80 SCENES IN THE PACIFIC. 
agent of the Central government, and therefore not respon¬ 
sible to other nations for its administration. The Mexican 
government alone had a right to complain of its acts. 
The American replied, that the department of the Califor- 
nias being an integral part of the Mexican nation, any inju¬ 
ry which its authorities should inflict on the persons and rights 
of other nations might well be redressed on the persons and 
property of the Californias. The Governor answered, that 
he thought not. He was then asked, what he supposed an 
American or British fleet would do, if one should at that 
time anchor at Monterey'? 
This question startled the miserable tyrant. That spectral 
fleet outside, its reputed commander in his very presence, and 
the constant plying of the Don Quixote between him and his 
armament, seemed for a moment to come before him, like a 
fearful reality. Perceiving the impression made upon him, 
the American took advantage of the occasion to remark, that 
it would be necessary for the Californian government to 
bring the persons then in confinement to a speedy trial for 
any alleged misdemeanor, or set them at liberty without trial, 
at a very early day; for the American government and its 
citizens required him, and would, if necessary, compel him, 
in this instance at least, to do an act of strict justice. 
The quiet and firm tone of this address threw his Excel- 
lentissimo into a most sublime rage. He ordered the guards 
to fire on the American, and strode through his apartment, 
bellowing fearfully, and raising a very dense cloud of dust! 
The American, meanwhile, knowing that Californian noise 
boded little danger, stood quietly awaiting the termination 
of the tumult. It ceased after a while, and mildly saying 
to the governor, that he had only to repeat, that the pris¬ 
oners must be tried and lawfully condemned or set at liberty, 
and that soon, he walked through the guards and returned 
to his lodgings. He had not been at home more than an 
hour when a message arrived from Don Jose Castro, Alva- 
rado’s captain, advising him not to appear in the streets 
