Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/345

Rh strict measures in favor of the Indians. Finally, on March 19th, Echeandía directed to Figueroa the long letter, already often cited, in which he fully reported and defended his past policy. In this communication, besides the arguments already noticed, he attempted, in a manner satisfactory to himself, to overthrow the reasoning of Minister Alaman against his famous decree, and he also proposed a scheme of converting gentiles on the frontiers, through the agency of old neophytes and military guards.

Meanwhile Figueroa prepared to make the investigations required by his instructions. His views were for the most part identical with those of Echeandía, but he had of course to encounter the same obstacles which had prevented that officer during the earlier years of his rule from carrying out his instructions. He announced February 18th to Echeandía his policy and his general approval of the latter's views, stating that he hoped to begin the distribution of lands at San Diego in April. This was to be made known to the Indians, who were to be informed of the governor's purpose to protect their liberties but at the same time to allow no license. After some delay on account of illness, Figueroa went south at the end of