1848
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
25th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
having companions or an escort
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
accoutredadjective
provided with necessary articles of equipment for a specialized purpose (especially military)
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
adventurousadjectiveUS /ædˈventʃərəs/
willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
aguenounUS /ˈeɪɡjuː/
a fit of shivering or shaking
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
arch-enemy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
ardournoun
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
arrivingverbUS /ərˈaɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
BaptismnounUS /ˈbæptɪzəm/
a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
barknounUS /bɑːrk/
tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
have
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
Benicia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
Carquinez
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
combatnounUS /ˈkɑːmbæt/
an engagement fought between two military forces
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
conveyancenounUS /kənˈveɪəns/
document effecting a property transfer
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
corduroynounUS /ˈkɔːrdərɔɪ/
a cut pile fabric with vertical ribs; usually made of cotton
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
dampedverbUS /dæmpt/
past form of “damp” — deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
the act of departing
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
destinynounUS /ˈdestəni/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
Diablo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
dispiritedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɪrətɪd/
marked by low spirits; showing no enthusiasm
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
DoradonounUS /dɔːˈrɑːdoʊ/
a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Reticulum and Pictor; contains most of the Large Magellanic Cloud
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
eagernessnounUS /ˈiːɡərnəs/
a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
ElnounUS /el/
angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
emaciatedadjectiveUS /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
Embarcadero
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
entrustverbUS /enˈtrʌst/
confer a trust upon
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
divisible by two
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
at any time
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
FiringnounUS /ˈfaɪrɪŋ/
the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
flannelnounUS /ˈflænəl/
a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
set up or found
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
frailadjectiveUS /freɪl/
physically weak
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
Francisco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
Hala-chum-muck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
helmsmannounUS /ˈhelmzmæn/
the person who steers a ship
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
Higgins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
hoenounUS /hoʊ/
a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
InvoluntaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlənteri/
not subject to the control of the will
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
LaunchverbUS /lɔːntʃ/
set up or found
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
launch-loads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
manifestverbUS /ˈmænəfest/
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
MinesnounUS /maɪnz/
plural of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
miningnounUS /ˈmaɪnɪŋ/
the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
MontenounUS /ˈmɑːnti/
a gambling card game of Spanish origin; 3 or 4 cards are dealt face up and players bet that one of them will be matched before the others as the cards are dealt from the pack one at a time
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
MontezumanounUS /ˌmɑːntɪˈzuːmə/
evergreen tree with large leathery leaves and large pink to orange flowers; considered a link plant between families Bombacaceae and Sterculiaceae
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
nerved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
NevadanounUS /nəˈvɑːdə/
a state in the western United States
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
and nothing more
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
Pablo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
pantsnounUS /pænts/
(used in the plural) underpants worn by women
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
pickaxenoun
a heavy iron tool with a wooden handle and a curved head that is pointed on both ends
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
Rancho
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/
the extended spatial location of something
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
ResolutionsnounUS /ˌrezəˈluːʃənz/
plural of “resolution” — a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
SacramentonounUS /ˌsækrəˈmentoʊ/
a city in north central California 75 miles to the northeast of San Francisco on the Sacramento River; capital of California
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
sallowadjective
unhealthy looking
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
ScenerynounUS /ˈsiːnəri/
the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
Schwartz's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
shirtnounUS /ʃɜːrt/
a garment worn on the upper half of the body
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
shovelnounUS /ˈʃʌvəl/
a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
SierranounUS /siˈerə/
a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
steppingverbUS /ˈstepɪŋ/
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
StraitsnounUS /streɪts/
a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
Suisun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
carry out
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
VictimsnounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/
plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The scenes that for days had met my eyes, and even as I was stepping on board the launch, might have damped the ardour of a more adventurous man.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
wanting in physical strength
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
wendingverbUS /ˈwendɪŋ/
-ing form of “wend” — direct one's course or way
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
wharfnounUS /wɔːrf/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
at the time that
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We had engaged and paid our passage, and such was our eagerness to get a conveyance of some kind, that we had not even looked at the frail bark in which we were to entrust our now more than ever before valuable bodies.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Armed with a pickaxe, shovel, hoe, and rifle, and accoutred in a red flannel shirt, corduroy pants, and heavy boots, and accompanied by two friends, I found myself, on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1848, wending my way to the only wharf in San Francisco, to take passage for the golden hills of the Sierra Nevada.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Departure for the Mines--The Victims--Adventures of a Night on San Francisco Bay--Voyage in a Launch--My Companion Higgins--Resolutions of the Passengers--The Bay of San Pablo--The Straits of Carquinez--Benicia--The Bay of Suisun--The Sacramento--Beautiful Scenery--Montezuma--Monte Diablo--Camp on Shore--Hala-chum-muck--Firing the Woods--Schwartz’s Rancho--A “manifest destiny” Man--Involuntary Baptism--Sacramento City--The Embarcadero.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Whole launch-loads of miserable victims of fever and ague were daily arriving from the mining region--sallow, weak, emaciated and dispirited--but I had nerved myself for the combat, and doubt not that I would have taken passage when I did and as I did, had the arch-enemy of mankind himself stood helmsman on the little craft that was to bear me to El Dorado.
