sprouts in this far north; let our fraternity fertilize its root, let our concord water it until it rises in majesty to touch the heavens." "California was ever the centre of discretion, an example of docility, a model of subordination and obedience to supreme authority, She has preserved intact her customs, healthful and free from the poison of revolution, and is ready to climb the hill of fortune as a state; she may be the nursery to produce for the country citizens best fitted to advance its greatness."[1] Something more of declamation than of argument is to be noted in this paper, the contents of which were delivered as an address on the day of taking the oath of adherence to the bases of the new constitution. The governor took immediate steps to have the oath taken in all parts of the territory, as was done at some places – probably at all – before the end of July, without opposition apparently.[2]
Chico had sent an order to Comandante Vallejo the 4th of May, at Sonoma, to come to Monterey for consultation on important matters, and to bring with him such forces as could be spared from the northern frontier, an order which was repeated on the 17th.[3] On the 6th he had sent a similar order through the alcalde of San Diego for Juan Bandini to come at
- ↑ Printed original in Earliest Printing. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., x. 19. Literally copied by Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 105-8, who quotes as follows from a letter of Pablo de la Guerra on the subject. 'The "bear," to deceive the Californians and prevent their detection of his falsehood, has spoken in mystic language; I would rather undertake to decipher the responses of the Delphic oracle.'
- ↑ May 29, 1836, swearing of the bases at S. Diego with great rejoicings, firing of guns, shouts, and ringing of bells, 'un acto tan grato como lisonjero á todo Mexicano,' as described by Capt. Portilla in a communication to his com. gen. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., lxxxi. 36; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 110, 115. June 1st, swearing of the bases by the military of the south at S. Gabriel, as reported by Gutierrez. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 109-11; Id., Ben. Mil., xxxi. 18. On or about June 11th, the oath was taken at Sta Bárbara, P. Duran refusing to say mass. St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., ii. 373-4. June 19th, the oath administered at Los Angeles by Chico himself, who made a speech on the beauties of centralism. 'This people heard the discussion with pleasure.' Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 195-6. July 11th, Chico finds it strange that Vallejo has not reported the swearing of the bases by his troops. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 219.
- ↑ Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 200, 201, 205-6.
