wished to remain out a little longer. In return, the owners of the vessel would receive freight for the extra cargo. Fate In 1848 gold was discovered in California. Captain George G. White purchased Cadmus in 1849 and sailed her to California via Cape Horn to participate in the gold rush. She was one of 16 vessels to sail from Sag Harbour for San Fransisco. On Christmas Day 1849 she was at Rio de Janeiro, together with 14 other United States vessels on their way to San Fransisco. The crews celebrated with music and small arms fire, somewhat to the displeasure of the local authorities. The author of the account stated that only Cadmus was the only vessel worthy of special mention as she had carried General Lafayette to the United States on his visit. When she arrived in San Fransisco her captain and crew abandoned her and her bones reportedly now lie under the city. Cadmus may have been used for some time as a storehouse until she became too leaky for that purpose. Some people made walking sticks from her locust stanchions. Her deck-house became a balcony for a cottage in the suburbs. Lastly, her bottom planks and knees went to refurbishing a portion of Battery Street. Notes Citations References 1818 ships Ships built in the United States Age of Sail merchant ships of the United States