
They are supposed to refer to Onate’s land expedition from 
Mexico. 
Having now abandoned all hope of the Almiranta, it being 
twenty-eight days since she parted from them, the General, 
on the twenty-fourth of October, stands out to sea. Just as 
he leaves the bay, to his great astonishment and joy, the 
absent ship is seen approaching. 
