the officers and men came ashore, swore allegiance to independence and the federal constitution, pitched their tents on the beach, and for over twenty days made things lively at Monterey. First, however, they had a religious duty to perform. The holy virgin had been induced at a time of great peril by prayers and vows so to strengthen a weak sail that it bore the violence of the gale better than those thought to need no prayers; and now all the men walked barefoot with the sail to church, and rendered their thanksgiving with much ceremony.[1] Finally, when the merry-making was over, health restored, and some necessary refitting completed, the strangers embarked for Acapulco May 23d, under the charge of Captain Juan Malarin as chief navigator and bearer of despatches to the city of Mexico, by Argüello's appointment. The Mexican government approved the action of the Californian authorities, and assumed the obligation to pay the wages of the men to the amount of over $90,000. Whether the debt was ever paid is another matter. The new vessels thus unexpectedly added to the federal navy were sent round to Vera Cruz, and the Asia was subsequently known as El Congreso.[2] Several
- ↑ Torre, Reminis., MS., 39-46, describes this church ceremony, and also that of swearing allegiance, at some length. Osio also gives some details. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 3-18, who gives considerable space to this affair of the Asia, tells us that in a quarrel about a girl, the gachupin Arnoldo Pierola killed Juan B. Lopez, and took refuge on the ship, where Lieut. Valle and the writer were sent to arrest him, but the crew refused to give him up. By careful precautions, further disturbances were prevented. The ladies presented two Mexican flags to the vessels, though, as appears from another document, they had to use blue stuff instead of green. Vallejo speaks of a grand ball on the Asia. All the old residents agree that money and sugar had not been so plentiful at Monterey for a long time. Sra Ávila, Cosas de Cal., MS., 22-3, speaks of the ludicrous attempts of the sailors and marines to ride on horseback, and says further that their blasphemies shocked the Californians. Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 93-101, notes that green corn was in season; also that the Indian maidens reaped a rich harvest of money, handkerchiefs, and beads from the strangers.
- ↑ June 11, 1825, Manuel Victoria, com. at Acapulco, to sec. war, announcing arrival of the vessels. May 21st, Argüello to com. at Acapulco on the surrender and Malarin's mission. June 11th, Martinez to com. Acapulco, announcing arrival and enclosing his narrative of same date. May 1st, the treaty as
der of the two vessels; Cárdenas and Antonio Ferrer were next in rank on the Asia; while Antonio Roteta and Manuel Galindo were the officers of the Constante. Dept Rec., MS., i. 34.
