Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/511

Rh The news was not, however, altogether cheering from the south. There was still a strong party at Los Angeles that would not be conciliated. In the letters cited, Alvarado explained the situation to his northern associates; expressed his opinion that it would be necessary to overcome the obstinacy of the Angelinos by a show of force; and ordered Castro to come immediately by sea to San Pedro with a reënforcement, and to meet him at Los Angeles, whither he would soon start. Meanwhile he made preparations for his march, enlisting some recruits for his army, both native and foreign. He also found time to address two communications to the recalcitrant ayuntamiento of Angeles, in which he tried to demonstrate the justice of his cause, the groundless character of the fears that had been entertained, and the falsehood of the charges that he would adopt a sectional policy or deliver his country to the hands of foreigners or disturb any Mexican who should abstain from plots against the new system. He declared that his resources were ample to sustain the conditional independence declared, and that federalism was already tottering throughout the nation. He hoped sincerely that Los Angeles would follow the example of Santa Bárbara, receive him in a spirit of conciliation, and unite with other towns in working for the welfare of the whole country. His military force, he said, was more than sufficient to enforce his views, but he hoped his countrymen would not oblige him to use it against them. At last with a force of eighty men, besides the riflemen, the governor began his march by way of