purport, as in the plan of Osio and Pico, was to undo all that had been done since November 5th of the past year, to recognize the full authority of Mexico under any system, to rule the country under southern and 'loyal' auspices until the national authority should be fully restored, and to treat the rank and file of those who had favored the Monterey rebellion as 'erring brethren' worthy of pity and forgiveness. The comisionados on arrival at Los Angeles seem to have acted secretly for a day or two, making known their mission only to a few trusted partisans like Ibarra, Requena, and Botello. It will be remembered that half the ayuntamiento had ratified the Santa Bárbara plan more from fear of arrest and exile to Sonoma than from any other motive, and the fear was still entertained.[1] It was therefore deemed necessary to secure the garrison and guns before appealing to the people.
It was probably on the evening of May 26th that the seizure was effected by Bandini and his associates without resistance, and by an understanding with the comandante of the guard. The sentinel was surprised and disarmed. A few soldiers of the civic militia were disturbed in a game of cards to surrender the post and arms, including the gun brought by Castro from San Diego, while Captain Sepúlveda at his own house was brought to terms without any suspension of harmonious relations by his guest Pio Pico.[2] Next
- ↑ Janssens narrates at some length that, on account of this fear of arrest, the comisionados arrested Capt. Andrés Pico at S. Luis Rey on the way north, and compelled him to make the most solemn pledges to keep quiet and not interfere.
- ↑ Bandini says he executed this movement with 8 companions at 7 P. M., not giving the date. Janssens implies that it was done on the night of arrival by the 4 comisionados, including himself, aided by 4 others, including Ibarra and the Frenchman Baric. He gives many details, makes Bandini a great strategist and hero, and implies that the inhabitants were made to believe for a day that Bandini had a strong garrison in possession, with a large military force approaching. Janssens was sent in a day or two to enlist Charlefoux and his 25 riflemen in the cause, which he did successfully. Botello, Anales, MS., 37-40, who was at the time sec. of the ayunt., thinks there had been some discussion in that body before the capture, which was effected by 12 or
18. All insults, etc., to the pronunciados of Nov. 7th are to be severely punished. 19. A copy of this plan to be sent to other ayunt. for adoption. 20. This plan to be sent immediately by extra mail to the Mexican government.
