as much anxiety at the
losing or winning of a handful of beans as do their paler brothers when
thousands are at stake. Methinks, from what I have seen of that most
hateful vice, the _amount_ lost or won has very little to do with the
matter. But let me not speak of this most detestable of crimes. I have
known such frightful consequences to ensue from its indulgence, that I
dare not speak of it, lest I use language, as perhaps I have already
done, unbecoming a woman's lips.

Hundreds of people have arrived upon our Bar within the last few days;
drinking-saloons are springing up in every direction; the fluming
operations are rapidly progressing; and all looks favorably for a busy
and prosperous summer to our industrious miners.

LETTER _the_ EIGHTEENTH

[_The_ PIONEER, _July_, 1852]

FOURTH _of_ JULY FESTIVAL--SPANISH ATTACKED

SYNOPSIS

Fourth of July celebration at Rich Bar. The author makes the flag. Its
materials. How California was represented therein. Floated from the top
of a lofty pine. The decorations at the Empire Hotel. An "officious
Goth" mars the floral piece designed for the orator of the day. Only
two ladies in the audience. Two others expected, but do not arrive. No
copy of the Declaration of Independence. Preliminary speeches by
political aspirants. Orator of the day reads anonymous poem. Oration
"exceedingly fresh and new". Belated arrival of the expected ladies,
new-comers from the East. With new fashions, they extinguish the author
and her companion. Dinner at the Empire. Mexican War captain as
president. "Toasts quite spicy and original". Fight in the barroom.
Eastern lady "chose to go faint" at sight of blood. Cabin full of
"infant phenomena". A rarity in the mountains. Miners, on way home from
celebration, give nine cheers for mother and children. Outcry at Indian
Bar against Spaniards. Several severely wounded. Whisky and patriotism.
Prejudices and arrogant assurance accounted for. Misinterpretation by
the foreigner. Injustices by the lower classes against Spaniards pass
unnoticed. Innumerable drunken fights. Broken heads and collarbones,
stabbings. "Sabbaths almost always enlivened by such merry events".
Body of Frenchman found in river. Murder evident. Suspicion falls on
nobody.

Letter _the_ Eighteenth

FOURTH _of_ JULY FESTIVAL--SPANISH ATTACKED

_From our Log Cabin_, INDIAN BAR,

_July_ 5, 1852.

Our Fourth of July celebration, dear M., which came off at Rich Ba