We staid at Gomez's that night, sleeping, as all did, on the ground, and the next morning we crossed the hill by the bridle-path to the old Mission of San Juan Bautista.

The Mission was in a beautiful valley, very level, and bounded on all sides by hills.

The plain was covered with wild-grasses and mustard, and had abundant water.

Cattle and horses were seen in all directions, and it was manifest that the priests who first occupied the country were good judges of land.
It was Sunday, and all the people, about, a hundred, had come to church from the country round about.

Ord was somewhat of a Catholic, and entered the church with his clanking spars and kneeled down, attracting the attention of all, for he had on the uniform of an American officer.