California Seaports

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: ° Alameda: ° Berkeley ° Oakland
Contra Costa County: ° Crockett, ° Martinez ° Port Costa
Marin County: ° Point Reyes, ° San Rafael (China Camp), ° Sausalito, ° Tiburon
° Mendocino ° Sacramento
San Francisco (City and County)
Solano: ° Benicia (St. Paul's Church), ° Vallejo,° Mare Island
Sonoma: ° Petaluma ° Fort Ross
CENTRAL & SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: ° Long Beach ° Los Angeles ° Monterey County ° San Diego County ° Santa Barbara ° Santa Monica ° The Channel Islands

Benicia

In June of 1846, Lieutenant Robert Semple, a young dentist from Kentucky, was escorting Mexican General Mariano C. Vallejo to Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. It was then that he saw the Strait of Carquinez for the first time. Most of the land north of the straits was owned by General Vallejo.

Later, Semple and Vallejo came to an agreement that they would found a town on the land. Vallejo deeded a half-interest in a large tract to Semple on December 22, 1846 with the agreement that it would be named after Vallejo's wife, Francisca Benicia Carillo de Vallejo. Because the preferred name of Francisca conflicted with the newly designated town of San Francisco, it was decided to use her second name Benicia. In 1847, Semple enlisted the support of the prominent American settler Thomas O. Larkin. Semple and Larkin each took half-interest in the land paying Vallejo the nominal sum of $100.

William I. Tustin who had been living in Sonoma, arrived in Benicia with his wife and son in late June of 1847 to find nothing but surveyors' stakes and fields of grass. Tustin's 40x18 foot adobe house was the first building in Benicia.

It was quickly followed by a wood frame home built by Semple then another adobe built by Benjamin MacDonald which was quickly turned over to Captain E. H. von Pfister and became a store during the day and an informal hotel at night. (This building may still exist as there is an adobe covered in wood siding in the alley between C and D streets today.) By November of that year, there were fifteen buildings and by the end of the year, Semple had constructed a wharf, the first hotel had been built and enough people had settled in Benicia to receive a local government.

September 29, 1847, Californian

NEW FERRY HOUSE AT BENICIA

The subscriber is now building a house on the opposite side of the Straits for the comfort and accommodation of persons wishing to pass from the south side. He intends hereafter to keep a boat on each side, that persons will not be detained a moment longer than the tide and weather requires. He has, and will keep on hand, barley and corn for horse feed. 
R. SEMPLE, Proprietor. Benicia City, Sept. 1847. y-20

January 22, 1848, California Star

Alcalde at Benicia City

Know all Men by these Presents: That I Richard B. Mason, Col. 1st Regiment of Dragoons, United States Army, and Governor of California, by virtue of authority in me vested, do hereby appoint Stephen Cooper an Alcalde at Benicia City, at present in the District of Sonoma.

Given at Monterey, the Capitol of California, this third day of January A. D. 1848, and of the Independence of the United States, the 72nd.

R. B. Mason
Col. 1st Dragoons, Gov. of California

March 29, 1848, Californian

FERRY AT BENICIA CITY

Persons wishing to pass the Bay of SAN FRANCISCO will hereafter find a good substantial FERRY BOAT at the Straits of Carquinez There is a good level road from the Mission of Santa Clara by the Mission of San Jose and Amador's Ranch, distance fifty miles; from Benicia City to Sonoma 25 miles; from Benicia City to New Helvetia fifty miles. It will be perceived that this is the nearest, and much the best road from Santa Clara to New Helvetia, and from Santa Cruz, to Bodega .

RATES OF FERRIAGE

For crossing, a man and horse, $1.00
For crossing horses, each, $1.00
For crossing a footman, $0.50

June 18, 1849, Alta California, San Francisco, California

CO-PARTNERSHIP SHIP NOTICE

The undersigned have entered into a co-partnership under the firm of Semple & Robinson, for the purpose of conducting a general shipping, importing and commission business at Benicia city.

R. SEMPLE
WILLIAM ROBINSON
Benicia City, April 12, 1849

July 10, 1849, Alta California, San Francisco, California

DEED FOR BENICIA CITY, FROM M. G. VALLEJO 
TO SEMPLE AND LARKIN

(TRANSLATION)

In the Town of Sonoma, Upper California, this nineteenth day of the Month of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.

I Mariano G. Vallejo, resident of this jurisdiction and lawful owner of the estate known by the name of Soscol in this district, by these presents do declare in my own name, and in the name of my heirs, administrators and others, who through them may have any voice and cause voice and cause, that I cede and transfer freely, and spontaneously in favor of Don Thomas O. Larkin and Don Robert Semple, for them, their heirs and successors, and whoever through them may have title, voice and cause, for ever and ever, five miles of land in the said estate of Soscol, in the Straits of Carquinez Bay of San Francisco, according to the measurement made by Don Jasper O'Farrell, which is as follows:

Beginning at a stone marked R.S., and running North seventy-six degrees West to a corner or angle, five English miles; from thence in the direction of South fourteen degrees West to another angle; one mile, thence South seventy-six degrees East to the Bay of the Straits, three quarters of a mile, or one mile in a little more or less; thence following the sinuosities of the Bay of the Straits to the place where the measurement commenced, which altogether makes extent of the English miles, following the turns of the Bay and its sinuosities of the land according to the measurement made by Don Jasper O'Farrell, Surveyor.

The said place with all its entrances and land rights, I cede, transfer and bestow to the before-mentioned Don Thomas O. Larkin and Don Robert Semple by way of (missing words) hereditary, that they may enjoy it freely, by virtue of the rights granted to them by these presents, guaranteeing to them the ownership thereof for ever, against whatever reclamation may occur they agreeing to, and strictly fulfilling the following conditions.

1st. The said Don Thomas O. Larkin and Don Robert Semple, oblige and bind themselves, in the most solemn manner, and under the legal guarantees to found a city; which shall be called Francisca, or Benicia on the said land, and divide it into lots for houses, to be disposed of by (sale or otherwise as soon as they can obtain purchasers, land in the course of the present year they shall establish at said place, means of conveyance (ferry boats) to pass from one side of the strait to the other, passengers, carriages, &c.

2nd. As Soon as the city contains one hundred families, a magistrate or municipal authority shall be named for the administration of justice, and the ferry boats, together with the landing, places shall belong to the town, and their products destined for the establishment of public schools for the benefit of the families who colonize said city.

3rd. Until the hundred families and the municipal authorities mentioned in the proceeding article be established, the ferry boats and their products shall belong to Don Robert Semple.

