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she struck a sunken reef near the island
of San Margarita – about a days journey
below here, perhaps more – the Captain tried to
put her on shore but the waters increasing so
fast stopped the draft of air & caused the
blaze to come out & set the ship on fire –
some of the passengers escaped & many were
lost Mrs Haly (with whom I was acquainted)
& her sister were saved – whale ships lying
near carried many of the passengers to San
Francisco – the Tennessee also a fine steamer of
the Pacific company was wrecked near San F –
but her passengers & every thing saved –
Mrs Maj McKinstry was on board – The steamer
passed here instead of stopping as she had intended.
The vessel is a total loss – these accidents frighten
me when I think of the distance between us &
the states. but we are in the hands of God where
ever we may be – & He never forgets us.

John has made a nice shower bath for us on a little
porch just outside the bedroom. he had the bed
room window cut down to the floor & made a little
door to open – it is nicely arranged. The water
falls into a large tub made of boards & we can
take either a shower or tub bath –

We had an opportunity of seeing some of the Senoritas
of San Diego a few days since at a little party
Col Magruder gave – but as they cannot speak English