his experience in the mean time, I append a biographical sketch. He was a man of much ability, honor, and energy; of exemplary conduct, though ambitious; and never warmly in sympathy with the Californians.[1]
- ↑ Coronel, Botello, and Janssens are those who complain most bitterly of Carrillo's cowardice. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 390-4, describes Don Cárlos as 'fluctuating between fear and ignorance.' This writer also speaks of a gun planted by Alvarado on a hill, and of the enemy's water supply being cut off. Also of Carrillo's running to the beach and escaping in a boat. Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 87-108, insists that Tobar, after he found out what kind of men he was fighting with, came to an understanding with Castro, who purposely left the way clear for his escape. Several persons, with no special advantages for knowing anything on the subject, speak of a previous understanding between Alvarado and Carrillo, which is absurd. Salvador Vallejo, Notas Hist., MS., 64-7, talks of a conflict between 400 mounted Californians and 500 Sonorans and Ópatas, of a bayonet charge, a rout, horses killed, a hot pursuit, etc.! Pinto, Apunt., MS., 37-8, says that some cannon-shots were fired. Juan Forster, Pioneer Data, MS., 15-17, on whose land the battle took place, says he watched the operations without taking any part. Also brief accounts in Valle, Lo Pasado, MS., 23; Sanchez, Notas, MS., 3-5; Meadows' Graham Affair, MS., 1-3; Pico, Acont., MS., 52-3; Estudillo, Datos, MS., 23; Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 111-13; Arce, Mem., MS., 15-17; Lugo, Vida, MS., 19-21; Ávila, Notas, MS., 21-4; Castro, Relacion, MS., 45-8.
I know nothing of Capt. Tobar's life after this visit to Cal., and little of his earlier record. In 1828 he was stationed at Altar under Gen. Figueroa's orders. In 1832 he revolted, seizing Pitic and Guaymas; and in 1835 issued a manifiesto at Arizpe in defence of his past acts. It was probably in the character of a political refugee that he came to Cal. He is described as a very tall man of fine appearance and great bravery, about 50 years of age. There were later rumors, probably unfounded, of his intention to return with a larger force. Pinart, Col. de Sonora, MS., no. 38, print, 362. April 24th, Tobar to Carrillo, bidding him farewell, with thanks for his kindness. Is at S. Diego, and is about to leave Cal. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 203.
Agustin Vicente Zamorano is said to have been a native of Florida, his parents being Spaniards. Of his early life, save that he received a good education, nothing is known until he entered the army on May 1, 1821, as cadet. In July he was attached to the 6th battalion, taking part in several battles on the insurgent side under generals Bustamante and Quintanar, and being made alférez in October. In Oct. 1824, he was transferred to the corps of engineers; and came to California with Gov. Echeandía in 1825. He served as Echeandía's secretary for 5 years; was married in Feb. 1827 to María Luisa, daughter of Santiago Argüello; was made lieutenant in 1828, still of the battalion and engineers; and early in 1831, on Echeandía's recommendation, was commissioned captain of the Monterey company. Record of military service in Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., lxxvii. 2-3; St. Pap., Sac., MS., x. 36, 68. Marriage, Arch. Sta B., MS., xii. 342; Dept. Rec., MS., vi. 30-1; vii. 108. In 1832 he refused to accept the results of the revolt against Victoria; made a counter-revolt against Echeandía; and sustained himself as comandante general of the north until the arrival of Figueroa in 1833, as related in chap. viii.-ix., of this volume. He served as Figueroa's secretary in 1833-5; and in addition to his duties as captain of the presidio, conducted a printing-office at Monterey, having succeeded in obtaining a press and type in 1834. All the products of this press down to his departure bore his name, and I have in Earliest Printing many specimens, together with Zamorano's circular and scale of prices. He was not a printer by trade. In June 1835 he was made captain of the S. Diego company. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., lxxix. 85.
