Page 3

[Rev. Dinsdale]
- 3 -
them had their faces painted which had not a disagreeable appearance."
 Later at the Brothertown and Oneida/missions he grew familiar with the red
men of Wisconsin.
The second, or California diary, is perhaps the most interesting of the number.
 Leaving Linden, Wisconsin, November 3, 1849, the traveler went via Milwaukee,
Buffalo, and Albany to New York City whence he sailed December first for
Panama.  There-after we have a daily account until the landing January 21,
1850 at the new city of San Francisco, which he thus characterizes: "San
Francisco I think will become a great place.  Its location is good convenient
and pleasant and more still is healthy."  Thence the young minister
sought the mining camps, digging during the week, and preaching on Sunday.
 Here for example is a typical entry: Ap 1850 Thurs 11.  After three or four
attempts descended the big canyon and made a claim.  Took us all day and
had to en-camp before reaching the summit.  Dined in a ravine on a small
is-land near the bottom.  Found just on the edge of the Canyon stream a very
good stick for a cane marked by a vine.  I called it the rod of God and received
it as a sign of his blessing and protection."  And this: "Monday
15 In Dutch Gulch; got but little gold.  Gold diggers dwelling"
 "Sunday
19 Jany 1851.  A Captn (Sea) told me how he came to be in the mines.  Lost
his vessel and came to San Francisco to purchase another.  There he took
the fever and came to dig: Has made but little, Spoke of the misery casued
to families by the gold discovery.  His case that of thousands.  Leave all
to mine and then make nothing."  Mr. Dinsdale's case was not of
that
character.  The fifth of June, 1853, the assay of his gold at the Philadelphia
mint