In proof said testimony of the mutual agreement of all and each of the contracting parties, they signed these presents in triplicate in the said town, day, month and year, in presence of the Alcades of the jurisdiction, Don L. W. Boggs, and the undersigned witnesses.

M.G. VALLEJO
R. SEMPLE
T.O. LARKIN
(Witnesses,) J. P. LESSE. VOR PRUDON

Territory of California, District of Sonoma:

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, Alcades of the District of Sonoma, Don Mariano G. Vallejo, Thomas O. Larkin and R. Semple, all being personally known to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the above instrument of writing and acknowledged the same to be their act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.

Given under my hand and private seal, at the office in Sonoma, this 19th day of May, 1847.

(Signed,) LILBURN W. BOGGS, [Seal] 
The foregoing as far as thus mark is a correct translation, 
and the remainder, a true and faithful copy of the original document, 
presented to me by T. O. Larkin 
W. E. P. HARTNELL 
Government Translator

September 13, 1849, Alta California, San Francisco

NEW GOODS AT BENICIA CITY

WETMORE & GRAY are receiving, per ship Jane Parker and other arrivals, a general assortment of desirable goods, which they offer for sale at their new warehouse in Benicia; including boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, of all descriptions; blankets and dry goods, fine-cutlery; hardware and builders' materials; plated and Britannia ware; looking glasses; beads; jewelry; military and fancy goods; gold scales; saddlery and harness; books, paper, and stationery; crockery and glass ware; tin ware, wooden ware, and house keeping utensils.-

Also, to arrive per barks Hebe, Kirkland, Edwd. Fletcher, and ships Duxbury and Charlotte, now due, a lot of fresh peaches, fresh tomatoes, and Baltimore fresh oysters, in cans; pilot and navy bread; splendid premium cooking stoves; iron hollow ware; platform and counter scales; flour, groceries, and a few choice wines, with additional articles as above. These goods are all of the best quality. Traders from the mining and other districts, will find in Benicia, at a great saving of time, travel, and expense, every description of desirable goods, at lowest prices. Several new stores will be opened during the present month. Storage taken at moderate rates.

Benicia August 7, 1849. 32tf

February 1, 1850, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

Trip to Benicia

The fine steamship Panama, Capt. Bailey, performed a trip to Benicia on Wednesday last, returning yesterday at about two o'clock. Time consumed in going, three hours and nine minutes. This is the second visit by vessels of the Pacific Steamship Company's line to the above thriving town, and it has been as highly successful as the first, which, it will be recollected by those of our citizens who enjoyed the delightful excursion, was accomplished by the pioneer steamer, California, Captain Forbes, in April last. The trip of the Panama was purely for the attainment of some immediate benefit to the machinery of the noble vessel.

Two or three of our fair townswomen, escorted by a small party of hastily-assembled gentlemen friends, constituted the guests of the occasion. The morning exhibited a marked improvement on the weather of the preceding few days, and the Panama left her moorings, fired a gun when off the town, and gaily glided over the slumbering surface of our bay of bays, beating a merry response, on the sounding brine, to the joyous laugh and becoming mirth of our delighted fellow passengers. The appearance, to the good citizens of Benicia, of our trim, gallant steamer in the offing, was announced by the quick flash, the smoke, and soon the distance-deadened sound of great guns, from the vessels of war at the naval station. Salute upon salute, to our prompt responsive guns and cheer upon cheer, returned "with a vengeance," through the iron lungs of our steam whistle, welcomed our arrival at the growing town of Benicia. From the shipping, as we slowly advanced, emerged the barge of the Commodore of the Pacific Squadron, moving onward to intercept our course; as nearer we approached, the ponderous wheels were stilled, and soon the venerable chieftain stood among the number of friends and acquaintances assembled on our quarter deck.

Immediately upon casting anchor, the company repaired to the saloon, where a sumptuous repast had been spread, and to which sat down several of our most distinguished army and navy officers. The wines which followed the removal of the cloth, the ladies having retired, were of quality superior; but neither in plenitude nor excellence did they surpass the flow of wit, nor rival the song and the toast. At a late hour the party broke up, and when the moon arose upon the peaceful scene, we were prepared to bid adieu to the quiet green hills of Benicia and return on our watery way.

Yesterday morn, about five o'clock, the Panama entered San Pablo bay and continued on her course, until a dense fog shut in the land from view, and it was deemed hazardous after one narrow escape, to grope our way with the lead. Anchor down, and in a blissful state of mystification, as to our locus in quo, we remained until about ten o'clock, when, to the perseverance of old Sol, we acknowledged our thanks for a joyful release.

A single gun proclaimed our arrival off San Francisco, and soon a score of small boats came dancing over the bright waters, in quest of passengers by the Panama steamer!

Our trip was ended, not so in its multiplicity of incident, all of which were of pleasure, for when years shall have produced their changes, and Fate chastened, or Fortune prospered the heroes of the day, Time will have dealt kindly with memory, and the Benicia trip of the Panama exist fondly in recollection. Nor shall the kindness and attention of her gentlemanly officers, who contributed so largely to the comfort of the guests, be forgotten. They have the best wishes of all who were on board for their boundless prosperity.

The Panama was piloted to Benicia, in handsome style, by Lieut. Duer, U. S. N., and conducted to her anchorage here with equal success.

October 8, 1850, Sacramento Transcript, Sacramento, California

Benicia the Magnificent.

The following from a letter to the Alta California by Squibob (aka John Phoenix, Esq.) on Benicia, is too good to be passed by without some little notice. We regret that we cannot publish the whole letter, but as many of our readers probably have not seen it at all, we must content ourselves with giving the following extracts:

Benicia, Oct. 1, 1850. Amiable Alta: Leaving the metropolis last evening by the gradually increasing in popularity steamer, West Point, I 'skeeted' up Pablo Bay, with the intention of spending a few days at the world renowned seaport of Benicia. Our captain, (a very pleasant and gentlemanly little fellow, by the way,) was named Swift, our passengers were emphatically a past set, the wind blew like well watered rose bushes, and the tide was strong in our favor. All these circumstances tended to impress me with the idea that we were to make a wonderfully quick passage, but alas, "the race is not always to the Swift;" the Senatorpassed us ten miles from the wharf, and it was nine o'clock and very dark at that, when we were roped in by the side of the "ancient and fishy smelling" hulk that forms the broad wharf of Benicia. As I shouldered my carpet bag and stepped upon the wharf among the dense crowd of four, individuals that were there assembled, and gazing upon the mighty city whose glimmering lights, feebly discernible through the Benician darkness, extended over an area of at least five acres, an overpowering sense of the grandeur and majesty of the great rival of San Francisco affected me.

