Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/512

494 San Buenaventura, at which mission he was on the 16th-17th.

Let us turn now to the southern ayuntamientos, which illustrious and patriotic bodies we left jubilant over the plan of January 3d, evolved mainly from the brain of Castillo Negrete, as a measure which was to save the country from northern tyranny. By the 8th Alvarado's complete success at Santa Bárbara was known at Angeles, and rumors were current that he intended to extend his march southward. Accordingly the people were called to arms. All persons sympathizing with the foe were ordered to leave the city, the mission funds at San Fernando to the amount of $2,000 were taken by the municipal authorities 'for safe keeping,' scouts were stationed on the Santa Bárbara routes, the southern missions were notified to be ready with supplies, and San Diego was requested to send at once an armed force of patriots to aid in repelling the invader. San Diego had from the first been full of zeal for the cause, and had on one or two occasions reproached the Angelinos for their lukewarmness. The ayuntamiento had still an unlimited supply of patriotic and warlike phrases for its ally; but to be thus suddenly called upon for such aid as men and muskets and a cannon was really very startling. This was a radical measure, and required caution and deliberation. It was clear that if the rebels of Monterey were really threatening an invasion of the 'law and order' towns, something must be done. Therefore it was resolved to await more particulars of news from the north, and to inquire what it was proposed to do with the force asked for! And nearly a week later, when a reply had been