to remain in the place.  Their information communicated to us was, that the town was deserted of nearly all its population.  A few houses only were occupied.  Passing down a beautiful and fertile undulating plain, we encamped just before sunset in a live-oak grove, about half a mile from the town of Santa Barbara.  Strict orders were issued by Col.  Fremont, that the property and the persons of Californians, not found in arms, should be sacredly respected.  To prevent all collisions, no soldier was allowed to pass the lines of the camp without special permission, or orders from his officers.

I visited the town before dark, but found the houses, with few exceptions, closed, and the streets deserted.  After hunting about some time, we discovered a miserable dwelling, occupied by a shoemaker and his family, open.  Entering it, we were very kindly received by its occupants, who, with a princely supply of civility, possessed but a beggarly array of comforts.  At our request they provided for us a supper of tortillas, frijoles, and stewed carne seasoned with chile colorado, for which, paying them dos pesos for four, we bade them good evening, all parties being well satisfied.  The family consisted, exclusive of the shoemaker, of a dozen women and children, of all ages.  The women, from the accounts they had received of the intentions of the Americans, were evidently unprepared for civil treatment from them.  They expected to be dealt with in a very barbarous manner, in all respects; but they were disappointed, and invited us to visit them again.  Distance 8 miles.

CHAPTER XI.

  Santa Barbara
  Picturesque situation
  Fertility of the country
  Climate
  Population
  Society
  Leave Santa Barbara
  Rincon
  Grampus
  Mission of St. Buenaventura
  Fine gardens
  Meet a party of mounted Californians
  They retreat before us
  Abundance of maize
  Arrival of couriers from Com.  Stockton
  Effects of war upon the country
  More of the enemy in sight
  News of the capture of Los Angeles, by Gen. Kearny and Com.  Stockton
  Mission of San Fernando
  The Maguey
  Capitulation of the Californians
  Arrive at Los Angeles
  General reflections upon the march
  Meet with old acquaintances.

The battalion remained encamped at Santa Barbara, from the 27th of December to the 3rd of January, 1847.  The U.S. flag was raised in the public square of the town the day after our arrival.

The town of Santa Barbara is beautifully situated for the picturesque, about one mile from the shore of a roadstead, which affords anchorage for vessels of any size, and a landing for boats in calm weather.  During stormy weather, or the prevalence of strong winds from the south-east, vessels, for safety, are compelled to stand out to sea.  A fertile plain extends some twenty or thirty miles up and down the