I felt my own extreme insignificance, and was fain to lean upon a pile of water melons for support. Boy! said I, addressing an intelligent; specimen of humanity who formed an integral portion of the above mentioned crowd Boy! can you direct me to the best Hotel in this city? Ain't but one, responded the youth. Winn keeps it; right up the hill thar! Decidedly, thought I, I will go in to Winn, and, reshouldering my carpet bag, I blundered down the ladder, upon a plank foot path leading over an extensive morass in the direction indicated, not noticing, in my abstraction, that I had inadvertently retained within my grasp the melon upon which my hand had rested. Saw yer! resounded from the wharf as "I retired. Saw yer! repeated several individuals upon the foot path. For an instant my heart beat with violence at the idea of being seen accidentally appropriating so contemptible an affair as a water melon; but hearing a man with a small white hat, and large white moustache shout hello! and immediately rushing with frantic violence up the ladder, I comprehended that Sawyer was his proper name, and by no means referred, to me or my proceedings; so slipping the: melon into my carpet bag I tranquilly resumed my journey.

A short walk brought me to the portal of the best and only hotel in the city, a large two-story building dignified by the title of the "Solano Hotel," where I was graciously received by mine host, who welcomed me to Benicia in the most winning manner. After slightly refreshing my inner man with a feeble stimulant, and undergoing an introduction to the oldest inhabitant, I calmly seated myself in the bar room and contemplated with intense interest the progress of a game of billiards between two enterprising citizens, but finding after a lapse of two hours that there was no earthly probability of its ever being concluded, I seized a candlestick and retired to my room. Here I discussed my melon with intense relish, and then seeking my couch, essayed to sleep. But oh! the fleas! skipping, hopping, crawling, biting! Won't some one establish an agency for the sale of D. L. Charles & Co.'s Flea Bane in Benicia? I agonizingly shouted, and echo answered through the reverberating halls of the Solano Hotel. Yes, they - won't! What a night! ?'- But every thing must have an end, circles and California gold excepted, and day at last broke over Benicia. Magnificent place! I gazed upon it from the attic window of the Solano Hotel with feelings too deep for utterance.

 USS Benicia (1869-1884). 
Launched August 18, 1868 Portsmouth Navy Yard as AlgomaFollowing repairs at Mare Island Navy Yard, Benicia joined the North Pacific Squadron December 6, 1872. She cruised in Mexican, Central American, and Hawaiian waters and arrived at San Francisco November 29, 1874 carrying King Kalakaua of Hawaii and his suite.

The sun was rising in its majesty, gilding the red wood shingles of the U. States Storehouses in the distance; seven deserted hulks were riding majestically at anchor in the bay; clothes' lines, with their burdens, were flapping in the morning breeze; a man with a wheelbarrow was coming down the street! Everything, in short, spoke of the life, activity, business and bustle of great city. But in the midst of the excitement of this' scene, an odoriferous smell of beef steak came like a holy calm across my olfactories, and hastily drawing in my cabeza, I descended to breakfast. This operation concluded, I took a stroll in company with the oldest inhabitant, to all the lions of the city. There are no less than forty-two wooden houses, many of them two stories in height, and in this great place -- and nearly twelve hundred inhabitants, men, women and children.

There are six grocery, provision, dry goods, auction, commission, and where you can get almost any-little-thing-you-want-stores, one hotel, one school house -- which is also a brevet church -- three billiard tables, a post-office -- from which I actually saw a man get a letter -- and a ten-pin alley, where I am told a man once rolled a whole game, paid a dollar and a half for it, and walked off chuckling. Then there is a monte bank and a Common Council and a Mayor, whom, my guide informed me, was called "Carni," from a singular habit he has of eating roast beef for dinner. But there isn't a tree in all Benicia! "There was one," said the guide, "last year, only four miles from here, but they chopped it down for fire wood for the post." Alas! why didn't the woodman spare that tree?

How pretty is the map of Benicia! We went to see that too. Its all laid off in squares and streets for ever so far, and you can see the pegs stuck in the ground at every corner, only they are not exactly in a line sometimes, and there is Aspinwall's wharf, where they are building a steamer of iron that looks like a large pan, and Semple Slip, all divided on the map by lines into little lots of incredible value, but just now they are all under water, so no one can tell what they are actually worth. Oh! decidedly Benicia is a great place. And how much my dear sir, I modestly enquired of the gentlemanly recorder who displayed the map how much may this lot be worth? and I pointed with my finger at lot 97, block 16.496, situated as per map in the very centre of a swamp. That, sir, replied he with much suavity, ah! It would be held at about three thousand dollars, I suppose. I shuddered and retired.

As I sit here, looking from my airy chamber window upon the crowds of two or three persons, thronging the streets of the great city as I gaze upon that man, carrying home a pound and a half of fresh beef from market for his dinner as I listen to the bell of the "Mary" (a Napa steam packet of four cat power) ringing for departure, while her captain, in a hoarse voice of authority, requests the passenger to ''step over to the other side, as the larboard paddle-box is underwater," as I view all these unmistakable signs of the growth and prosperity of Benicia, I cannot but wonder at the infatuation of the people of your village, who will persist in their absurd belief that San Francisco will become a place, and do not hesitate to advance the imbecile idea that it may become a successful rival of this city. Nonsense! Oh Lord! at this instant there passed by my window the prettiest little l can't write any more this week, Durn -- if this takes I'll try it again.

Yours forever, Squibob

November 11, 1850, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

Two ships entering the bay of "San Francisco," one bound to Benicia, the other to the anchorage off the city of San Francisco would part company immediately after passing through the straits of San Francisco, now known as the "Golden Gate." The one bound to Benicia would keep the left hand, or northern shore aboard, and pass through Raccoon Straits, which separate Angel Island from the main land, and thence through San Pablo straits, seven miles, enter the bay of the same name, into which all the waters of the great Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers are discharged through the straits of Karniquez, on the north shore of which strait the corporate city of Benecia is located, distance about 35miles from the ocean bar, or 25 miles from the "Golden Gate."

Throughout this entire distance there is a clear open ship channel, free from any danger, and nowhere less than one mile wide, with a minimum depth of 30 feet at low water. The U. S. frigate Savannah has twice gone to Benicia, and beat most of the way. After passing the "Golden Gate," ships bound to the port of San Francisco keep the starboard or right hand shore aboard, and must take care to avoid a sunken rock, which lays on the southern side of the channel, off the "Presidio," on which the barque Annetta struck and received much damage. Further on, on the same side of the channel, off the northern limits of the city of San Francisco, there is a dangerous sandspit, on which many vessels have struck and remained several days; and one, the fine ship Tonquin, with a valuable cargo worth $200,000 was totally lost last winter. This circumstance gave to it the name of "Tonquin Shoal," which is rapidly encroaching on the channel, here quite narrow, leaving but little room between it and the barren rock of "Alcatraces," or "Bird Island," on the north side of the channel. This rock, too, is a great impediment to safe navigation, particularly to vessels leaving San Francisco, whether going to sea or Benicia; many vessels have been brought up by it. The U.S. sloop of war, St. Mary's, was carried on it by the tide, and remained on the rocks about 24 hours.

