DAWN AND THE DONS 115
and others—received in return sweetmeats from Mexico.
A collation followed, the tables graced with roses, and laden with oranges, pomegranates, figs, olives, dates, cordials and wines. After a feast in the plaza by the populace, space was cleared and bulls and grizzly bears were set upon one another. Two days later, Sola and his suite—cuirrassed cavaliers with shields and lances, and ladies on palfreys, a cavalcade out of the ‘Faery Queen’ itself—set forth to San Carlos Mission, Carmel. The way led through a wood, past stations of the cross. Suddenly there appeared a band of monks, attended by Indian acolytes.
Behind came padres from all over California,
bearing upon a platform an effigy of Christ crucified, and followed by Indians to the number of many hundred. Sola and his officers alighted and kissed the feet of the Christ, and amid the odor of incense from censors
swung by acolytes, entered the Mission.” Then followed a solemn religious ceremony, which
the Indians
presented
a sham
after
battle, and
the
cavalcade returned with due pomp and dignity to Monterey. Occasionally during this period a world traveler would find his way to Monterey. In 1786, the Compte de la Perouse,
noted French scientist, with his company of learned men, was royally entertained both at Monterey and at the Mission at Carmel.
few other noted wanderers
So with Vancouver, and a
of that day, all of who were greatly impressed by the unique conditions in this
