422 
SANTA CRUZ 
satisfy his doubts. Continuing our journey, a ride of 
six miles through a richly cultivated valley brought 
us to La Magdalena^ or rather within half a mile of it, 
where we encamped. I did not wish to go nearer the 
town, on account of the large number of people that 
would be assembled there. 
October ‘Id. Before I was out of my bed, (and I 
rose before the sun,) a messenger came to my tent and 
asked for the “ Commandante.” I heard him making 
inquiry of the cook, and, springing from my cot, went 
to the tent-door and asked his business. He said the 
Alcalde desired to see me as soon as possible. I told 
him I did not make calls at that hour, but would see 
him after breakfast. Accordingly, about nine o’clock, 
I waited upon that dignitary, accompanied by Hr. 
Webb, Mr. Cremony, and Mr. Thurber. He proved 
to be a shop-keeper of the third class, occupying a 
filthy little place, with a stock in trade, I should think, 
worth some twenty -five dollars. I told him that agree- 
ably to his orders I had called upon him, and desired 
to know his commands. He presented me a letter 
which he had just received from the Prefect of San 
Ignacio. It stated that a party of Americans had 
passed through that place, who, on being called upon 
to show their passports, had said they would do so at 
La Magdalena. That he wished us to be examined and 
detained until he came, which would be to-day. Mr. 
Cremony then introduced me as the Commissioner of 
the United States, explaining my duties and those of 
the gentlemen attached to my party. I first stated to 
him briefly the object of my visit to La Magdalena, viz., 
to purchase provisions and mules for our surveying 
