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Rh the powers conceded to the empresarios, and that he was actuated by a suspicion, not so well founded but perhaps even more potent than the former motive, that political and revolutionary plans in the interest of Gomez Farías were involved in the scheme. There was no lack of persons in Mexico whose policy it was to foment this suspicion, without regard to its accuracy. Ábrego and Osio affirm that the directors sailed from San Blas in defiance of orders from Mexico to delay the departure of the colony; but I believe this to be an error.

The countermand of July 25th was sent to California in all haste overland by a special courier, who placed it in Figueroa's hands near Monterey the 11th of September, and with it another despatch from Hijar at San Diego, announcing his arrival at that port on the 1st. The trip was much the quickest on record between the national and territorial capitals, and the fame of that courier who braved the terrors of Indians, deserts, and starvation, coming alone by way of the Colorado, has never ceased to be talked of in Californian families. Governor Figueroa had