Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/570

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

552

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

1837, and that Captain Robbins had been rewarded with some position in accordance with Alvarado's recommendations. It was implied also that the government was inclined to favor Alvarado as governor. The party in power when official despatches should arrive would manifestly have the advantage; therefore Castro had orders to win or lose in fifteen days.^[1]

Santiago Estrada was the courier sent by Villavicencio to announce to the governor Castañeda's appearance in front of Santa Bárbara with one hundred and fifty men. Estrada met Castro on the way at San Luis Obispo, and hastened that officer's movements; at Buenavista rancho his strength gave out, and he forwarded a letter to Santa Clara.^[2] All available force was at once placed at Alvarado's disposal by the general, Salvador Vallejo being sent by forced marches from Sonoma.^[3] I have no details respecting the march southward of Alvarado and his reënforcements. April 5th he was at Santa Inés, and six days earlier at Buenavista had heard of Castro's success.

Castro, after joining his escort to Villavicencio's force and the Santa Bárbara volunteers, had probably about one hundred men, with whom, taking along also a few cannon, he hastened on to San Buenaventura. His approach to the mission seems to have been un-

↑ March 18, 1838, Alvarado to Vallejo from S. Juan, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 47. Bustamante, in his Gabinete Mex., i. 90, MS. (not in the printed edition), also says it was on Sept. 22d that the return of California to allegiance was announced in congress. Bustamante had predicted this return in Dec. 1836, and that it would be effected through the friars.
↑ March 22, 1838, Estrada's original letter, forwarded by Alvarado to Vallejo the same day. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 53-4. He says Castañeda's force was encamped at the 'Laguna de Sal this side of Montecito,' which corresponds to the Cerro del Voluntario mentioned in different statements.
↑ March 24, 1838, V. to Sanchez, Martinez, com. at Sta Clara, and to Capt. Vallejo, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 55-8. Same date, A. to V. from Sta Clara. Will march next day for S. Juan. Is determined to avenge himself and punish the southerners for their shabby treatment of him. Does not need a large force to do it. Id., v. 60. March 28th, Lieut Martinez, rancho de la Merced. Was lame, having been thrown from a horse; could not get any cívicos to go, but helped Salvador with horses, etc. Id., v. 62. March 24th, V. to A. Mentions the orders he has issued. An accident to his leg prevents him from coming in person. Is glad the time has come to act with decision. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 187-8.

[1] March 18, 1838, Alvarado to Vallejo from S. Juan, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 47. Bustamante, in his Gabinete Mex., i. 90, MS. (not in the printed edition), also says it was on Sept. 22d that the return of California to allegiance was announced in congress. Bustamante had predicted this return in Dec. 1836, and that it would be effected through the friars.

[2] March 22, 1838, Estrada's original letter, forwarded by Alvarado to Vallejo the same day. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 53-4. He says Castañeda's force was encamped at the 'Laguna de Sal this side of Montecito,' which corresponds to the Cerro del Voluntario mentioned in different statements.

[3] March 24, 1838, V. to Sanchez, Martinez, com. at Sta Clara, and to Capt. Vallejo, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 55-8. Same date, A. to V. from Sta Clara. Will march next day for S. Juan. Is determined to avenge himself and punish the southerners for their shabby treatment of him. Does not need a large force to do it. Id., v. 60. March 28th, Lieut Martinez, rancho de la Merced. Was lame, having been thrown from a horse; could not get any cívicos to go, but helped Salvador with horses, etc. Id., v. 62. March 24th, V. to A. Mentions the orders he has issued. An accident to his leg prevents him from coming in person. Is glad the time has come to act with decision. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 187-8.

[1]

[2]

[3]