142 
SCENES IN THE PACIFIC. 
are tall, fine-looking people. They cover themselves with 
goat-skins before entering the ships ; and as if sensible that 
language not understood would be of no use, they utter not 
a word, but express their thoughts by signs. Appearing very 
good-natured, and not disposed to pilfer, the Spaniards pre¬ 
sent to them some clothing and trinkets, with which they 
seem delighted. The next day, others coming on board 
urge the General to bring his ships to their country, 
in order that they may furnish him with plenty of fish and 
acorns. 
The frigate now rejoins the ships. She has been driven 
among the islands, and experienced much hospitality from 
the natives. They now all get under way and stand nearer 
the shore in search of a harbor. The whole coast has been 
enveloped in a thick fog since the gale. A fair wind, how¬ 
ever, springing up, they run along the edge of the mist till the 
fourteenth of January, when the weather clearing, they find 
themselves under a ridge of high mountains, white at the 
top, and clothed with wood at the base. This range they 
call Sierra de Santa Lucia. Four leagues beyond it a river 
tumbles through a ledge of rocks into the sea. Its banks are 
covered with black and white poplar, willow, birch, and pine. 
This stream they call Rio San Carmelo. 
Two leagues farther on is a splendid harbor, between which 
and the mouth of the Carmelo, is a heavy pine wood, form¬ 
ing a cape. This is Punto de Pinos. In this harbor the 
squadron comes to anchor. The crews are very much 
reduced by sickness. The master and mate of the Al- 
miranta are both unable to leave their births; the Captain- 
General and his mate are scarcely able to appear on deck ; a 
great many of the soldiers and boys are very sick ; and 
sixteen have died since leaving Bahia de San Francisco. 
Under these circumstances it is resolved that the Almiranta 
shall be sent back under the command of Admiral Gomez, 
with the two pilots Pasqual and Balthazar, and all the sick; 
that she shall take a sufficient number of sound men to man 
