tes away from San Rafael, etc. The Mexican
government, in replying to his fears, urged the foundation of a fort,
but nothing was done, owing to the political complications at the time,
which made no man's tenure of office certain.

The secularization decree ordered that San Rafael should become a
parish of the first class, which class paid its curates $1500, as
against $1000 to those of the second class.

In 1837 it was reported that the Indians were not using their liberty
well; so, owing to the political troubles at the time, General Vallejo
was authorized to collect everything and care for it under a promise to
redistribute when conditions were better. In 1840 the Indians insisted
upon this promise being kept, and in spite of the governor's opposition
Vallejo succeeded in obtaining an order for the distribution of the
live-stock.

In 1845 Pico's order, demanding the return within one month of the
Indians to the lands of San Rafael or they would be sold, was published,
and the inventory taken thereupon showed a value of $17,000 in
buildings, lands, and live-stock. In 1846 the sale was made to Antonio
Sunol and A.M. Pico for $8000. The purchasers did not obtain possession,
and their title was afterwards declared invalid.

In the distribution of the Mission stock Vallejo reserved a small band
of horses for the purposes of national defense, and it was this band
that was seized by the "Bear Flag" revolutionists at the opening of
hostilities between the Americans and Mexicans. This act was followed
almost immediately by the joining of the insurgents by Fremont, and the
latter's marching to meet the Mexican forces, which were supposed to be
at San Rafael. No force, however, was found there, so Fremont took
possession of the Mission on June 26, 1846, and remained there for about
a week, leaving there to chase up Torre, who had gone to join Castro.
When he finally left the region he took with him a number of cattle and
horses, went to Sonoma, and on the 5th of July assumed active command of
all the insurgent forces, which ultimated in the conquest of the State.

From this time the ex-Mission had no history. The buildings doubtless
suffered much from Fremont's occupancy, and never being very elaborate,
easily fell a prey to the elements.

There is not a remnant of them now left, and the site is occupied by a
modern, hideous, wooden building, used as an armory.

CHAPTER XXX

SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO

Fifty-four years