Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/540

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

522

SAN DIEGO PLAN — ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.

Alvarado on arriving at Monterey May 30th had immediately heard of the new troubles in the south, including Bandini's seizure of the Angeles garrison, and had despatched Castro back in haste with sixty men. This he announced to Vallejo in a letter of June 1st, and a few days later he sent more details about the plan of San Diego and the defensive preparations at Santa Bárbara, where three guns had been mounted at the Rincon Pass, and whither Castro was already hastening with aid. Still more alarming news, however — for Alvarado had no doubt of his ability to control the south — was that contained in the newspapers, to the effect that Mexico was organizing a force to be sent to California, a report that doubtless accounted for the actions of Bandini and his associates.^[1] An interview between the governor and general was held at Santa Clara about the middle of

leave S. Diego at all. June 20th, ayunt. receives request from Portilla for arms, supplies, etc., to continue his march and enforce the new constitution. An appeal was accordingly made to the people. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 322. Same date, Portilla addressed as com. gen. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., ii. 102. June 30th, Portilla at S. Fernando as comandante militar interino, asks Ignacio Coronel to take command at S. Gabriel, raise volunteers, and get supplies from the mission. Coronel, Doc., MS., 187; Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., ii. 103. Same date, Portilla complains that some of his men are returning home without leave. Id., ii. 106-6.

↑ June 1st, Alvarado to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 212. June 6th, same to same, from Sta Clara, in Id., iv. 243, says that Castro's men have very few arms; he must be aided; Salvador Vallejo wishes to go south with a company, and Villa will command another; the general urged to make haste. June 7th, V.'s reply, in Id., iv. 102. Wishes Salvador to return, that he may come down, for the northern frontier must not be left unprotected. Prompt steps must be taken; Angeles could not have been taken without collusion; other towns will perhaps turn against their benefactors if there is any hope of aid from Mexico, but the coming of such a force is very doubtful. June 8th, V. orders Alf. Prado Mesa to put his men at Sta Clara at the governor's disposal, and Capt. Sanchez at S. F. to hold himself and force in readiness for action. Id., iv. 246-7. June 12th, Alvarado, at Sta Clara, to Castro, in answer to letters of 5th and 8th. Is indignant at the falsehood of S. Diego and the cowardice of those who yielded at Angeles. Agrees with C. that vigorous measures are called for; the Californians must be made free whether they wish it or not. Capt. Sepúlveda must be court-martialled. All enemies of the system may be arrested and sent north, if it seems best. Arms and ammunition will soon arrive from Honolulu by the Clementine. Will come to Sta B. himself as soon as he can see Vallejo, who should come to-morrow. Id., xxxii. 89. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 282-5, describes the interview at Sta Clara as having been on June 13th-18th; and says that he promised the gov. his hearty support, though he objected to some of his acts in the south, and deemed the north as the part of the country needing most attention.

[1] June 1st, Alvarado to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 212. June 6th, same to same, from Sta Clara, in Id., iv. 243, says that Castro's men have very few arms; he must be aided; Salvador Vallejo wishes to go south with a company, and Villa will command another; the general urged to make haste. June 7th, V.'s reply, in Id., iv. 102. Wishes Salvador to return, that he may come down, for the northern frontier must not be left unprotected. Prompt steps must be taken; Angeles could not have been taken without collusion; other towns will perhaps turn against their benefactors if there is any hope of aid from Mexico, but the coming of such a force is very doubtful. June 8th, V. orders Alf. Prado Mesa to put his men at Sta Clara at the governor's disposal, and Capt. Sanchez at S. F. to hold himself and force in readiness for action. Id., iv. 246-7. June 12th, Alvarado, at Sta Clara, to Castro, in answer to letters of 5th and 8th. Is indignant at the falsehood of S. Diego and the cowardice of those who yielded at Angeles. Agrees with C. that vigorous measures are called for; the Californians must be made free whether they wish it or not. Capt. Sepúlveda must be court-martialled. All enemies of the system may be arrested and sent north, if it seems best. Arms and ammunition will soon arrive from Honolulu by the Clementine. Will come to Sta B. himself as soon as he can see Vallejo, who should come to-morrow. Id., xxxii. 89. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 282-5, describes the interview at Sta Clara as having been on June 13th-18th; and says that he promised the gov. his hearty support, though he objected to some of his acts in the south, and deemed the north as the part of the country needing most attention.

[1]