At proper distances were placed images amid costly decorations, before which all fell upon their knees, and remained for a length of time prostrated in the thick dust with all their finery, chanting hymns, praying and worshipping, while crackers were discharged in profusion. Even all the spectators must stand in the broiling sun in the roads uncovered, or give great offense. In a few days Brother Wood returned from the rear camps where he and Brother Allen had been with provisions. Reported all well and prosperous. Brothers Lyman and Rich also paid us a visit, and some others. Brothers Hammond, Perkins, Wood and Murdock with their baggage, etc. started for the landing at San Pedro. The remainder tarried to complete their sales. _Sunday, 29th_.--I preached in the court house in Los Angeles to some forty attentive persons, mostly American gentlemen. _Monday, 30th_.--I sold my last wagon and moved down to the Port at San Pedro. Found that portion of the brethren well who went down before, and camped with them on the beach. _July 7th_.--We embarked on board the steamship Ohio, and set sail for San Francisco, at 4 o'clock P. M. After four days' rather rough passage, we arrived in San Francisco on the 11th inst. at eleven o'clock, A. M. Found some good brethren who rendered us assistance in various ways. Rented a house the same day, and all moved into it together. Brothers Lyman and Rich arrived per steamer Goliah. We visited and received visits. _Sunday, 20th_.--I preached at eleven A. M. in a large room, a goodly number of persons out to hear, and good attention. Next morning we repaired to the water and baptized eight persons, and the same evening met at the house of Brother Winner and organized a branch of the Church, confirming the above persons. I was chosen president of this branch, and Philo B. Wood, clerk. The remainder of the week devoted to writing and instructing inquirers who called. I wrote the following letter to Elder Addison Pratt, Society Isles: SAN FRANCISCO, _July 26, 1851_. DEAR BROTHER PRATT: My long contemplated mission to the Pacific has at length become a reality. I am here, having left home in March last. Eight of us are here, and will go to the Sandwich Islands and elsewhere as the way opens and the Spirit directs. Brother P. B. Lewis and wife would have sailed for your islands with letters, etc., but Brothers Clark and Thompkins having arrived, we concluded to send no more laborers to that part of the vineyard at present. I hold the presidency of all the islands and coasts of the Pacific, under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church--to open the door to every nation and tongue, as fast as the way is prepared and the Lord directs, for the preaching of the gospel of salvation.