He was certainly a
character; could read and write extremely well; spoke good Spanish;
had been all over Spanish America, and lived in every possible
situation, and served in every conceivable capacity, though
generally in that of confidential servant to some man of figure. I
cultivated this man's acquaintance, and during the five weeks that
he was with us,- for he remained on board until we arrived at San
Diego,- I gained a greater knowledge of the state of political parties
in Mexico, and the habits and affairs of the different classes of
society, than I could have learned from almost any one else. He took
great pains in correcting my Spanish, and supplying me with colloquial
phrases, and common terms and exclamations in speaking. He lent me a
file of late newspapers from the city of Mexico, which were full of
triumphal receptions of Santa Ana, who had just returned from
Tampico after a victory, and with the preparations for his
expedition against the Texans. "Viva Santa Ana!" was the by-word
everywhere, and it had even reached California, though there were
still many here, among whom was Don Juan Bandini, who were opposed
to his government, and intriguing to bring in Bustamente.
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