In a direct line between "Bird Island" and the island of "Yerba Buena," abreast of the city of "San Francisco," lays the dangerous sunken "Blossom Rock," on which there is only four feet of water at low tide. This rock is directly in the passage from "San Francisco Roads" to Benicia, and in consequence of the strong and irregular tides which whirl around this rock, as well as about "Bird Island," it is extremely difficult at all times to keep ships clear of them; and, as experience has already proven, no art or skill can always avoid them." A fine ship coming in last winter was driven on at "Bird Island," knocked off her rudder, cut away her mast, and was so much damaged in her bottom as to cause condemnation.

Vessels bound from San Francisco to Benicia in shunning Blossom rock, must look ut for "Southampton shoals," which extend from the northwest point of Yerba Buena island till you pass Raccoon straits. These shoals are from 7 to 9 miles long, and compress the ship channel on the east side of Angel island to a barely beating width. The anchorage off the city of San Francisco is very much exposed to winds from northwest to south (east about), which winds prevail from October to March, and sometimes blow with great force so as to cut off all communication between the shore and shipping for several days at a time.

The southwest winds blow from March to October, frequently in the afternoon, amount to the force of a tempest, so that communication with the shore by merchant ships' boats is interrupted for several hours almost every day; and as 7-10ths of the vessels arrive at the port of San Francisco after meridian, it rarely occurs that a ship is admitted to entry the same day; for before the ship can be secured at her anchorage, and the master get on shore, the custom house is closed, and he must of necessity wait its opening the next day; and, as is often the case, if a dozen or twenty vessels should arrive the same day, and as many more clearing, the vessel bound to Benicia would do well if her customhouse entry did not detain her 2 or 3 days. Such would certainly be the case of the last vessels arriving on any Saturday in the afternoon. The tide runs with great force in the "San Francisco Roads," and as the anchorage is in deep water, and averaging a mile from the shore, when the winds and tides are adverse, there is a rough sea; and it is only at particular stages of the tide that vessels bound for Benicia can get under way. If a vessel, from any case, does not embrace that auspicious moment, she must wait another 54 hours; and if, in the mean time, a "norther" comes on, such as drove the well found ship Barnstable, of Boston, (the only vessel in the cove of Yerba Buena at the time on shore, in the winter of 1845-6) with 3 anchors down; or a "souther," such as wrecked the brig Col Benton on Angel island last winter -- the ceremony of calling at San Francisco may, nay, assured would, cause the loss of much property and many valuable lives.

An inspection of the accompanying; charts, on which I have traced with red ink the routes described above, will show that from the Golden Gate to the northeast end of Angel island, via of Raccoon straits, is about seven miles, whilst by the way of San Francisco the distance to the same point is about eighteen miles. But what is of the greatest importance to the shipping interest is, that by the direct and natural route to Benicia, from the sea, through Raccoon straits, you have a free, clear passage all the way, thereby avoiding all the risks and dangers by which the circuitous route via San Francisco is so thickly studded.

So insecure is the anchorage off San Francisco considered, that insurance cannot be effected either in England or the United States on vessels to lay there, whilst insurance on any vessel, to lay the year round at Benicia, is effected at the usual rates. But were vessels insured for Benicia, compelled by law to enter at San Francisco, I doubt not but that an exception in the policy would be made to the risk of that part of the voyage, or at any rate, additional premium would be required. From what I have stated above, the result of my own observations in the course of nearly two years' service in those waters, which I have frequently navigated and traversed in every class of vessel, from the Ohio 74 down to a barge drawing eighteen inches water, I am satisfied, all things considered, that to require a vessel bound to Benicia to enter at the custom house at San Francisco, would, in ninety cases out of one hundred, cause a detention of three days, often of five or six, and in the winter season of double that time; even if their crews do not run away as soon as the ship anchors, which is frequently the case.

It has been recently alleged as an objection to Benicia as a port of entry, that by reason of the strong current setting out of the straits of "Karquinez," vessels are frequently compelled to anchor outside. However, strong the ebb tide may be set out of the straits, the flood tide sets in still stronger, as the vacuum produced by seven hours ebb has to be filled by a six hour flood. These regular tides setting in and out of the straits, afford great facilities in the navigation of these waters. If strong tides, however, form an objection to Benicia, protected as she is from violent gales, the objection is more potent against San Francisco, where the tides are much stronger than in the straits of "Karquinez." This objection, however, is futile, as is proved in New York where the tides in the East River are much stronger than anywhere in the Bay of San Francisco. The strength of the tide, as ascertained by the tide log thrown from the United States sloop Warren, at anchor in the "straits of Karquinez," and in San Francisco roads, is known to be from one-eighth to one-fifth the stronger in the "roads at San Francisco" than in the port of Benicia.

I omitted, in the proper place, to mention another difficulty often encountered y vessels departing as well as entering the port of San Francisco; I allude to the impenetrable fogs which, during the summer season, i.e. from April to October, envelope San Francisco and the southern shore of the bay, which renders the shoals and rocks above mentioned doubly dangerous, from which the northern shore and the track to Benicia through the Raccoon straits, are almost entirely exempt at all times.

Thomas Ap C. Jones, U.S. Navy
Washington City, August 29, 1850

December 15, 1852, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

BENECIA CORRESPONDENCE

Benicia, December 12, 1852

Southern Pacific Company Ferryboat
Solano, Port Costa Benicia, California

Messrs. Editors: It is almost impossible to believe this is the rainy season, for more than a week has passed since a particle of rain has fallen. The hills look beautiful n their new liveries of green and "old Sol" smiles fiercely.

There is nothing of interest going on, and in fact Benecia may be voted at present a dull place. The stages for Napa go out loaded with passengers, principally Mexicans. A great bull fight comes off there on the 12th instant, and hence the great attraction.

Mr. W. J. Lewis, Chief Engineer, assisted by Colonel Stockton, commenced the survey of the Benecia and Marysville Railroad last Monday. They are accompanied by Messrs. Clark, Skinner, Nivon, Stockton and Robinson. It will be a great thing for Benecia if this road is built. I understand Mr. Lewis considers the route perfectly feasible. There is no doubt there are capitalists enough in your city willing to take stock.

