Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/565

Rh anybody else outside of Angeles at least, had as yet been favored with a glimpse of the original. Even the document of which an alleged copy had been shown, was not legal as was claimed, because it did not bear the president's signature. The latter theory had perhaps some force as a technicality; and to the former a degree of plausibility was given by Carrillo's mysterious actions. At any rate, they served their purpose, and strengthened Alvarado's cause somewhat at the north.

Throughout February also Alvarado waited, being content that affairs at the south should remain in statu quo, and believing that favorable news from Castillero was more likely to arrive than was Carrillo's reënforcement. Correspondence was continued, though it brought no progress toward a settlement. J. A. Carrillo had informed Vallejo of the request for Mexican troops, and the latter wrote to Don Cárlos in reply a very earnest letter of reproach for having paid no attention to his past communications, and for his hasty and unwise policy, which was sure to result in civil war. "If it be true," he said, "that troops have been sent for, you may be sure the command will not be given up, nor will those wrongfully termed rebels tamely submit." Yet he would like to see Carrillo legally in possession of the command, and as an 'affectionate cousin' hoped that all would result in tranquillity. On February 15th both Carrillos answered Vallejo's communications of December 26th, which they claimed not to have received until the day before. Both said in substance: "Your arguments