[Translation from Spanish – Rewritten for 4^th Graders]

This government office has been told about a ship from another country, called the Llama. Its captain is someone named Bancrof, who is a foreigner. This foreign ship has been catching seal and otter without our permission. Its sailors have also been killing baby seals and otter.

Sailors from this ship also come on shore with guns. The sailors get away with not paying the owners of this land for the fish they kill because they do it in places where few people see them.

Because of this, the government has given you a job as Principal Negotiator of the National Navy, in the branch of Otter Fishing. Stop these outsiders from taking seals and otters without permission from the Mexican Government. Do what you can, but be careful. If they fight, you can use force. You can even take control of the boat and put all the sailors on board under arrest.

                                                  Santa Barbara
  God and Liberty                                 January 27th, 1839 

  [signed]
  ALVARADO

  To - Mr. Allen Light

---

Search Site | Site Outline

SDHS