A large, fine brick edifice has been erected here, intended for a City Hall, but it is rumored strong efforts will be made to induce the Legislature to hold its meetings within its walls. 

Nous verrons. AMIGOS.

John C. Heenan, the Benicia Boy

At the age of seventeen, John Heenan crossed the continent to California, which had become a lawless and chaotic place following the 1849 gold rush. There is no detailed record of what he did there, but he is known to have spent some time in the workshop of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company in Benicia, which served as state capital in 1853 54. Six feet two inches tall, and weighing around 190 pounds, his strength and endurance became legendary, and his success in many casual brawls earned him the nickname Benicia Boy. Spotting his talent, itinerant English trainer Jim Cusick took him to New York, where it might best be exploited. Heenan did not remain long in America. Just a year after the battle at Farnborough, the country was torn apart by civil war, and the Benicia Boy returned to England in March 1862. There the following year, by which time the surge in public interest in the prize ring had subsided, he fought once more for the championship.

January 11, 1854, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California

The First Steamboat in California.

Few of our citizens who arrived in California after 1819, are aware that the first steamboat in California was built at Benicia, and launched in August, 1819, by the celebrated Boston Association, known as the "Edward Everett Company." This boat was brought out in pieces from Boston, and she was put together at the West Point, in Benicia, and launched as above stated. She was seventy feet in length, with twenty-five feet beam. She had an engine of eight horse power, and made about 4 knots an hour, against wind and tide. Her cabin and decks would contain comfortably about forty passengers. She made her first trip to Sacramento in September, and returned shortly after, when she was sold to Simmons, Hutchinson & Co. for $6,000. cash. She was afterwards engaged on the Yuba River. We well remember the arrival of this steamer (the "Pioneer") at the then inconsiderable collection of huts and tents at Sacramento, for Sutter's Embarcadero.) Guns were fired, and loud cheer, and congratulations welcomed the advent of the first steamer.

The McKim owned by Simmons, Hutchinson & Co. arrived in Sacramento about a month later, and was soon followed by the Senator. The ship Leonore also built a steamboat, which failed to reach its destination. We also learn that as early as 1847, the Russians, from Sitka, fitted out a small steamboat about the size of a ship's long-boat, which made a trip, or part of one, to Sutter's Embarcadero. A Philadelphia vessel brought out in 1849, a miniature steamboat about eighteen feet long, which made excellent time from San Francisco to Sacramento in the latter part of September. But with the exception of the Russian attempt, the "Pioneer" claims to be what her name designated the first steamboat ever ploughing the waters of the placid Sacramento. The Placer Times, then published in Sacramento," had a notice of her arrival, which may easily be found, if files are yet in existence. The "Pioneer" was commanded by one of the editors of this paper. Adv. and Chronicle

February 25, 1854, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California

From our Benicia Correspondent 
The Military Barracks near Benicia.

Benicia, February 23d

Perhaps the fewest number of the people of California are aware of the existence, within a mile and a half of Benicia, of the only military barracks on the Pacific coast. I propose to enlighten the readers of the Union to the extent of the information in my possession on this subject; premising that the facts which I may state were collected on a tour of actual observation, and can be relied upon as substantially correct.

The grounds on which the military barracks are located, lie east of Benicia, and almost immediately in the rear of the manufacturing establishment of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. They are upland, with gently undulating hills, verdure clad and pleasing to the eye; extending off to the north as far as the vision can trace them, and their bases washed on the south by the wastes of Suisun Bay. They comprehend an area of four hundred acres, enclosed, and are known as the Reserve, which was ceded to the Government of the United States in 1849, by Messrs. T. O. Larkin and Robert Semple. The enclosure contains some fifteen buildings, among which are officer's quarters, and the Quartermaster's and subsistence depots, erected in 1849-50. The barracks was erected in 1850.

1851 the Arsenal was commenced, where are kept all the medical, ordinance and other military stores for the Government service on the Pacific coast. The expense for erecting the Quartermaster's, subsistence and barracks buildings is estimated at $400,000, including the wharf, which was constructed during the last year, at a cost of about $15,000. There are now on hand, in the various departments enumerated, supplies for the Pacific coast for one year. The principal store house is constructed of Benicia granite, obtained at a distance of not wore than a hundred yards from its site, where is a quarry exhaustless in its supplies, which jut from the surface of the earth, and are obtained with the least possible effort in that department of human labor.

At this time there are in the barracks small arms necessary to supply five thousand men, and ammunition for over half a million rounds.

In the ordnance department are carriages for fifty heavy guns, intended as a sea coast defense; the guns belonging to which are now at San Diego. To supply these, the eye of the visitor falls upon thirty thousand cannon balls, painted black, and neatly piled up on the enclosed grounds. This computation includes a due proportion-of bombs, with mortars to send them on their mission of destruction and death. Powder to the extent of one hundred tons is also in storage here.

At present there are thirty-four ordnance men in quarters, and one hundred and thirty dragoon recruits. The following list includes the various departments into which the military post is divided, and the officers in command:

Quartermaster's Department Capt. R. E. Clary, in charge. 
Subsistence Depot Lieut. J. Hamilton, in charge. 
Arsenal Brevet Capt. C. P. Stone, in command. 
Lieut. W. J Welcker. 
Benicia Barracks Lieut. W. Dye, in command. 
Lieuts. Webb, Latimer and Hood.

As yet but little or no manufacturing is done at the barracks, although there are blacksmiths, carpenters, carriage-makers, armorers' shops, saddleries, &c, for purposes of adjustment and repair.

The traveler who passes through the waters of Suisun Bay, on an upward or downward trip between Sacramento and Benicia, will discover the Stars and Stripes floating proudly out on the breeze from an eminence in the near vicinity of the latter place. This point commands a view of the entire bay and its opposite shore. At the base of this flag-staff is a cannon, timbered and ready for use -- small in calibre, to be sure, but possessing unusual interest to the American citizen. on amount of that defence of which it is an emblem, and from the train of thought which it awakens with reference to the very position it occupies, as one marked out by Nature, when fortified, as suitable for the utmost degree of protection and defence. At no distant day, the threatening aspect of a hundred cannon will be seen to bristle from its height, inviting the approach of an enemy's fleet, that they may scatter its vessels to fragments in their audacious attempt to penetrate a single mile beyond.

These works are worthy the attention of visitors, and I advise every one who finds himself compelled to remain a day in this vicinity, to escape from the imprisonment of Benicia, and repair to the barracks for a personal inspection of its curiosities and wonders. It is a source of pride to California, like many of her other pleasant features, as being ore of those remarkable advances to progress which have almost perfected themselves in a day. ~~ B.

