Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/464

446 The second rule of Gutierrez, like the first, was a most uneventful period, if we except the stirring events that ended it. From contemporary records we can learn but little of his acts or of his policy, respecting which we must form our idea mainly from what preceded and what followed, from acquaintance with attendant circumstances and men concerned, and from the testimony of certain Californians. This testimony might be accepted with somewhat more implicit faith had it proved more accurate in respect of Victoria and Chico.

In recording the governor's arrival, Rafael Gomez wrote in his journal: "It appears that his intention is to carry forward the arbitrary measures which his predecessor began and which were the cause of his departure. Would that this might prove not so, for such conduct brings disorder." Padre Abella complained of his interference in mission affairs and of his apparent intention to cause the friars all possible annoyance. This is all I can find of contemporary complaint, and that of the friar grew out of special local troubles. On the other hand, I have a letter of Gutierrez, who wrote on October 7th: "I have summoned Don Pablo de la Portilla to give up to him the political and military commands, because I observe it is not pleasing to some persons that I should retain them. I do it most gladly, since I have no other aspiration than to separate myself from public affairs and to live in peace and quiet. You and all sensible men