In explanation of the situation at the time of Victoria's arrival, of Echeandia’s strange conduct in delaying the transfer of command, and of the bitter controversy that now began between the Californians and their new ruler, I must here refer briefly to a subject which will require full treatment in a subsequent chapter, that of mission secularization. The reader is familiar with[1] the Mexican policy on that matter, with Echeandía’s investigation, experiments, and difficulties in attempting to carry out his instructions, and with the action of the diputacion in the summer of 1830 respecting a plan of secularization which was submitted to the national government for approval. Thus far proceedings had been strictly
- ↑ See chap. iv., this volume.
occurred since his departure from Loreto, including the matter of secularization. Sup. Govt St. Pap.. MS., viii. 8-10; Jan. 19th, E. to V., in reply to letter of 14th, reserving full explanations for a personal interview, but complaining of V.'s conduct in opposing his acts without legal authority, and announcing his intention to await his arrival at Mont. instead of marching to Sta B. as he had been ready to do. St. Pap., Sac., MS., x. 76-8. Jan. 29th-31st, summons to ayuntamiento, and E.'s announcements of having given up the command. Id., xiv. 25; Dept. Rec., MS., ix. 89; Dept. St. Pap., MS., iii. 5-6: Id., S. José, MS., iii. 94.
On the same topic a few extra-official statements may also be noted. Bandini. Hist. Cal., MS., 72-3, tells us that V. on his arrival impressed the peopile of S. Diego as a simple, unostentatious man with benevolent ideas — but they were soon undeceived. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 137-8; Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 160-2; Vallejo, Reminis., MS., 111; and Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 168, state that on his way V. called on P. Peyri, at San Luis Rey, by whom he was most hospitally entertained, from whom he borrowed $6,000 more or less, to whom he promised all that the friars desired, and who at once wrote to his associates 'ya lo tenemos en el manguillo.' No doubt relations were most friendly between the two, but the authors named are bitterly prejudiced against V. and all his acts. Vallejo and Alvarado say he got large suns also at S. Juan and S. Gabriel — in fact, that avarice was one of his weak points, and that the padres were willing to buy him. In his diary of Ocurrencias Curiosas, 1830-1, MS., Guerra notes the presence of V. at Sta B. on Jan. 7th; declines to make predictions about his prospective rule; but says he seems a great friend of Pacheco, has very judicious views on the subject of missions; and in stature and flesh bears some resemblance to Echeandía. Carrillo (J.), Doc., MS., 33. Mrs Ord remembers that V., instead of lodging as was customary at the comandante's house, went straight to the mission. Here Guerra went to call on the new governor, showing him every attention, and presenting his daughter, the writer. Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 38-41. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 162-4, says that V. arrived unexpectedly at Monterey, dismounting before the gov.'s house, and demanding, in an abrupt and offensive manner, an immediate surrender of the office. Echeandía promised the transfer for 9 A. M. next morning, and V. went to S. Cárlos to sleep.
