rude in form, but grimly effective in scope, is given out by the
"bear flag" party. Fremont joins and commands them. The Presidio
batteries at San Francisco are spiked by Fremont and daring Kit
Carson, The cannon and arms of Castro are soon taken. On July 7,
Captain Mervine, with two hundred and fifty blue-jackets, raises
the flag of the United States at Monterey. Its hills reecho twenty-one
guns in salvo from Sloat's squadron.

On the 8th, Montgomery throws the national starry emblem to the
breeze at the Golden Gates of San Francisco. The old PORTSMOUTH'S
heavy cannon roar their notes of triumph.

Valois remains lonely and inactive at Lagunitas. His priestly
friend warns him that he would be assassinated at any halting place
if he tried to join his friends. In fact, he conceals his presence
from any wayfaring, Yankee-hunting guerillas.

Don Miguel is bound by his military oath to keep the field.
A returning straggler brings the crushing news that the San Juan
military depot has been captured by a smart dash of the American
volunteers under Fremont and Gillespie. And San Diego has fallen
now. The bitter news of the Mexican War is heard from the Rio
Grande. A new sorrow!

Broken-hearted Don Miguel bravely clings to his flag. He marches
south with Castro and Pico, The long weeks wear along. The arrival of
General Kearney, and the occupation of San Diego and Los Angeles,
are the prelude to the last effort made for the honor of the Mexican
ensign. Months drag away. The early winter finds Don Miguel still
missing. Commodore Stockton, now in command of the powerful fleet,