Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/738

720 slight falling-off in crops; and the establishment must be regarded as having flourished down to the date of secularization, being one of the few missions in California which reached their highest population in the final decade, though this was natural enough in a new and frontier mission. Mariano G. Vallejo was made comisionado in 1834, and in 1835-6, with Antonio Ortega as majordomo, completed the secularization. Movable property was distributed to the Indians, who were made entirely free, many of them retiring to their old rancherías. A little later, however, in consequence of troubles with hostile gentiles, the ex-neophytes seem to have restored their live-stock to the care of General Vallejo, who used the property of the ex-mission for their benefit and protection, and for the general development of the northern settlement. The general claimed that this was a legitimate use of the S. Rafael, Solano should not have to pay his salary, which he has already claimed to be excessive ($1,500). Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 45. Dec. 15th, Vallejo resigns his position as comisionado, stating that 'mil circunstancias' have prevented the distribution of lands and other property. Id., 47. 1836. Antonio Ortega acting administrator at $500, and Cayetano Juarez majordomo at $240. Ignacio Acedo also an employé at $120. Mission debts at end of year $1,138; credits $224. Clothing, rations, etc., distributed to Ind. $4,191. Id., xxiii. 26. 1837-8. Pablo Ayala succeeded Ortega at a date not known; nor is anything known of his accounts. Oct. 1837, padron of 185 Suisunes living at the ex-mission. Arch., Mis., MS., ii. 844. 1839. Salvador Vallejo was appointed on May 7th to succeed Ayala. Dept. Rec., MS., x. 10. Vallejo, Doc., vii. 16. But the new administrator was not put in possession of the property; so he informed Hartnell in Sept. when H. came on his first tour of investigation, at the same time resigning. Id., viii. 85. Gen. Vallejo was then consulted, and on Sept. 9th wrote a letter of explanation. He says that as comisionado he distributed all the live-stock (this does not agree with his statement of Dec. 15, 1835, given above, that the property had not been distributed, but possibly V.'s resignation was not accepted, and the distrib. took place in 1836), and the Indians were set entirely free. But bitter hostility with the savages ensuing, the Ind. gathered anew about Vallejo, with many gentiles after treaties has been made, and gave up to him their stock, 2,000 cattle, 700 horses, and 6,090 sheep. With this property he has cared for the Ind., paid expenses of worship, etc., besides indirectly developing the settlement of the north — a proper use for the mission funds. Now there are 3,000 to 4,000 cattle, 500 horses, and 6,000 sheep (in March the gov. had ordered a loan of 3,000 sheep for 3 years from Sta Clara for the benefit of Solano. Pico (Pio), Doc., MS., ii. 9. What had become of these animals?) which, with the small vineyard and orchard, will be put at the visitador's disposal if he desires it. Vallejo, Doc., MS., viii. 89. But Hartnell did not deem it prudent to take charge of the estate under these circumstances. Hartnell, Diario, MS., 93-8. And nothing appears on the subject in 1840 except that by the reglamento the govt was still to regulate Solano 'according to circumstances.' Vol. iv., p. 60.