My Shoshones I satisfied with promises, and returned with them to the settlement, to prepare myself for forthcoming events.
A few chapters backwards I mentioned that I had despatched my old servant to Monterey.

He had taken with him a considerable portion of my jewels and gold to make purchases, which were firmly to establish my power over the Indian confederacy.

A small schooner, loaded with the goods purchased, started from Monterey; but, never being seen afterwards, it is probable that she fell into the hands of the pirate vessels which escaped from San Francisco.
I had relied upon this cargo to satisfy the just demands of my Indians upon my arrival at the settlement The loss was a sad blow to me.

The old chief had just died, the power had devolved entirely upon me, and it was necessary, according to Indian custom, that I should give largess, and show a great display of liberality on my accession to the command of the tribe; so necessary, indeed, was it, that I determined upon returning to Monterey, _via_ San Francisco, to provide what was requisite.

This step was a fatal one, as will be shown when I narrate the circumstances which had occurred during my absence.
Upon hearing the news of our movements In the west, the Mexican government, for a few days, spoke of nothing but extermination.