suspected until he had surrounded it, or at least cut off its communications with Los Angeles.[1] On the morning of March 27th, Castañeda was notified by Castro, from the campo militar of the 'northern division of operations,' to evacuate the place within one hour under assurance of protection to life and property, else force would be employed. He returned the summons, writing on the back that in case of an evacuation it must be with all the honors of war. In a second note Castro declined to make further concessions, and repeated his demand, and on the back of this note was returned Castañeda's refusal to surrender except as before offered. Yet a third summons was sent, with a threat of opening fire at once; and the reply was, "Do as you please."[2] Firing soon began.
The battle of San Buenaventura, though much powder was burned, was not a bloody one. Castro reports to the governor the 28th: "I have the pleasure to inform you that after two days of continuous firing, and with the loss of only one man killed on our side, the whole force of 110 men which defended this place has fled on foot under cover of night; and at this moment I have determined that a company of mounted infantry under Captain Villa, and another cavalry company of lancers under Captain Cota, shall start in their pursuit, myself remaining here with the rest of the division and the artillery to protect this place, which would be very advantageous for us case the escaped rebels should join the force of Don Cárlos and return to save their honor."[3] Next day he announced his success
- ↑ March 26, 1838, Castañeda to com. of Sta B., asking that 4 men who had been given leave of absence be sent back. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 61. March 27th, Carrillo to encargado at S. Diego, asking for a gun, the wheels to be obtained from Fitch, also munitions. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 195.
- ↑ In Pico, Doc., MS., ii. 3-5, 7-8, I have the originals of Castro's first and second summons with the replies of Castañeda. The latter's 2d and 3d replies are in Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 189.
- ↑ March 28, 1838, Castro to Alvarado, forwarded by the latter to the Monterey alcaldes on April 4th from Sta Inés. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 155; also in Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 188-9. March 30th, Alvarado from Buenavista announces the victory, the news having just arrived by a courier from Sta B., to administrators of missions from S. Juan northward. He says the forces on each side were about 100 men; and he has 80 men who are to start south-
