Two Years Before the Mast · Chapter
XIII explained
The crew begins trading in Monterey, selling a diverse cargo to the local Californians.
What happens
The crew begins trading in Monterey, selling a diverse cargo to the local Californians. The narrator learns Spanish and serves as an interpreter, gaining insight into the local culture, economy, and social structure. He describes the town, its presidio, the people's dress, and the lack of industry, as well as the presence of Sandwich Islanders and a notable English sailor.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Encounter and Otherness
The narrator contrasts American and Californian customs, dress, and economic practices, highlighting cultural differences.
Labor and Economy
Detailed description of the trading process, the cargo's variety, and the economic dependency of California on imported goods.
Characters to notice
- Richard Henry Dana Jr.
Acts as interpreter and trader, learning Spanish and observing local customs.
- Mr. F⸺
Mentioned as the supercargo's clerk, taken from before the mast to manage trade.
- Jack (of the Lagoda)
The Lagoda is mentioned as being in port during a gale.
Key passages
“The Californians are an idle, thriftless people, and can make nothing for themselves.”
The narrator criticizes Californians as lazy and unproductive, unable to manufacture their own goods.
Reflects a biased colonial perspective on local industry.
“No Protestant has any civil rights, nor can he hold any property, or, indeed, remain more than a few weeks on shore, unless he belong to some vessel.”
Protestants are denied civil rights and property ownership, and can only stay ashore briefly if not part of a ship's crew.
Highlights religious restrictions under Mexican law.
“A man must leave his conscience at Cape Horn.”
Americans and English who settle in California convert to Catholicism, abandoning their former religious scruples.
Common saying among foreign settlers.