By early 1849 they managed to charter a ship, the Leonora, and on February 4, 1849, they set sail for San Francisco, arriving on July 5.

The two had both read Two Years Before the Mast by fellow Massachusetts native Richard Henry Dana Jr., about his voyage by sea to California, spending much time in San Diego, then a small Mexican pueblo.

When Davistown faltered, they relocated to the main center of town, further north on the San Diego River near the old Spanish presidio (fortress).

Despite a rough voyage via Nicaragua, he returned safely to his hometown of West Amesbury, where he met and married a local woman, Lydia A.

However, the couple had become drawn to the young city's dry, warm climate, and the following year made the journey West again, this time permanently.

In 1859, Morse left San Diego for the open farmland of Palomar Mountain, where he became a farmer and rancher.

From the beginning of his time in San Diego, Morse took an active role in local political affairs.

[1] In October 1879, while he was serving on the Citizens' Committee, representatives of the Santa Fe Railroad visited San Diego, and Morse enthusiastically promoted the city's virtues.

He also invested much and heavily promoted the San Diego Flume Company, which helped provide much-needed water for the arid city.

One of his most lasting achievements was the promotion of local open space for public enjoyment, resulting in the current Balboa Park, one of the city's most beloved attractions.

By his first wife he had one son, Edward, who eventually resettled in newly incorporated Merrimac, Massachusetts, formerly West Amesbury.