November 20, 1857, California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences, San Francisco

The Work of an Artist.

A BEAUTIFUL MEMENTO There can be seen for a few days at the Marble Works of Devine Brother, K street, a beautiful Monument to be erected over the grave of a little child of M. J. Goodfellow, of Downieville. It is a broken column some three feet high, of Benicia sandstone, with the word "Johnny" carved on the pillar. On the top is a wreath of flowers carelessly lain, from which a rosebud "Johnny" has dropped, and lies withered at the base of the column. The design is very very simple yet beautiful, and reflects great credit on the artist. - Sac. Bee.

June 4, 1858, California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences

Splendid Horses

On our trip up to Napa Valley, we tarried awhile at Benicia, the depot and terminus of the "Great Railroad now about to connect Marysville with the Bay City via Vallejo, Benicia, etc."

While at Benicia we visited Neville's Stables, to see the famous stallion John Kerr, owned by T. J. Bedford, Esq. This animal is of the heavy draught-horse species, Canadian, and of very remarkable qualities; the very animal for procuring a race of real "work-horses."

John Kerr is a dark chestnut, of remarkable points, and all excellent. He was brought across the Plains in '52. Those who desire the very best kind of farm-horse should secure this kind of stock. His weight is about 1700 pounds.

Young Argyle This superb stallion stands at the Solano stables, opposite the Solano House, at Benicia, and for size, action and beauty, we look upon him as one of the finest animals in our State. Young Argyle is owned by James McGee, of Morocco Valley, and he now stands alternate weeks at Benicia and Suisun city. His color is between a light bay and chestnut, inclining to a cream, and it is rarely we find a horse of so graceful carriage. He reminds us of those beautiful "wild Arabian coursers," as his action and the carriage of his head seems so perfectly natural. He has made his three-mile heats in 5:45 and 5:40. His sire Old Argyle; dam, of the Sumpter stock.

Big John A large and very fine stallion stands at Brown's stables, at Napa, bearing this name. He is very large and finely formed in frame, fine neck and head, good action, and splendid limbs. He is four years old, and weighs about 1300 pounds. Sired by Davidson's Morgan, one of the fine Vermont horses. Big John is owned by G. W. Warden. Esq. of Clear Lake, and is certainly a remarkable animal for his years.

Black Hawk Gen. Scott This noble horse stands at Shattuck & Co.'s stables, Oakland. This animal was sired by the Vermont Black Hawk, and his size, form and action, mark him as one of the finest breeders on our coast.

California can boast of as fine entire horses as can be found, and there can be no doubt that with our climate, and a proper care on the part of those who control this class of stock, in a few years we shall show some of the finest stock in the world. One thing is very important, those who own and control the first class of breeding stock, should take a stand never to permit their animals to degenerate by a union with stock of an inferior quality; for by such a course the name and fame of sire or damn are reproached by their progeny. The great object should be to make the subsequent stock of as high a character as is possible, and this never can be done when a careful regard is not had to the character of the stock with which the sire unites. We hope owners of blood stock, and all fine stock, will look to this matter, and pay a higher regard to the stock they introduce into our State, than merely to labor for the "almighty dollar."

May 15, 1859, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

Letter From Solano County
Condition Present and Prospective of the County

Benicia, May 13, 1859

By an act of the Legislature of 1858, the county seat of Solano was removed from Benicia to Fairfield, Suisun Valley, twenty-five mils distant. Since the removal, the latter has grown into a place of consideration importance. It is situated on high and dry land, and will be a more desirable place of residence than Suisun City, although the latter now monopolizes the trade of that section of the county. A temporary structure has been erected for county purposes, but this is to give way to two new and substantial buildings now under contract. Laborers are now employed in quarrying stone for the Court House, which will be completed the ensuing fall. The Court House, which is to be built of brick, will not be finished until next season. The county buildings will cost some $25,000, and when completed will add greatly to the appearance of the capital . . .

Benicia

At the last session of the Legislature the city charter of Benicia was so amended as to transfer, with certain restrictions, the management of her financial interests to a Board of Trustees. Messrs Alison, Hayes & Barry have been elected as such officers, and will shortly enter on the discharge of their duties. They are to take possession of all the city property, dispose of it from time to time, ad appropriate the proceeds of such sales towards defraying the outstanding indebtedness against the city, which amounts to about sixty thousand dollars.

The capital of both State and county depends mainly for its support on the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, the U.S. Barracks, and the public seminaries of learning. Apart from these, there is scarcely any sign of vitality about the place. The streets look like those of the deserted village. Occasionally a wagon from the adjacent country may be seen in front of a store, and at evening some bustle is apparent on the wharf, where the entire population congregate to see the stopping steamers.

The town, nevertheless, is considered a very desirable one as a place of residence. The climate is invigorating and healthful, and the society intelligent and refined.

The schools are all exceedingly prosperous, and applications keep constant pace with increasing accommodations. The seminary of Miss Atkins now numbers some fifty or more boarders, amongst whom are pupils from Oregon, and the most remote settlements of the State. Many of the citizens evince exquisite taste in the beautifying of their gardens, and grounds, and despite the westerly winds, their exertions are amply rewarded.

Pacific Company's Works

The extensive and thorough overhauling of the steamer Golden Gate, and particularly of her machinery, required a vast accession to the ordinarily large force of laborers employed at the works of the Pacific Mail Company. These having been effected, the surplus hands were discharged, but the foundry, machine shops and dock still look as busy as a bee hive. The British propeller Otter has been undergoing repairs for a month past, and only left this morning for San Francisco, prior to her departure for the Russian Possessions, whither she goes to engage in the fur trade. Her engine and boilers were taken out and overhauled, a new propeller put in, upper deck built, and, in fact, so thoroughly improved as to fit her admirably for the Northern waters.

August 8, 1862, California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences

Benicia

This quiet city, that has so many years seemingly stood stood still, is making a steady and healthful growth, and marching on to prosperity. It has been well for this place that it had no feverish speculations of late years. Once Benicia felt the effects of public excitements, and then lots went up so high and fast, that those who held on went up, too, and have never come down since. But Benicia is all right now, a steady improvement is manifest in all sections of the place. The stores are enlarged and improved, numerous dwellings have been built, and more are building, grounds fenced, gardens laid out and improved. These are all true signs of a healthful condition. These improvements are not a spasmodic effort, but they are the evidence of real stability, for these improvements are made by the resident citizens, and are therefore permanent.

