By cutting a large door through the adobe-wall, we made the upper room in the centre our office; and another side-room, connected with it by a door, was Colonel Mason's private office.
I had a single clerk, a soldier named Baden; and William E.P.
Hartnell, citizen, also had a table in the same room.

He was the government interpreter, and had charge of the civil archives.
After Halleck's return from Mazatlan, he was, by Colonel Mason, made Secretary of State; and he then had charge of the civil archives, including the land-titles, of which Fremont first had possession, but which had reverted to us when he left the country.
I remember one day, in the spring of 1848, that two men, Americans, came into the office and inquired for the Governor.

I asked their business, and one answered that they had just come down from Captain Sutter on special business, and they wanted to see Governor Mason in person.

I took them in to the colonel, and left them together.

After some time the colonel came to his door and called to me.