After two years' hard service, they had seen the worst, and
all, of California;- had got their cargo nearly stowed, and expected
to sail in a week or two, for Boston. We spent an hour or more with
them, talking over California matters, until the word was passed-
"Pilgrims, away!" and we went back with our captain. They were a
hardy, but intelligent crew; a little roughened, and their clothes
patched and old, from California wear; all able seamen, and between
the ages of twenty and thirty-five. They inquired about our vessel,
the usage, etc., and were not a little surprised at the story of the
flogging. They said there were often difficulties in vessels on the
coast, and sometimes knock-downs and fightings, but they had never
heard before of a regular seizing-up and flogging. "Spread-eagles"
were a new kind of bird in California.
Sunday, they said, was always given in San Diego, both at the
hide-houses and on board the vessels, a large number usually going
up to the town, on liberty. We learned a good deal from them about
curing and stowing of hides, etc., and they were anxious to have the
latest news (seven months old) from Boston.
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