TRAVELS IN THE CAL1F0RNIAS. 
141 
Capitana, and after walking three times around the quarter¬ 
deck, addresses himself in a long speech to the General and 
his officers. This being concluded, he adopts the more intel¬ 
ligible method of signs, to inform the Spaniards that the na¬ 
tives of Santa Catarina have sent his majesty advices of their 
visit, and have also spoken of their bravery, generosity, and 
the many presents made by them. All these things have 
kindled in his majesty a desire to cultivate the acquaintance 
of such illustrious persons; and he backs his protestations of 
regard by the proposition to furnish them with everything 
they desire to eat and drink, and with the moderate supply 
of ten women each ! To prove his ability m this last offer, 
himself and son will remain as hostages while one of the sol¬ 
diers shall go on shore and ascertain the fact. As it is near 
night, however, the General very ungallantly declines his 
offer in behalf of himself and crew; and his majesty at length 
departing, it is thought best to improve the fair wind then 
coming on, to prosecute the voyage. Setting all sail, there¬ 
fore, they progress rapidly till they nearly complete the sur¬ 
vey of the channel. The breeze leaves them opposite a 
cluster of islands, six in number, and about tw T o leagues dis¬ 
tant from each other. The channel is ascertained to be about 
twenty-four leagues in length. The main coast is beautifully 
diversified with w r oodland and lawn, among which are several 
Indian villages. 
The following night the wind changes to northwest, and 
blows a tremendous gale for about sixty hours. The waters 
in the channel are lifted into mountains. The ships are driven 
almost uncontrolled among the islands. The greatest fear 
prevails that all will be lost. On the third day, however, the 
tempest abates. The Capitana and Almiranta are safe, and 
with the fair weather stand in for the continent. But the fri¬ 
gate is missing. The coast is skirted with lofty mountains 
which shelter some fine bays. From one of these, four ca¬ 
noes run out at the same moment, filled with savages bring¬ 
ing a large quantity of excellent sardines. These Indians 
