In all Figueroa's communications, from his arrival to his death, there are evidences of his belief that by unremitting effort and the exercise of diplomatic talent he had overcome the difficulties in his way, and had succeeded in rescuing California from anarchy. This view of the matter was partly real and honest, so natural is it to magnify the importance of one's own achievements, and partly a pretence designed for effect in Mexico. The difficulties in this case were for the most part imaginary. There were no disorders; the factions vied with each other in their readiness to submit, and nowhere was there the faintest ripple of opposition. Figueroa is entitled simply to the credit of having been a sensible, industrious, and above all a popular man, who committed no acts of folly to create troubles where none existed. This at the first; for later he overcame certain obstacles of a somewhat more serious nature. Bandini is the only Californian who does not overestimate the importance of Figueroa's services in saving the country for Mexico, and Don Juan, it must be confessed, had a grievance against the governor, the nature of which will shortly appear.[1]
A Mexican decree granting an amnesty to all concerned in the irregularities of 1831-2, on the sole condition of future loyalty, was circulated by Figueroa, together with the announcement of his arrival.[2] Zamorano and his adherents affected a freedom from all need of amnesty, since their conspirings had been
- ↑ Bandini, Hist. Cal., MS., 78, thinks any other man would have succeeded as well, as there was no opposition. Jan. 26th, the ayunt. of Los Angeles formally recognized Figueroa. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 88. Feb. 2d, Alcalde J. A. Carrillo congratulates him. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., i. 104. Feb. 10th, Carrillo will harangue the Indians and tranquillize them. Arch. Arzob., MS., v. pt i. 76. J. A. Menendez at S. Gabriel tells F. that at the missions his coming is regarded as the 'iris de paz que viene á disipar la espesa nube de las diferencias que tienen agitado el territorio.' Id., v. pt i. 71.
- ↑ S. José, Arch., MS., i. 48; Sta Cruz, Arch., MS., 87. Jan. 19th, F. asks the padres to publish the amnesty and aid in promoting tranquillity. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iii. 85. Notwithstanding the amnesty of April 25, 1832, I find an order to the comisario general dated Aug. 1833, that officers in Sonora and Cal. are to receive no pay until they prove they have had nothing to do with revolutionary plans. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Com. and Treas., MS., ii. 56.
