In 1846 Captain Montgomery commanded at Yerba Buena, on board the St.Mary sloop-of-war, and he had a detachment of men stationed up at Sonoma.

Occasionally a boat was sent up with provisions or intelligence to them.

Montgomery had two sons on board his ship, one a midshipman, the other his secretary.

Having occasion to send some money up to Sonoma, he sent his two sons with a good boat and crew.

The boat started with a strong breeze and a very large sail, was watched from the deck until she was out of sight, and has never been heard of since.