William H. Seward,
prophet, seer, statesman, and patriot, with noble inspirations
cheers on freedom's army. Who shall own bright California, the
bond or the free? While these great knights of our country's round
table fight in the tourney of the Senate over this golden prize,
Benton sends back the "pathfinder" Fremont. He is now freed from
the army by an indignant resignation. He bears a letter to Benton's
friends in the West to organize the civil community and prepare a
constitution.
While Valois watches for news, the buds and blossoms of early
spring call him back to the American River. The bay whitens with
the sails of arriving thousands. Political combinations begin
everywhere. Two years have made Fremont, Kearney, Colonel Mason,
General P. F. Smith, and General Bennett Riley temporary military
governors. Maxime leaves with ample stores; he rejoins the "Missouri
Company," already reaping the golden harvest of the golden spring.
Sage counsel reaches him from Padre Francisco. He hears with delight
of the youth's success in the mines. The French missionary, with
a natural love of the soil, advises Valois to buy lands as soon as
good titles can be had.
The Mexican War ends in glory to the once despised Gringos.
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