Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/614

596 some of the governor's acts, such as his disposition of the San Julian rancho, the general made few complaints, and threw no obstacles in the way of success. Later, at an unfortunate time, as already related, the comandante was induced by José Antonio Carrillo to advocate the recognition of Don Cárlos as governor. Though kept secret as far as possible, enough of this matter leaked out to cause the circulation of rumors not flattering to Vallejo; and while there is no evidence of serious ill feeling between the two principals at the time, yet it may be regarded as certain that both were left in a state of mind not unfavorable to future controversy, and that others had their cue for the provocation of such controversy.

The trouble began after the arrival of Castillero and the submission of the south to Alvarado's rule. The new rulers had now to organize the interior government of the country, and the military branch was to Vallejo all-important. To reörganize the presidial companies and put the army on a sound footing was the one thing to be done before thinking of other reforms. Vallejo's plans were perhaps, under the circumstances, impracticable; at any rate, his enthusiasm was not shared by Alvarado, who soon became indifferent, and was disposed to regard Vallejo's importunities as unwarrantable interference in the affairs of state. He even took the liberty of discharging certain officers, thereby greatly offending the general, whom he had not consulted in the matter. Alvarado was much troubled in these days by the demands of office-seeking friends and other petty cares, being also nervous and ill from the effects of too much aguardiente, so that his duties were left largely in the hands of his secretary. Neither Jimeno nor Castro