Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/559

Rh During the rest of the year nothing was accomplished on either side, save that the Zacatecan friars, through their prefect, expressed their recognition of Carrillo as governor, and that Castro was sent down with an escort of ten men to take command at Santa Bárbara. Castro was instructed to forward communications from the north and south, aid the local authorities in preserving order, keep a close watch on fomenters of opposition to the government, but not to use force without orders, it being especially desirable to avoid a rupture. Correspondence continued in December. The governor had been offended by Carrillo's letter of November 14th, and had not answered it, but now he wrote a reply, which was forwarded by Castro. It was a dignified and forcible presentment of the matters at issue, expressing deep regret at Carrillo's hasty assumption, without legal formalities, of a command which the writer was willing to turn over to him legally, and at his refusal to consult with the man whom he had recognized as a legitimate ruler respecting certain matters that could not be treated in writing. He closed by renewing his proposal for a conference, which might take place at San Miguel, and by which further sectional strife might be prevented.

General Vallejo also wrote on December 26th letters to Alvarado and the two Carrillos. To the former he declared that his right to await orders and guaranties from the Mexican government could not be questioned; that the threat to bring a force from Mexico was but braggadocio to frighten cowards; and that were it not for the expected arrival of the California at an early date, he would not hesitate to march