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24, are well known. Nationally the fleet included twenty American craft, eight English, three Spanish, two Russian, two Mexican,one Californian,one French, and eight of unknown nationality. Captain Cooper in the Rover started probably in February for a new voyage to China, not returning until the next year. The Sachem and Spy came from Boston for Bryant, Sturgis & Co., presumably under Gale's superintendence. McCulloch, Hartnell & Co.'s vessels were probably the Pizarro and Junius, and perhaps others, for the records are far from clear.

Of all the vessels of the year those which created the greatest sensation were three Spanish men-of-war which made their appearance in April and May. The 27th of April a large line-of-battle ship flying the stars and stripes of the United States was seen approaching Monterey. The people thought of 1818, "el año de los insurgentes," and made hasty preparations for a flight to the interior, while the governor prepared his garrison for defence. Late in the afternoon the strange vessel anchored just beyond the range of the battery's guns, fired a salute, and sent an officer ashore, who shouted, "Viva la libertad!" and asked to see the governor. The commander soon landed, and proved to be José Martinez, an old acquaintance of the Argüellos. A short interview served to remove all fears, and the motives of the strangers were soon explained.