Most of the natives and old inhabitants had returned to their ranches and houses; yet there were not roofs enough in the country to shelter the thousands who had arrived by sea and by land.

The news had gone forth to the whole civilized world that gold in fabulous quantities was to be had for the mere digging, and adventurers came pouring in blindly to seek their fortunes, without a thought of house or food.

Yerba Buena had been converted into San Francisco.
Sacramento City had been laid out, lots were being rapidly sold, and the town was being built up as an entrepot to the mines.
Stockton also had been chosen as a convenient point for trading with the lower or southern mines.

Captain Sutter was the sole proprietor of the former, and Captain Charles Weber was the owner of the site of Stockton, which was as yet known as "French Camp.".