80 as a nucleus towards the fire
engine. The same was placed at interest, there to remain until called
for by proper authority for the purpose for which it was raised. This
play was given forty-three years ago. Three of the original
characters, to my knowledge, are still living. The curtain of life's
drama has been rung down on the other twelve. I have never inquired
whether the fire engine was bought, but suppose, after all these
years, that Santa Cruz must have several engines. We who live can feel
we gave our talents for a good cause. It was rather a peculiar part
for a minister's daughter to take, the straight-laced saints
suggested, but the minister's daughter smiled, knowing she had helped
in a good cause, and she still lives to tell the story of her
theatrical achievement in the little town of Santa Cruz, and how the
first money was obtained to get a fire engine for the town's safety.

GILROY HOT SPRINGS FLAG RAISING, JULY 18, 1872.

In various times in my life I have assisted at a flag raising. This
incident occurred July 18, 1872, when I was on my yearly vacation to
Gilroy Hot Springs. The genial host, George Roop, and his excellent
wife, Elizabeth, were old friends of mine and they made it a point
each year to have me come, generally in July, when many people
gathered there. We had passed a very patriotic day on July 4 and the
enthusiasm had not yet died out and the decorations were still in
evidence. Our days were spent in fishing, playing croquet, in bathing
and climbing the mountains. There was one high peak that no one had
ever attempted and there was considerable banter between the guests
and the proprietor, Roop saying that no one had scaled the peak since
he had become proprietor of the springs. Among the guests were several
great climbers and one evening we concluded to try, at least, and if
we succeeded we were to put up the flag and sing America. It was an
ideal morning and we got a good start before the sun rose. Ten of us
started. We had but to follow the trail and keep going. We had a small
donkey, used to the trail, and our lunch, flag, spade and hatchet and
water-can were packed on his saddle, and with a hurrah and a shout we
were off. Our spirits were high as we slowly began the ascent. Before
we had gone a third of the way some of the party lagged behind. One by
one they fell back until only five were left. After we had gone half
the distance we rested for a half hour and refreshed ourselve