His is one of those
cases which are more numerous than those suppose, who have never lived
anywhere but in their own homes, and never walked but in one line from
their cradles to their graves. We must come down from our heights, and
leave our straight paths, for the byways and low places of life, if we
would learn truths by strong contrasts; and in hovels, in forecastles,
and among our own outcasts in foreign lands, see what has been wrought
upon our fellow-creatures by accident, hardship, or vice.
Two days brought us to San Pedro. and two days more (to our no small
joy) gave us our last view of that place, which was universally called
the hell of California, and seemed designed, in every way, for the
wear and tear of sailors. Not even the last view could bring out one
feeling of regret. No thanks, thought I, as we left the sandy shores
in the distance, for the hours I have walked over your stones,
barefooted, with hides on my head;- for the burdens I have carried up
your steep, muddy hill;- for the duckings in your surf; and for the
long days and longer nights passed on your desolate hill, watching
piles of hides, hearing the sharp bark of your eternal coati, and
the dismal hooting of your owls.
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