was an almighty smart fellow, that Spokeshave,
I've hear'n tell," replies my visitor. "I must write hum and tell our
folks that this 'ere is the first carpet I've seen sin' I came to
Californy, four year come next month," is his next remark. For the last
half-hour he has been entertaining me with a wearisome account of the
murder of his brother by an Irishman in Boston, and the chief feeling
which he exhibits is a fear that the jury should only bring in a
verdict of manslaughter. But I hear F.'s step, and his entrance
relieves me from the bore.

I am too tired to write more. Alas, dear M. this letter is indeed a
stupid one--a poor return for your pregnant epistles. It is too late to
better it. The express goes at eight in the morning. The midnight moon
is looking wonderingly in at the cabin window, and the river has a
sleepy murmur that impels me irresistibly bedward.

LETTER _the_ TWENTY-FIRST

[_The_ PIONEER, _October_, 1855]

DISCOMFORTS _of_ TRIP _to_ POLITICAL CONVENTION

SYNOPSIS

Visit to the American Valley. Journey thither. Scenes by the way.
Political convention. Delegates from Indian Bar. Arrival at Greenwood's
Rancho, headquarters of Democrats. Overcrowded. Party proceed to the
American Rancho, headquarters of Whigs. Also overcrowded. Tiresome ride
of ladies on horseback. Proceed to house of friend of lady in party. An
inhospitable reception, but the author entertains herself. Men of party
return to American Rancho. Inroad upon the eatables. Landlord aghast,
but pacified by generous orders for drinkables. California houses not
proof against eavesdroppers. Misunderstandings and explanations
overheard by the author. Illness of hostess. Uncomfortable and
miserable night, and worse quarters. Handsome riding-habit, etc., of
the hostess. Table-service, carpeting, chests of tea, casks of sugar,
bags of coffee, etc., "the good people possessed everything but a
house". "The most beautiful spot I ever saw in California". Owner
building house of huge hewn logs. The author returns to the American
Rancho. Its primitive furniture, etc. Political visitors. The
convention. Horse-racing and gambling. The author goes to Greenwood's
Rancho. More primitive furniture and lack of accommodations. Misplaced
benevolence of Bostonians. Should transfer their activities to
California.

Letter _the_ Twenty-first

DISCOMFORTS _of_ TRIP _to_ POLITICAL CONVENTION

_From our Log Cabin_, INDIAN BAR,

_October_ 16