DAWN AND THE DONS 142
I, he sailed for Alaska, charged with the organization, supervision and relief of the Russian colonists there, and to this end was clothed with full governmental authority.
Finding the colonists suffering from lack of essential foods, he straightway sailed for California, where he hoped to secure the needed supplies. Rezanov knew of the Spanish orders prohibiting trade with foreigners, which if strictly adhered to by the Governor of California, would prevent the accomplishment of his purpose, but the situation demanded immediate attention, and he determined to persuade the Governor to some suitable arrangement. Expecting to make Monterey harbor direct, contrary winds forced him to put in at San Francisco for what he intended should be a temporary stop, whence he promptly dispatched a messenger by land, with a formal communication to Governor Jose Joaquin de Arrillaga, advising him that he would shortly do himself the honor of calling upon the Governor at Monterey. Not to be outdone in courtesy, the Governor replied that he would come to meet so distinguished a guest at the port of his arrival. While awaiting this visit of the Governor, who in accord with the spirit and custom of the day did not hurry, Rezanov paid his respects to the Commandante of San Francisco, Jose Arguello, who entertained him fittingly. At his home, Rezanov met the Commandante’s daughter,
and the little love-god at once began an active campaign. Conception Arguello—Concha was the Spanish petname for her—was then accounted the most beautiful
