distribution of lands — and he might have added, "for my appointment as gefe político" — "has gone to the devil," he complains to Guerra, "and I am placed in a most awkward position after having sung the praises of the Californians in congress."[1] If we may credit Carrillo's own statements — and I find no other evidence on the subject — the Mexican authorities were disposed to be severe in their treatment of the revolting Californians; and it was only by the most untiring efforts that he saved the leaders, first from death, then from banishment, and finally had them included in an amnesty granted to the rebels of Vera Cruz.
The choice of a ruler to succeed Victoria now occupied, as far as the interests of so distant a territory ever did, the attention of Bustamante and his advisers. Circumstances seemed to require the appointment of a strong military man. The idea of separating the commands, if it had ever been entertained, was abandoned when the revolt was known, and at the same time Carrillo's chances disappeared, if he ever had any. Victoria says the first idea of the government was to send him back with a strong supporting force.[2] Then there was a thought of appointing Zamorano, as the ranking officer in California not involved in the revolt. This was recommended by Virmond, and very likely by Victoria and Padre Peyri, but Carrillo
- ↑ Carrillo, Cartas del Diputado, MS., 231-52. Jan. 29th, Carrillo called on the vice-president, receiving from him the news of disturbances in Cal. Bustamante threatened to send an armed force to bring that rebellious territory to order. C. told him it would be better to take away the Mazatlan company than to send more troops, who without pay would be sure to revolt. March 15th, Virmond has arrived and given an ugly account of home affairs. Victoria and Peyri are expected; and Pliego will say no good of the Californians. It is said that all officers who took part in the revolt will be dismissed the service. (Such an order seems to have been issued on Mar. 20th, so far as artillery officers were concerned. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iii. 45.) April 14th, tired of official life, of struggles against obstinate diputados, of official promises never kept. Does not desire re-election, which Victoria tells him is talked of. Only by the most strenuous efforts, aided by four other deputies, he has saved the Californian revolutionists from the death penalty, but not from that of banishment for 4 years from the republic. Letters of April 21st and May 11th on Figueroa's appointment. C. in later years (p. 254-7) claimed that it was by his efforts that the Californian rebels were included in the amnesty granted to those of Vera Cruz.
- ↑ Guerra, Doc., MS., iv. 183-4.
