The Orizaba is crowded with passengers. It is built to carry about 700 people, but must have almost twice that amount. Many of them must be looking to find their fortune in the Cariboo gold rush. Less than a day into your voyage, the coat you purchased falls to shreds. You really got cheated when you bought it. But maybe you learned a lesson to be more careful when buying from these profiteers.

San Francisco

After a short stop in Acapulco, you have arrived in San Francisco. You are making good time, being only the 26th of May now. This is a lively town, full of miners, saloons and gambling houses. They even have big performances, and you choose to see Phelan, the best billiard player in North America.

Your money is being spent fast, and until you can only spare about $60 dollars, not counting money for a ship to Victoria and enough to live on. There was a good looking horse for sale for $60, that you could take to the Cariboo. But you could win twice that amount or money or more if you gambled in a Barbary Coast gambling house. Then you could buy the horse AND have money left over. What are you going to do?

Buy a horse          Gamble to double your money

Last updated March 12, 1999. Produced by the Schoolnet Digital Collections Team.