The streets are much improved, buildings are repaired and finished, and many of the former waste places along the main street are built upon and now occupied by store of valuable goods, and also many kinds of goods made, thus giving employment to numbers of workmen. These are the things that build up a place. The grounds around the once capitol are much improved by being built upon with good stores and dwellings. The several colleges are enlarged, and the grounds ornamented with trees and flowers. The Catholic institutions occupies a commanding position, and is very flourishing indeed. The Collegiate Institute of Mr. Flatt's is also flourishing. The school of Miss Atkins' has a very large number of pupils. The American Hotel (now the Stage House), has been much improved, the proprietor giving every attention to the comfort of his patrons. It is an excellent hotel. Stages leave regularly on arrival steamers, for Vallejo, Napa, and Sulphur Springs, distance 42 miles, cost only $3; to Napa, 22 miles $2. This line connects at Napa with Sonoma, Petaluma, Healdsburg, &c. A line to Suisun, also, 25 miles, $2.

Benicia has well stocked stores, where all the needed wants of the family can be supplied. Messrs. Scott & Danforth have a large and excellent stock of goods. Mr. S. G. Gray, dry goods, and many others. J. W. Sanborn has a well stocked periodical and book-store. Mr. Sanborn is the old Pioneer Newspaper-Man, and has the monopoly of this business, and he richly deserves it, for he is a very honorable and industrious man.

August 22, 1862, California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences

Reward of Industry.

"Show me an industrious man and I will show you a prosperous one."

This great truth is often verified against great odds. We love to see the hard-working, industrious man prosper and succeed in all his plans. Although the working-man often works at great disadvantage, and for want of means cannot compete with other men in the race for wealth, yet, after all, by slow and steady gain, they very often outrun those whose chances seemed much better at the start.

When at Benicia, a short time since, we called at the Mill of Mr. Summers, near the American Hotel, to see how a man can succeed "little by little." Mr. Summers has a snug little Mill, built by his own hard earnings. This Mill is put in operation high wind-power, has thirty feet fans, and one hundred and twenty feet surface each fan. With this power can grind two tuns of barley for feed, and cut twenty-five cords of wood per day. Mr. Summers is a hard-working man, doing all this work alone.

Some six years since we had occasion to employ a gardener for a few days, at Benicia, and gave Mr. Summers employment. It was his first work. Since that time he has worked steadily, first at gardening, and then purchased a horse and dray, and with this worked on. Next worked in building the road to the Steamship Company's Foundry; next, the new wharf-road the latter he did wholly himself and more recently completed his Mill. During this time he has earned and built himself a snug little "Cottage House," where we met him and his family, in a quiet and neat home, with an industrious wife and bright children. Thus beginning without a dollar, Mr. Summers has, by real hard labor, made himself and family comfortable. Here is an example for thousands, who are unfortunately too proud or too lazy to work. We make this record, in the hope to awaken an increased desire among working-men to win a way to comfort and independence. Mr. Summers deserves well, and will do well. Benicia should encourage all such industrious men.

July 19, 1863, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

The Execution of the Deserter.

Early on Friday morning, the garrison of the barracks at Benicia were formed on the parade ground to witness the execution of the unfortunate deserter, Conrad Kleinhopf. Sick and well, prisoners and guard, officers and servants, every living soul, were required to be present. The procession was formed with the prisoner sitting on his coffin in the wagon, and the firing party (twelve picked men, of nerve and unfaltering aim) marching with arms reversed as at a funeral. The column marched until it occupied three sides of a square, where it was halted and faced toward the open side. Here the prisoner was seated on his last narrow tenement, the bandage placed over his eyes by the Officer of the Day, the twelve muskets loaded by the Adjutant with eleven ball cartridges and one blank, and the order was given to "fire." One simultaneous, flash, one ringing report, and the doomed man's body was lifted nearly eight inches from the coffin, and tumbled over by the force of the 11 balls which pierced a vital part. Five shots had perforated his heart, and the whole eleven were within a circle of three inches in diameter. The dead man was a private in the Fourth Infantry, four of the prisoners' confined at the barracks are arrested deserters, who have not yet been tried, and they were very much saddened by the prospect before them, for they were particularly informed that desertion was the crime for which the execution was ordered. They will be speedily tried, and, if found guilty, suffer the same fate without delay, as the sentence requires the approval only of the Commander of the Department, and is not required to be sent on to the President, as in the case of Kleinhopf. An unusual number of passes were given the soldiers by Col. Black, after the execution this example being deemed sufficient to deter any from violating their privilege.

The author of an 1863 book entitled The Resources of California described the budding city: "Vallejo has a magnificent site for a town. The present village is built on the slope of hills about a hundred or a hundred and fifty feet high, which rise from the harbor so gently, that a heavily laden wagon can be drawn over without an extra team. About a half a mile back from the landing lays a beautiful and very fertile plain several miles wide and extending from the lower part of the harbor. I have never seen a city provided with such a magnificent place for country residences as this."

St. Paul's Church, Benicia

The Parish of St. Paul's was officially organized on February 13, 1855, when its first Vestry was elected and designed in 1859 by Lt. Julian McAllister.

It was built by shipwrights of the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company. The church is an outstanding example of early California Gothic ecclesiatical architecture, noted for its fine craftsmanship.

(Images: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Benicia. Built by shipwrights.)

St. Paul's is the third oldest Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northern California preceded only by St. Pauls, Sacramento in 1849, and St. John s, Marysville in 1854.

The history of the Protestant Episcopol Church in Martinez is inseparably connected with that of Benicia as early as 1854 and for years after; members of the church crossed the Straits of Carquinez.

The first clergyman of the church known to have officiated in Benicia was the Rev. D. J. Moore, although services had been held there by Major Townsend, U.S.A. as far back as September 24, 1854. The second clergyman was Rev. Orange Clark, who came to California as Chaplain to the U.S. Marine Hospital, who, although unconnected with any parish as Rector, rendered his services at different points, as needed.

In July of 1859, Lt. McAlister drew up plans for a new church building that was constructed during November and December of that year. Services have been held in it since without interruption. The five stages of development were:

• Stage I: 1859 The church was a small square building with a flat roof. The nave was only about half the size it is today.
• Stage II: 1863 The present transepts were built. The famous vaulted ceiling was constructed by Norwegian shipwrights, who built it exactly like the hull of a ship, upside down.
• Stage III: 1872 An organ chamber was added to the north transept where the present organ is now located.
• Stage IV: 1873 The nave was extended 24 feet to the west, making it the present place.
• Stage V: 1886 The present, enlarged chancel-sanctuary was added and the old chancel became the present sacristy. The Parish Hall (once called the Guild Hall) was built in 1882.

