Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/528

510 men; that despite the few backward steps he had been obliged to take in order to 'economize blood,' all had been regained by the action of the Santa Bárbara congress, as approved now throughout the south; that there was now but one opinion in California, and nothing to fear except from abroad — to meet which latter danger the people were exhorted to stand firm and united, worthy of their grand achievements and destinies. The governor now despatched a messenger by land to Mexico to communicate to the government the final action at Santa Bárbara, bearing also despatches in which Sonora was urged to join California and make a stand for federalism. Castro, perhaps without Alvarado's orders, withdrew his force from San Gabriel to Santa Bárbara. Flattery and some more substantial rewards in the shape of office or lands were distributed among southern friends of the cause. For instance, Alcalde Sepúlveda was made a captain of the civic militia. Thanks were publicly rendered to Padre Duran, and the cattle of the presidial rancho of San Julian were distributed among the soldiers, the rancho itself being given to José de la Guerra. Finally, Alvarado and Castro started for