Scot botanist David Douglas, living in a ‘Tent on the Hill of Yerba Buena [San Francisco]‘ had such a love of nature that his Monterey friends called him Saint Francis

+++  Dona Angustias said (in her ‘Occurencias’) that it represented the official reception given at the door of the Mission Church to the Count de la Perouse [on the French explorer's visit to California in 1786]: three priests, Fray Juan Amaros, Father Noriega, and the other, I think, Fray Junipero Serra . . . . and some Indians entirely naked . . . .  then La Perouse with some of his officers.  One of these officers painted the picture which appeared to be a work of art, though somewhat damaged by the weather. . . . . La Perouse was represented as a tall, thin gentleman, long gray hair braided in the back . . . with a long frock coat almost reaching to his heels.”  ++  Juan had been given this painting by the man who first offered sanctuary to persecuted Patrick Short.  This was Father Rafael de Jesus Moreno, a member of the Mexican Zacatecan Order imported by Governor Figueroa to relieve the Spanish Franciscans.  He became fond of Father Patrick’s protege, and was as desolated as the others when Don Juan died at twenty-three.  After the picture passed into possession of Dona Angustias, she said: “I had it in a trunk until 1838 or 1839 when somebody took it out and I never saw it again despite all my efforts to find it.”  Such a story of carelessness so many Californians have to tell, of possessions which might now be priceless.  ++  One of the most touching letters of condolence received by the family came to Hartnell from David Douglas.  It was dated November 11, 1833, “At my Tent on the Hill of Yerba Buena [San Francisco].”  The Scotch botanist’s simple way of life, his love and knowledge of birds, beasts, and flowers, caused his friends in Monterey to call him Saint Francis. The letter opens:  ++  ’Do assure Dona Teresa that she has at this instant a very humble servant in Saint Francisco who exceedingly regrets not having the pleasure of laying before her, in person, his kindest regards. . . . . I have heard of the death of poor John Noriega of so much promise – Such is the will of Providence. . . . That  which to us is dearest is often that which is soonest taken away from us – and it is well it should be so.  I felicitate Dona Angustias on the changing of her name – May the number of her days be equalled only by the abundance of comforts, spiritual and temporal, she may enjoy through life and that all may be conducive to her happiness – Salute her spouse in my name – and tell him I give him joy. . . . . +++