Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/663

Rh José Rocha in 1836; the latter was succeeded in 1837 by José C. Perez; and he by Juan Bandini probably in 1838. Nothing is known in detail of the administration of these men, but in the middle of 1839 the mission had still 1,700 horses, 1,100 cattle, and 1,000 sheep. Local events in these years are swallowed up in the maelstrom of political doings at Los Angeles. In 1839-40 we have the visits of Visitador Hartnell, and the transfer of the estate from Bandini to Father Esténega. Live-stock now included 72 cattle and 700 sheep, yet Don Juan claimed to have done much for the welfare of the ex-mission.

At San Fernando Father Ibarra continued his ministry alone until the middle of 1835, when he retired temporarily to Mexico. His successor was Pedro Cabot from San Antonio, who served until his death in October, 1836. From this time till August, year. March 20-2. St. Pap., Mis., MS., x. 1-2; Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 185, In June Hartnell made his first visit, reporting Bandini's accounts all right, the property in good condition, and the Indians content. He authorized B. to kill 100 cattle and to buy $2,000 worth of clothing to be paid for in brandy and other produce of the next year. In July B. appointed Rafael Guirado as clerk at $15 per month. Hartnell, Diario, MS., i. 53-4, 72-4; ''Arch. Miss.,'' MS., ii. 887-9.

1840. In a letter of Feb. P. Duran quotes P. Esténega to the effect that the mission has to support 38 gente de razon, that there is not a candle, no tallow to make a candle, and no cattle fat enough to supply the tallow. 'What a scandal! and what a comment on secularization!' says Duran. ''Arch. Misiones,'' MS., ii. 1017. March, Bandini speaks of the orange orchard as the only one in Cal., and he has given it special care, having restored it with over 100 trees. ''St. Pap. Mis.,'' MS., vi. 42. At the end of April Bandini turned over the property by inventory to P. Esténega, Id., 41, but did not leave the mission or entirely give up the management. In May three droves of mares were stolen by Indians. From July 25th to Aug. 1st. Visitador Hartnell was here on his second tour. Bandini was absent at first, but came on the 28th. The Ind. complained bitterly that B. had carried off mission property, chiefly horses and carts (probably as per letter to gov. in 1839, as above); also that he had opened a dram-shop, sold mission brandy to the Ind., and then punished them for getting drunk! Hartnell declined to comply with the prefect's request that the administrator be ordered to supply his house with grain, soap, lard, etc. On Aug. 1st Juan Crispin Perez was appointed as majordomo to manage affairs under the supervision of P. Esténega. Hartnell, Diario, MS., 21, 37, 64, 91-2, 99-100. H. was also at S. Gabriel on Aug. 18th-19th. Also in July and Aug. there were reports that the savages were on the point of renewing their hostilities at San Bernardino.