Five minutes in
the forecastle was enough for us, and we were glad to get into the
open air. We made some trade with them, buying Indian curiosities,
of which they had a great number; such as bead-work, feathers of
birds, fur moccasins, etc. I purchased a large robe, made of the skins
of some animals, dried and sewed nicely together, and covered all over
on the outside with thick downy feathers, taken from the breasts of
various birds, and arranged with their different colors, so as to make
a brilliant show.
A few days after our arrival, the rainy season set in, and, for
three weeks, it rained almost every hour, without cessation. This
was bad for our trade, for the collecting of hides is managed
differently in this port from what it is in any other on the coast.
The mission of San Francisco near the anchorage, has no trade at
all, but those of San Jose, Santa Clara, and others, situated on large
creeks or rivers which run into the bay, and distant between fifteen
and forty miles from the anchorage, do a greater business in hides
than any in California. Large boats, manned by Indians, and capable of
carrying nearly a thousand hides apiece, are attached to the missions,
and sent down to the vessels with hides, to bring away goods in
return.
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