Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/536

518 purport, as in the plan of Osio and Pico, was to undo all that had been done since November 5th of the past year, to recognize the full authority of Mexico under any system, to rule the country under southern and 'loyal' auspices until the national authority should be fully restored, and to treat the rank and file of those who had favored the Monterey rebellion as 'erring brethren' worthy of pity and forgiveness. The comisionados on arrival at Los Angeles seem to have acted secretly for a day or two, making known their mission only to a few trusted partisans like Ibarra, Requena, and Botello. It will be remembered that half the ayuntamiento had ratified the Santa Bárbara plan more from fear of arrest and exile to Sonoma than from any other motive, and the fear was still entertained. It was therefore deemed necessary to secure the garrison and guns before appealing to the people.

It was probably on the evening of May 26th that the seizure was effected by Bandini and his associates without resistance, and by an understanding with the comandante of the guard. The sentinel was surprised and disarmed. A few soldiers of the civic militia were disturbed in a game of cards to surrender the post and arms, including the gun brought by Castro from San Diego, while Captain Sepúlveda at his own house was brought to terms without any suspension of harmonious relations by his guest Pio Pico. Next