CALIFORNIA. 177 



of aid. On the 2d of November, he arrived with his force at Mon- 

 terey; it consisted of about two hundred men, of whom twenty-five 

 were American hunters, the only part of his force that was effective. 

 Some accounts give a smaller number, and state it at less than half 

 of this. Gutierez, believing the Presidio impregnable, shut himself 

 up in it with about one hundred and seventy persons, sixty of whom 

 were regular soldiers. 



The Presidio was at once invested, the beach taken possession of, 

 and a communication opened with several American vessels then 

 lying in the bay. The energy and activity exhibited by Alvarado's 

 party indicated that their movements were directed by others than 

 Spaniards or Californians. 



Gutierez seems to have proved himself weak and imbecile in 

 allowing these advantages to be obtained without making any en- 

 deavours to attack the insurgents. It is said, however, (and his 

 actions certainly give some countenance to the idea,) that the dread 

 in which the American hunters were held by himself and men, pre- 

 vented his making any effective effort : in fact, their fame for skill in 

 the use of the rifle was known and duly appreciated. 



On the 3d, the insurgents were found to be in possession of some 

 cannon, which they established on a neighbouring height, and were 

 amply supplied with ammunition. . As it was known that neither 

 arms of this kind nor gunpowder were on shore, there is little doubt 

 that they obtained them from the vessels in the bay ; and those who 

 were likely to reap the most advantage from a change in the admi- 

 nistration of affairs, were suspected of aiding the insurgents with the 

 means that rendered them, in point of equipment, superior to their 

 adversaries. 



On the 4th, Gutierez received an official letter, demanding the 

 surrender of the Presidio and every thing in it. Previous to this, he 

 had determined to resist until the last ; but on inquiry, he found that 

 various means had been used to win over the soldiers, who were 

 already disaffected on account of the arrearages of pay due to them. 

 To capitulate was now the only thing to be done ; but it was neces- 

 sary for him to call a council of his officers and deliberate upon the 

 terms offered, or submit to the place being stormed. It is said that 

 this council wore away the whole night, in propositions how they 

 could avoid a surrender or obtain relief, without coming to any 

 conclusion. 



At dawn on the 5th, their hunter adversaries becoming impatient 



vol. v. 45 



