Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/71

Rh, and Fabregat were suspended for a time, though by decree of the president they received half-pay — quite as good as full pay in those days. Yet another phase of the feeling against Spain was the patriotic alarm and enthusiasm caused by the report that a Spanish 'pirate' was cruising the coast. "The time has come to show once more to the universe that before submitting to Spanish rule we will repose in the sepulchre," was the way the governor put it.

Returning finally to Echeandía, and to matters more closely connected with the governorship, we note that from the beginning of 1827 he had insisted more and more earnestly in his communications to the supreme government on certain reforms and on further assistance to himself and the territory. He demanded a subordinate gefe político for Lower California; an ayudante inspector, who might assume the command in case of his illness or death; additional clerical aid, or the funds with which to procure such aid; more military officers and troops, priests, war-vessels, judges, and above all, money and improved financial management. And if such aid could not be afforded, he repeatedly asked to be relieved from his command. Some of his requests were granted. José María