[Translation from Spanish]

This Departmental Government is informed (as set forth in the expedient [official file] ordered placed of record) that a foreign brig known as the Llama, captained by one Bancrof, also a foreigner, has been making scandalous catches of seal and other without the necessary permit, and have been destroying the broods of both.

That, they also come to land from the said brig – several sailors armed – and cause, with the fish killed on the coast, without the knowledge of the proprietors, damages which are not indemnified, as these acts are committed in places not often frequented.

By virtue of this, and in order to correct this class of abuse, the Government has required that you be commissioned as Principal Arbiter of the National Armada, in the branch of Otter Fishing, so that you may prevent this being done without license from the Government, arranging to take such measures as prudence may dictate, and you may, in case of resistance, use force, to the extent of placing the said boat, and its crew, at the disposition of the Departmental Government.

                                                  Santa Barbara
  God and Liberty                                 January 27th, 1839 

  [signed]
  ALVARADO

  To - Mr. Allen Light

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