There is no evidence that Castro consented to the conference proposed; and at 9 P. M. a junta de guerra was held in the presidio to consider what was to be done. There were present Comandante General Gutierrez; captains Portilla, Muñoz, and Castillero; lieutenants Navarrete and Estrada; alféreces Ramirez and Valle; the surgeon Alva; Crespo, the phlebotomist; the district judge, Luis del Castillo Negrete; the governor's secretaries, Bonilla and Gonzalez, Romero, the teacher; and Zamorano, secretary of the comandancia. The officers were called on for reports. Muñoz stated that the foreigners were about to mount two guns at the houses of Pacheco and Ábrego, with which to destroy the presidio. Others reported the desertion of twenty soldiers and nine convicts. It was also made known that the artillery were disposed to surrender, and the infantry had left their post. Such being the situation, it was decided after discussion to make an offer of surrender on condition that life and property should be protected and no insults be offered to the capitulating force. The proposition was sent to Castro, who agreed to it verbally, requiring, however, a delivery of arms. This gave rise to a new debate. But it was found necessary to yield, as the garrison was now reduced to thirty-five men, worn out by fatigue and hunger, in an exposed position commanded by the artillery of the foe, while the enemy had a strong position, the support of the people and of the ships, and a force of two hundred men, "nearly all foreigners, and chiefly Americans." Castro was accordingly notified that the garrison would march out and stack their arms at the artillery barracks. These proceedings were signed by all members of the junta, each of whom retained a copy.[1]
We have no further record of the surrender; but know that early on the next day, the 5th, the revo-
- ↑ Junta de Guerra y Rendicion de Monterey, 4 de Nov. 1836, MS. This is one of the original copies made at the time, in the handwriting of Mariano Romero.
