power over the Indian confederacy. A small schooner, loaded with the
goods purchased, started from Monterey; but, never being seen
afterwards, it is probable that she fell into the hands of the pirate
vessels which escaped from San Francisco.

I had relied upon this cargo to satisfy the just demands of my Indians
upon my arrival at the settlement The loss was a sad blow to me. The old
chief had just died, the power had devolved entirely upon me, and it was
necessary, according to Indian custom, that I should give largess, and
show a great display of liberality on my accession to the command of the
tribe; so necessary, indeed, was it, that I determined upon returning to
Monterey, _viâ_ San Francisco, to provide what was requisite. This step
was a fatal one, as will be shown when I narrate the circumstances which
had occurred during my absence.

Upon hearing the news of our movements In the west, the Mexican
government, for a few days, spoke of nothing but extermination. The
state of affairs, however, caused them to think differently; they had
already much work upon their hands, and California was very far off.
They hit upon a plan, which, if it showed their weakness, proved their
knowledge of Human nature. While I was building castles in the air,
agents from Mexico privately came to Monterey and decided the matter.

They called together the Americans domiciled at Monterey, who were the
wealthiest and the most influential of the inhabitants, and asked them
what it was that they required from the government? Diminution of taxes,
answered they. It was agreed. What next? Reduction of duty on foreign
goods. Agreed again. And next? Some other privileges and dignities. All
these were granted.