TRAVELS IN THE C A LIFO R NIAS. 
293 
extent how much heroism they exhibited when ordered into 
quarters for the night, with the injunction to hold themselves 
ready for the dreadful work of death at a moment’s warning. 
It is however known that a mounted picket guard was sta¬ 
tioned on the hills, and a strong patrol along the ravines, 
between the camp and the town, and that all, Napoleon-like, 
slept upon the eve of vast events; that the next morning 
dawned ; the earth turned on its axis, showed the sun and hid 
it again; and that the army of the Don neither left its en¬ 
campment, nor took possession of Santa Barbara ; and that 
night came again ; that patrols and pickets were stationed as 
before. But such apparent inaction was not to continue 
On the morning of the 23d, a movement clearly showed that 
irresolution was no part of the Don’s nature. And well did 
he exclaim, as he addressed the soldiery on that most memora¬ 
ble day,—“ The pent fires of Californian bravery, who can 
quench them ? What one of us, whether plebeian born or a de¬ 
scendant of the Spanish Cavaliers, will flee before the servile 
minions of the ignoble Alvarado ? What man with a 
heart quickened by Castilian blood, will not pour out that 
blood in defence of California, and the union of the Mexican 
States ? ” To this appeal a response arose and echoed among 
the hills, in that hearty and lusty manner so characteristic of 
Spanish Californians, and other animals distinguished for long 
ears. He next commended the courage displayed, and the 
valorous exploits performed in the siege they were prosecut¬ 
ing. “ They had crowned their names with deeds of immor¬ 
tal renown.” And then the officers’ swords flamed from their 
scabbards, and the privates stood shoulder to shoulder in the 
most threatening attitudes of the genuine warrior, as the Don 
took breath, and with emphasis remarked, that the army of 
Santa Barbara was approaching !!! It approached ! I ! All 
saw it!!! Halted !! The Don reconnoitred !! and horrible to 
tell—-the opposing forces numbered one hundred and four 
noses!! His own, himself included, one hundred and one only !!! 
A difference of three whole noses, against the Don !! ! And 
42 
