Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/597

 CHAPTER XX.

ALVARADO’S RULE—POLITICAL EVENTS.

1839-1840.

yet remained some traces, albeit not bloody ones, of the past two years' conflict to be obliterated before the rulers of the department, now invested with unquestionable authority, could proceed in the work of reorganization, and open for California the path to complete prosperity, hitherto closed by sectional dissensions and other obstacles now for the most part removed, if the proclamations of the time were to be credited. The reader may suspect that new difficulties, or the old ones in new forms, were likely to be encountered. In the first days of the new year General Vallejo arrived at Santa Bárbara from the frontera del norte to bear his share of the post-bellum burdens; the first public business in order was mutual congratulation by governor and comandante. (579)