March 25, 1871, Pacific Rural Press

Artificial Stone Making in San Francisco.

We visited the Pacific Stone Company's works, on Turk and Larkin streets, last week, and found that they had twenty men busily employed and were turning out daily two tons of stone, chiefly for ornamental work. This shows that the merits of their manufactured article is being appreciated here.

We have previously described fully the method of manufacturing the Sansome stone, and have spoken of its excellent qualities, qualities which have been proved by the severest tests and are attested by the highest authorities. The stone withstands the effects of heat and cold, moisture and dry ness, and other climatic influences. It is a perfect imitation of natural sandstone, and is, in fact, a stone, not plaster, nor concrete. It can be shaped after any design, however intricate, at a comparatively low cost, and the more complicated the design, the less the expense compared with that of natural rock.

We see that the company are making colored stones, the color penetrating the whole piece and being indestructible, we are told. We were assured that they were prepared to reproduce in the stone any color or shade of color which might be desired.

Every stone in the very handsome church which Dr. Stone's congregation are building, is furnished by this company. Ornamental work is being done for the grounds of Mr. Ralston, at Belmont. There are some very fine specimens of work for the lot of Mr. Thomas Anderson, at the Masonic Cemetery. The vases which are to be placed on each side of the steps, and which are fashioned after designs by Messrs. Wright & Saunders, are as tine as anything in stone in this city. For lots in Lone Mountain cemetery some very nice decorations are being manufactured. A font is being made for St. Pauls church at Benicia, etc., etc.

Grindstones are quite a speciality. One was shown us of 70-inch diameter, weighing 1-1/2 tons, made for the California File works. Indeed, we saw stones varying from 70 inches to 3 inches in diameter, and from 12 inches to 14-inch in thickness, which are made here.

This company have made a contract with Mr. Sansome, in virtue of which he will remain here several years. This fact will give additional guarantee to the excellence of the articles which will be manufactured. Their business will undoubtedly increase to large dimensions, and is already almost too great for their present capacity. We understand that the company will enlarge their works this summer.

August 29, 1872, California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences

LETTER FROM AN OLD CALIFORNIAN AT THE EAST.
New Series.
M. A. SARLES
Leaves from by Journal. Number Ten.

I received from from Col. Warren an invitation to be present at the re-union of old friends in Benicia, I cannot describe bow sorrowfully I bad to return an answer, apologizing for my inability to accept it. At the gathering, among other things, I should, of course, refer particularly to my long connection with the Collegiate Institute. In the first place I could not hut speak of our beloved and respected principal, Mr. C. J. Flatt, of his enthusiasm in the cause of education and the distinguished success which always attended his efforts as an instructor. I could assure him that I have compared some of the essays written by Henry T. Hastings, William B. Hyde, Jos. McKenna, J. Hurlburt, and C. C. Rueer, copies of which I have preserved, with orations recently delivered at Oakland by noted men, and that the preference has been given, by a fine scholar to whom I referred them, for ultimate judgment, to the essays.

I should next refer to the gentlemen who were Associated with Mr. Plait. Prof. Dundon, who is Vice President of the New York City Normal College, Mr. Thos. J. Pope, who was recently in employ of the Secretary of State and Mr. Abbott, and I am sure the young gentlemen who have attended the Institute would join me in bearing witness to their brilliant talents and their success. This would lead me to speak of the graduates, and where I ask, can be found finer examples of California young men than Henry T. Hastings, William B. Hyde who won, unassisted by wealth or political influence his rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Joseph Mckenna, Charles C. Roger, H. Coffin, L. P. Marshall, John Hook, J. A. Booth, Hugh C. Riche, J. Herbert, George and James Lamont, Marshall Hastings and others whose names do not come as readily to memory . . .

It would be impossible to avoid renumbering the rivalry between the Collegiate Institute and the Young Ladies' Seminary, and this would bring to mind the lovely and accomplished young women whom it was an honor to contend with. How pleasantly their names come to me: the Misses Woodbridge, the Misses Hook, the Misses Sather, Miss Walsh, Miss Barber, the Misses Riddle, Miss Woodworth, Miss O'Neill, Miss Hedges, Miss Miss Gift, Miss Laughlin, the Misses Wadhams, the Misses Parks, Miss Purdy, Miss Reeve, Miss Dimpfel, Miss Knox, Miss Elliott, Miss Stanford, and their energetic and gifted head Miss Atkins and her aids, among whom I particularly remember Mrs. Haskell and Mr. Pioda. How pleasant were the examinations and exhibitions, with the ever welcome fare and timely address or criticisms of the Rev. Dr. Woodbridge to encourage us. Heartily welcome, too, was the cheerful face of Col. Warren. Strangely enough, we remember, that while the most distinguished men in the State praised and substantially aided us, the San Francisco Bulletin never had a really good word for us. The Sacramento Union and San Francisco Alta were, however, generous friends, and the Farmer went so far as to pronounce the Benecia Schools the best in the State . . .

If I could be present I would tell my friends how grateful I am to my Heavenly Fatter that He directed my footsteps to California and Benicia . . .

February 6, 1873, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California

The U. S. Revenue Cutter Wayanda.

Benicia, February 5th. The U. S. Revenue cutter Wayanda anchored off Benicia arsenal last night. To-day her officers are boarding all vessels passing up or down the river and examining the papers. The Custom-house office at this place was abolished some time since, which may account for this movement.

January 13, 1875, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

Amusements

California Theatre-- Benefit of Miss Jennie Lee

-- The bill for tonight is one of unusual attractiveness, and for the benefit of a very bright and clever little actress, who in deservedly popular: Robertson's play of "Caste" and the farce of "The Benicia Boy," with an interlude of songs by Miss Annie Higges and the beneficiary, Miss Jennie Lee. The house will undoubtedly be crowded, If the popularity of the little lady be correct foundation for augury. On Friday night, Mrs. Judah will have her first benefit in two years.

May 7, 1881, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California

Knocked Overboard and Drowned.

Benicia, May 6th. About 8 o'clock last evening John Lucy, an employe on George W. McNears' wharf at Port Costa, was drowned by falling from a sail boat, in passing between the railroad ferry slips on this side and the islands south of it. Three men were in the boat, coming from Port Costa, and while passing the above place a sudden gust of wind struck the sail and the boom hit Lucy in the head, knocking him overboard. As he went over he grasped and carried with him an oar. The boat was brought about as soon as possible and search made for the body, but without avail. Dragging was resorted to until a late hour in the night, and it is now going on. Deceased was about 25 years of age, and has a wife and two children in the East.