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[[underlined]] 82 [[/underlined]]
the Seamans view of a mere harbour. But when all the accessory advantages which belong to it - fertile and picturesque dependent Country. Mildness of its climate connected with the great interior by the ^[[insertion]] navigable [[/insertion]] waters of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, which flow into it, and drain the most fertile and beautifull valley. I suppose in the known world, its valuable sources for Ship timber when all these advantages are taken into the account. with its Geographical position on the line of communication to the great commercial Ports of Asia and the East Indies. It rises to an importance far above that of a mere harbour. and may justly be considered a valauable acquisition to the United States in a Maritime point of view. from its close proximity to these great Asiatic ports.
We remained in San Francisco 4 days. The vessel not being ready to discharge her cargo as soon as we wished to prceed to the Mines, so we took our Tent, some provisions, a few tools and made preparations to depart. We concluded to go to the Mokelenn diggings. Daniel P Clark a Brother of one of our company and a discharged Volunteer in Col Stevenson's Regiment. agreed to accompany us to that place he had worked in those mines preceding Winter. on the 13th of Augt our preparations being completed we were ready to embark. we engaged passage in a small launch of about 20 tons. Schooner rigger. for $14.00 each to Stockton and $2 1/2 per [[hurd?]] for all freight that exceeded 100th to each man. we to provision ourselves on the passage. 12 more of our fellow shipmates

Transcription Notes:
Could 'hurd' be 'hund' short for hundred?