[CALIFORNIA]. LERDO DE TEJADA, Francisco. Esposicion de...sobre el juicio a que se sujetó, como encargado de la administracion de la aduana maritima de Mazatlán cuando arribó al mismo Puerto la barca chilena “Natalia”, en agosto del año de 1847; acusàndole algunos empleos en aquella, de haber patrocinado un contrabando de guerra destinado à la Alta-California, ocupada ya entonces por las fuerzas norte-americanas. Mexico City: Imprenta de La Voz de la Religión, calle de S. José el Real, N. 13, 1849. [1-3] 4-78 pp. 12mo (20 x 13 cm), full twentieth-century Mexican tree sheep, red morocco spine label, edges sprinkled. Overall fine. Yale duplicate with bookplate on rear pastedown bearing withdrawal stamps.

First edition. Sabin 40135. Not in usual Mexican-American War sources.

Regarding charges by some in Mazatlán that the Chilean ship Natalia, sailing from Valparaiso to the Hawaiian Islands and Alta California in August, 1847, had on board military contraband destined for U.S. forces in California and that the author, who was in charge of customs, let it proceed. The vessel put into port because it needed food and water, but rumors soon circulated that it was filled with contraband for the Americans. Inspection proved that it had no such materials, but the populace wanted to seize the cargo, anyway, which basically consisted of foodstuffs. In the end, the vessel was allowed to leave because it was going to Hawaii, there to unload its cargo. Pages 27-78 contain documents concerning the case.