This state of
affairs enabled the new Mexican authorities, exultant over their victory
in the gain of their independence, to send several war vessels to
Monterey late in 1822 and demand of Governor Sola, the surrender of
California in the name of Emperor Augustin Iturbide. As we have already
seen, nowhere in Spain's New World possessions was loyalty to the mother
country more intense than in California, and the people, army and navy
were loud in their demonstrations of opposition, and expressions of
willingness were offered to the governor to fight the intrusion of
Mexico to the end. But the comparative handful of soldiers of the
various garrisons, as well as the few ships which the Spanish could
muster in California were no match to the overwhelming forces from
Mexico, and Governor Sola considered it no cowardly act but rather his
conscience-bound duty to prevent a useless carnage, wisely preferring an
honorable surrender under the circumstances. The prudence of this
decision was soon seen in a clearer light by the people. It was thus
that the grand old flag of Spain was hurled from her state fifty-three
years after she had been hoisted amid the blessing of Junipero Serra,
the salutes of her proud ships and the loyal acclamations of Portola and
her other gallant sons.
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