Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/153

Rh On this occasion he had anchored at San Pedro and departed without paying $1,000 of duties. He had, in spite of repeated warnings, touched at Santa Catalina Island, and had even deposited goods there, besides breeding animals, the exportation of which was contra bando. The sails of the Karimoko were seized, and then Lawlor was ordered to go with part of his crew to bring over the island goods and live-stock, which were to secure the payment of the duties in arrears. He made all manner of excuses and pleas, including the suggestion that he could not make the trip without sails, and that his men on the island would starve if not relieved soon. The María Ester was employed to carry Santiago Argüello as investigating officer to Santa Catalina, and perhaps to bring over the effects; at any rate, Lawlor got a document in December certifying that all his duties had been paid; but in January of the next year he was again warned to quit the island of Santa Catalina within twenty-four hours.

There were twenty-three vessels on the Californian coast in 1829, besides four doubtful English craft in Spence's list, eleven belonging to the fleet of 1828, only six appearing for the first time in these waters, and one being built in California. Records of revenue