Colonial Expeditions to the Interior of California Central Valley, 1800-1820Cook, Sherburne Friend
History
Colonial Expeditions to the Interior of California Central Valley, 1800-1820
Cook, Sherburne Friend
California -- Discovery and exploration; California -- History -- To 1846 -- Sources; Central Valley (Calif.)
In the afternoon of this day forty-two warriors came to our camp and
showed themselves to be friendly. They presented us with a little fish.
I made them acquainted with the purpose of our visit, showing them an
image of our Lady of Sorrows. This they received with much satisfaction,
appearing, according to their behavior, ready to enroll under the banner
of the Divine Savior. Finally, taking advantage of our good faith and
confidence, they remained in the camp all night, receiving also
refreshment from us and admiring exceedingly our clothing and
ornaments.[16]
_6th day and 26 [September]._ In the morning of this day we talked to
the Indians, who were still with us, exhibiting a desire to visit them
in their village. Soon they offered their company and guidance. With
this assurance we set forth, and having traveled about three leagues we
arrived at the village.[17] It was situated on the other side of the
river, hidden among some willow trees. It is called Nupchenche and may
have about 250 souls, more or less, under their chief, called Choley.
The reception they gave us was as follows. There came out a very old
woman, who sprinkled us with seeds. Emerging at the same time, the
chiefs led us to the interior of the village where between intertwined
willow trees they had stretched out some mats and deerskins for our
reception. On these they placed an abundance of their food, with two
very white loaves of a seed which resembles our rice. Having made the
effort to eat--for they are insulted if one slights the food--I went
on to present the purpose of our visit. They all received my talk with
pleasure and, having listened silently to the Divine Word, they begged
to become Christians. I baptized 23 old women and 3 old men. The rest of
the Indians regretted not being made Christians also. I explained the
reasons why they must wait for a mission in order that they may reach
Heaven. May Almighty God grant it to them. They wanted me to stay with
them permanently, but since this could not be, I exhorted them always to
seek baptism and forsake heathendom, especially when they found
themselves in danger of death. All these lands are fine and well
pastured. They abound in wild tomatoes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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