d into American possession. While the
city was materially concerned in the events immediately following the
occupation, the Mission was already too nearly dead to participate. In
1846 the bishop succeeded in finding a curate for a short period, but
nothing in the records can be found as to the final disposition of the
property belonging to the ex-Mission. In the political caldron it had
totally disappeared.

In the early days the Mission Indians were buried in the graveyard, then
the soldiers and settlers, Spanish and Mexican, and the priests, and,
later, the _Americanos_. But all is neglected and uncared for, except by
Nature, and, after all, perhaps it is better so. The kindly spirited
Earth Mother has given forth vines and myrtle and ivy and other plants
in profusion, that have hidden the old graveled walks and the broken
flags. Rose bushes grow untrimmed, untrained and frankly beautiful;
while pepper and cypress wave gracefully and poetically suggestive over
graves of high and low, historic and unknown. For here are names carved
on stone denoting that beneath lie buried those who helped make
California history. Just at the side entrance of the church is a stone
with this inscription to the first governor of California: "Aqui yacen
los restos del Capitan Don Luis Antonio Argueello, Primer Gobernador del
Alta California, Bajo el Gobierno Mejicano. Nacio en San Francisco el 21
de Junio, 1774, y murio en el mismo lugar el 27 de Marzo, 1830."

Farther along is a brown stone monument, erected by the members of the
famous fire company, to Casey, who was hung by the Vigilantes--Casey,
who shot James King of William. The monument, adorned with firemen's
helmets and bugles in stone, stands under the shadow of drooping pepper
sprays, and is inscribed: "Sacred to the memory of James P. Casey, who
Departed this life May 23, 1856, Aged 27 years. May God forgive my
Persecutors. Requiescat en pace."

Poor, sad Dolores! How utterly lost it now looks!

During the earthquake and fire of 1906, the new church by its side was
destroyed. But the old Indian-built structure was preserved and still
stands as a grand memorial of the past.

CHAPTER XVI

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

On the tragic events at San Diego that led to the delay in the founding
of San Juan Capistrano I have already fully dwelt. The Mission was
founded by Serra, November 1, 1776, and the adobe church recently
restored by the Landmarks Club is said to be the original