of Antonio Ávila, a convict whom the reader will remember in connection with the Solis revolt of 1829, and some of his companion presidiarios. It seems that Vicente Sanchez came north as soon as released from the Los Angeles jail, and in his patriotic zeal enlisted Ávila and fifteen or twenty convicts to march south and aid in restoring the 'legitimate government,' promising them, in addition to other emoluments, their liberty. In the south they abandoned Sanchez, distrusting his promises and learning that he intended to use them for private rather than public service, and wandered about for a time in different parts of the country. The people naturally were alarmed when they knew that such a band of desperadoes were at large with arms in their hands, though it does not appear that they really committed any outrages. A charge of a design to overthrow Zamorano's and not Echeandía's power was trumped up against Ávila and his men, and after several unsuccessful efforts they were captured at Pacheco's rancho, disarmed, and subjected to trial at Monterey in June. No proof of revolutionary designs was adduced, but the convicts were kept under arrest until the new governor arrived, and were by him included in a general pardon to all combatants. Ávila in 1833 recovered his arms, but failed to obtain permission to go to Mexico until his term should have expired, notwithstanding his disposition to serve his country shown on at least two occasions.[1]
From June to December 1832 all was quiet politically, both in the north and south, and California under its dual military rule was by no means a badly
- ↑ Ávila, Papeles Tocantes de la Sedicion de Antonio Ávila y otros Presidiarios en 1832, MS. Vicente Sanchez declined to testify, on the plea that he was a diputado. June 13th, Zamorano to alcalde of S. José. Says Ávila's party are near Monterey, ready to present themselves on his (Z.'s) order; but as it is impossible for him to have any official relations with such people, it has been determined to capture them by force. He wants 9 or 10 men, who were later sent back because there were no muskets for them. S. José, Arch., MS., ii. 57. June 19th, 23d, Z. to com. of S. F., on the same subject. Vallejo, Doc., MS., i. 311-12.
