BY THE UNITED STATES. 329 



about the beginning of the year 1846 ; and, as he was aware 

 of the difficulties existing between the United States and 

 Mexico, he determined to be very circumspect in his conduct. 

 He left his men on the frontiers, while he advanced alone a 

 hundred miles to Monterey, where he visited the principal offi- 

 cers of the Government, in company with the United States 

 Consul and Navy Agent, Mr. Larkin. He informed them of 

 his expedition, and its purposes, and Governor Castro gave 

 him permission to pass the winter in the Valley of San 

 Joaquin, where was feed for his horses and game for his men. 

 Captain Fremont then returned to his men, and led them 

 leisurely to the place designated, but he had hardly reached 

 it, before he received orders from the Governor to leave the 

 country. He was even threatened with forcible ejection, if he 

 disobeyed the command. After the permission given him in 

 person by Castro, Captain Fremont determined not to obey 

 these uncourteous messages, and the Governor made great 

 preparations to carry his threats into execution. Of these he 

 was informed by Mr. Larkin, whom he answered by a letter, 

 stating, that if Governor Castro brought against him an 

 armed force, he should try to defend himself, though not one 

 of his men had ever been a soldier. He, moreover, informed 

 the Consul that he had hoisted the American flag, and he 

 should keep it flying as the only protection he had to look to. 

 On the 7th of March, and the three following days, he em- 

 ployed himself in fortifying his position, by erecting a breast- 

 work of logs and brush. The position of the Americans was 

 on a high hill, whence they could see with their telescopes the 

 preparations of the Governor, in his camp at the Mission of 

 St. John's. Mr. Larkin now received another letter from 

 Captain Fremont, and at the earnest request of the Alcade, 

 it was immediately translated into Spanish, and sent to the 



