ive the powers conceded to the empresarios, and that he was actuated by a suspicion, not so well founded but perhaps even more potent than the former motive, that political and revolutionary plans in the interest of Gomez Farías were involved in the scheme. There was no lack of persons in Mexico whose policy it was to foment this suspicion, without regard to its accuracy. Ábrego and Osio affirm that the directors sailed from San Blas in defiance of orders from Mexico to delay the departure of the colony; but I believe this to be an error.[1]
The countermand of July 25th was sent to California in all haste overland by a special courier, who placed it in Figueroa's hands near Monterey the 11th of September, and with it another despatch from Hijar at San Diego, announcing his arrival at that port on the 1st. The trip was much the quickest on record between the national and territorial capitals, and the fame of that courier who braved the terrors of Indians, deserts, and starvation, coming alone by way of the Colorado, has never ceased to be talked of in Californian families.[2] Governor Figueroa had re-
- ↑ Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 229-30; Ábrego, Cartas, MS. Bandini, Hist. Cal., MS., 61-4, denounces it as a strange and arbitrary act to annul the appointment without giving reasons, and thus to create confusion in the important matter of colonization. Vallejo (J.J.), Remin., MS., 46-8, understands that Santa Anna's order was prompted by the friars. After the order was issued, on Sept. 30th, the com. gen. of Jalisco sent to Mexico the statement of the surveyor Lobato left at Tepic, that Padrés had repeatedly threatened in case of any change in Mexico to make Cal. independent or annex it to the U. S. Sup Govt St. Pap., MS., x. 4-5.
- ↑ Figueroa, Manifiesto, 7-8, mentions the receipt of the despatches on Sept. 11th. Most state that the time made was 40 instead of 48 days. Osio says the man was detained by the Indians at the Colorado, who threatened to kill him, but at last built him a balsa to cross the river in exchange for his horse, equipments, and most of his clothing. He nearly perished on the way to S. Luis Rey, being 3 days without water. His reward was $3,000. Serrano relates that Lieut Araujo by an ambush captured the courier near S. Gabriel, and took him to Híjar, who was urged to hurry to Monterey and secure his office; but he refused to resort to such expedients, and released the captive. Amador says the man was Rafael Amador, his cousin. Torre states that the courier arrived about 11 P. M. at Monterey, and was welcomed by the firing of cannon. Espinosa was one of the escort furnished by Lieut Valle to guard the man northward from Monterey to meet Figueroa. He describes his dress, notes the feasts given in his honor, and says Figueroa gave him 4 mules on his departure. Valle also mentions having furnished the escort for the trip towards Sta Rosa. Vega was told the man had at first mistaken his des-
