Indeed, so abundant was the game in
this extensive territory, that they could well dispense with them; but
as the Prince's ambition was to introduce agriculture and more domestic
habits among the tribe, he considered it right that they should be
introduced. He therefore despatched the _Esmeralda_ to obtain them
either at Monterey or Santa Barbara. But the vessel was never more heard
of; the Mexicans stated that they had perceived the wreck of a vessel
off Cape Mendocino, and it was but natural to suppose that these were
the remains of our unfortunate brig.
All hands on board perished, and the loss was very heavy to us. The crew
consisted of the captain, his son, and twelve men; and there were also
on board five of our household, who had been despatched upon various
commissions, Giuseppe Polidori, the youngest of our missionaries, one of
our gunsmiths, one of our masons, and two Italian farmers. Melancholy as
was this loss, it did not abate the exertions of those who were left.
Fields were immediately cleared--gardens prepared; and by degrees the
memory of this sad beginning faded away before the prospect of future
happiness and comfort.
As soon as we were completely established, my education commenced. It
was novel, yet still had much affinity to the plan pursued with the
students of the Military Colleges in France, inasmuch as all my
play-hours were employed in the hardier exercises.
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