We also remembered our families before the Lord, and all the authorities and interests of the kingdom of God. Selling some of our cattle and one wagon, we journeyed seventeen miles and encamped on a small stream near some hills of wild oats, which served us for feed. We also pulled several bundles to fill our beds, and to take with us to Los Angeles, where we arrived in the evening of the 16th of June. Several Americans called on us, conversed in a friendly manner, and seemed much interested in the Mormon settlement about to be made. More particularly as to the additional security this population would afford to the peace and order of a distracted country. CHAPTER XLVIII. ------------------------ Los Angelos:--Catholic Celebration of Corpus Christi:--Arrival in San Francisco:--Letter to President Brigham Young:--Family Letter. Los Angeles is a fertile, well watered, and delightful valley of vineyards and orchards, with a fine old Spanish town--a mixture of American, European, Spanish and Indian population--and has been cultivated for eighty years. _Thursday, 19th_.--I attended the Catholic celebration of Corpus Christi, and witnessed perhaps five hundred people of all ages, sexes and colors, the Indian blood prevailing--three priests at their head--performing the various ceremonies. The ladies in the finest dresses I ever beheld in any country, consisting of silks and satins of various figures and extreme costliness; white muslin, cambric, etc., made in full dresses, together with costly silk and satin shawls worn over the head and enclosing the shoulders, bosom and waist, leaving only the face in view; while all other portions of their persons were buried beneath the rich and ample folds of costly apparel. In these costly robes every female knelt or sat on the filthy floor of earth in the old church for hours! No seats, carpets, or spreads of any kind; while various images were exhibited in turn, and were worshipped in humble postures, and with low chants, amid the discharges of cannon and crackers, the beating of drums, and the tinkling of bells. Clouds of incense rose before each image, and perhaps one hundred candles were burning at midday. All the men were also dressed in their best and knelt in a devout manner, or stood in a reverent posture with hats off. Not one changed place, or was seen to leave the church, although the services lasted for hours, without one seat or other convenience whereon to rest. This ended, all formed in procession and moved around the public square, beneath the beautiful arches richly decorated, and the walk lined on each side with green branches.