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Monday, July 18, 2022

Commodore Sloat & the Little Lost Bear

 

Twenty years ago, I accompanied my wife on a business trip to Monterey, California. While she was stuck in meetings that week, I explored the seaside town. Although we'd only have two days this time around, I looked forward to showing her the sights.

Our first stop was at the Presidio, where we found the military museum closed. We walked up a hill to check out an old monument.

 

 

In 1846, with the Unites States at war with Mexico, Commodore John Drake Sloat directed his fleet to Monterey. Despite a strong British naval presence, he secured California for the United States, and then briefly served as the territory's first military governor. Given the region's importance, California would become a state a mere three years later.

This monument, erected in 1910, commemorates Commodore Sloat's accomplishment.

 


As we made our way back to the car, my wife noticed a forlorn teddy lying in damp, freshly mowed grass. She picked him up, and cleaned him as best she could. Later that evening, she lavished more attention on him.



She posted photos of him on several Lost And Found websites. So far, no one's claimed their little lost bear. I wonder: does that mean he's found a new home?

Dragon Dave






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